Braeden White 🇨🇦

Part 15 Asźod, Mount Törött, Eposz August 30th 2552 ONI Shield Base, Last off-planet extraction point left on the continent Harlow stood in the moonlight, he was silent. Watching the ever expanding night consume the valley as he wrestled with unnurtured and foreign emotions. He closed his eyes and tried to focus his thoughts. “Hi.” A small voice said. “I’m Alexander.” His concentration broke and he opened his eyes. “Is she a robot?” “What?” Harlow said confused as he turned to see a little boy walking up to him. It was the same boy that he had seen with his mother earlier. “I saw you talking to that lady, is she a robot?” “No, she’s not a robot.” Harlow chuckled. “Are you a robot?” The child inquired. “I’m very much human.” “It would be cooler if you were a robot.” The boy said confidently. “I’m sure it would be. How come your up so late?” “The loud noises give me bad dreams.” The Spartan knelt down beside him. “Want to know a secret? They give me bad dreams too. But I try and be brave for my team, do you think you could be brave for your mother? I know she’d be very proud of you.” The child looked to him and smiled. Harlow held out his hand and the boy gave him a little high-five. The boy admired his orange Mjolnir armor as he stood back up, looking at him like some superhero out of an ancient comic book. “Do you fly space ships?” “Sometimes.” He said smiling. “My dad flies ships, he said when I grow up I can too! I can’t wait to grow up and be just like you.” Harlows smile faded behind his mask. He thought quietly to himself. “I hope to god you don’t. I really hope you don’t grow up to be like me.” He squinted and got the memories out of his head. “I’ll be like you and fly space ships and visit all those purple stars in the sky.” Alexander said as he looked up pointing. Harlow looked up as well. “I’m sure you will Alexander, I’m sure you.....” CONTINUED IN THE COMMENTS #halo

Part 14 Asźod, Mount Törött, Eposz August 29th 2552 ONI Shield Base, Last off-planet extraction point left on the continent Hours passed as nightfall drew over the valley, the air was beginning to get warmer and bitter. The exterior temperature of the planet rose as more of the continent was consumed by fire and turned to glass, Reach was burning away. Holiday stood outside the loading bay in the bright moonlight, watching the stars softly twinkle and listening to the sounds of a planet die. The maintenance access door slid open with a thud, Harlow stood in the doorway watching her briefly before walking up beside Holiday, she glanced at him and he back at her, the pair said nothing just stood and listened to the gunfire and booms far off in the distance. “You look tired, how long has it been since you got some sleep? 72 hours?” “I grew up here you know.” She said softly. Harlow looked at her, her voice sounded empty but an emptiness only one could know from years of friendship and sacrifice together. “You never told me that before Holiday.” “I was born on Jericho VII but my parents moved to Reach when I was a baby. When I was 5 the Covenant attacked a transport they were on... they were only supposed to be gone 2 days. After that I was alone. I had my friends, but then I was taken from them to. I stated to hate this place, I resented it Harlow.” All he could do was stand and listen, she had never opened up like this before. “Now I’m back... watching my home die, I was so eager to leave. I Couldn’t wait to get out on my own, get away from here.” She looked at him. I just wonder if things could have been different. But I know that’s not what our lives were meant to be, was it?” She walked to the maintenance door and stood in the hallway. “Hey.” She said. Harlow turned to look at her. “Remember that first night of boot camp? I was so scared to jump out of the Albatross, but then you took my hand and held it tight as we jumped together. I think about that sometimes.” She then quietly walked inside And Harlow stood alone. Holiday sounded happy as she said it, like it was a comforting thought, a pleasant memory to rely on in the hardest of times.

