Halo the Fall
HALO THE FALL
by
Ruben Gonzalez
Based on the Book by
Eric Nylund
HALO THE FALL OF REACH
Ruben Gonzalez
1113 E, Nocta
Ontario, CA 91764
909-632-8039
FADE IN:
EXT. 0500 HOURS, FEBRUARY 12, 2535 (MILITARY CALENDER)
LAMBADA SERPENTIS SYSTEM, JERICHO VII THEATER OF OPERATIONS
Behind a three meter high stone ridge several SPARTANS in
full MJOLNIR armor (A marine green metal suit of armor)
covering them from head to toe, hold position. SPARTAN 117
The MASTER CHIEF snakes a fiber-optic probe up and over the
ridge as the other Spartans comprising blue team stand
absolutely silent and immobile covering his back. Once in
place he links the probe to his helmet. On the other side a
valley with eroded rock walls, a river meandering through it
and the enemy.
MASTER CHIEF
Contact, enemy Contact my position, all
teams stand bye.
Camped along the banks as far as he could see were easily a
thousand GRUNTS, wearing armored environmental suits,
spanning a meter tall, these stocky aliens looked like
bipedal dogs who speech is comprised of high pitched squeaks,
guttural barks, and growls. Each grunt carried ether a plasma
pistol or needler, and they weren't with out support with
four stationary plasma cannons( purple, four legged, one man
three torrent guns). The Chief detached the optic and took a
step back. He then proceeded to pass the information to his
team over a secure COM channel
MASTER CHIEF (CONT'D)
Two problems, there's four plasma
cannons, two here, along the middle of
their position, one covering their six,
the other there twelve.
BLUE THREE
How many.
MASTER CHIEF
HUD's (Heads up Display) of the chart,
more than a thousand easily, each one
with ether a plasma pistol, or needler.
BLUE TWO not shifting position responds.
BLUE TWO
(Whispers over the link)
Four of us and a thousand of them? Piss
poor odds for the little guys.
MASTER CHIEF
Blue two.
BLUE TWO
Sir.
MASTER CHIEF
I want you up that ridge with those
jackhammer launchers. Take out the
cannons and soften the rest of them, blue
three and five your with me, were on
crowd control. Blue four you get the
welcome mat ready, understood.
Four blue lights winked on inside his heads up display.
MASTER CHIEF (CONT'D)
Move.
In all of three seconds Blue Two leaped gracefully atop the
ridge, straight up, landed with sheer silence, hefted one of
the launchers and ran along the ridge and in quick
succession, Blue Two emptied both of the jackhammer tubes,
dropped one launcher and then fired the other rockets just as
fast. The shells streaked into the grunt formation and
detonated.
BLUE TWO
Guns Clear.
The Chief, Blue Three, and Five leaped up to the top of the
ridge. The Chief switched to infrared to cut through the dust
an propellant exhaust just in time to see the second salvo of
jackhammers decimate the grunts front lines and the last
plasma cannon.
MASTER CHIEF
Fire.
The Chief and the others open fire with there MA5B assault
rifles. A full automatic spray of fifteen armor piercing
rounds per second tore into the grunts, breathing there
environmental suits sparking the methane tanks. Gouts of
flames traced wild arcs as the wounded grunts ran in
confusion and pain.
BLUE TWO
Taking bate sir.
Realizing what has happen the grunts regrouped, and in masse
charged the Spartan position.
An earthquake vibration coursed through the ground and shook
the porous stones beneath the chief. They continued to fire
until exhausting their AP clips.
MASTER CHIEF
Reload.
In unison the three Spartans switched to shredder rounds
stemming the tied of creature just a moment longer as they
surged over. Suddenly the Chief saw the flash of a plasma
bolt side stepped and heard the air crackle were he once
stood.
BLUE FIVE
Inbound Covenant air support. ETA two
minutes.
MASTER CHIEF
Roger that. Blue Three, and Five maintain
fire for five seconds and then fall back,
MARK!
The grunts just about to over run their position The Master
Chief tossed two grenades and he Blue Three and Blue Five,
stepped backward off the ridge, landed, spun and ran. The
Chief and his team sprinted up the half kilometer sandstone
in thirty seconds flat. The hill ended abruptly, a cheer 200
hundred meter drop into the ocean.
BLUE FOUR
Welcome mats laid out Chief, ready when
ever you are.
MASTER CHIEF
Roll out the carpet.
The hill exploded as plumes of pulverized sandstone, smoke
and fire hurtled skyward along with hundreds of grunts
mangled body's. Sand and bits of metal pinged off The Chief
helmet. The Chief and his team open fire again, picking off
the grunts still clinging to life and struggling to stand.
MASTER CHIEF (CONT'D)
New contact.
Suddenly his motion detector flashed a warning, incoming
projectiles high at two o'clock. Five Covenant Banchees(a
purple one man elongated flying craft) appeared over the
ridge.
MASTER CHIEF (CONT'D)
All teams open fire.
Bullets pinged from the fliers their armor holding. The
Banshees returned fire as lances of plasma slashed from the
Banshees gun ports. The Chief dove and rolled to his feet,
sandstone exploded were he once stood. The Banshees screamed
over there heads and then banked sharply for another pass.
MASTER CHIEF (CONT'D)
Blue Three, Blue Five, Theta Maneuver.
Both gave him the thumbs up and they re-grouped at the edge
of the cliff and clipped onto the steel cables that dangled
down the face of the rock wall.
MASTER CHIEF (CONT'D)
Did you set up the fougasses with fire or
shrapnel.
BLUE THREE
Both.
MASTER CHIEF
Good, cover me.
The Banshees formed a flying V and swooped towards them
almost brushing the ground. The Spartans open fire as
superheated bolts of plasma punctured the air. The Chief
dodge left, right, then ducked, and he shook his head. The
banshees were closing the gap unable to fire as their cannons
recycled. The Spartans jumped backwards off the cliff guns
still blazing, and as The Chief jumped he hit the detonator.
The ten fougasses (steel barrels) filled with napalm, and
spent AP and shredder rounds berried a few meter from the
edge made a shrimp kabob out of anything in it's way.
EXT. LAMBADA SERPENTIS SYSTEM, JERICHO VII THEATER OF
OPERATIONS - CLIFF SIDE - AFTERNOON
Blue Three, Blue Five, and the Master Chief slam into the
side of the cliff their steel cables twanged taut. Suddenly a
wave of heat and pressure washed over them. A heart beat
later five banshees hurtled over their heads, leaving trails
of black smoke as they arced into the water. They splashed
down and disappeared beneath the emerald waves. The Spartans
hung there a moment, waiting and watching, their assault
rifles trained on the water.
BLUE THREE
No enemy contact all clear.
The all clear given they repelled down to the beach and
rendezvoused with Blue Two and Four.
BLUE TWO
Red Team reports mission objective
achieved Chief, they send their
compliments.
Blue Three kicked the sand and muttered.
BLUE THREE
Not like those grunts when they
slaughtered the 105th drop jet platoon.
They should suffer just as much as those
guys.
The Chief looked over but didn't reply.
MASTER CHIEF
Blue Two get me an uplink.
BLUE TWO
Aye, aye, patching you into SATCOM now.
MASTER CHIEF
Mission accomplished Captain de Blanc,
enemy neutralized.
CAPTAIN DE BLANC
Excellent news, but we're pulling you out
Chief.
MASTER CHIEF
But we're just getting warmed up down
here sir.
CAPTAIN DE BLANC
But it's a different story up here, move
out for pickup ASAP.
MASTER CHIEF
Understood sir. Looks like the party's
over, dust off in fifteen.
The Spartans take a ten kilometer jog to their LZ.
EXT. LAMBADA SERPENTIS SYSTEM, JERICHO VII THEATER OF
OPERATIONS - OCEANSIDE - PELICAN DROP SHIP
The grey dented battle harden craft sits silent in the sun.
Just ahead the Spartan team arrives, boards the craft and
it's engines wine to life.
INT. PELICAN - LAMBADA SERPENTIS SYSTEM, JERICHO VII THEATER
OF OPERATIONS - OCEANSIDE
Settled in Blue two takes her helmet off and scratches the
stubble of her brown hair as she looks out the porthole.
BLUE TWO
It's a shame to leave this place. There
are so few left.
The Chief stood by her and glanced out as they lifted into
the air. Just outside wide rolling plains of palm grass, the
green expanse of ocean, a wispy band of clouds in the sky and
a setting red suns.
MASTER CHIEF
There will be other places to fight for.
BLUE TWO
Will there?
EXT. LAMBADA SERPENTIS SYSTEM, JERICHO VII THEATER OF
OPERATIONS - SPACE
Breaking orbit the Pelican carrying the five Spartans
maneuvers to it's battle group, were dozens of battle weary
frigates, destroyers, prepare to break orbit.
PELICAN CAPTAIN
(Over COM)
This is Striker One to UNSC Destroyer
Resalute requesting dock prep in four.
UNSC RESALUTE COM OFFICER
This is The UNSC Resalute Striker One,
you are clear to land.
The pelican makes it's way through the battle group and docks
port side of The UNSC Resalute.
INT. UNSC RESALUTE - LAMBADA SERPENTIS SYSTEM, JERICHO VII
THEATER OF OPERATIONS - DOCKING BAY
The Pelican docked in it's own personal docking bay, The
Chief exits, his team just behind him. Four more Pelicans
came in and began docking sequence.
MASTER CHIEF
Have all the gear stowed away.
BLUE TWO
Aye sir.
The Master Chief took to the elevator taking one last look at
his team and the arriving Pelicans as the doors shut. On his
elevator ride up the Chief takes the time to look over his
team after action report in his HUD. Spartans BLUE, RED, and
GREEN Teams, augmenting three divisions of battled harden
UNSC Marines, had stalled the covenant ground advance.
Casualty figures in the hundreds then scrolled through his
screen.
INT UNSC RESALUTE - LAMBADA SERPENTIS SYSTEM, JERICHO VII
THEATER OF OPERATIONS - BRIDGE
Captain de Blanc stood firm before his view screen displaying
Jericho VII's four silver moons. The elevator at the adjacent
end opened and The Master Chief stepped onto the rubberized
bridge deck. The Junior Officers couldn't help but stare. The
Chief snapped a crisp salute at Captain de Blanc.
MASTER CHIEF
Sir, reporting as ordered.
The Captain waved the Chief over as he continued to look out
to the stars and the rest of the battle group.
CAPTAIN DE BLANC
It's happening again.
MASTER CHIEF
Request permission to stay on the bridge
sir... I want to see it this time.
The Captain hung his head looking weary, and glanced at The
Master Chief.
CAPTAIN DE BLANC
Very well Chief, after all you've been
through to save Jericho Seven we you
that. Were only thirty million kilometer
out-system, not half as far as I'd like
to be.
He turned to the NAV OFFICER.
CAPTAIN DE BLANC (CONT'D)
Bearing two one zero, prepare our exit
vector.
He then turned back to the Chief.
CAPTAIN DE BLANC (CONT'D)
We'll stay to watch but if those bastards
so much as twitch in our direction were
jumping the hell out of here.
MASTER CHIEF
Understood sir. Thank you.
Resolute's engines rumbled and the ship moved off. Suddenly
three dozen Covenant ships, big ones, Destroyers and
Cruisers, slick and silvery, looking more like sharks than
space craft, winked into view. Their lateral lines brighten
with plasma then discharged. Raining down fire on Jericho
VII. For the next hour The Chief stood unflinching as lakes,
rivers and oceans vaporized, fields and forest turned to
glass.
CAPTAIN DE BLANC
Make the ship ready to jump out system.
Ten years of this is one year to many.
Our vast network of colonies whittled
down to a handful of strongholds. You
have shot them, stabbed them, and broken
the enemy with your own two hands. The
Spartans cannot be beat on the ground,
but up here the story is totally
different. If this keeps up, soon there
will be no more colonies, no more human
settlements, and nowhere left to run.
The Chief does not reply, he simply continues to look out to
Jericho VII as it's turned from a sprawling paradise to hells
playground.
INT. O430 HOURS, AUGUST 17, 2517 (MILITARY CALENDER)
DIPLOMATIC SHUTTLE THE HAN - SLEEP CHAMBERS
Dim lights give view to rows of stainless steel lockers,
showers, a medical pod for emergency resurection, and forty
cryogenic tubes, thirty eight of them empty. A dull red light
suddenly fills the room. A disembodied voice comes over the
COM.
TORAN
Wake up Lieutenant KEYES.
The cryogenics tube on the middle right opens and Lieutenant
Junior Grade JACOB KEYES awakes. The dull red lights filling
his blurry vision as he chokes
TORAN (CONT'D)
Sit up Lieutenant Keyes, take a deep
breath and cough, sir. You need to clear
the bronchial surfactant.
Lieutenant Keyes pushed himself up, peeling his back off the
formfitting gel bed.
As he clumsily climbs out, Keyes stumbles over to a near bye
bench, tries to inhale, doubles over, and coughs until a long
string of clear fluid flows from his mouth, and then sits up
and takes a deep breath.
LIEUTENANT KEYES
Status Toran? Are we under attack.
TORAN
Negative sir, status normal, we will
enter normal space near the Eridanus
System in forty five minutes.
LIEUTENANT KEYES
Good, thank you Toran.
TORAN
You are welcome Lieutenant.
LIEUTENANT KEYES
Time to wake up our resident doctor
Toran.
TORAN
Underway Lieutenant.
The cover from the adjacent cryogenics tube hummed open and
mist rippled out as Dr. Halsey's, a dark haired, blue eyed
women sat up coughing. Her blue eyes fixed upon keys.
DR. HALSEY
We must be near Eridanus
About to salute he checks the motion.
LIEUTENANT KEYES
Yes Dr. Halsey.
Looking slightly away from her naked body Keyes went to her.
LIEUTENANT KEYES (CONT'D)
Can I help you.
Dr. Halsey swung her legs out and climbed out.
DR. HALSEY
I'm fine, get cleaned up and dressed
Lieutenant.
She brushed pass him and strode to the showers.
DR. HALSEY (CONT'D)
Hurry, we have important work to do.
LIEUTENANT KEYES
Aye, aye ma'am.
INT. THE HAN - BRIDGE - SLIP SPACE
The size of a walk in closet, no gravity, a freshly showered,
shaved, and uniformed Lieutenant Keyes pulls himself into the
room. The pressure door behind him slides shut as monitors
from head to toe flicker to life. Beside him is Dr. Halsey in
a white jumpsuit strapped into the navigators chair, her
hands tapping in commands.
DR. HALSEY
Welcome Lieutenant, please have a seat at
the communication station and monitor the
channel when we enter normal space. If
there's so much as a squeak on
nonstandard frequencies, I want to know
instantly.
Keys drifted to the station and strapped himself in.
DR. HALSEY (CONT'D)
Toran.
TORAN
Awaiting your orders Dr. Halsey.
DR. HALSEY
Give me astrogation maps of the system.
TORAN
Online Dr. Halsey.
DR. HALSEY
Are there any planet currently aligned
with our entry trajectory, and Eridanus
Two? I want to pick up a gravitational
boost, so we can move in ASAP.
TORAN
Calculating yes DR...
DR. HALSEY
And can we have some music? Rachmanivo's
Piano Concerto Number Three, I think.
TORAN
Understood Doctor...
DR. HALSEY
And start a preburn warm up cycle for the
fusion engines.
TORAN
Yes Doc...
DR. HALSEY
And stop spinning the Han's central
carousel section, we may need the power.
TORAN
Working.
The good doctor eased back, the music started and she sighed.
DR. HALSEY
Thank you Toran.
TORAN
You are welcome Dr. Halsey, entering
normal space in five minutes, plus or
minus three minutes.
The Lieutenant shot the doctor and admiring look.
DR. HALSEY
Lieutenant.
Keys composed himself and pulled his jacket taut.
LIEUTENANT KEYES
I was curious about or mission, ma'am. I
assume we are to reconnoiter something in
this system, but why send a shuttle,
instead of a prowler or corvette? And why
just the two of us?
DR. HALSEY
(Blinking a smile)
A fairly accurate assumption and
analysis, Lieutenant. This is a
reconnaissance mission... of sorts. We
are here to observe a child, the first of
many I hope.
LIEUTENANT KEYES
A child.
DR. HALSEY
A six year old male to be precise. It may
help to think of this as a UNSC-funded
physiological study.(Her smile gone)
Which is precisely what you are to tell
anyone who ask, is that understood
Lieutenant.
LIEUTENANT KEYES
Yes ma'am.
Keys frowned, retrieved his grandfathers pipe from his
pocket, and turned it end over end. Mulling it over Keyes
return the pipe to his pocket and asked.
LIEUTENANT KEYES (CONT'D)
With all do respect DR. Halsey, this
sector of space is dangerous.
With a sudden deceleration, they entered normal space. The
main view screen flickered and a million stars snapped into
focus. The Han dove toward a cloud-swirled gas giant dead
ahead.
DR. HALSEY
Stand by for burn. On my mark Toran.
Keyes tighten his harness
DR. HALSEY (CONT'D)
Three, tow, one, mark.
The ship rumbled and sped faster toward the gas giant.
Accelerating for sixty-seven seconds, the Han then arced up
and away from the storming clouds and Eridanus drifted into
view.
TORAN
Gravity boost complete, ETA to Eridanus
is forty-two minutes, three seconds.
DR. HALSEY
Well done.
The good doctor releases her harness and floats freely.
DR. HALSEY (CONT'D)
I hate cryo sleep, it leaves on so
cramped.
LIEUTENANT KEYES
As I was saying before Doctor, this
system is dangerous.
She gracefully spins to face him, halting her momentum with a
hand on the bulkhead.
DR. HALSEY
Oh yes, I know how Dangerous this system
is.
It comes with a colorful history: Rebel
insurrection in 2494, beaten down by the
UNSC two years later at the cost of four
destroyers.
Thinking for a moment the doctor adds.
DR. HALSEY (CONT'D)
I don't believe the Office of Naval
Intelligence ever found their base in the
astroid filed, and since there have been
organized raids and scattered pirate
activity nearby, one might conclude as
ONI clearly has, that the remnants of the
original rebel faction are still active.
Is that what you were worried about.
LIEUTENANT KEYES
Yes, and I need hardly remind you that it
is my job to worry about security.
Dr. Halsey strapped herself back into her seat.
DR. HALSEY
(Back to Keyes)
Speaking of pirates.
Cursing himself for the momentary lapse Keys snapped to.
LIEUTENANT KEYES
All signals verified, no pirate
transmissions detected.
DR. HALSEY
Continue to monitor them please.
Clearing his throat Keyes asks.
LIEUTENANT KEYES
May I speak candidly Doctor.
DR. HALSEY
You don't need my permission, by all
means Lieutenant speak candidly, you've
been doing a fine job of it so far.
Keyes frowned at the remark but let it slide.
LIEUTENANT KEYES
You said we were here to observe a child.
If this is a cover for real military
intelligence work, then to tell the
truth, there are better qualified
officers for this mission.
I graduated from UNSC OCS only seven
weeks ago. My orders had me rotated to
the Magellan. Those orders were
rescinded, ma'am.
Turning back to face Keyes, DR. Halsey scrutinized him with
icy blue eyes.
DR. HALSEY
Go on Lieutenant.
Going for his Pipe keys checks the motion and continues.
LIEUTENANT KEYES
If this is an intel op, then I don't
understand why I'm here at all.
DR. HALSEY
(Leaning forward)
Then Lieutenant I will be equally candid.
LIEUTENANT KEYES
(Reluctant)
Go ahead Doctor.
