One Last Mission

Verse 1 Last light falling through the trees, Dropships waiting in the breeze. Every shelter's been checked twice, Every beacon's blinking green. The Forerunner has filled her bays, Survivors from a hundred days. One last sector on the map, One last place we haven't checked. Jason studies the display, "We sweep it before we go." Someone answers through the comm— "Jason, there's nobody down below." He looks toward the dark. "Then we make sure." Chorus ONE LAST MISSION! One more run! One more sweep Before we're done! If there's one voice Underneath, We'll find them breathing... Or find the grief. ONE LAST MISSION! No one stays! Not after all We've lost along the way! We came to save them... We'll see it through! One last mission... One more rescue... Verse 2 APCs crawl through broken streets, Pulse rifles ready, boots on concrete. Jason's squad moves building to building, Calling names through empty halls. "Colonial Marines!" "Anyone alive?" Nothing answers. Then— A light. A hand reaches through the rubble. A family trapped beneath the floor. A mother clutching two children. Jason drops his rifle. "We've got you." Chorus ONE LAST MISSION! One more run! One more family Before we're done! Carry them out! Get them clear! We've come too far... For them to stay here! ONE LAST MISSION! Hear the call! Nobody gets abandoned... Not at all! We've lost enough... We've paid our dues! One last mission... One more rescue... Bridge The last beacon goes green. Jason looks at the map. Nothing remains. Every survivor accounted for. Every dropship is full. He keys the radio. "Forerunner..." "This is Spartan Echo." "Final sweep complete." A pause. "We've got everyone." Final Chorus ONE LAST MISSION! Now we're done! The final people Have been won! Turn the engines! Raise the flight! Leave this world... Behind tonight! ONE LAST MISSION! Stars ahead! Remember all Who couldn't make it back! We came as strangers... Leave as one... LV-424... We're finally done. Outro The last dropship rises. LV-424 disappears beneath them. Jason watches the planet through the viewport. "Goodriddence." The Forerunner begins turning toward orbit. For the first time... There is nothing left to rescue.