Part 13 Asźod, Mount Törött, Eposz August 28th 2552 Last off-planet extraction point left on the continent “We didn’t think anyone was left Sir. We lost contact with Sword Base some time ago and haven’t been able to reach anyone else.” “There isn’t much left.” Harlow said to the ODST as they walked into the motor pool. “Outlaw team come in, status of the perimeter?” “Clear, no activity on the ground but air traffic is picking up.” “Solid copy, make your way back inside, we’re locking the base down.” He turned his attention back to the ODST. “Who’s in command here?” “That would be me Sir, Corporal Douglas second platoon, 707 Sky Wolfs.” “What’s the status of Shield Base and your platoon?” “Base status is green, was abandoned when we got here 3 days ago. ONI personnel had already evacuated and scrubbed all data but short range communications and scanners are still online. As for my men were functional but not optimal.” Douglas said grimly. “Got my 30 plus ODST platoon and 1 squad of marines. If we get hit by one of those carriers I’ve seen in the distance... it’s not gonna be good.” Harlow looked to the civilians in the corner, a mother held a small children playing with a baseball. Both covered in ash and grime. There was no way he could have known in less then 48 hours, everything would be gone. “How many survivors?” “A handful, maybe 14 or so.” “That’s it?” “All that survived the trip here. We’re treating the wounded with a makeshift aid station.” “Fireteam Outlaw has a medical officer, he should be able to give you some assistance. What’s your ETA for evacuation?” “We have 2 orbit capable Pelicans coming in from the Highland Mountains, around midday tomorrow. They’ll pick up everyone and get them starside, hopefully with some luck they’ll run into our Navy boys and catch a ship out system.” “Understood Corporal, we’ll try to assist where we can, my team will take first watch, give your men a rest.” “Thank you Sir, it’s gonna be a long night.” #halo

Part 12 Asźod, Mount Törött, Eposz August 28th 2552 Last off-planet extraction point left on the continent The Falcons flew high over the rugged terrain, passing snow swept grasslands in the shadow of Mount Törött. Covenant ships could be seen far off in the distance leaving molten scars across the surface of Reach, with more ships entering the atmosphere every hour. “Any radio chatter Travers?” “Ahh hard to tell Sir. Getting a lot of phantom signals, mostly destress calls over the E-band but all major networks are down. Reading more Covenant transmissions then UNSC at this point. Harlow quietly sighed. “All right, understood.” “Hold on everyone.” The Falcons banked sharply towards the mountain. “Banshee sorties towards the east. Gonna make a slightly detour Spartans.” Said the Pilot. “How are the skies looking?” Harlow responded. “Good amount of air traffic but most of the Covenant are assaulting the roads towards the east, but we should be alright. We’re coming up on Shield Base now Sir.” “Alright pilot, give me a slow survey of the area then set us down on the outskirts.“ “Acknowledged.” “Apollo team stand by, Fireteam Outlaw How Copy?” “Loud and clear, standing by.” The Falcons pitched up and leveled out as they came to land, Spartan teams jumping out and scanning the valley with there rifles. “Outlaw team, recon the outskirts of Shield Base, I don’t want any surprises. Apollo Team spread out, minimize all ground presence and keep radio silent until we reach the base perimeter.” The Spartans nodded in unison. The air was cool and fresh as they stomped through the grass making there way closer to the base, Harlow dropped to one knee with a fist raised up as a voice came over coms. “Spartan teams hold fire, friendlies coming out.” ODSTs slowly raised out of the grass like ghosts. “Damn, are we are glad to see you.” #halo

