// PRIORITY MESSAGE TO: UNSC LT. COMM. HARRY STEINMAN
// MESSAGE ORIGIN UNSC.AI.G41A [SERVICE NUMBER-869943.67
// AI aboard UNSC Prowler "Geraldo"
// ALERT
// MESSAGE ENCRYPTED USING ENCRYPTION BAND-VIOLET ALPHA
// BEGIN MESSAGE DECRYPTION…
// PROCESSING…PROCESSING…
// DECRYPTION COMPLETE. MESSAGE IS AS FOLLOWS…
// [BEGIN MESSAGE
Sir, we found something…
Something big; something that could change the course off mankind.
The following is a message that the border station Tabitha received following the anomaly detected outside of the Outer Rim. Our probe that followed the frigate "Forward Unto Dawn" relayed the original source to the Tabitha, which then relayed it to me. The original file is encoded in an attachment with the passkey [0--.
Roughly translated, it makes mention of a "snowcapped sentinel", most likely Mt. Kilimanjaro, the mountain near the unearthed Forerunner artifact. The message also makes mention of something named "The Mind". Based off previous messages of the same origin (messages also encrypted in the attachment), we speculate that "The Mind" is in fact the alien organism known as "Gravemind".
Regretfully, the actions of Spartan 117 have essentially cut off all access to the Forerunner fortress world we call "the Ark". Our only other options to find working Forerunner technology would be from "Onyx" or the dig site at New Mombassa.
Before you decide for yourself, I need to report that one of our probes sent distorted images of "Onyx". It showed a sphere of small, individual units comprised as a shield. The probe also encrypted a distorted video of a Covenant ship trying to make its way through the shield of units. A section of the shield wall fired a burst of energy that impacted the Covenant cruiser, disintegrating it. Shortly after, we lost contact with the probe.
I'm afraid there is no other choice but to begin study of the Forerunner artifact at New Mombassa.
Let us hope there is something left.
// [End Message
// [Attachments downloaded
// Forced[Message scramble/deletion
Well, this marks my triumphant return to the world of fanfiction. I hope you will enjoy the story! P