Daniel Contreras

Daniel Contreras (: 44086-24092-DC) is a specialized warfare trooper that served under the , and would move on to become a super-soldier of the , as it was the .
Coming from high school, Daniel Contreras enlisted in the , where he then joined , thanks to his natural talents in combat. Those talents would land him into . Afterward, Contreras would join the . During the , Daniel would be one of the several special warfare operators that joined the , ONI's covert, unconventional special warfare group. After the Human-Covenant War, Contreras retired from duty as a Master Sergeant. 
After a brief stint in civilian life on Earth, Contreras and his newly-wedded spouse started a new life together on the frontiers of deep space. Settling on a mountainous farming world, the former ORION operator acted as a sub-commander for the local militia, as he helped train and advise the young recruits that also traveled alongside them. The retired trooper would also find himself to be one of the more influential and respected members of his settlement, as local settlement managers and the local populace leaned on him for advice. From time to time, the Office of Naval Intelligence would reach out to Contreras to assist them as a civilian advisor for "special matters" in regards to the wildlands of the Outer Colonies. 
Contreras was renowned for serving with intrepidness during the , the , and the . In his service, Contreras would specialize as a designated marksman and combat tracker. Operating as a covert reconnaissance operative and a direct force specialist, Contreras was proven capable of analyzing intelligence and acting on said intelligence without the support of his superiors. Contreras would operate as a recon scout on the battlefield, as he was capable of operating deep behind enemy lines and functioning as an elite warfighter. 
==Career Service Vitae (CSV)==
{| class="property" style="padding:0px; border-radius: 0 0.5em 0 0.5em;"	
;Daniel Contreras 
;Master Sergeant
FULL NAME: Contreras, Daniel Leon
SERVICE #: 44086-24092-DC
----
Unit: 
Military Occupational Specialty: Critical Skills Operator
Necessary Military Occupational Speciality: Reconnaissance
Enlistment Date: 6/26/2491
Garrison: 
----
Gender: Male
Birthplace: Earthy
Birth Date: 10/26/2471
Blood Type: A-
Height: centimeters
Weight: 89.3 kilograms
;Service Biography: 
;Overview
Master Sergeant (Ret.) Daniel Leon Contreras was a SPARTAN for the ORION Project (Spartan-I). Before his involvement with ORION, Contreras was a Critical Skills Operator (CSO) in the UNSC Marine Raiders Regiment (MARSOC), specializing as a Designated Marksman and Reconnaissance Specialist in the field. Master Sergeant Contreras served during the Colonial Insurrection Crisis, the Human-Covenant War, and Post-War Era conflicts and operations in his extensive military career. After ORION's discontinued, Contreras would go on to serve as a Naval Intelligence Beta-5 operator, then electing to join the Orbital Drop Shock Troopers (ODST). He was later brought back into ONI, to join the Asymmetrical Action Group (AAG), where he served until the end of the war. Afterward, Contreras rejoined the ODSTs and served until his retirement in 2558. He continues to work in civilian advisory roles for the UNSC and ONI when needed.
;Special Remarks
To Be Added.
	
==Biography==
===Early Life===
====Childhood====
On October 26, 2471, Daniel Leon Contreras was born on , in the sprawling, urban metroplex of of the . Daniel's father, Victor Contreras, was a Naval weapons technician in the , and his mother, Alessandra, worked for as a plant worker for a Lethbridge plant in the nearby city of Puebla. Four years after Daniel's birth, the Contreras family would look to begin their new life in the industrial, urban metropolis of .
Raised in the industrial, urban streets of Chicago, Daniel had spent his days playing a variety of sports with other youths, joining in games at the local video arcades, and would read fictional literature from the family collections in his home. In primary school, Daniel had performed well in his core classes, in due part to the intense discipline instilled into him by his parents. Daniel would also participate in the local sports leagues in his community, such as Baseball and Basketball. In secondary school, Daniel showed a great aptitude for Literature and History in his academics, and had also received athletic accolades in amateur leagues. The young man kept to himself during his youth, but, he was approachable and sociable enough to have his own circle of friends. Contreras also had a small disciplinary record, as he often engaged in skirmishes with other youths, in order to support his friends and peers that could not protect themselves. 
Between the years 2475 and 2483, numerous civilian uprisings against the had broken out in the . Ensign Victor Contreras, who was a naval warfare officer at this time, was stationed on a , known as the UNSC Blue Tiger. In 2484, Victor's cruiser was attached to a to assist with the pacification of any criminal and insurgent activity within the region. At this same time, Alessandra was now moving up the ladder in her career with Lethbridge and now her workload increased significantly in turn. Thus, Daniel found himself often caring for himself, which he quickly adapted. The young teen learned to care for himself, do grocery shopping when it was needed, and addressed his own issues when it came to school. Daniel learned to be independent, and provide for himself.
====Adolescence====
By 2487, the and the submitted formal requests on behalf of a various colonies, demanding independence from Earth. With tensions rising, violence had broke out again in the Outer Colonies. The engaged in guerrilla warfare and acts of terrorism in their current campaign for independence. Soon, Insurrectionists began targeting UNSC naval and supply installations, as they would steal weapons, equipment, vehicles, and starships to build up their own militia forces. One of these targets was the UNSC Blue Tiger. The Insurrectionists had taken control of a and lured the starship to the station with a false transmission. Despite a valiant stand against the ambush, the crew was overwhelmed by these rebel raiders, and their ship was captured. During the skirmish, Victor was killed while defending the bridge from the ambush, buying time for his crewmates to escape on shuttles. Soon, Daniel and Alessandra were notified of the tragic event that had taken Victor's life.
Both Daniel and Alessandra were grief-ridden over Victor's passing. Daniel's academic work suffered, as he lacked focus, and he cared very little about his performance. The young man was also distant from his peers, and he developed anti-social tendencies. Daniel would fall back into his old, delinquent habits, as he got into fights with other teens in his school, and was no longer participating in sports, and other social activities in his life. 
Alessandra, trying to juggle her work, son, and grief, and Daniel, now becoming distant and cold, were becoming estranged from each other. Soon enough, the two barely acknowledged each other in their daily lives. Daniel was usually off by himself, while Alessandra buried herself in her job. After failed attempts in reconnecting with her son, she would give up, and began neglecting her son. Alessandra would soon quit her managerial position, pack her belongings, and traveled off-planet, leaving her son behind in the streets of the Chicago Industrial Zone. In turn, Daniel was forced into foster care, moving from home to home as he proved to be a difficult teen to care for. Daniel adopted a new life as a common street urchin, taking odd jobs for locals and gangs to make quick credits, even helping other urchins that were in need.
Young Daniel was directionless, as his recent acts and neglect began to cost him life opportunities when it came to education and other possible ventures, such as professional sports. Soon, Contreras would fall into a crowd of delinquents that would vandalize homes and storefronts that were owned by Chicago citizens that were publicly sympathetic to the Insurrection. However, Daniel would soon crave a new purpose and meaning in his life, realizing that being a street punk was going to get him anywhere. Daniel would soon become more interested in the ongoing conflicts in the Outer Colonies. Daniel became inspired by the duties of a soldier for the UNSC Armed Forces and became motivated in finding retribution for his family. Thus, Daniel believed that life as a soldier was his calling.
After his graduation in 2490, Daniel would enlist into the , as he signed up to join the at one of the metropolis's Marine recruiting station. After brief goodbyes and finishing up his living arrangements, Contreras, with a batch of fresh-faced recruits, arrived at the local Chicago spaceport, and boarded a civilian transport destined for to begin his new life in the Marine Corps.
===Operational History in the UNSC Armed Forces===
Contreras would pass through the Marines' basic training course at the on , obtaining peak physical condition and becoming an expert marksman during his training. After graduation from boot camp and a brief stay with standard Marine Infantry, Contreras decided to pursue a career in the , more specifically, within the elite ranks of the Naval Special Warfare Command. During the intense special warfare training within the in the Korean city of , Contreras would form the core of his combat skillsets, as he was able to hone his elite marksmanship talent, and showing aptitude for special reconnaissance and combat tracking during the Assessment and Selection phase. By late 2491, Contreras became a and was inducted as a UNSC Marine Critical Skills Operator (CSO) for the UNSC Marine Raiders Regiment. 
As the 2490s dawned, the hostilities and tensions in the were growing, as the frontier colonists demanded independence from the UEG and the . These uneasy tensions would escalate to near critical levels, and it would lead to violent civilian uprisings and protests across the region. In the early weeks of 2491, Insurrection groups mobilized and armed their militias in various colonies. These cells conducted insurgency operations against UNSC forces and engaged in a brutal terrorism campaign against the local civilian populations that remained supportive of the UEG. In order to quell the uprisings in the region, the decided to deploy their special operations forces for counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations in the Outer Colonies. Contreras's elite Marine Raider platoon was amongst those forces dispatched to the region.
