Chapter Twelve

Hestia System

Moon of Hestia V Gas Giant

Meridian

Ethan opened his eyes. Red lights flashed as air pressure released from broken valves. Initially, he heard no sound but felt pain throughout his body. He touched his face which was mostly numb. His eyes widened when he saw blood. Looking around he noticed he wasn’t in his seat. His straps must have torn when the pelican crashed and he was thrown across the cab. He tried to sit up feeling his back and neck muscles tense. When he was fully up he realized the pelican was upside down. Above him, Toland and his parents were still unconscious. The Colonel on the other hand was tangled in cargo straps. His face bloodied and his eyes were locked on Ethan, motionless. Dead.

Ethan grabbed a hose to pull himself to his feet. He checked his legs and body. He felt achy and had several cuts and bruises all over but he could walk. He reached up and grabbed ahold of his dad’s leg and pulled hard, yelling at him. His mother rolled her head and realized she was elevated.

“Ethan, oh my god, are you ok?”

“I’m fine, I think” Ethan said rubbing his ears hoping to remove something from them. “I’m having a tough time hearing but I think I’m fine.”

“That’s not good.” She noticed Allen was still out.

“Al, wake up. Allen.” She said pushing and lifting his head. Allen’s eyes opened and he grabbed Emily’s hand and began to cough. He noticed Ethan below them and smiled.

“I’m glad to see you two are ok.” He said. Ethan’s left ear finally popped and he fell over feeling nauseous.

“Ethan!” His mom yelled out

“I’m fine, my ear just popped.” He sat up and looked up at Toland.

“We need to wake him”

“First, me and your mother need to get out of our straps.” Allen began. “Ethan, there’s a weapon cabinet by the cockpit next to the door.”

Ethan sat up and walked toward the cockpit. To his left was large door stretching from the ceiling to the floor. He grabbed the red handle and pulled but nothing happened.

“Ok. The sensors are fried.” His father said. “Try kicking it a few times.”

Ethan kicked the panel three times, each time harder, until it popped open. Several rifles and pistols fell out but behind them were holstered hunting knives. He grabbed one and then proceeded to hand it to his father. Allen cut Emily loose and lowered her down with Ethan’s help then cut himself loose. Toland groaned and lifted his head. Ethan and his parents turned to assist him.

Toland was expecting to see the enemy standing before him but was relieved when it wasn’t. He looked to his side and immediately noticed the Colonel. His face soured and he turned away from the sight.

“Are you hurt?” Allen asked.

“I’m fine, can you cut me loose?”

“Of course.” Allen grabbed Toland’s front strap and put the knife to it. The belt made a snapping noise and Toland landed on his feet effortlessly. He closed his eyes, snapped his neck and adjusted his uniform before walking over to the weapons rack.

“So, I take it you have a plan?” Ethan asked. Toland picked up several weapons, tossing a few to Allen and then strapped on a bullet proof vest. He didn’t know much about the Covenant but Ethan was almost positive that wasn’t going to do him much good against plasma.

“We still need to meet with our rendezvous—” Toland began

“if it’s still there” Allen added.

“Regardless, we’ll need find a way of this planet.”

It didn’t have to be pointed out, Ethan knew the Covenant landing on Meridian was the end of everything here. Even though the Cruiser crash landed, with a ship that large, you bet there would be survivors.

“Our objective—my objective, now” Toland breathed as he loaded his rifle. “Is to ensure Ethan’s safety and that he remains as far away from the Covenant as possible so I’m going to make sure that happens. Let’s get that hatch open.”

For the next several minutes they all tried different things until Toland located hoses connected to the doors hydraulics mechanism and cut them. The door dropped open and tainted red light pierced their eyes as chilly air rushed into the pelican. They were in a hole.

“Where are we?” Ethan asked.

“Somewhere north, between Virgo and Gilroy.” Toland replied. “Leave your luggage, we need to travel light.” He gestured to Emily as she grabbed backpacks.

“How long do you think it will take?” Ethan glanced around.

“That depends” Toland began. “If we don’t see any Covenant it should take a few hours or so. But I’m hoping we can find transport along the way.”

