HRP Second Story Chapter 1

=By now, Zuka and his squad had moved on towards the center of the City. At this time, they were sitting on the eighteenth floor of an office building, waiting for a rumored group of ODST's to come by. For now they simply watched and waited=

I'd been thinking.
"Where tbe fuck were the covvies that killed that spartan? They cany't befar, right?"

I watched as other marines guided the mass to the ship. I knew we didn't have much time so I rushed to the cafeteria to get some grub. I entered the mess hall and saw that there was a line. I didn't have be luxury of waiting, I stealthly ran up to the front of the line and grabbed some silver packaged squares, about as much as I could grabbed and started stuffing my pockets with them.

"Hey! What do you think you're doing?!"

With some bread in my mouth I proclaimed.

I got buisness ladies. Can't wait.

I heard some chuckles behind me. So guy still laughing.

"Can't wait my ass! Haha!"

Matthias watched Dante run off for a quick bite of food. Marik was fine with it. He told some of the others to follow him if need be. A few did, they got back faster than Dante. Not sure how, considering he ran. As soon as everyone got back 7 Echo lined up and we were given a new sector. I could feel adrenalin slowly entering my system. I closed my eyes. The transport began taking off, another was enroute, it should be at the pad by the time we return.

Heading back to the city is going to be a pain.

7 Echo had 14 members. 7 Echo 1, Marik, was Echo's leader. Head of the platoon. Whatever. He was the highest ranking officer, and we listened to him. Honestly, he was the only platoon leader I've had, so I didn't have much to go on. 7 Echo 2, "Radioman" as we nicknamed him. He was the guy who carried the radio into combat, to make our equivalent of long distance calls. It's also how we kept in touch with the rest of the military, listening to what other platoons, squads, whoever were saying. 7 Echo 3, Jaysin, was our medic. He was a talker, not like the rookie, but he had stories to tell. 7 Echo 4, Astra, she was a marksman like me, but not a sniper like me. She was on the fast track to being a commando before we were attacked. We competed in the firing range occasionally. 7 Echo 5, Dante, my good friend. Explosive munitions expert. He likes the "boom boom". 7 Echo 6, Gonzales' little brother. We called him "Li'l G" because he was Gonzales, our former number 9s, younger brother. He enlisted a year after Gonzales did. Then there's me, 7 Echo 7, the sniper. 7 Echo 8 is our back-up medic, for when we split up really. She doesn't take well to violence. I'm still curious as to why she joined the marines in the first place. 7 Echo 9, the new guy. Justin Morrocalie, twenty-one years old, white male. He's the youngest on our team. His file had him pegged in stealth, demolition, driving and precision. That's probably what he wants to be. I don't know, I don't get a very good vibe from him. He replaced a good friend of mine, Gonzales. He was one of the oldest members of our team. He was shot by terrorists nearly a year ago. He was off duty, at his home. It was terrible. There's word on the underground that the terrorists are still here, planetside. 7 Echo 10 is Maurice Middleson. He's a joker, a lover, and one helluva fighter. He's also an asshole sometimes, but we're friends. 7 Echo 11, Mikael, his last name is old hebrew, I can't pronounce it for shit. He's another grunt, semi-decent with most guns. 7 Echo 12, 13, and 14, Madison, Kimberly, Shauna. All basic grunts. Good with a lot of things, not really specialized in anything. We've been together for years now.

*7E is the abbreviated form of 7 Echo, so 7E1 is 7 Echo 1, or Marik.*

The platoon begins heading back to the city, mostly in transport warthogs (warthogs without gunner seats). Madison was driving the one that I sat in. 7E1 "Marik" was in the passenger seat, giving orders. Dante was sitting in a 'Hog behind me. 7E6 and 7E4, "Li'l G" and "Astra" sat in the back of the hog with me. I set my assault rifle to single shot, and then to burst fire, and then back to fully automatic. The safety was still on. Astra was talking to Li'l G about something non-mission related. He laughed occasionally. They got along fairly well. It wouldn't surprise me if they were secretly dating, against regulations. My mind was elsewhere, every point of interest we passed, every tree, every building, every minute detail we passed was a point of cover, killzone, nest. My head was in the game. I wasn't in the mood to talk, most of my team picked up on that right away. Maurice didn't, or he didn't care. It was kind of funny sometimes...