In his first tour of duty, Contreras and his Marine Raider unit were dispatched to the various Outer colonies in the region, in which they conducted covert direct action and special reconnaissance operations against the Insurrectionists. The Raider platoon also provided support for counter-insurgency operations. For Contreras, these first tastes of combat would prove invaluable for the development of his combat skills in the field. Contreras would become one of the platoon's best marksman, and specialized in weapons tactics, demolitions, and surveillance. 
Contreras and his Marine Raiders team soon found themselves on the frontlines more often, as the rebels were becoming more organized and began to act like a competent military outfit, instead of a tattered, misfit band of undisciplined terrorists. The Insurrectionists were establishing strongholds, receiving vital weapons and supplies, and growing in numbers due to their propaganda campaigns. From 2491 to 2493, Contreras and his platoon were thrust into more hazardous combat operations, as they scouted and neutralized enemy strongholds, engaged in counter-insurgency operations, assaulted rebel compounds and hubs, and hunted down individuals in the rebel leadership. While successful on most operations, Contreras's platoon was often met with stiff resistance, which led to substantial casualties on their end. 
In late 2493, Corporal Contreras and his Marine Raider fireteam were assigned to an operation on the colony of Madrigal, to secure and retrieve a shipment of VX-7 nerve gas from a depot belonging to a local rebel militia. Led by an ONI Special Activities operative, Contreras and the strike team were to infiltrate an abandoned ore mine and BXR refinery facility that was being utilized as a supply base by Insurrectionists. Contreras and the Marine Raiders were covertly inserted into the Madrigal woodlands under the cover of night, navigating through the forest to the rebel's depot and eliminating patrolling insurgents along the way. Upon reaching the BXR facilities, Contreras and the Marines infiltrated the area, engaging and neutralizing groups of rebels in the facilities.
After securing the warehouses and facilities, Contreras and the team were able to locate canisters of VX-7 in one of the warehouses and called for extraction from the area. However, the situation turned catastrophic, as their Pelican dropship was shot down by well-armed guerillas that had arrived after a distress call was sent out. The Marines came under heavy fire from small arms and heavy weapons and they were all killed, except Contreras and the ONI field operative. The rebel guerillas recovered the VX-7 gas and retreated into the darkness of the forest. The ONI operative radioed Control that the Marines were dead except for a wounded Contreras, the gas was taken, and that the two operatives needed immediate extraction. Within minutes, Contreras and the ONI operative were extracted from the area, before compromised CMA forces arrived.
Daniel was confined to a hospital bed at a local UNSC medical facility on Madrigal. While recovering, Contreras had learned that VX-7 nerve gas was released inside one of the local UNSC garrisons on Madrigal, killing dozens of UNSC personnel and local civilians in the area. Angered and frustrated, Contreras was displeased with the lack of progress being made against the Insurrection and the mounting death count. Contreras believed that it was time for new tactics and methods in combating the Colonial rebels.
===ORION Project===
====Induction and Augmentations====
In early 2491, the would relaunch the , with of the providing data and resources to support the program. With the success of their initial 65 test subjects in their training and augmentations, ONI sought out more volunteers for the program. Early into 2494, in the aftermath of the operation on Madrigal, ONI officials approached a recovering Contreras at the field hospital to offer him a spot in the ORION super-soldier program. With little hesitancy, Daniel accepted their offer.
Daniel and the other ORION volunteers were placed under the specialized training course for rigorous combat testing. ORION testing in CQC and advanced combat skills challenged Daniel, unlike any challenge he had ever experienced during his initial military career. Starting off as one of the lower-tier operatives in the program, Contreras would have to work his way up through the ranks, where he further developed his combat skillset. The young Marine was noted by his trainers for his development in his marksmanship skills and how he was able to handle volatile scenarios on his own during the intense combat training, even when the outcome ended up in failure. In the months of combat testing, Contreras would try to close the large skill gap with his more gifted peers and was able to prove himself as an ORION operator that showed immense promise. For Contreras, he felt that he finally found his purpose in life, and he was eager for a chance to get back into action. Contreras felt he could leave his troubled past behind, and forge a new path for himself without that burden.
The ORION program did not just help make Daniel into a better soldier, it also helped in making connections with people again. During his training tenure, Daniel developed closer bonds with his fellow ORION operatives, as the young soldier came to view them as his surrogate family. Contreras developed close friendships with a few of the operatives, with one of them being Javier Rivas. These two became quick friends, as they both bonded over their similar attitudes and military experiences. Contreras would also form close friendships with Riley Franklin and Karina Liberatore, bold and brash ORION candidates. These four individuals would come together in their training, pushing each other to their absolute limits, and helping each other with overcoming their shortcomings.
One of ORION's principal goals was to implant their volunteers with a series of . Along with his fellow volunteers, Daniel would spend several months recovering from the procedures and growing accustomed to his improved strength and reflexes before being able to rejoin his fellow ORION operators. After recovery, Contreras was assigned to an ORION fireteam with his new comrades, as ORION was prepping and being briefed for their first combat operation.
====Operation: CHARLEMAGNE====
In June of 2494, , a UNSC Marine officer, had defected and joined the , as he rallied the Insurrectionists on the colony of for a mass uprising against the . Equipped and reinforced by rebel sympathizers hidden in the Colonial Military Administration's ranks, along with support by criminals and arms dealers, Watts conducted a methodical and thorough series of attacks involving terrorist bombings, political assassinations, and kidnappings that impacted Eridanus's shipping routes. With the assistance from defectors and smugglers, Watts and the Insurrectionists were able to gather a sizable flotilla of starships, to blockade the planet. The Eridanus Government requested essential support from the Unified Earth Government in December of 2494. By January 2495, Colonel Watts and his militia forces had established control of the colony.
On January 12, 2496, Operation: CHARLEMAGNE was then launched, with the UNSC deploying a large battle group of the to Eridanus II. Then, ORION task force operators were covertly deployed for the first time during CHARLEMAGNE, as they engaged Insurrectionist forces on the rural landscapes of Eridanus II, covertly and discreetly. During the operation, Contreras and his ORION squad were tasked with raids on Insurrectionist strongholds and supply depots on the ground. While Daniel proved himself as an effective sharpshooter in the operation, it would be his work in deep reconnaissance and sabotage missions that would earn him renown. 
Contreras would play a vital role in his fireteams' actions on Eridanus II. Contreras assisted in the neutralization of the hidden rebel garrisons and supply depots and supported the rescues of captured CMA and CAA officials that were held by the rebel insurgents. Contreras and his team would also track and hunt down fleeing insurgents, as to maintain a degree of stealth during the operation. Daniel and his ORION fireteam also played a significant role in the destruction of a vital Insurrectionist military compound, which had served as the base of operations for the rebel insurgents on Eridanus II. Contreras would also take part in multiple actions to eliminate enemy leadership. Once the bulk of the rebel forces and fortifications were decimated, the ORION operators were then promptly extracted from Eridanus II without being spotted, and the UNSC Marines were dispatched to mop up what was left. 
As a result of CHARLEMAGNE, the UNSC had succeeded in regaining control of Eridanus II from the insurgents. However, Colonel Watts and several of his rebel soldiers were successful in escaping to Eridanus's , where they escaped capture and continued to operate against the UNSC. Meanwhile, the ORION Project, having completed both insertion and extraction during the operation without being seen by any survivors, fueled wide ranges of conspiracy theories and media speculation. As the legend of these super soldiers grew, it proved very helpful for the Office of Naval Intelligence's propaganda efforts in the following decades. For Contreras and his team, due to their exploits, the unit was converted into a combat tracker team. Daniel and his unit would prove to be a valuable asset in counter-insurgency, intelligence gathering, direct action, deep reconnaissance, and other unconventional warfare operations. 
====Service within ORION Operations====
After the success of Operation: CHARLEMAGNE in 2496, ORION operatives were found to be an effective tool in combating the Insurrection. Consequently, during the remainder of that year and in the subsequent years too, ORION operatives were assigned to numerous other classified missions. Daniel was dispatched to such covert operations. After their defeat on Eridanus II, Insurrectionist groups had reorganized themselves into a guerrilla force, willing to conduct terror tactics (terror bombings, kidnappings, assassinations, etc.). By 2498, to subdue these new threats, several fireteams of the elite ORION operators were deployed throughout the Outer Colonies, to combat and neutralize Insurrectionist activity, with the support of Marine and Naval task forces.
