Epilogue

Keep up the good work…

That is exactly what he did up there. But despite doing what the job he was hired to do, he still lost in the long run. He won the war, but lost everything in it. He lost Johnson, he lost Miranda, he lost Jacob, he lost the Chief, and he lost President Knight. He did he job; he just did not do his job as well as he thought he would. He did not bring the people he cared about home. Telek stood there, dressed fully in the white uniform of admiralty of the UNSC, with cap and gold fretting. With Captain Tom Jimenez by his side, Telek walked around the mass of people who showed up for the memorial service, which marked the end of the Human/Covenant War. He saw his dear friend and teacher Otto 'Gamam standing there still wearing the archaic armor of the Arbiter. Though Otto had been pardoned and finally given a chance to regain his old rank, he still remained as the Arbiter.

It was about an hour before Lord Hood would give his speech commemorating the losses in the war. Telek walked up to the memorial, a slab of granite carved in the shape of a Pelican wing. At the foot of the memorial were pictures of people who served and died during the war. They were decorated with flowers and various items that their loved ones left. Telek knelt over and pulled out a metallic tobacco pipe. He knelt down and placed the pipe beside a picture of Captain Jacob Keyes. Then, he took his hat off and looked at the images of his fallen comrades.

"Humans called me the Miracle Worker," Telek began. "Because I could do things they could not—I was able to even the playing field of a war they knew they could not win. But there was one miracle I could never do, and that was bring you home, Jacob, or keep your daughter safe. I failed you."

"Admiral," began Tom. "You didn't fail them. You just tried to promise something they knew you could not keep."

"I guess I was just fooling myself when I kept saying that I was going to bring them home…" Telek said as he sighed, lowering his head. He backed away and walked towards the large group of people talking and sharing stories about the ones they lost. He could not believe how similar their cultures were when revering the dead. That was when he spotted two humans talking to each other dressed in fine business suits. One man was pale and gaunt with silvery hair and the other, richly tan like Tom was with silky, shoulder-length black hair. He felt a strange compelling notion to walk up to them and speak to them. And so, he did just that. Telek placed his cap back on his head and walked up behind the silver-haired human.

"Excuse me," Telek began. "I'm sorry if I'm disturbing you, but I feel like I need to talk with you gentlemen for a moment."

"¡Caramba!" gasped the Human with the black hair. It was obvious; this man must be either Spanish or Latino. "It's you…seriously, it is you. Of course you can speak to us, amigo. Lofwyr, close your mouth!"

"Lofwyr, the CEO of Saeder-Krupp and Malcho, the CEO of Omak Technologies and Magical Research," said Tom. "Telek, these guys are…the two main suppliers for anything from starships to shotguns."

"And everything in between!" Malcho said with glee. "And we know who you are, muchacho."

"Admiral Telek 'Heros," said Lofwyr, holding out his hand. Telek shook it. "It certainly is a pleasure."

"Dragons…" Telek said. "You two are Dragons. I've heard about you two. I'm guessing you're both here because of Kiryuu."

"Sí, amigo," said Malcho. "It was a tragedy. You see, we three have known each other for centuries. So, of course we are very close friends."

"He was a fine businessman," said Lofwyr. "And at times a worthy adversary. He will be missed."

"There's one thing I regret," Telek began. "Was saying those harsh words to them. Funny how only now when they're gone, you regret mistakes like that."

"He's told us that you were often frustrated with his motives," said Malcho. "It's only natural. You are speaking to a being that was centuries older than you. What he thinks about is the big picture, the outcome in the long run, not the finer details or the outcome of one moment—but many moments. It's hard to truly understand someone like that unless you've lived as long as he."

"Or as long as us," said Lofwyr. "Kiryuu had a similar mindset that we Dragons share. It's like planting an acorn and knowing that because you will live as long as the oak that grows from it, you'll be able to nurture it through its life. Humans don't have that advantage. The only thing they can do is just pass the nurturing of that tree to their descendants without ever knowing if that tree will grow as strong as they hoped it would when it was first planted. Dragons know the tree will grow strong because they live long enough to see it grow and eventually see it die."

