Enjoy
Chapter Three: The Reawakening
The Spartans present in the room shifted and shared looks of surprise and curiosity, but dared not speak up as the Captain continued. They had never seen the Elites face to face, but they might as well know everything there was to them from all the stories they heard growing up.
"We were able to gather that they requested assistance in an urgent matter, but for an unknown reason the transmission cut off. Attempts are reconnecting failed and we have decided to send a Spartan team to find out just what the situation is, and how grave. You, Falcon Team, have been chosen for this mission. A Fang is being prepared for your departure. Once you make contact and find what the situation is, immediately report back to Earth. Understood?"
"Sir, yes Sir!" all Spartans present saluted their understanding of the mission.
"Very good, now suit up soldiers," the Spartans nodded before quickly leaving the bridge and towards their quarters where they would suit up as ordered.
"How serious do you think this is Captain?" Solomon asked as the Spartans picked up the pace for the armory reserved for the Spartan teams. His already dark skin seemed to darken further with the hard look that adorned his features. His almost golden eyes set forward as his wide strides quickly took him to the Captain's side.
"We can't be sure, but if it comes from the Elites, and they have already said it is urgent, then it won't be anything pleasant," Leia answered, an uncomfortable feelings settled at the pit of her stomach. Just moments ago she had been wishing for something that required the Spartans, and now that an event arose, she dreaded what would become of it.
"Come on guys! You really have to be so negative? They clearly just want to see our faces again, I mean, why wouldn't they?" Everyone sighed at Reese's typical character. While his skills were almost unmatched, his arrogance was his only flaw . He never took things seriously and that was the only thing holding him back from being a team Captain.
"Don't be silly Reese. It isn't like we have neglected contact with the Sangheili since the Great War. We have had several cases of contact since then, have you forgotten they often helped in the first decade of The Reconstruction Period?" Kane was the techie of the group, while all Spartans had basic understanding of the technology around them, Kane had taken a special interest in it from his early days as a Spartan Recruit, and his skills regarding anything with wires were the best of the best, not to mention he was one of the smartest of the Spartans, only surpassed by Marcia from Team Dynasty.
"Until we make contact, there is no way to know what they want, so just suit up team," Leia entered the Spartan Armory and immediately headed for the latest Scout Variant that belonged to her. It was specially customized with primary color white with teal as the secondary color that decorated various parts of the armor. Suiting up was done with swiftness and in no time the team was ready. Each of them had personalized their armor in their own way. This personalization came from the feeling most Spartans expressed at having their own identity that stretched beyond simply being a super human. In Team Falcon, all the Spartans had the motto "In death we rise" etched on their right shoulder.
Solomon's EOD variant sported steel and dark green, a cross carved into the left shoulder. Kane sported the EVA variant, a full gray with a TACPAD attached to his forearm. Noah, who specialized as a medic on the field, sported a brown CQB variant with steel and a TRAUMA kit on his right thigh. Jake, the second in command, sported a scarlet and steel RECON variant. They all had customized their own shoulder, chest plates, and knee plates that suited their styles but no one had gone as far as Reese had gone with the armor he wore.
He had chosen to style the HAYABUSA variant, complete with s'ode and a katana strapped to his back. His armor color was white with blood red s'ode as well on his knee pads, thighs, and on his helmet. Reese was the only one that had taken on the armor to the lengths he did, just as everything else he did.
"How heavy should we go with the weapons Captain?" Noah asked. She seemed to consider the question for a second.
"Considering that we don't know just what the Covenant want, I don't think we should walk in looking like we're ready to take on an entire armada, but we don't want to be unprepared for the worst. I'm guessing some heavy weaponry will be stored in the Fang in case of emergencies so let's not overdo this. For all we know, this might be nothing at all," she retrieved the Battle Rifle, her weapon of choice and strapped it to her back. Jake grabbed his signature sniper rifle, Solomon his shotgun, Noah and Kane an assault rifle.
