Reach for Halo

Reunion

Mutasim P.O.V

With Tartarus dead and the Halo ring stopped, we all returned to Earth. Lord Hood informed us that the Covenant landed on Earth, looking for something. Before we could do anything, however, we had to find Chief and Six. While I knew Chief would make it out okay, I was concerned for Six and her condition. The reminder that I only delayed Kat's death lingered in my mind and had me overthinking if the same happened with Six. 

I was scared for her, I'll admit it. But that's because I love her. 

Right now, I was with Thelya, searching for Six while Sgt Johnson was looking for Chief. Thelya and I were alone and roaming a jungle, being careful and quiet to avoid being detected by any Covenant soldiers. Though it was a lot easier for her since she had the active camouflage in her suit. So far, we had avoided a lot of fights, but security was getting tighter the further we went in the jungle. 

Cora: Hold your position. 

Listening to Cora, we halt. 

Mutasim: What's up? 

Cora: I'm picking up a Spartan signal. Spartan, this is AI unit designated Cora, respond. 

Comms: Cora? You're here?! 

Recognising the voice, I smile. 

Mutasim: Six! 

Noble Six (Comms): Mutasim! You're okay! 

Mutasim: Yeah. And you? 

Noble Six (Comms): I'm fine, just laying low. There's a Covenant patrol not far from me and I ran out of ammo a long time ago. 

Cora: Hold your position Six, we're on our way, plus 1. 

Noble Six (Comms): "Plus 1"?

Cora: You'll see when we arrive. Cora out. 

I look at Thelya and nod. 

Mutasim: Let's move. 

Thelya: You seemed... extremely happy to hear that woman's voice. 

Mutasim: Well, yeah. I mean, we're together. As in dating. 

Thelya: I see. While we're on that topic, what are humans' marital relations like? 

My cheeks heat up from the question and I rub the back of my head. 

Mutasim: Uhh... I-I mean, I'm not married to Six, but... Usually, we just kinda stick with one partner. Sorry, why are you asking about this? 

Thelya: Just... Curious. Let us move. Unless you wish to keep her waiting longer. 

Nodding, we continue to traverse through the jungle. As we move, I notice Thelya taking glances at me and then holding her gut at random times. After the 6th time it happened, I decided to talk to her about it. 

Mutasim: Are you alright, Thelya? 

Thelya: Yes, I'm fine. I know it sounds unprofessional but... I am rather hungry. 

I chuckle. 

Mutasim: Yeah. It's been awhile since I last ate too. Once we find Six, maybe we can return to base and have a quick snack. 

Thelya: I would like that.  

Soon after, we arrived in the general area Six should've been. Various trees were surrounding the area and Brutes and Grunts were all roaming. Cora detects Six's signal and points to our right. 

Cora: Six is hiding behind that tree. 

Mutasim: I'll go for her. Thelya, you take out the patrol. Quietly.