The Wilted Planet

Chapter Four: The Hidden Flower

"Cal check it out. Delta post is huge." Dean said pointing into the distance. Caleb blinked and squinted trying to make out more of the structure than just the foggy outline. "Looks big but can't really see through this stupid fog." Caleb said in a disappointed voice. Dean nudged him. "Aww lighten up buddy. We'll see it up close and personal soon."

The group of marines moved down the hill they stood on. The road towards Delta post was littered with holes and weeds growing from cracks in the pavement. Caleb sidestepped a particularly large hole and glanced at Dean. "They really haven't taken care of this road huh?" He commented. "Doesn't seem like it no." Dean agreed. "I wonder why." Caleb said curiously.

"Hey guys I think it might have something to do with that." William said behind them pointing at the nearest buildings of Outpost Delta. Half were little more than debris. The rest in different stages of collapse. "Oh no." Caleb whispered stopping in his tracks. "What happened here?" Flint asked in disbelief at what they were seeing. But no one answered him.

Serge walked over to where they were standing and sighed. "Just as I feared." He muttered gruffly, Caleb glanced at him having heard him. "What is it Serge?" He asked softly. Serge jumped slightly and looked at the young marine with a grim smile. "I think you know son. Just think about it. What could have done this kind of damage?" Caleb shook his head in denial.

"There's just no way sir. The Covenant couldn't be this far out. They never have been. Why would they now?" He asked trying to reason away what he was seeing. "It doesn't matter why Jones. Those things do whatever they want. Like blowing up all of humanity. Outpost Delta is down. And now we're some of the last people left alive on this forsaken piece of rock." He said sadly throwing a cigar stub down and stepping on it.

"You all go sit down somewhere." Serge commanded looking at them seriously. His rough exterior returning. "I need to think on what we'll do." He said turning to look at the burning remains of some of Outpost Delta's buildings. Serge put his hands behind his back, deep in thought.

The other groups of marines who had moved up and were starting to witness the destruction. Their faces grim with reality. Flint walked over and told them Serge's orders. William sat down on a rock on the side of the trail burying his face in his hands. "This can't be happening." He said shuddering. Caleb and Dean sat nearby him and tried to calm him down.

"It's not so bad. Maybe this is all a big misunderstanding." Dean said looking at Caleb for backup. But Caleb shook his head not wanting to lie. "No.. it's exactly how it looks. The way Serge reacted." He paused glancing at their Sergeant. His face a mask of calm despite the panic he must be feeling inside. Caleb looked back to his friends. "It's the Covenant." William flinched as he said the word.

"No... God please no." He whispered raising his head. Dean grabbed his shoulder squeezing it firmly. "Come on Will don't freak out. I know things look bad but I'm sure we'll be fine." He said reassuringly shooting a glance at Caleb again for assistance. "Yeah I bet Serge is thinking of the perfect strategy to get us out of this mess." Caleb smiled trying to sound sure of himself.

William breathed a sigh of relief. "You really think so?" He asked hopefully. Caleb laughed and smiled more. "Yeah and if he doesn't then leave it to me. I'll get us out of here myself." He said. Dean shook his head and fake sobbed. "We're doomed." He groaned. That set all three of them into laughter until Flint ran over motioning behind him.

"Come on guys. Everyone's caught up and Serge wants us all now." The group got up and jogged to where Serge was standing in front of all the others who continued to look grim or panicked. Caleb stood between Dean and William and breathed slowly. Serge nodded to them  acknowledging their presence then began speaking.