The Spartan Directive: Echo Resurgence

===== Prologue =====
As Jace lies in a recovery pod, surrounded by the soft glow of medical monitors, a sense of restlessness gnaws at him. He stares at the lights above him as the mission replays in flashes in his mind. Ordering the rest of Echo ahead, the Promethean attacks, reaching his arm out as a Knight cuts down into-. He squeezes his eyes shut to get rid of the memories. He looks to the nearby observation room as a team of doctors and technicians prepare for the next phase of Jace's treatment. A stern-faced ONI agent stands among them, his gaze fixed on the Spartan with an intensity that borders scrutiny.
"Are you certain he's ready for the cybernetic enhancement?" the ONI agent asks, his voice tinged with skepticism.
The lead surgeon nods, his expression confident. "Yes, sir. Spartan G282 is in optimal condition for the procedure. With the cybernetic technology, we can restore full functionality to his limb."
The ONI agent's eyes narrow slightly, but he nods in acquiescence. "Very well. Proceed as planned."
As the surgical team begins the process of replacing Jace's lost limb with a sophisticated robotic prosthetic, the Spartan's mind races with a whirlwind of emotions. Fear, uncertainty, and determination vie for dominance, each demanding to be heard. He shoves them down; he knows this operation is necessary.
"Jace, can you hear me?" a voice breaks through the haze, pulling him back to the present.
Jace blinks, focusing on the figure standing beside his recovery pod. It's Baz with Will standing next to him, his expression a mix of concern and reassurance.
"Yeah, I'm here," Jace replies; his voice is barely audible.
Will places a hand on Jace's shoulder, offering silent support. "You're going to be okay, buddy. We've been through worse than this."
Jace manages a weak smile, grateful for the twos' steadfast presence. "Thanks, Will. I appreciate it."
As the surgery progresses, Jace finds himself slipping in and out of consciousness, the rhythmic sounds of the medical equipment lulling him into a restless sleep. Images flash through his mind—scenes from past battles, faces of fallen comrades, and the relentless march of the enemy. But amidst the chaos, there is a sense of purpose, a determination to overcome whatever challenges lie ahead.
He wakes hours later, the orange lights above him giving him some relief over the white lights he had over him so far. He looks down and sees his new cybernetic arm now attached, where his right arm was not 48 hours before. Despite the initial discomfort and disorientation, he can't help but feel a sense of wonder at the marvel of the thing. With each movement of his new limb, he admires the precision and skill afforded by the cybernetic enhancement.
As Jace adjusts to his new prosthetic, he is greeted by the sight of Del Harrington, his fellow Spartan, entering the medical bay. Her expression is a mix of relief and concern, her eyes scanning him for any signs of distress.
"How are you feeling?" Harrington asks, her voice soft but determined.
Jace offers her a reassuring smile, flexing his new arm experimentally. "Better than I expected. The doctors did a hell of a job."
Harrington nods, her gaze lingering on Jace's cybernetic limb. "It's amazing what they can do with cybernetic enhancements these days. You'll be back in action before you know it."
Despite Harrington's encouragement, while welcomed, it just makes him think to Brad Thornton. The ex-ODST's sacrifice on Vorpalis IX weighs heavily on his conscience, reminding him of the dangers that can befall even the toughest of them. But as he looks at Harrington, he can see she still has her unwavering resolve; he can't help as he is filled with renewed determination. 
Over the next few days, Jace devotes himself to adapting to his cybernetic arm. He starts by relearning everyday tasks, such as dressing himself, and then moves on to mastering the loading and firing mechanisms of every UNSC weapon. A Training Supervisor oversees his progress as he painstakingly refines his muscle memory. After days of intense rehabilitation, he reaches a pivotal moment. He completes the final stages of his recovery with a mix of relief and determination. And before he knows it, the day arrives when he receives the last enhancement—the cutting-edge MJOLNIR GEN3 armor.
As Jace stands before the armor technician, anticipation courses through him; this new MJOLNIR GEN3 armor represents a leap beyond the capabilities of its predecessors. The advancements over GEN2, and even the specialized SPI armor, are astounding. The enhanced strength, speed, and energy shielding capabilities are immediately noticeable as each piece clicks into place. The armor feels like a seamless extension of his body, offering unparalleled protection and agility. 
