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48 kilometers from Karakura

Installation 0 “The Greater Ark”

Corporal Ramirez carefully stepped through the forest floor trying desperately to not make any noise. Every movement he made was slow and deliberate to make sure that he didn't draw attention to himself in the silent forest. He was trying to stay calm, but his heart rate was racing as he draw in closer to his target. If he was successful he would have a rare bragging right that few marines could ever claim.

But before he could succeed he felt a hand on his shoulder, he quickly turned around to see the other Spartan had snuck up behind him. He had failed at his personal objective, he thought if he could have snuck up on the other Spartan, it would have proven he was more then the average solider.

“What's the status marine,” said Jacqueline O'Connor who had her back to Ramirez. Spartan Cephon, who had her hand on the marine nodded a gesture to answer the Spartan.

“Sergeant Popov is his way mama,” answered the Ramirez who was starting to get nervous.

“At ease Corporal,” said Jacqueline as she faced the rather green marine, “take us to him.”

“Yes, mama,” answered Ramirez.

“By the way Corporal, you are to address us as Spartans,” corrected Jacqueline, “Not mama or sir.”

Fort Destiny

Installation 0 “The Greater Ark”

“Captain Elders,” said a voice behind Paul.

“Yes,” said Paul Elders as he turned around to see a Flight Lieutenant and another female UNSC officer.

“You're Flight Lieutenant Sanders, you were part of the UNSC Serenity,” said Captain Elders remembering her face.

“Yes, I am,” answered Sanders who turned to her companion and introduced her, “this is Alix Brahms, she was the Yeoman aboard Serenity.”

“Glad to meet you,” greeted Paul, “What can I help you two with?”

“We'd like you to look over something, Captain” said Sanders as she handed him a digital pad.

“Ah your reassignments to my crew,” said Paul Elders.

“Yes, I thought we were assign to Delta Team,” asked Sanders.

“In away you still are,” answered Paul, “It's kinda complicated.”

“Would you mind quickly explaining it Captain,” asked Alix.

“Commander Hamm, is still your commander,” began Paul stumbling over the dropping of the word 'commander' so tightly together, “Hamm is the Mission Commander, which puts him directly in charge of Fireteam Delta, and indirectly so does the entire ship crew to what ever ship is assign to him.”

“So will we be receiving orders from him,” asked Sanders trying to clarify the current standings.

“No, not exactly, you will be receiving orders from me” answered Paul, “But I receive orders from Commander Hamm when it concerns to missions.”

“Could you give me an example Captain,” asked Alix wanting to get a grasp on the complicated situation.

“Well let me see,” thought Paul, “Commander Hamm would accept a mission to attack some Kig-Yar pirate outpost for example. He can order me to get us there, but I get to decided what route and method we get there. He then can order us to attack the outpost, but I make the decision to use Longswords, Shortswords, or whatever deployment of Marines to accomplishment. For the most part I work out the details and such.”

“This sounds like there could be a lot of potential for conflicts,” stated Alix who was thinking that such a command arrangement would problematic.

“In some cases, actually in a lot of cases it would be,” agreed Paul, “But this isn't the first time Commander Hamm and I have worked under these arrangements.”

“Actually Tom and Sarah on the Infinity work under similar arrangements,” added Paul who didn't think the two UNSC officers quite bought his argument, “Except Bacon gets the last word instead of me.”

“Okay,” said Sanders and Brahms slowly who were still not fully convinced.

“Come with me,” Paul invited, “I am sure I can explain it over some coffee or tea.”

48 kilometers from Karakura

Installation 0 “The Greater Ark”

“Sergeant Polov,” said Jacqueline O'Connor as she set her rifle down by a rock and got on her belly to join the Sergeant. The two were placed on a rock ledge that overlooked a valley, above them was the CCS-Cruiser that was being shielded by an optical camouflage.

“Well as you can see Spartan,” said Sergeant Polov who handed Jacqueline his SRS99-S5 Rifle, “We have a small invasion force on Installation Zero.”

“That's odd,” said Jacqueline as she peered through the scope.

“The armor plating and colors on those vehicles,” finished Polov, “It looks like they just slabbed metal on those Wraiths and Ghosts.”

“Have you seen any sort leadership,” asked O'Connor.

“A few Brutes, a surprising low number of Unggoy,” commented Polov.