DR. HALSEY
You are here because Vice Admiral
Stanforth, head of Section Three of UNSC
Military Intelligence Division, refused
to lend me this shuttle without at least
one UNSC officer aboard... Even though he
dam well knows I can pilot this bucket
myself. So I picked one. You.
Tapping her lower lip the Doctor takes a second.
DR. HALSEY (CONT'D)
You see Lieutenant I've read your file...
all of it.
LIEUTENANT KEYES
I don't know what you're...
DR. HALSEY
You do know what I'm talking about.
Rolling her eyes.
DR. HALSEY (CONT'D)
Don't insult me Lieutenant.
Keyes swallows.
LIEUTENANT KEYES
Then why me, especially if you've seen my
record.
DR. HALSEY
I choose you precisely because of your
record, because of the incident in your
second year at OCS. Fourteen ensigns
killed. You were wounded and spent two
month in rehabilitation. Plasma burns are
particularly painful, I understand.
Keyes runs his hands together.
LIEUTENANT KEYES
Yes.
DR. HALSEY
The Lieutenant responsible was your C-O.
You refused to testify against him
despite overwhelming evidence and
testimony of his fellow officers... and
friends.
LIEUTENANT KEYES
Yes.
DR. HALSEY
They told the board of review the secret
the Lieutenant had entrusted to you all,
that he was going to test his new theory
to make Slip space jumps more accurate.
He was wrong, and you all paid for his
ignorance and poor mathematics.
Keyes looked out to Eridanus.
LIEUTENANT KEYES
Yes we did.
DR. HALSEY (CONT'D)
And despite continued pressure, you never
testified. They threaten to demote you,
charge you with insubordination and
refusing a direct order... even discharge
you from the Navy. The charges were
eventually dropped, and your CO was
convicted under the testimony of your
fellow officers to be.
Keyes head hung low.
DR. HALSEY (CONT'D)
That is why you are here, because you
have an ability that is exceedingly rare
in the military. You can keep a secret.
Taking a deep breath DR. Halsey adds.
DR. HALSEY (CONT'D)
You may have to keep many secrets after
this mission is over.
Looking up Keyes saw a strange look in her eyes, Pity, but
quickly looked away.
DR. HALSEY (CONT'D)
I think you rather be on Megellan
fighting and dying on the frontier.
LIEUTENANT KEYES
No I... Yes. The UNSC needs every man and
women patrolling the Outer Colonies.
Between the raiders and insurrections,
it's a wonder it hasn't all fallen apart.
DR. HALSEY
Indeed Lieutenant, ever since we left
Earth gravity, we've been fighting one
another for every cubic centimeter vacuum
from Mars to the Jovian Moons to the
Hydra System Massacres and on to the
hundred brushfire wars in the Outer
Colonies. It has always been on the brink
of falling apart... That's why were here.
LIEUTENANT KEYES
To observe one child... what difference
can one child make.
One of Dr. Halsey's eye brows arched.
DR. HALSEY
This one child may one day hold the key
to our survival....
TORAN
Approaching Eridanus Two.
DR. HALSEY
Plan an atmospheric vector for the Luxor
spaceport... Lieutenant Keyes prepare to
land.
EXT. 1130 HOURS,AUGUST 17, 2517 (MILITARY CALENDER) ERADANUS
STAR SYSTEM, ERADANUS TWO, ELYSIUM CITY - DAY
Standing with in the semi-shade of a canvas awning Dr. Halsey
and Lieutenant Keyes, now in civilian clothes, watch as
children scream, and chase one another at a nearby school
play ground.
DR. HALSEY
Come.
At the end of the playground was a grassy hill. At the crest
of the hill was pure dirt scuffed clean of all vegetation. A
dozen boys pushed and shoved one another, grabbed, tackled,
rolled down the slope, got back up and started the process
all over again. One boy stood on the crest. He blocked,
pushed, and strong-armed all the other children.
DR. HALSEY (CONT'D)
(With a smile)
King of the hill.
Dr. Halsey pulls out a small palm size data pad. With a tap
of a finger she accessed a file. The picture in the file
showed a typical six-year-old male, with tousled brown hair
and a sly grin that revealed a gap between his front teeth, a
few freckles were speckled across his cheeks. Next to the
picture genetic information, DNA codes, and just above his
head a sequence of numbers 117.
LIEUTENANT KEYES
I believe that's him atop the hill.
Dr. Halsey puts the data pad before her and the boy a top the
hill. She looks to Key's and nods. The two then make for the
boy.
EXT. 2300 SEPTEMBER 23, 2517 EPSILON ERIDANI SYSTEM - PLANET
REACH - SPACE
Surrounded by orbital gun batteries, space docks, and a fleet
of heavily armed capitol ships, this earth copy host three
suns, and the Marine and Navy Special forces training
grounds. A small transport heads in system flaring orange
flames as it hits the atmosphere.
INT. 2300 SEPTEMBER 23, 2517 EPSILON ERIDANI SYSTEM - REACH
MILITARY COMPLEX - AMPHITHEATER - PLANET REACH
Beneath three hundred meters of harden steel and Concrete,
standing before a podium, concentric rings of slate gray
risers just beyond, under the scrutiny of focused spotlights
in a white lab coat is Dr Halsey, who takes in a deep breath
and exhales. Suddenly a disembodied voice ask.
DEJA (O.S.)
Are you ready Doctor.
Flicking on next to Dr. Halsey, barefoot, wrapped in a toga,
motes of light dancing about her luminous white hair is DEJA,
a hologram. In Deja's left hand a clay tablet with binary
cuneiform markings scrolling across it. Dr. Halsey gives a
half smile as she looks over the hologram and then goes cold
with no emotional markers present.
DR. HALSEY
Yes.
Looking up the she spots CHIEF PETTY OFFICER MENDEZ, a man of
normal stature neither short nor tall, with close-shorn hair,
a touch of grey at the temples, in a black dress uniform, his
chest awash with silver and gold stars and a rainbow of
campaign ribbons, he strode's down the stairs.
DR. HALSEY
Up here please.
Gesturing to the stairs on her right. In full compliance
makes his way down, mounts the steps of the platform and
stands at ease next to her.
DEJA
You have read my psychological
evaluation.
DR. HALSEY
Yes, they were quite thorough, thank you.
DEJA
And.
DR. HALSEY
I'm forgoing your recommendations, Deja.
I'm going to tell them the truth.
Mendez gives an inaudible grunt of approval.
DEJA
(Slightly annoyed)
The truth has risks.
DR. HALSEY
As do lies, any story fabricated to
motivate the children , claiming their
parents were killed by space pirates or
by a plague... No, if they learned the
truth later, they could turn against us.
DEJA
It is a legitimate concern.
Consulting her tablet she continues.
DEJA (CONT'D)
May I suggest selective neural paralysis?
It produces a targeted amnesia...
DR. HALSEY
A memory loss that may leak into other
parts of the brain, NO. This will be
dangerous enough for them, even with
intact minds. (Clicking on her
microphone) Bring them in.
Four sets of double doors at the top tier swing open.
DR. HALSEY (CONT'D)
They'll adapt, or they won't and they
will be untrainable and unsuitable for
the project. Either way I just want to
get this over with.
Just then seventy-five confused tired children, with rings of
fatigue around their eyes are walked in, each one accompanied
by a handler, a Naval drill instructor in camouflage pattern
fatigues. Upon all being seated DR. Halsey cleared her throat
and spoke.
DR. HALSEY (CONT'D)
As per Naval Code 45812, you are hereby
conscripted into the UNSC Special
Project, code named SPARTAN II.
The children were even more confused and some tried to stand
and leave but their handlers placed firm hands on their
shoulders and pushed them back down.
DR. HALSEY (CONT'D)
(In her mind)
Six years old, just out of a month long
cryo freeze, how could they possibly
understand.
Notecing the added confusion Dr. Halsey took a tentative step
forward.
DR. HALSEY (CONT'D)
You have been called upon to serve. You
will be trained, and you will become the
best we can make of you. You will be the
PROTECTORS of EARTH, and all her
colonies.
A handful of the children sat up straighter. Looking over the
crown Dr. Halsey spotted John, Number 117 who wrinkled his
forehead, confused, but listening with rapt attention.
DR. HALSEY (CONT'D)
This will be hard to understand, but you
cannot return to your parents.
The children stirred, but their handlers kept a firm grip on
their shoulders.
DR. HALSEY (CONT'D)
(As soothing as possible)
This place will become your home... Your
fellow trainees will be your family now.
The training will be difficult and there
will be a great deal of hardship on the
road ahead, but I know you will all make
it... Rest now. We begin tomorrow.
(turning to Mendez) Have the children,
trainees, escorted to their barracks.
Feed them and put them to bed.
DI MENDEZ
Yes ma'am. (shouts) Fall out.
The children stood at the urging of their handlers. John 117
stood, but he kept his gaze on Dr. Halsey, and remained
stoic. Many of the subjects seemed stunned, a few had
trembling lips, but non of them cried.
DR. HALSEY
(To Mendez)
Keep them busy tomorrow, and Deja, keep
them from thinking about what we've just
done to them.
Dr. Halsey exits via a back door as Deja's image flicker off,
and Mendez follows up the risers behind all the kids.
INT. 0530 HOURS - REACH MILITARY COMPLEX - TRAINEE BARRACKS -
PLANET REACH
With in cinderblock barracks, seventy-five cots sit lined
side by side and across with a child soundly sleeping in
every one of them. In front of each cot a closed trunk.
DI MENDEZ (O.S.)
Wake up trainee.
Before Johns cot is Petty Officer Mendez in full camouflage,
holding a silver baton. John rolls over, and goes back to
sleep dimly aware of his surroundings. With a flick of the
wrist Mendez sparks the baton just above Johns back jolting
him out of his sleep screaming in surprise.
DI MENDEZ (CONT'D)
I said up boot, you know witch way is up.
John stood up right before Mendez as dozens of other men
roused the other children up, each one of them jumping out of
their cots screaming.
DI MENDEZ (CONT'D)
I am Petty Officer Mendez, the rest of
these men are your instructors. You will
do exactly as we tell you at all times.
Showers are aft.
Mendez points to the end of the barracks.
DI MENDEZ (CONT'D)
You will wash, then return here to dress.
Opening the trunk before Johns cot Mendez pulls out a
matching set of gray sweats. Leaning closer John saw his name
stenciled onto the chest JOHN-117
DI MENDEZ (CONT'D)
No slacking on the double!
Taking the baton he tapped John between the shoulder blades.
Lightning surged across his chest as he fell back onto his
cot gasping for air.
DI MENDEZ (CONT'D)
I mean it, Go, Go, GO!
With hurried determination John moved, unable to inhale,
clutching his chest.
INT. REACH MILITARY COMPLEX - TRAINEE BARRACKS - SHOWERS
A conveyor like system took undressing children through
lukewarm soapy water, and finished with an icy cold shower.
Running in John manages a ragged breath. Looking around all
the other kids looked scared and disoriented, but compliant
as they went through the conveyor showers. Just out of the
icy water John ran back still drenched got into underwear,
thick socks pulled on sweats and a pair of formfitting combat
boots.
DI MENDEZ
Outside trainee's triple time, march!
The children marched out.
EXT. REACH MILITARY COMPLEX - TRAINEE BARRACKS - EARLY
MORNING
The sun not out yet the edge of the sky still indigo as a
pair of jets roared overhead and arced into the sky.
DI MENDEZ
You will make five equal-length rows,
fifteen trainees for each.
As they lined up John noticed the jets. His attention was
then drawn to a metallic crackle in the distance. A few
seconds later his attention return to Mendez who now walked
up and down the forming students.
DI MENDEZ (CONT'D)
Straighten those rows. You know how to
count to fifteen trainee, take three
steps back.
John melted into the second row as the cold morning air
filled his lungs waking him up, and seeming to look inward
trying to remember when Mendez shouted.
DI MENDEZ (CONT'D)
Jumping jacks, count off to one hundred,
ready, go.
The officer started the exercise and John followed. One girl
refused to jump and an instructor was on her instantly. He
whipped the baton into the girls stomach and she doubled
over.
INSTRUCTOR
Get with the program, boot.
The girl uncurled and started jumping. Minutes later they
were done.
DI MENDEZ
98, 99, 100.
Pausing, taking in a deep breath Mendez then dropped onto the
grass.
DI MENDEZ (CONT'D)
Sit ups, count off to one hundred no
slacking.
John dropped like a stone.
DI MENDEZ (CONT'D)
The first crewmen who quits, gets to run
around the compound twice, and then comes
back here and does two hundred sits ups.
Ready, count off... one... two...
three...
Deep squats followed, then knee bends. John threw up, but
that didn't buy him any respite, an instructor descended on
him after a few seconds.
INSTRUCTOR
You need help son.
The instructor holds out the baton, and John immediately
rolls over. Struggling to keep going John responds with
sluggish leg movements, but he does not stop.
DI MENDEZ
Rest, trainers get the water.
The trainers roll out carts laden with water bottles. John
grabs one and begins to gulp it down the liquid. He makes
face as the warm and salty water makes its way down, but he
does not stop until it's gone. Plopping his back onto the
ground he pants, then rolls onto his knees to let the sweat
drip off like heavy rain. Slowly standing John takes a look
around to see some of the other children crouched holding
their sides, but no one spoke, and all were soaked with
perspiration. Taking a deep breath looking to the sky John
begins to wonder and remember.
JOHN
(In a low voice)
Mom...
Before John could think some more Mendez barked.
DI MENDEZ
That was a good start trainees. Now we
run, on your feet.
The instructors pulled out their batons and hurtle the
children to begin their run.
EXT. REACH MILITARY COMPLEX - THE RUN - MORNING
As the children jogged through the compound, they went down a
gravel path, past more cinderblock barracks, alongside a
river, over a bridge, then by the edge of a runway where Jets
took off into the sky. Then Mendez lead them through a
zigzagging path of stone. John was tired as were the others,
but they kept going as they continued into a courtyard of
smooth flagstones. At the center of the courtyard was a blue
flag with stars and earth in the corner, The UNSC colors. At
the far end of the yard was a building with a scalloped dome,
white columns and dozens of white steps leading to the
entrance. The words NAVAL OFFICERS ACADEMY were chiseled into
the arc over the entrance.
DI MENDEZ
Move it triple time.
They head towards the building were at the top of the step
John spots Deja who seems old to him but young at the same
time. As they near he spots the molts of lights floating over
her head and her semi solid body.
JOHN
An AI.
The Chief leads them all the way to the top and stops before
Deja.
DEJA
Excellent work Chief Petty Officer
Mendez.
She then turns her attention to the students.
DEJA (CONT'D)
Welcome, my name is Deja and I will be
your teacher, now come class is about to
begin.
John ground out loud as did some of the others. Deja turned
and headed inward.
DEJA (CONT'D)
Of course if you prefer to skip your
lessons, you may continue the morning
calisthenics.
John double time it up the steps.
INT. REACH MILITARY COMPLEX - NAVAL OFFICERS ACADEMY -
MOMENTS LATER
It was cool as seventy-five desk comprised the room, each one
with a set of crackers and a carton of milk. Running in John
took a seat, ate his stale crackers and milk. All of them
seated Deja began her lesson, but John was ready to go to
sleep and began to lay his head down when Deja, with a flick
of a wrist, brought up a holographic countryside. The
children walked around the miniature mountains and hills, and
let the illusionary sea lap at their boots.
DEJA
Look over here please.
She guided their attention to a gathering force of Persian
soldiers in the thousands.
DEJA (CONT'D)
The Persian army march in the thousands
to take Thermopylae, and only a band of
three hundred stood in their way.
The hologram showed the Persian army marching through a
narrow mountain pass toward a group of three hundred who
guard it.
DEJA (CONT'D)
Who will win.
JOHN
That's easy, The Persians.
DEJA
Is that so, lets look and see.
The miniature Persian army clashed with the guarding force,
spears and shields splintered, swords sparked and drew blood.
DEJA (CONT'D)
The three hundred that protected the pass
were SPARTANS, trained as children to
fight, and unbeatable in battle.
John washed, fascinated as the holograhic Spartans
slaughtered the Persian spearmen.
His stomach growled with hunger but there were no more
crackers to be had. Looking over he spotted a pair, and when
the girl next to him wasn't looking he took them and quickly
ate them, but he was still hungry. Giving his attention back
to the hologram he witnesses the Persians break formation and
run as the Spartans stand victorious. The children cheered.
THE CHILDREN
Again, again.
John looked to Deja and smiled.
DEJA
That's all for today, will continue
tomorrow and I'll show you some wolves.
Now it is time for you to go to the
playground.
JOHN
Playground!
John bolted out of his seat as did the others and ran out of
the building.
EXT. REACH MILITARY COMPLEX - NAVAL OFFICERS ACADEMY -
MORNING
Exiting the building the children are greeted by Officer
Mendez and his crew of instructor.
DI MENDEZ
Time for the playground, its a short run
fall in.
EXT. REACH MILITARY COMPLEX - PLAYGROUND - AFTERNOON
After a two mile run from The Officers Academy the children
lead by Mendez come upon what they call the playground. A
forest of twenty meter tall wooden poles, roped cargo nets,
and bridges stretched between the poles, that swayed, crossed
and criss-crossed, one another, alongside slide post and
knotted climbing ropes, swings and suspended platforms. John
even noted ropes loops to pulleys and tied to baskets.
DI MENDEZ
Trainees form three lines.
The instructors move in to herd them but John and the others
made no fuss and lined up.
DI MENDEZ (CONT'D)
The first person in every row will be
team member one, the second person in row
two, will be team member two, and so on.
Looking to his right John is introduced to a boy with sandy
hair, green eyes, and darkly tan skin with the name SAMEUL
034 stenciled on his sweat top, returning a weary smile. In
the row beyond Samuel was a girl taller than John and skinny
with a long mane of hair dyed blue, KELLY-087, the same girl
who's crackers John had stolen giving him a disapproving
look. They would comprise his new teammates.
DI MENDEZ (CONT'D)
Today's game is called ring the bell.
Mendez pointed to the tallest pole in the playground, ten
meters taller than the rest, a brass bell at it's top. Next
to the pole was a steel slide pole.
DI MENDEZ (CONT'D)
There are many ways to get to the bell, I
leave it to each team to find their own
way. When every member of your team has
rung the bell, you are to get groundside
double time, and across this finish line.
Taking his baton Mendez scratches a line across the sand.
John raised his hand.
DI MENDEZ (CONT'D)
A question trainee.
JOHN
What do we win.
Mendez cocks and eye brow.
DI MENDEZ
You win dinner, Number 117. Tonight,
dinner is roast turkey, gravy and mashed
potatoes, corn on the cob, brownies, and
ice cream.
A murmur of approval swept through the children.
DI MENDEZ (CONT'D)
But, for there to be a winner there must
be a loser. The last team to finish will
go without food.
The children fell silent then looked to each other warily.
DI MENDEZ (CONT'D)
Make ready.
Sam lean over and whispered to John and Kelly.
SAM
I'm Sam.
KELLY
Kelly
John looked Kelly over then the brass bell at the top of the
pole, but said nothing to the two.
DI MENDEZ
GO!
John ran through the pack of children, scrambled up a cargo
net, onto a platform, raced across the bridge, jumped onto
the next platform, just in time. The bridge flipped, sending
five others to the water below. He then stopped at the rope
tied to a pulley attached to a basket.
JOHN
No strong enough.
John toke to the knotted climbing rope and scrunched his body
skyward. The rope swung wildly around the center pole. John
looked down and almost lost his grip. Looking to the other
children, some climbed, other where floundering in the water,
but no one was as close as he was and so John swallowed and
kept climbing. Watching him from far down below Mendez notes
Johns efforts.
DI MENDEZ
Name.
