Reach for Halo

The Fall of Reach

With the new mission of escorting the Cortanas, we took a Pelican, hoping to reach the landing zone, but I had little hope of it being that easy. Especially considering how things end up. 

Mutasim: So, Cortana... How much do you know?

Cortana: I know just about everything you know. And a quick note. Can you not call me Cortana? 

Mutasim: Because it'd be too confusing with the two of you looking and sounding the exact same? 

Cortana: Got it in one. How's Cora? 

I chuckle. 

Mutasim: Seriously? 

Noble Six: I don't think that's a bad name. 

Kat: I second that. Wouldn't want to change anything too much. 

I nod slowly. 

Mutasim: Alright then, Cora. Feels weird calling you that, but I'll try to bear with it. 

All of a sudden, the ship shakes slightly and I realise what's happened. Immediately, I pick up a rocket launcher and go to the back of the ship, seeing Banshees and a Phantom. 

Mutasim: Six! Check on Carter! 

She nods and rushes to the front while Kat and Emile follow my lead, picking up rocket launchers. We fire at the aircraft tailing us. The Banshees go down easy, but the Phantom lingers, firing at us with turrets. While the three of us focus fire on the Phantom, I hear Carter and Six talk. 

Carter: Not sure how longer she's gonna stay together. Skys are jammed up anyway. Gotta get you off her, Liuentenant. 

Noble Six: Sir, you-

Carter: Don't wanna hear it. Get the Package to the Autumn. 

Noble Six: Done. 

Carter: Not yet, it's not... Emile, Kat, go with them. It's a ground game now. 

Emile: It's been an honour, sir. 

Kat: Copy. 

Carter: Likewise. I'll do what I can to draw their fire. Six, Mutasim... Those AIs chose you. They made the right choice. 

Six joins us in the back and we get ready to jump out. Six wraps an arm around me, ready to carry me off. It was a fair thing to do since my legs probably wouldn't survive the impact, but thanks to their suits, they didn't need to worry. 

Carter: On my mark. 

We all watch intently as Carter counts down with his fingers. Once he reaches zero, we all jump out. Luckily, we land with no issues and ready ourselves for the fight ahead. I sigh lowly and pull out an assault rifle that I nabbed from the ship earlier. I still had my dual Energy Swords, but I didn't plan on using them just yet. 

Kat pats my shoulder. 

Kat: Stay sharp. 

I nod and let Kat take the lead. Soon, we wound up in a heavily surrounded area. We kill the Covenant off as quickly as we can before progressing forward. The echoes of explosions ring out in my ears. These were Reach's final hours so I expected nothing less than complete annihilation. 

After fighting through a checkpoint of Covenant, we found ourselves at an open cave. However, before we can progress, a Scarab blocks the way. 

Emile: Mother...We can get past it, sir! 

Carter (Radio): No you can't. Not without help. 

Kat: Commander, you don't have the firepower. 

Carter (Radio): I've got the mass.