“We are going to have to call in some of the heavy guns to deal with this threat,” said Jacqueline O'Connor looking at the surprising amount of force that was gathering on the Ark.

“We better hurry, it looks like they are building an outpost out here, they already have AA placements up.”

“Then we better get back soon, this looks to be getting more difficult,” said Ava.

“What's that over there,” asked Ava who crawled her way up to join them.

Jacqueline looked up from the rifle and saw the structure that Ava was asking about, she refocused the long range rifle on the structure.

“Oh no,” said Jacqueline, “Those are Type-27 Mantis, those things are capable of doing some heavy damage even to capital ships.”

“So they have us pretty much locked into a ground battle,” stated Polov.

“Looks like it,” agreed Jacqueline, “this terrain is going to make it hard to move any ground units too.”

“What about the interference,” asked Polov, “Won't that also cause problems with long range artillery too.”

“That's true,” said Jacqueline, “we will need an organized strike team to take out the jammer that is cauing the interference. If we can find the jammer, we should be able to take it out with a Stanchion.”

“Will its optics work with the interference,” asked Polov.

Jacqueline looked around and noticed that everyone in the group were dependent on projection sighting, the holographic augmented reality sighting system. Both Jacqueline and Commander Hamm greatly believed on not relying on the system too much, not only due to the lower accuracy performance of the system, but also due to it's high susceptibility to electronic interference.

“No, the optics system in closed,” answered Jacqueline, “the jammer doesn't effect closed system optics, you'll just lose your smart link with your glasses.”

“Oh, right,” said Polov who clearly had become over dependent on technology.

Cafe 44, Fort Destiny

Installation 0 “The Greater Ark”

“Paul,” shouted Commander Hamm, “and Sanders and Brahms.”

Captain Elders, followed by Officers Sanders and Brahms joined the Commander Hamm and Lieutenant Commander Willmore are a small table in the corner. The waitress greeted the new guest and took their order. Commander Hamm stared in confusion of what Sanders and Brahms were there, especially after the last discussion with Sanders.

“So, how does the ship hunt go,” asked Alan as he took a drink of his tea.

“Well good news,” said Paul with excitement, “We have a ship.”

“And the bad news,” asked Roy pessimistically.

“Well right now we have absolutely no idea what it is,” answered Paul.

“Absolutely no idea,” replied Roy not fully believing that Paul would not have some sort of small clue.

“Well I was told to pick a rooster for the crew of two hundred and fifty, a battalion of marines and some ODSTs would be assigned to me from HQ.”

“That's odd,” commented Alan, “A crew size just a tad over that of a Frigate with a compliment of near that of a light Cruiser...”

“Maybe it's a Destroyer,” added Roy.

“Destroyer has a much larger crew compliment of around five hundred,” said Alan.

“Not necessarily anymore,” interrupted Paul, “part of the Master of Olympus project was to test new automation systems to lower maintenance.”

“How do you lower maintenance,” asked Alan,

“Simple constant monitoring system with a dumb AI made a huge difference,” explained Paul, “also we added automated cleaning and maintenance systems to relieve human labor.”

“Or alien labor,” corrected Roy.

“Yes any labor,” agreed Paul, “you still need someone to look over everything and maintain things once and awhile, but it is a lot less then what it used to be.”

“How much more efficient our these new systems,” asked Roy.

“Its kinda a night and day difference,” answered Paul, “pair it with some Engineers and you got one heck of a system.”

“Well as nice as that sounds,” said Roy getting back to the reality of their situation, “I doubt that is the case, it sounds a lot more like we are getting an old Charon-Class Frigate, or something smaller and the Marine compliment is actually going to be lower.”

“Yeah, it does,” agreed Paul.

The waitress of the cafe brought out the drinks to the three that had joined the group late. Alix Brahms broke the silence after the drinks were served, “Well at least we are all together.”

“True, best to keep the team as much together as we can,” agreed Hamm, “and we are getting Paul back, which is great.”

“Yeah, I'd gladly trade in the stealth frigate to have you back with us,” said Alan.

“Thanks guys, it is good to be back,” said Paul.