INSTRUCTOR
John-117 sir.
John got to the top rang the bell three times, slid down the
pole falling into a pile of cushions. He got up and ran
smiling all the way over to Petty Officer Mendez.
JOHN
I was first.
Mendez nodded and made a check on his clipboard. John watched
as the others made it up and rang the bell, but Sam and Kelly
got stuck in a line to get to the bell. Finally they rang the
bell, slide down the pole and crossed the finish line
together, but last and glared at John.
DI MENDEZ
Good work trainees... Let's get back to
the barracks and chow down.
The children leaning on each other, covered in mud cheered.
DI MENDEZ (CONT'D)
All except team three.
Mendez looked at John, Kelly, and Sam.
JOHN
But I won, I was first.
DI MENDEZ
Yes you were first, but your team came in
last.
Mendez then turned to address the others.
DI MENDEZ (CONT'D)
Remember this, you don't win unless your
team wins. One person winning at the
expense of the group means that you
loose.
INT. REACH MILITARY COMPLEX - TRAINEE BARRACKS - NIGHT
John stood before his bunk, tired, acking, looking to the
others as they stuffed their faces, his stomach growling.
Through the crown he spots Sam and Kelly across the way sound
a sleep, and gives the two a look of destain, but he's to
tired to muster any words, and knocks out upon hitting the
pillow.
EXT. REACH MILITARY COMPLEX - TRAINEE BARRACKS - NEXT DAY
The day began as the day before with morning calisthenics,
and running all morning, with a stop at Deja's. John avoided
Sam and Kelly all morning.
INT. REACH MILITARY COMPLEX - NAVAL OFFICERS ACADEMY -
AFTERNOON
The students sat as they did a day earlier. John stole some
crackers from neighboring students as Deja brought up a
holographic meadow and the children watched seven wolves hunt
a moose.
EXT. REACH MILITARY COMPLEX - PLAYGROUND - AFTERNOON
Today there were fewer bridges and more complicated rope and
pulley systems, and the poll with the bell twenty meters
taller than all the others.
DI MENDEZ
Same teams as yesterday.
Sam and Kelly walked up to John. Sam shoved him and Johns
anger flared but he calmed and saved his energy.
SAM
You better help us this time, or I'll
push you off those platforms.
KELLY
And I'll jump on top of you.
JOHN
(Low voice)
Okay... But you better not slow me down.
Taking a second John examined the course and found his way
through the maze.
JOHN (CONT'D)
Look, that basket and rope on the far
side, it goes straight to the bell. It's
a long pull though.
John took a second to flex his biceps uncertain if he could
muster the strength in his weaken state.
SAM
We can do it.
John glanced at the other teams, they were searching the
course as well.
JOHN
We'll have to make a quick run for it.
Make sure no one else gets there first.
KELLY
I'm fast, real fast.
DI MENDEZ
Trainees get ready.
JOHN
Okay, you run ahead and hold it for us.
DI MENDEZ
Go.
Kelly shot forward, her feet seemed barely to touch the
ground. She got to the basket first but John and Sam were
only half way there. One boy beat them to the basket.
BOY
Get out.
The boy told Kelly.
BOY (CONT'D)
Move I'm going up.
Sam and John ran up and pushed the boy basket.
SAM
Wait your turn.
The two got into the basket with Kelly, and together they
pulled. Six hands working together they went up.
JOHN
Faster.
In the end they weren't first, they were third but they all
got to ring the bell. They slid down the pole Sam and Kelly
waited for John to hit ground, and all of them together ran
across the finish line. Mendez watched them all the way, said
nothing, but gave John a slight nod.
JOHN (CONT'D)
You see that.
Sam clapped John and Kelly in the back
KELLY
What?
Kelly and Sam look to Mendez who looks out onto the course.
SAM
Stonehenge.
The three laugh.
SAM (CONT'D)
Good work, we can be friends, I mean if
you want. It'd be no big deal.
KELLY
(Shrugging shoulders)
Sure.
JOHN
Okay... Friends.
INT. 0630, JULY 12, 2519 - PLANET REACH - PELICAN DROP SHIP
Holding on tight as the drop ship accelerates up and over a
jagged snow capped mountain range it's engines blaring.
John two years older, looks over to see Sam and the other
members of his team their faces pressed against the windows.
SAM
Nice place for a snow ball fight.
Leaning over John to get a better look Kelly added.
KELLY
You'll loose, I'm a dead aim with
snowballs.
JOHN
Dead is right, especially when you load
them with rocks.
CPO MENDEZ stepped out from the cockpit into the passenger
compartment. The trainees stood and snapped to attention. The
silver at Mendez's temples had grown to a band across the
side of his closely shaved hair.
DI MENDEZ
Today's mission will be simple for a
change.
He hands a stack of papers to Kelly.
DI MENDEZ (CONT'D)
Pass these out recruit.
KELLY
Sir.
Kelly saluted smartly and handed one of the papers to each
one of the seventy-five children.
DI MENDEZ
These are portions of maps of the local
region. You will be set down by
yourselves. You will then navigate to a
marked extraction point and we will pick
you up there.
John turned his map over, it was just one part of a much
larger map, no drop or extraction point.
DI MENDEZ (CONT'D)
One more thing, the last trainee to make
it to the extraction point will be left
behind.
Mendez looks out the window.
DI MENDEZ (CONT'D)
And it's a long walk back.
John contorted his face as he looked out onto his fellow
squad mates.
DI MENDEZ (CONT'D)
First drop in three minutes. Trainee 117
your up first.
JOHN
Sir, yes sir.
He glanced out the window and scanned the terrain. There was
a ring of jagged mountains, a valley thick with cedars, a
river that fed into a lake. John nudged Sam, pointed to the
river, then jerked his thumb to the lake. Sam nodded then
pulled Kelly aside and pointed out the window. Kelly and Sam
moved quickly down the line of seated trainees. The ships
decelerated and began it's decent.
DI MENDEZ
Trainee 117, front and center.
Mendez stepped to the rear of the compartment as the ships
tail split and a ramped extended. Cold air blasted into the
ship. Mendez patted him on the shoulder.
DI MENDEZ (CONT'D)
Watch out for wolves 117.
JOHN
Yes sir.
John looked over his shoulder and his teammates gave him an
almost imperceptible nod. He ran down the ramp and into the
forest. The dropship's engines roared to life and it rose
high into the cloudless sky. He zipped up his jacket and
started toward the river keeping with in the tree cover.
EXT. REACH MILITARY WILDERNESS - LAKESIDE - PLANET REACH
John arrived at the semi iced over lake cautious, waited and
listen. In the distance he heard an owl hooting. John marched
toward the sound.
JOHN
Hey owl.
Sam stepped out from behind a tree and grinned.
SAM
That's Chief Owl to you trainee.
John and Sam began to walk the circumference of the lake.
SAM (CONT'D)
So what do you think the twist is this
time.
JOHN
I don't know, what I do know is that we
are all getting out of here.
SAM
How?
JOHN
I'm working on it.
As they walk they gather the rest of the children. John
counted each one of them to make sure seventy-five.
KELLY
Let's get the map pieces together.
JOHN
Good idea. Sam take three and scout the
area. I don't want any of the Chief
surprises sneaking up on us.
Sam took Fhajad, James, and Linda and took off into the
brush. Finishing with her collection of the pieces Kelly made
her way underneath the shade of an ancient cedar tree and
assembled the map.
KELLY
Some of these pieces don't belong, and
some are copies.
A later minute she was done.
KELLY (CONT'D)
Yes, here's and edge, got it. This is the
lake, the river, and here.
She pointed to a distant patch of green.
KELLY (CONT'D)
That has got to be the extraction point.
Kelly shook her head and frowned.
JOHN
What is it.
KELLY
If the legend on this map is right, it's
got to be a full days hike, we better get
started.
John whistled and a moment later Sam and his scouts returned.
JOHN
Let's move out.
No one argued and they fell into line behind Kelly as she
navigated.
EXT. REACH MILITARY WILDERNESS - THE HIKE - MORNING
The children continued their march through the cold as Sam
blazed the trail ahead. Several times he signaled for them to
freeze or hide, but it turned out to be a rabbit or bird.
After several miles Sam dropped back and whispered to John.
SAM
This is to easy, it's not like any of the
Chief normal field exercises.
JOHN
(Nods)
I've been thinking that too. Just keep
your eyes and ears sharp.
Morning turn to afternoon and the children stopped to stretch
and eat some berries they gathered along the way. Fhajad
stood and spoke up as he wiped the sweat of his skin.
FHAJAD
I want to know one thing. We're going to
get to the extraction point at the same
time. So who's getting left behind? We
should decide now.
Some one shouted out draw straws.
JOHN
NO!
John stood.
JOHN (CONT'D)
No one's getting left behind, we're going
to figure out a way to get us all out.
KELLY
(Scratching her head)
How? Mendez said.
JOHN
I know what he said. But there's got to
be a way... I just haven't thought of one
yet. Even if it has to be me that stays
behind... I'll make sure everyone gets
back to the base.
John started marching again.
JOHN (CONT'D)
Come on, we're wasting time.
The sun began to melt, shadows lengthened and the edge of the
sky turned red. Kelly halted and motioned for every one else
to stop.
KELLY
(Whispering)
We're almost there.
JOHN
Me and Sam will scout it out, everyone
else fallout and keep quite.
The children silently followed his orders. John and Sam crept
through the underbrush and then hunkered down at the edge of
a meadow.
EXT. REACH MILITARY WILDERNESS - EXTRACTION POINT - NIGHT
From the edge of the forest Sam and John observe the dropship
which sat in the center of the grassy field, her flood lights
illuminated everything for thirty meters. Six men sat on the
open launch ramp, smoking cigarettes and passing a canteen
amongst themselves. Sam motioned to drop back.
SAM
You recognize them.
JOHN
No, you.
Sam shook his head.
SAM
Their not in uniform. They don't look
like any soldiers I've ever seen. Maybe
their rebels. Maybe they stole the
dropship and killed the Chief.
JOHN
No way, nothing can kill the Chief, but
one things for sure...
I don't think we can just walk up there
and get a free ride back to the base.
Let's go back.
The two crept back into the woods and explained the situation
to the others.
SAM
There are six out of uniform adults
guarding the dropship, with flood lights
illuminating over thirty meters in either
direction.
KELLY
(Looked to John)
So what do we do.
John looked to her then to the others who awaited and answer
from him.
JOHN
(Pensive)
Okay... we don't know who these men are
or what they'll do when they see us, so
we find out.
The children nod in agreement.
JOHN (CONT'D)
Here's how, first will need a rabbit.
KELLY
(Springing to her feet)
That's me, I'm the fastest.
JOHN
Good. Okay you will go to the edge of the
meadow and let them see you. I'll go
along and hide nearby and watch. In case
anything happens to you I'll report back
to the others.
Kelly nodded.
JOHN (CONT'D)
Then you'll lure a few back here, run
right past this spot. Sam, you'll be out
in the open, pretending like you've
broken your leg.
SAM
Okay.
Sam walked over to Fhajad and had him scrape his shin with
his boot. Blood welled from the wound.
JOHN
The rest of you, wait in the woods in a
big circle, if they try to do anything
but help Sam.
John made a fist and slammed into his open palm.
JOHN (CONT'D)
Remember the moose and the wolves.
They all nodded and grinned.
JOHN (CONT'D)
Get some rocks.
Kelly took off her parka, stretched her legs and knees.
KELLY
Okay let's do this.
Sam lay down clutching his leg.
SAM
Oooh it hurts, help.
JOHN
Don't over do it.
John kicked some dirt on him.
JOHN (CONT'D)
Or they'll know it's a setup.
John and Kelly then made toward the meadow and halted a few
meters from the edge.
JOHN
(Whispers to Kelly)
If you want me to be the rabbit.
Kelly slugged him hard in the shoulder.
KELLY
You think I can't do my part.
JOHN
(Rubbing his shoulder)
I take it back.
John moved of ten meters to her flank, took cover and
watched. Kelly emerged at the edge of the meadow, stepping
into the illumination of the dropship's floodlights.
KELLY
(Waving her arms)
Hey! Over here, you got any food I'm
starving.
The men slowly stood and pulled out a stun baton.
MAN 1
There's one, I'll get her. The rest of
you stay here and wait for the others.
The man cautiously approached Kelly, a stun baton held behind
his back. She stayed put and waited for him to get closer.
KELLY
Hang on a sec. I dropped my jacket back
there, I'll be right back.
She turned and ran. The man leaped after her, but she had
already vanished into the shadows.
MAN 1
Stop!
MAN 2
This will be to easy, kids won't know
what hit them.
MAN 3
Fish in a barrel.
John had heard enough, and he went after Kelly, but detoured
and went over to were Sam lay. In the dark the man had lost
Kelly stopped, and waited for his eyes to adjust, when they
did he spotted Sam holding his bloody leg.
SAM
Please help me, it's broken.
MAN 1
(Rasing his baton)
I got your broken leg right here kid.
John picked up a rock and threw it, but missed.
MAN 1 (CONT'D)
(Turning around)
Who's there.
Sam rolled to his feet and darted away. There was a rustling
in the forest, then a hail of stones whistled through the
trees pelting the man. Kelly appeared and side armed a rock,
and hit the man dead center in the forehead. The man toppled
and slammed to the ground. The other children moved in.
SAM
What do we do with him.
FHAJAD
It's just and exercise right, he has to
be with Mendez.
John rolled the man over.
JOHN
You saw what he was going to do Sam.
Mendez or our trainers would never do
that to us... Ever... His got no uniform,
no insignias... He's not one of us.
John kicked the man in the face then in the ribs. The man
curled up into a ball.
JOHN (CONT'D)
Get his baton
Sam grabbed the weapon, then kicked him too.
JOHN (CONT'D)
Now we go back and get the others. Kelly
you be the rabbit again. Just get them to
the edge of the clearing, duck out, and
let them us do the rest.
She nodded and made for the meadow. The rest of them fanned
out collecting rocks along the way. After a minute Kelly
shouted out.
KELLY
The guy fell and hit his head. Over here!
The five remaining men ran toward her. When they were close
enough John whistled. The air suddenly swarmed with stones.
The men held up their hands and tried to protect themselves.
John whistled again and seventy-five screaming children
charged. The men got up to defend themselves stunned at the
sight. Sam smashed his baton over a man's head. Fhajad was
hit squarely in the face by one man's fist, and he fell, but
the men where overwhelmed by a wave of flesh beaten down on
them with fist, stones and boots until they no longer moved.
John stood over their bleeding bodies angry. He took a deep
breath and exhaled.
SAM
(Helping Fhajad)
Want to call Mendez now.
JOHN
Not yet.
He marched onto the dropship.
INT. REACH MILITARY WILDERNESS - DROPSHIP - NIGHT
Entering the empty dropship John headed for the com system in
the cockpit. He accessed it and linked to Deja, her face
appeared, a scratchy image over the terminal.
DEJA
Good evening trainee 117, do you have a
homework question.
JOHN
Kind of... One of CPO Mendez assignments.
DEJA
Ah... very well.
JOHN
I'm in a Pelican dropship. There's no
pilot, but I need to get home. Teach me
to fly it please.
Deja shock her head.
DEJA
You are not rated to fly that craft
Trainee, but I can help. Do you see the
winged icon in the corner of your screen?
Tap it three times.
John tapped it and a hundred icons and displays filled the
screen.
DEJA (CONT'D)
Touch the green arrows at nine o'clock
twice.
He did, then the words auto pilot activated flashed on
screen.
DEJA (CONT'D)
I have control now. I will get you home.
JOHN
Hang on a second.
John ran outside.
JOHN (CONT'D) (O.S.)
Everyone on board double time.
The children ran into the ship. Kelly paused and turned to
John just outside.
KELLY
So who gets left behind.
JOHN
No one, just get in.
Making sure he was the last one on board John stepped in.
JOHN (CONT'D)
Okay Deja, get us out of here.
The dropship engines roared to life and it rose into the sky.
INT. REACH MILITARY COMPLEX - CPO MENDEZ OFFICE
Line with dark wood paneling the smell of cigar all around
him John stud at attention before Mendez. Mendez glowered at
the boy from behind his desk as he read the report.
DI MENDEZ
Sixteen broken ribs, six broken noses,
two broken arms, a stolen Pelican.
The door opened and in walked Dr. Halsey. Mendez stood gave a
curt nod and then sat back down.
DR. HALSEY
Hello John.
She sat across from Mendez, crossed her legs, and adjusted
her grey skirt. John saluted.
JOHN
Dr. Halsey.
DI MENDEZ
Trainee 117... Tell me again why you
stole UNSC property, and why you attacked
the men I had assigned to guard it.
John took a second and prepared his answer.
JOHN
Sir, the guards were out of uniform, and
failed to identify themselves, sir.
DI MENDEZ
(Going over the report again)
Hmmm... So it seems, and the ship.
JOHN
I took my squad home, I was the last one
on board, if any one should have been
left.
DI MENDEZ
I didn't ask for a passenger list Crewman
Mendez voice soften, he then turned to Dr. Halsey.
DI MENDEZ (CONT'D)
What are we going to do with this one?
DR. HALSEY
(Examining John)
Do? I think that's obvious Chief, make
him a squad leader.
INT. 1130 HOURS MARCH 09, 2525 - OFFICE OF NAVAL INTELLIGENCE
- MEDICAL FACILITY - OBSERVATION ROOM - ORBITING PLANET REACH
DR. Halsey paced from side to side in this monitor filled,
terminal choked from floor to ceiling room. On the monitors
and terminals pictures of the children scrolled and next to
them their vitals. Just beyond the room translucent domes,
widows into the surgical bays below all fully staffed and
overseeing each one of the children.
DR. HALSEY
I want that information decoded now Deja.
DEJA
(Irritated)
The encryption scheme is very
complicated. I don't even know why they
bother, who else but Beta 5 Division even
have the resources to use this data.
DR. HALSEY
Spare me the banter Deja, I'm not in the
mood. Just finish the encryption.
DEJA
Yes doctor.
A few moments later.
DEJA (CONT'D)
Done, the file awaits your inspection
Doctor.
Dr. Halsey stopped pacing and sat down.
DR. HALSEY
On my glasses please.
Her glasses scanned her retinal and brain patterns and then
the file open.
-The File Read-
UNITED NATIONS SPACE COMMAND PRIORITY TRANSMISSION 09872H-98,
ENCRYPTION CODE: RED PUBLIC KEY : file / excised access
Omega.
From Admiral Ysionris Jeromi, Chief Medical Officer UNSC
Research Station HOPEFUL
To: Dr. Catherine Elizabeth Halsey M.D. Ph.D. Special
civilian consultant (civilian identification number 10141-026
SRB4695.
SUBJECT: Mitigating factors and relative biological risks
associated with queried experimental medical procedures.
Classification: Restricted (BGX Directive)
/star file/
Admiral Ysionris Jeromi face appeared on ger glasses.
ADMIRAL YSIONRIS JEROMI
Catherine, I am afraid further analysis
has yielded no viable alternatives to
mitigate the risk in your proposed...
Hypothetical experimentation. I have
however, attached the synopsis of my
teams findings as well as relevant case
studies. Perhaps you will find them
useful. I hope it is a hypothetical
study... The use of Binobo chimpanzees in
your proposal is troublesome. These
animals are expensive and rare now since
they are no longer bread in captivity. I
would hate such valuable specimens
waisted in some Section Three project. My
best Yj.
The message "Synopsis of chemical/biological risks" scrolled
on her glasses.
The WARNING: the following procedures are classified level-3
experimental. Primate test subjects must be cleared through
UNSC Quartermaster General Office code: OBF34. Follow gamma
code biohazard disposal protocol. Suddenly a video feed of a
monkey as it went through various experiments popped up and
the following words scrolled over it.