Ethan took a deep breath, the chilly air filling his lung kept him alert. Allen grabbed his shoulder and handed him a winters jacket from one of his bags. Ethan put it on while Toland and his parents checked out the site above the hole. When he reached the top Toland pulled his Designated Marksman Rifle up to his chest and laid it over the dirt mound. He was facing south and could see for miles. Several fires burned in the distance, most noticeably the crashed Covenant Cruiser in the ocean. It was severed with the hull in the ocean and stern on the beach. Though the Cruiser missed Virgo by several miles water covered Virgo’s outskirts. The rest of the city was behind the ridge. Toland spotted several Banshees and vehicles moving away from the beached crash site and toward both Virgo and Gilroy. He pulled the rifle back and looked at Allen who had climbed up to join him.

“What’s it looking like?”

“Not good.” Toland pointed toward the crash site. “Covenant move toward the cities in vehicles and it looks like Virgo may be a lost cause” He looked behind them up the mountain. Bright red smoke lit up the sky. Allen looked down and smirked.

“I figured it’d be only a matter of time until the Covenant would find this place.”

“Yeah, so did we.” The two glanced at one another. Allen knew “we” referred to ONI.

“And yet, it still seems like nothing was done.”

“Your son is still alive, if that counts for anything.”

“Only because he matters to ONI. Other than that, he’s just a child.” Allen tried to keep his voice clam.

“We’re all children, just playing dress up.” Toland glared. “Some of us have just easier jobs than others but fighting the Covenant is everyone’s job. I’m sorry I cant fix your problems but I’m not here for that I’m here for him.” Toland pointed at Ethan who was standing with Emily, both of them noticing the tension between the two. “So, you can either help or stay in the back and keep your mouth shut…Sir.”

Allen looked long and hard at Toland thinking several ways everyone would die on Meridian but after a moment he gave up finding the hope.

The next few hours went by as slow as ever. Ethan slogged through the thicket as the party marched through what was left of the forest. The night was already fading, or it seemed like it was. Fires kept the sky bright and gunfire kept the silence from becoming overbearing. No one has said anything for quite sometime. Toland usually held his hand up in case they needed to stop. Anytime that he did, they all crouched and waited until he signaled them to continue walking. There were times Ethan almost fell asleep waiting. Suddenly he felt a hand on his chest as he put one foot in front of the other. Looking up he noticed he had lost track of where they were. The trees had thinned significantly and before them rested a Covenant vehicle of some sort. It was burnt and still smoking.

“Elites must be nearby.” Allen whispered.

“Not as close as you might think.” Toland replied, not as quiet. “This drop-pod has been here a while, at least a few hours.” He looked down inspecting the loose dirt. Several footprints left the scene, but he noticed they looked somewhat familiar.

“Well then…” He breathed standing up.

“What is it?” Allen looked down seeing the same prints.

“You don’t think—” the two exchanged looks.

“I didn’t even know we had any stationed out here.” Allen smiled.

“We didn’t.” Toland smiled reflecting on his time with Rachel Hoss as they informed the Captains of the possible invasion; they apparently listened.

“Is anyone going to tell me what’s going on?” Emily interrupted. Toland smirked and walked toward both her and Ethan.

“That there is a Covenant Drop-pod. It usually carries Elites but from the looks of the foot prints it was carrying a Spartan.”

Ethan was now alert. His heart began to race hoping he would see a Spartan in real life. He never met a single kid that knew a Spartan, this was gonna be his lucky day. All the fun and excitement was quickly swept away when he realized Virgo was gone. His face tightened.

“And this is supposed to be a good thing I take it?” Emily gestured. Toland’s smirk dropped as he looked back at Allen who shrugged.

“Um, yes, seeing as they have genetically engineered bones and enhanced reflexes, some which are so fast you barely noticed they even moved.” Toland said completely sarcastically. But just like Emily would, she shoved all of that ground-breaking technology down his throat when she opened her mouth.

“Yes, and I watched for several years and most of them have died off just as fast as they were put into battle so it’s likely this one is dead too.” Her eyes steadied on Toland’s and he tried to argue. Eventually he just turned around and walked on passed Allen.

“She’s right, we to stay focused. Keep your eyes out though, you don’t know what we’ll find.”

It wasn’t soon after finding the drop-pod that they had reached the end of the forest. The sun was beginning to break through the clouds but still was overshadowed by the burning planet. Before them was dense grass reaching up to Ethan’s eye level. Emily pulled Ethan close as they began to march through it.