Part 11 New Alexandria, Eposz August 23rd 2552 6th day of Covenant siege- Fall of New Alexandria The Falcons banked hard to starboard, thunder cracked and Covenant weapons boomed as UNSC forces desperately tried to avoid the glassing. “Pilot, make your way towards...” Just then the sky lit fire, the rain vaporized to steam and the storm clouds parted as catastrophic power was unleashed and waves of heat tore through the city like a match to gasoline. Glass shattered, steel melted and concrete disintegrated as mighty skyscrapers collapsed and fell to the molten slag beginning to fill the streets. Death and screams filled the air, A haunted and ghostly cry before all was quite. No sirens, no screams just the echo of building falling to reach and distant thunder. The Falcons pilot regained control of the aircraft as it drifted over the water, the fires reflecting over the calm waves. “How many do you think made it out?” Valind said quietly. “Not enough...” Holiday responded back. “And Noble team, do you think they?” “We can only hope they got to a fallout bunker in time.” “All those people...” Valind punched the side of the Falcons bulkhead. BAM! “You Covenant Bastards!” Holiday raised her head looking at the fist sized dent half a foot in the side of the Falcon. “There’ll be time for that Valind, but not now. GET YOURSELF TOGETHER, ok?” “Yes Ma’am.” He sat back down, fists clenched. They watched as the city melted and burned in the black of the night. The Orbital Elevators soon followed, creaking and groaning as the upper atmosphere rings were blasted apart and the superstructure gave way and came crashing into the water, one by one. The helplessness they felt was beyond description. All the Spartans could do is watch.

Part 10 New Alexandria, Eposz August 23rd 2552 6th day of Covenant siege “Harlow to Apollo team, get ready to dust off.” “Holiday to Outlaw we’re moving now, get prepped.” The Spartans geared up as they made there way down the hall, stopping as they passed a cracked window. “Ohh god...” Holiday said as she watched buildings in the distance melt and crumbled to the molten ground. BOOM! The building shook violently again as the lights went out then changed to blood red. Kat came over the coms. “Covies are hitting the HQ in force! They must have zeroed my signal!” “Get that evac started!” Carter yelled. “Roger that. Noble Six, get over here and cover our EVAC Pelicans. I need you overhead, now!” “Attention all Spartan teams! Make your way to the EVAC Falcons now!” Kat yelled. The ONI Olympic Tower shook again and the floor gave way under Harlow and Holiday. They came crashing down in a blur of sparks and confusion before the dust settled. “Harlow! Are you okay?!” “I think so.” He said catching his breath and looking around the destroyed room. Pieces of debris still tricking down. “The marines...” “Not picking up any vitals, we couldn’t have done anything Harlow.” Holiday helped him to his feet. “You good?” “Yah, I’m alright. We gotta move now.” Banshee fighters and Phantom drop ships continued pounding the tower as the Spartans made there way to the landing platforms. Outlaw team climbed aboard the first Falcon as it roared away from the tower with Apollo team following close behind. The attack subsided just long enough for a handful of Pelicans to depart the city, before the real desolation began. #halo

Part 9 New Alexandria, Eposz August 23rd 2552 6th day of Covenant siege The Spartans made there way out of the rain and into the ONI facility, red warning lights illuminated the hallways as navy officers and work personnel ran frantically about. The building shook and the lights began to flicker. “The Covenant are beginning to glass the city. Evacuation orders are going out all over New Alexandria, our last chance for a solid connection is here though.” Carter said as the group walked into a briefing room. Another Spartan viewing holographic displays of the city stood in the room. “This is Captain McKenzie of Gauntlet Team.” Harlow greeted him as Holiday and Kat walked in. “Alright people, let’s get to it.” Carter said placing his helmet on the display table. “Before communications were lost with Colonel Holland I was given Explicit orders to relay to all of you. With his head down he looked up. “This city is lost, Covenant broke through the orbital line and operation SWORD 52 is in place, so Spartan squads are being put on defensive deployment. Namely Red, Echo team and the rest of us.” Holiday put her fist on the table. “We can’t throw in the towel yet. Not yet.” “I agree” McKenzie said. “But it’s not our call.” “I don’t like it anymore then the rest of you but those are the orders.” Carter muttered. “Let’s hear it Commander.” “Fireteam Apollo and Outlaw will make way for ONI Shield base. It overlooks Asźod ship breaking yards at the base of Mount Törött. Fireteam Gauntlet will assist with evacuation efforts at Manassas Spaceport in Ütközet province.” “And Noble team?” Carter looked to Harlow. “We’ll remain here, try and reestablish communication and help evacuate civilians. Consider these orders final and outstanding until further notice.” “Commander, Sir.” Kat interrupted. “Six has taken out the last jammer. Making his way back now.” “All right, let’s get to it everyone.” #halo