With the GEN3 enveloping him, he can't help but marvel at the technological prowess, and he senses a newfound confidence, knowing that he is equipped with the best tools for the missions that lie ahead. Beside him, Baz, Will, and Harrington share his sense of awe, their expressions reflecting excitement and determination.
Amidst the excitement of their new armor, the ONI agent approaches a small holographic display hovering beside him.
"Good afternoon, Spartans," the ONI agent begins, his voice clipped and businesslike. "I trust your new armor meets your expectations?"
Jace nods, his gaze fixed on the holographic display before him. "Yes, sir. The GEN3 armor is a significant improvement over our previous gear. We're ready for whatever mission you have in store for us."
The ONI agent nods in satisfaction, his expression unreadable. "Excellent. Now, if you'll direct your attention to the holographic display, I'd like to introduce you to RAYMOND."
With a flick of his wrist, the ONI agent activates the holographic display, revealing the image of a humanoid figure wearing a 21st-century marine kit. RAYMOND's appearance is sleek and streamlined, its features rendered in shades of yellow. Despite its simple appearance, there is a sense of intelligence and awareness in its eyes.
"RA...YMOND?" Harrington's voice falters slightly, her eyes narrowing in suspicion. "What exactly is this?"
The ONI agent clears his throat, his gaze steady. "RAYMOND is a new type of AI specifically developed to combat the Created. Unlike previous AI, RAYMOND has built-in safeguards to prevent any potential manipulation or coercion by the Created."
Jace shares a skeptical look with Baz and Harrington, a storm of doubts raging in his mind. The ongoing conflict with Cortana's AI has left him and the rest of Echo wary of artificial intelligence.
"RAYMOND, do you have anything to say to Fireteam Echo?" the ONI agent prompts, his gaze fixed on the holographic display.
The image of RAYMOND nods, its digital form flickering slightly. "Greetings, Spartans. I am RAYMOND. My primary directive is to assist Fireteam Echo in achieving their objectives and ensuring their safety in the field."
With a subtle gesture, the ONI agent ejects a data chip from the holographic display and hands it to Jace. The chip contains RAYMOND's program, ready to be integrated into the Spartan's armor systems.
Jace hesitates, his fingers hovering over the data chip. Despite RAYMOND's assurances, there is a lingering sense of unease in the back of his mind. Can they trust this AI to watch their backs, or will it betray them like many others?
But with a deep breath, Jace inserts the data chip into his armor's interface, allowing RAYMOND to integrate with his systems. As the chip clicks into place, he feels a surge of energy as RAYMOND's presence floods his HUD, its digital interface blending seamlessly with his surroundings.
As Fireteam Echo prepares for their next mission, Jace knows that the presence of RAYMOND adds an unpredictable element to their team dynamic. Only time will tell if the AI proves to be a valuable asset or a dangerous liability in the fight against the Created Uprising.
===== Chapter 1 =====
Jace sits in his quarters in the UNSC Winter, his gaze fixed on a digital picture of Team Bowie, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. Memories of past missions flood his mind, the camaraderie of his fellow Spartans a constant source of strength in the face of adversity.
"Fireteam Echo, report to the briefing room immediately," RAYMOND's crisp voice interrupts his thoughts, jolting him back to the present; he shakes his head, still getting used to having an onboard AI. 
He glances at the holographic display, confirming the message. Something urgent must be happening.
As he enters the room, Baz and Harrington are already there, their expressions mirroring his curiosity.
"What's going on, RAYMOND?" he asks, his voice echoing in the dimly lit space.
The AI's holographic form of a human male wearing a 21st-century Marine Uniform materializes before them. It's Azure projection flickers with anticipation. "ONI has provided us with Slipspace coordinates to investigate. It seems of utmost importance," RAYMOND replies, its synthesized voice conveying urgency.
Jace nods, heading towards the bridge of the ship, Baz and Harrington in tow; as he prepares for the jump, the familiar hum of the Slipspace drive envelops the room just before he hurtles through the void. 
Moments later, the UNSC Winter emerges above a planet, its surface a patchwork of landmasses and oceans.
"What in the...?" Baz mutters, his voice tinged with confusion as he peers out of the viewport.
Harrington's brow furrows in concentration as she scans the unfamiliar surroundings. "I've never heard of this place. What's going on, RAYMOND?"
