Reach for Halo

Facing The Flood

Mutasim P.O.V

After making our escape, Arbiter, Six, Lilith and I were given a mission to help any other stranded forces through fire support. Although quite a few soldiers managed to escape from the base, a lot of them didn't get far and were already being swarmed by Covenant. 

We spent a good hour or so helping other soldiers before being called to attack the anti-air cannon close to Truth's ship. Right now, I'm sitting beside Six and Thelya as we wait. I check my rifle and make sure it has enough ammo. 

Noble Six: Sorry Mutasim. But any chance you got a spare mag? Blew most of my ammo in that last skirmish. 

Mutasim: Yeah, here. 

I hand over a spare mag and she loads it up into her rifle. 

Noble Six: Thanks. 

Thelya: It would be wise to locate new weapons once we land. 

Lilith: At least that way, we'll have more ammo than the scraps we've got from base. What's coming up next? 

Mutasim: Well... Once we destroy the anti-air cannon, all available ships will try to attack Truth's ship, but it'll be too late and Truth would've escaped to The Ark. And then a Flood Carrier will arrive on Earth and infect the surrounding area. 

Noble Six: So what's the plan when that happens? 

Mutasim: The Elites will start glassing the infected area but to disrupt the worst of the infection, overload the carrier's engines and destroy the entire thing. 

Thelya: We must figure out a form of safety for you humans. That Spartan armour would be enough to prevent infection, but neither of you are wearing it. 

Mutasim: We'll figure something out. But right now, we've got a job to do. 

Cora: I do have a couple suggestions if you want me to list some right now. 

Lilith: Yes, please. 

Cora: For starters, ODST armour is pretty effective. You don't need to go through the training regime Spartans do and it's basically just a lesser effective Spartan suit. Vacuum sealed and perfect for avoiding being infected by the Flood. 

Mutasim: Bit late to grab some suits, don't you think? Any other suggestions? 

Before I can hear them, the ship touches down and we get out, landing at the facility. Standing at the top of the ramp was Chief himself. 

Thelya: Demon. 

Chief: Arbiter. 

Mutasim: Don't tell me you two still hate each other. Cmon, we've got an anti-air cannon to dispose of. 

Chief: Right. 

He nods at me and leads the way. We enter the facility and wander around, arming ourselves with new and fully loaded weapons. I was about to walk into the next room to start fighting but Lilith grabs onto my shoulder. 

Mutasim: You okay? 

Lilith: S-Sorry, just... Need a moment to brace myself. C-Could you stay with me? Just for a minute. 

Mutasim: Yeah, of course. Chief, Six, Thelya, you guys go on ahead. We'll catch up. 

Noble Six: Alright. And Lilith, don't worry. Everything will be okay. I promise. 

Lilith: Thanks, Six. 

Despite Six wearing a helmet, I could tell she was smiling reassuringly. The two Spartans and Elite move on ahead, leaving me to calm Lilith down. Out of nowhere, Lilith speaks.