I was in the 'hog behind Mathews, Dante, Marik, and the rest I honestly didn't know. I was in the back fiddling with my gun. I try to contact Mathews, Dante, or Marik on comms.

"What is our new objective again?"

I was still eating as I sat in the Warthog. I was sitting in the back with 7E13 and 14, two of the three grunge sisters. The grunge sister consisted of 7E12 Madison, 7E13 Kimberly, and 7E14 Shauna. They were called the grunge sisters not in the literal sense, but more in the metaphorical sense. These three usually take the more in your face assignment, assignments that marine try to miss. But don't get me wrong, for being just grunts they are a unbeatable bunch and they always have each others six. Everyone on Seven Echo has come to hold deep respect for them. 7E2 Radioman was in the passenger seat and 7E10 otherwise known as Maurice. Maurice had a dark and dry humor which made him little friends. I personally loved his joking, but others don't see that. I looked at radioman, he was doing what he usually does and that is tinkering with random electronics on his gear. He always did this. I think is OCD or something. The sisters were rambling on about some new band they heard. I closed my eye and tilted my head back, the breeze had picked up and I was enjoying the chilled brush of wind on my head. I look another bite of my bar and started to hum.

I closed my eyes. Splashes of red. pools of crimson. a bed of roses. I sighed. I set my gun on my lap and put my hands together in prayer.

Almighty Father, whose command is over all and whose love never fails, make me aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy will. Keep me true to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose and deed and helping me to live so that I can face my fellow Marines, my loved ones, and Thee without shame or fear. Protect my family.

Give me the will to do the work of a Marine and to accept my share of responsibilities with vigor and enthusiasm. Grant me the courage to be proficient in my daily performance. Keep me loyal and faithful to my superiors and to the duties my Country and the Marine Corps have entrusted to me. Help me to wear my uniform with dignity, and let it remind me daily of the traditions which I must uphold.

If I am inclined to doubt, steady my faith; if I am tempted, make me strong to resist; if I should miss the mark, give me courage to try again.

Guide me with the light of truth and grant me wisdom by which I may understand the answer to my prayer. Amen

I opened my eyes. I had mouthed the words to the prayer, but not said them aloud. I had a feeling in my gut. It sank into the bowels of the planet, or so it felt. I could feel my body preparing for sudden movement. Reflexes are being primed. I take up my rifle and sling it around my neck.

I open my eyes at the sound of the rook over the intercom. I chuckle as do the others. Maurice turns around and looks at me.

"Damn these rookies eh, can never keep up."

I was about to reply when Radioman pitched in.

Remember when you first joined.

"Hey don't even bring that up."

Well give him some slack, it's not everyday that your first mission is to evac civilians from the alien threat.

Maurice turns around and says some words under his breath. He was clearly beaten. but a bit surprising. It is rare for radioman to join in on the banter. Funny though.

Aha someone finally shut you up eh.

I grab the mic and reply.

Hey rook here is a hint. Pay attention.

I sigh.

"That doesn't answer me question. What is our objective? We went from going on foot to on 'hogs."

I can see one of the sisters shaking her head. A smirk comes across my face.

We are going back in, but further. Same objective as before.

I nod, but they cannot see it.

"Escort civilians to safety again? Another completed mission."

"Alright everyone, we're getting closer. Just a little bit further."
The Marine captain calls out to the crowd, also reassuring his men without noticing.

As we started to enter the cleared part of the city, Marik began talking to the team. "We're about a klick away from our objective. We'll be there in five minutes, so get ready to hit the ground."

