Halo Wars 2 is such a fun campaign, both gameplay and story. After fending off the banished for Jerome and an injured douglass’s escape, we return to Alice as she ambushes Banished POW camps and begins a prisoner escape. God I love her so much, they actually paid attention to maintaining her characterization with the lore card they made(available in game)
Alice is tenacious, uplifting to her comrades, she’s so much more openly social then you’d imagine a II to be. One of her lines in this mission is “Stay by me, and we’ll all get home,” and I love that here, the voice acting does so legwork too in carrying the idea that Alice is this unshakably confident, charismatic soldier who is genuinely having the time of her life being a Spartan.
Like, one of her response lines for an attack order is “Hurricane Alice, coming through!” and I love that for her.
You get the idea that fellow Spartans love having Alice on the team, that the regular soldiers following her do as well. She’s fearless, BEGGING for banished soldiers to try killing her, half her unit lines are her saying things along the lines of “watch THIS” and “you’re wish is my happy command”
It’s honestly impressive how well HW2 captures it’s unique red team characterizations without making them feel un-spartan, they’re all very lovable in the same way many characters from the original halo trilogy are
An AU where instead of Esparza finding John floating in space, it's the Spirit of Fire. How would they be at Zeta Halo and not the Ark, you may be wondering?... Idk, slipspace rupture, Cortana, just because. Many possibilities. And then they'll find Esparza too because we can't forget about our amazing pilot 🫶
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
Alice was not traumatized by her SPARTAN-II training: even as a child, she saw it as a welcome challenge. However, her body rejected the augmentations, leaving her incapacitated with the other "washouts" who survived but could not press on. She underwent rehabilitation, and was able to return to active duty. She was assigned to Red Team with Douglass-42 and Jerome-92--two other washouts.
Alice was deployed to Arcadia with Red Team to intervene in a Covenant seige. Afterward, Red Team joined the crew of the Spirit of Fire, where they were sent to the ruins of Harvest to investigate a Covenant dig site.
The relics at Harvest pointed them and the Covenant to the Forerunner shield world Trove (called Etran Harborage by the Forerunners). They mobilized to stop Arbiter Ripa 'Moramee and the Prophet of Regret from activating the Forerunner dreadnoughts contained within, and to save Professor Ellen Anders, who had been captured by 'Moramee.
The engagement on Trove was successful, but it would cost them the Spirit of Fire's slipspace drive. Without being able to enter slipspace, the Spirit of Fire's crew--including Alice--were put in cryosleep while the ship drifted, waiting for rescue.
In 2559, Alice and the rest of the crew were awakened, having been pulled into slipspace to the Ark. It was there that they learned of the threat of the Banished when Atriox confronted Red Team. After that, the mission changed to stop Atriox's forces on the Ark. Alice would help thin out the Banished presence on the Ark, while allowing Professor Anders to send a distress beacon to the UNSC. As of recent canon, she remains on the Ark.
In canon (~2560), she is turning 49!
I'm also including this pic implying that Alice is about to absolutely rock these Unggoys' shit with her bare hands bc??? Jfc girl.
truly wild to think that thanks to cryosleep, red team not only slept through most of The Horrors™ (after their The Horrors Special VIP Advance Screening™, that is), but now all of their (surviving) peers are weary 50-somethings while they themselves have not yet reached drinking age
Alice-130: (Announcer voice) "It all comes down to this one penalty kick. Can a young woman break the glass ceiling, and prove, once and for all, that a female can be just as good an athlete as a male?"
Fred-104: You know, Alice, anytime someone calls attention to the "breaking of Gender Roles," it ultimately undermines the concept of gender equality by implying that THIS is an exception, and not the status quo.
*John, Kelly and the others stare at him in surprise*
Fred-104: What? Just because I'm a meathead, doesn't mean I'm not a feminist.
