Spartans in the Wasteland

Chapter 3: Into the void

Year: 2553

Date: September 25

Location: Alpha and Omega, 20 minutes to destination.

Commander Hockley stood at the bridge of the Alpha and Omega en route to the remains of the Ark and the replacement to Installation 04. He yawned and sipped his coffee. The commander was getting to be very tired. He though that when the war ended, he could finally get some rest and revisit his family. This was not the case. Instead, the UNSC decided to send people out on numerous rescue operations and scout glassed worlds as well as the ones that were spared. All to end skirmishes and to see what was left. Whenever the UNSC would call him up for a new mission he would except it but groan with boredom. Mission after mission was the same; at least the war had some excitement. But this assignment was different. It was to rescue Spartan-117, Master Chief. Almost everyone now knew his daring feats during the Human-Covenant war. Alpha Halo, First-Strike, Delta Halo, Earth, the Ark, it was almost legend. The UNSC had a huge debt to him. If it were not for the Master Chief, humans would most certainly be gone and the war lost. His number and rank emblem were inscribed on the memorial in Africa. He has been presumed dead, although listed as MIA. But after the briefing, Hockley views changed. He hoped this void he was going after did indeed lead to the lost Spartan, making him truly MIA. At least for now.

"Sir, ETA to destination in twenty minutes!" Hockley's navigation officer said.

"Thank you lieutenant. Alert Rescue Force Alpha, tell them to gear up and get in their Pelican ASAP." Rescue Force Alpha was given to the Three Spartan-IIs and Sergeant Redman taking comfort in his ship. He was honored to have these Spartans on board. Their acts were also nothing short of courageous.

"Yes Sir."

Fred sat in his bunk holding his new Mark VI helmet. He thought Dr. Halsey did a wonderful job with his new armor. It was like no other. Faster recharging shields, no health packs, and additional enhancements. Excellent, and only made for Spartans. His two teammates were also present. Kelly was lying above him staring into space, while Linda sat across from him looking anxious. The room was quiet. They had nothing to say. Fred was sure his friend and fellow teammate was inside that void, but there was still doubt. What if the ship got destroyed going inside, what if the Dawn never went in at all and was obliterated with the Ark and the ring? Fred pushed these thoughts aside. John was alive, he knew it. Fred put his helmet down and then grabbed his pistol. While examining it Fred hoped he would not need it. Fred made sure the weapon was on safety, and then holstered it. All of a sudden a voice came through the intercom. "Spartans, suit up, grab your gear and report to your Pelican. ETA to destination in 19 minutes." Fred picked up his helmet, slid it on and let it click shut. He then grabbed his MA5C and made sure the rifle was also on safety. Fred also made sure he had plenty of magazines for his weapons. Satisfied, he checked to see if his Spartans were doing the same. They were already done and waited for him to proceed out. Linda was carrying a SRS99D-S2 AM Sniper Rifle, and Kelly was employed a BR55HB SR Battle Rifle. Fred made a grin inside his helmet then turned around and walked out of the room. In the hallway was Sgt. Redman. All geared up and ready to roll.

"Bout time you guys showed up. Let's get going, there's a Pelican in the hangar and she ain't waiting for slowpokes." Fred smiled, one thing people liked was humor and this guy definitely had it. The team hurried to the hangar where their Pelican was waiting. The words UNSC MARINES were written on the sides of the drop ship. Fred saw a Major hurry towards them.

"Hello soldiers, I am Major Rick. Call sign Flash. I will be escorting you into the void once we arrive. My copilot, Lieutenant Freeman, will also be assisting us."

"Thank you Major, should we board now?" asked Fred.

"Yes, please do."

"Yes sir." The four climbed inside. Took their seats and put their weapons aside.

"I sure hope we don't have to use these." Kelly said letting go of her Battle Rifle.

"Me too." Linda replied. Sergeant Redman took out a device, tapped a few buttons, and out came music. Fred knew this ancient type as "metal". He also found it a bit interesting. Then Fred sat back, and awaited more orders.

Back on the bridge Commander Hockley stirred his coffee as he stared into the slip space portal they were still inside. Soon the Alpha and Omega would exit and Rescue Force Alpha could begin their mission. "Sir, exiting slip space in thirty seconds." his navigation officer said.

"Thank you Lieutenant, make sure the rescue team is ready."

"Yes sir." Hockley was getting anxious. He wanted to be there, send the team in, have them come back, and go home. Maybe he could use a nice nap while Rescue Force Alpha was gone. He needed the sleep, someone else could take over. In fact, that's what he was going to do. Get some rest while he had the time. "Sir exiting slip space in five."

