#jerome-092

The Commander frowned as they stared at the Geoscape, the light blue hologram illuminating the room alongside the countless terminals the crew was sitting at. Central stood next to the Commander, silent as well while the pixelated globe pinpointed the location.

BEEP! BEEP!

There.

They had just found the target. They were being guarded by a significant ADVENT presence inside a city center, similar to the one the Commander was found in.

"Looks like they're in the US. Should we plot a course, Commander?" Came the question from Central. The Commander said nothing, but nodded in response as they checked the tablet in their hands, reading the finer points of the mission that lay ahead. With the silent approval, Central and several other staff onboard the bridge began pressing a sequence of buttons, eventually hearing the computer voice echo throughout the ship.

"Setting course for North America."

"Prep Menace Squad for deployment and tell them to meet in the Hangar-" The Commander was cut off by a hand raise from Central, causing them to raise an eyebrow. Especially by Central's uneasy look. The Commander hasn't seen Central in twenty years, but they could still tell when they had reservations. "What is it, Central?"

"The Squad who rescued you, Menace, is currently out of commission in the medbay. And Jane's been sent out on a covert op while you were recovering."

"Then who do we have?"

Central averted his steely gaze away from the Commander for a brief moment, hesitant to answer him immediately. The Commander knew how to deal with unruly soldiers, and given that this time XCOM was reduced to a rag-tag group of resistance operatives, he had no doubt that there'd be even stranger folk. But why did he refuse to-?

Before their own thought could finish, the sliding door to the bridge nearly were pried open as a man in black armor ran in, his yellow accents barely noticeable as he nearly leapt onto the Geoscape, grabbing the comms device and shouting into it.

"MANAGED DEMOCRACY IS ON THE WAY! HELLDIVERS, GET TO THE PO-" The man was yanked down by Central, albeit barely as the intruder was highly energetic, vibrating with anticipation. 

"Diver, calm the hell down! You're in front of the Command-"

"Commander?!" The man raised a clenched fist in front of him, seemingly saluting to the leader of XCOM. "Commander Democracy! It's an honor to meet you, sir!"

Meanwhile, 'Commander Democracy' could only blink in confusion, glancing behind him to look at Central, who only gave a sigh and shrug in response.

"Uh...Likewise, soldier. What's your name?"

"I need no name, sir! I am your Helldiver, and I am nothing more than your instrument of Liberty! Point me towards the socialist ADVENT!" 

Socialist? As far as the Commander was aware, they listened to only the Elders, and the aliens under their rule were merely tools.

"Diver. Grab your gear and report for mission briefing in half an hour. The rest of Stultus will be here soon." Diver responded well by nodding before running away, as fast as he entered. "I'm...assuming he's one of our new recruits?"

"Truth be told, sir. Tygan, Shen, and I haven't got the faintest idea of where this squad came from, but they're all we got. Thankfully, most of them are more than competent, even Diver to an extent."

"I suppose it will do. Besides him, who's part of this 'Stultus Squad'?"

Central handed the Commander his tablet, and which they got to see the names of the Squad members they were about to take control of:

Spartan Jerome-092 of the United Nations Space Command, "Jerome" Artoria Pendragon, King Arthur, "Saber"'

"Showtime, my liege," Jerome noted with a slight tinge of amusement to his voice, grabbing his shotgun and offering a hand to the woman on her knees across the room. She picked up her sword before taking his hand, barely coming up to the super soldier's chest. The armor he was wearing was a dark green, accented with a crimson red on his helmet and chest, with a golden visor. 

Though not as armored as her friend, the blonde woman donned a more ancient looking suit of knight's armor, sheathing her sword and nodding. "Let us depart with earnest, Spartan."

Scott Wozniak, the guy who owns Sonic Jam, "Scott the Woz" Juna Crawford of Class VII: Special Operations, "Gunbreaker" Clone Trooper 2008 ( CT-2008) of the Grand Republic Army, "Teu"

"Hey all, Scott here! Quick! What's the first response in meeting something that we don't understand!?-" His question was met by a startled Juna who recoiled in fear, mostly due to the fact he emerged from a closet without any warning.

"GAH! W-What the hell?!-" Juna shoved him away as she took a second to recover, with a white armored soldier walking behind her and grabbing his gear casually from the lockers they were standing by.

"We blast them, kid," The Clone chuckled as he grabbed Juna's tonfas and gave it to her with a nod while grabbing his helmet. "Doubt that's far from your combat doctrine either, eh Juna?" Juna scoffed as she grabbed her tonfas, though it had no heat to it as the clone offered her a fist, to which she promptly replied bumping the side of it with her own.

"I hope that means you're not underestimating me, sir." Juna replied, though she gave a side glance to Scott as they walked by. The Clone grabbed Scott by the neck as he dragged him out the closet, handing him his own pistol as well.

Klukai of Squad 404, "HK416" Brynulf Thunderfrost of the Space Wolves Chapter, "The Mountain"

"Hmph. About time the Commander called us," Klukai muttered to herself, adjusting the cap of her hat as she grabbed her rifle. Her eyes glanced to the side, hearing the thunderous footsteps rattling the entire room as it approached behind her. "Sure you can keep up with us in that tin can?"