“Watch your feet” She whispered stepping around a dead Grazer. The head and feet were intact despite several gaping holes throughout its thick body. Its horns were covered in blood and lying next to it was a dead alien. Its chest was burst open, probably from the horns. It held a plasma pistol in one hand and a handle of some sort in the other. If standing it was most likely taller than anyone here. Ethan covered his nose.

“Jackals.” Toland said raising his hand. Everyone but Ethan had crouched. Over the tall grass Ethan could barely see a head that resembled something like a dinosaur. Its eyes were focused on Ethan but before he could say anything he was pulled to the ground where his mother held him. Toland and Allen held their guns tight waiting for movement. The Jackal called out and other Jackals, maybe 2 or 3, responded. The grass moved as they came closer. Out of nowhere there was a loud hum that cracked through the air and a green plasma bolt cut through the grass until it Emily throwing her to the ground. Allen grabbed Ethan as fast as he could and held him to the ground as he dragged the dead Jackal and placed it on top of him. Ethan’s eyes held on his mother who lied motionless in the mud.

“Don’t move or make a sound” He said turning around and opening fire alongside Toland. The next few moments were a blur for Ethan as he waited for his mother to move. Her body was limp and from his angle he couldn’t see any blood. He wasn’t even sure if there would be any. He remembered Sierra explaining to him and Josh a while back about how plasma could pass through the body burning everything it touched. Because of this the blood would coagulate and cauterize the wound for the time being. Any residue left from the bolt would melt your insides though so the likelihood of surviving any shot above your waist was unlikely. Still, he could hope.

Toland stood as he slammed another clip into his rifle firing rhythmically. Each round pierced through the head of a Jackal. More still approached but Allen was keeping them back.

“I’m running out” Allen yelled out. Toland glanced back but just as he did a Jackal leaped forward and slammed him with its energy shield sending him a good ten feet. It fired at Allen would was hit in the leg. He yelled and turned around firing into the Jackals shield. Bullets repelled until the shield gave way and the bullet tore through the Jackals chest. Allen knelt as the body fell to the ground. He panted looking at Ethan who still seemed in shock. Toland stood abruptly, a plasma pistol in his hand.

“Are you hurt?” He yelled out.

“Its just my leg, I’m fine.”

Toland raised his hand and fired as two Jackals approached. The bolt broke their energy shields and killed them effectively. Unfortunately, the plasma pistol was drained, and he had to toss it, but the field seemed quiet. Toland scouted the area not seeing any reinforcements nearby.

“We need to get moving.” Toland said kneeling next to Emily. Ethan pushed the body off him and sat up. Emily rolled to her side holding her shoulder.

“It got my shoulder, I can’t move my arm.” She said. A rush of relief filled Ethan.

“You won’t be able to. Do you feel any burning?” Toland asked.

“Beside the hole, no.” She shook her head, her face pale. Toland scanned her body and head then looked at Allen who was inspecting his calf. Every shot missed him by inches except the one that grazed his leg.

“You got lucky” Toland said then looked at Ethan.

“Give me your coat.” Ethan immediately pulled it off and handed it over. Toland cut to pieces until he made a tourniquet. Once Emily and Allen were taken care the four moved out. Toland and Allen kept watch as usual and Ethan kept close to Emily.

“I’m sorry” He whispered. Emily noticed his sad face and knelt beside him.

“This is not your fault; do you understand me? There’s no way we would have gotten through that field without shooting.” Ethan nodded and gave her a hug.

“We’re coming up to Gilroy.” Toland announced. The group gathered around. At the cliff of the glade was the first gate, which was destroyed. It opened to the fourth sector that was nothing more than a battlefield. Several marines and vehicles both Covenant and UNSC were destroyed. Bodies lay everywhere. Passed that sector and throughout the rest of the city the walls were heavily fortified. In the center, the metropolis, were several Banshee’s and Sabre’s being blown out of the sky by artillery.

“Every man and woman of the highest military command on Meridian would be in this city.” Said Toland. He scanned the area trying to find movement but didn’t notice any. He figured the battle for Sector 4 was over and reinforcements would eventually arrive. The battle was taking place above ground now. He turned to face the group when he heard a loud humming noise. He waited until he could make it out. A Falcon.

Just above the ridge coming from the north east was a military grade Falcon equipped with chain guns and missile launchers. Allen, Emily and Ethan turned at once and watched at it was headed toward them. Toland raised his badge and stood in front of the group. The Falcon descend, grass waving viciously as it touched the ground. Two soldiers and General stepped off the aircraft and paced toward Toland.

