UNSC New Recruits

Chapter 8

Later that same day, a knock was heard at the door. The person who entered wasn't dressed in any uniform that we were otherwise used to. Instead, he was armoured in a green bodysuit, complete with a helmet that even covered his face.

'The Master Chief....'

The room quietened down upon his entry; even our teacher was a little afraid of speaking. The Master Chief scanned the room before directing his attention to our teacher.

His voice his normal, neutral tone, the newcomer announced "Cortana and I wish to speak with the girl named Emily outside."

"Y-yes. Of-of course," the person teaching our class stammered before indicating for me to walk with the Master Chief.

I stood, exasperatingly dropping my pen and half-storming out of the room; wondering why the hell this man is here early. But there was no time to wonder further as Master Chief wasted no time with pleasantries at least.

Taking out a device of some sort and activating it, a female came into view as a purple hologram.

"Emily, sorry for taking you out of class," Cortana, the hologram, informed me with slight urgency; adding in the small talk Master Chief skipped. "And I know you're probably wondering why we are here early. We're sorry for that, but there's no time to explain."

I interrupted, my tone hinting my annoyance "Look, if this is about recruiting me, I've already said that I'm not interested."

"Just please listen to us, Emily."

"Cortana's right, Emily. Just listen," the armour-clad marine stepped in. "We know that it doesn't sound pleasant and that it isn't the most ideal proposition. But we need the numbers. We need the help of people as skilled as you to fight back against the Covenant."

Leaning against the brick wall that's probably got bits of gum hidden in the gaps between the bricks, I let out a sigh as I folded my arms.

"Fine! I'll listen. But don't think that means that I'm thinking about recruiting," I said, gathering my anger back in, seeing as this is the Master Chief and Cortana I'm talking to here; and they both mean well.

Speaking calmly, Cortana confirmed "That's all we're asking you to do; it's just listen."

"Look. This war isn't going all too well, as you may have figured. However, it's worse than what Sergeant Johnson has told you. With you being number one on the most promising list, it's been decided that you should know the details," Chief reported evenly. "We're losing more marines as we speak, and if we continue to lose them at this rate, there'd be no one left to defend the human race."

"Exactly. We're losing marines by the hundreds, give or take. Master Chief and I are on the front lines every day, doing our best to help our fellow marines and reduce the casualties. But we can't do everything ourselves; which is why the UNSC are doing this recruitment."

There's a pause; a pause in which I took in the information given to me. With the way they've pulled me aside, isolated me from everyone, and told me this, I could tell that this was top secret.

"So let me get this straight," I started, straightening up a little. "There are more marines dropping like flies than what's been told? And there's barely anything you two can do to at least slow the rate of the falling soldiers? Which is why you're attempting to recruit us teens?"

"Marines," Master Chief corrected before adding "And yes; that is exactly what we are saying."

"And how would you know that I will keep this secret? I can tell that this is something that the Chain of Command doesn't want exposed."

Cortana responded dutifully "Because we believe that you know what's best for, not just you, but for both your fellow students and the UNSC."