Part 8 New Alexandria, Eposz August 23rd 2552 6th day of Covenant siege The rain was heavy now as it turned to nightfall. Warning sirens continued to be heard in the distance as the Pelican navigated the burning skyscrapers. “Approaching landing pad now. Get ready to hop out Spartans, gonna be a quick dust off. I got evacuation calls coming in left and right.” Said the pilot. “Affirmative, fly safe.” Harlow looked to his squad. “Ready up Spartans, this is our stop.” The Pelican touched down on the landing pad as a Spartan waved down the ship. Fireteam Apollo hopped down from the hovering craft, boots splashing as they landed on the deck. “Captain Harlow, good to see you again.” Noble teams leader saluted and extended his hand. “Likewise, Commander Carter.” He looked towards Noble 2 and nodded. “Captain.” Kat nodded back. The Pelicans thrusters fired and it hovered away from the pad. More UNSC Falcons began landing moving ammo and fresh troops to EVAC points. “I tried to get in contact with you Commander but all the channels were dead.” The Spartans began walking. “Couldn’t risk open coms sir, had to bring you in person to relay information. Covenant are jamming all transmissions.” “Local channels?” “Still up but traceable, we’re also getting dark zones all around the city. We believe to be signal and radio jammers in key locations. Kat has an idea where so I have Noble 6 looking into it.” “What about ISR? Or SatCom?” “Both down as well sir. It’s not looking good.” #halo

Part 7 New Alexandria, Eposz August 23rd 2552 6th day of Covenant siege In the days that followed several Covenant Corvette class ships entered the city skies, full division of bloodthirsty ground infinity took over the streets. And pushed back the UNSC. Dusk began to overtake the city now, a sprawling metropolis plunged into war and chaos. Thick smoke seemed to completely envelop the lower street levels only being eliminated by flashes of plasma and burning wreckage. Higher above was just as maddening as Covenant forces blasted any and all aerial transport and attacked civilians hiding on rooftops. The devastation was everywhere, no building was left un-assaulted, no railway or road was left intact and all civilians were executed on sight. Still, it was only the precursor to the coming apocalypse. “God... look at it.” They’re tearing this city apart.” “Never thought it would happen to reach.” The Pelican dropped several feet and rattled. “Hey! We okay up there?” “Yes sir, port thrust gimbal got shot up a little but she’ll make it.” “Copy, just stay clear of any air sorties.” “Roger sir, ETA is 2 minutes.” The rest of the flight was silent as storm clouds began rolling in. The Spartans watched flares go off on rooftops, extraction ships frantically trying to leave the city and smaller air skirmishes. It looked like doom. #halo

Part 6 New Alexandria, Eposz August 19th 2552 2nd day of Covenant siege The Spartans were in full sprint before the channel clicked off, a handful of grenades sitting in their place. “As soon as those Brutes clear the barricade light them up Travers!” “Copy that, sending it.” His voice was cool as ice. BOOM, the sniper cracked off one round exploding the bouquet of explosives left by the Spartans. Another boom shook the building as more plasma impacted. Sending blue flame down the elevator shafts and black smoke bellowed from the stairway. “Captain!” Said a frantic voice over the communications. “This is Holiday, I’ve just lost Russ on coms! I don’t know if h...” “We’ll look for him on the way up but we have to move, Longswords are gonna level half this block.” “Ok, we’re standing by.” Her voice immediately calmed. On the way up the Spartans sidestepped the dead Covenant along the hallways. Harlow looked through the smoke and debris down a room with a blast hole 4 meters across. The same room where the plasma had impacted and where Russ had been. Whisky Delta-5s Falcon touched down as the Pelican dropships cleared the area, making there way to a safe distance and evacuating all civilians and marines. The Spartans climbed aboard the falcon as it punched its thrusters to full. “This is Whiplash 2-7 beginning my run now. Enjoy the fireworks.” As the Falcon ascended the skies devastating flashes quickly engulfed the complex below. Wraiths, Ghosts and Covenant alike were blown apart and consumed by the fame. Commander Holiday put her hand on Harlow’s shoulder. “Russ, is he...” He didn’t look at her. “He’s gone.” “Are you sure?” Harlow turned, looking past the gold visor and right into her eyes. “There was nothing left. He’s gone, I’m sorry.” “I.. Ok, understood.” Logan turned to the Captain. “So, where we headed next Sir?” “Right back out. Wherever we’re needed most.” #halo