For several years, Daniel Contreras and his fireteam would conduct numerous covert, special warfare operations within the Outer colonies, against the Secessionist Union and other Insurrectionist factions. These ops included direct action, special reconnaissance, HVT acquisitions, counter-terrorism, intel-gathering, and other clandestine operations on various colonies. Contreras and his team were proven to be just as effective, if not more so, as the typical UNSC Special Forces, such as the Rangers, Raiders, and Force Recon. The unit would be engaged in several successful combat missions in various colonies, such as Eridanus II, Andesia, Levosia, Madrigal, Etalan, Harvest, and other colonies. 
During those years from 2497 to 2502, Daniel would put his abilities on display and he would evolve into an elite warfighter. Contreras would display his marksmanship skills, as he racked up significant kill counts in his combat missions. Contreras showed himself as a capable solo operative, as he was able to perform well under pressure, and without any form of support. Daniel was able to survive various difficult situations, where he found himself cut off from his team and even accomplished some of those mission objectives on his own. Daniel was seen by his peers and his superiors as a reliable soldier and was often requested by other ORION operatives, for their own missions to provide recon and support.
====Operation: KALEIDOSCOPE====
In 2502, new tactics were formed when it came to combating the Insurrection. Instead of using great amounts of resources fighting the rebels in large-scale, frontline combat, a new emphasis was focused on the assassination of key figures in the Insurrection movement. With the success of , they were able to conduct such an operation, under the codename KALEIDOSCOPE. In this operation, Contreras and Liberatore were paired for their assassination missions, as to maintain covertness and quick mobility.
Contreras and Liberatore were tasked with the neutralization of HVTs (high-valued targets) within the Insurrectionist movements on colony worlds of , , and . These HVTs were considered essential to the functions of the Secessionist Union and the other rebel factions within the region. For two years, Contreras and Liberatore were able to cause havoc within the ranks of the rebel insurgency, creating an atmosphere of fear and paranoia for the Insurrectionists. This would only make their missions much easier, as both were able to isolate and eliminate rebel leadership, with little to no difficulties. Local colonial media reports of notable Insurrectionist figures being found dead or go missing continued to grow in frequency. During their wetwork missions, Contreras and Liberatore both developed a deeper camaraderie with each other during this operation, as they both put themselves in harm's way for each other, and began to understand each others' perspectives. Contreras and Libertore would be observed by Naval Intelligence during the operation, as they viewed them as possible prospects for their ranks.
KALEIDOSCOPE was a successful operation for the UNSC, as many rebel factions had collapsed and dissolved in droves, due to their leadership dying or disappearing. This included the Secessionist Union, as their leader, , had been killed. The actions of Contreras and Liberatore played a significant role in the success of KALEIDOSCOPE and they were recognized for their efforts by Naval Intelligence. Contreras would learn that Franklin and Liberatore would leave the program to join the Office of Naval Intelligence as field agents. Contreras and Rivas would stay behind, continuing to operate under ORION. 
====Operation: TANGLEWOOD====
====Deactivation of ORION Program====
In the aftermath, TANGLEWOOD was considered a Pyrrhic victory for Naval Special Warfare Command, this operation would trigger a massive reevaluation of ORION's effectiveness. Some of the older ORION operatives were beginning to develop several side effects from their augmentations, which widely ranged from physical to mental illnesses, such as PTSD. Performance was also continuing to decline in addition to the ineffective strategies the UNSC and ORION were using in the field. Therefore, the ORION project was quietly deactivated in 2506, and the 165 surviving members were reassigned to other special operations forces in the field or were retired/discharged.
At the Marine barracks on Reach, Contreras, who was still recovering from the injuries that he sustained during TANGLEWOOD, received the news of ORION's shutdown. Contreras was at a crossroads, as he was given only two options on how to proceed. Daniel was given the choice to retire from service or rejoin the ranks of Naval Special Warfare Command. Daniel was then approached by an officer clad in black battle armor, Lieutenant Kayla Balkovec. Aware of who Daniel was and his combat performance, Balkovec was attempting to recruit Contreras into the , an elite special operations component of the UNSC Marine Corps that specialized in transorbital support interdiction tactics. 
Balkovec revealed that they were able to recruit a few ORION operators into the unit, including Rivas, and wanted Contreras to join them, stating his skill set would be best utilized as an ODST. The lieutenant would prove to be a convincing person, as she tapped into Contreras's desire in finding purpose and meaning in his life while making her case. It would only take a few hours after their conversation for Contreras to make his decision.
===Continued Service in the UNSC Armed Forces===
====Induction into Orbital Drop Shock Troopers====
Contreras underwent additional months of training at the Seongnam Special Warfare Center to become an ODST. Contreras endured intensive and brutal physical training that, even with his augmentations, proved taxing. Contreras also had to undergo squad and tactical tactics training, in which teamwork was a priority. It was here that Contreras began to develop leadership qualities and habits that even he didn't think he had prior. Soon after, Contreras, along with a section of his training unit that was unfamiliar with orbital drops, underwent transorbital insertion training with the and simulation training. 
After months of rigorous and unforgiving training, Contreras and the remaining candidates of the ODST combat training unit would graduate, and be assigned to their new ODST units. Corporal Contreras was assigned to the , with his squad placed in Lieutenant Balkovec's platoon. The 9th ODST Battalion was recently refitted and was to be deployed back into the Outer Colonies for special combat operations against the Insurrectionist militias in the region. Contreras would acquaint himself with his new ODST unit, and he developed fellowship with other ODSTs in his platoon. He would even briefly reunite with some of the ORION alumni that had also become ODSTs. Soon, the ODSTs of the 9th Battalion would leave the relative safety of the Inner Colonies, and arrive at the wild, battle-scarred frontiers of the Outer worlds. 
====Combat Operations in the Outer Colonies====
By 2507, the Insurrection was resurging in the Outer Colonies, especially since ORION's demise provided the local Insurrectionists with new opportunities. Reports of new rebel groups popping up in the vulnerable colonies began to surface, putting immense pressure on UNSC forces in the region to respond decisively. The ODSTs were to be deployed to conduct direct action, long-range reconnaissance, and covert counter-insurgency operations in the colonies. Contreras and the 9th ODST Battalion were among those forces tasked with such missions in the Outer colonies. 
In the initial months of their tour, Contreras and his ODST platoon were deployed on various missions in the colonies of Harvest, Talitsa, Eridanus II, and Victoria. During their tour of operations, Contreras and his unit were sent on deep recon patrols in search of hidden rebel outposts and supply routes in the colonies. They also were on rapid deployment for counter-insurgency actions, as well. Soon enough, the engagements with rebel forces intensified, and it forced the 9th ODSTs into fighting a different war.
Colonial guerillas launched surprise attacks on UNSC military installations and urban population centers in the Outer colonies, as they viewed them as legitimate targets in reducing the presence and influence of the UNSC in the region. It was also to help ferment popular revolts amongst the Outer colony citizens. Contreras and ODSTs would find themselves on more defensive, counter-insurgency deployments during this period. Contreras and his unit would assist in defending besieged UNSC combat bases, engaging with entrenched guerillas in urban areas, and running patrols to limit the personnel movement and supplies for Insurrectionist forces on their respective planets. These battles would be waged on various human colonies, such as Harvest, Madrigal, Paradise Falls, Eridanus II, and other Outer worlds.
Due to his training and experience in ORION and Marine Raiders, Sergeant Contreras would act as a recon scout for the 9th ODST Battalion. Contreras undertook dangerous solo reconnaissance and scouting missions to gather intelligence on rebel activities in the Outer Colonies. However, Contreras would also lead fireteams in direct action and counter-insurgency ops when needed, such as raids on rebel outposts and hideouts, providing security for local UNSC and CMA supply convoys, and capturing Insurrectionist leaders within their local movements and groups. 
====Operation: TREBUCHET====
Eventually, the , reorganized from defunct rebel groups, attempted to overthrow the Eridanus Government a second time. Colonel Robert Watts, intending to use Eridanus II as a base of operations for the URF and drag the Colonial Military Administration into a costly guerrilla war, launched an armed uprising on the whole planet. In 2513, fighting broke out throughout the Eridanus system, as rebels supporting the system's breakaway from the built a small navy of civilian craft and attempted to take over the whole system. In response, the United Nations Space Command launched Operation: TREBUCHET, in which they sent a fleet of carriers, cruisers, and destroyers to the system to combat the rebel fleet. An expeditionary force was also formed for a ground campaign against URF troops in this operation.