A hearty laugh boomed from the Space Marine behind her, the Terminator armor he donned doing little to encumber his movement to swiftly meet the T-Doll's eyes. "Easily. Can you even stand to take a hit without one with that pitiful cloth you call gear?" A scoff met his retort, making him laugh again as he grabbed his helmet and moved to the hangar.

...

"This is Firebrand! We're in the pipe, five-by-five!" the Skyranger's pilot reported. Central and the Commander examined the geoscape and the squad's current status, watching as they were about to deploy.

"Roger, Firebrand. This is the Commander. Stultus squad has the green light to deploy-"

(Helldiver) "FREEDOM NEVER SLEEPS!"

(Scott) "Oh, F[BLEEP] YEAH! LET'S SHOOT SOME ALIENS!"

(Juna) "H-How did he make that bleeping noise that with his mouth?!"

(Klukai) "Let's see if you're as good as my Commander!"

(Artoria) "Understood, Master! All hands, prepare to charge!"

(2008) "Copy that, General!"

(Brynulf) "Standing by for deep strike, For Russ, and the Allfather!"

(Jerome) "Yes sir, squad moving out!"

==========

Stultus Squad used the Skyranger's tethers to slide down the ropes and into the city streets, hearing the Skyranger blast off behind them. Jerome led CT-2008, Artoria, Juna, Klukai, Scott, and the Helldiver into the AO, with Brynulf ready to teleport in using his Terminator armor once they went loud.

"Stultus 1-5, this is Central. Our VIP is located in the streets a few hundred meters out from your drop site. Remember, no matter how bad things get, we can't call in extraction until you have them in custody."

"This is Jerome. Copy. Moving to destination now," Jerome motioned with one hand to the rest of his team to follow, all of which held onto their gear and silently stalked the empty streets and avoiding any civilian they saw. Much to Jerome's confusion, the squad managed to infiltrate the city despite entering in broad daylight with a ship roaring into it, and thats not even to count their peculiar appearances. Klukai, Scott, and Juna could probably pass off as some eccentric civilians, but the rest of them? Not a chance. Despite that, he was thankful that they managed to sneak along a skyscraper leading into the back alleys undetected.

Miraculously, the entire team understood the concept of stealth, even the Helldiver who Jerome was so used to yelling in his ear that he had grown accustomed to it. They had climbed to the second story on the roof of a shop Jerome, Artoria, and the Helldiver took up the vanguard, glancing around to detect any presence as they drew closer. The Helldiver rose a fist into the air, signaling to halt.

"Target, fifty meters, east," The Helldiver pointed to a nearby patrol, consisting of a Sectoid and Advent Trooper, calmly walking through the street. Below them was a small road, where the car of their VIP lay.

"They do not sense our presence," Artoria quietly stated, hand resting on the hilt of her sword as she crouched behind a wall. "Our orders, Master?"

"We need a distraction," Came the Commander's swift reply. "We need to see how much of ADVENT'S forces are present before committing to an assault."

CT-2008 peeked his head over the store's railing, looking with through the scope of his modified DC-15 to mark any target. "Negative, General. Nothing besides our two friends here..."

"As usual, it falls to me. Give me a second-"  Klukai's eyes flashed a glowing color before they hacked into a terminal underneath a lamp-post near the patrol. Without warning, it suddenly began blaring an alarm, startling the patrol.

Juna's eyes went wide as she glared at the T-Doll. "What the heck are you doing?! We're not supposed to give away our location!" Juna was met with a smug look as she motioned with her head. "How about you shut up and continue watching? It's not done yet." Juna was moving to retort until hearing a voice echo from the lamp-post.

"Warning. System Error. Maintenance Required. Warning-"

The patrol, though initially startled, appeared to relax from that, with the Advent soldier yelling something unintelligible as another patrol emerged from the corner of the building they were hiding in. A trio of an Advent Stun Lancer, another trooper, and a Priest.

Jerome nodded and looked over to Klukai. "Nice work, but stow the attitude. We're fighting the Covenant, not ourselves."

Klukai clicked her tongue and rolled her eyes. "Understood, sir-"

"Covenant?" The Clone's confused question interrupted her. "I thought we were fighting Separatists."

(Artoria) "I was informed of the same. Are these not dissidents rebelling against us?"

(Juna) "Um...I was told they were just aliens.-"

(Helldiver) "Evil, SOCIALIST aliens!"

(Scott) "Personally, I showed up because I was promised a sweet controller for my Switch-"

[Brynulf's Voice] "Russ's beard, they're xenos at the end of the day and ones we be must rid of! Quit squabbling and prepare to fight them!"

(Jerome) "Point made. Cut the chatter, and move into positions."

Scott nodded and boldly stood up from cover first before Jerome or the Commander could say anything, causing a single shout to come from below them, to which both patrols turned their attention to Scott, whose mouth was agape as he grabbed his pistol.

(Jerome) "Not like THAT!"

(Juna) "I oughtta kick your ass, why did you just STAND?!"

(2008) "Oh boy...-"

(Klukai) "MOTHERFU-"

(Helldiver) "-Alright, Scott's got the right idea, TIME TO DELIVER SOME LIBER-TEA!"

(Artoria) "Tch, fool! We have been revealed!"

(Scott) "OH S[BLEEP]T IT'S A WHITE GUY!"

