Alrighty guys and gals, I've hit writer's block. Yay fun, right? I can't get anywhere on my FF, ODST: Hellbound, even though I know where I want to go with it. So I'll post what I have here, and then hope for some supportive suggestions on where the story should go. Here's the most recent, unpublished chapter:
ODST: Hellbound, Chapters 4 (partial) and 5 (partial):“Alright Helljumpers- and Marines- We’ve had a
rough day. I know that you’ve all gotten acquainted with one another
and from the way it looks that it didn’t go so well, but that’s going
to have to be put aside. We’ve got orders to head for Chicago by
Warthog. Our first objective is to aid Marines at Zone 08. The Tactical
Autonomous Robotic Defense System testing facility has been overrun by
Covenant forces, and we’re to help take it back.
“Secondly
we have a mission straight from ONI, which is why we’re being joined by
Lt. James. The Covenant have been told about some artifact called the
‘Key of Osanalan,’ and they’ve attacked Cleveland in search of it.
After we clean up the TARDS facility, we’re to hop a Pelican to Ohio
and do what we can there.”
The Captain looked
over the squad, seeing no confused faces. That was good; less
explaining to do. “Those are our orders,” he said after a moment, “We
head out at 05:00 on the 9th. Take this time to recuperate and relax,
but I want no fighting between you all. Is that clear?”
“Sir, yes sir,” The squad rang out, some less enthusiastic than others.
James
nodded, “Dismissed.” The squad went back to their activities. Richards
and Riviera continued their Moons game, while Jan joined Hackett and
Declan for a drink.
Hays watched the Captain leave, then glanced to the squad. They seem to be fine now, she thought to herself, I’m sure they don’t need supervision. The kid has rank, after all. She downed her Golden Orbit before following Eric out of the Recreations room, leaving the squad to their downtime.
Chapter 5
November 9, 2552/Ft. Manning/Springfield, Illinois/04:23 CST
The
squad was active before 04:00, already suited up and prepping their
Warthogs. They had three M12 Warthogs; enough to fit the entire squad
and the two accompanying Elites. Esa and Nosu had been informally
interrogated by Colonel Harbison, and had given separate but matching
reports on the incident in St. Louis. Though she would never publicly
admit it, the Colonel shifted most of the blame for the partial
destruction of the Gateway Arch onto the Elites.
Hackett
was busy loading MedGel into the Warthog’s armored trunks. They had
enough space to fit several rounds of ammo for the squad, as well as
seven MedGel canisters each. She slid the supply drawer back underneath
the turret platform, securing it in place. “We’re all set ta go,
Sarge,” The Corporal said, wiping her brow, “We’ve got enough meds ta
bring one-a us back from the dead.”
“Well let’s hope it doesn’t come to that Corporal,” Hays smirked, “How are we on ammo?”
“Full
clips each and then some, twenty-four rockets and plenty of sniper
rounds. We’ve got enough to take on a full Covenant army.”
“Music
to my ears, Corporal,” Hays said, “Report to Captain Rowas and
Lieutenant James in the Armory.” Dana ordered, still upset about ONI
nosing in on their operations- though it didn’t show on her face.
“Yes,
ma’am,” Hackett saluted before heading off to the Armory. Hays checked
the fuel levels on the hydrogen engines, and then headed to the Motor
Pool’s office to authorize the three M12’s for use.
Rowas
looked up as Hackett passed through the door. “The ‘hogs are ready to
go sir,” she reported. The squad moved out, the Elites joining them as
they arrived at the Warthogs. The aliens didn’t look too happy- most
likely due to Colonel Harbison.
“Your commander is an honor-less wretch,” Esa growled to Eric, “She would place the entirety of the war on our shoulders.”
Eric
glanced at the Zealot, a faint grin tugging at the corner of his mouth,
“Well I’ll agree with you on her manners, but your Covenant has been
slowly wiping us out.”
“This is true, but we were always told that your kind fired first.” The Elite rebutted.
“And
you always believe everything your Prophets told you?” Esa remained
silent, nodding in acknowledgement of the truth behind Eric’s words.
“Richards,
you’re gunning for me and Esa you’re riding shotgun. Riviera and
Hackett, you’re with Hays. Nosu and O’Connor, you’re with James. Load
up,” the Captain ordered, “We’ve got a long trip ahead of us.”
The squad headed to the Motor Pool. “Shotgun!” Hackett shouted, grinning at Riviera as she hopped into the Warthog’s side seat.
“Oh, you suck,” Riviera sneered, “I got a busted leg still, and you want me jumping around on the turret?”
“Yeah, well who’s gonna heal your ** if I get shot up there?” Hackett pointed out with a smirk.
“D*mn, you gotta point.”
While
Jan climbed into her the Captain leaned on the vehicles side. “You
certified to drive one of these, Lieutenant?” he teased.
“Well I stole one when I was ten, sir,” she replied snidely.
Eric shook his head. “Look, I know you’re not getting the best greeting here—“
“You think?”
“—but
we are a tight squad.” The Captain finished with a stern edge. “We’ve
been through a lot together, and I can guarantee you that the squad
won’t easily take orders from you.”
Jan gave
the Captain a confused look. “What, you think I want to take over?”
when Eric didn’t respond she continued, “Look, I’m in this for one
reason; to do my part. If the Navy wants to promote me up to a
Lieutenant just because I’m some ‘wonder kid,’ then that’s their
business.
“I know I didn’t earn the rank, and
so does the squad. I’m not going to pull rank for every tiny little
decision to undermine the Sarge; I really could care less what you and
your squad do, I just file reports.”
James nodded, heading to his ‘Hog. ”I hope you also know how to fire that rifle of yours, Lieutenant.”