ambush above the ring

Chapter 2

Bishop made the lengthy journey from the bridge to one of the ships ready rooms. Despite Changing of the Guard only being a frigate, whose size paled in comparison to the mighty Infinity, she was still a large vessel by her own right. She was a light frigate of the Mulsanne class, and stretched over 400 meters from stem to stern. Not long off the assembly line, this new class of vessel was created just after the end of the covenant war. During the war, humanity made great technological leaps, thanks to all the stuff the Forerunners had left behind, and Changing bore some of the fruits. Older pre war vessels lacked energy shielding, making extended bouts against covenant vessels nigh impossible, but this wasn't the case for her and her sister ships. Shielding was only the beginning, she had a far greater endurance, shorter time for slipspace jumps, and a new energy based primary armament. She could punch well above her weight, and give any threat a hard time.

The spartan was met with many courageous salutes and heartfelt nods as he made his way to his team. Every crew member he crossed paths with walked with a new found purpose, he could see it in their eyes. They didn't see just a man in a suit, they saw a hero, they saw hope. Spartan IVs were the fourth generation of augmented super soldiers, each group that came before left mighty large boots to fill. He had met spartan IIIs before, the man who recruited him into the IV program was an ex Spartan III. He had always found that term funny, an ex spartan. The idea of a spartan growing old on a porch and watching the sunset, didn't seem real to him. Spartans would always be needed to protect humanity from the next great threat, or so he thought at least, and while the idea of him and his team packing it all in and going back to their civilian lives was a nice thought , he knew the good they did far outweighed their own personal feelings. But there was one spartan, who if anyone deserved a break, it would be him. Not just any spartan, The spartan. One one seven. While he had never met the man, Bishop knew all about the original one, every S IV did, it was part of their doctrine to learn about the Chief. The Master Chief had fought countless battles, and never lost, he couldn't, if he had, none of us would be where we are today. Each time someone looks up at Bishop, he stares back, his visor concealing his true feelings. They look to him for clarity, for protection, for hope. Just like humanity had and continues to still look to one one seven for. No matter how dire the situation, no matter how Bishop may feel personally, he can never give up hope. Because the Chief never has.

As he finally reached the last leg of his journey, he turned the corner leading to ready room his team were and could hear the sound of cheering. Before he even crossed the hallway, he already knew what he'd be approaching. As he entered the room, a group of crew members were huddled around a table, where two figures were engaging in an arm wrestle. He rolled his eyes despite no one being able to see it, as he noticed who was partaking in the show of strength. On one side of the table sat a freshly faced recruit, his Heads up display told him that he was Private Kawolsky. This was his first tour of duty on board a UNSC combat vessel. On the other side of the table was woman, partly clad in armour, with one arm bear. That was Eliza, his second in command, and Valkyrie teams Marksmen. She was no doubt doing some outreach towards the crew. Stood behind her was Rook and Knight, Valkyries heavy weapons and close quarters experts, like always they were egging her on.

"Uh oh" knight muttered as his gaze locked with Bishops.

"Its not what it looks like Commander" Eliza joked as she held the privates arm so effortlessly as he tried with all his might to bring it down on the table.

"What have I told you about engaging in silly games that could endanger the lives of the crew" Bishop responded half sarcastically.

"Its...fine... sir" Kawolsky panted as his face turned red. "We are just having some fun".

Bishop looked around at what was transpiring, despite the poor soul tangling with dismemberment, it was smiles all round from the crew and his team. He moved to the privates side and leant over to get a closer look at the trooper.

"Tell me Private, are you left or right handed?" he enquired.

"Excuse me sir" he responded puzzlingly as his arm grew tired from his failing attempt.

"I'm asking what arm you use to shoulder your rifle soldier, because its against protocol for my Comrade to knowingly damage a UNSC asset."

Before the soldier could respond, he noticed his face strain as if he was on the ropes.

"That's enough Eliza" he said as he looked down at her, but she remained focused on keeping the privates hand motionless above the table. The crew who were observing the game realised the serious tone in Bishops voice as he spoke and promptly dispersed, leaving the four Spartans and the private alone in the room

"I said stand down spartan" he ordered as he reached down to try and break up the game.

Eliza finally snapped out of it and let go, the trooper pulled his hand free of her grasp and sat back away from the table. Bishop turned and looked down at the soldier, who didn't return his gaze. He put one hand on his good shoulder and checked to make sure he was good. His HUD told him he was dine medically, but he had to ask to make sure. The spartan could feel how tense he was from his dance with injury.

"Sorry about her, she can get a little competitive" he said as Kawolsky finally met his gaze.

"All good sir, I asked for it, plus it will be a cool story to share at the bars about how I nearly beat a spartan in an arm wrestle" he smirked as he flexed his hand to try and get the blood back into it.

"Beat" Eliza had muttered, but before she could continue Bishop shot her a nod to quit while she was ahead.

"How about we call it a draw and leave it at that" he added as moved away from the table.

"I don't know Bishop, the kid looked like he had her at the end there" Rook laughed

"Don't even go there" he said as he shot Rook a disapproving glance. "Now form up and get the rest of your gear, we are 10 Mikes out and need to be prepared.

The three Spartans left the room and headed towards the armoury, followed closely by Bishop.