Contreras and the 9th Shock Troops Battalion, now attached to the 9th Marine Expeditionary Force, were to assault and breach URF strongholds along the coastlines of the planet in the initial phase of the UNSC ground invasion. Dropping into a beachhead, Sergeant Contreras and the ODSTs assaulted a heavily-defended URF combat base. Under fire, Contreras and his squad were able to punch a hole, capture bunkers, neutralize fortifications, and led the way in securing the URF stronghold. 
In spite of heavy losses and minimal air support, the ODSTs and Marine reinforcements broke through the URF's defenses and were able to secure the coastal regions of Eridanus II. Then, the UNSC forces turned their focus on capturing leaders of the Insurrectionist movement and pacifying the population. Contreras and his platoon were deployed into rural settlements and population centers to capture rebel leaders and dismantle the hidden cells, going house to house at risk of ambush. Ultimately, the United Rebel Front was unable to establish a single stronghold on the planet and the UNSC decimated most of its forces. Watts ordered that all URF forces retreat from the planet, and the remaining rebel ships retreated from Eridanus II and were pursued by the UNSC Navy until they fled into slipstream space. 
Despite the UNSC's initial success, Colonel Watts would create more rebel installations on planets throughout UNSC-occupied space. The United Rebel Front had proven to be difficult to route, and several other organized insurgent factions developed in other human colonies. Despite the best efforts of UNSC personnel, terrorist attacks, and guerilla actions continued, and many civilians were caught in the crossfire, resulting in a growth of resentment directed toward the UNSC. The fighting spread throughout all of the Outer colonies, with some fighting starting to spill over into the Inner Colonies. Through his 12 years involved in TREBUCHET, Daniel and his fellow ODSTs found themselves entrenched in a bloody struggle with the militant rebels and terrorists. Contreras and his platoon were tasked with high-risk operations against the Insurrectionists.
Through these years, Contreras and his platoon were tasked with combat operations against the Insurrectionist forces, ranging from raids on fortified rebel encampments, deep reconnaissance missions into hostile areas, and dodgy HVT acquisition ops. They were also called upon often to help in the defenses of UNSC military installations and to assist in population pacification during protests and riots, due to how stretched UNSC troops were. These operations would span many Outer colonies.
TREBUCHET was a low period in Contreras's life. As the days blended into each other, Contreras would lose many troopers in his squad, including friends that he's known since he first joined the ODSTs, including Lieutenant Balkovec. Contreras was not fond of how local UNSC forces dealt with the locals, seeing instances of brutality towards colonial citizens on a weekly basis. The missions were always hazardous, and, to Contreras, it was a virtual guarantee that someone was not coming back alive. The constant battles, terror attacks, and the ever-increasing casualties were making Daniel war-weary, and he grew more distant from his fellow troopers. Daniel's quiet and steady nature changed, as he would become more agitated and hard-hearted. Contreras questioned whether the UNSC's cause was legitimate.
It would all come to a head for Contreras during a stay at a Marine Firebase on the rural hillsides of Eridanus II. While he and his ODSTs were being refitted and resupplied for an upcoming patrol into the Eridanus woodlands, local insurgents launched a surprise attack on the UNSC outpost at nightfall, catching the Marine and ODST personnel flat-footed. The rebels, supported by repurposed Scorpion tanks and M12 warthogs, assaulted the base and breached their defenses. For nearly six hours, the fighting turned into vicious close-quarters combat and a desperate struggle to survive into the night. When the sun rose, Army reinforcements arrived to find the firebase ravaged, burning vehicles scattered across the area, and the entire hillside littered with bodies of Marines, ODSTs, and rebels. As they searched and cleared the carnage, Army troopers found a lone survivor of the battle, as a bloodied and wounded ODST emerged from the command bunker, holding an MA5 rifle in one hand, and several dog tags in the other. The survivor was Corporal Contreras, who was promptly taken to a field hospital in Luxor.
Finding himself in a familiar spot, battered and bruised at a field hospital, Contreras's PTSD worsened, and he suffered a nervous breakdown and had to be restrained. After several weeks of recovery and supervision, Contreras was released from the hospital, where he was met by Franklin and Liberatore, who became aware of what happened to Eridanus II and came to check on him. It was here that Daniel declared that he was done with military life and would seek a discharge. Contreras also contacted Rivas, who was already retired from his service at this point, and asked if he could stay at his place once he was discharged, which Rivas promptly agreed to. Daniel, with some help from his superiors sympathetic and grateful to him, was to be stationed on Reach for the duration of his service.
===Human-Covenant War===
In February of 2525, the lost contact with the Outer Colony of . In response, the unarmed scout ship, the CMA Argo, was sent to the planet to investigate. When transmissions from the scout ship suddenly ended, the Harvest situation was deemed highly important and a battle group was dispatched to Harvest, fearing that Insurrectionist forces had taken control of the agriculture world. Upon arriving at the system, the Battle Group was immediately attacked by the , a religious hegemony of multiple alien species, with only one CMA starship escaping destruction and limping back to Reach, with a dire warning of a hostile alien threat. In November of 2525, the was then ordered into full alert. In response to this alien threat, moved to create a massive battle group to retake Harvest.
Contreras, who had submitted his discharge papers and was only a few weeks away from leaving, heard of these developments in the Marine barracks on Reach. However, Daniel was not interested in continuing his service and figured this new threat would be resolved in a few years. However, new developments would alter his plans. Contreras was met by , commander of B Company in the 9th ODST Battalion. Vaughan, fully aware of Contreras's service during TREBUCHET and the rumors of his involvement in "special forces", asked Contreras to reconsider his discharge, as he needed some veteran leadership for his company. Although set on his decision, Contreras did promise to think it over the next several days. Soon, more rumors of human colonies being glassed spread, such as Green Hills and Second Base. Contreras slowly realized that the situation was a lot direr than he expected and learned more of the carnage that had occurred. A motivated Contreras rescinded his request for discharge and then re-upped his service.
====Harvest Liberation Campaign====
During the build-up to reclaim Harvest, Central Command was amassing as many forces as they can to combat the Covenant threat. This would lead to the creation of the largest fleet in UNSC naval history, and it would be led by Vice Admiral Preston J. Cole. Thanks to a last-minute tactical inspiration, . Once the orbit around Harvest was clear, a massive UNSC expeditionary ground force was deployed to reclaim the colony's surface, not knowing what to expect from their alien foes.
At the time, Daniel Contreras, now a Gunnery Sergeant, and a special detachment of the 9th ODST Battalion were stationed on board the UNSC Spirit of Fire, as part of the initial UNSC ground forces set to reclaim the surface of Harvest from the Covenant invaders. Contreras's ODST detachment was among the first dropped on to Harvest to assess and scout the terrain, and to make way for the UNSC ground troops. Upon touching down from orbit, and into the highlands, Contreras and the ODSTs were stunned to discover that several portions of the colony's local forests and grasslands had simply turned into . The ODST pathfinders quickly established a landing zone for incoming Marines and promptly set up a defensive perimeter within the glassed highlands of Harvest. As night fell, Contreras and his squad grew uneasy and nervous as they waited for the Marines to arrive. Suddenly, mass plasma fire was unleashed on the troopers, coming from the partially glassed trees, bushes, and grassy shadows of the darkened woodlands that surrounded the ODSTs.
Emerging from the shadows, and charged at the ODSTs, who had already sustained several casualties in the initial wave of plasma fire. Contreras and his troops were forced to fight the Covenant warriors in brutal close-quarters combat, finding themselves in a desperate struggle for survival. The alien warriors had seemingly surrounded the doomed troopers and prepared to massacre them in one swift move. However, air support and the Marine reinforcements would arrive in time, pushing back the invading Covenant forces. 
Contreras was still in shock at what had just happened, as he took in the carnage laid before him. After getting his bearings, Contreras volunteered to scout ahead for the rest of the force and to try to link with the other LZs. After getting the nod from Major Vaughan, the sergeant pushed into the dark, glassed forests. During his scouting run, Contreras would discover that other ODST and Airborne pathfinder teams were wiped out by Covenant soldiers, and assisted the other teams that had barely survived their incursions. Contreras assisted in linking the response force together, and he would lead mixed fireteams of Marines and ODSTs in reclaiming the lost LZs from Covenant forces in the region. Soon after establishing staging zones, the UNSC forces focused their attention on reclaiming the rest of Harvest, focusing on the recapture of ruined cities and abandoned installations.