Part 5 New Alexandria, Eposz August 19th 2552 2nd day of Covenant siege “Sir! You alright?” The Sargent said, grabbing his arm to help lift him up. “Ahh god damn it! Your armour is burning!” “I’ll be alright, Your supposed to be with your squad on that top pad!” “NOBODY is getting left behind today Captain.” The Sargent said pushing an assault rifle in his hand. Harlow lifted himself up by pushing off a knee and a fist, slapping a fresh magazine in the rifle and slamming the bolt shut all in one motion. “Captain!” “Are you okay?” Olivia and Travers said, running to his side spraying bullets into the advancing Brutes. “I’m good, I’m good.” Conner came over the channel. “We have to fall back soon sir! Can’t hold this much longer.” BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! Chain gun fire riddled the brute pack beyond the barricade. “This is Whisky Delta-5 back on station with pelican transport Oscar-7 for extraction, heading to top pad now. Best get up here fast Spartans! I’m not sticking around.” “Copy we’re moving now.” “Cover fire!” Ordered the Captain as the group began to run. “Any Longswords on station?” “Copy that, this is Whiplash 2-7 go for fire team Apollo.” “Copy 2-7 I have a target rich environment for you, Wraiths and a whole lot of Covenant moving on our position. Encom Clinic, city centre, taking indirect fire! This will be danger close, I say danger close. Grid, Lima, Niner, Niner, Two, Seven, Eight. Your cleared hot, over.” #halo

Part 4 New Alexandria, Eposz August 19th 2552 2nd day of Covenant siege “Spanker ready sir!” “Let them have it.” Two rockets blasted out of the launcher in rapid succession, traveling at 270 feet per second. The first soaring right through the smoke and impacting the front of the Wraith. The second directly impacted a charging brute, immediately blasting it apart in a shower of limbs and vaporized purple/red blood. “How’d that taste you damn ape!” “Good shot Sargent now get to that pad!” “Yes sir.” “Harlow, come in! This is Holiday. Top pad is green I repeat top pad is green, popping flares now.” “Roger that, the marines are coming up now, we’ll be up in 5, out!” “Attention Kilo dispatch this is Captain Harlow of Spartan Fireteam Apollo, do you read? Over.” The static cleared as a voice answered the channel. “Roger, go for Fireteam Apollo, over.” Requesting ETA on EMERGENCY pick up for 25 plus civilians and trooper fire teams over.” “Copy, that ETA is 20 minutes out, skies are jammed up as is Captain.” “Nothing takes 20 minutes! step it up, this is a priority extraction under the direct command of Colonel Holland.” There was a pause over the channel. “Copy sir understood, rerouting Pelicans now.” More Longsword fighters roared over head as wreckage of a banshee slammed into the sidewalk. Half of it’s operator splattered on a light post while the blue plasma flames washed over everything. “Kilo dispatch I see Longswords over my position, patch me into one for a bombing run over.” “Copy that, patching you through now sir.” “Incoming!” Olivia yelled as more plasma blasted and impacted the courtyard. Harlow rolled to the side but the blast pushed him back and slammed him into the sidewalk, his armour shield sparked and glowed a bright yellow. #halo