Scott immediately pulled the trigger on his pistol, shooting into the ADVENT Priest, causing him to stagger in pain, yet was still standing as the patrols scattered into cover, and alarms blared throughout the city.

'Stultus 1-5, what's going on down there?!" Central's voice came through to Jerome's helmet, in which he swiftly replied as he cocked his shotgun.

"Nothing we can't handle, sir. Going in loud. Acknowledge?"

"...Acknowledged."

(Helldiver) "FOR DEMOCRACYYYYYY-!"

The Helldiver leapt over the railing, tumbling onto the ground from the second story into a ragdoll before standing back up and into cover, deftly aiming an assault rifle and pinning the Stun Lancer behind cover. Scott quickly joined the him, blasting his pistol wildly, keeping the enemy's head down. Artoria and Jerome gave each other a nod and joined the fray, moving to the left where the Advent Priest and Sectoid remained in cover.

Jerome looked towards those remaining on the roof and motioned with one hand towards the street below where they were fighting. "Juna, Klukai, 2008! Get the VIP, we'll keep them busy!"

"G-Got it!" Juna nervously replied, holding her tonfas close as the three leapt down and dashed around the main combat.

The moment an ADVENT trooper poked his head out from cover, they were instantly shot with pinpoint accuracy from the Helldiver's rifle, putting them down for good as the Stun Lancer weaved through the street, vaulting over barricades in place and unsheathing his baton. Scott yelled several profanities as he unloaded the pistol's magazine into him, predictably missing each shot as the alien rushed towards Artoria.

Jerome stood his ground and kept his shotgun's sights trained on the two psionic creatures in front of him, knowing Artoria would readily handle it. Hearing the unsheathing of her sword as she drew in a deep breath, he was about to be proven right.

"This light is the planet's hope..." Jerome's helmet could pick up Artoria's voice as she slowly stood up, the sword she wielded glowing brighter than any Energy Sword he had ever seen used by the Elites. "Proof of the life that illuminates this world!

Let us end this!-" Artoria rose her sword to the sky, shining so proudly that it dimmed the very world around them as the Stun Lancer tried to stop itself from moving, seeing the incoming doom. Unfortunately for the alien, it stepped with range of Artoria.

"EEXXU...CAAAALIBAAAA!"

As she smashed her sword down into the alien, Jerome barely had time to acknowledge that it got reduced into violent burst of ashes as the very cover they were using exploded into a magnificent shower of light and debris, instead opening fire into the Sectoid that tried to make a break from cover. With one click from his shotgun, the Sectoid was blasted back, its body slamming against an advertisement that had its electronics shattered from the buckshot, Jerome quickly reloading before seeing the Priest begin harnessing its psionic energy. A purple lash shot out from across the street, striking Jerome's helmet. He staggered back from the sheer force, but it did only that, whatever it was attempting promptly repelled.

"Trying to convert him away from Managed Democracy?! I DON'T THINK SO!" The Helldiver and Scott looked to each other, and both nodding in unison, grabbed their grenades and hurled it towards the general direction of the ADVENT Priest. "HAVE A TASTE OF FREEDOM!-"

"Get your face ready!"

The grenades rolled to the side of the building he was hiding in, detonating in spectacular fashion as it somehow didn't damage the Priest at all, despite the burning debris and fragments that fell around him.

"OH, BULLS[BLEEP]T!" As Scott's voice echoed through the ruined streets, Jerome rushed to the scorched ruin, his speed nearly superhuman as barely anyone present could acknowledge he even stood up before striking the Priest's neck, shattering it in a single punch overcharged by his MJOLNIR armor. Checking his motion tracker, he swiftly dodged incoming shots from the last trooper hiding in cover behind him, and before he could get the next shot off, Artoria burst through a nearby window and struck him down with a single swipe from her sword, the two giving a silent nod to each other.

"Diver, Scott! Move in to assist the others!" Jerome ordered the two as he and Artoria rushed the same direction the others had taken off in. It'd probably be better if those two flanked around anyway, given that even he had no idea what they were going to do.

...

Finally making it to the bridge, Juna, Klukai, and the Clone found their target below them, who was hiding behind a sleek black car with the ADVENT logo. Standing guard was-

"SHIT!" Klukai shouted as she grabbed her two squadmates and dove for cover, red bolts flying past where their heads where. As they laid in cover, her eyes flashed a different color to see through the wall, seeing the shape of an ADVENT MEC and two more troopers. Though those weren't what concerned her.

Klukai grabbed her rifle and motioned to their immediate right. "Viper and a Berserker closing in, coming around the corner!"

The Clone checked his rifle before pointing towards the underside of the bridge. "Take the Clanker out, leave the animals to us!" He pat Juna's shoulder twice before taking off in a low sprint into cover, the barrel of his DC-15 sticking out of a barricade.

Juna rolled to a kneeling state, mindful of the shots above her head, aiming her tonfas at the building across from them, flipping her tonfas to a different stance. "Set, gunner!"

In the brief second that the Berserker burst through the walls, screaming angrily as it saw its prey, Klukai poked her head out of cover and began hacking into the system of the MEC. Before another volley of shots could be fired, the machine jerked violently, slumping into an offline state, confusing the VIP and the soldiers around it. In that same window, Juna and the Clone fired everything they had into the rampaging beast, it continuing to barrel its way towards them despite the grievous wounds from bullets and blaster shots it endured.

