Beyond Reach

Baptism by Fire

"Please, Carter? I'm 16 now, and I've been training every day since I got here," I pressed, stepping closer to him. My voice was steady, but my heart pounded. I had to convince him.

Carter stood with his arms crossed, staring down at me with that stern, unflinching expression. His blue eyes softened for just a moment, but he shook his head. "No, Lily. It's too dangerous. You're not ready."

I could feel my muscles tensing, frustration bubbling just beneath the surface. "You know that's not true," I shot back. "I've been running simulations, combat drills—everything. I'm faster now, stronger. You've seen it."

Before Carter could respond, Emile stepped in, leaning casually against the wall with his arms folded. "She's right, you know. She's already better than any of us were at her age. Hell, probably better than most of us after just four months." He gave me a quick, knowing look, and I couldn't help but flash him a small smile. His confidence in me was everything right now.

Carter exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck as if trying to shake off the weight of the decision. "Emile, this isn't about skills. It's about survival. She'd be risking her life every day—"

"And we're not?" Emile interrupted, raising an eyebrow. "She's got what it takes. You know that."

Carter shot him a look, but Jun's voice cut in from the back, where he was adjusting his rifle. "If the kid wants to come, I vote let her."

I turned to him, my hope rising as more of the team backed me up. Even Kat glanced over from her station, where she was tinkering with some piece of tech. She pushed her glasses up, studying me for a second before nodding slightly. "It wouldn't be that hard to get her fitted for Spartan armor. She's a good fit."

The mention of Spartan armor made my chest swell with excitement. My fists clenched by my sides, the anticipation nearly unbearable. I could already picture myself in green and blue armor, standing tall beside them, finally being one of them.

Carter let out a long sigh, clearly weighing the situation. I could see it in his eyes—the concern, the doubt. But I wasn't about to let him deny me this chance. Not when I'd worked so hard.

"I'm not asking for a free pass," I said, my voice firm. "I know what I'm getting into. But I want to be out there. You're risking your lives every day, fighting to protect what's left. The Covenant took everything from me... and I won't just sit here. I need to fight back."

Carter was quiet for a moment, the silence in the room thick. He glanced at Kat, who gave him a shrug as if to say, "Your call." Then, he turned back to me, his face hardening into something unreadable.

"You'd be under my command, Lily. Directly. You stay by my side at all times. No wandering off. No solo heroics. You do exactly as I say. Understood?" His tone was sharp, but it carried a hint of reluctant acceptance.

"Yes, sir!" I couldn't stop the grin that spread across my face.

Carter shook his head, still not entirely convinced, but there was the faintest hint of a smile pulling at his lips. "Alright. Let's get you some armor. But remember, this is a trial. You screw up, and it's over."

"I won't screw up," I said confidently. I wasn't going to waste this opportunity.

As Carter led the way out of the room, I exchanged glances with Emile, who winked at me. "Told you I had your back," he muttered under his breath.

"I know," I whispered back, feeling the adrenaline start to kick in. This was it. I was finally stepping into their world.

The sound of our boots echoed through the hallway as I followed Carter, my heart still racing with excitement. I could barely contain the grin threatening to split my face in two. My own Spartan armor—it didn't feel real yet. "You're smiling like you just won the lottery," Emile commented from behind me, his tone playful.