END OF CHAPTER

Next Chapter: www.deviantart.com/halodarkage…

Credits: www.deviantart.com/halodarkage…

Description

Previous Chapter: www.deviantart.com/halodarkage…

48 kilometers from Karakura

Installation 0 “The Greater Ark”

Corporal Ramirez carefully stepped through the forest floor trying desperately to not make any noise. Every movement he made was slow and deliberate to make sure that he didn't draw attention to himself in the silent forest. He was trying to stay calm, but his heart rate was racing as he draw in closer to his target. If he was successful he would have a rare bragging right that few marines could ever claim.

But before he could succeed he felt a hand on his shoulder, he quickly turned around to see the other Spartan had snuck up behind him. He had failed at his personal objective, he thought if he could have snuck up on the other Spartan, it would have proven he was more then the average solider.

“What's the status marine,” said Jacqueline O'Connor who had her back to Ramirez. Spartan Cephon, who had her hand on the marine nodded a gesture to answer the Spartan.

“Sergeant Popov is his way mama,” answered the Ramirez who was starting to get nervous.

“At ease Corporal,” said Jacqueline as she faced the rather green marine, “take us to him.”

“Yes, mama,” answered Ramirez.

“By the way Corporal, you are to address us as Spartans,” corrected Jacqueline, “Not mama or sir.”

Fort Destiny

Installation 0 “The Greater Ark”

“Captain Elders,” said a voice behind Paul.

“Yes,” said Paul Elders as he turned around to see a Flight Lieutenant and another female UNSC officer.

“You're Flight Lieutenant Sanders, you were part of the UNSC Serenity,” said Captain Elders remembering her face.

“Yes, I am,” answered Sanders who turned to her companion and introduced her, “this is Alix Brahms, she was the Yeoman aboard Serenity.”

“Glad to meet you,” greeted Paul, “What can I help you two with?”

“We'd like you to look over something, Captain” said Sanders as she handed him a digital pad.

“Ah your reassignments to my crew,” said Paul Elders.

“Yes, I thought we were assign to Delta Team,” asked Sanders.

“In away you still are,” answered Paul, “It's kinda complicated.”

“Would you mind quickly explaining it Captain,” asked Alix.

“Commander Hamm, is still your commander,” began Paul stumbling over the dropping of the word 'commander' so tightly together, “Hamm is the Mission Commander, which puts him directly in charge of Fireteam Delta, and indirectly so does the entire ship crew to what ever ship is assign to him.”

“So will we be receiving orders from him,” asked Sanders trying to clarify the current standings.

“No, not exactly, you will be receiving orders from me” answered Paul, “But I receive orders from Commander Hamm when it concerns to missions.”

“Could you give me an example Captain,” asked Alix wanting to get a grasp on the complicated situation.

“Well let me see,” thought Paul, “Commander Hamm would accept a mission to attack some Kig-Yar pirate outpost for example. He can order me to get us there, but I get to decided what route and method we get there. He then can order us to attack the outpost, but I make the decision to use Longswords, Shortswords, or whatever deployment of Marines to accomplishment. For the most part I work out the details and such.”

“This sounds like there could be a lot of potential for conflicts,” stated Alix who was thinking that such a command arrangement would problematic.

“In some cases, actually in a lot of cases it would be,” agreed Paul, “But this isn't the first time Commander Hamm and I have worked under these arrangements.”

“Actually Tom and Sarah on the Infinity work under similar arrangements,” added Paul who didn't think the two UNSC officers quite bought his argument, “Except Bacon gets the last word instead of me.”

“Okay,” said Sanders and Brahms slowly who were still not fully convinced.

“Come with me,” Paul invited, “I am sure I can explain it over some coffee or tea.”

48 kilometers from Karakura

Installation 0 “The Greater Ark”

“Sergeant Polov,” said Jacqueline O'Connor as she set her rifle down by a rock and got on her belly to join the Sergeant. The two were placed on a rock ledge that overlooked a valley, above them was the CCS-Cruiser that was being shielded by an optical camouflage.

“Well as you can see Spartan,” said Sergeant Polov who handed Jacqueline his SRS99-S5 Rifle, “We have a small invasion force on Installation Zero.”

“That's odd,” said Jacqueline as she peered through the scope.

“The armor plating and colors on those vehicles,” finished Polov, “It looks like they just slabbed metal on those Wraiths and Ghosts.”

“Have you seen any sort leadership,” asked O'Connor.