Letting its ally take the shots, the Viper slinked around the corner next and shot out its tongue to an impossible distance, ensnaring Klukai. The T-Doll yelped as she flew across the battlefield, struggling to break free from the Viper as it began strangling her. Unbeknownst to the alien, she wasn't human, meaning that she couldn't be choked out. However, that left her two allies to deal with the Berserker alone.

More importantly, the VIP was now able to get away.

Time slowed to a crawl as what seemed to be a several bolts of lightning began materializing in front of her two squadmates, before exploding into a brilliant blue light, revealing Brynulf storming forward with dual lightning claws to meet the Berserker head on. "FOR THE ALLFATHER!"  The Space Wolf's light blue Terminator armor went toe to toe with the Berserker, claw matching clubbing fists, the pure muscle and unbreakable armor clashing to a stalemate, both foes roaring against each other.

Juna sprinted past the ensuing brawl and flipped her Tonfas once more, rushing the Viper as the pink haired girl caught the snake's notice. "SET, STRIKER!-" Her tonfa struck the jaw of the Viper, making it hiss in pain as it attempted to slink away and strike back at Juna. The moment its grip loosened, Klukai grabbed a knife and jammed it into the head of the alien, dropping it dead instantly. Without saying a word, the two immediately shot into the back of the Berserker, causing its arms to raise up. Brynulf cackled as his lighting claws slashed across the neck, severing its head.

In the few seconds that had shifted the fight in their favor, the Clone seized the opportunity and spun his rifle around to blast the two soldiers attempting to reach the VIP, two well placed shots searing into the back of their helmets. The VIP ducked under the car, attempting to call more ADVENT reinforcements. To which, the Clone pulled the trigger again, shooting a bolt straight through the phone, and seared their hand from the sheer heat, making them retreat into the car.

"Thanks for the assist, Old Wolf," the Clone motioned with his head, but still kept his rifle on the car's front window. In response, he heard laughter as the heavy footsteps shook the bridge they were standing on, joined by juna and Klukai.

"Not a moment too soon, it seems! Though, I didn't need the assistance as much as you two did," Brynulf shrugged, his smirk practically audible while his helmet shifted to look at Klukai and Juna, which the two shared a similar expression of anger.

(Klukai) "What was that?!"

(Juna) "We don't have time to wait around for you to finish killing that thing!...A-And do you really need its head too?!" 

Juna recoiled at the sight of the Berserker's head hanging from the belt of Brynulf's Terminator armor now, to which he again laughed. "It's precisely why I need the head! How else can I tell my brothers back home of my deeds without proof!"

"Whatever. Jerome, this is Klukai. VIP is in their car and we're about to secure them-."  As she finished her sitrep, Jerome and Artoria sprinted into view, giving them a nod while keeping their weapons out.

"Got it. Diver, Scott?"

"HEY ALL, SCOTT HERE-" The entire group looked over from the bridge and into the car, to which the Helldiver punched open the window with their bare hands as Scott dragged them out, screaming and kicking. The squad leapt over the bridge and onto the lower street, though Brynulf remained still and examined his surroundings instead of following due to the weight of his armor. Scott held the VIP and cuffed them, all the while refusing to stop talking to them about some game console Jerome didn't particularly care for. Instead he activated his communications.

"Commander, this is Stultus 1-5. We have the VIP, confirm?"

"Confirmed, good work 1-5. Call in extraction, ADVENT is bound to send reinforcements."

Jerome nodded and his helmet shifted over to the Helldiver, who perked up in excitement. "Ring her up, Diver."

"Yes, sir! Pelican-1, calling in extraction!"

A moment passed before they heard Firebrand's voice. "...Roger that Diver, Skyranger is inbound on your position." 

After she hung up, the Helldiver shrugged, turning to the others. "Huh...why does Eagle-One keep calling the ship that?"

"I do not believe they are the same per-" Artoria was cut off by the Clone gently raising a hand and awkwardly coughing.

"Must be a new thing she's trying out, don't sweat over the details too much, son. Now, we should get out of this killbox, this is a pretty bad position to be caught in, sir."

Jerome silently thanked the Clone for intervening, while putting a sympathetic hand on the confused Artoria. "Teu's right. Let's move up-" As if being proven right, a red flare dropped next to Brynulf, whose helmet was highlighted by the red eerie light. 

(Brynulf) "Fantastic, looks like we're not leaving without a fight!"

(Central) "Stultus 1-5, be advised, we have multiple readings coming on top of you! Find cover and hold out until extraction arrives!"

(Klukai) "Tch, of course! Shit would be too damn easy if we got to leave quietly!-"

(Juna) "I think the corner the two aliens came out of can make a good defensive position!"

(Jerome) "Acknowledged. Let's get moving-"

Seeing that the Clone and Artoria were already climbing up, Jerome knew waiting for everyone to go one by one would take too long before they could get into cover. 

"Time to improvise. Klukai, Juna-" The two girls turned to face Jerome before he grabbed them by the collar as gently as he could, startling them. Before they could ask what was going on, he hurled the both of them effortlessly up towards the bridge Brynulf was with the two screaming and stumbling to the ground. He quickly did the same with the Helldiver, Scott, and the VIP before leaping up himself, his Spartan training in full display as he full-tilt sprinted faster than everyone else, already seeing an ADVENT dropship inbound. "Think you can handle the welcoming party by yourself for a moment, Old Wolf?"

