Null and Void

Chapter 1

Section 1

Through turmoil, torture, and turbulence the day they had all worked towards had arrived, graduation day. The ceremony was nearing its conclusion, most Spartans gaining a field rank, a select few received officer positions. Now, with great anticipation, the top medals were going out to the best of the best. To no one’s surprise Adrian and Ryan stood above the rest.

Sergeant Yards stood at the podium on the stage, he was holding two silver medals, gleaming in the harsh lighting. A slow applause, mostly from anger and spite from fellow Spartans, rose as Sgt. Yards called the two best to the front.

“This year’s top honors for excellence, bravery, and respect goes to cell group Delta, Ryan Jaeger and Adrian Wren,” Sgt. Yards proudly announced. The two walked to the stage and took the pins, placing them on each other’s breast pocket on their jumpsuits.

“It was teamwork that got us where we are today, we worked on each other’s strengths and weaknesses. We thank the UNSC for an outstanding program and training, thank you,” Ryan said into the mic on the podium. Once again a small applause rose and died quickly as Sgt. Yards took control once again.

“Congratulations to you all. Missions and re-assignments will be announced tomorrow, dismissed,” Sgt. Yards saluted and left. Few colleagues said their congrats to Adrian and Ryan, most ticked off that the two flew the program so quickly and challenged the administration to raise the bar, making it difficult for the rest of them.

“Well, graduation’s over, what do you want to do now?” Ryan asked Adrian as they walked down the halls of the base, killing time.

“We both know they’re going to ship us off some where before suiting us up with new armor. Want to wreak havoc?” Adrian giggled.

“Wreaking havoc is all I’m good at, I just hope you can keep up,” Ryan teased.

“Oh ho! Don’t even give me that!” Adrian punched him in the armor then ran off through the halls.

“Great, another chase,” Ryan took off after her. Adrian ran into the mess hall, jumping over and on tables, making every one scream out in shock and surprise. Ryan was only a few feet behind now.

“Come on slow poke!” Adrian turned to face Ryan and socked him in the face, making him stumble back, “Let’s do this!”

Now every one in the room was yelling, “Fight! Fight! Fight!”

“Oh so that’s how you wanna play?” Ryan tackled her to the ground.

“Bring it on!” Adrian kicked him off, but Ryan caught her foot and threw her into a table.

“Is that the best you got, nerd?” Ryan chuckled.

“Of course not...” Adrian lunged behind Ryan and kicked him square in the back making him take a single step forward.

“Good, I just hope you’re a good enough challenge,” Ryan paused then quickly spun around, back handing Adrian hard. She crumpled to the ground, unmoving. The crowd gathered around to see if she was alright.

“You killed her!” some one yelled.

“Alright, alright. I’ll humor you,” Ryan crouched down next to her, placing a hand on the side of her face, “Adrian you okay?”

She still didn’t move, her breath shallow and hoarse. A look of worry spread acrossed Ryan’s face.

“Oh shit, some on call the fucking medic right now!” Ryan ordered, looking away. Right then Adrian landed a kick to the side of his head making him fall beside her. Ryan cursed, “Goddamn, every time...”

Adrian giggled and propped herself up on one arm, “You okay?”

“Yeah, let’s just hope the Covenant are as caring as I am, because if you’re planning to assassinate them all as they run by, you better making damn sure one won’t shoot to make sure you’re dead,” Ryan got up and brushed himself off, then he held out a hand to help Adrian up, she took it.

“Oh don’t worry about it, it’ll work,” Adrian laughed as she straightened her jumpsuit.

Ryan looked around at the crowd, some shocked, most appalled and pissed off, “I bet you every one here thinks we’re the biggest assholes right now.”

“Oh jeez, I forgot about them,” Adrian snickered. Several people in the crowd expressed themselves.

“You two are the most annoying assholes...”

“Get a room!”

“Damn them, they can get away with anything...”

“Spoiled brats...”

Ryan smiled, taking it all in as a victory, “Some one’s a little jealous, aren’t they?”

A commanding officer cam over the PA system, “Lieutenant Jaeger and Lieutenant Wren, report to Conference Room Three immediately.”

“Oh shit...” Adrian’s face fell, “We’re in trouble.”

“Eh, who cares? We’ll be out of there soon,” Ryan waved it off.

They briskly trotted to the conference room, passing other recruits and COs, tripping a few new arrivals for the fun of it. Outbursts of anger rattled down the halls. They came to the door and stopped quickly. Ryan squeezed Adrian’s hand lightly, “Just act cool, we’ll get through this.”

To their amazement and surprise Master Chief Spartan 117 stood at the head of the conference table, no one else was in the room. Chief turned to greet them, always in his armor, his helmet securely placed, “Come in, we have alot to discuss.”

The two shocked and slightly intimidated, came in and took a seat on either side.

Chief began, still standing, his hands behind him, “Fleet Admiral Terrence Hood, better known as Lord Hood, gave me the pleasure of reassigning you two. As a team, you have exceptional skills in both battle, tactics, and personal relations. I have great honor of presenting you both with a fleet star ship as your own and personal AI systems. It is to out belief and hope that you will serve the UNSC better as a separate section. Do you accept this responsibility?”

“What kind of missions would we be dealing with, sir?” Adrian asked.

“To start off, simple search and destroy. As you prove yourselves, you will gain more sensitive and top priority assignments,” Chief answered, “You have 24 hours to decide if you both agree to take on this task.”

Adrian and Ryan looked at each other, giving a slight unanimous nod. They both turned to Chief.

“Sir, we’ll take our first orders now,” Ryan curtly responded.

Chief paused for a brief moment then continued, “Then report to the armory to receive your new armor, AIs, at 0800 hours tomorrow and then meet me at the landing pad as soon as it is all in your possession. Dismissed, make us proud.”