Despite Cole's pyrrhic victory, the Covenant began swarming the Outer Colonies and were determined to retake control of Harvest. The Covenant sent more ships to Harvest and engaged UNSC forces on the surface as well as in space. The Covenant was clearly looking for something on the planet and would stop at nothing to find it. The UNSC continued to retaliate, with many engagements occurring in the planet's ruined cities and surrounding rural zones. For the next couple of years, Contreras and his ODST unit fought the Covenant forces in close quarters, urban fighting, going street-by-street, building-by-building, room-by-room. Eventually, the UNSC gained the upper hand on the ground and began to slowly push the Covenant back. Contreras and his troopers were able to drive back the Covenant warriors and inflicted heavy casualties on them. It was soon assumed that victory was inevitable, with UNSC forces taking back most of what was left of the planet. 
However, the Covenant still held a tremendous advantage in space and won numerous engagements against the few ships the UNSC could spare, as the majority of Cole's fleet was spread across the Outer Colonies. Following the Covenant's victories in space, their vessels began to glass even more of Harvest, killing helpless UNSC forces on the surface. Contreras and several of his troopers barely survived these glassings. More Covenant ships began to arrive at Harvest and deployed additional troops on the ground, eradicating almost all human presence on the planet. UNSC forces were battered and forced to retreat across the planet, leaving the Covenant free to scour the planet. Contreras and the surviving ODSTs and Marines were forced to retreat to the escarpment of , using the ruins of destroyed Harvest space elevators as shelter and holdout. For several weeks before being evacuated, Contreras and the survivors fought off Covenant attacks and engaged in a guerilla war, raiding Covenant citadels and destroying methane refineries. Contreras would reunite with the remnants of his platoon, and he would then be redeployed back into the field to assist in UNSC counter-attacks against Covenant forces.
Soon after, Contreras, along with detachments of ODSTs and Marines, were assigned to , in which UNSC strike forces were to plant area-denial munitions (ADMs) around predicted Covenant landing sites on Harvest. Contreras's ODST/Marine task force was sent to the Vigrond Highlands to neutralize one of the many possible Covenant landing sites since large concentrations of Covenant warriors and vehicles were seen in the area. After a covert insertion via Pelican dropships, Contreras and the strike team ventured through the partially-glassed forests, neutralizing roving Covenant patrols and outposts in their path. Soon enough, the troopers found the landing site, which was heavily defended by and . Thus, the bulk of the strike forces would launch a diversionary attack on the Covenant, while Contreras and several troopers would penetrate their lines from an exposed flank. After side-stepping past several defenses, Contreras and his men would locate a large Covenant and planted ADMs on the lift. Once the ADMs were in place, Contreras and the surviving UNSC troopers made their escape into the woodlands.
Under the belief that they had beaten back the humans, the Covenant forces were in near shock when the ADM explosives went off, neutralized their landing site, and claimed a significant portion of the troops. Contreras and the strike force were promptly evacuated from the planet and brought on the Spirit of Fire for debriefing and refitting to compensate for their losses. 
====Invasion of Arcadia====
The Covenant invaded the colony, , on February 9, 2531, closely followed by Spirit of Fire. Upon reaching Arcadia, two Covenant CCS-class battlecruisers exited slipspace. The UNSC Spirit of Fire arrived soon after. The UNSC Belfast, UNSC Texas, , and UNSC Armstrong had engaged the two battlecruisers immediately, catching one of them, designated CCS-U321, with its shields down and destroying it. However, the UNSC force suffered for its part in the battle. The Texas and Belfast were both destroyed, the Armstrong was venting atmosphere due to damage, and the Autumn also suffered severe damage. After disabling the remaining UNSC vessels, the second battlecruiser, designated CCS-U624, moved towards Arcadia. Meanwhile, the Autumn and the Armstrong were assisted by the Spirit of Fire.
Shortly after the space engagement, the second Covenant vessel, CCS-U624, was engaged in "surface activity" on Arcadia, attacking civilian targets and Pirth City, Arcadia's capital. The Arcadian Patrol, the primary police force of Arcadia, was deployed to counter the incoming Covenant invaders but, being a civilian force, was easily overwhelmed. As the Arcadian Patrol was evacuating civilians in Pirth City's spaceports, Covenant forces began to move in on the city, in an attempt to deny the civilians' escape. Contreras and his platoon were dropped into the besieged city, escorting civilians to the spaceports and fending off the Covenant invaders. It was also here that Contreras would encounter . Contreras and his men watched in awe and disbelief, as the giants easily ripped through Covenant infantry and armor. 
In spite of the Covenant destroying several transports, the UNSC ground forces were successful in rescuing at least a portion of the population before being forced to retreat to the city's outskirts, utilizing an impact crater as a defensible position. A Firebase would be constructed in the crater, to begin building up their forces to neutralize Covenant forces in the area. For twenty long minutes, the Marines and ODSTs, now fighting alongside the green, armored soldiers, were forced to fight against massive waves of Covenant troops and armored vehicles. Contreras, who survived the retreat from Pirth City, dug in with the remaining ODSTs and UNSC Marines around the crater.
The UNSC forces fought off Covenant forces from their makeshift defenses and cover. The Marines, ODSTs, and a trio of giant, green soldiers inflicted heavy losses on the Covenant attackers. UNSC forces held out long enough for SPARTAN Team Omega to arrive and reinforce them. With the help of Team Omega, the UNSC forces launched a counter-attack on a nearby Covenant citadel, acting as the base of operations for Covenant forces in the area. The attack was a success, as the base was destroyed and Covenant forces were neutralized. Contreras and the ODSTs would provide support in destroying a Covenant Mega-Turret during the push to the Covenant citadel. Contreras continued to be in disbelief of the feats he witnessed by these "Spartans", hijacking Wraiths, putting down Elites with ease, and their seamless tenacity in battle. He couldn't believe that the UNSC was able to find soldiers that were this good and was curious to know more about them. Afterward, UNSC forces, including the Spartans, were to be redeployed for new objectives.
While the bulk of UNSC forces was focused on breaking through a giant, dome-shaped Covenant Energy Shield in the jungles of Arcadia to discover what lies within, Contreras and his ODST platoon were to mop up the scattered Covenant forces and holdouts in the Arcadia swamplands. Contreras and his unit moved through swamplands, flushing out Covenant warriors and wiping them out completely. They were even able to take a few prisoners, mainly a few Sangheili warriors too wounded to fight. While escorting the prisoners, Contreras and the ODSTs interrogated the aliens to better understand their motivations, only to be met with scorn and disrespect. This angered some ODSTs and Marines, but Contreras viewed this as a learning opportunity to better understand their foe.
Upon returning to base camp with their prisoners, Contreras learned that the Spirit of Fire had left the system, in hot pursuit of a Covenant starship that had taken a valued asset. Thus, Contreras and a portion of the 9th Shock Battalion were left behind on Arcadia. It wasn't too long before Admiral Cole and his fleet arrived at Arcadia and engaged the Covenant fleet in Arcadia. The space engagement over Arcadia ended with the destruction of most Covenant vessels, with the remaining ones fleeing from the system. The UNSC regained control over the planet, and all UNSC ground forces, who had already secured the planet's surface, were promptly evacuated. 
====Continued Combat Operations in the ODST Special Purpose Forces====
Over the course of four short years, UNSC forces were being routed, despite excellent leadership and tactical brilliance. It was simply a matter of being outgunned; Covenant kill ratios tend to top three to one in ship-to-ship combat and the sheer numbers of Covenant warriors overwhelmed UNSC defenses during ground invasions. Now transferred to the 2nd Shock Troops Battalion, Contreras was embedded in the Special Purpose Force of his new outfit, an ODST reconnaissance platoon that was tasked with special reconnaissance, battlespace-shaping tasks, direct action, and specialized insertion and extraction ops.
For these four years, Contreras would lead ODST recon scout teams on hazardous missions against the Covenant forces in the Outer Colonies. Operating behind enemy lines, Contreras with the ODST recon teams observed and reported on Covenant activity and other information of military significance. The teams would conduct small-scale raids when needed, and ambushed Covenant forces when the opportunity arose. Contreras would also conduct solo scouting runs, in order to obtain, distribute, and share vital combat and battlefield intelligence on the Covenant.
Even though the bulk of their operations were against the Covenant, Contreras and his platoon would also be on deployment against the Insurrection, which bothered Contreras immensely. While still loyal to the UNSC and their cause, Contreras had grown to sympathize with the rebels and their struggle and was frustrated by the fact that elements of the UNSC and Insurrection were still more interested in fighting each other in the face of a greater threat. Even then, Contreras and his unit would follow their orders and engage in counter-insurgency and direct action operations against the rebel paramilitaries on various worlds. 