The Space Wolf turned to him, even as the ship doors opened and dropped off soldiers on top of him. "I'll be bored the entire time, Spartan!" Jerome didn't have time to register who dropped in, because they were promptly slashed to ribbons as his claws sparked to life, easily fending off the first wave while another group of ADVENT soldiers came across the bridge. Artoria prepared her sword as another red flare dropped in front of the group as they were about to take cover in the ruins of a nearby store. 

"Enemies drop from the skies, ready the counter-charge!"

"H-HEY, WAIT!-" Klukai's warning to Artoria went unheeded, as an ADVENT MEC dropped from the sky first, nearly crushing Artoria as she dashed backwards from the landing, it being followed by two more MECS. Artoria motioned to swing her sword before getting shot by the two at its flank, causing her to recoil and get behind cover as she breathed heavily, small spurts of blood emerging from her coughs. Before they could finish her off, Jerome, Juna, and Scott rushed in to save Artoria. Jerome slid underneath the legs of the machine, immediately firing his shotgun into the grenade launcher mounted onto its back before leaping on, grabbing the mechanical frame of its neck and effortlessly tearing it off, and slamming it through the armor of its chest. As it clumsily staggered back, the other two MECS aimed ther rifles at Jerome before he leapt off, and kicked the machine towards its allies, causing them all to stumble. Jerome rushed over to the wounded Artoria and prepared a first aid kit while hearing Juna and Scott behind him.

The second they fell, Juna glowed with a blue light as her tonfas aimed for the head of the second MEC. "ARCUS, ACTIVATE!-" Strength surged through Juna as she effortlessly smashed the head into metallic fragments, looking over to Scott who was busy ineffectively clubbing its gun with a copy of a video game that read "Gex". 

"Wait, hang on, I know what'll kill it!-" Juna was about to yell at Scott to use his gun before he could finish his sentence, instead he brought out a new game box that read "Ride to Hell: Retribution", then promptly stuffed it into the grenade launcher portion of the MEC. Her eyes going wide, Juna grabbed Scott as they dove for cover and crashing through the window, scrambling to get behind a counter far away as the MEC exploded.

The Clone, Helldiver, and Klukai heard the explosion behind them, only giving a passing glance and seeing everyone was relatively okay, turned back to keep suppression on the rest of the incoming ADVENT soldiers, with Klukai keeping her foot on the VIP's back to prevent her from escaping. Brynulf effortlessly tanked the blaster shots, being deflected by some sort of energy shield none present could understand, keeping anyone from passing the bridge. 

"They just keep coming!" The Clone yelled out, taking cover and reloading next to Klukai. She only gave a hum of agreement, effortlessly peeking over cover to drop another soldier who aimed at Brynulf from the side. "Bah! We'll run out of ammo at this rate!-" 

"Clearly, that concerns you more than it does our friend here."

"GET SOME, GET SOOOOOOME!-" The Helldiver wildly sprayed his rifle's bullets across the battlefield, laughing louder than Brynulf and the ongoing firefight. Though his laughter was cut short, and everyone's attention turned to the massive, hulking figure across the bridge as the last of the ADVENT Soldiers finally dispersed. With footsteps that crushed the concrete below it, the legs rose into the air, taller than some of the buildings around it as the blocky shape instantly told everyone what had arrived. Klukai's eyes shot wide as she yelled back to Jerome, and everyone to hear.

"FUCK, SECTOPOOOOOOD!"

Jerome and Artoria immediately stood up from their cover, though he had one hand around her arm to help her up. Scott and Juna poked their heads out of cover, realizing what Klukai had said. Scott grabbed his comms device and started screaming into it.

"HEY ALL, SCOTT HERE! THIS IS BAD, REAL BAD!"

"Scott, what's your status?!-" Central was interrupted with Juna mercifully taking over the sitrep.

"Sir! There's a damn Sectopod here! Firebrand's gonna get shot down if she comes anywhere close to us!-"

Jerome took cover with Artoria, quietly examining what everyone's situation was. Everyone was low on ammo and exhausted. While he had plenty of shells left, he knew it wouldn't pierce the armor of that steel alien behemoth in front of them...But he knew what could.

"Saber, still got fight in you?" He looked over to her. She met Jerome with a firm nod.

"Until my dying breath, and my time as a Servant ends."

"Which isn't today," Jerome interjected, moving to contact the squad. "Brynulf, Diver, Teu! Keep that thing busy, I got a plan to take it out! Everyone else, fall back to my position, and Klukai, bring the VIP!"

(2008) "Yes, sir!"

(Helldiver) "Democracy will NOT FALTER TO THIS ILLUMINATE MACHINE!-"

(Brynulf) "HAH! Finally, a challenge worthy for my brothers!-"

Brynulf took several steps forward, knowing he had the Sectopod's full attention. He broke into a full run, though not a full sprint as he drew shots that reflected off his shield, some of which plinked off his armor as the Sectopod followed his movement. His expression had become uncharacteristically serious, noting just how fast it was turning despite its size. He moved to the cover of another building it stood near, knowing it wouldn't cross the bridge due to the height advantage it had.