1. Carbide ceramic ossification: Advanced material grafting
onto skeletal structures to make bones virtually unbreakable.
Recommended coverage not to exceed 3 percent total bone mass
because of significant white blood cell necrosis. Specific
risk for pre- and near -postpubescent adolescent: Skeletal
growth spurts may cause irreparable bone pulverization. See
attached case study.
The video feed changed from the primate being operated to a
primate on a stretcher half his face caved in, one leg, and
several areas of his chest caved in under the weight of the
augmentation. Then the feed changed once more to a second
monkey being injected with several different syringes. The
following words scrolled over him.
2. Muscular enhancement injections: Protein complex is
injected intramuscularly to increase tissue density and
decrease lactase recovery time. Risk: 5 percent of test
subjects experienced a fatal cardiac volume increase.
The primate suddenly went into cardiac shock and began
convulsing uncontrollably. The feed cut off and cam back up
with a third primate his thyroid cut open. The video feed
shifted to another primate its lips, left arm, and head
overly grown. The following words scrolled over it.
3. Catalytic thyroid implant: platinum in the thyroid to
boost growth to skeletal and muscle tissues. Risk: Rare
instances of elephantiasis. Suppressed sexual drive.
A forth feed then came into view this time of a primate with
his eyes being operated on. The following words scrolled over
the feed.
4. Occipital capillary reversal: submergence and boosted
blood vessel flow beneath the rods and cones of subjects
retina. Produces a marked visual perception increase. Risk:
retinal rejection and detachment. Permanent blindness. See
attached autopsy reports.
The feed shifted to a monkey and closed in on his now empty
eye sockets. It faded out to another feed of a primate, its
head cut open, several doctors operating on him. The
following words scrolled over the feed.
5. Superconducting fibrification of neural dendrites:
alteration of bioelectrical nerve transduction to shielded
electronic transduction. Three hundred percent increase in
subject reflexes. Anecdotal evidence of marked increase in
intelligence, memory, and creativity. Risk: significant
instances of Parkinson's disease and Fletcher's syndrome.
The feed shifted showed monkeys using sign language, and
playing catch, the feed then changed again and it showed
another primate, shaking uncontrollably. The words /end file/
pop up and the feed ended.
DR. HALSEY (CONT'D)
Close file. Deja track all instances and
destroy all leading pathways.
DEJA
Done
Dr. Halsey removed her glasses and pinched the bridge of her
nose.
DR. HALSEY
Thank you Deja
DEJA
(Consoling)
I'm sorry, I too had hoped there would be
some new process to lower the risks.
The good doctor sighed.
DR. HALSEY
I have doubts Deja. I thought the reason
so compelling when we first started
Project Spartan. Now? I just don't know.
DEJA
I have been over ONI projections of Outer
Colony stability three times, Doctor.
Their conclusion is correct, massive
rebellion within twenty years unless
drastic military action is taken. And you
know the drastic military action the
brass would like. The Spartans are our
only option to avoid overwhelming
civilian losses. They will be the perfect
pinpoint strike force. They can prevent
the civilian war.
DR. HALSEY
Only if they survive to fulfill that
mission.
We should delay the procedures more
research needs to be done. We could use
the time to work on MJOLNIR.
DEJA
There is another reason to proceed
expeditiously. Although I am loath to
bring this to your attention, I must. If
the Office of Naval Intelligence detects
a delay in their prize project, you will
likely be replaced by someone who
harbors... fewer doubts. And regrettably
for the children, most likely someone
less qualified.
DR. HALSEY
I hate this.
Dr. Halsey got up and strode to the fire exit.
DR. HALSEY (CONT'D)
And sometimes Deja... I hate you too.
She exits.
INT. OFFICE OF NAVAL INTELLIGENCE - MEDICAL FACILITY -
HALLWAY - ORBITING PLANET REACH
Exiting the observation room Dr. Halsey is greeted by Chief
Mendez.
DR. HALSEY
Walk with me Chief.
He followed with out a word as they took the stairs to the
pre-op wing of the hospital and entered room 117.
INT. OFFICE OF NAVAL INTELLIGENCE - MEDICAL FACILITY - ROOM
117 - ORBITING PLANET REACH
John lay in bed, now 14 with the physic of an eighteen year
old, ripped and muscular a teen Olympic athlete, with an IV
drip attached to his arm. His head had been shaved and
incision vectors had been lasered onto his entire body. Dr.
Halsey and Officer Mendez walked in. Dr. Halsey forced the
best smile she could muster.
DR. HALSEY
How are you feeling John.
JOHN
(Groggy)
I'm fine ma'am. The nurse said the
sedation would take effect soon.
I'm fighting it to see how long I can
stay awake.
Johns eyelids fluttered.
JOHN (CONT'D)
It's not easy.
Spotting Mendez John struggled to sit up and salute, but
failed.
JOHN (CONT'D)
I know this is one of the Chief
exercises, but I don't know what the
twist is... Can you tell me... Dr.
Halsey? Just this time, how do I win?
Mendez looked away as Dr. Halsey leaned closer to John, his
eyes closing and breathing harder.
DR. HALSEY
I'll tell you how you win John... You
have to survive.
EXT. 0000 HOURS MARCH 30, 2525 - SPACE
Stars blink in the far distance as the immense, machine grey,
UNSC Carrier Atlas floats into view.
DI MENDEZ (V.O.)
And so we commit the bodies of our
brothers to space.
INT. UNSC CARRIER ATLAS - FIRING DECK - SPACE
Cleared of munitions and crew, long unadorned black banners
now hang from the bay's overhead gantries. Before a series of
stainless steel canisters, prepped to be ejected out the
missile launch tubes is Mendez. Just behind him at full
attention were thirty Spartans in all black dress uniforms.
John, Sam and Kelly being at the fore front.
DI MENDEZ
Honors... ten hut!
Pushing a button the canisters moved slowly into the ejection
tubes. John and the other Spartans saluted in unison.
DI MENDEZ (CONT'D)
Duty... honor... and self sacrifice.
Death does not diminish these qualities
in a soldier. We shall remember.
A series of thumps resonated through the Atlas hull as the
canisters were hurtled into space. The view screen before
them flickered on and displayed a field of stars. One bye one
the canisters appeared and quickly fell behind the carriers
hull. John swallowed his eyes near water but he does not cry
as he keeps his gaze locked to each fading canister. Mendez
finished his protracted salute.
DI MENDEZ (CONT'D)
Crewmen, dismissed.
John turned and in the distance spotted orderlies wheeling
away three of his teammates. Fhajad was wheeled away,
shacking uncontrollably, Kirk and Rene were in large neural
buoyancy gel tanks, breathing through respirators, their
bones so twisted they no longer looked human. John strode
toward them and stopped before them, blocking their path.
JOHN
Stand fast crewman. Where are you taking
my men.
The orderly eyes widen, he swallowed and answered.
ORDERLY
I, sir... I have my orders.
DI MENDEZ
Squad leader, a moment
JOHN
(To Orderly)
Stay.
John marched to face Mendez.
DI MENDEZ
(In a low voice)
Let them go... They can't fight
anymore... they don't belong here.
John glanced at the long line of canisters as they shrank in
the distance.
JOHN
What will happen to my men.
DI MENDEZ
The Navy takes care of it's own. They may
no longer be the fast or strongest
soldiers, but they still have sharp
minds. They can still plan mission,
analyze data, trouble shoot ops...
John exhaled a sigh of relief.
JOHN
That's all any of us ask for sir, a
chance to serve.
Turning to Fhajad John snapped to attention and saluted.
Fhajad managed to raise one shaking arm and return the
salute. The orderlies wheeled them away. Taking a look at
what remained of his squad no one had moved since the end of
the ceremony.
JOHN (CONT'D)
Our orders sir.
DI MENDEZ
Two days bed rest Squad Leader, then
microgravity physical therapy aboard the
Atlas until you recover from the side
effects of your augmentation.
John paused and closed his eyes for a moment remembering.
INT. OFFICE OF NAVAL INTELLIGENCE - MEDICAL FACILITY - ROOM
117 - ONE WEEK AGO
John lay sleeping no longer strapped to any medical
equipment. The rooms been cleared out, and a vase of freshly
cut flowers stand prepped next to him. Groggy John slowly
opens his eyes. Through his blurry vision he spots a women,
as his vision clears he notices who stands before him Dr.
Halsey. John attempted to stand but the good doctor held him
down, and pumped him with a sedative.
DR. HALSEY
No, rest, your still feeling the side
effects of the augmentation.
JOHN
Side effects.
Johns right eye began to bleed and his hand shock as he went
to wipe the bloody tear away.
DR. HALSEY
Your brain must relearn how to move your
body with faster reflexes and stronger
muscles... now rest.
JOHN
Doctor
DR. HALSEY
Yes.
JOHN
Did I win.
Johns eyes role back as he knocked out.
DR. HALSEY
Yes, yes you did.
INT. UNSC CARRIER ATLAS - FIRING DECK - SPACE
John continues to stand before Mendez, his conversation from
earlier continued. John took a second glance at the exiting
canisters.
JOHN
Is that all sir.
DI MENDEZ
No, Deja will be running your squad
through the dropship pilot simulator as
soon as they are up to it... and if they
are up for the challenge, she wanted to
cover some more organic chemistry and
complex algebra.
JOHN
Yes sir, we're up to the challenge.
John still continued to stand fast.
DI MENDEZ
Was there something else Squad Leader.
JOHN
(Furrowed his brow)
I was Squad Leader, the last mission was
there for my responsibility, and members
of my squad died... What did I do wrong?
Mendez stared to John, then to his squad and then back at
John.
DI MENDEZ
Walk with me.
Leading John to the view screen Mendez stopped and watched as
the last canister vanished into the darkness.
DI MENDEZ (CONT'D)
A leader must be ready to send the
soldiers under his command to their
death. You do this because your Duty to
the UNSC supersedes your duty to yourself
or even your crew. It is acceptable to
spend their lives if necessary.
Mendez turned to face John.
DI MENDEZ (CONT'D)
It is not acceptable how ever, to waste
those lives. Do you understand the
difference.
JOHN
I believe I understand sir... but which
was it on this mission? Lives spent? Or
lives wasted?
Mendez turned back to the blackness.
DI MENDEZ
R&R Squad Leader. Tomorrows a brand new
day.
JOHN
Sir, yes sir.
EXT. O428 HOURS, APRIL 22, 2525 - LAMBADA SERPENTIS SYSTEM
The UNSC Carrier Atlas runs a patrol between Jericho I and
VII.
INT. 0430 HOURS - UNSC CARRIER ATLAS - GYM
From the stationary corridor it was easy to see that this
section of the Atlas rotated. The constant acceleration gave
the circular walls a semblance of gravity. A segmented cone,
the outer portion was wider and rotated more slowly than the
narrower inner portion. Set around the room were free
weights, punching and speed bags, a boxing ring, and machines
to stretch and tone every muscle group. John arrived at the
entrance and oriented himself before entering.
JOHN
All to myself.
John started with arm curls. He went to the center section,
calibrated at one gee, and picked up a twenty kilogram
dumbbell, but John lifted the heavy weight with ease.
JOHN (CONT'D)
That can't be right, spin must be off.
John grabbed the 40 kilogram set, that felt more like it,
giving him the resistance he desired. As John went through
his routine memories of the last three weeks flooded his
mind. From daily stretching, isometric exercises, light
sparring drills, to lots of eating, at least five high
protein meals a day, and the constant vitamin injection from
the ships doctors. Then the thoughts of his fallen squad
mates came to him, John clinched his teeth and lifted harder.
JOHN (CONT'D)
I will be prepared, never again...
Letting go of the weight John moved on and took a seat at the
leg machine, set it to maximum, but it felt light as he did
the leg presses with ease. John moved to the high gee end of
the gym and things felt normal again. After working every
machine he moved to the speed bag, a leather ball attached to
the floor and ceiling by a thick elastic band. His fist
jabbed forward cobra quick and struck, but the speed bag
moved slowly, like it was underwater, far to slowly
considering how hard he hit it.
JOHN (CONT'D)
Tension must be turned down.
He twanged the line and it hummed, it was tight.
JOHN (CONT'D)
Is everything broke in this place?
John pulled a pin from the locking collar on the bench press,
and then made for the center of the room. John held the pin a
meter of the deck and dropped it, it clattered upon impact.
It looked to have fallen normally, but somehow it also looked
slow to John. He set the timer on his watch and dropped the
pin again, Forty-five hundredth of a second. He struggled to
do the math in his head, but got the equation through.
JOHN (CONT'D)
Gravitational acceleration of nine point
eight meters per second squared. One
standard gee.
His experiment was cut short as four, heavily muscled, lean,
and fit men entered the gym. They were out of uniform,
wearing only shorts and boots, their head cleanly shaven.
John noted they were Special Forced, Orbital Drop Shock
Troops by the tatoos on their arms.
JOHN (CONT'D)
Hell jumpers
The largest of the four was taller than John, scars covered
one side of his face. John gave them all a polite nod. They
just brushed by him and started on the high-gravity free
weights. The largest ODST lifted the bar of the bench press.
He struggled and the bar wavered unsteadily. The iron plates
on the right slid off and fell to the deck. The opposite end
of the bar tilted and he dropped the weight, almost crushing
his spotters foot. Startled by the noise John jumped up.
BIG ODST
What the.
He looked to the locking collar that had slipped off.
BIG ODST (CONT'D)
Some one took the pin.
The big ODST growled and looked at John.
JOHN
(Picking up the pin)
The error was mine... My apologies.
The four ODST's moved as one toward John. The big guy with
the scars stood hands breath away from John's nose.
BIG ODST
(With a grin)
Why don't you take the pin and shove it
meat. Or better yet, maybe I should make
you eat it.
The big man nodded to his friends. The men surrounded John,
but John hesitated, in his eyes you could see he was trying
to figure wether to fight his fellow servicemen or just walk
away. John was given his answer when the two men flanking him
grabbed Johns biceps.
BIG ODST (CONT'D)
Take him
The one behind him tried to slip an arm around his neck. John
hunched his shoulders and tucked his shin to his chest. With
ease John whipped his right elbow over the hand holding him,
pinned it to his side, and then straight punched the man,
breaking his nose. The other three reacted, tightening their
grips and stepping closer, but just like the pin they moved
slow. John ducked, slipped out of the unsuccessful head lock
and then spun free, breaking the mans grasp on his left at
the same time. Suddenly a booming voice penetrated the room.
SERGEANT
Stan down.
The sergeant, his stomach bulging over his belt, looking
bemused stepped into the gym and strode toward them. John
snapped to attention. The others stood their and continued to
glare at John.
MAN WITH BLEEDING NOSE
Sarge... we were just.
SERGEANT
Did I ask you a question..
MAN WITH BLEEDING NOSE
No sergeant!
The Sergeant eyed John, then the ODST's.
SERGEANT
Your all so eager to fight, get in the
ring and go at it.
JOHN
Sir!
John went to the boxing ring, slipped through the ropes, and
stood waiting.
INT. UNSC ATLAS - GYM - FIGHT - MOMENTS LATER
The big ODST followed John into the boxing ring and pushed
through the ropes as his three other buddies and The Sergeant
gathered to watch.
BIG ODST
I'm going to rip you to pieces meat.
John sprang of his back foot and launched his entire weight
behind his first strike. His fist smashed into the man's wide
chin. John's left hand followed and smashed into the soldiers
jaw. The big ODST's hands came up, and John followed through
with a hook to the mans floating ribs and bones broke. The
man staggered back. John took a short step, brought his heel
down on the mans knee, and laid three more punches, pinning
the man to the ropes. The man stopped moving, his arm, leg
and neck tilted at unnatural angles.
MAN WITH BLEEDING NOSE
What the, kill'em.
The three remaining ODST's moved in. The one with the bloody
nose grabbed and iron bar.
John didn't hesitate this time, and quickly assessed his
situation. The man with iron bar swung a vicious blow at
Johns ribs. Reacting with lightning speed he side stepped,
grabbed the mans hand and clamped it to the bar. With a twist
John crushed the bones of his attackers wrist. John then
snapped a side kick toward the second man, caught him in the
groin, crushing the soft organs and breaking his target's
pelvis. Pulling the bar free John whipped around and caught
the third man in the neck, hitting him so hard he was
propelled over three ropes.
DI MENDEZ
At ease 117.
Bullet quick John dropped the bar. Mendez at the far end of
the gym looked to the ODST's crumpled on the ground
unconscious or dead, as he strode toward the boxing ring. The
Sergeant stood with his mouth open.
SERGEANT
Chief Mendez sir!
The Sergeant then snapped a crisp salute.
SERGEANT (CONT'D)
What are you... (looking to John) He's
one of them isn't he.
DI MENDEZ
Medics are on the way. Their are two
intel officers waiting for you in Ops,
they'll debrief you... I suggest you
report to them immediately.
SERGEANT
Yes sir.
The Sergeant nearly ran out of the gym, looked back at John,
then moved even faster.
DI MENDEZ
Your work is over for today.
John saluted and left the ring as a team of medics with
stretchers rushed toward the ring.
JOHN
Permission to speak freely, sir.
Mendez nodded.
JOHN (CONT'D)
Were those men part of the mission? Where
they targets or teammates?
DI MENDEZ
You engaged and neutralized a threat,
that action seems to have answered your
question Squad Leader.
JOHN
(Wrinkling his forehead)
I followed the chain of command. The
Sergeant told me to fight, I was
threatened and in imminent danger, but
they were still UNSC Special Forces.
Fellow soldiers.
DI MENDEZ
(In a low voice)
Not every mission has simple objectives
or comes to a logical conclusion. Your
priorities are to follow the orders in
your chain of command, and then to
preserve your life and the lives of your
team. Is that clear?
JOHN
Sir, yes sir.
John glanced back at the ring the blood seeping into the
canvas.
INT. UNSC ATLAS - JOHNS QUARTERS - SHOWERS
John rinsed the blood of him as he replayed the events of
earlier today, feeling remorse over the men he had killed.
Then the words of the Chief rang through.
DI MENDEZ (V.O.)
Follow orders, keep yourself, and your
team safe, that is all.
John swallowed and didn't give the incident another thought.
EXT. 0930 HOURS, SEPTEMBER 11, 2525 - EPSILON ERIDANI SYSTEM -
PLANET REACH - SPACE
A UNSC dropship flies over, under, and between UNSC
destroyers, frigates, and the planetary MAC GUNS (massive,
four times destroyer size, titanium projectile launching
guns). Once passed the Mac Guns, the dropship heads planet
side.
INT. REACH MILITARY COMPLEX - MENDEZ OFFICE - MORNING
Reclined in Mendez's Padded chair Dr. Halsey looks to the
Sweet Williams cigars on his desk.
Thinking it over Dr. Halsey goes to grab one, but upon
opening the box the stench wafting from within was to
overwhelming and she quickly shuts it.
DR. HALSEY
How can he stand them.
Suddenly the door open and CPO Mendez, surprised to see the
good doctor halts in the doorway.
DI MENDEZ
Ma'am. (Standing straighter) I wasn't
informed that you would be visiting
today. In fact, I had understood you were
out of the system for another week. I
would of made arrangements.
DR. HALSEY
(Folding her hands on her lap)
I'm sure you would have. Our situation
has changed, where are my Spartans? They
are not in their barracks, nor on any of
the ranges.
Hesitant to answer Mendez takes a second.
DI MENDEZ
They can no longer train here ma'am. We
had to find them... other facilities.
Dr. Halsey stood and smoothed out the pleats in her grey
skirt.