It was also during this four-year span that Contreras would begin to work more closely with other special forces units, including the . Contreras and his team often provided recon and combat support for the Spartans working within the field. While the ODSTs were usually resentful and jealous of their Spartan counterparts, Contreras was the opposite in this case. Contreras, realizing that he and his ORION comrades may have been a prelude to the Spartans, grew a healthy respect and admiration for them. Even then, Contreras was willing to indulge in a competitive rivalry with the Spartans for his men, believing it could help them develop into better soldiers. 
===Service in Office of Naval Intelligence===
====Induction into Asymmetrical Action Group====
In 2543, as the Human-Covenant War raged on, the Office of Naval Intelligence formed the Asymmetrical Action Group, a covert, unconventional special warfare unit that was designed to disarm, disrupt, and dissolve Covenant activities in areas of operation. The Group was to be formed around special warfare veterans and ONI operatives. In their recruitment efforts, surviving ORION operatives were sought out for this unit, due to their experience and leadership abilities. Contreras, while waiting for assignment and replacements on one of the UNSC's orbital stations in the Epsilon Eridani system, was reunited with Liberatore and Rivas. The two informed Daniel about the AAG, and they asked him to join them. With some hesitancy, Contreras accepted their offer.
Taking a platoon of hand-picked ODSTs with him, Contreras was met by AAG leadership and briefed on the nature of his missions as an AAG operator. Assigned to one of AAG's Special Mission Units (SMU), Contreras would be serving under Liberatore, and Rivas would serve as his second. Contreras and the unit were also assigned to a Razor-class prowler, UNSC Black Watch for their operations, as the unit would be on long-term field missions that would take them deep into Covenant-held territory. After several weeks of being outfitted with the latest in weapons and equipment, the unit, given the callsign of Alpha, was briefed on their objectives and boarded their prowler, destined for deep space. 
====Combat Operations with the AAG====
From 2543 to 2548, Contreras's Alpha Team engaged in a series of unconventional warfare operations against the Covenant within their territory. The team would focus on direct action ops, ranging from raiding Covenant coordination platforms and orbital stations, neutralizing various HVTs of varying degrees, and assaulting installations, outposts, and armories on Covenant-held worlds. This was the Alpha Team's usual routine for several months, until their assigned Prowler returned them to UNSC territory for the ship to be refueled, and the AAG team to be reinforced and resupplied as needed.
Contreras would usually take the lead for Alpha Team during operations, aside from the rare occasions that Liberatore would go into the field herself. Contreras, taking a small squad with him, would operate as a pathfinder and recon scout for Alpha Team, as he and his squad would set up landing zones, assess the environment, and gather intel on enemy strength and fortifications. Contreras would either lead raids on Covenant installations and outposts or provide overwatch for these operations while Rivas took charge. Even though their main focus was operations against the Covenant, Sergeant Contreras and Alpha team were still called upon to deal with Insurrectionist activities from time to time. While Alpha Team had a high rate of success in their operations, they still sustained significant casualties due to the hazardous and risky nature of their missions.
While they had their own objectives, Alpha Team was not averse to providing support for friendly forces in their area of operations, including other units and teams of the AAG. Contreras and his unit would find themselves working with SPARTAN-IIs and IIIs over the years, either supporting their missions or extracting them from hot zones. One such fireteam of Spartans they found themselves working with was Fireteam Disciple, one of several Spartan fireteams under AAG command. Contreras became familiar with these Spartans, as he discovered that two of those Spartans were children he helped in their rescue during the early years of the war. He would work and interact with them during his time in the AAG.
====Battle of Jemison====
====Operation: BLACK ZERO====
In 2550, Naval Intelligence would task AAG with a daring, high-risk assassination operation, but its success would give a much-needed boost to the UNSC in their efforts. deep reconnaissance had possibly located a Covenant Supreme Commander, known as Thel 'Vadamee. This Sangheili commanded one of the largest fleets in the Covenant, known as the Fleet of Particular Justice. It had been known that this Sangheili commander had been instrumental in the Covenant's dominance over human forces, and it became imperative that this Elite had to neutralized in order to turn the tide. A task force of AAG operatives was formed, and it included Contreras being reunited with his ORION brethren for this op. 
===Final Years of the Human-Covenant War===
After the events of BLACK ZERO, Contreras elected to leave AAG and rejoin the ODSTs. Still reeling from the loss of Rivas, Contreras refused promotions to keep himself on the field. Despite her reservations, Liberatore honored Contreras's transfer request, and the Gunnery Sergeant was transferred to the 7th Shock Troops Battalion, as these ODSTs were stationed on Reach for refitting. For about two years on the planet, Contreras had taken a backseat to combat and assumed a mentorship role for the troopers in the 7th, training and imparting his advice on the replacements and rookies in his platoon. 
It was also during this time that Contreras got to know the members of Fireteam Disciple, as the SPARTAN-IIIs were also on Reach recovering from the fallout of BLACK ZERO. Contreras allowed the Spartans to train and rehab with his ODST company. Contreras developed a mentorship-like relationship with Delsin-B240 and Giulia-B255, as Contreras helped in their physical recovery and mental struggles at the time. Daniel was even able to break through the frosty demeanor of Ryne-A064, as the Sergeant bonded with the Spartan over similar trauma they had both experienced. By early 2552, the 7th ODST Battalion were near full strength and was being prepped for redeployment, while Fireteam Disciple was also being prepped for their next operations. 
====Battle of Reach====
In late July of 2552, a small Covenant task force led by the Sh'wada-pattern supercarrier, Long Night of Solace, covertly established a foothold on Reach. Operating using cloaking technology and stealth tactics, the Covenant had created a fortified landing zone on Reach, with anti-air guns around the perimeter of their staging area in the Viery Territory where they had covertly inserted a large number of forces, including several corvettes. Once their presence was discovered by a Spartan fireteam, WINTER CONTINGENCY was declared. Contreras and elements of the 7th ODST Battalion were put immediately into action in response.
After some initial skirmishing, HIGHCOM sent reconnaissance teams into the Covenant-controlled Viery territory in preparation for a counterattack and to investigate the enemy positions and forces they would be facing. Under the cover of nightfall, Contreras was deployed on his own to recon one of the Covenant's defensive positions. After skirmishing with Covenant patrols and rescuing an ODST squad under fire, Contreras was able to acquire actionable intel on Covenant troop strengths and defensive emplacements in the area before extracting from the AO.
With a Covenant staging ground discovered on Reach, the UNSC Army, Marine Corps, and Navy launched a joint offensive in an attempt to defeat the Covenant forces before reinforcements could arrive. Contreras and the 7th Battalion were deployed to assist in the operation. While the main assault occurred on Szurdok Ridge, Contreras and the ODSTs were to assault and neutralize Covenant Anti-Air defenses on the Viery coastlines nearby, which was successful and established a forward operating base (FOB) in the process. However, the operation, though initially successful, was thwarted when the cloaked Covenant Sh'wada-pattern supercarrier, Long Night of Solace, suddenly appeared over the area, attacking the UNSC frigates and reinforcing the Covenant troops. Contreras and the ODSTs were forced to abandon their positions and retreated.
Over the next week, Covenant ground forces landed on the planet and Covenant ships began glassing targeted areas. A major siege lasting between August 18–23 broke out in the city of New Alexandria, with large numbers of civilian evacuation transports being shot down by Covenant air and ground forces. Contreras and his ODST platoon were among the forces tasked with defending the city and the evacuation sites. Fighting in brutal battles in the streets and fending off lances of hardened Covenant Warriors, Contreras's platoon took significant casualties and eventually was forced to withdraw from the city. By late August, Contreras regrouped with the rest of the 7th Battalion at a firebase in the Highland Mountains, as they fought waves and waves of Covenant warriors trying to take their position.
With the combined Covenant fleet dominating the space battle and Covenant ground forces overwhelming Reach's planeside defenses, it was apparent that Reach was lost. After abandoning their base, Contreras and the surviving members of his company were forced to fight their way to one of the few remaining evacuation sites in the Covenant-Occupied Viery territory. Before being overwhelmed by the Covenant, Contreras and the surviving ODSTs were rescued by Delsin-B240 and Ryne-A064. Contreras and the survivors were evacuated by Pelican dropships, which took them to the UNSC Aegis Fate, a Charon-class light frigate. The frigate promptly fled Reach and escaped into the remaining vestiges of UNSC-controlled space.