"I suppose I get what you're saying," said Telek. "Oh, Lofwyr, you own BMW correct?"

"Yes," said Lofwyr.

"Well, I thought so," he began. "Kiryuu told me that. I've got a complaint to make on your Warthogs. They're not fast enough."

"Fast enough?"

"Yeah. Could you put in maybe a turbo boost or something that would make it go faster? That would help especially if someone's using one and escaping from an exploding Halo."

Lofwyr's eyebrow cocked up and his left eye twitched for a moment. Then, his thin lips turned up into a smile. He started laughing. Malcho gawked. He was stunned to find Lofwyr laughing so loudly.

"I'll see about the improvement at the next meeting," Lofwyr said, still chuckling.

"Thanks," Telek smiled.

"I can see why they call you the Miracle Worker," said Malcho. "You've done something no one's ever done—you made Lofwyr laugh. Not even I could do that. Amigo, I bow to your greatness."

He bowed slightly before the Sangheili. Lofwyr just rolled his eyes at the gesture. Telek chuckled and then turned around to see Timothy Marx (Manda) in his human form, fiddling with his tie. The Eastern Dragon turned and dipped his head.

"Uh, Admiral," began Tom. "Lord Hood is about to start."

"Well, I better get over there for his big speech," said Telek. "I'll come back and talk to you later."

"Hasta luego," said Malcho.

"Well, he seems to be the only one who doesn't want to kill you right now," said Lofwyr as Telek and Tom walked away.

"You know, I have no doubt that he could actually get very close to doing that," said Malcho. "From what I've heard about how he fights."

"Scared?" Lofwyr asked.

"No, puto," Malcho said in a huff. "And don't ask that question again if you know what's good for you."

"Fine."

As the proceedings went on, Hood made his speech about all that was lost, but the fact that the sacrifice these men and women made will not be forgotten. After he was done, a 3-volley salute sounded over the ruined landscape where the Device was. Tim walked up to Malcho and Lofwyr.

"This doesn't change the fact that you screwed up, Malcho," he said. "That tower wasn't supposed to be moved."

"There was nothing I could do," said Malcho. "But if it hadn't have happened, then, they would have never been able to damage the Ark so that it could not activate the other Halos. Life has been spared."

"For now," said Tim. "But he will return. And you know that."

"Then, we will be ready for him," said Lofwyr. "All of us."

When it was over and Telek said his last good byes to those who he served and who served under him, he returned to Malcho and Lofwyr. Telek removed the Magnum from its holster and handed it back to Tim.

"I suppose this is yours," Telek said.

"Was mine," said Tim. "But that thing's brought more luck to you than me. You keep it. Call it a memento of our short time together. And, after all, Jacob did give that to you."

"Thanks, gecko," Telek smiled, holstering the gun back.

"Gecko!" Malcho chuckled. "It's about time someone called him that."

"Hey, don't call me 'gecko', Squiddy," Tim grinned.

"Only Johnson is allowed to call me 'Squiddy'," said Telek. "Get back to your beat, Peacekeeper, and watch out for those drug dealers."

"I will," said Tim, holding out his hand. Telek shook it. "If you're ever in Miami, drop a line."

"Coffee and doughnuts?" Telek asked.

"It's what we cops live off of," Tim chuckled as he walked away.

Telek turned to Malcho: "I was going to mention this earlier, but I wasn't sure. I heard the Covenant stole something from you when they went to Lexington."

"Sí," Malcho nodded. "They did. The only thing that could help that Forerunner ship Dreadnaught to activate the Portal. I had it in my possession."

"He gave them the Tower of Atlantis," Lofwyr growled.

"Not by my own will," Malcho sighed in defeat.

"Like Kiryuu when he activated the Ark," said Telek. "He said he didn't do it by his own will either."

"I'm sorry," said Malcho. "It wasn't something I could control. But it was something I knew had to happen. If it didn't you wouldn't have found the solution to the Flood. Technomancy works in ways sometimes the wielder doesn't understand. Believe me, I was infuriated after I found out what I had done, amigo. But even a Great Dragon can't go up against a fleet of superior alien ships."

