Chapter 2
"EVERYBODY GET MOUNTED! WE MOVE AT FULL SPEED TOWARDS THAT BATTLE!" Jason shouted as he brought his Mulch unit to life.
The rattle of fully automatic gunfire, grenades, and plasma weapons echoed through the forest as the team rushed to the assist.
"Sir. Why are we running towards the gunfire?" Private Guzman questioned.
"What scared of a few aliens Guzman?" Tank chuckled.
"No it's just that our people don't use firepower like that. So why charge in to assist them?" She explained.
"If they are using that kind of 'firepower' that means they aren't Covenant. Anyone who isn't Covenant is liable to be a friendly even if they aren't our people." Carmine explained.
As they drew closer they could hear the sounds of war with more clarity. Commanding shouts and cries of pain from both humans and aliens cut through the sound crashing of brush made by the Mulch units.
After ten minutes they broke the tree line onto a plain. They emerged behind the Covenant forces. Jackals and Grunts swarmed in front of a bunker manned by UNSC ground forces. Jason heard one man shout "THERE SPARTANS! OH THANK GOD WE'RE SAVED!"
Jason spoke through the comms to his team "No bows we can't want to risk hitting those soldiers. Unsheath and charge." He urged his Mulch as fast as it could go as he drew the longsword at his side. As he and his Praetorians reached the rear lines they kicked off their mounts and landed in the midst off the enemy.
As he landed Jason slashed through three Grunt methane tanks sending them spiraling through the air. He rolled out the rest of his landing pushing up and thrusting his blade through the back of a Jackal, who in its death fired its Needler into the backs of its comrades.
The Covenant forces knew the Praetorians were there now. As almost half of them turned and opened fire Jason along with Sol, Carmine and Guzman activated their Round Shields just in time to absorb the first salvo of fire. "We fight to Bunker!" Jason shouted as he charged into wave of plasma and needles. He hacked his way deeper into the Covenant horde along side Tank and Sol while Guzman and Carmine used their shields keep enemy fire from hitting them in the back. The UNSC troops opened fire with far more control than earlier as they tried to open a hole for what they thought were Spartans.
Jason cut through a Jackals legs of two jackals as three armored humans charged out western side of the far east side of the forest and opened fire with their automatic rifles.
As the Spartans and Praetorians broke through the Covenant army they turned and Jason spoke into his team comms. "Bows out. And fire at will."
He pulled back on the plasma infused string and fired. The plasma bolt punched through a jackal shield and threw it back into its comrades. With the Praetorians, the Spartans, and the UNSC Troops in the bunker all firing indiscriminately they quickly pushed back the Covenant. "Recall your Mulch Units" Jason spoke as fired at the few retreating creatures and recalled his mount.
With the battle over Jason began checking over his team and his Mulch unit when he heard a click behind his and a gruff voice. "Spartans unknown, drop your weapons and surrender!"
Jason stood and turned to see over 20 guns leveled at him and his team. His team had their bows and crossbows aimed at the Spartans.
"Sorry but we aren't going to do that. We aren't Spartans." Jason said coolly as he placed a hand on one of his HCSM-13 Hand-Cannons. "That being the case we don't fall under UNSC or O.N.I. jurisdiction."
"Then who the hell are you?" The Spartan asked. His armor was pale gray-brown color.
"Praetorian Sargent Black Flag." Jason didn't want these Spartans knowing his name yet. He wasn't sure they could be trusted. "This is my team Praetorians 983, 1015, 1001 and 1211." He pointed at Sol, Tank, Carmine and Guzman in turn.
"What's your purpose on Jericho III?" The Spartan asked.
"Recon. We got intel there were Covenant forces planet side and our Brass decided to send us to check it out and see what we could learn. Our ship was hit as soon as exited slipspace." Jason's explanation was simple and to the point.
"Praetorians. What are you?" The Spartans lowered their weapons slightly.
"We are like you. Genetically modified supersoldiers. Except we started as clones and were modified as our bodies were constructed." This was everything Jason was authorized to say in regulates to the Praetorians creation.
"By who?"
'Simple and direct like we've heard.' Jason chuckled to hisself at his thought. "I'm not authorized to say."
"Fine. But we're gonna keep an eye on you. Come on. Into the bunker. Bring your vehicles." The Spartan turned and strode through the ranks of the other soldiers, his Spartans following close behind.
Team Black Flag deactivated their Mulch units, watching them collapse into something size of a weapon drop pod.
"You fought well Private." Jason said as they followed after the Marines and Spartans.
"Thank you Sir." Guzman said adjusting her Mulch onto her shoulder.
"While we are in the field or alone you don't have to be so formal. Boss, Sarge or Corvus works fine." He said finally growing tired of the honorific.
"Yes Si... I mean Got it Sarge." Guzman stumble as she corrected herself.
With an exaggerated sigh and a laugh Jason said "Ah. That's much better."
Inside the bunker marines were rushing around reloading weapons, repairing damaged equipment and tending to the injured. The Spartans motioned the team over and showed them where they could store their gear. The team, except for Jason, quickly stowed their all weapons save the bows and crossbows. Jason stowed his bow as well only keeping his HCSM-13s on him.
"Let's get to work helping the injured." Jason took off his helmet and walked up to the nearest medic. The rest of his team spread out helping bandage, stitch and hold down soldiers. The Spartans looked on in confusion at this display of camaraderie and compassion put on by the Praetorians. Were they doing it just to put on a show? Or was it a genuine want to help even if they had no connection to the wounded soldiers.