Altarus, his squad, and his marines, we only about 200 yards away from the pelicans. The were in sight just down the last small hill, then they would have to fly back over the mountains to return to Tango Base.

A marine in his forties came up to Altarus, “Great job Sir, command has said on the com that you have done them well. My men say different, they say you guys dominated.” Said the marine.

Altarus continued driving and looked at the marine and said, “It was you guys that finished off the Covenant outside while we set the charge keeping them from flanking us from behind. War is not won by a single battle, nor a single soldier.”

They were now only 50 or so yards away when they heard a aircraft. Instinctively they looked up to see Covenant bombers closing in.

Altarus shouted, “Behind the treed, scatter!”

The marines obeyed instantly running behind the tall thick trees. The bombers dropped their load onto the pelicans. The explosion sent metal parts flying through the air and entered the trees but did not pass through the bark. Altraus knew that they now had to go through the mountains with only 3 day supply of food in the cold.

Altarus walked out, “Gather around! The Covenant know their shit so now we have to hike into the mountains, my holo-map says that theirs a tunnel system. I think we can use that to keep out of the cold and its a slightly curvy path but not as bad as the outside pass so it should save us a day. Let move with haste, they might be sending reinforcements.” Altarus said to the marines.

Altarus spun around again leading the troops in the path he thought was the best choice. As they hiked up it was vary light snow. As they continued it got worse and worse. Finally the fruits of their labor lay dead ahead, a pitch black cavern. The turned on their lights and poured in.

“This place is darker then Captain Mark Franks.” A random marine said causeing laughter.

Altarus or his squard did not find that funny.

“You respect the Captain or you can make this hike by yourself marine.” Altarus said in a displeased tone.

After about a mile into the cave it began to to grow. The came to a big tall round area of the cave and it was time for a break.

“Alright guys, build camp.” Des said to the marines.

Hardware set up the squads tent and entered with Altarus. Hardware began to set up his bunk, staying focused.

Altarus looked at Hardware for a moment, “You don’t talk much do you?” Altarus asked.

Hardware turned around and nodded, “I don’t have much to say.”

Altarus nodded and set up his bunk and Des piled in and took off his helmet revealing for the first time a scared face, “Alright Ghost, the men are almost finished and I formed patrols.”

Altarus took off his helmet, “Damn that’s better,” he said “and thanks but I doubt we will need patrols in a empty cave.”Altarus finished.

Des laughed, “You gotta be kidding? They put you as leader? You always have patrols no matter what location you in!”

Altarus waved him off, “Better safe then sorry I guess”

Everyone was gearing down to rest after the long day yet off in the distance a patrol ran into some Covenant scouts. The gunfire was heard from base everyone got out of their tents to go lend their assistance to the patrol and to see what really lies in this cave.

To Be Countinued…