"Hit the Ground." he said, expecting danger most likely...

"We're gonna have to keep an eye on our six. 4, 7, that means you. I don't want to get boxed in."

Astra+Matt, "Yes sir!"

At least I'd have my spotter with me then. Astra, aside from being a decent marksman, was also my spotter. She points them out, I pull the trigger...

She spoke up, "Alright Matty, it'll be you and me in the back." She laughed a little bit at our private jest. I gave a wry smile, "try not to get too frisky..." she laughed a bit more. It was a playful laugh. I thought of rose petals in a meadow when she laughed. I brightened my mood. I was still in "kill mode" but I wasn't as dark. She'd been my spotter when I went to sniper training. She was technically a sniper for the team as well, but she opted for me to take the primary title. I had a hunch as to why, I'd ask her later.

Marik continued speaking, "... 5, Dante, I want you in front watching for explosive traps, 12, 13 and 14 cover the left flank when able, 8, 9, 10 cover the right. 3, walk up front with Dante. 2, you know what you're doing."

I looked at the passing scenery. The now empty buildings cast their shadows onto the street. The sector we had been in was filled with apartments and small shops, with some firms in the area. The next sector was more... industrial. Kynaui was the city's name. It had large buildings, especially in the center of the city. I had practically grown up here. As a kid I had wandered the streets at night, it was safe enough, I suppose. Probably because almost everybody owned a gun. Or maybe they didn't, as a child a few people were the world...

* 7 Echo
7E1-Marik, leader
7E2 - Radioman, communications (aka radioman)
7E3 -Jaysin, medic
7E4 -Astra, marsman -spotter
7E5- Dante, explosives/driver
7E6 -Li'l G -better grunt
7E7 -Matt, sniper
7E8 - Marissa, back-up medic
7E9 -Justin grunt/driver?
7E10 -Maurice -infantry
7E11 -Mikael -infantry
7E12 -Madison -infantry
7E13 -Kimberly -infantry
7E14 -Shauna -infantry

I listened to Marik as he spoke to us. It was hinted at that we might get into a skirmish. At least I would be busy during this one. I always liked things that go boom, it was the simplicity of it, I guess. A voice caught my attention so I looked up. It was Maurice....again and in this mimicy voice

"Oh Matty you are my scope to my rifle. You are the laser pointer to my tri-pod, the crow to my nest. Hahahaha."

He must have heard them in the background, damn he had good ears. Or did I have bad ears...nevermind. One of the sisters nudged me.

"I guess we are to take your lead."

Yup. Should be easy work.

She nodded and returned to their previous conversation.

I sat in the back of the 'hog quiet the entire time. The people in the same 'hog as me were quiet too, for the most part. I tried to start a few conversations, but the most I got was "Yeah" or "Meh." I comm the others.

"The weather is getting pretty chilly, huh?"

Epsilon Eridani IV. The Insurrection was still active here. Not strong, but still active. Started back in 2494, 58 years ago. With an impending covenant attack, We don't have to worry about them trying anything. Hopefully. A small of C12 was reported missing a few weeks ago, back in June. The Military Police have had shit luck finding anything out though...

Half a Klick in to our objective I saw smoke on the horizon. I couldn't see it clearly, buildings blocking my view, but it looked like a small ship crashed into a building.

Hope no one was in the building when it got hit...

My eyes trailed off, my imagination started to mess with me. I thought I could smell bodies burning. I shook my head. It was just my imagination.

I think I know why my imagination was bring up that smell. A while back, not sure when, we had a mission to hunt down some insurrectionist terrorists. It went over pretty smoothly, they were well equipped, but poorly trained. I had shot a gas tank, or something, it ignited and covered 4 of them in flames, burning them alive. I could still smell it. I breathed in deep. Li'l G gave me a weary look. I closed my eyes and gave a slight nod. He understood. I checked the magazine in my rifle again, habit, I suppose. I wasn't nervous, not truly, I was anxious.