“General Davis” He said shaking hands with Toland. “You’re a long way away from any ONI base, Agent. What’s your business here?”

“Evac Escort, sir. This family is to safely be escorted off Meridian and sent to Earth. Captain’s orders.”

“Captain?”

“Captain Persie”

“I see.” The General looked Ethan and his parents. His expression didn’t change once.

“Get them on board. We have several ships ready to leave soon.” Toland nodded and helped Emily and Allen onto the Falcon. Ethan climbed up himself and strapped his belt on. The General and marines followed and within seconds the Falcon was underway. Medics helped Ethan’s parents as he listened to Toland’s conversation with the General.

“Sir, we found a Covenant Drop-pod up in the forest. It wasn’t carrying a Sangheili.” The General nodded and glanced at Toland.

“Yes, I am aware. His name is Samuel. He’s the reason the rest of Gilroy still stands.”

“It’s just him?” The General seemed irritated by the questions but gave the information, nonetheless.

“Operation Red Flag was a failure. He’s the only one who made it.” Toland turned away thinking intently. He rubbed her hair and face and leaned back. He glanced at the General who still had eyes on him.

“Thank you, sir. I wasn’t aware of any of this.”

“And I’m surprised. ONI knows everything.”

“We’re not as remarkable as our reputation, though we have our moments.” The General chuckled obviously warming up to Toland.

“So why the family? Why them?”

Toland smiled. “The boy is tied to a Forerunner artifact known as a Luminary. The Caretaker informed us of Ethan’s importance and to escort him to safety.” The General stared expressionless. “It’s classified.”

“And I was just beginning to like you” He smirked. A moment of silence came between the two until Davis spoke again.

“Assuming your stationed here, I thought I’d be seeing Colonel Gear again.”

“KIA, sir.”

“I understand.”

“ONI?”

“Haven’t had contact in 15 hours, sir. I have no idea to be honest.”

“Well we have some orbital crews stationed here. They’ll debrief you as soon as we land.”

The Falcon was high above Gilroy passing factories and depots until it reached a tall building and landed. The Falcon door slid open and Toland escorted Ethan off the aircraft. He noticed his parents weren’t coming.

“Wait.”

“They’re going to recovery. You won’t leave without them.” Toland reassured. Allen nodded, and Emily smiled as Ethan walked away with Toland and the General.

“We have several refugees from Virgo here. We’ve been making routine evacuations of the cities nearby for the last 24 hours.”

Ethan looked at the words on the wall as they approached the helipads doors. Meridian Command of Unified Earth Government. The inside was housed with silver blue walls and several glass stairs and bridges. It was exactly what Ethan pictured every ONI base would look like.

General Davis stopped. “Take the boy to cafeteria so he can get some food.”

Just as fast as he heard the words Ethan was rushed down another hallway by two staff members. They passed through two sets of doors and several med-bays where marines with several broken bones and missing limbs were lying in agony. The last set of doors was an elevator. The ride was quiet. When the doors opened it was filled with noise as people crowded the halls. His eyes burned as he smelt the stank of the air. How long had people been stuck down here, he thought. The staff members pushed him forward and escorted him to another employee which seemed to be keeping the chaos in order.

“What’s your name boy?” She said. Her hair frizzled and makeup smeared.

“Ethan.”

“What? Speak up”

“Its Ethan”

“Last name” She sighed.

“Foster” Said Ethan

“Foster” the woman replied skimming throw names on her data pad for a moment.

“Gotcha. Ok. Follow that line there you’ll be given a number and food. Eat and then head down the southern hall to the room associated with the given number. Next” She yelled out.

Ethan rushed into the line along the wall. Several people were pushing one another arguing about who was in front while several people were lying on the floor sobbing over lost loved ones. The floor and walls were covered in dirt and sweat, the air stank, and all Ethan could think about was getting out of this place.

The line moved faster than he had imagined. He walked along the wall until he reached a window about his height and a man handed him a badge.

“Here you—” the man stopped, surprised to see a child. “Where are your parents?”

“In recovery. I’ll take my number.”

The man smiled and stood up pinning the badge to Ethan’s shirt. The number 711 and a barcode illuminated. Ethan smiled and began to walk away.

“Not just yet.” Finally, the man gave him a card with another barcode. “Now go on.”

Ethan walked a few steps until a man dressed in black uniform stopped him.

