Fireteam Omega

Chapter 2-Pickup

1300 Hours

July 2nd, 2544

Military Calendar

Epsilon Eridani System

Planet Reach

Reed got up from his hard bed inside the concrete structure that was the orphanage on Reach. After narrowly escaping the covenant on his homeworld. He didn't fully know what happened at the time. It wasn't until just a couple weeks ago that he had found out what the covenant were, a coalition of Alien species that was hellbent on exterminating every human in the galaxy. The nuances weren't known but that didn't matter, the only thing that mattered was seeing them dead.

The now six year old had had two years to build up his anger and resentment. He wasn't the only one either. Every kid in the orphanage had some sort of pent up anger or emotions. It was plain to see, after all they were all in the same position as one another. Walking down the hall he surveyed everything, from the little kids who hid in the corner from the bullies and the bullies who took advantage of the little ones. It was plain to see this wasn't a fair system and there just weren't enough social workers and humanitarian aide to deal with the excess violence.

Approaching the mess hall he followed his usual routine. Finding a spot near one of the corners, not in the corner cause that only attracted attention. He sat, waiting for the line to get to a decent size. The kid had learned a lot over the years, there was a large benefit in being a fly on the wall. He knew who the bullies were, the ones to avoid and who were okay. Reed didn't have any friends though. Friends only drew attention to you and made the whole group a target.

He observed as one kid in line, a very small four year old who looked malnourished, stood up tall against a large eight year old. He couldn't hear the boys side but the young girl came in loud and clear "You gonna push me bitch! Like to pick on little girls!" She let out a swift kick that connected into the boys shin. It must have had a lot of force cause he hopped on one leg holding it tight and hobbled away "And stay the fuck away!"

He'd heard some of the adults use those words but she seemed to be very comfortable with them. Reed noted that that was another valid way to be left alone, make a name for yourself and make sure everyone knew it better than to mess with you. The line was long enough he decided that he went into the line to grab the slob that passed for food around the place.

--

Lieutenant Ryan Everly got up from his position in the back of the freighter. This ship had been hired by ONI as a discreet way to weasel their way into the Refugee camps of New Alexandra without raising too many eyebrows. A UNSC Pelican landing with a man in full ONI Fatigues would raise too many eyebrows.

Instead the LT wore the standard UNSC drab green military fatigues with the silver bar of a first lieutenant. Turbulence shook the craft as they entered the atmosphere and slowly descended into the landing zone to drop off supplies at the outskirts of the city. Around him were crates of food, medical supplies, and other items such as clothes and hygiene products that a human must have.

He mentally prepared himself for the job that was required of him, the first task was to make it to the orphanage so that they could evaluate each child and determine the best of them. Finally the craft settled to the ground with a dull thud and the bay doors opened. Off in the distance was the main city of New Alexandra, the skyscrapers sparkling in the sun.

Directly in front of him was a different picture to the scenic downtown city. Hastily put together huts were crowded together in front of him, all organized in symmetrical rows similar to that of a military tent camp. People milled about in the rows, some were staring at the ship but others seemed to be wandering about aimlessly, their eyes dull and devoid of life.

Two marines carrying MA37's exited the craft as he stepped off as well. Peering to the front of their freighter Ryan saw that they had landed in the courtyard of a multi story cement box, with windows covering the building from the first to the fourth story, a double door entry and a sliding door designed for shipping. A squad of Army soldiers opened the sliding metal door and exited the building.

The leader, a Sergeant according to the rank on his uniform, approached Ryan himself "You're our delivery guys?"