Telek sighed and took out the glowing blue crystal that Kiryuu had given him.

"Since both of you were his closest friends," he began. "Obviously because the three of you have lived long enough to become close, I suppose this should go to you…"

Lofwyr's steely eyes widened and his jaw became slack. Malcho just chuckled.

"Oh, no, amigo," he said. "Kiryuu gave that to you. You should keep it to remember him by."

"But…" Lofwyr protested, Malcho pushed him way, leading him further from Telek.

"Keep it, amigo," Malcho said. "We have to go. Business, of course. Adios. Come on, niño."

The two Dragons glanced back behind them and watched Telek enter the green Phantom and fly back to his ship. Lofwyr stared sternly at Malcho.

"I can't believe you let him fly off with the Dragonheart!" he yelled. "Do you know who's spirit is inside that thing?"

"Yes, I know," said Malcho. "But Telek will need it more than us. After all only Dunkelzahn knows where Kiryuu is."

"But," began Lofwyr. "But…that should belong to us, not an alien."

"It wasn't given to us, puto," said Malcho. "It was given to Telek."

"I still say it should be returned to us," said Lofwyr. "That's Dunkelzahn he's carrying around in his pocket! The Loremaster shouldn't be carried around in a pocket!"

"He's not the Loremaster anymore," said Malcho. "You are."

Lofwyr snorted again, gritting his teeth. Though Dunkelzahn was an unconventional character, he did have respect for the silver and blue Dragon. But he supposed that Telek and Dunkelzahn would make an interesting team in finding Kiryuu Knight. After all, they were both unorthodox in their methods. Both did not adhere to the ethical rules of their species.

The wind rushed up around the two businessmen and Malcho glanced towards the sky, noticing another green Phantom descending. A Sangheili warrior dressed in gold armor leapt out from the gravity beam below the transport. Malcho's magenta eyes lit up when he recognized the Sangheili who came down.

"Cujo!" Malcho called, opening his arms up to hug the Sangheili Shipmaster. "Cujo! It's so good to see you!"

"Hi, Malcho," said Cujo allowing the Dragon to embrace him.

"Cujo! I have a proposition for you. Since the war is over, I want you to work for me full time as my new Shadowrunner."

"Uh, Malcho," Cujo began. "I don't think that I'll be…"

"Oh, I haven't met a Shadowrunner with your finesse in a long time," said Malcho. "Not since Benny." He looked over at Lofwyr. "You remember Benny, don't you, pendejo?"

"Oh, I hope he's rotting in Hell right now!" Lofwyr said in a growl.

"Benny kidnapped Lofwyr in 2045 and duct taped him to my corporate HQ," Malcho said. "Only someone with talent could do that!"

"Malcho," said Cujo. "I can't stay."

"What? You can't? But you must! You must! I want you to. I'd pay you handsomely, I'd—I'd give you a mansion, fancy car, anything!"

"I can't stay. The war is over for Earth, but it isn't for Sanghelios. I have to go with Telek and defend my home from the Jiralhanae and any Prophet that still remains. Truth maybe dead, but there is still other Prophets.

"Don't make me beg, amigo," said Malcho.

"I'm sorry."

"Oh, thank goodness," Lofwyr said. "I don't need another Benny coming around and kidnapping me. Go on, Shipmaster. Go back home." He turned to Malcho. "And away from people like the peacock."

"Don't anger me, chupaverga," Malcho said, sneering.

"Well, I guess this is good bye," said Cujo. "I had fun, Malcho. When it's all over, I might come back for a visit."

"Alright, amigo," said Malcho. "But there is something I want you to do for me."

"Malcho…"

"No, no, I want you to do this," he said. "It'll only take a moment. Kiryuu Knight left a Will. His orders were that if something were to happen to him, the base in Antarctica would be decommissioned."

"And what will happen with…him?" Cujo asked.

"He will be released," he replied. "Released and…be sent on his way."

"What about Mana mutating him?" Cujo asked. "Isn't that why Kiryuu froze him in the first place?"