"Then these are all I need," Kane said with a chuckle as he grabbed twin pistols. If the rest of his team did not know just how right he was, they would have thought him crazy.
"Well, let's head out then."
The curiosity that many of the marines patrolling around Makarov Station was not hidden from the Spartans as they made their way to the docking bay. They knew this was only expected, after all, it was extremely rare when a Spartan would sport their assault armor unless a difficult mission needed the support and Leia was not the only one who thought that much of the time Spartans had not a lot to do.
Upon arriving at the docking bay, they saw the Fang they guessed would be their transportation ready to go, Sergeant Major Chase waiting by the open door.
"Falcon Team," he greeted with a nod of his head.
"Sergeant," they replied. There was a silent moment before the Sergeant spoke up again.
"The coordinates where you are required to go have already been programmed into the navigation system. You should arrive in an estimated time of three weeks. The rest is up to you."
The team nodded as they looked at the Fang and its sleek black exterior. It was the latest interstellar ship designed specifically for missions that required small teams, as well as the fastest to date. Getting from point A to point B had never been easier with this craft. Despite the two and a half decades that had passed since the Great War, not many technological advancements had been made as most of the time had been spent rebuilding and reorganizing colonies and planets from the disasters left from the war. This however, was one of the best.
"Good luck Spartans, I hope you won't need it," the Sergeant. The serious look on his face did nothing to appease the feeling Leia felt in her stomach.
"Thank you sir," she replied anyway as she led the way up the entrance that would take her inside, the rest of her team following her lead.
Kane immediately took to the control room to do what he did best, and the rest of the team surveyed the familiar interior. It was fairly open with the exception of a small armory, a wing designed for medical purposes, and small kitchen and bathroom. There were not any particular lounge area but there were seats lined up against one wall and several offensive and defensive stations.
They could hear Kane pressing several buttons and the screens flashing the activities that would help them launch. The area was clear in less than two minutes and the Spartans were off, to a destination never before reached.
Once outside of Earth's orbit, Leia walked of to a wall where a small control panel was situated on. Pressing a couple of keys the wall seemed to clear up and space was visible.
"It'll be some time before we can enter slip space, might as well enjoy the view while it lasts," she said to herself as she looked back at the slowly retreated form of Earth. Who knew how long it would be before she could take on the magnificent sight once more.
"Damn. Where the hell is the coffee in this thing?" she couldn't help but chuckle as she heard Solomon in the kitchen. At least she knew some things would never change.
"How are the attempts at a transmission going?" Thel walked up behind the Aximili, always mindful of his tail as he worked the unfamiliar controls of the Sangheili with ease.
(Whatever interrupted the transmission to Earth was not easy to bypass, and I am still unsure of what it was. I don't believe it was the Yeerks, unless they are outside the planet they should be unable to intercept any messages sent.)
"Will it be possible to be able to reconnect with Earth?"
(No, the complications that occurred earlier seem to have blocked connections to Earth. It would take longer to fix the problem. However, I should be able to contact my Homeworld just fine now.)
"I see, then go ahead and do so. You and I will be the ones to talk to them," the idea that he was about to attempt at an alliance with the Andalites was one that he had yet to get used to. He had agreed of course, because he still believed he was doing the right thing. He just hoped he wouldn't be made a fool if the Andalites refused.
(Very well. Beginning request for priority one message to the Andalite homeworld for two-way communication. Addressing it from Sanghelios, sector fifty seven, RG-Five-Three-One-Forty, Prince Aximili-Esgarrouth-Isthill and Thel 'Vadam,) he continued to work the controls as Thel looked on next to him. A feeling of anticipation rose within him as they waited for the message to be accepted or denied. It did not take long for a blue face to pop out on their screen, head covered in a metallic armor that covered most of their face.
(This is Lotren-Kamisha-Sulsen. Prince Aximili, you have been missed. May I inquire what you are doing in sector fifty seven? We lost communication with your ship in the last mission you were sent on. We are glad to see you are still alive.)