Well, the Captain was way off. We're actually nowhere near the base. Today is going to be a long one.

Before Ellie could reply, we were interrupted. A small particle beam fired at us from one of the building floors. I skidded to a halt and dived behind a news-stand.

FUCK. Did you get a look on which floor that came from?

Ellie dived to the side, cursing a small hurricane up.
"Don't you DARE say I told you so!" Ellie slung the assault rifle and grabbed her silenced SMG. Funny thing that her SMG would have the scope. "And I didn't. Too busy doing a forward swan dive with a triple backflip." She sighed. "Sarcasm aside, I didn't. Dusk Three, Dusk Four, get to my position, we got a sniper or ten. Sierra Dusk, Sierra Two, we kinda need some backup. So mind lending us a hand if you are not busy?"

I give a small sigh.

I could try to get a fix on the sniper. Take him out. But I need a distraction.

I give a look over at Ellie.

Your choice.

=i reply to the message=
Understood Dusk 1. I'm on my way. Stand by.

=i looked at the father and son=
Stay here. I'm bringing friends.

=i take my shotgun and hand it to the father=
Use this. I'll knock before coming in.

=i unlimber my assault rifle and head out, moving towards Dusk Squad=

=I nod and floor the Hog=

Copy that ma'am. We're moving.

=I then head to where the fire is coming from=

"Lovely. Now, if I wasn't currently on bad terms, might ask for a kiss because I'm like that, but I'll ask you to, if I happen to get shot, don't leave me there for my idiocity, yeah?"
Ellie smirked, then unslung her rifle and left it behind. She cradled the SMG in her arms.
"Tell me when, and I'll give them a distraction. Nothing better then live bait, right?"

Pretty much what I was getting at.

I take a mirror out of one of my inner pockets and attach the clip to a bit of wood that has splintered off of the news-stand. Slowly, I poke it around the corner and use it to take a look at the building. It seemed pretty much the same all the way up. Not good.

Alright. It might take a few shots to figure out where it's coming from. So you'll have to move quick and hope it's a bad shot.

"No worries."
Ellie takes off, firing blindly at the very, very, VERY general area of where the shot was. She ducked and dodged around everything she could to ensure the shots didn't hit.
She just hoped Katie could pinpoint it.

Ellie slid behind a burned-out car as the sniper fired, nicking her shoulder and spinning her onto the ground, sending her SMG clattering a few feet away. Ellie groaned into the dirt.
"He's a bad shot. And that hurts like a bitch."

=I continue to head to their position, nearing it=

Ma'am, Four and I are ETA 30 seconds.

=I look at my rocket launcher=

I'll warn you...its gonna get pretty loud.

As soon as Ellie moves, I pop around the corner and into a crouch, supporting my arm upon my knee. I look through the scope, tracking up the floors quickly. I saw a flash through my scope and moved to it. It was an Elite. That almost took me by surprise, but I managed to recover and fire two shots at it. The first one hit for sure, dropping the shields but the Elite moved and the second shot glanced off the armour and through it's arm. I wave to Ellie as I duck back behind the news-stand.

=i hear shots, and I hurry, pumping my energy into my legs to carry me faster. I vaulted over the wreckage and debris from the fighting, getting ever closer to the combat I could hear. One more car, turn left, down the street, and I'm there=

As soon as we arrived, I jumped down from the warthog and into cover. I scanned for hostiles, finger on my trigger.

"Any left?"

Ellie waved back, grunting. Her shoulder was on fire; the shot had scooped a trail of flesh out, cauterizing the area it touched. Kept her from bleeding, and sealed the wound. It also hurt like a bitch.
She leaned against the burned-out car, drawing her sidearm. Her SMG was close, but it was just out of cover.
"This is Dusk One, take that sniper out, would ya? With extreme prejudice; because that hurt."