The AI's holographic projection materializes in the cabin's center, its Radiant Azure form shimmering with ethereal light. "The Avery J. Johnson Academy of Military Science," RAYMOND begins, his voice steady and authoritative. "The UNSC established it as a premier training facility for future generations of SPARTANs. Named in honor of the legendary Sergeant Major Avery Junior Johnson."
I exchange glances with Baz and Harrington, a sense of unease settling in my stomach. "Why are we here?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.
"ONI has designated the Academy as a priority location for a covert operation," RAYMOND replies, his tone tinged with urgency. "We are to rendezvous with a contact who will provide further instructions upon our arrival."
As the UNSC Winter touched down, the familiar hum of the dropship's engines fading into the background, Jace, Baz, and Harrington walked out of the ship, the sun light hitting their exposed faces. He can see Spartan IVs training as Pelicans fly overhead as he looks around. His gaze shifts focus as Spartan Commander Agryna makes her way over. Her presence was imposing, her armor gleaming under the harsh lights of the landing zone. 
"Fireteam Echo, I'm glad you made it," Agryna begins, her voice tinged with urgency. "I'll get straight to the point. The situation has escalated dramatically in the past week."
He exchanged a glance with Baz and Harrington, the gravity of Agryna's words hanging heavy in the air. Something had changed, and it wasn't for the better.
"The UNSC Infinity, along with the Master Chief, has been declared missing in action," Agryna continues, her words hitting us like a physical blow. A wave of shock washes over him, the news almost too much to bear. Will had been redeployed to the Infinity just before its disappearance. 
Agryna's voice brings him back to the present, her words cutting through the haze of my thoughts. "In the wake of the Infinity's disappearance, Laconia Station being destroyed during the war, the Avery J. Johnson Academy has become a crucial rallying point for surviving Spartans and UNSC forces."
"We've received reports of increased Created and Banished activity in the surrounding sectors," Agryna continues, her tone grim. "Fireteam Echo, you're being deployed to the Johnson Academy immediately. We need every available Spartan on the front lines."
He nods as he already starts to think of plans and strategies. 
"Understood, Commander," he replies, his voice steady despite the turmoil. "We'll do whatever it takes to push back the Created and protect what's left of humanity."
Agryna nods before heading back inside. Jace turns back to Baz and Harrington and looks at them both.
"Until we've got solid proof or a body, Will's still in the fight, somewhere out there." He says. Harrington nods. "Agreed. It takes a lot to kill a Spartan."
Baz nods as well before looking up. "Will won't have a supply of smoothers, though; he might come apart before we find him."
"I won't let that happen, Baz; we lost too many Gammas already; as soon as we find out where he was last, we'll search for him.
===== Chapter 2 =====
The UNSC Winter hangs suspended over the former Covenant mining facility, Scarr. As the holographic display flickers, Jace studies the mission parameters, flanked by the virtual presence of RAYMOND. The remaining Fireteam Echo members, Baz and Harrington, do their mission prep as they prepare for the descent into the Banished stronghold.
Jace's gaze shifts from the holographic coordinates to Baz and Harrington, the trio now comprising the core of Fireteam Echo since Will was declared MIA. The hum of their MJOLNIR armor resonates through the drop bay as Jace directs his attention back to the holographic display, confirming the precise coordinates for their descent. With a decisive command, he orders Rayomnd to set the UNSC Winter to auto-hover.
Jace stands and grabs his helmet, slipping it on as he rises; the rhythmic clank of armor echoes in the bay as Baz tosses Jace his AR, a well-practiced exchange. Checking the weapon with a swift efficiency, Jace slides it onto his back.
"Alright, Echo. We jump in, hit them hard, and clear this place out. ONI wants us to show the Banished we mean business," Jace's authoritative voice resonates through the comms.
"Copy that, Sir," Harrington responds, loading rounds into her Sniper with practiced precision. Her helmet in place, she gazes at the cloud-strewn night below. As the cargo doors open, Jace closes the holographic display and inserts RAYMOND's chip into the back of his helmet, ensuring the AI is ready for the mission.
"Fireteam Echo, the drop is a 'go," he declares.
"See you on the ground, gentlemen," Harrington says, doing a mock salute as she lets herself fall out of the prowler.
Jace and Baz exchange a knowing glance, a silent communication passing between them. With a quick gesture, Jace put his index and forefinger over the faceplate of his helmet where his mouth would be — their signal for a smile. Baz nods in response, a flicker of amusement crossing his features before he swiftly dons his helmet. They synchronize their movements without a word, leaping into the night sky in sync.