DR. HALSEY
Maybe you should explain that statement,
Chief.
DI MENDEZ
I could, but it will be easier to show
you.
Her curiosity piqued she replied.
DR. HALSEY
Very well.
DI MENDEZ
This way ma'am.
Mendez escorts Dr. Halsey out his office.
EXT. REACH MILITARY COMPLEX - MENDEZ OFFICE - MORNING
Escorting Dr. Halsey out Mendez takes her to his near bye
parked personal Warthog (an all-terrain vehicle refitted with
a rack of Argent V Missiles) They both embarked and the
engine roared to life. Mendez at the wheel drove them off the
base and onto winding mountain roads.
DI MENDEZ
Doctor, did you know Reach was first
colonized for its rich titanium deposits.
There are minds in these mountains
thousands of meters deep. The UNSC uses
them for storage now.
DR. HALSEY
Yes, and I hope you do not have my
Spartans taking inventory today, Chief.
DI MENDEZ
No ma'am... we just needed the privacy.
They continued past a main guard house and into a large
tunnel that sloped steeply into the ground. The road then
wound deeper in a spiral pattern.
DI MENDEZ (CONT'D)
Do you remember the Navy's first
experiment with powered exoskeletons?
DR. HALSEY
I'm not sure I see the connection between
this place, my Spartans, and the
exoskeleton projects, but I'll play along
a bit further. Yes, I know all about the
Mark I prototypes. We had to scrap the
project and start from the ground up for
the MJOLNIR project. The Mark I's
consumed enormous energy. Either they had
to be plugged to a generator or use
inefficient broadcast power, neither
option being practical on a battlefield.
Mendez decelerated slightly as he approached a speed bump.
The Warthog massive tires thudded over the obstacle.
DR. HALSEY (CONT'D)
They used the units that weren't scrapped
as dock loaders to move heavy
equipment... Or might they have been
dumped in a place like this.
DI MENDEZ
There are dozens of the suits here.
DR. HALSEY
You haven't put my Spartans in some of
those antiques.
DI MENDEZ
No, their trainers are using them for
their own safety. When the Spartans
recovered from micro gravity therapy,
they were eager to get back to their
routine. How ever we experienced some...
Difficulties.
Mendez glanced over at Dr. Halsey his face grim.
DI MENDEZ (CONT'D)
Their first day back three trainers were
killed during hand to hand combat
exercises.
DR. HALSEY
(Cocking an eyebrow)
Then they are faster and stronger than we
anticipated.
They come upon a large opening and Mendez slowed the vehicle.
DI MENDEZ
That would be understating the situation.
INT. REACH MILITARY COMPLEX - UNDERGROUND CAVERN
Hundreds of meters up above on the ceiling and along the
floor, there were lights scattered about, but they did little
to dissipate the overwhelming darkness. Nearby the entrance
to the cavern a prefabricated building. Driving into the
cavern Mendez parks next to the building. Quickly he jumped
out and helped Dr. Halsey step from the vehicle.
DI MENDEZ
This way please. We'll have a better view
from inside.
Mendez lead the way into the prefabricated building.
INT. REACH MILITARY COMPLEX - UNDERGROUND CAVERN - LIFT ROOM
The room came with three glass walls and several monitors,
marked MOTION, INFRARED, DOPPLER, and PASSIVE. Mendez entered
alongside Dr. Halsey.
A second later he pushed a button and the room climbed a
track along the wall until they were a twenty meters off the
floor.
DI MENDEZ
(Keying a microphone)
Lights.
Flood lights snapped on and illuminated a section of the
cavern the size of a football field. In the center stood a
concrete bunker. Three men in the primitive Mark I armor (A
bulky, heavy armored metal suit, with a thirty-millimeter
mini gun mounted on self targeting armatures) stood on top.
Six more stood evenly spaced around the perimeter. They all
guarded a red banner planted at the center of the bunker.
DR. HALSEY
Capture the flag? Past all the heavy
armor?
DI MENDEZ
Yes. The trainers in those exoskeletons
can run a thirty-two KPH, lift two tons,
and have a thirty-millimeter mini gun
mounted on a self targeting armatures.
Dr. Halsey cocked an eyebrow as she looked to the man.
DI MENDEZ (CONT'D)
Stun rounds of course. They are also
equipped with the latest motion sensors,
and IR scopes, and needles to say their
armor is impervious to standard light
weapons. It would take two or three
platoons of conventional marines to take
that bunker.
Mendez keyed the microphone again.
DI MENDEZ (CONT'D)
Start the drill.
Sixty seconds ticked but nothing happened, one hundred twenty
seconds.
DR. HALSEY
Where are my Spartans.
DI MENDEZ
They're here.
Squinting her eyes Dr. Halsey caught a glimpse of motion in
the dark, a shadow against shadows, a familiar silhouette.
DR. HALSEY
(To herself)
Kelly.
The trainers turned and fired at the shadow, but it moved
with almost supernatural quickness, even the self-targeting
systems couldn't track it. From up high, a man in all black
free-rappelled down from the girders and gantries overhead.
The newcomer landed behind one of the perimeter guards, quite
as a cat. He he punched the guards armor twice, denting the
heavy plates, then dropped low and swept the target's legs
out from under him. The guard sprawled out on the ground, the
Spartan attached his rappelling line to the trainer. A moment
later the guard shot upward into the darkness.
DI MENDEZ
And so it begins.
Two guards turned and fired, the Spartan turned, dodged and
melted into the shadows.
DR. HALSEY
Smart.
Using the rising guard as a counter weight, two more Spartans
all in black, except for their open eye slits, dangling from
the other end of the rope dropped unnoticed into the center
of the bunker.
DR. HALSEY (CONT'D)
John.
John landed, braced and kicked one guard eight meters. The
other Spartan jumped off the bunker, flipped end over end
evading the stun rounds that filled the air. He threw himself
at the farthest guard and they skidded together into the
darkness. The guards gun strobed twice and then it was dark
again. A top the bunker John was a blur of slashing motion.
Another guard's exosuit erupted in a fountain of hydraulic
fluid and then collapsed under the armors weight. The last
guard on the bunker turned to fire and Dr. Halsey gripped the
console before her.
DR. HALSEY (CONT'D)
His at point blank, even stun rounds can
kill at that distance.
As the guards gun fired John sidestepped, the stun rounds
slashed through the air a clear miss. Grabbing the weapons
armature, and with a screech of stressed metal John wrenched
the gun right off the exoskeleton. He then fired into the
mans chest and sent him tumbling off the bunker.
The remaining quarter of perimeter guards sprayed the area
with suppression fire. A heart beat later the lights went
out.
DI MENDEZ
God dam. (Keying the mike) Back ups, hit
the back up lights now.
A dozen amber floods flickered to life. No Spartan in sight,
the nine trainers lay immobile or unconscious in their now
inert battle armor. And the noticeable red flag was gone.
DR. HALSEY
Show me that again, you did record all
that, didn't you.
DI MENDEZ
Of course.
Tapping a button Mendez brought up the recording but all the
monitors played back was static.
DI MENDEZ (CONT'D)
Dam, they got the cameras too. Every time
we find a new place to hide them, they
disable the recording devices.
Dr. Halsey leaned against the glass wall staring at the
carnage below.
DR. HALSEY
Very well Chief Mendez, what else do I
need to know?
DI MENDEZ
Your Spartans can run at burst of up to
fifty-five KPH. Kelly can run a little
faster... I think. They will only get
quicker as they adjust to the alterations
we've made to their bodies. They can lift
three times their body weight, which I
might add is almost double the norm do
their increased muscle density. And they
can virtually see in the dark.
Taking a second to ponder the data Dr. Halsey continues to
look down as they begin to lift the suits via a warthog crane
attachment
DR. HALSEY
They should not be performing so well.
There must be unexplained synergistic
abnormalities brought on by the combined
modifications. What are their reaction
times.
DI MENDEZ
Almost impossible to chart. We estimate
it at twenty milliseconds, but I believe
it's significantly faster in combat
situations, when their adrenaline is
pumping.
DR. HALSEY
Any physiological or mental
instabilities?
DI MENDEZ
Dam near telepathic if you ask me. They
were dropped in these caves yesterday,
and I don't know where they got black
suits or the rope they used for that
maneuver, but I can guarantee they
haven't left this room. They improvise
and adapt... And they like it. The
tougher the challenge, the harder the
fight, the better their morale becomes.
Dr. Halsey watched as one of the suits sparked and caught on
fire and the man struggled to get out. Several crewman ran
over to help put out the blaze.
DR. HALSEY
They might as well have been killed...
But can the Spartans kill Chief? Kill on
purpose? Are they ready for real combat?
DI MENDEZ
(Taking a second)
Yes if we order them to, they would kill
quite efficiently.
Mendez body stiffened.
DI MENDEZ (CONT'D)
May I ask what real combat you mean
ma'am.
DR. Halsey collapsed her hand and wrung them nervously.
DR. HALSEY
Something has happened Chief. Something
ONI and the Admiralty never expected. The
brass want to deploy the Spartans. They
want to test them in a real combat
mission.
DI MENDEZ
They are as ready for that as I can make
them, but this is far ahead of your
schedule. What has happened? I've heard
rumors there was some heavy action near
Harvest colony.
Dr. Halsey pushed the descent button and they began to lower.
DR. HALSEY
Your rumors are out of date Chief.
There's no more fighting at Harvest,
there is no more Harvest.
Mendez looked to the bunker below as they continued to
descend.
DI MENDEZ
What is that you need of me?
DR. HALSEY
Get my Spartans out of this hole, have
them ready to muster at 0400. We have a
briefing tomorrow at 0600 aboard the
Pioneer. We're taking them on a mission
ONI's been saving for the right crew and
the right time. This is it.
DI MENDEZ
Yes ma'am.
The doors to the room open and the two make their way out.
DR. HALSEY
Tomorrow we see if all the pain they've
been through has been worth it.
EXT. O610, SEPTEMBER 12, 2525 - UNSC DESTROYER PIONEER -
REACH SPACE DOCK
Walking down an encapsulated walkway The remaining Spartans,
lead by DR. Halsey and Mendez make their way inside the
massive destroyer.
INT. O650, SEPTEMBER 12, 2525 - UNSC DESTROYER PIONEER -
BRIEFING ROOM - SPACE
A holographic projector, just beyond a podium at the far end
of a triangular room showed the field of stars visible of the
bow of the ship. John and the other Spartans stood at ease,
but seemed uncomfortable. Suddenly the stars flickered and
faded and the overhead lights warmed. Chief Petty Officer
Mendez and Dr. Halsey entered the room. The Spartans snapped
to attention.
DI MENDEZ
At ease.
Collapsing his hands behind his back and clenching his jaw
muscles the Chief looked almost nervous. John took note and
swallowed. Dr. Halsey walked to the podium. The overhead
light reflected off her glasses.
DR. HALSEY
Good morning Spartans I have good news
for you. The word has come down. Command
has decided to test your unique
abilities. You have a new mission, an
insurgent base in the Eridanus System.
A star map appeared on the wall and zoomed in to show a warm
orange sun ringed with twelve planets.
DR. HALSEY (CONT'D)
In 2513 an armed insurrection in this
system was suppressed by the UNSC
force... Operation TREBUCHET.
An inter system tactical map appeared, and tiny icons
representing destroyers and carriers winked on.
DR. HALSEY (CONT'D)
They engaged a force comprised of hundred
smaller ships.
Pinpoints of fire appeared against the dark.
DR. HALSEY (CONT'D)
The insurrection was put down. However
elements of the rebel faction escaped and
regrouped in the local astroid belt.
The map tilted and moved into the circle of debris around the
star.
DR. HALSEY (CONT'D)
Billions of rocks is were they hid from
our forces. For sometime ONI believed
that the rebels were disorganized, and
were lacking leadership. That appears to
have changed. We believe that one of
these asteroids has been hollowed out,
and that a formidable base has been
constructed within. UNSC exploration into
the belt has been met with no contact, or
with an ambush by superior forces.
Pausing to push up her glasses Dr. Halsey continued.
DR. HALSEY (CONT'D)
The office of Naval Intelligence has also
confirmed that FLEETCOM has discovered a
security breach within their
organization. A rebel sympathizer leaking
information to these forces.
John and the Spartans shifted uneasily. A flat picture
flashed over the star map and a middle aged man with thinning
hair, a neatly trimmed beard, and water grey eyes was
displayed.
DR. HALSEY (CONT'D)
This is their leader, Colonel Robert
Watts. The original photo was taken after
operation Trebuchet and has been computer
aged. You mission is to infiltrate the
rebel base, capture Watts and return him
alive and unharmed to UNSC controlled
space. This will deprive the rebels of
their new leadership, and it will provide
ONI a chance to interrogate Watts and
root out the traitor within FLEETCOM.
Chief Mendez.
Dr. Halsey stepped aside, Chief Mendez exhaled and unclasped
his hands. He strode to the podium and cleared his throat.
DI MENDEZ
This operation will be different from
your previous missions. You will be
engaging the enemy using live rounds and
lethal force, and they, will be returning
the favor. If there is any doubt, any
confusion and make no mistake in combat,
there will be confusion, take no chances.
Kill first ask questions later.
JOHN
Sir.
DI MENDEZ
Yes Squad Leader.
JOHN
Are we to expect support from UNSC forces
in the area.
DI MENDEZ
Support will be limited to the resources
and firepower of this destroyer, to
minimize the chance of a leak in the
command structure.
Mendez walked to the star map. The face of Colonel Watts
snapped off and blueprints for a Parabola-class freighter
appeared.
DI MENDEZ (CONT'D)
Although we don't know the location of
the rebel base, we believe they receive
periodic shipments from Eridanus Two. The
independent freighter Laden is due to
leave space dock in six hours for a
routine recertification of her engines.
She is being loaded with enough food and
water to supply a small city.
Additionally, her captain has been
identified as a rebel officer thought to
have been killed during Operation
TREBUCHET. You will slip aboard the
freighter and hopefully hitch a ride to
the rebel base. Once there, infiltrate
the installation grab Watts, and get off
the rock anyway you can. Questions.
JOHN
Sir, what are our extraction options.
DI MENDEZ
You have two options, a panic button that
will relay a distress signal to a pre
established listening ship. Also Pioneer
will stay on station... briefly. Our
window here is thirteen hours.
Mendez tapped the star map on the edge of the asteroid field
and it glowed a blue NAV marker.
DI MENDEZ (CONT'D)
I'll leave the extraction choice up to
you. But let me point out that this
asteroid belt has a circumference of more
than a billion kilometers, making it
impossible to canvas with ONI
surveillance craft. If things get hot,
you will be on your own. Any other
questions?
The Spartans sat silent and immobile.
DI MENDEZ (CONT'D)
No? Well listen up Recruits... This time
I've told you all the twist that I know
of. Be prepared for anything.
Mendez turned to John.
DI MENDEZ (CONT'D)
Squad Leader, you are hereby promoted to
rank of Petty Officer Third Class.
JOHN
Sir!
DI MENDEZ
Assemble your team and equipment, be
ready to muster at 0300. Will drop you
off at the Eridanus two docks. You're on
your own form there.
JOHN
Yes sir!
Mendez saluted and he and Dr. Halsey left the room. John
turned to face his teammates. The other Spartans stood at
attention.
JOHN (CONT'D)
(To himself)
Thirty three to many for this operation.
Sam, Kelly, Linda, and Fred meet me in
the weapons locker in ten minutes.
The other Spartans sighed and their gaze dropped to the deck.
JOHN (CONT'D)
The rest of you fall out, you'll have the
more difficult part of the mission...
You'll have to wait here.
INT. UNSC PIONEER - WEAPONS LOCKER - SLIP SPACE
Stocked with a bewildering array of combat equipment, on a
table were guns, knives, communication gear, body armor,
explosives, medical packs, survival gear, portable computers,
and a thruster pack for maneuvering in space. John stood
before the arsenal.
JOHN
This should do.
John then turned his attention to his team. Sam the strongest
of them, hair grown to three centimeters, paced impatiently
around the crates of grenades. Kelly the fastest of them
stood in the corner with her arms crossed over her chest, her
hair yet to grow back since the augmentations. Fred sat
crossed legged on the deck, neither too short nor to tall,
not overly muscled or slim, his black hair was shot with
streaks of silver, twirling a razor edge combat knife in
glittering arcs. Linda was the quitest of the bunch, with her
pale skin, close-cropped red hair, and green eyes, she
examined her sniper rifle.
KELLY
These are our new trainee uniforms?
Kelly circled the table once, and then selected a pair of
grease-stained blue coveralls. Her name sloppily embroidered
on the chest.
JOHN
ONI provided them, they're suppose to
match what ever the crew of the Laden
wears.
Kelly frowned at the coveralls.
KELLY
They don't give a girl much to work with.
LINDA
Try these on for size.
Linda held a black body suit up to Kelly's long slender
frame. The black suit was a formfitting, lightweight polymer
body armor, with small caliber stopping power, infrared
masking, and refrigeration and heating units. It came with an
integrated helmet. The helmet had built in encryption and
communication gear, a heads up display, and thermal and
motion detectors. It all came in a tightly sealed package.
Kelly shot Linda a look.
KELLY
These things are to tight, they'll limit
my range of motion, let alone brake down
when we least expect them to.
JOHN
We wear them for this OP. There are to
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 be moving
fast... or we'll be dead.
The team selected their weapons first.
FRED
Three ninety caliber.
JOHN
Yes, everyone take guns that carry .390
caliber ammunition so we can share clips
if we have to... Except Linda.
Linda gravitated to a matte-black long-barreled rifle, the
SRS99C-S2 AM. The sniper rifle system had modular sections,
scopes, stock, barrels, even the firing mechanism could be
swapped. Linda detached all the sights and scopes and settled
for an integrated link to her helmet's head up display. She
also picked up .450 caliber rounds and pocked the five
ammunition clips. John chose an MA2B short cut assault
riffle. It came with electronic targeting, an ammo supply
indicator, and a recoil reduction system. He then picked up a
knife, twenty centimeter blade, one serrated edge, non
reflective titanium carbine and balanced for throwing. John
grabbed a tiny single-shot emergency beacon, the panic button
with two setting red, and green. He then went to take a
double handful of ammo clips but paused.
JOHN (CONT'D)
Um, take five.
John set them down and pocketed five.
JOHN (CONT'D)
If we need that much firepower, our
missions a wash.
Everyone took similar equipment with a few variations. Kelly
selected a small computer pad with IR links, and a field
medical kit. Fred packed a standard issue lock piker.
Linda selected three Nav marker transmitters, each the size
of a tick. Sam hefted two medium-size backpacks "damage
packs" they were filled with C-12.
KELLY
You think you have enough of that stuff.
SAM
You think I should take more. (Smiles)
There's nothing like a little fireworks
to celebrate the end of a mission.
JOHN
Everybody ready.
Sam's smile disappeared and he slapped an extended clip into
his MA2B.
SAM
Ready!
Kelly gave John a thumbs up, Fred and Linda nodded.
JOHN
The let's go to work.
EXT. 0500 HOURS, SEPTEMBER 14, 2525 - EPSILON ERIDANUS SYSTEM
- ERIDANUS TWO - SPACE DOCK - SPACE
Jam packed with people boarding and unboarding from different
hanger bays the Spartans in their new civilian uniforms meld
in perfectly. John lead the team through the crowds, as he
scanned the area with his eyes.
JOHN
Over there.
Spotting a data terminal he moves in.
JOHN (CONT'D)
Kelly your up. I need the works, crew,
schedules, shift changes, guarded areas,
duty stations, and whatever else you deem
necessary.