(I hope you don't mind I altered your controls in order to receive thought-speak communications,) Aximili told Thel in private thought-speak. Thel only shook his head, not even bothering to ask how or when he managed to do that.
(I cannot say you will be pleased with my actions. We were being followed by the Yeerk force after the ambush, and I decided to take a certain matter into my own hands. I came to Sanghelios to ask the Sangheili for a request. This is Thel 'Vadam, my Prince,) the shock in the other Andalite was clear as his eyes went wide.
(What exactly is going on?) he questioned as his eyes narrowed.
"Aximili and another Andalite named Alfar crash landed in our planet. After caring for their injuries and hearing them out, we agreed that we would accept Aximili's request," Thel answered this time.
(And what request was that?)
(We would like to be transferred to the Andalite Council to reveal this information. I'm sure you will agree I have the clearance,) the Andalite seemed to consider this in a moment of hesitation.
(Very well. I will transfer you to the Council and explain what you have told me,) the screen went blank for a moment as they waited. When the screen flickered back another face took its place, this one free of armor but full of authority.
(What is the meaning of this Aximili?) in the way that the councilor Aximili recognized as Tenzla didn't use his title was enough to tell him that this might not be as easy as had hoped. His title might mean nothing here.
"We the Sangheili wish to form an alliance with the Andalites against the Yeerks upon Aximili's request," Thel did not hesitate in stating the fact.
There was a stretched silence as the Councilor looked from Aximili to Thel and then back towards.
(Is this the purpose you had upon arriving at Sanghelios?) the Councilor questioned.
(Yes.)
(How long has this been on your mind?)
(To be truthful... For a while now.)
(I hope you are not insinuating we are unable to handle this war Aximili,) the look Aximili received was not a pleasant one, but it did not affect him in the least.
(What I insinuate is that I believe there is no better way to win this war than by forming strong alliances. Is it not my purpose to input my thoughts and take action as I see fit in order to win this war?) there was a certain look that was shared with Aximili and the Councilor shared that made Thel a little uncomfortable, as if this was a fight he shouldn't be witnessing, but whatever lay beneath the words that Aximili spoke seemed to have quieted the Councilor.
"We offer you our forces. Our armies and fleets to fight alongside yours. We want nothing in return besides the knowledge that your forces will do all they can to eradicate the threat known as the Yeerks and guarantee the safety of our race. We can give you time to decide, but we will not offer our alliance again if you are to refuse," a hard look crossed the Councilor as the information was given to him. Aximili knew they could not turn down such a deal. The Andalites might be arrogant, but they were not stupid in the least.
(Very well. I will gather the council and relay this information to them. We will contact you when we have decided.)
"We will await your answer."
The screen went blank, and for a moment neither moved.
(They can't refuse,) Aximili broke the silence.
"You are sure?"
(Yes.)
"Hm. We will see then," Thel turned back, "I will inform Rtas of the development. I'm sure it might be a while before they contact us again."
He had been right when he said it would be awhile before an answer was received. The moons had almost come and set when the response came back. Once again Aximili and Thel found themselves facing the projected screen and the hardened face of the Andalite.
(The Council has agreed to form this alliance.)
Aximili felt a smile form in its Andalite way at the news. Yes, things were starting to look up. Of course, he was aware this was only the beginning.
"Very well. How shall we formally do this?" Thel asked, unsure of the politics while dealing with a race like the Andalites.
(Councilor,) Aximili interrupted, (I wish to be the one to solidify this alliance.)
Both the Councilor and Thel fixed their gaze at him, curious at what he meant, not even Thel had been told anything regarding the solidification of an alliance.
(How do you intent on doing so?)
(I will give them our biggest asset. I will give them the power to morph.)
The councilor's face went from shocked to outraged in an instant.
(That is ludicrous! Treason even! Aximili have you forgotten Seerow's Kindness?)
(I am well aware, but this is something that must be done,) Aximili remained unfazed by the hard glare he was receiving.