He leads the descent, his armored form cutting through the night with precision. Adjusting his trajectory subtly, Jace ensures they stay on course. Baz and Harrington flank him, their movements synchronized as they descend toward their designated drop zone, their movements fluid as they descend as a cohesive unit.
As they descend, the atmosphere thickens around them, and the once-distant features of Scarr loom ever closer. The harsh terrain of the mining facility comes into sharp focus, illuminated by the artificial lights of the Banished installation below. With practiced ease, they touch down, sending shockwaves rippling through the rocky landscape. The dull thud of their impact reverberates through the facility, announcing the arrival of Fireteam Echo.
The Banshees patrolling the area detect the incoming threat, their attention shifting towards the descending Spartans. The Banished forces emerge, mobilizing to meet the perceived challenge head-on. Amidst the chaos, a rallying cry rises from the ranks of the Banished, echoing through the facility with chilling intensity.
"Kill the Demons!" the cry rings out, a chilling testament to the reputation that precedes Spartans.
"Engage!" Jace's command spurred Fireteam Echo, and the Spartans sprang into action. The Spartans leaped into action without hesitation, their training and combat instincts taking over. Jace led the charge, his MJOLNIR armor gleaming in the artificial light as he barreled forward with his MA40 Assault Rifle.
As they advanced, the Banished forces scrambled to react to the sudden onslaught. Jace's heightened reflexes allowed him to weave through the chaos easily, his Assault Rifle barking bursts of gunfire as he targeted the enemy ranks. Harrington, positioned atop a vantage point, unleashed controlled shots from her SRS99-S7 AM Sniper Rifle, picking off enemies with deadly accuracy. Baz, wielding a BR75 Battle Rifle, closed in with him, his movements fluid and calculated. Together, the Spartans moved with unmatched precision and coordination, choreographed like a well-rehearsed dance of death.
"Watch for those Brutes! Harrington targets the ones with the heavy weapons. Baz, cover our flank," Jace's voice crackled over the comms as the Spartans seamlessly executed their roles.
The firefight intensifies as Banshees swoop overhead, their engines roaring amidst the din of gunfire. Jace watches as Harrington remains calm, her head tracking the Banshees' movements as she precisely aims her shots, sending plasma-filled aircraft spiraling toward the ground. 
Pressing forward, the Spartans found themselves in a vast, dimly lit chamber from the crimson glow of emergency lights. The ground beneath them suddenly trembled as heavy footfalls approached with thunderous force.
"Contact!" Jace's voice cut voice rang out as a Brute Legionmaster charged forth. The massive Gravity Hammer swung with brutal force aimed at Baz, who was caught off guard and was sent hurtling through the air. The bone-rattling impact broke his shields as he hit the far wall, The Brute's deep voice reverberating around the room. "Come, little demons," it growled. "Let us see if you are worthy of the titles they bestow upon you."
Reacting with lightning reflexes, Jace barked orders over the comms. "Echo, light him up!" The Legionmaster, a hulking behemoth, issued his commands to his Banished minions, who closed in on Fireteam Echo.
"Harrington, target the smaller ones. Baz, stay on the Legionmaster. Let's take this Brute down," Jace commanded, his voice cutting through the din. Both of their lights flashed green on his HUD; he saw Baz pulling himself up out of the corner of his eye as his shields recharged before raising his weapon and opening Fire.
As Harrington shifted to her vantage point, the Legionmaster swung its Gravity Hammer again. Jace dodged the impending strike. The shockwave reverberated through the ground, and the Legionmaster roared in frustration.
Baz's Battle Rifle crackled as he fired, each shot an attempt to find the chinks in the Brute's formidable armor. Jace, wielding his Assault Rifle, closed the distance, the Legionmaster's loyal underlings engaging Harrington with unbridled rage.
The Legionmaster, undeterred, swung its Gravity Hammer with renewed aggression. Jace and Baz danced around the ferocious strikes, their movements a testament to years of training and combat experience. Each swing of the massive hammer created shockwaves that rippled through the air.
As the Legionmaster focused on Baz, Jace seized the opportunity, his Assault Rifle blazing. The Legionmaster's armor absorbed the onslaught, but the shots disrupted its focus, saving Baz from a full-force blow that would have cracked open his MJOLNIR armor. The Legionmaster's smaller Banished forces loyalists engaged Harrington as red plasma shots flew over him towards Harrington's position.