"Clone, Diver! Fire upon its legs, then move to a different position swiftly!-"

The two soldiers nodded and aimed their rifles at the feet, pulling their trigger and a burst of blaster bolts and bullets tore into it, though it predictably only damaged the armor.

"That armor's holding up!"

"Democracy, guide us!-

The two rushed to a different barricade as the Sectopod returned fire, completely obliterating their former cover as its tall lanky legs stomped forward, rattling the building Brynulf was hiding in. With a loud roar, Brynulf charged in with lightning claws glowing, aiming to strike at the exposed legs. Without it even turning around, it raised one of its legs into the air, directly above where Brynulf stood, and smashed it onto him, the Space Wolf barely able to hold it back with his power fists. The floor underneath Brynulf began to crack, shaking as he was threatened to be smashed to paste underneath. The Clone and Helldiver attempted to assist, but were kept hiding as another torrent of gunfire kept them under.

"Teu, do you have a grenade, I'm out!" The Helldiver shouted as he reloaded his rifle. The Clone sighed as he realized his DC-15 completely ran dry, but held a thermal detonator in his hands.

"Got a plan, Diver?"

"Yes, one Lady Liberty herself has blessed upon me!-" Not bothering to even ask, the Clone primed the Detonator, and nodded at his squadmate. "Throw it to the center of the bridge!"

"Not the droid itself?!"

"Lady Liberty-"

"Alright, just shut up and get ready!"

"PERFECT!"

The Helldiver readied his rifle and counted down, kneeling behind cover. "3...2...1!" The clone threw the thermal detonator and the Sectopod immediately shot it, creating a dust cloud and shattering parts of the bridge. The Helldiver immediately stuck a stim into his own neck, shaking his head rabidly as he sprinted full speed into the smoke, emerging from the other side while never letting go of the trigger of his rifle.

"FOR SUPPPEEEER EAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRTTTTTTTTH-"

The Sectopod riddled the Helldiver with bolts, but he kept walking, recoiling with every shot that hit him but kept going as the Sectopod's gun took damage it couldn't recover. The Clone didn't know how long the Stim would last, but he doubt it would be long enough to destroy the machine. Instead, he looked around for the largest rock he could throw, sprinted towards the bridge while scooping it up, and emerged from the smoke, chucking it as hard as he could to knock the leg off balance.

The rock bounced into a weak point Brynulf had bent with his Astartes strength, causing it to lean and the shots to wildly flail into the air, with the Helldiver dropping onto the floor panting heavily. The Sectopod regained its balance startlingly fast, with it kicking Brynulf towards the Helldiver and Clone, the gun charging up to fire again at the three now standing out in the open.

Before the Clone could recoil in fear, suddenly it jerked violently as electronics began sparking, the gun flashing red and black as if being hacked-

Klukai!

"NOW! GET THE BASTARD!-" Her voice shouted from behind as she emerged from the second story of another building behind it, riddling its flank with her gun. As it turned around to face her, Jerome and Juna rushed out the door behind the T-Doll and leapt onto the Sectopod, making it step back as it attempted to throw them off. Juna was screaming as she was nearly flung to the side but managed to drive her tonfas into the side of its head, at least denting the system while Jerome effortlessly began punching holes into several random places, ripping out core components. Finally with one last swing, Juna tumbled off, screaming as she was about to hit the concrete. Jerome swung to the underside of the Sectopod, using its underside as a launch-pad to rocket himself downwards to catch Juna in time, landing on his back as the MJOLNIR armor absorbed most of the shock and giving Juna a stable landing. 

Immediately the two moved to the others at the bridge as Artoria stepped from the ruins, her sword glowing bright once more as she grit her teeth. The Sectopod struggled to stand upright with its gun completely malfunctioning, yet still raised its leg to crush Artoria. Its last mistake.

"EEXXXXXXXUUUUUUUU...CAAAALIBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

Slashing her sword downwards, the Sectopod was completely split in half with its remains crashing into the nearby buildings as Artoria stood proud, sheathing Excalibur and giving a nod to the others. "The monstrosity is slain."

Brynulf cackled as he stood himself up, giving a salute with his claws to Artoria. "If only I could wield a blade as legendary as yours! We will drink to our victory today over the Xenos!-"

Jerome knelt next to the Clone, joined by Juna, Klukai, and Artoria. "How is Diver?"

"Bad, sir. The stims tanked most of the blows but-"

"S-Stims...another..." Everyone shared an awkward glance before Brynulf nudged one of the Helldiver's stims toward them with his armored foot. Klukai gently injected the stim to him, making sure not to hit any vital artery-

Before he sprung back up, perfectly fine. "WHEW! FEELS GREAT! Back to 100%!"

Stultus Squad was rendered speechless, not knowing where all his wounds had suddenly vanished off to but yet silently, everyone unanimously agreed it was better not to ask questions they didn't want answers to. Hearing a mechanical twitch, Jerome immediately shoved everyone back, ready to destroy the somehow functioning Sectopod before a pistol shot rang out from across the bridge, completely shattering the gun piece as the bullet ripped through an exposed opening. The squad turned back, seeing Scott waving hello with a stupid grin on his face as blue flares lit up around him, standing on top of the VIP's head.

"Hey guys, ride's here!"

Jerome just simply nodded in thanks to Scott before motioning to the squad. "Let's get back home."

