บท 41: Chapter 40

Axel was sitting in the back of the Pelican with the other MCUs, Marines, and Taylor who is now a Chief. Taylor had risen in the ranks thanks to his close connection with Axel and his work ethic.

Although Taylor was not an officer, his role held a higher level of authority than a typical Chief. He consistently took on additional responsibilities beyond those of his position, but he took pride in doing so.

Some other people might be a little disgruntled with the fact that they were stuck in the same place with the same person for years, but he didn't see a problem with it and carried out his duties to the best of his abilities.

He has learned a lot of skills, gained a lot of knowledge, and he enjoyed his time in the UNSC, so he didn't see a problem with how things were going.

When he was a First-Class Petty Officer, he had the opportunity to become an officer. However, at the time, he declined the offer despite the potential for a higher salary. He didn't want to deal with the politics and bureaucracy that Axel often faced as an officer.

But now that he thought about it, becoming an officer could allow him access to more information, and allow him to take on more responsibilities to help Axel.

Sitting inside the Pelican, Taylor observed Axel sitting across from him. Axel was wearing his personal armor and scrolling through a tablet, most likely occupied with another project as usual.

"Admiral" Taylor called Axel looked up from his tablet. "I know the first time I didn't want to do it but after much thought I want to become an officer."

Axel looked at Taylor and smiled a little since he was finally taking advantage of this opportunity "Well, Taylor, it's about time," he replied, his eyes crinkling at the corners in amusement. "You've always had the potential, you know. Officer material if I ever saw one." He paused, gaze growing thoughtful as he regarded Taylor. "But are you certain this is what you want, Taylor? You know well the challenges it will bring."

Taylor nodded firmly, meeting Axel's gaze head-on. His determination was palpable - it radiated off him, filling the small space of the Pelican. "I am certain, Admiral. I'm ready to face any challenge that comes my way."

Axel nodded approvingly at this statement. "That's the spirit." He looked back down at his tablet for a moment before looking back up at Taylor. "Understand this - being an officer isn't just about giving orders or getting a higher salary. It's about leading your people, making difficult decisions and standing by them no matter what."

"I understand that, Admiral," Taylor answered without hesitation. His voice held a note of firm conviction that reassured Axel.

"Very well then," Axel said with a nod. "I will submit your papers once we get back and it shouldn't take long until you're going to the Academy."

Taylor nodded; his expression serious. "Thank you, Admiral. I won't let you down."

"I know you won't, Taylor." Axel's smile returned, a quiet confidence that settled Taylor's nerves. He had seen that look in Axel's eyes countless times before, always directed at a seemingly insurmountable problem that Axel had nevertheless taken in stride. That same look now was focused squarely on him, and Taylor felt a rush of determination.

The Pelican rocked slightly as it landed, the low hum of the engines becoming louder as they powered down. Axel stood up and secured his tablet, then put his helmet on.

He then turned to August, the team leader for Spartan Team Omega "August, once the doors open, I want you to set up a defensive position around the entrance in case the Covenant try to attack" Ordered Axel.

"Understood, Admiral," August replied, her voice steady over the comm. The Spartans of Team Omega began checking their weapons and equipment with well-practiced efficiency, their movements sharp and precise in the confined space of the Pelican.

"We'll create a perimeter and maintain positions until you return," August added, her eyes locked onto the rear hatch as it slowly began to lower. Omega Team filed out with their guns drawn and started setting up a perimeter.

Two more Pelican's had landed, carrying Marines and MCUs who waited for further instructions from Axel.

"Sergeant, take two squads of Marines and a Squad of MCUs to assist Omega Team in securing the Perimeter and have the Falcons patrol the perimeter." Ordered Axel.

"Aye, Admiral" said the Sergeant as he carried out his orders.

Next Axel turned to the group 6 MCUs and 6 Marines who were standing by for order, "Marines once we open the doors to this vault, I want the 6 of you to guard the entrance and ensure nobody sneaks in behind me" Ordered Axel as he noticed a lot of cliffs that the Covenant could possibly use to sneak in.

The 6 Marines nodded confirming his order. Axel then turned towards the doors of the Vault and walked towards them followed by the MCUs, Marines, and Taylor.

Once he got close, he put his hand on the door, feeling how different the Forerunner architecture was to the UNSC. Axel traced the unfamiliar hieroglyphs etched into the heavy vault doors, his gloved fingers catching on the strange, angular patterns.

That's when all of a sudden, the doors had opened without him even doing anything. All the MCUs and Marines snapped their attention towards the door. Taylor walked up next to Axel while observing the vault doors open.

"Did you do that Admiral" Asked Taylor as he was curious as to how Axel opened the doors.

"I didn't do that Taylor" Responded Axel as he took a step forward into the vault.

Seeing this Taylor immediately followed him and so did the MCUs while the Marines remained at the entrance making sure nobody tried to sneak in.

Meanwhile Axel continued to walk into the Vault observing the structure. After a few moments, they had arrived at what seemed to be the center of the Vault.

Axel had noticed two light bridges already lit leading to a center console of sorts. He had seen this scene many times playing one of the Halo games in his previous life. So, he stepped on the bridge which almost made Taylor lose it since he didn't think that they could walk on it.

Still, he gathered himself and followed Axel to the center. "Admiral what is this" Asked Taylor.

"This" said Axel as he paused. "Is a Forerunner data repository, Taylor. A wealth of information we likely can't even begin to comprehend."

Taylor observed as Axel started interacting with the console. He obviously didn't understand what was happening, but he noticed that Axel seemed to be having a conversation with the console itself.

Suddenly, a holographic figure appeared before them. It was taller than an average human and possessed an elongated silhouette. Its face remained featureless except for two glowing eyes. Taylor watched as it turned its gaze towards them, its luminescent eyes falling on Axel.

"Reclaimer" the figure spoke out in an echoing deep voice.

"Monitor," Axel acknowledged, keeping his tone neutral.

The holographic figure tilted its head slightly, seeming to scrutinize Axel in return. "You are not like other Reclaimers."

"I suppose I'm not," Axel agreed with a small smile.

Taylor watched in fascination as the conversation continued, impressed by how easily Axel seemed to navigate the complexities of this alien communication.

The Monitor seemed taken aback at first but then it nodded and stretched out its hands causing a Galaxy map to appear. Axel looked around for a few seconds until he found a particular planet that was glowing and standing out from the rest.

Seeing that Axel had found where the map was trying to send him the Monitor spoke. "This will aid you on your quest," said the monitor. "Use it wisely."

Those were the last words as the Monitor disappeared and so did the Galaxy map.

Taylor was too stunned to speak but was mainly curious at the words that the monitor had said. 'Reclaimer' the word kept echoing in his head over and over again as if it meant something.

"Well, we got what we came for so let's go" said Axel as he turned around to leave. But as he did, he heard someone's voice on the other end of the Comm link.

"Admiral, this is Viper 1 we have incoming Covenant forces" Reported the Longsword Pilot.

"Copy, we are done here and should be leaving in a few, you are cleared to engage the enemy" Ordered Axel.

"Copy that Admiral, Viper squadron engage the enemy" Responded Viper 1 as he ordered his squadron of Longswords to engage the Covenant Banshees that were heading towards Axel's location.

"Omega Team, prepare for enemy contact" Ordered Axel.

"Copy that Admiral we are standing by" Replied August. "And Falcon's, I Want you to provide close air support to our ground troops."

The Falcon's responded confirming his order's while Axel darted for the entrance of the Vault followed by Taylor and the MCUs. It was fated that the Covenant would find them, and that was fine as it would give him a chance to test his suit on a live battlefield.