=i turned the corner and ran. I could see everything now. I radioed the others=
Mark the sniper. I'll provide a distraction.

=i kept running, and didn't stop. I turned up the shielding on my feet so I could slide better, although this meant any slanted surface could alter my course when I don't want it to=

=As soon as I get out of the Hog, I ready my rifle and head towards the wreckage=

Sarge...hold on, Four and I are coming to you.

=I then head out and look for where Sarge and two are=

I sigh as I adjust the scope on my rifle slightly.

I wounded it. It's backed down. It was an Elite.

Somewhere up ahead, where we can't see yet, there's a UNSC checkpoint. In which everything behind it is cleared.
Meaning, I won't be needed any more and I can go do other things such as Evacuating by myself. Couple people at a time...

=Zuka and Rylok looked out the window of the eighteenth floor of the office building at a group of Humans, firing at a warrior, or perhaps a group of warriors, in the building across the street from their position. Zuka made a motion with his hand, signaling Vera, the squad's sniper, to move forward with his Beam Rifle. He took aim for one of the ODST's, exhaled, and fired. The squad then moved backwards away from the window, quickly, to avoid being seen. Even with Active Camouflage, it never hurts to be careful...=

Ellie gritted her teeth, glad it wasn't worse. "Nice shot..." she was about to get up when a shot nearly gave her a lobotomy to the head. Ellie swore. "Hurry it up, they are back." She said, wincing. "Let's just hold here..." She tapped her helmet. "Dusk Three, you got a medkit there? I need some alcohol to make sure this wound won't get infected."

=I keep low and spot her=

Hold on, Sarge...Four's got the med kit with him.

=I then book it to their location and duck=

We got to stop meeting like this, Sarge.

I spin on the spot, looking down the scope and scanning up the building. It was no good. Nothing popped up.

We need to move off of this street. Four, get the hog. Three, load Sarge up into it. We need to fall back to the Marine Line. See if we can pick up Sierra on the way.

"I can walk on my own!" Ellie snapped, standing up. The wound pained her, but she briskly gathered her weapons, and was halfway to the Warthog when the shot hit.

The beam cut through her combat armor and hit her chest, leaving a cauterized hole about the size of a quarter to the left of the center of her chest. Ellie let out a choked sob, out of surprise, and fell heavily on the ground. She gasped a bit, her limbs heavy.
I'm an idiot...God, let them live, at least so they don't pay for my sin.
Ellie closed her eyes.
It hurt.
It hurt a lot.
"Dusk Two...get...them....out."

Ellie fell unconscious.

Got it, two.

=I see Sarge fall after a sniper shot hit=

Sniper! Sniper!

=I carry her and place her in the side seat=

Four, get some biofoam in her and I'll drive.

I watch them load up into the 'Hog and Four applies bio foam into her wound. I back my way up to the vehicle, still watching the building carefully. A shimmer of light catches my eye on the infra-red scope and i fire three rounds at the general area. Hopefully, that would keep them pinned down.I jump onto the back of the Warthog.

Alright Three, move it. Head further into the city.

I pull up a direct comm feed to the Spartan linked to our squad.

Sierra, give us a waypoint. We're coming to pick you up.

=I nod and shift the Hog into drive=

Roger that Two. Hold to your helmets people, this going to be bumpy!

=I floor the throttle and head towards Marine lines=

=i stop behind a car and reply=
Understood. Waypoint going up now. What's going on over there?

=i tap my helmet, placing a waypoint on my current location=

Alright. Three, head for that waypoint, then keep going further in. Sierra, I'll brief you when we get there.

I turn to Ellie and pull her helmet off. A slow drizzle of rain starts to fall down, becoming heavier quite quickly.

You waking up anytime soon?

I watched as he clouds passed above me. There was something peacefull about them, i was envious, they were free from this battle. I could feel deep in me the urge to fight, a chance to say "This is our planet! Get the tuck off!" I might get my chance.