"Are they ready?" asked the Commander.

"Yes sir."

"Then let's go." The ship exited slip space and outside it was space. Lots of it. The stars twinkled and showed the floating debris that was the remains of the Ark and Installation 04b just off to the right. But among that was also the void they were after, right off the left of the Alpha and Omega. It was a swirling black that went into nothingness. Just an empty black at the center. But the Commander noticed something else. Coming out of the center was lightning. White, blue, and light purple lightning. And it was close. Too close the Commander thought. Had they exited slip space not far enough out? He hoped not, that lightning didn't look too friendly.

"Sir, should I let the rescue team go?" asked another one of his bridge officers.

"No, Lieutenant, change course. Get us farther away from that void; I think we came out a bit too close."

"Aye sir." Just then, a spark of lightning flashed and hit the cruiser. It blinded the Commander, screens went hay wire, and the ship shuddered like crazy. His coffee fell and crashed on the deck. Another lightning bolt hit and the Commander fell to the floor. This bolt latched on longer and he saw the debris field get smaller. Oh no, he thought, the void is pulling us IN.

"Report!" Hockley yelled.

"Hull damages on several plates, no breaches as of yet. But the void we're getting closer and I can't seem to pull out."

"Sound the alarm. And engage thruster to point our nose at the void."

"SIR?!"

The commander yelled and pointing forward, "You heard me, we're going in!"

The flashes were bright, and each time they hit the ship rocked uncontrollably. The third flash followed by the ship's shudder sent the rescue team out of their seats. They then got back up and strapped themselves in. The Pelican ride was going to be rough. But something else assured Fred and the rest of his team that the ride was not going to be necessary. The Alpha and Omega's alarms sounded and red lights started flashing. A voice from the bridge came on over the com channels and loudspeaker, "Attention all personal, assume crash positions. We are heading into the void. I repeat, all personal assume crash positions, we are going into the void." There were a few puzzled looks but nonetheless the crew members obeyed and went left and right to wherever their crash positions were. Even if that meant going to your sleeping quarters and taking the fetal position, though Fred doubted that. Then Major Rick alerted the team,

"Spartans and Sgt. Redman, I suggest you remain here. I'm willing to bet whatever is on the other side will be a new mission from the UNSC."

"Yes sir!" yelled the whole team. Fred looked to his right at Sergeant Redman, who nodded with a look that said, "I'm ready". Fred then turned to his left and looked at Kelly and Linda. But he didn't need to. They were Spartans, they were ready for anything.

The void was getting closer. Commander Hockley braced himself as the lightning strikes became more frequent and the as the cruiser shook more. Bad idea, he thought, bad idea. But there was no turning back now. The spinning of the black and purple substance was making him nauseous, so much so that he had to look away every now and then. When he looked back blue lightning struck the nose of his ship which sent him tumbling down to the good. When the Commander got back up he puked right on the deck. "Are you going to be ok sir?" a crewmember yelled.

"I'll be fine just make sure we get through in one piece." All of a sudden several bolts of lightning ranging colors spat out of the void from all different sides. The rim, the center everywhere but none struck the ship. Then the void started spinning faster and faster which made the Alpha and Omega look like it was accelerating right through it at an alarming rate. Lighting flashed everywhere and the ship shook uncontrollably as the Commander felt himself slide backwards. The Marathon-class cruiser now felt like it was GOING faster. And the speed would increase the longer they were in the void. Lightning flashed more, the ship was shaking tremendously, the engines whined, and all of a sudden the Alpha and Omega was thrown right out of the void and the ship took slowed down to what felt like a near stop. Commander Hockley was thrown forward and his face landed right into the mess he made moments ago. Someone walked over and handed him a towel as Hockley stood back up. He snatched it, wiped his face, and turned to his Navigation officer. "Lieutenant, where is the void?"

"Scanning", the Lieutenant tapped a few buttons, waited a few moments and then his eyes widened. "It's....not there." Commander Hockley's heart sank. Not there?? How the hell are we supposed to get home? He took a deep breath and looked forward. Must maintain professionalism he thought. The Commander saw stars and a bright sun directly in front. But to his left was something else. A blue planet with thick, green clouds.

"Lieutenant, what is that?" Commander Hockley asked pointing at the mysterious planet.

"Scanning." Again, a few button presses and a short wait. "From what I'm reading here, that planet, is Earth."