During the chaos, the Legionmaster swung its Gravity Hammer once more. Jace's enhanced reflexes kicked in as he dodged the strike, but the shockwave sent him flying back and his Assault Rifle flying out of his hands.
"Nice shooting, Baz! Harrington, stay on target!" Jace shouted, his voice carrying a mix of urgency as he got to his feet. Having dealt with the Legionmaster's forces, Harrington repositioned herself and aimed at the Brute, her Sniper Rifle cracking off shots with deadly precision.
The Legionmaster, momentarily blinded by the precision shots, roared in frustration. Seizing the moment, Jace retrieved his Mk50 Sidekick from his magmount and opened fire with the pistol.
"Now, Jace! Finish it!" Harrington's voice crackled through the comms, a sense of urgency underscoring her words. Fueled by determination, Jace closed the remaining distance, firing the pistol at the Brutes's faceplate to keep him distracted.
Dodging the Brute's final, desperate swings, Jace closed in, drawing his Kukri blade. With a swift, calculated move, his blade found its mark, plunging deep into the exposed throat of the Legionmaster. The Brute bellowed in agony, its massive form staggering backward before slumping down, defeated.
"Target down! Good work, Echo!" Jace's voice rang out, a mixture of relief and triumph. He looked around as the last of the Grunts dropped there weapons and fled.
"Secure the area! Harrington, any other threats?" Jace's commands cut through the aftermath of the battle.
Harrington's sniper rifle scanned the surroundings, her keen eyes searching for any signs of lingering danger. "Clear for now, P.O. Looks like the Banished are retreating."
"Baz, check for any intel we can extract. Harrington, secure our exit. We're not done here," he ordered, his voice unwavering.
As Baz sifted through Banished data terminals, Harrington covered their rear, her sniper rifle ready for any lingering threats. He surveyed the aftermath, the mining facility now a battlefield marked by the swift and decisive actions of Fireteam Echo.
Amidst the wreckage of the Banished forces, Fireteam Echo discovered the lifeless form of a fallen Spartan. Once a formidable warrior clad in MJOLNIR armor, Peter Lui lay motionless on the cold metallic floor. He Baz and Harrington gathered around their fallen comrade, paying their respects to a fellow soldier who had given everything for the cause.
"Peter's helmet recorder might have valuable intel," he murmured, removing his helmet, taking out the storage chip, and inserting it in the back of his helmet.
The recording showed Peter battling fiercely against a swarm of Banished forces, his weapons blazing and grenades exploding in calculated bursts. Despite his bravery, overwhelming numbers eventually took their toll. The footage ended with Peter making a last stand, surrounded by enemies, fighting until the end.
Baz, his visor reflecting a somber blue hue, spoke up. "He held them off long enough for us to secure the facility. A true Spartan to the end."
He nodded, a mixture of grief and determination in his eyes. Fireteam Echo continued their sweep of the facility, searching for data terminals and hidden caches. Harrington, her sniper rifle at the ready, covered the team as they moved methodically through the corridors. The facility, once a Banished stronghold, now echoed with the distant sounds of intermittent gunfire as pockets of resistance were still being cleared.
In a control room overlooking the mining operations, Baz located a secure data terminal. His armored fingers danced across the holographic interface, efficiently bypassing Banished encryption protocols. As the data flowed into his HUD, Baz's visor displayed a schematic of Banished supply routes, potential targets, and critical installations across the sector.
"We have something here," Baz announced, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. "It's intel that could be a game-changer. ONI will want a full report."
He nodded, as his mind was already calculating the strategic implications. "Let's secure this data and get it back to the Winter. Harrington set up a perimeter. We don't want any Banished creeping up on us."
As Harrington positioned herself to watch over the extraction point, he and Baz worked to download the critical information. With secured intel, Fireteam Echo grabbed Spartan Lui's body and headed toward the extraction point. Harrington's sniper rifle scanned the horizon, and the team remained vigilant as they awaited the arrival of the UNSC Winter for extraction.
As the UNSC Winter descended to retrieve them, his gaze lingered on the desolate landscape of Scarr. The mission had been a success, but the cost was evident.
===== END =====
For the next story in the series please head to The Spartan Directive: Operation: STARFALL