====Earth Sustained Defense Campaign====
On October 20, 2552, the Covenant fleet exited slipspace near Earth, engaging and breaching the planet's orbital defense platforms and inflicting heavy losses on the UNSC Home fleet. The battle spread all over the globe in the following days and weeks with more and more Covenant fleets of a multitude of warships continuing to arrive and attacked targeting cities and areas globally after the full compromise of Earth. Sergeant Contreras led a platoon of ODSTs in counterattacks against Covenant ground forces in the Eastern African Protectorate. Contreras and his platoon assisted in the defense of New Baghdad and the Diego Garcia atoll. Contreras and troopers also participated in the siege of Outpost C9 and combat action on the outskirts of New Mombasa. After assisting the repelling of a Covenant assault on Diego Garcia, Contreras and his surviving ODSTs were redeployed, alongside a small contingent of UNSC Force Recon Marines, to Europe to assist in defensive operations.
In Europe, the situation turned desperate as Covenant forces began to overwhelm UNSC defense forces across the continents on Earth. Contreras found himself leading ODSTs and Marines in fighting a guerilla war in the war-torn streets and ruined cities such as London, Amsterdam, Hamburg, and other European cities. Contreras would lead ambushes on Covenant troop and vehicle movements and raids on Covenant outposts and fortifications. Contreras and his men would also defend civilians moving through the city, protecting and escorting them as they made their way into hidden shelters.
Contreras would also go on solo recon runs, scouting Covenant fortifications and outposts and tracking and reporting enemy movement and activities. Navigating the war-torn city ruins and the ravaged suburbs in Europe, the Sergeant scouted and surveilled, relaying any kind of battlefield intelligence to give them. Contrereas survived several close calls in the process. Contreras even provided escort for civilians and wounded servicemen he encountered to shelters and safe zones in the areas of operations. 
Sometime in November, Contreras reunited with Fireteam Disciple and Ryne-A064 would be detached from the team to provide some assistance to Contreras and his men in raiding Covenant strongholds and targeted HVTs in Western and Central Europe. It was also here that Ryne and Contreras encountered Sangheili Warriors being ambushed and betrayed by their own forces, mainly the Jiralhanae. Much to the reluctance and rage of the Spartan and some of the Marines, Contreras and his men assisted in rescuing the Sangheili from their betrayers, including Ryzo 'Konaree, a high-ranking Sangheili field officer. Ryne was not at all pleased with having the Sangheili fight alongside him, but Contreras was able to keep Ryne grounded and focused.
In late November, Contreras and his forces, with the AAG, began to plan for counterattacks against Covenant forces alongside surviving AAG operators and UNSC troopers, as they were now reinforced by Sangheili warriors and ships who survived their betrayal. However, word got back to them of a rather distressing situation in North America. The Covenant, led by a Minister and Sangheili warriors still loyal to the Prophets, had encircled battered UNSC forces and civilians in the Chicago Metropolis and those human forces were about to be massacred. It was also relayed that Delsin-B240 was part of that group. Contreras decided to help Fireteam Disciple in rescuing their Spartan and the surviving humans entrapped. However, after an aerial trek to North America, the UNSC reinforcements found that they could not penetrate the Covenant defenses surrounding the city and were forced to fight a brutal and vicious battles to find a hole to breakthrough and rescue the encircled human forces.
Covenant Loyalist forces had set up Anti-Air defenses that prevented an aerial insertion and the ruined city made it difficult to navigate vehicles and to neutralize the dug-in Covenant defenses. Delsin and the encircled soldiers had stayed behind in the city, to assist in the defense of the area. Knowing that the Covenant were about launch their assault soon and desperate to reach their friend, Sergeant Contreras, Ryne, and Giulia went out on their own to neutralize the air defenses, while Commander Liberatore and the Gamma Spartans would lead a convoy into the city to punch a hole in their defenses. After a tough and bitter fight, the Spartans were able to take out a Covenant gun battery, clearing the way for Pelicans and friendly Phantoms to make their way to Lakeshore Park. Ryne, Giulia, and Contreras were picked up by the convoy and rushed to the Park, as the Covenant assault had already begun.
Upon arrival, the relief forces feared that they were too late. The area had been decimated, as bodies and wreckage, both human and alien, littered the area with no sign of survivors. The park was shattered, with broken trees, charred grass, and a lake littered with vegetation and blood. Ryne and Giulia scoured the area in search of Delsin and any survivors, but couldn't find any. Suddenly, gunshots were rang out in the park, alerting Contreras and the rest of the reinforcements. The human and Sangheili troops rushed to the source of the noise. Contreras arrived at the sight of fatally-wounded Delsin resting on a tree, and the Gamma Spartans, Sangheili troops, and Marines giving chase to the silhouette of an Elite fleeing the park. Contreras examined the Spartan, realizing that the Spartan was not going to make it. Even so, Contreras directed medics to place Delsin on a stretcher and to be placed on one of the incoming Pelican dropships evacuating the civilians that Delsin and UNSC troopers had sacrificed themselves to save. Contreras boarded that Pelican to accompany Delsin to a nearby medical facility. The Sergeant witnessed Delsin's final moments, holding his hand until he passed and taking possession of his dog tags. When Fireteam Disciple arrived at the facility, Contreras informed them of Delsin's passing and handing his dog tags off to Giulia. He also helped calmed a distressed Ryne and advised the team to grieve now before going back into the field. 
By the later days of November, in the aftermath of the UNSC counter-offensive in Kenya, UNSC forces were finally gaining the upper-hand, as the bulk of the Covenant armada had been weakened due to the Prophet of Truth taking his fleet through the portal and UNSC ground forces were finally gaining ground against the Covenant invaders across the continents, thanks to incoming UNSC and Sangheili reinforcements arriving on Earth. Contreras led ODSTs and Marine in the capture of the few remaining Covenant strongholds in North America, assisted by Sangheili Spec Ops lances. During the latter stages of the URNA Southwest Campaign, with clusters of Jiralhanae leadership eliminated during Operation: MARSH FLASH, Contreras and his ODSTs engaged in the mop-up of Covenant Loyalists and the liberation of occupied cities population centres in the Arizona and New Mexico territories, such as New Phoenix and Sedona. Days later, Contreras and his surviving troops were able to reach the West Coast soon after, liberating Los Angeles city with no resistance and taking prisoner the few remaining Loyalist warriors left behind in the region.
By the middle of December 2552, Earth had largely been freed, with small pockets of Covenant loyalists being destroyed and the reinforced UNSC Home Fleet decimating what was left the of Covenant armada over Earth, with help from the Sangheili that had completely broken off from the Covenant. The Prophets were dead, and the Jiralhanae leadership all but wiped out by UNSC and Sangheili forces. The Covenant remnants were now in full retreat, as the Sol System fell back into UNSC control. The war was effectively over, and Humanity had survived their brush with extinction.
===Post-War Era===
With the war over, Contreras and his men were assigned to help with the relief and aid work on Earth and the Sol System, with Contreras spending his time in Chicago, Cleveland, London, and Luna. Contreras coordinated these efforts, and even oversaw the the exchange and care of Covenant and Human POWs. It was quiet and peaceful work that gave a sense of peace and comfort for Contreras. The Gunnery Sergeant also accompanied Liberatore when she was meeting with UNSC, UEG, and ONI officials, helping her with civil and political affairs as an advisor for her. It was also during this period that Daniel met Christine Melo, a seasoned Army combat medic that was also assisting in the relief and rebuild efforts on Earth. The two became fast friends, which soon developed into something more as time went on. Contreras. In March of 2553, with the war officially over, Contreras was invited to private vigil for Delsin-B240, near the makeshift memorial in Voi, Africa. Contreras also briefly met with Ryzo 'Konaree at the site, who was making a final stop at the memorial before leaving for his homeworld of Sanghelios. The two exchanged pleasantries and reflected on their experiences of the war, exchanging parting words that was furthering a friendship between two former foes.
Contreras's unit was soon recalled back to duty, as their were deployed on peacekeeping and relief missions in the ravaged Inner and Outer colonies. While they did see some action against the Covenant remnants and Insurrectionists scattered across space, Contreras and his ODST Company were more focused on helping the stranded and ruined colonies ravaged the war in their missions, by providing supplies and medical aid to those in need. It was also at this time that Daniel's relationship deepened with Christine, despite the medic's retirement from duty and Contreras's duties kept them distant from each other. For Contreras, the desire to settle down and to live a more quiet and uneventful life was growing, feeling that he had very little left to give to the UNSC and was put off by the local and colonial polices imposed by the UEG and UNSC. Not to mention, Contreras found that there were other ways he could be in service others without having to fire a gun. After seeking advice from his peers, Contreras made plans for life after his service in the UNSC.