Central and the Commander walked to the Hangar to meet Stultus Squad while the Skyranger landed, while a small security detail accompanied them to take the VIP. As the Skyranger's jets finally whirred down, the ramp sliding downward to let the squad walk out, shoving the VIP out with Jerome being second in line.

"Commander, Central. Here's your target, as requested."

Central nodded and moved to take the VIP, leaving the Commander to talk to the squad personally. Though they all looked exhausted, they stood proud, Scott, Brynulf, and presumably the Helldiver all smiling ear to ear. Jerome, the Clone, Artoria stood at attention like true professionals, while Klukai crossed her arms with a smug smile on her face. Juna stood out by the fact she was tired, yet doing her best to match everyone else. 

To that, the Commander cleared their throat and gave them a salute. "Stultus Squad. I had high expectations, and yet you still exceeded them. XCOM, no, humanity is proud to have you fighting for them."

(Jerome) "Just doing our duty, sir."

(Artoria) "It is a King's duty to protect his subjects, Master."

(2008) "No one messes with the Clone Army, General."

(Juna) "I'm representing Class VII and Crossbell, I can't afford to lose, sir!"

(Klukai) "Hm~ You should be counting yourself lucky that I'm here instead of another T-Doll."

(Helldiver) "As long as any patriot of Managed Democracy breathes, we will take back Super Earth!"

(Scott) "Do I get my controller now?-"

(Brynulf) "Commander, do you have any good drinks for us to celebrate? We need a brew that can get an Astartes properly sloshed! BAHAHA!-"

Despite their odd nature, the Commander had now grown to like these soldiers. He barely needed to direct them, moreso just absorbing what they could do under pressure, but he knew these would be the best fighters humanity and ADVENT had ever seen on future missions.

"Sir, if I may," Jerome politely interjected. "I'd like to use the nearby Resistance Radio to call out for some friends. I didn't come here alone."

"Neither did I, my brothers are out there, fighting ADVENT just like us." The Clone added, joined by everyone else nodding in agreement.

The Commander didn't know whether to be glad or terrified that there were more Stultus Squads fighting around the globe. And yet, they knew that these strange people were humanity's last hope against the Elders. And to that, the Commander gave Jerome the green light to visit the radio tower.

=====

"Hello, ladies and gentlemen! Today, I got something a bit different for you on air for the lovely Resistance Radio. I'm joined, by one of XCOM's very own soldiers! This uh, terrfiyingly huge fella named...?"

"Jerome."

"Jerome!...Er, wait, should we be saying your name on air?"

"It's fine. And I just have a message for my friends. And the rest of my squad's, because we know they're out there, fighting ADVENT as hard as we are...May I?"

"Sure, take it away!"

"Thank you...We call upon every Spartan, every Clone, Astartes, T-Doll, Thor's Military student, Servant, and soldier of Liberty.

We call upon every human of Earth, fighting against the Elders. Remember, you are not alone.

In Earth's darkest hours, now is the Time for Heroes.

And we are here to fight with you.

We'll take back Earth together.

Many aboard the Spirit of Fire initially refused to believe the rumors that Jerome-092 had fallen in love. Jerome and his team were no mere soldiers — they were Spartans, weapons of war that were sculpted by hands of a woman who prized humanity’s survival over ethics and morals. From her actions and rigorous training ushered forth mankind’s greatest and loyal guardians, how could these battle-hardened warriors feel the warmth of love when all they’ve ever known was the taste of war?

It takes Jerome bringing his S/O aboard the ship for the crew to finally realize that the talks that haunted the corridors rings true: Jerome had gifted his heart to another. What adds to their bewilderment was that his S/O wasn’t enlisted in mankind’s armies nor did they hold a high position of power. They were a simple, everyday civilian — even Douglas and Alice found themselves stunned by the revelation. Jerome made mention about having a lover before in the rare banters they've had (ones that weren't mission related), but always dodged questions asking about the specifics. Douglas and Alice had shrugged and respected his decision for privacy, though now they realized why Jerome swore himself to secrecy.

After the wave of shock had dissipated, many had questions in dire need of answering. Where had Jerome met this individual? How did they capture his heart? Was he under the effects of brainwashing? Perhaps he’s struggling with a case of amnesia, or some other outlandish assumption or question. Jerome swears that he could feel a headache stir in the back of his head.

Despite how ravenous for answers everyone was, Jerome never allowed them to put pressure on his S/O. Their comfort was an utmost priority to him and made it clear that there’d be consequences if anyone were to trample over them. If they ever tread too far, they’d ignite the dormant flames of Jerome’s temper, and everyone is quite aware of how dangerous he could be should his anger get the best of him. Thankfully his S/O provided him an anchor; their fingers were interlaced with Jerome's own, the size difference being comedic yet strangely endearing. The Spartan appreciates his lover's tender affections; it drapes a soothing veil over him and it brings immense comfort to his psyche.

Once curiosity has been sated or his S/O grew too overwhelmed, Red Team's leader would guide his love to a more secluded space where they could embrace each other in relative peace. Jerome is a physically affectionate type in spite of his status as a Spartan II, so he'd openly accept any and all acts of love, even if it was in public — dare he say he'd even encourage it. Hug him, hold his hand, give him a kiss against the side of his helmet (he doesn't like the prospect of removing it), have him carry his love bridal style, you name it. His fondness would grow deeper should they give him loving nicknames and positive affirmations, he'd practically live for them at this rate.