“Let me see your card.” The man scanned the card. “ Right, this way.” He ushered Ethan to the left down a separate hallway from the other people ahead and behind him. Marines with rifles approached him.

“Wait, why does he get to go there! Shouting began.

“That’s no fair. You guys are assholes!”

A fight began to break out and the marines readied their weapons. The man in the black uniform addressed the crowd.

“All of you will be shot if you do not follow orders! Back in the line, now!”

The marines escorted Ethan until they reached a large blue door. On it was labeled “VIP”.

“Its OK, son. Go on.” One Marine said removing his face protector while the other stood next to the door. Ethan nodded and opened the door. The cafeteria was the opposite of everything he had just seen. The walls and floors were white with carpeted sections. The hall was relatively vacant comparably. Everyone here was dressed in white and grey uniforms resembling cadet uniforms. In the distance, near the back of the hall he spotted two families socializing. Two of the children he recognized.

“Captain Persie gave me direct orders to assist Samuel with evacuations until we find the Fosters.” General Davis said as they approached his office.

“What? Why?” Toland Said. Davis waved his hand and his office opened, inside was a woman in uniform with her legs crossed waiting patiently.

“Rachel?” Toland asked following General Davis. Hoss stood and gave Toland and hug.

“I’m so glad you’re alive” Her voice was the best thing Toland had heard all day.

“So you know each other intimately” The General said. Toland blushed.

“We’re professional.”

“Clearly” the General snarled. “Now that I have both of you in my office we need to get down to business and explain what Captain Persie apparently doesn’t have time to explain.” He said sitting in his chair.

“That is classified.” Toland said slightly agitated. Hoss sat down signaling him to do the same. The General reached in his uniform and pulled out some type of device. The top of it had an elegant curve while the bottom was angular. It was strange indeed and Toland was positive he had come across this before. The General flipped it open revealing a miniature holopanel and turned what looked to be a nob. The room had gone black causing the security lights to light.

“I’m not talking to you as General but man to man.” The General said tossing the device on the table. Its origins weren’t important for Toland, so he drew his attention toward General Davis. He glanced at Hoss who was waiting patiently for him to say something. Toland sighed.

“I was put in charge of a small task force consisting of recruits and Hoss.” Toland began. “We were tasked with investigating and uncovering Covenant intensions behind planet discovery and glasses. While our initial reports were that the Covenant were merely trying to eradicate our species, Hoss uncovered something more than significant.”

“A Luminary.” Hoss interrupted. “It’s a Forerunner device used to map other installations and points of interest. The Covenant reverse-engineered these for their own taking and have been locating them ever since they first discovered them.”

“Which is?” General Davis asked.

“We don’t know.” Said Toland. “But whatever these Luminaries hold is extremely valuable seeing that they built it around their religion. They even have commandments, wrights, that state to temper with a Luminary is a sin.” The General huffed.

“With that said” Hoss continued. “We came up with a theory that these Luminaries are leading the Covenant to other Luminaries on other planets, planets that just so happen to be occupied.”

“Let me stop you there.” General Davis sat forward. Toland slouched. Hoss kept her legs crossed.

“Your telling me the Covenant have found every Human colony because there’s a Luminary, a map of some sort, that just happens to be locating every planet humanity is on?”

“Yes.” Said Hoss.

“Bullshit.”

“Its not, sir.” Toland but in.

“I’m talking to you like a man, Kyle. Do me a favor and save the shit for someone else. I have a war to fight—”

“Fuck you!” Toland stood. “There’s a Luminary on this planet. We found it, the both of us.” General Davis sat back in his chair and began to rock back and forth.

“I spent the last half of my career investigating the Covenant and some prophecy about Luminaries and their connection to the glassing’s in the last decade. You might sit there all high and mighty thinking there’s no hidden agenda, but you can go to hell. The Luminaries exist and the one here, on Meridian, just happens to be the most important one so expect a long and gruesome battle…General.”

Toland breathed and sat back down folding his arms. Hoss shot him a nod, but the General sat still for a moment. He reached over his desk and turned off the jammer. The lights came on following the sound of a generator.

“What does the boy have to do with any of this?” General Davis asked calmly.

“His premonitions lead to…its discovery and he had been chosen to lead us to others…I think.” Hoss said second guessing herself. The General stood from his chair adjusting his uniform and nodded at Toland.