(That is madness. You cannot. You are forbidden,) his tone was final, but Aximili would have none of it.
(The Sangheili have asked nothing from us while offering their forces, it doesn't seem fair to me. In order for this alliance to be equal, the least we can do is lend our own weapon. This is how it must be, how it will be. If you wish to condemn me then do so, but I will go forth with this decision.)
Thel felt that if Andalites had the ability to make noise, this Andalite would be snarling. Thel himself was at a loss. Just what was Aximili talking about? The ability to morph? What did that mean exactly?
(This will not be seen as a smart decision on your part Aximili, I hope you are aware of this.)
Aximili chuckled.
(You might be surprised. History has a way of repeating itself.)
(Maybe so, but even history does not ensure the outcomes will always be the same,) it was obvious the Andalite had regained some composure and even the Andalite smile he had come to recognize grazed his features, but once again Thel felt as if there was something more to their conversation. As if there was a joke he wasn't hearing.
(The Council won't be happy. But there is no way to help it knowing you, and they will understand that. I only hope we will not regret this. We are following you Aximili, we have faith in you. We are prepared to send Andalite forces to your planet if you so wish, in order to help defend it as part of the alliance and fight any Yeerks that wish to take their chances.)
"Very well, we too are prepared to lend forces where you need them, and would like to know more about the Yeerks and ways you plan to defeat them," Thel spoke up, knowing that this was now addressed to him.
(I wish to remain here with the Sangheili, and provide all the information they require. Alfar remains safe and sound if you wish to inform his family. He has been brave,) the information seemed to be accepted by the Councilor.
(It will be done. We will dispatch the next available fleet to your location. I should take approximately one month to get there from its current location.)
"Then it is so. I will inform the rest of our forces of the confirmation of the alliance, and we will await the fleet."
(Sangheili, we appreciate this aid,) Thel found himself feeling pleased.
"Do not thank me, this was your warrior's doing, we will see your fleet shortly, and we will keep in contact."
(Very well. Good luck.)
The screen went blank.
"Shall we inform the others?"
(We shall.)
"We are exiting slipspace," not much later the blackness that had been surrounding them begin to recede as slipspace began to open into normal space. A shudder seemed to run through the Fang as they exited.
"I don't think I'll ever get used to that," Jake muttered as he held on to the wall next to him.
"Where are we? Is that planet where we're going?"
Silence followed as they looked at the planet that loomed in front of them.
"I'm not sure. But something's not right," Kane seemed to be pressing various buttons across the control panels. The other Spartans quickly went to his side.
"What do you mean? What's wrong?" Leia question as she tried to see just what it was that wasn't right.
There was another impatient wait as Kane continued to view the screens.
"These aren't the original coordinates that were installed into the Fang when we left. These coordinates are unfamiliar, nowhere near close to anywhere we have ever been."
"So you're saying we're in the middle of nowhere?" Reese asked in a tense tone. Even he understood the severity of their situation.
"Exactly. Of course it isn't unusual to stray from a course when using slipspace, but there's something else," another pregnant pause as he pressed buttons.
"What is it?" Solomon asked impatiently.
"I have detected a distress beacon. And it is definitely UNSC. Its faint, but its there."
"What? How is that possible if we have never been here before?" Leia questioned, looking at the planet, as if she could detect just where it was coming from.
"I'm not sure, but there is no doubt that it's UNSC. Its coming from that planet. What do you suggest we do Captain?" their gazes turned towards her and she frowned. There was no question on what they should do.
"If that is a UNSC distress beacon, then we have no choice but to investigate. Wherever we were supposed to go can wait. Take us in."
"Yes ma'm. Grab a seat guys, I don't know just how this planet will handle us," the other Spartans obeyed and found a seat, just as the Fang accelerated towards the planet. They found that it was fairly easy to land the Fang as they followed the distress beacon. It was a sight hard to miss that lay in front of them.