“A few Brutes, a surprising low number of Unggoy,” commented Polov.

“We are going to have to call in some of the heavy guns to deal with this threat,” said Jacqueline O'Connor looking at the surprising amount of force that was gathering on the Ark.

“We better hurry, it looks like they are building an outpost out here, they already have AA placements up.”

“Then we better get back soon, this looks to be getting more difficult,” said Ava.

“What's that over there,” asked Ava who crawled her way up to join them.

Jacqueline looked up from the rifle and saw the structure that Ava was asking about, she refocused the long range rifle on the structure.

“Oh no,” said Jacqueline, “Those are Type-27 Mantis, those things are capable of doing some heavy damage even to capital ships.”

“So they have us pretty much locked into a ground battle,” stated Polov.

“Looks like it,” agreed Jacqueline, “this terrain is going to make it hard to move any ground units too.”

“What about the interference,” asked Polov, “Won't that also cause problems with long range artillery too.”

“That's true,” said Jacqueline, “we will need an organized strike team to take out the jammer that is cauing the interference. If we can find the jammer, we should be able to take it out with a Stanchion.”

“Will its optics work with the interference,” asked Polov.

Jacqueline looked around and noticed that everyone in the group were dependent on projection sighting, the holographic augmented reality sighting system. Both Jacqueline and Commander Hamm greatly believed on not relying on the system too much, not only due to the lower accuracy performance of the system, but also due to it's high susceptibility to electronic interference.

“No, the optics system in closed,” answered Jacqueline, “the jammer doesn't effect closed system optics, you'll just lose your smart link with your glasses.”

“Oh, right,” said Polov who clearly had become over dependent on technology.

Cafe 44, Fort Destiny

Installation 0 “The Greater Ark”

“Paul,” shouted Commander Hamm, “and Sanders and Brahms.”

Captain Elders, followed by Officers Sanders and Brahms joined the Commander Hamm and Lieutenant Commander Willmore are a small table in the corner. The waitress greeted the new guest and took their order. Commander Hamm stared in confusion of what Sanders and Brahms were there, especially after the last discussion with Sanders.

“So, how does the ship hunt go,” asked Alan as he took a drink of his tea.

“Well good news,” said Paul with excitement, “We have a ship.”

“And the bad news,” asked Roy pessimistically.

“Well right now we have absolutely no idea what it is,” answered Paul.

“Absolutely no idea,” replied Roy not fully believing that Paul would not have some sort of small clue.

“Well I was told to pick a rooster for the crew of two hundred and fifty, a battalion of marines and some ODSTs would be assigned to me from HQ.”

“That's odd,” commented Alan, “A crew size just a tad over that of a Frigate with a compliment of near that of a light Cruiser...”

“Maybe it's a Destroyer,” added Roy.

“Destroyer has a much larger crew compliment of around five hundred,” said Alan.

“Not necessarily anymore,” interrupted Paul, “part of the Master of Olympus project was to test new automation systems to lower maintenance.”

“How do you lower maintenance,” asked Alan,

“Simple constant monitoring system with a dumb AI made a huge difference,” explained Paul, “also we added automated cleaning and maintenance systems to relieve human labor.”

“Or alien labor,” corrected Roy.

“Yes any labor,” agreed Paul, “you still need someone to look over everything and maintain things once and awhile, but it is a lot less then what it used to be.”

“How much more efficient our these new systems,” asked Roy.

“Its kinda a night and day difference,” answered Paul, “pair it with some Engineers and you got one heck of a system.”

“Well as nice as that sounds,” said Roy getting back to the reality of their situation, “I doubt that is the case, it sounds a lot more like we are getting an old Charon-Class Frigate, or something smaller and the Marine compliment is actually going to be lower.”

“Yeah, it does,” agreed Paul.

The waitress of the cafe brought out the drinks to the three that had joined the group late. Alix Brahms broke the silence after the drinks were served, “Well at least we are all together.”

“True, best to keep the team as much together as we can,” agreed Hamm, “and we are getting Paul back, which is great.”

“Yeah, I'd gladly trade in the stealth frigate to have you back with us,” said Alan.

“Thanks guys, it is good to be back,” said Paul.

END OF CHAPTER

Next Chapter: www.deviantart.com/halodarkage…

Credits: www.deviantart.com/halodarkage…