Kelly went slid a fiber optic link into a slot by the
terminals side, and pulled out her laptop. Encryption
algerythms ran through sequencer on her monitor.
JOHN (CONT'D)
Sam, Fred, two, and eleven, Linda up
front with me.
The for of them created a wall around Kelly and kept a look
out for any guards.
KELLY
Got it.
JOHN
Switch.
Kelly and John traded places. John scanned the data, from
shift, to crew, to thermal sensor range, he looked at every
detail in seconds.
JOHN (CONT'D)
Here.
The others turned and gave a quick glance, then nodded in
agreement.
INT. 1210 HOURS, SEPTEMBER 14, 2525 - ERIDANUS SYSTEM - CARGO
SHIP LADEN - WATER STORAGE TANK
Rigging a web of support nets, now in their form fitting
black armor suits, the five Spartans rest in relative comfort
using flashlights in the upper girders. Below them lay a
hundred thousand liters of black water, and surrounding them
two centimeters of stainless steel. Sam turns to John, and
gives him the thumbs up as he finishes rigging the
reservoir's computer to stop the flow of water.
JOHN
Spartan 117, we are in position, next
check-in at 0400.
John clicked off the microphone, encrypted the message, and
fed it into his COM relay. He then triggered a secure burst
to the Athens. Looking around as everyone settled in John
allowed himself a small grin of triumph.
KELLY
I'm in.
Kelly just finished setting up a tiny microwave relay outside
the top hatch. Propping her data pad on her stomach she went
over the ships computer defenses.
KELLY (CONT'D)
No AI or serious encryption. Accessing
their system now.
Tapping the pad a few more times she activated the intrusion
software. A moment later the pad pulsed to indicate success.
KELLY (CONT'D)
They've got a nav trajectory to the
astroid belt. ETA is ten hours.
JOHN
Good work. Team, will sleep in shifts.
Sam, Fred, and Linda snapped off their flashlights. As all
went quite Johns mind wondered and the thoughts of his former
life filled his mind. Images of his school, friends, and
family flashed for a few seconds, then his sense of duty took
over. Shaking his head John went back to the mission.
KELLY
(Whispering)
I've got something.
She handed the data pad to John, it displayed the cargo
manifest. Water, flour, milk, frozen orange juice, welding
rods, superconducting magnets for a fusion reactor, but most
notable, no mention of weapons.
JOHN
Okay I give up, what am I looking for.
KELLY
I'll give you a hint... The Chief smokes
them.
John flicked back through the list and there he found them
Sweet Williams cigars. Next to them on the manifest was a
crate of champagne, fast chilled New York steaks, and Swiss
chocolates. They were all stored in a secure locker with the
same routing code.
KELLY (CONT'D)
Luxury items, I bet they're headed
straight for a special delivery to
Colonel Watts or his Officers.
JOHN
Good work, we'll tag this stuff and
follow it.
FRED
Won't be that easy.
Fred flicked on his flashlight.
FRED (CONT'D)
There are a million ways this can go
wrong. We're going in with out recon, I
don't like it.
JOHN
We only have one advantage on this
mission... The rebels have never been
infiltrated, they'll feel relatively safe
and won't be expecting us, but every
second we stay, is another second we risk
getting spotted. Will follow Kelly's
hunch.
SAM
You questioning orders... Scared?
FRED
No, but this is no training mission. Our
targets won't be firing stun rounds... I
just don't want to fail.
JOHN
We're not going to fail, we haven't
failed in the past, and we're not going
to start now... Rotate sleep cycles, wake
me up in four hours.
John turned over and quickly nodded off to the sound of the
sloshing water. The voices of kids playing filled his mind,
the spinning of a quarter as it sliced through the air came
to him, and the voice of a young John screaming "eagle"
reverberated through his thoughts. Suddenly John was awaken
by a nudge from Kelly's shoulder. Hand on his assault riffle
he turned to Kelly.
KELLY
We're decelerating.
She pointed her light to the water below. The liquid tilted
at a twenty-degree inclination.
JOHN
Lights off.
The room went pitch black. John popped the hatch and snaked a
fiber-optic probe attached to his helmet.
JOHN (CONT'D)
All clear.
They all climbed out.
INT. CARGO SHIP LADEN - WATER STORAGE FACILITY
Several dozen ten meter tall tanks lined the entire facility.
Out of one of the center tanks John and the others rappelled
down onto the metal floor below.
Upon reaching the ground they donned their grease stained
coveralls and removed their helmets. The black suits looked a
little bulky beneath the work clothes, but with there bags
and gear in duffle bags they passed as crew from a distance.
JOHN
Move out.
Making their way around the tanks they came upon a deserted
corridor, crept by and made for the cargo bay.
INT. CARGO SHIP LADEN - CARGO BAY
A huge room, stacked to the ceiling with barrels and crates.
There were massive tanks of oil, and a work crew of automated
robot forklifts between rows checking for loose items. As the
Spartans entered they heard a million tiny metallic pings as
gravity settled the ship.
FRED
Laden must be docking with a spinning
station, or a rotating astroid.
Consulting her data pad Kelly whispered to the others.
KELLY
Cigars are this way.
Putting her data pad away they all move out, clinging to the
shadows. Every few meters they stopped, listen, and made sure
their field of fire was clear. Kelly held up her hand and
made a fist, then pointed to the secure hatch on the
starboard side of the hold. John motioned for Kelly and Fred
to go forward. Fred took to the door, used the lock breaker
and in seconds it popped open. Kelly and Fred entered and
closed the hatch behind them. John, Linda, and Sam waited
outside. There was a sudden motion and the Spartans snapped
their weapons to firing position. A robot forklift passed bye
the adjacent aisle. Suddenly the massive aft doors to the
hold parted with a hiss. Light spilled into the hold and a
dozen dock workers in coveralls entered.
JOHN
(In his mind)
This is not good.
John gripped his MA2B tighter. One man looked down the aisle
where they crouched in the shadows, stopped and paused. John
raised his weapon slowly, his hands steady, John sighted on
the mans chest. The man stood and stretched his back.
LADEN WORKER 1
Come on stop lagging it.
LADEN WORKER 2
Yeah, yeah quite your yapping, I'm
coming.
The man moved on as Fred and Kelly returned. Kelly closed and
open her hand palm out. John pulled out his helmet from the
duffle bag. Tapping the outer right side he pinged the
navigation marker and saw the blue triangle flash once on his
head up display. John stowed away his helmet and MA2B and
motioned for the others to do the same. They then casually
walked out the bay and onto the rebel base.
INT. REBEL ASTROID - DOCKING BAY - ERIDANUS TWO - SPACE
Hewn from solid rock, people everywhere the ceiling stretched
a kilometer high. Bright lights overhead effectively
illuminated the place. There were hundreds of ships docked
within the cavern, tiny single craft, Mako-class corvettes,
cargo freighters, and even a captured UNSC Pelican dropship.
Each craft was held by massive cranes that traveled on
railroad tracks. The tracks led toward a series of large
airlock doors. John looked to his team as they looked around,
Fred's hand sliding closer to his bag and his MA2B.
JOHN
This way.
John led his team past dockworkers, and robotic trams full of
cargo, and vendors selling roasted meat on sticks. He made
for a set of double doors set in the far rock wall marked:
Public Showers. John pushed through and didn't look back.
INT. REBEL ASTROID - PUBLIC SHOWERS - ERIDANUS TWO - SPACE
Rows upon rows of lockers lined the rock walls and lead
toward a round room with falling water. All but deserted The
Spartans hunkered down behind some lockers. Fred turned to
the far showers.
FRED
You hear that.
The voice of a man rang out as he sang in the showers.
JOHN
Sam, Kelly check it out.
Sam and Kelly made a stealthy dash for the showers, spotted
the naked man signing his lungs off, turned to John and gave
him the all clear sign. John signaled for them to return.
JOHN (CONT'D)
So far so good, this will be our fall
back position if everything falls apart
and we get separated
Sam nodded.
FRED
Okay we have a lead on how to find the
Colonel. Any ideas on how we get off once
we grab him.
LINDA
Back into the Laden's water tanks.
KELLY
To slow, we've got to assume when Colonel
Watts goes missing his people are going
to look for him.
JOHN
There was a Pelican on the dock, we'll
take it. Now let's figure out how to
operate the cranes and airlocks.
Sam hefted his pack of explosives.
SAM
I know just the way to politely knock on
those airlock doors. Don't worry.
John scanned his team for a second, Sam tapped his left foot,
eager to go. Fred's hands were clenched with nervousness, but
under control. Kelly yawned, and Linda sat absolutely still.
John got his helmet, donned it and checked the nav marker.
JOHN
Barring 320, it's on the move.
They moved out the showers and into the docks, and passed
massive drop doors, until they cam upon a city scape.
INT. REBEL ASTROID - CITY CAVERN - ERIDANUS TW0 - SPACE
Looking like a canyon carved into the rock, there were
skyscrapers, apartments, factories, and even a small
hospital. As the Spartans made it through the crowds, John
ducked into a alley, put on his helmet and pinpointed the
blue nav marker.
JOHN
Up ahead.
Join nodded to a cargo tram that silently rolled down the
street, with three armed guards riding the rear. The Spartans
followed uniformed at a discreet distance. As they walked
some of the people began to give them strange looks.
JOHN (CONT'D)
(Whispered)
Spread out, we look like were on a parade
ground.
Kelly stepped up her pace and pulled ahead. Sam fell behind,
and Fred and Linda drifted to the right and left. The cargo
tram turned and went down a crowded street. It then stopped
before a twelve stories tall building, with balconies on
every floor. There were two armed guards in white uniforms at
the front entrance. The three men in the tram got out and
carried the crate inside.
JOHN (CONT'D)
This must be it.
Kelly glanced at John and he nodded, giving her the go ahead.
KELLY
(To herself)
Finally
Giving a big smile as she approached the guards Kelly waved
to the guard and pulled open the door.
GUARD 1
Stop, show us your identification.
Kelly stepped inside, grabbed the mans rifle, twisted, and
dragged the man inside with her. The other guard stepped back
and leveled his rifle. John sprang at him from behind,
grabbed his neck and snapped it, then dragged his limp body
inside.
INT. REBEL ASTROID - COLONEL WATTS BUILDING - ERIDANUS TWO -
SPACE
The entry room had cinderblock walls and a steel door with a
swipe-card lock. A security camera dangled limply over
Kelly's head, and the guard she dragged in lay at her feet.
John dragged in the second guard to find Kelly using her data
pad, and already running a cracking program on the lock. John
took out his MA2B and covered her. Fred and Linda and slipped
out of the coveralls, then donned their helmets.
LINDA
Nav marker is moving, mark 270, elevation
ten meters, twenty, thirty-five and
holding. I'd say that's the top floor.
Sam entered last slammed the door shut and jammed the lock.
SAM
All clear out there.
JOHN
Gear up.
John took his coveralls as did Sam and Kelly and put on their
helmets.
KELLY
Were in.
Kelly pushed open the door, Linda stepped in and to the
right. John entered and took the left, noting the two guards
seated behind the lobby's reception desk. Another man out of
uniform stood in front of the desk, and two more uniformed
men stood by the elevator. Linda shot the three near the
desk, and John took out the two by the elevator. Fred entered
and policed the bodies, dragging them behind the counter.
Kelly moved toward the stairwell, open the door and gave the
all clear sign. The elevator pinged and its doors open. They
all wheeled rifles leveled but the car was empty.
JOHN
(Exhaled)
Stairs.
Taking point Kelly moved fast, the others followed as Sam
brought up the rear. Upon reaching the ninth floor John
detected faint blurs of heat on the twelve floor. John shook
his head and then opened a door to an empty hallway. He then
went to the elevator doors and pride them open with ease.
JOHN (CONT'D)
Cool suits.
John then turned on the suits cooling element, as did the
others.
INT. REBEL ASTROID - COLONEL WATTS BUILDING - ELEVATOR SHAFT -
ERIDANUS TWO - SPACE
Climbing up the last three floors, the Spartans braced
themselves in the corners by the closed elevator door. Linda
came up last, went up as far as she could, hooked her foot on
a cross brace, and hung upside down.
John held up three finger, two, then one, then he and Sam
silently opened the elevator doors. There were five guards
standing in the room. They wore light body armor and carried
older model HMG 38 rifles. Two of them turned. Kelly, Fred
and Linda open fire. The walnut paneling behind the guards
became pockmarked with bullet holes and spattered with blood.
JOHN
Move
The team slid inside the room.
INT. REBEL ASTROID - COLONEL WATTS BUILDING - HALLWAY -
ERIDANUS TWO - SPACE
Climbing in from the elevator shaft the Spartans found two
set of wooden doors, one to the right and another set dead
ahead, just beyond the dead guards.
JOHN
Kelly.
Kelly turned to John he signaled to go check out the door on
the left. As John continued toward the door ahead Sam policed
the dead bodies, took their weapons, and dragged them aside.
KELLY
(Whispered into helmet)
This overlooks the alley between
building, no activity.
John checked the nav marker. The blue triangle flashed a
position just beyond the door ahead. John attempted to get a
read on the other side, but nether his thermal or motion
sensors could penetrate the walls.
JOHN
Can't get a read, the walls must be
shielded.
John looked to Fred and Sam who had flanked the door, tapped
his chest, and began a count down with his fingers, three,
two, one.
INT. REBEL ASTROID - COLONEL WATTS BUILDING - COLONELS ROOM -
ERIDANUS TWO - SPACE
With a wet bar boasting shelves of amber-filled bottles, a
large round bed in the corner, decorated in silk sheets,
windows on all sides draped in white curtains and a heavy
wooden oak desk before a large balcony opening this room was
made for a king. Sitting behind the desk in a large plush,
brown leather chair was Colonel Watts.
Before him were three men and the armored crate, now open,
it's contents being displayed to Watts.
COLONEL WATTS
I hoped you got everything I asked for.
The Colonel stood and walked over to the crate.
LADEN GUARD 1
Only the best Colonel, Steaks, from the
greatest city this side of Eridanus,
chocolates, from the mother land her
self, your favorite Sweet Williams
As the man spoke of the cigars a huge smile came upon the
Colonel, and he bent over to reach them. Suddenly the door
burst open, flew across the room and shattered before the
metal, black, crate.
COLONEL WATTS
What the...
John stood on the other side, gun raised but he didn't have a
clear shot. The men immediately turned and fired at John. He
dove to his left, and caught two rounds in his side, knocking
the breath from his body. Recovering quick John ignored the
pain of the third bullet as it ping of his ribs, and rolled
to his feet. Colonel Watts dove back and under his wooden
desk pulled out his pistol.
COLONEL WATTS (CONT'D)
Kill him.
With a clear line of fire John squeezed the trigger once, a
three round burst caught the center guard in the forehead.
Sam and Fred wheeled around the room, Sam high, Fred low,
weapons coughed and the remaining pair of guards went down.
Colonel Watts stood and took position behind the crate, his
pistol aimed at John.
COLONEL WATTS (CONT'D)
Stop! My men are on there way, you think
I'm alone, you're all dead, unless you
drop your weapons.
John jumped behind the wet bar and crouched there. He looked
down and saw a red substance on the black suit but ignored
it. John signaled Sam and Fred and held up two fingers over
his head. Sam and Fred fired a burst of rounds over Watts. He
ducked, and John vaulted over the bar and leaped onto his
quarry. John grabbed the pistol and wrenched it out of his
hand. Watts yelled in pain as his index and thumb where
broken. Kelly and Linda entered as John choked Watts to near
unconsciousness.
JOHN
Kelly.
Kelly took out a syringe and injected the man, knocking him
out instantly. Sam went over and crouched by the window,
watching the streets below for any signs of trouble. Fred
fell back to cover the elevator. Kelly then turned her
attention to John and peeled back his black suit. Her gloves
were slick with Johns blood.
KELLY
The bullet still inside. (Bitting her
lower lip) There's a lot of internal
bleeding, hang on.
Kelly pulled out a tiny bottle from her belt and inserted the
nozzle into the bullet hole.
KELLY (CONT'D)
This might sting a little.
The self sealing biofoam filled Johns abdominal cavity, he
grinned in pain as it settled and hardened.
KELLY (CONT'D)
You're good for a few hours, the foam
should keep you from bleeding out, and
stave off the shock.
Kelly gave John a hand up, he was shaky, but he'd make it.
JOHN
Good to go, thanks.
Kelly gave him a curt nod.
SAM
Incoming vehicles, six men entering the
building, two taking up position outside,
but just the front.
JOHN
Get our package inside the crate and seal
it up.
John left the room, duffle bag in toe.
EXT. REBEL ASTROID - COLONEL WATTS BUILDING - ALLEY -
ERIDANUS TWO - SPACE
A long black thick rope swung from the twelve floor onto the
alley floor. At the balcony looking twelve stories down John
clicked his throat mike once.
Kelly came over, snapped a decent rig on the crate and pushed
it off the balcony. It zipped down the line and thudded to a
halt. A moment later the rest of the team glided down the
rope. They all quickly donned their coveralls. Fred and Sam
took hold of the crate and carried it out onto the street a
half block down. They all walked as quickly as they could,
and made for the docks. John spotted dozens of uniformed
officers coming toward them.
JOHN
Slow down.
The team slowed, but the officers did not challenge them, as
they ran past at hurried speed.
INT. REBEL ASTROID - PUBLIC SHOWERS - ERIDANUS TWO - SPACE
Totally deserted the Spartans entered, Kelly and Linda made
sure they were all clear.
JOHN
Every one check your seals. Sam you go
ring the doorbell, meet us at the
dropship.
Sam nodded and sprinted out of the building, both packs of C
12 looped around his shoulder. John took out the panic
button, he triggered the green mode transmission and tossed
it into and empty locker.
KELLY
Your suit is breached, we better get to
the ship, before Sam sets off his
fireworks.
Fred and Linda checked the seals on the crate, then carried
it out.
INT. REBEL ASTROID - DOCKING BAY - ERIDANUS TWO - SPACE
Still a buzz with activity, most of the people's attention
was to the city entrance, where guards were denying passage
in or out. The Spartans went unnoticed, as Kelly took point,
and John brought up the rear. With in seconds they came upon
the Pelican. John sized up her armaments.
JOHN
Armors dented and charred, the guns are
out dated, and the rocket pods have been
removed, not much of a warhorse.
Suddenly there was a flash of lightning at the far end of the
dock. The thunder roiled through the deck.
In an instant a gaping hole materialized in the airlock door
amid a cloud of smoke and shattered metal. With and ear
splitting roar the atmosphere held in abruptly transformed
into a hurricane. People, crates, and Debris were blasted out
the ragged tear. Fred and Sam boarded first, crate in hand,
Kelly followed, then John a second later, pulled himself in.
John prepared to seal the main hatch. As he did he watched as
emergency doors descended over the breached airlock. There
was an second explosion, and the drop door paused, then fell
to the deck, crushing a light transport vessel underneath.
INT. REBEL ASTROID - PELICAN DROPSHIP - ERIDANUS TWO - SPACE
John met Kelly at the helm and they watched as large bay
doors closed, sealing the docks off from the city. Dozens of
workers still on the docks ran for their lives, but didn't
make it. Johns attention then turned to Sam, who sprinted
across the deck toward the pelican. A moment later he was in,
and up at the cockpit with Kelly and John.
SAM
(With a grin)
Back doors open.
Kelly fired up the engines. The Pelican lifted, and she
maneuvered through the dock, and then out the blasted hole
and into open space. On the view screen they spotted the
astroid as it vented atmosphere and started to rotate
erratically. After a few minutes at full power, Kelly eased
of the throttle.
KELLY
Will hit the extraction point in two
hours.
JOHN
And our prisoner.