"Its a UNSC Frigate. Only half of it," true enough there lay the frigate, covered in plants from what they guessed were years of exposure to the planet's nature. It was buried into the ground at what they guessed was a rough landing.
"I don't think I can land it inside, we'll have to land outside and board it on foot," Kane didn't wait for confirmation as he began to lower the Fang towards the ground, as close to the large frigate as possible. He opened the door leading outside and shut down the engines.
"The atmosphere seems to be breathable in case any of you want to take off your helmet, and gravity is stable," he informed them as he led the way outside.
"Alright, lets get in there and investigate. Ready your weapons in case of anything," Leia motioned as she took the lead. She looked up and a whistle escaped her lips at the altitude.
"I think we'll need some jet packs."
Once the Spartans were suited up with the jet packs, they wasted no time in entering the vessel. The vessel was indeed rusting and there was some wild animals that had used the frigate as a home. It has seemed mostly to be alien birds of some sorts, but all the animals were small and seemed to pose no threat. There seemed to be no sign of life as they went deeper and deeper into the vessel.
"Do you think anyone would even be alive? This ship looks old, it might have been here for a pretty long time," Noah muttered as they continued to walk into the darkness, only their night vision making them aware of their surroundings.
"Who knows, I doubt any survivors would stay in here though," Kane replied. They checked all the rooms they encountered but continued to find no sign of life anywhere. It seemed as if hours had passed when Reese called out to them.
"Guys, I think I found something!" he disappeared into a room to his right and the others quickly caught up to him.
"What is it Reese?" they asked.
"Its... a cryo-tube," he muttered as he placed a hand on it. The glass was misted and its contents were unknown.
"And it appears to be operational," Kent spoke as he darted to the side where the control panels lays. He pressed a button and all Spartans jumped when something flickered on it. The blue form of what they recognized as the shape of an AI slowly flickered into focus. Her hair was cropped short, and her almost naked body faced the Spartans as her flickering eyes seemed to stare straight at them.
"If you are hearing this message, then you have stumbled upon the UNSC Frigate Forward Unto Dawn," the Spartans stiffened at the name. It was one everyone knew.
"It has come to the time where my AI body will no longer function if I remain as I am. I will enter my own sleep, however I am unsure if my program will continue to function after a certain amount of time. The only way I may remain in contact in the case that we are found is through this message. If a UNSC vessel has found us, then we are in luck. Inside the cryo-tube is an extremely important package. Inside, lies John 117."
"She said what?" Reese exclaimed as he looked more closely at the cryo-tube, "The Chief is in here? What are you waiting for, open it!"
"Hold on, let her finish the message," Jake spoke sternly.
"...The Dawn was halved when the pulse of Installation 00 was activated and we reemerged in this part of space. There was nothing left to do but drift and wait. We landed in this planet who appears to be of forerunner origin, but no life inhabiting it. As I am unaware how long we will remain, I leave this message for anyone that finds us. Wake him, when you need him."
The hologram flickered and disappeared.
"So the Chief is in there, what should we do?" everyone looked towards the cryo-tube, as if they half expected it to open on its own.
"What else can we do? We have to make sure he's still alive, Kent," she looked at the Spartan, and he nodded in understanding.
"I'm on it," he took control of the panels, that were barely still working. There was a hiss as the pressure inside was released and the door begun to open. The Spartans gathered around, all gazes fixed onto the opening as it began to reveal its contents. His green armor seemed to shine even in the darkness, just his figure invoked a sense of admiration into the Spartans. Eternity seemed to pass as he began to move. His movements were slow as he gradually rose up from his laying position, and they knew he was indeed alive. He did not seemed frightened in the least as he lowered himself from the cryo-tube, and stood right in front of the Spartans.
This was the stuff of legends.
"Welcome back, Master Chief."
R&R
AN: I had a lot of fun with this chapter. I honestly started with one thought about what i was gonna have happen and it turned into something completely different, but I can't say I'm disappointed. I think this story is looking up and I hope those interested think so too. Feedback is appreciated.