Halo: Redemption

Prologue

February 2525

February on Reach sucked. It was so cold the air it hurt your face and it also meant it was the final semester at the Reach Naval Academy for Cadet Drake Williams.

Drake's eyes felt heavy as he started slowly nodding off. History of United Earth Government Politics was perhaps the most boring class he had ever been forced to sit through in his life. Soreness from morning PT was perhaps the only thing keeping him awake.

Drake began thinking to himself. I don't have to worry about this class anyway. I've aced Applied Weapons Systems and Navigation I'm going to graduate with flying colors. This class is about at useful as a weapons system officer on board a ship with a fully functioning AI…

Just when Drake thought he couldn't possibly go on for another minute he found himself snapping up to his feet. The class stood at attention as a man with a grey beard wearing a Vice Admiral's uniform strode to the front of the lecture hall.

"At ease…" The Admiral stated, his commanding voice echoing through the lecture hall.

"I am Vice Admiral Gerov. I have some… New developments to share with you all." He continued.

"A new threat has emerged against the people of the United Earth Government and the United Nations Space Command. A threat that demands our full attention. This is all I can tell you for now. Those of you who have met the requisite qualifications, which is most of your class, have just been graduated and promoted to Ensign as of twenty minutes ago. Those of you who still require further training your timetable has been moved up. Prepare for a rigorous month of training. Officers, report for your new assignments immediately. I have more classes to brief. That is all."

"Sir, yes sir." The class shouted in unison before saluting.

Vice Admiral Gerov saluted then strode out of the lecture hall.

… What the fuck just happened?