UNSC File#29145: Overwatch

~Theta Reunited~

~Infinity~

Theta squad had exited the War Games chamber as they walked to the armory to have their armor removed. Josh had on the Mark-VI ODST Mjolnir variant as Riley decided on the regular recruit variant. Echo and Mitsugi each had matching Scout variants. The four had regrouped as they made their way to the mess hall.

"Nice work Private, love how you took out Sergeant Wuss with that ground pound. Nice." Riley commented as Echo smiled in admiration.

"Sir, what is our next mission? I've been dying to get out here." Mitsugi asked. Josh broke from the group as he headed for the bridge.

"Uh, just go ahead without us, we'll catch up." Riley said as he turned and jogged after Josh.

"Hey, what's up?" Riley asked as he caught up to him. "I'm gonna tell, no demand, Lasky give us clearance to head to Earth Beta. There is no way in hell Lieutenant Yeager needs to be alone." Josh said as they turned the corner.

"I know you mean well, but Captain Lasky doesn't need us pestering him. Captain Charles kept this from us because he knew this was going to happen." Riley said as he stopped the man and looked at him.

"You're seriously okay that our superiors kept this a secret from his own squad? The men who have been under his command from the start? Unbelievable." Josh said as he avoided Riley's eyes.

"Josh, this is for our own good. Charles knew this is how you'd react, you need to look past the anger and see the variables kid." Riley said before grabbing his face and pulled him into a kiss. It lasted for a while before he broke apart and smiled.

"Why'd you do that?" Josh asked. "To shut you up and to get your head out of your ass." Riley replied.

"That was good, can I have another?" Josh asked pulling the 'puppy dog eyes' look. "For you, anything." Riley commented as his kissed him again before a throat cleared. Riley smiled lightly before turning his head to see Mitsugi and Echo standing there.

"What?" Josh demanded. "Nothing, but to help with your crusade on getting answers, but we're here to help. We may not have known Lieutenant Yeager longer than you have, but he's still our leader as much as he is yours." Echo said.

"Now, are you ready to go and ask politely without making a scene?" Riley asked as he smoothed out Josh's hair.

"Yes." Josh replied. "Then let's get a move on sirs." Mitsugi said. The two nodded as Theta turned and made their way to the bridge, the two guards opened it allowing them to entered as Lasky shifted through paperwork.

"What do you need Spartans?" Commander Palmer asked. "We would like to head back to Earth Beta and link up with our commander. Ma'am." Riley spoke. Palmer turned to Lasky as the Captain sighed before placing the folder down and turned to the group.

"Roland, do you have the coordinates of the 7th Installation?" He asked. The orange AI popped up and nodded.

"Have the Infinity chart a course. We'll drop Theta off and then you're on your own. We have more pressing matters to deal with than your lost commander. But, Midlothian and Hope will be there to provide assistance." Lasky said as Josh perked up.

"Thank you sir!" He said saluting the Captain as Theta followed suit. "Spartans, dismissed." Palmer said as Theta turned and left as they made their way back to the armory.

"Sir, what is at this 'Earth Beta'?" Mitsugi asked. "It's another Earth, completely unaffected from the UNSC, Insurrection, and Covenant control. A few months ago, 2nd Lieutenant Yeager was sent to investigate a possible Covenant excursion. But, since he never returned, I guess he found out about the excursion." Riley explained.