Sam popped open the crate.
SAM
The seals held. Watts is still alive, and
has a steady pulse.
JOHN
Good.
Kelly noticed John winced as the throbbing pain in his side
increased.
KELLY
Something bothering you, how's the
biofoam holding up.
JOHN
It's fine, I'll make it.
John then took a second, not to relish in their victory but
ponder if the death and destruction they had left in their
wake.
LINDA
Something else wrong.
JOHN
(Squashing the thoughts)
Nothings wrong. What could be wrong? We
won.
INT. 0600 HOURS, NOVEMBER 2, 2525 - REACH MILITARY COMPLEX -
AMPHITHEATER - MORNING
The Spartans sat quite in their dress uniforms. Sitting in
the third row, a shinny new metal glistening against the
black wool of his dress jacket, The Purple Heart, was John.
Chief Mendez entered, in his dress uniform, his chest covered
with Silver and Bronze Stars, three Purple Hearts, the Red
Legion of Honor award, and a rainbow of campaign ribbons. He
marched to the center platform. The Spartans rose and stood
at attention. Dr. Halsey soon followed, the wrinkles of her
eyes and mouth more pronounced, streaks of grey in her dark
hair. She wore gray slacks, a black skirt, and her glasses
hung around her neck.
DI MENDEZ
Admiral on deck.
They all snapped straighter. A man ten years Dr. Halsey
senior, with short silver hair, wearing a simple, unadorned
black dress UNSC uniform, a single gold star on the forearm
of his jacket strode to the center. His walk had a strange
lope to it.
ADMIRAL STANFORTH
At ease Spartans, I'm Admiral Stanforth.
The Spartans took their seats in unison. Suddenly dust
swirled on stage and collected into a robed figure. The
figures face was obscured with in the shadows of his hood,
and his sleeves draped over his hands.
ADMIRAL STANFORTH (CONT'D)
This is Beowolf... He is our AI attache
with the Office of Naval Intelligence. We
have several important issues to cover
this morning, so let's get started.
The lights dimmed and an amber sun appeared in the center of
the room.
ADMIRAL STANFORTH (CONT'D)
This is Harvest, population of
approximately three million. All though
on the periphery of UNSC controlled
space, this world is one of our more
productive and peaceful colonies.
The holographic view zoomed in on the surface of the world
and showed grasslands, forests and thousands of lakes
swarming with schools of fish.
ADMIRAL STANFORTH (CONT'D)
As of military calender February 3, at
1423 hours the Harvest orbital platform
made long range radar contact with this
object.
A blurry outline appeared over the stage.
ADMIRAL STANFORTH (CONT'D)
Spectroscopic analysis proved
inconclusive. The object is constructed
of materials unknown to us.
A molecular observation graph appeared on a side screen.
Spikes and jagged lines indicated the relative proportions of
elements. Beowulf raised a cloaked arm and the image
darkened. The words Classified-Eyes Only appeared over the
blackened data. The Admiral shot a glare at the AI.
ADMIRAL STANFORTH (CONT'D)
Contact with harvest was lost shortly
thereafter. The Colonial Military
Administration sent the scout ship ARGO
to investigate. That ship arrived in
system on April twentieth, but other than
a brief transmission to confirm their
exit from Slipstream position, no further
reports were made. In response, Fleet
Command assembled a battle group to
investigate. The group consisted of the
destroyer Heracles, commanded by Captain
Veredi, as well as the frigates Arabia
and Vostok.
The ships and their captains appeared on a separate screen.
ADMIRAL STANFORTH (CONT'D)
They entered the Harvest System on
October seventh and discovered the
following.
The hologram of the planet Harvest changed. The lush fields
and rolling hills transformed, morphing into a crater barren
desert. Thin gray sunlight reflected off glassy crust, and
heat wavered from the surface. Some isolated regions glowed
red.
ADMIRAL STANFORTH (CONT'D)
This is what was left of the colony... We
assume that all inhabitants are lost.
John glanced at the purple heart pinned on his chest, and
gritted his teeth, no longer proud of the decoration.
ADMIRAL STANFORTH (CONT'D)
And this is what the Heracles battle
group found in orbit.
The blurry outline still visible hanging in the air sharpen
into crisp focus. It looked smooth and organic, and the hull
possessed an odd, opalescent sheen. It looked more like the
carapace of an exotic insect than the metal hull of a ship.
Recessed into the aft section were pods that pulsed with a
purple-white glow. The prow of the craft was swollen, like
the head of a whale.
ADMIRAL STANFORTH (CONT'D)
The unidentified vessel launched an
immediate attack.
Blue flashes strobed from the ship. Red motes of light then
appeared along it's hull. Bolts of energy coalesced into a
fiery smear against the blackness of space. The deadly
flashes of light impacted on the Arabia, splashed across its
hull. Its meter armor platting instantly boiled away, and a
plume of ignited atmosphere burst from the breach in the
ship's hull.
ADMIRAL STANFORTH (CONT'D)
Those were pulse lasers, and if this
record is to be believed, some kind of
self guided superheated plasma weapon.
The Heracles and Vastok launched salvos
of missiles toward the craft. The enemy
lasers shot half before they reached
their target.
The rest of the missiles impacted detonated into blossoms of
fire that quickly faded. The strange ship shimmered with a
semitransparent silver coating, which then vanished.
ADMIRAL STANFORTH (CONT'D)
They also seem to have some reflective
energy shield.
The admiral took a deep breath.
ADMIRAL STANFORTH (CONT'D)
The Vostok and Arabia were lost with all
hands. The Heracles jumped out system,
but due to damage she sustained, it took
several weeks for Captain Veredi to make
it back to Reach...
The image of the alien craft grew larger.
ADMIRAL STANFORTH (CONT'D)
Their weapons and defensive systems are
currently beyond our technology.
Therefore this craft is of nonhuman
origin... The product of a race with
technology far in advance of our own.
A murmur buzzed through the chamber.
ADMIRAL STANFORTH (CONT'D)
We have of course developed a number of
first contact scenarios, and Captain
Veredi followed our established
protocols. We had hoped that contact with
a new race would be peaceful. Obviously
this was not the case. The alien vessel
did not open fire until our task force
attempted to initiate communications.
The admiral paused considering his words.
ADMIRAL STANFORTH (CONT'D)
Fragments of the enemy transmission were
intercepted, a few words have been
translated. We believe they call
themselves The Covenant. However, before
opening fire, the alien ship broadcast
the following message in the clear.
The admiral gestured at Beowulf, who nodded. A moment later a
voice thundered through the amphitheater. John stiffen in his
seat when he heard it. The voice sounded odd, artificial,
strangely calm and formal, but laden with rage and menace.
ALIEN VOICE
Your destruction is the will of the
Gods... And we are their instrument.
John was awestruck and stood.
ADMIRAL STANFORTH
Yes Spartan.
JOHN
Is this a translation?
ADMIRAL STANFORTH
No, they broadcast this to us in our
language. We believe they used some kind
of translation system to prepare the
message. And that means they've been
studying us for some time.
John sat back down.
ADMIRAL STANFORTH (CONT'D)
As of November ninth, the UNSC has been
ordered to full alert. Vice Admiral
Preston Cole is mobilizing the largest
fleet in human history to retake the
Harvest system and confront this new
threat. Their transmission made one thing
perfectly clear, they're looking for a
fight.
John sat straighter as did the other Spartans.
ADMIRAL STANFORTH (CONT'D)
Because of this UNSC wide mobilization,
your training schedule will be
accelerated to it's final phase...
Project MJOLNIR.
He then stepped away from the podium and clasped his hands
behind his back.
ADMIRAL STANFORTH (CONT'D)
To that end I'm afraid I have another
unpleasant announcement.
The Admiral turned to the Chief.
ADMIRAL STANFORTH (CONT'D)
Chief Petty Officer Mendez will be
departing to train the next group of
Spartans.
John grabbed the edge of his riser as the Chief stepped to
the podium and clasped its edges.
DI MENDEZ
Recruits, soon your training will be
complete, and you will graduate to rank
of Petty Officer Second Class in the
UNSC. One of the first things you will
learn is that change is part of a
soldiers life. You will make and loose
friends, you will move, and some of you
may even die... This is part of the job.
He looked to his audience, his dark eyes rested on each one
of them. He nodded seemingly satisfied.
DI MENDEZ (CONT'D)
The Spartans are the finest group of
soldiers I have ever encountered. It has
been a privilege to train you. Never
forget what I've tried to teach you...
Duty... Honor... And sacrifice for the
greater good of humanity are the
qualities that make you the best.
The Chief stood at attention and saluted.
JOHN
Attention!
The Spartans rose as one and saluted the Chief.
DI MENDEZ
Dismissed Spartans... And good luck.
Mendez ended his salute and the Spartans snapped down their
arms. They hesitated for a second, but then reluctantly filed
out of the amphitheater. John stayed behind and waited for
the Chief. Dr. Halsey spoke to with him briefly and then her
and the Admiral left. Beowulf backed toward the far wall and
faded away like a ghost. Gathering his hat, Mendez spotted
John, and walked to him. The Chief nodded to the hologram of
the scorched colony still rotating in the air.
DI MENDEZ (CONT'D)
One final lesson Petty Officer... What
tactical options do you have when
attacking a stronger opponent?
JOHN
Sir... There are two options. Attack
swiftly with full force at their weakest
point, take them out quickly before they
have a chance to respond.
DI MENDEZ
Good, and the other option.
JOHN
Fall back, engage in guerilla actions or
get reinforcements.
DI MENDEZ
(With a sigh)
Those are the correct answers... But it
may not be enough to be correct this
time. Sit please.
John sat and the Chief settled next to him on the riser.
DI MENDEZ (CONT'D)
(Whispering)
Surrender... That how ever is never an
option for the likes of you and me. We
don't have the luxury of backing down.
The Chief glanced at Harvest.
DI MENDEZ (CONT'D)
And I don't think an enemy like this will
let us surrender.
JOHN
I think I understand sir.
DI MENDEZ
Make sure you do, and make sure you don't
let anyone else give up... Project
MJOLNIR will make the Spartans into
something... new. Something I could never
forge them into. I can't fully explain...
That dam ONI spook is still here
listening... Just trust Dr. Halsey.
The Chief dug into his jacket pocket.
DI MENDEZ (CONT'D)
I was hoping to see you before they
shipped me out. I have something for you.
He set a small metal disk on the riser between them.
DI MENDEZ (CONT'D)
When you first came here you fought the
trainers when they took this away from
you. Broke a few fingers as I recall.
His chiseled features cracked into a rare smile. John picked
up the disk and examined it. It was an ancient silver coin.
He flipped it between his fingers.
DI MENDEZ (CONT'D)
It has an eagle on one side. That bird is
you... Fast and deadly.
John closed his finger around the quarter.
JOHN
Thank you sir.
Mendez stood.
DI MENDEZ
It has been an honor to serve with you.
Instead of saluting he held out his hand. John got to his
feet and shook the Chief hand.
DI MENDEZ (CONT'D)
Good bye.
He turned briskly on his heel and strode from the room.
INT. 1750 HOURS, NOVEMBER 27, 2525 - UNSC FRIGATE
COMMONWEALTH - BUNK ROOM - SPACE
The screen clicked on as the ship entered normal space. Ice
particles showered the external camera and gave the distant
yellow sun a ghostly ring. The large room had one hundred
beds and thirty two Spartans clustered together, playing
cards, polishing boots, reading, exercising. Sam sparred with
Kelly.
SAM
Stop it.
KELLY
What?
SAM
I hate it when you slow down, come at me
quick.
KELLY (CONT'D)
You asked for it.
With lightning speed Kelly dove right, ran behind Sam, took
hold, then kicked him off, sending Sam flying several feet
and landing before John's bunk.
SAM
Now that's better.
John smiled as he read a data pad the word MJOLNIR attached
to the top. It gave a brief ancient description of the
weapon. "A hammer used by the Norse God of Thunder." Suddenly
a voice blared over the loud speaker.
DR. HALSEY (V.O.)
Spartan 117, report to the bridge
immediately.
John snapped to attention and keyed the intercom.
JOHN
Yes ma'am.
John then turned to Sam.
JOHN (CONT'D)
Get everyone ready in case were needed.
On the double.
SAM
Affirmative... You heard the Petty
Officer. Dog those cards. Get into
uniform soldiers!
John double timed it to the elevator.
INT. UNSC FRIGATE COMMONWEALTH - BRIDGE - PLANET CHI CETI 4 -
SPACE
Every wall had a screen. Some showed stars and the distant
red smear of nebula. Other screens displayed the fusion
reactor, status and spectrums of microwave broadcast in the
system. A brass railing ringed the center of the bridge and
with in sat four Junior Lieutenants at their stations,
navigation, weapons, communications, and ship operations. The
doors to the elevator parted, John stepped out and strode
toward CAPTAIN WALLACE, a black bearded, lean and fit man,
standing firm before a view screen, his right arm crooked
behind his back, his left arm missing from the elbow down.
John halted and saluted the Captain, then nodded at Dr.
Halsey. A few seconds later the Captain returned the favor.
DR. HALSEY
Over here please, I want you to see
something.
John walked across the rubberized deck and gave his full
attention to the screen. It displayed deconvoluted radar
signals. It looked a lot like tangled yarn.
DR. HALSEY (CONT'D)
There.
She pointed to a blip on the screen.
DR. HALSEY (CONT'D)
It's there again.
CAPTAIN WALLACE
That puts our ghost at eighty million
kilometers. Even if it were a ship, it
would take a full hour to get within
weapons range... And besides, it's gone
again.
DR. HALSEY
May I suggest we go to battle stations,
Captain.
CAPTAIN WALLACE
(Condescending)
I don't see the point.
DR. HALSEY
We haven't let this be wildly known, but
when the aliens were first detected at
Harvest, they appeared at extreme
range... And then they were suddenly much
closer.
JOHN
An intrasystem jump?
DR. HALSEY
(With a smile)
Correctly surmised Spartan.
CAPTAIN WALLACE
That's not possible. Slipstream space
can't be navigated that accurately.
DR. HALSEY
You mean, we cannot navigate with that
kind of accuracy.
The Captain clenched and unclenched his jaw.
CAPTAIN WALLACE
General quarters, all hands to battle
stations. Seal bulkheads. I repeat all
hands to battle stations. This is not a
drill. Reactor to ninety nine percent.
Come out to course one two five.
The bridge lights darken to a red hue. The deck rumbled
beneath John's boots and the entire ship tilted as it changed
heading. Pressure doors then slammed shut and sealed John on
the bridge. As the ship settled into its new heading Dr.
Halsey turned to John.
DR. HALSEY
(Whispering)
We'll be using the Commonwealth's
dropship to go to the testing facility on
Chi Citi Four. We have to get to Project
MJOLNIR, before they do. Get the others
ready.
JOHN
Yes ma'am.
John keyed the intercom.
JOHN (CONT'D)
Sam muster the squad in Bay Alpha. I want
that Pelican loaded and ready to go for
drop in fifteen minutes.
SAM (V.O.)
We'll have it done in ten, faster if
those Longsword interceptor pilots get
out of our way.
The radar screen flashed with blobs of eerie green light, and
the collision alarm sounded.
CAPTAIN WALLACE
Brace for impact.
The Captain braced his arm around the brass railing. John
grabbed an emergency handle on the wall as something appeared
three thousand kilometers off the ships prow. It was a sleek
oval, with a single seam running along its lateral edge from
stem to stern. Tiny lights winked on and off along the hull.
A faint purple-tinged glow emitted from the tail. The ship
was only a third the size of the Commonwealth.
DR. HALSEY
A Covenant ship.
CAPTAIN WALLACE
COM officer send a signal to Chi Ceti,
see if they can send us some
reinforcements.
COMMONWEALTH COM OFFICER
Aye sir.
Blue flashes flickered along the hull of the alien ship so
bright they made John's eyes water. The outer hull sizzled
and popped, then the screen filled with static.
COMMONWEALTH LIEUTENANT
Pulse lasers! Communication dish
destroyed. Armor section three and four
at twenty-five percent. Hull breach in
section three, sealing now. Ship AI core
memory overloaded.
CAPTAIN WALLACE
Come to heading zero three zero,
declination one eight zero. Arm archer
missiles pods A through F, and give me a
firing solution.
On screen, pods A through F opened, and launched 180 missiles
at the alien ship. The enemy changed course, rotated so that
the top of the ship faced a path from the Commonwealth to the
alien ship. Archer missiles altered their trajectory to track
the ship, but half their number streaked past the target, a
clean miss. The others impacted and fire covered the skin of
the alien ship.
CAPTAIN WALLACE (CONT'D)
Good work Lieutenant.
The Captain clapped the young officer on the shoulder.
DR. HALSEY
(Frowning)
No wait.
The fire flared then dimmed. The skin of the alien ship
rippled like heat wavering off hot road in the summer. The
alien ship fluttered with a metallic silver sheen, then
brilliant white and the fire faded, revealing the ship
beneath. The alien craft was completely undamaged.
DR. HALSEY (CONT'D)
(Tapping her lower lip)
Energy shields... Even ships this small
have energy shielding.
CAPTAIN WALLACE
Lieutenant, cut main engines and fire
maneuvering thrusters. Rotate and track
so that were pointing at the thing.
COMMONWEALTH NAV OFFICER
Aye aye, sir.
The ships engines slowed and she turned about.
DR. HALSEY
What are you doing Captain.
CAPTAIN WALLACE
Arm the MAC, a heavy round.
COMMONWEALTH WEAPONS OFFICER
MAC capacitors charging.
The Covenant ship turned it's side to the Commonwealth.
CAPTAIN WALLACE
Yes, give me a bigger target.
Pinpoints of blue light glowed and then flared along the
alien hull. The tactical view screens on the ship went dead.
John heard sizzling overhead then the muffled sound of
explosive decompressions.
COMMONWEALTH LIEUTENANT
More pulse laser hits. Armor in section
three through seven down to four
centimeters. Navigation dish destroyed.
Hull breaches on decks two, five, and
nine. We have a leak in port fuel tanks.
Pumping fuel to starboard reserve tanks.
Sealing sections.
John shifted on his feet.
COMMONWEALTH WEAPONS OFFICER
Mac at one hundred percent, ready to
fire.
CAPTAIN WALLACE
Fire!
The lights on the bridge dimmed and the ship shuddered.
Visible on screen was a red hot metal slug moving at thirty
meters per second. The alien ship attempted to veer away but
it was to late. The heavy round slammed into the target's
prow.
The Covenant ship reeled through space, it's energy shield
shimmered and glowed lightning white, then flickered, dimmed,
and went out. The ship crew laid out a victory cheer, except
Dr. Halsey. The alien vessels erratic spinning slowed and it
came to a stop. It's nose was crumpled, and atmosphere vented
as tiny fires flickered inside. The ship came about and
started back toward them.
DR. HALSEY
(To herself)
It should have been destroyed.
The Covenant ship readied to fire again.
CAPTAIN WALLACE
Make ready another heavy round.
COMMONWEALTH WEAPONS OFFICER
Aye, aye. Charge at thirty percent,
firing solution online, sir.
DR. HALSEY
No, evasive maneuvers, Captain, Now!
CAPTAIN WALLACE
I won't have my command second guessed
ma'am... And with respect, Doctor, second
guessed by someone with no combat
experience.
The Captain stiffen and placed his hand behind his back.
CAPTAIN WALLACE (CONT'D)
I can't have you removed because the
bulkheads are sealed, but another
outburst like that, Doctor, and I will
have you gagged.
John looked to Dr. Halsey her face flushed with anger.
COMMONWEALTH WEAPONS OFFICER
Mac at fifty percent charge.
