Halo: Reach's Promise

Brothers In Arms-

   Bon looked down the hallway impatiently for the General to call him down. Damn, the old man needs to move faster. This is why I prefer the Navy. They have their priorities straight. 

   "Spartan Sierra Four Two Seven and Spartan Bon Three Six Nine; report to my office. Immediately," The overcomm said. Bon jolted up and started pacing to the office before he realized what the other Spartan's name he called was.

   "Uh oh. He seems mad," a voice said behind him. Bon turned around to see his fears were confirmed. 

   "Brad," he sighed, "What are you doing here?"

   "I could ask you the same. Well, more like; where's your partner?"

   "That's why I'm here. And I'm guessing that's why you're here as well."

   "After you," the Spartan held out a hand in front of the two. Bon gave him a look but walked forward, his helmet in his hand; Brad following suite. All Spartan's were notorious for treating their armor like secondary skins. They just weren't comfortable without it. 

   Bon knocked on the door when he got there and waited for a response, "Come in Spartans." Bon opened the door and stepped in; giving Brad enough room to fit in as they simultaneously snapped salutes. 

   "At ease, Spartans," The General said after giving a solute of his own. Despite the order they remained at attention but dropped their solute, "Can either of you tell me where Spartan Cali Four Two One is at?" 

   "Sir-"

   "No explanations, Petty Officer. Now answer the damn question," he said as impatiently as Bon felt. 

   "No I don't," Bon looked the General straight in the eyes; who in turn nodded and looked at Brad.

   "And you?" 

   "No sir."

   "Well you know your mission then. Go. Make sure you find this new...Spartan. Micheal," He added before they saluted again and exited the room.

   "For god's sake, I'm stuck with you?" Brad said in disgust as he put his helmet over his head. Bon said nothing as they hustled to the air bay. They found their ride who flagged them down.

   "Spartans, over here!" He entered the cockpit, "I'm taking you down to the surface but after that you're on your own. Don't expect me to wait," He said while firing up the engines; admiring the gleam of their armor. Brad nodded as Bon snapped two BR's off their hooks of the Pelican and tossed one to Brad. They sat down; prepping for the imminent G's. 

   "Three...two...one...and we have lift," The pilot counted down. They headed through atmosphere; the ship shaking badly like it would fall apart at any moment. Bon inhaled and looked at Brad, who nodded. Although he could be an asshole; he also knew when to take things seriously. They threaded through streams of plasma, eventually landing close to where he was sure Cali was. 

   "Oh, that...doesn't look GOOOD!" The pilot shouted as he twisted the pelican, tossing anything that wasn't strapped down. Loose ammunition pelted Bon's helmet as he held onto his armrests. Static pulsed through the ship as they started loosing altitude. 

   "Going low to avoid contacts! Hold on to your hats, boys! Going in hot!" The pilot announced. 

   "Find a place to make a hot drop!" Brad ordered. 

   "What are you insane? That's a  scarab out there! There is no safe place!" 

   "Just do it!" Bon interrupted.