====Battle of LV-431====
====Retirement and Civilian Life====
After the events of LV-431, Contreras was debriefed on the operation and informed of the classified information in regards to the Flood, the alien parasite that attacked them, and the mysterious alien structure and artifacts found on the planet. Contreras was also clued into events that happened during the final year of the war by Naval Intelligence, such as battles on ancient alien installations, and scarce details surrounding the Flood. Weeks after the battle on LV-431, Contreras filed paperwork for his retirement and began to fulfill his final obligations before leaving the service. During his time, stationed at a special warfare training facility on Earth, Contreras helped in the training of ODST recruits and was promoted to Master Sergeant, assisting the company commander in tactical and training operations. Contreras paid visits to Ryne-A064, who was undergoing a strenuous recovery process, as he provided support for the wounded Spartan. In the final weeks of his service, Master Sergeant Contreras was deployed on his final missions in the Inner Colonies and fulfilled his obligations to his unit. On a quiet, cold morning in mid- 2554, Contreras left his duty station on Earth for the final time, and headed for Detroit to begin a new chapter in his life. 
After purchasing an apartment in the Detroit metropolis, Daniel and Christine looked into the civilian sector for new jobs, even though Contreras had more than enough capital and benefits to sustain themselves for many years. Contreras worked in an advisory role for the tactical operations division for the local Detroit Police Department, while Christine found well-paying work as a nurse in the Detroit Medical Center. Contreras would also help in managing counselling sessions with other veterans suffering from PTSD in the city. The couple would live happily like this for the next couple of years. Contreras would also catch up with his old friends from the war from time to time, ranging from Karina Liberatore, who had risen the ranks of ONI, to Giulia-B255, who came to view Daniel as a mentor that she could trust in. Daniel even got a few calls from Riley Franklin, as he embedded himself deep into the shadowy, violent lifestyle of espionage and violence. In regards to Naval Intelligence, Contreras was actually called upon, on several occasions, by the agency for advisement and give his own professional opinion in regards to their operations against the Insurrectionists and the Covenant Remnants. However, Daniel still kept himself distant from his former life, and refused any offers to come back into the fold. By the end of 2556, Daniel and Christine quietly married in a private with their closest friends and family in attendance.
In early 2557, Contreras was met by Sylvia Vargas, a mercenary he met during the war, and was given an offer of an employment. In the aftermath of the war, new worlds were discovered and there were expeditions to colonize these worlds, some sanctioned by UEG and others more independent. A series of remote, habitable worlds was discovered and settled by human refugees who were looking to start a new life away from the UEG and the former Covenant species. Vargas took the job of being the commander of one the local militias in that region, and was on the recruiting path for volunteers. Vargas put up a compelling offer, as she would make Contreras her second and would help in training and leading the colony's militia. Christine was also sought out for her medical training and to be part of the settlement's clinic that was set up. After pondering the decision for days, both Daniel and Christine decided to take the opportunity offered them. Months later, after brief goodbyes with their friends and loved ones, Daniel and Christine took the a transport off of Earth at a spaceport, eager to start their new lives together.
==Personality and Traits==
===Mental and Physical Overview===
Daniel Contreras was known to be a determined, resilient individual with a stoic demeanor, and possessed a well-built moral sense. Daniel was raised on a utilitarian moral framework by both his parents, and he would carry on those ideals well into his adult years. Contreras believed that his life needed to be dedicated to finding a greater purpose and to fulfill it when discovered. Daniel would often keep quiet and reserved, a trait he had developed due to the traumatic experiences in his life. Contreras would be confronted with morally-questionable scenarios early on, and he made it a point in his life not to compromise his beliefs in those situations. Daniel's persona has often given the impression of being antisocial and awkward to some, and thoughtful and eerily calm to those that know him a little better. For Daniel, he grew to view himself as a wanderer in search of meaning and solace in his life.
Daniel was often described as a stoic and reserved character, but, was at least approachable, even having a dry sense of humor that drips out from time to time. In action, Daniel learned to keep his calm in stressful times, but, it wasn't always easy for him to do so. Due to his experiences in combat and past trauma, Contreras would often be, privately, shouldering the emotional burdens of loss and failure. Contreras firmly believes in giving 110% in all he does and applies this in the field of battle. Contreras made a conscious effort in ensuring the survival of his soldiers, and their eventual return home, even at the cost of mission success to the chagrin of his superiors. In combat, Contreras is methodical in his approach but is very willing to get aggressive when forced to. Contreras is also capable of analyzing intelligence and acting on that intelligence without the need to contact superiors or any form of support. Contreras specializes as a "recon scout", capable of going deep behind enemy lines, gathering field intelligence, and completing direct action tasks on his lonesome.
Contreras's physical profile is generally described as being an individual of short stature and being in peak physical condition. Daniel is a male with brown hair, brown eyes, and light skin. He cares for his body and follows a strict diet and workout plan to maintain his health. Daniel developed an athletic build, as he is noted for his quick hands and reflexes. Contreras is measured at 170 cm. (5'7), which is below male average height, and weighs at about 89.3 kilograms (197 lbs.). Daniel's smaller frame and his athletic build made Daniel a nimble individual, which has made him an ideal deep reconnaissance operative. Contreras was able to move through enemy lines efficiently, and he could sustain immense punishment to his body. 
Contreras was a man of several hobbies and interests, valuing them as things that kept him grounded. As a young man, Contreras was enamored in the world of sports, particularly with Baseball and Football. This was something he carried all his life, and wasn't afraid to show his fandom and knowledge of sports. 
===Skills and Abilities===
*Augmented Physique: Daniel had undergone ORION physical augmentations, which significantly improved his strength, speed, stamina, and endurance. These traits enhanced physical abilities would enable Contreras to overcome and endure harsh combat environments and increased the scope of his capabilities as a solder. Even with some of the mental and physical side effects that became more prominent with time, these augmentations would help maintain Contreras's durability for years.
*Designated Marksman: Daniel showcased excellent aptitude as a sharpshooter. The operator possessed great marksmanship skills with the , , and the . Contreras also was adept with Sniper rifles, like the M99 and . Contreras is also skilled with the and the series of .
*Reconnaissance Specialist: Daniel would come to specialize in almost all fields of reconnaissance. During special warfare training in Songnam, Contreras would learn to obtain, distribute, and share vital combat and battlefield information on the enemy and combat circumstances and environment, and weather conditions. Contreras was capable of moving deep behind enemy on his own and underwent training in directing air and missile strikes, in areas deep behind enemy lines. He also learned the placement of remotely monitored sensors and to provide preparations for other units in the area.
*Combat Tracker: Due to his special forces and ORION training, Contreras knew how to reestablish contact with the elusive enemy forces; reconnaissance an area for possible enemy activities; and located the lost or missing friendly personnel in hazardous, vast, and dense environments. Contreras was often placed with Hunter-Killer teams that tracked enemy fighters and bases hidden within the areas of operations.
*Pathfinder/Orbital Drops: Contreras was also trained to set up and operate drop zones, pickup zones, and landing sites for airborne operations, air resupply operations, and other air operations in support of the ground units. Contreras would conduct pathfinding operations during the Human-Covenant War and the Post-War Era. Daniel was often acting as a solo operative during these missions. Contreras also received training in orbital drops when he joined the ranks of the Orbital Drop Shock Troopers. When Contreras was an ODST, he was often placed with advanced recon teams to conduct orbital drops and provide pathfinder support for incoming ODSTs during his respective orbital drop operations.
*Survivalist: Contreras was seen as adept at surviving in hazardous, hostile environments in the field. Contreras grew to appreciate the outdoors during his service, which led to him forming vital skills as a survivalist. He learned to explore the landscape and to live off the grid. Contreras learned to not rely on technology later in life and developed an expertise in survival craft. He would also develop skillsets when it came to farming, and hunting during the Post-War period.
==Gallery==
DT-FOTM - Jan2024 Daniel Contreras.png|Fanon of the Month (FOTM) Card earned in January 2024 for Daniel Contreras by .
File:Marine Commandos.jpg|Contreras and ORION operators in action on Eridanus II, circa 2490s.
File:ORION Earth.jpg|Contreras (Left) and his ORION fireteam on mission, circa 2490s.
File:ODST Jungles.png|Contreras and an ODST on a scouting run, circa 2530s.
File:ODST Warthog Scouts.jpg|Contreras and Warthog on Patrol, circa 2530s.
File:ODST Charge.jpg|Contreras and his ODST squadron prepping for a charge during the Battle of Earth, circa 2552.
File:ORION DC.jpg|Daniel Contreras, out of his uniform, circa 2550.
==Notes and References==
Category:SPARTAN
Category:Spartan-Is
Category:UNSC Marine Corps Personnel
Category:ODST