A red light continued to collect along the Covenant ship
until it was a solid band. It brighten.
COMMONWEALTH WEAPONS OFFICER (CONT'D)
Eighty percent charge.
COMMONWEALTH NAV OFFICER
They're turning sir.
COMMONWEALTH WEAPONS OFFICER
Ninety nine percent... One hundred.
CAPTAIN WALLACE
Send them to hates Lieutenant, fire!
The lights dimmed once more and a bolt of metal shot out
toward the alien ship. The Covenant vessel stood its ground,
and the blood red lined that had pooled on it's lateral line
burst forth. It streaked toward the Commonwealth, passing the
Mac round a mere kilometer away. The red light glowed and
pulsed almost as if it were liquid, its edges roiled and
fluttered. It then elongated into a tear drop of ruby light
five meters long.
CAPTAIN WALLACE (CONT'D)
Evasive maneuvers, emergency thrusters to
port.
The massive ship slowly moved outside the coming red light
path. The Mac round struck the alien ship. It's shield
shimmered then disappeared as the ship was sent spinning out
of control. The inbound ball of light moved too. It started
tracking the Commonwealth.
CAPTAIN WALLACE (CONT'D)
Engines full power astern.
The light should have sped past them, instead it arced and
impacted port. The air filled with a popping and sizzling.
The Commonwealth listed to starboard, then rolled completely
over and continued to tumble.
CAPTAIN WALLACE (CONT'D)
Stabilize, starboard thrusters.
COMMONWEALTH LIEUTENANT
Fire reported in sections one through
twenty, decks two through seven in
section one have been melted sir. They're
gone.
It grew noticeably hotter on the bridge as beads of sweat
formed on John's forehead.
COMMONWEALTH LIEUTENANT (CONT'D)
All port armor destroyed. Decks two
through five in section three, four, and
five, are now out of contact, sir. It's
burning through us.
Captain Wallace stood not saying a word, staring at the last
remaining view screen. Dr. Halsey stepped forward.
DR. HALSEY
Respectfully Captain, I suggest that you
alert the crew to get on respirator
packs. Give them thirty seconds then vent
the atmosphere on all decks, except the
bridge.
The COM officer looked to the Captain.
CAPTAIN WALLACE
Do it... Sound the alert.
COMMONWEALTH LIEUTENANT
Deck thirteen destroyed. Fire getting
close to the reactor, hull structure
starting to buckle.
CAPTAIN WALLACE
Vent atmosphere.
COMMONWEALTH LIEUTENANT
Aye, aye sir.
There was a thumping sound through out the hull, then
nothing.
COMMONWEALTH LIEUTENANT (CONT'D)
Fire is dying out. Hull temperature
cooling and stabilizing.
CAPTAIN WALLACE
What the hell did they hit us with.
DR. HALSEY
Plasma, but not any plasma we know...
They can actually guide its trajectory
through space, without any detectable
mechanism, amazing.
COMMONWEALTH GUIDANCE OFFICER
Captain, alien ship is pursuing.
The Covenant ship a red rimmed hole punched through its
center, turned and started toward the Commonwealth.
CAPTAIN WALLACE
How? Ready another Mac heavy round.
COMMONWEALTH WEAPONS OFFICER
(Hesitant)
MAC system destroyed Captain.
CAPTAIN WALLACE
Were sitting ducks then.
DR. HALSEY
Not quite. The Commonwealth carries three
nuclear missiles, correct, Captain?
CAPTAIN WALLACE
A detonation this close would destroy us
as well.
JOHN
Excuse me sir, the alien's tactics thus
far have been unnecessarily vicious, like
those of wild animals. They didn't have
to take that second Mac round while they
fired at us, but they wanted to position
themselves to fire. In my opinion sir,
they would stop and engage anything that
challenged them.
The Captain looked to Dr, Halsey, who shrugged and nodded.
DR. HALSEY
The Longsword interceptors.
The Captain turned his back to them and covered his face with
his one hand. He sighed and nodded, then clicked the
intercom.
CAPTAIN WALLACE
Longsword Squadron Delta, this is the
Captain. Get your ships into the black,
boys, and engage the enemy ship. I need
you to buy us some time. Turn us around,
give me best speed on a vector to Chi
Citi Four orbit.
COMMONWEALTH LIEUTENANT
Coolant leaks in the reactor sir, we can
push the engines to thirty percent, no
more.
CAPTAIN WALLACE
Give me fifty percent, arm one of our
Shiva warheads. Set proximity fuse to one
hundred meters.
COMMONWEALTH WEAPONS OFFICER
Yes sir.
The Commonwealth spun about. Suddenly the spinning slowed,
stopped, and then accelerated.
COMMONWEALTH LIEUTENANT
Reactor red-lining, melt down in twenty
five seconds.
Over the speakers there was a crackle, a hiss of static
LONGSWORD CAPTAIN (V.O.)
Longsword interceptors engaging the
enemy, sir.
On the remaining aft camera, there were flickers of light,
the cold blue strobes of Covenant weapons, and the red-orange
fireballs of Longsword missiles.
CAPTAIN WALLACE
Launch the missile.
COMMONWEALTH LIEUTENANT
Melt down in ten seconds.
COMMONWEALTH WEAPONS OFFICER
Missile away.
A plume of exhaust divided the darkness of space.
COMMONWEALTH LIEUTENANT
Five seconds to meltdown, four, three,
two.
CAPTAIN WALLACE
Shunt dry plasma to space, cut power to
all systems.
The Covenant ship was silhouetted for a split second by pure
white, then the view screen snapped off, and the bridge
lights went dead. John could see everything though. The
bridge officers, Dr. Halsey as she clutched onto the railing,
and Captain Wallace as he saluted the pilots he had just sent
out to die. The hull pinged and rumbled as the shock wave
enveloped them. It grew louder. The noise seemed to go on
forever in the darkness. It faded then it was completely
silent.
CAPTAIN WALLACE (CONT'D)
Power us back up. Slowly give me ten
percent from the reactors if we can
manage.
The bridge lights came on dimly but they worked.
CAPTAIN WALLACE (CONT'D)
Report.
COMMONWEALTH LIEUTENANT
All sensors offline, resetting backup
computers. Hold on, scanning now. Lots of
debris. It's hot back there. All
Longsword interceptors vaporized...
Covenant ship... intact sir.
CAPTAIN WALLACE
(Making a fist)
No.
COMMONWEALTH LIEUTENANT
It's moving off though, very slowly.
CAPTAIN WALLACE
What does it take to destroy one of those
things.
DR. HALSEY
We don't know if your weapons can destroy
them, but at least we know we can slow
them down.
The Captain stood straighter.
CAPTAIN WALLACE
Best speed to the Damascus testing
facility. We will execute a flyby orbit,
and then proceed to a point twenty
million kilometers distant to make
repairs.
DR. HALSEY
Captain, a flyby?
CAPTAIN WALLACE
I have orders to get you to the facility
and retrieve what ever Section Three has
stowed there ma'am. As we fly by, a
dropship will take you and your...
The Captain glanced at John.
CAPTAIN WALLACE (CONT'D)
Crew planet side. If the Covenant ship
returns we will be the bait to lure it
away.
DR. HALSEY
I understand Captain. We'll rendezvous in
orbit no later than 1900 hours.
Dr. Halsey turned to John.
DR. HALSEY (CONT'D)
We need to hurry, we don't have much
time, and there is a great deal I need to
show the Spartans.
JOHN
Yes ma'am.
INT. 1835 HOURS, NOVEMBER 27, 2525 - UNSC DAMASCUS MATERIAL
TESTING FACILITY - UNDERGROUND HANGER - PLANET CHI CETI 4
Confined to the elevator Dr. Halsey and the rest of the
Spartans descend into the depth of the planet. The ride
seemed to go on forever. The door finally slide open, and
they entered into what appeared to be a well lit hanger. The
far end had an obstacle course set up with walls, trenches,
dummy targets, and barbed wire. Three technicians and at
least a dozen AI figures were in the center of the room. Just
beyond them forty Plexiglas mannequins set up in rows. On
each was a suit of armor, much like the one the Spartans
trained against at Reach, but less bulky, more compact. Dr.
Halsey cleared her throat, the technicians turned and the
AI's vanished. John stepped closer to the suits and noticed
they had actually many layers. The outer layer reflected the
overhead lights with a faint green-gold iridescence. It
covered the groin, outer thighs, knees, shins, chest,
shoulders, and forearms. There was a helmet and an integrated
power pack. Underneath were intermeshed layers of matte-black
metal.
DR. HALSEY
Project MJOLNIR.
With a snap of her fingers a holographic schematic of the
armor appeared next to her.
DR. HALSEY (CONT'D)
The armor's shell is a multilayer alloy
of remarkable strength. We recently added
a refractive coating to disperse incoming
energy weapon attacks, to counter our new
enemies.
Dr. Halsey then pointed inside the schematic.
DR. HALSEY (CONT'D)
Each battlesuit also has a gel-filled
layer to regulate temperature. This layer
can reactively change in density. Against
the skin of the operator, there is a
moisture-absorbing cloth suit, and bio
monitors that constantly adjust the suits
temperature and fit.
There's also an on board computer that
interfaces with your standard-issue
neural implant.
She gestured and the schematic collapsed so that it only
displayed the outer layer. As the image changed John glimpsed
vein like microcapillaries, a dense sandwich of optical
crystal, a circulating pump, even what looked like a
miniature fusion cell in the backpack.
DR. HALSEY (CONT'D)
Most importantly, the armor's inner
structure is composed of a new reactive
metal liquid crystal. It is amorphous,
yet fractally scales and amplifies force.
In simplified terms, the armor doubles
the wearer's strength, and enhances the
reaction speed of a normal human by a
factor of five.
She waved her hand through the hologram.
DR. HALSEY (CONT'D)
There is one problem though. This system
is so reactive that our previous test
with unaugmented volunteers ended in...
failure.
Dr. Halsey nodded to one of the technicians. A flat video
appeared in the air, It showed a Marine officer, a
Lieutenant, being fitted with the MJOLNIR armor.
TECH (O.S.)
Power is on, move your right arm please.
The soldiers arm blurred forward with incredible speed. The
Marine's stoic expression collapsed into shock, surprise, and
pain as his arm shattered. He convulsed, shuddered and
screamed. As he jerk in pain John could hear the sounds of
bones breaking. The mans own agony induced spasms were
killing him. The good doctor waved the video away.
DR. HALSEY
Normal humans don't have the reaction
time or strength required to drive this
system. You do, your enhanced musculature
and metal, ceramic layers that have been
boned to your skeleton should be enough
to allow you to harness the armor's
power. There has been, insufficient
computer modeling however. There will be
some risk. You'll have to move very
slowly and deliberately until you get the
feel for the armor and how it works.
And it cannot be powered down, nor can
the response be scaled back. Do you
understand.
SPARTANS
Yes ma'am.
DR. HALSEY
Questions.
JOHN
When do we get to try them, Doctor.
DR. HALSEY
Right now... Any Volunteers?
Every Spartan raised his hand. Dr. Halsey allowed herself a
tiny smile. She surveyed them, and then finally turned to
John.
DR. HALSEY (CONT'D)
You've always been lucky, John, let's go.
John stepped forward and the technicians fitted him as the
others watched them assemble each piece of a giant three
dimensional puzzle.
DR. HALSEY (CONT'D)
Please breath normally but otherwise
please remain absolutely still.
John stood motionless as the armor shifted and melted to the
contours of his form. It heated then cooled, then matched the
temperature of his body. They set the helmet slowly and
carefully over his head.
INT. MJOLNIR ARMOR - CHI CETI 4 - UNDERGROUND HANGER
It was dark for a second then, bright, a second later it was
as clear as day, and John could see and hear Dr. Halsey
before him. In that instance a health monitor, motion sensor,
suit status indicator pulsed to life. A targeting reticle
followed and flickered on the heads up display.
DR. HALSEY (O.S.)
Okay everybody move back.
John still perfectly still looked to his motion sensor as his
teammates formed a three meter wide circle around him.
Looking ahead John could see the concern and curiosity of the
Spartans before him, just behind Dr. Halsey.
DR. HALSEY (CONT'D)
Listen to me carefully John, I just want
you to think, and only think, about
moving your arm up to chest level. Stay
relaxed.
Suddenly with lightning speed John willed his arm to move,
and his hand and forearm sprang forward to chest level. The
Spartans gasped. Sam applauded, and Kelly was impressed. Over
the course of fifteen minutes Dr. Halsey coached John through
the motions, turn, lift, crouch, walk, jump, and last run.
DR. HALSEY (CONT'D)
Good Job. Now Petty Officer run through
the obstacle course.
John snapped a salute without thinking, his hand bounced off
the helmet, and a dull ache throbbed in his hand.
DR. HALSEY (CONT'D)
Carefully, Petty Officer, very carefully,
please.
JOHN
Yes ma'am
DR. HALSEY
We will proceed to fit the other
Spartans, we don't have a great deal of
time left.
John turned to the obstacle course and focused his mind on
motion, and he ran, jumped, and punched his way around the
course. He threw knives, sinking them up to their hafts into
target dummies. He slid under barbed wire as bullets zinged
over his head. He even stood up and allowed the bullets to
hit him, and to his amazement John even dodged a bullet or
two. As he went through the final leg of the course a half
mile sprint he was surprised by a fast moving object,
friendly by the motion sensor readings, but coming up quick.
John turned.
KELLY
Come on slow poke.
Kelly whizzed by at superhuman speed.
JOHN
Kelly...
Before he could finish Kelly went full force into the bunkers
concrete wall. John ran over, and was their almost instantly.
JOHN (CONT'D)
You all right.
John attempted to help Kelly up and shot her over his head.
KELLY
You know what, next time I'll help
myself.
JOHN
These suits are going to take some
getting use to.
KELLY
Yeah, your telling me.
John turned and surveyed the rest of the Spartans as they ran
the obstacle course. Everyone ran awkwardly through the
obstacles, with little if no coordination. John ran the last
leg of the course and met with Dr. Halsey.
DR. HALSEY
So.
JOHN
Amazing, but I'm worried for myself and
my team.
Dr. Halsey turned and surveyed the other Spartans.
DR. HALSEY
All you need is time.
As John thought of his team, his suit tagged and monitored
the rest of the MJOLNIR suits.
JOHN
That's interesting.
DR. HALSEY
Yes John.
JOHN
I thought of the team, and now I'm
tracking every single one of them on my
HUD.
DR. HALSEY
If you concentrate hard enough on one
person, you can open a secured com
channel to him or her.
Over the hanger speakers Dr. Halsey spoke to the others.
DR. HALSEY (CONT'D)
Spartans, so far so good. If anyone is
experiencing difficulties with the suit
or its controls, please report in.
SAM
I think I'm in love... Oh sorry ma'am, I
didn't think that was an open channel.
KELLY
Flawless application of speed and power,
it's like I've been training in this suit
for years.
JOHN
So I take it we get to keep them ma'am.
DR. HALSEY
Your the only ones who can use them Petty
Officer. Who else could we give them to.
We...
A technician walked over with a headset and handed it to Dr.
Halsey.
DR. HALSEY (CONT'D)
A moment please... Report Captain.
CAPTAIN WALLACE
We have enemy contact.
DR. HALSEY
The Covenant vessel is back.
CAPTAIN WALLACE
Yes doctor, and he's got friends. Two
more undamaged ships of the same design
just jumped in system.
DR. HALSEY
Your repair status.
CAPTAIN DE BLANC
Long range communications inoperable,
slipstream generators offline. MAC system
destroyed. We have two Fusion missiles,
and twenty Archer missile pods intact,
armor plating is at twenty percent...
There was a long hiss of static.
CAPTAIN WALLACE
If you need more time... I can try to
draw them away.
DR. HALSEY
No Captain, your no match for one ship in
your condition, let alone three.
CAPTAIN WALLACE
Hold on ma'am, the other two ships are
veering off, it seems to have locked on
to your transmission. Moving to
intercept.
DR. HALSEY
That's a suicide mission Captain.
CAPTAIN WALLACE
What other choice do we have doctor.
JOHN (O.S.)
Ma'am.
Dr. Halsey turned to face John, and saw him and his team
formed up, and ready for action.
DR. HALSEY
We fight... and this time we win.
EXT. CHI CETI 4 - FACILITY HANGER - NIGHT
Surrounded by forest, a huge hanger capable of holding two
747 stands out like a sore thumb under the scrutiny of
massive flood lights. Over head the massive alien transports
do a flyby, then continue to just beyond the tree cover,
hover for a second, then begin to slowly descend. The sound
of trees snapping, is heard, and flames arise from the
surrounding area as the engines burn the forest around.
DR. HALSEY (V.O.)
We have much to do.
JOHN (V.O.)
We'll give you all the time you need
ma'am.
DR. HALSEY (V.O.)
Weapons locker is that way, you should
find anything you need their.
JOHN (V.O.)
You heard her, gear up.
DR. HALSEY (V.O.)
Be careful.
JOHN (V.O.)
Always.
From the fires of the forest around eighty little grunts
emerge, with twenty JAKELS, a race of vulture like aliens, a
meter and a half tall, with knobby scaled skin mottled
yellow, and purple yellow, fins running along the crest of
it's skull, and forearms. They stand along side the grunts
holding phosphorescent colored energy shields. The aliens
look back as the hanger doors slowly open, to the seven
ELITES, three meter tall, fully armored, snake black skinned
aliens, each one in different colored armor, who continued to
the front of the group. JARES the gold armor elite looked to
his officer in red armor, then to grunts below, weapons
shaking with fear, and last to the now fully open hanger.
Just beyond the hanger doors were thirty-two clustered
Spartans holding their M2B5 assault rifles. Jares was taken
back buy the armored Spartans, but only for a second.
JARES
(In English)
Fiiiirrrr...
BANG, the elites head burst into chunks, of bone, blood, and
brain matter over his subordinates. The grunts screamed in
fear, and then the two more elites fell, their head split
open by a 45mm round. The remaining three elites yelled in
their alien language and the grunts ran for the hanger guns
blazing, the Jakel's followed alongside the Elites.
JOHN
Jackhammers.
Ten Spartans pulled up ahead of John, each one holding a
missile launchers.
JOHN (CONT'D)
Fire.
Ten simultaneous plums of smoke screamed their way to the
advancing covenant force, and detonated in an orangy,
concrete breaking, smoke making blast. Discernible bodies
parts flew every witch way, but the little bastards, and the
vultures under the elites coaxing continued the advance.
SAM
Weapons at the ready.
JOHN
No, wait. Linda your up again. Take out
the last three tall ones.
Perched atop the hanger Linda fired three successive shots,
and the three remaining Elites fell limp, a hole in each one
of their heads.
GRUNT
Retreat!
Even faster than they advanced they aliens retreated back
into the tree cover.
JOHN
Cut them down to size.
John raised his weapon, and fired alongside his teammates.
Methane tanks exploded and bodies followed. The Spartans
continued shredding the little bastards bodies, and peppering
their vulture like counter parts, allowing only a dozen or so
back into the tree line. The Spartans stood weapons steady
aimed at the trees.
JOHN (CONT'D)
Linda.
LINDA
All clear.
Seconds later the two alien ships rose from within the trees
and shotgunned it out system. The Spartans cheered.
DR. HALSEY
John, Captain Wallace reports the third
enemy ship is nearing weapons range, he
won't be able to out run it much longer.
JOHN
Understood ma'am.
John turned to his Spartans as Linda jumped down, shattering
the concrete beneath her.
JOHN (CONT'D)
Fights not over.
John cocked his weapon.
JOHN (CONT'D)
We still got a job to do.
FADE TO BLACK.
THE END