Jerome would be willing to try out new things with his S/O if they want him too, just nothing too chaotic or bordering on criminal activity since he still has a standard to uphold. Does his love want to try out a new type of cuisine at a newly open restaurant? Then by all means, they can hop in the warthog and they'll be off (don't tell Captain Cutter). Wanting to dance under the fall of moonlight and the gaze of the stars? Find a good spot and Jerome will show them just how fast he is able to learn. 

Another way Jerome displays his love is through acts of service, which is pretty substantial for obvious reasons. If he is not burdened by work aboard the Spirit of Fire, Jerome is more than happy to attend more domestic services at his S/O's home. He just… has to be more aware of his weight and overall bulk. Several options that are open to him that don't result in accidental property damage is going grocery shopping and house repairs, potentially guarding the household too if Captain Cutter approves of Jerome's request to settle off ship. For what limited roles he can do, the Leader of Red Team can perform them admirably and without skipping a beat. What makes it better is the enthusiasm he experiences while doing what he needs to — to the common folk it isn't obvious, but his lover would be able to tell that he finds enjoyment in helping out wherever he could.

I can imagine that Jerome is one of the rarer Spartan’s who’d feel a greater need to protect his S/O. Other Spartans have a firm belief that their lover could handle their own battles unless there is a clear difference in power and while Jerome can share their sentiments to an extent, his instincts remain steadfast. He would want to be by his S/O’s side for a majority of his free time in order to ensure they're safety, which is pretty much guaranteed; anyone who thinks it is a perfectly rational idea to confront a Spartan and his consort are psychopaths and about to experience the wrath of a Spartan II. Sometimes Jerome’s presence can be too effective though. While people admire from afar, nearly everyone cowers when he and his lover draw too close. It's a miracle in itself that those that have to serve S/O don't panic and bolt from their post when they see a seven foot tall Spartan hovering behind them.

Gift-giving, while not necessary, would be something Jerome greatly treasures. He has a stronger preference for hand-crafted gifts even if his lover believes themselves to not be talented in making them; it matters little that the gift is physically appealing and more so the effort and love his S/O put into it. Spartans receive so little for how much they sacrifice to protect Humanity from its foreign enemies, knowing that there are some who take time out of their days to craft them a gift speaks volumes. Of course, Jerome isn't picky, so he wouldn't mind if his lover gifted him something pre-made. 

The Red Team's leader would want to incorporate his S/O into his daily training routine. They'll get to spend time with one another while also building up their bodies' physical strength — that sounds like a victory in Jerome's books. Seeing as how Spartan training regiments are far more intensive than the usual workout, Jerome would find a smaller set that wouldn't be so strenuous on his S/O's body. He would be that supportive, charismatic husband who is capable of inspiring his lover through their most tense moments, which does wonders to boost their morale.

If they end up having to retire early, they could always find ways to make Jerome's workout a tad bit more interesting. Sit on his back while he does one handed push ups or cling to him like a koala while he does pull ups, it doesn't matter. It's a win for both parties at the end of the day — his S/O gets to feel the strength of his muscles and Jerome can flaunt both his physique and his breath-taking S/O. Plus, there's physical contact, and we're all aware how much of a sucker he is for it. :P

Because of their bond with Jerome, the Red Team leader thinks it would be a great social activity for his love to establish some form of relationship with his team. Alice is kind enough; her expertise lies on the battlefield rather than engaging in conversation, so she is a little stiff in her interactions. Still, she respects both Jerome and his lover, so she’d push past her discomforts to be polite and courteous. Douglas is more open and flexible due to his previous interactions with civilians before, so he’d express some excitement to talk to Jerome’s S/O. His main interests pertain to books and literature; many aboard the Spirit of Fire do not share his sentiments to them, so his care for Jerome's S/O would grow exponentially should they display interest in Douglas’ hobbies. Bonus points if they're an avid reader as well or perhaps a writer — Douglas would become fast friends with them. 

Would want to teach his S/O proper defensive techniques and how to efficiently wield a knife and pistol in case of emergencies. Jerome would provide his lover his own to practice with, but makes it clear that these shouldn't set the standard and they'd have to find similar weapons from a local dealer; Jerome's are specifically military models and banned from being sold to the public. He is a very efficient teacher, however — Jerome teaches his lover proper stances, defensive measures, counterattacks, and potential weak points of an enemy should they encounter one and he never leaves out any bits of important information, no matter if his S/O views it as trivial. 

Honestly, I can imagine his S/O would be slightly intimidated during these lessons, mostly because of how serious and stern he becomes. Jerome had no intention to frighten his lover, but he does take these matters seriously considering his position and status; best to remember that at the end of the day, Jerome remains a Spartan with military duties.

Jerome is very proud of his S/O and loves to show them off whenever they allow them too (consent is important with him). One of his favorite activities is to parade his love around the Spirit of Fire; either they could walk alongside him or allow Jerome to carry them, which is his preferred option, the choice is left to what they deem most comfortable. Jerome already has a strong and ferocious physical presence, so it's fairly easy for his S/O to be recognized once everyone's gaze drifts to the little wanderer by his side. Most of the crew admit that Jerome and his S/O make a cute couple. :P