Think of my acts you will, but do not deny the truth. The Reclamation has already begun…and we are helpless to stop it."
Ur Didact, addressing the Forerunner Ecumene.
Prologue
It's over. Those were Born-Stellar's thoughts as he entered the control room of the Ark. The massive structure floated outside the Milky Way Galaxy, accessible only by a portal stationed on the Human home world. It was here that all known species that the Forerunners had ever encountered had been cataloged and stored In stasis for preservation, safe from the cataclysm that was about to befall the galaxy. The Halos were in place. Born-stellar couldn't help but shudder at the mere thought of those…monstrosities. They had been designed to wipe out the Flood, a parasite that been ravaging the stars for centuries now. Once activated, the Halo rings would cleanse the galaxy of the Flood. As well as every over living thing, he mentally added. The decision to commit such an act hadn't been up to him. The Master Builder Faber had designed them, much to the chagrin of a fair proportion of the Forerunner Council, or at least of what was left of it by that time. A large amount of its members had been consumed by the parasite by the time the Array was being constructed.
The Didact sighed as he retracted his helmet. His features were uncannily human, with wavy brown hair that stopped just above his ears and light green eyes which, while young, still betrayed a sense of sadness as well. There was soft flash of golden light behind him, revealing what resembled a floating metal eye with a hollow indentation on either side. It was a monitor, 343 Guilty Spark to be exact, soon to be the caretaker of Installation 04. "The Ark's systems are ready to activate the Array, Didact." The machine chirped in a male voice with a slight metallic ringtone.
Born-stellar nodded his approval." "Good. Is the portal prepared as well?" "Yes sir." Well, at least matters are going to plan. Soon our work will be complete. His smile vanished at the thought. The age of the Forerunners was at an end; The time had come for another species to inherit the Mantle of Responsibility. As for His own race, they would go into exile, waiting for the day that they could return and… what?
The galaxy had suffered so much because of them. Would the surviving species even consider welcoming them back after all they had done? The Librarian had believed that the Humans would take their place as the bearers of the Mantle of Responsibility, a notion that had incensed several Forerunners. Still, if it were to be so, Born-Stellar suspected that it wouldn't occur for very long time. The memories of recent events crossed his mind; The Flood, the dispersal of the Array, the rebellion of Mendicant Bias, and especially the Librarian's farewell to him a she left for the birth world of the Humans. He doubted that he would ever see her again. No! Don't think that!
He closed his eyes and concentrated on the task ahead. He had come this far; he couldn't waver now. He reached into a compartment on the side of his armor and retrieved a small object. It was shapes like an uppercase 'T', with a green light flowing on either side of the device.
The Index.
The device that would wipe out everything in the path of the Halos.
He sighed again. "So begins a new era for the Galaxy." Guilty Spark commented, "Indeed." The Didact turned to the floating monitor." Tell me," he asked. "If it were your choice, would you do it?" The A.I. seemed to consider this for a moment before replying," I don't believe that there is any other choice Didact." Somehow, those words comforted Born-Stellar. He smiled. Then he turned, and inserted the Index into its place. He closed his eyes for a moment, honoring the ones who had fallen for this to occur with his silence. He turned to Guilty spark." Once the cleansing is complete, you will be sent to your Instillation. I will make my way to the safe haven. I hope that we may see one another again." With that, the Forerunner disappeared in a flash of indigo light. The monitor gazed at the spot where Born-Stellar had been but a moment ago. Finally he said, more to himself than as a reply, "As do I Born-Stellar, as do I."
Thirty seconds later, the array was fired. Every sentient being in the galaxy was eradicated. The Forerunners vanished from the Galaxy, never to be seen again…or so it was thought.
Ok, remember when I said that I was thinking of posting one of my older stuff? Well, here it is. Let me know what you think. Also, in response to… Kivdon( Not the most unusual name I've seen)…. Thank you for pointing that out to me; my computer tends to act up with spelling. I'll try to improve on that. Also, this was partially inspired by a story that used to be on here. I'll spare you the name. Let me know what you think.
Sincerely, Sierra Nova
P.S.: So sorry about the mix-up with the font size! I'll try to fix it if it happens again!