“Take anything you need but you have 24 hours to get the family prepared for departure. Spartan will aid you with some of our prototypes. We haven’t had the chance to fully test them but so far they are efficient at mopping up infantry. The sky might be your only concern, but I’ll have my men provide cover for as long as I can.”

“Thank you, Sir.” Toland stood along with Hoss.

“Report to me when you are ready. You are dismissed.” The General nodded and sat back in his chair. Hoss and Toland left the room rather quickly.

“I thought he was going to rip your head off.” Hoss said as they walked down the halls.

“I thought the same for a moment but I’m ONI so he would have to explain why I would be in the ICU.” They both laughed for a moment before Hoss stopped in front of Toland.

“We haven’t spent much time together.” She said leaning against him. Toland sighed.

“You know the rules.”

“This is war, Kyle. I’m sure no one cares what we do in our spare time.”

“Really, you want to do this now?”

“It’s now or never” Hoss winked walking away. In Toland’s hand was the key to her room. He smiled as she turned the corner. Before he did anything irrational he wanted to check up on Ethan, make sure he was doing ok.

“—and then we ended up here.” Sierra said. Josh nodded in response. Ethan sighed and sat back in his chair.

“So your parents are ok then?” Josh asked.

“Yeah, for the most part. Losing everything isn’t exactly ok.”

“I hear you.” Josh nodded.

“So, explain why there’s a mark on your head.” Sierra asked.

“A mark?” Ethan said rubbing his forehead.

“No silly, its here.” Sierra reached over the table and stroked his temple. Ethan leaned over the table grabbing the data pad using the reflection to see the mark. Branded on his temple, was large black swirly line that created many shapes. It was almost indistinguishable from his hair unless you were really looking.

“This is where the Caretaker touched me.”

“Cool, you must have powers or something right?” Josh grew curious.

“I don’t think so. I really haven’t felt different since we were inside the Luminary.” Joshes smiled faded but Sierra held hers.

“I think it suits you.” She said. Ethan blushed. Josh rolled his eyes.

“Hey,” Josh’s dad but in. “We’re heading to our room, it’s getting late. Josh tell your friends you’ll see them in the morning.” Joshed sighed and said goodbye.

“You too, Sierra.” Her mother said. She smiled lightly at Ethan and walked away. Sierra stopped by Ethan and leaned down giving him a hug.

“I hope you’re not too lonely” her voice saddened as she walked away.

And that was it. Ethan was all alone sitting on a couch. His parents were in recovery and most likely in separate rooms so seeing them was going to be difficult. Toland was nowhere to be seen and his friends left to their comfy quarters. He sighed long and hard and lied on the couch looking at the ceiling.

“Maybe I could sleep here.” He said faintly.

Toland came into view. “Or you can sleep in my master bedroom.”

Ethan sat up. “Master bedroom?”

“Well” Toland said sitting next to Ethan. “Between me and you, the Covenant have fled. Most of the battles are just skirmishes which are easy enough to handle. To put it bluntly, you’re in the safest place on the planet so any bedroom is a master bedroom.”

Ethan didn’t like the kid jokes. He hated them but a part of him knew Toland was trying to comfort him.

“I’ll take it.”

“Good man.” He stood from the couch. “Have you had food?” Ethan nudged the empty tray on the table. It clearly had food on it.

“Right. So, Hoss and I have some paperwork to catch up on I can give you the room key and I’ll see you sometime tonight or in the morning, ok?”

“Do I have a choice?” Ethan snarled. Toland sighed and decided to drop the act.

“Look, Ethan. I don’t know why you were chosen or what it even means to be chosen but what I do know is that life is never fair. You have to live with what is given to you sometimes. Yeah, aliens might arrive and take it from you but in the end its what’s here that defines you” Toland pointed to Ethan’s chest. He nodded.

“Now go to the room. I’ll see you in the morning.” Ethan walked away with another key to another room. He looked back at Toland one last time before he left the cafeteria.

The halls were mostly quiet except for a few people that still couldn’t find their rooms. The man in the black uniform and the two marines were escorting the people. As they passed Ethan the man grabbed his arm.

“Where’s your room, Son?”

Ethan had both keys in his hand but decided to show the one Toland had given him.

