Face To Face

0452 Hours, September 15th, 2555

Narrows River

Gilgamesh Free State, Gilgamesh, Alpha Chandra System Huddled in his dugout, Gilgamesh Free Army First Lieutenant Jacob Voros resisted the urge to peek over the parapet to see what was going on in the outside world. He couldn't afford to die, not now. Looking back and forth at several members of his platoon who were in his dugout, they were all awake, and their eyes were all as darty and wide as his own probably were.

Bringing up his watch, Voros looked at the time. An old analog watch, its hands read 4:55. Five minutes. Looking back at his men, he held up an open hand. Talking was forbidden before the offensive to drive the UNSC back began. Finally, the urge to see what was going on above overtook him. Drawing his binoculars from their case, Voros removed his helmet and slowly peeked over the top. No sniper bullets came, but silhouetted in the early dawn light, he could tell there were UNSC troops congregating in the riverside settlement of Bluewater, and judging by the amount of vehicles, they were getting for a push of their own to encircle the remains of his division

Quickly drawing his head back down, Voros donned his helmet again, and checked his watch as he put his binoculars back. 0500. Lifting up a fist with his left hand, Voros drew his M6G from his holster and waited. Finally, on cue, the distinct sound of GFA field gun and howitzer shells whistled overhead. Seconds later, the earth shook as they impacted in and around Bluewater, and after that, more rounds came in, beginning a murderous beat of whistles and detonations.

Bringing his whistle up to his lips, Voros blew one long blast, and he jumped out of his dugout, as did the rest of his platoon and others in the area, advancing on the settlement as their own artillery screamed overhead, the columns of earth and airburst puffs contrasted against the pink early morning sky.