“237”

“VIP room as well, huh” The man said. “You must be famous or something. Alright head that way then.” The man let Ethan go and the group was gone behind another corner within moments. Ethan had no clue how to get to Toland’s room. He scouted the area for a map and found one in the northern hall. When he reached it, the map displayed Toland’s room further underground. He found it slightly irritating that the VIP rooms were deeper underground. But he didn’t dwell on it too much, when the Covenant glass planets, no where is safe.

Ethan marched on down the halls until he located an elevator and took it to the 17th floor. It had interested him that someone would build a tower inverted. It was impressive; the further you descended the nicer the halls and rooms looked. Sure, this was a UEG base, but Ethan had never seen let alone even heard of architecture like this before. He wondered if there were more bases like this on other worlds.

The elevator stopped and announced the floor he was on. Noticing the map on the left he continued down the hall until he reached room 237 and then he unlocked the door. Inside, it was dark. He tried to find a light switch, he even clapped but no luck. Sighing, he noticed light coming from the bathroom. “that’s odd” he said to himself. The bathroom door opened and a hot wave of steam engulfed his body. Standing before him was a tall redhead with her back turned to him. She looked as if she had just gotten out of the shower seeing as she was unclothed and wet. Ethan stood in shock. Smiling, Hoss turned around and stepped forward prepared to see Toland but instead found Ethan standing there. Hoss screamed and lost her balance. Her scream shocked Ethan and he tried to move backward but slipped on the wet bathroom floor. The two collided and Hoss landed on Ethan, her chest smothering him. Ethan squirmed and pulled himself out from under her as she tried to best to cover her body.

“Oh my god, Ethan” She managed to blurt out, in shock herself.

“Hi,” He replied just as snakingly.

Ethan paced for a moment until he just sat on the floor and Hoss pulled the sheets from the bed to cover herself.

“Um, hi” Hoss said, eyes wide. “How are you?” She finished with a laugh. Her face redder than her hair.

“I-I’m good, how are you?” He asked refraining from making eye contact.

“I-I’m fine” She replied almost like she was trying to reassure herself that she was. Ethan raised an eyebrow slightly smiling; Hoss realized what she said could be taken in many ways.

“Where’s Kyle?” She asked trying to keep calm.

“He’s probably in his room wondering why you’re not there” Ethan couldn’t help but laugh.

Toland walked joyfully down the hall until he reached his room. He placed the key on the key reader and it beeped twice. The readier was red. He blinked and looked back down at the card in his hand and read “452” instead of “237”

“Shit!” He yelled out and he ran back down the hall toward the closet elevator.

Hoss, feeling exhausted, smiled and then laughed with Ethan. “I can’t believe this happened.”

“Neither can I”

“Yeah, but you enjoyed yourself at least.” Hoss smirked. “this looks bad.” She said rubbing her head. “Your clothes are wet…and I’m wet...”

“…And naked” Ethan added.

Hoss glared at him. “Really…”

A knock sounded at the door. The two exchanged looks until Ethan figured it’d be best that he opened the door. “Annd I’m late” Toland breathed gesturing at Ethan’s expression. “Let me in” He moved passed Ethan as Hoss lifted her head, anger building in her eyes. Toland backed off, straightening his posture and looked at Ethan.

“I think we should go.”

“I think so too” She said her head bouncing. Toland escorted Ethan out of the room as he turned around and apologized. Hoss held her hand up and kept her face hidden. Toland didn’t say a word. The walk to Toland’s room was long and quiet.

“I take it she thought you were me?” Toland’s eyebrow raised looking at Ethan’s clothes.

“She fell on me”

“Ah,” his face dropped. “It was that bad.”

Ethan stopped. “You know, if you wanted a night with her you could have told me. I know I’m a kid, but I think I’d be fine in a room by myself and It would have saved us a lot of embarrassment.”

“Well, some things aren’t meant to happen I guess.” Toland smirked as they reached his room and went in for the night.

Ethan slept in the bed while Toland took the sofa. The night was rather peaceful for Ethan even though he spent most his night thinking about his parents and where they were going to live. Earth. The cradle of their civilization. It was going to be an experience for sure; something he was looking forward to. Sierra and Josh viewed Earth as a holy place of some sort. Like living there would grant you some type of power. Anyhow, Ethan resented the idea of ever living there. His whole life people talked about the Covenant’s agenda and how finding Earth would end everything. If the war was a firework show than Earth would be the finale. After several minutes trying to convince himself Earth would be anything less than prison, Ethan rested his head on the pillow and closed his eyes.