"If it happens, it happens," Malcho said. "Besides, I think the Humans can handle that. After all, they survived near extinction before. I need you to fly your ship over the base and melt the ice with a plasma beam."

"Yeah," said Cujo. "That would free him very quickly. Okay, I'll do it."

"I knew I could count on you," Malcho said with a grin. "Gracias, mi amigo."

"Shipmaster," Lofwyr began. "Do me a favor. Tell Commander 'Canthon…I said 'good luck'."

"I'll tell her that," said Cujo.

0

"Cujo, what the hell are you doing?" asked Telek as his face appeared on the main view screen of the bridge. The Shadow of Darkness along with the Shadow of Intent followed the movements of the Reverence-class cruiser Divine Journey as it made its way towards the South Pole.

"I just need to do this one thing," said Cujo. "Then, I'll be done and we can go back to Sanghelios."

"Shipmaster Cujo 'Mentatal," began Rtas 'Vadum. "Return to formation at once!"

"It'll just take a second," said Cujo.

"This is insubordination!" Rtas said. "And I will not stand for such belligerent actions."

"I'm the Supreme Commander of this fleet, Rtas," said Telek. "I'll do the berating of my Shipmasters. Cujo, get your ass back here right now! That's an order!"

"Well, you gave me another order," said Cujo. "Would you like to see the result of that order?"

"What is this order?" Otto asked.

"I've given him many orders…" Telek said with a shrug. "Which one is it, Cujo?"

"Finding out what Knight was hiding," said Cujo.

"That one…" Telek said. "Fine, what was he hiding?"

"A secret base in Antarctica that isn't owned by the UNSC," said Cujo.

"Not that it matters now," said Telek. "What sort of base is it?"

Cujo rapped his fingers on the holographic control panel and sent the real-time feed of the base in Antarctica directly to the two Shipmasters. He looked over to his helmsman.

"We locked on?" he asked.

"Yes, sir," one of them replied. "The base has been evacuated. No Human presence is detected."

"Okay," said Cujo. "Fire the beam right into the dome structure covering…him."

"Him?" asked Rtas. "Him who?"

Without a reply, Cujo fired his ship's plasma cannon. The purple-blue beam shot straight through the atmosphere, angling its trajectory, but making its mark. It impacted the icy base and the dome that was erected in the center. Telek leaned closer as he watched the feed from his ship of something moving around under the ice. He gave one of his upper mandibles a clack just as a dark gray head rose up from the ice, shaking some of it off of its back. It had large spines growing from its back and its hide was pitted with rough scales. The creature reared back and roared a familiar roar that Otto had heard before.

"What creature is that?" asked Rtas.

"Mr. Knight's—son…" replied Otto, recalling the conversation he had with Cujo on the space station when he arrived on Earth.

"The Construct can procreate?" Rtas asked, a bit taken back by the idea of Kiryuu actually having any sort of offspring.

"Godzilla?" asked Telek. "That's what Kiryuu was hiding down there? Godzilla?"

"He's been hiding that thing in the ice since 2007," said Cujo.

"How can a Construct procreate?" Rtas asked.

"Uh…" Cujo began. "Telek, do you want to explain what Kiryuu is? Or should I?"

"He's a biomechanical cyborg built on the dead bones of the father of that monster," said Telek, pointing at the creature as it made its way towards the shore. "In other words, he's Frankenstein. That is all I can say."

"By the gods, why would…" Rtas began. "How–why would Humans build Mr. Knight?"

"Because of Godzilla," said Telek. "The technology they had couldn't get rid of the monster, so, they took his more powerful—but dead daddy and built a robot out of it. And that robot became Kiryuu."

"Kiryuu had the power to kill Godzilla, but spared his life," said Cujo. "So, in order to hide that, he froze the monster into ice and stored him in Antarctica. Well, they can't get mad at Kiryuu now for lying about not doing what he was supposed to do. He's dead."

"Right…" Telek said. "He's dead. We finished here?"

Cujo glanced back and watched as the monster dove into the frozen ocean: "Yeah, I'm finished."

"Good," said Telek.

"Then, let us return to our home," said Rtas. "To make sure it is safe as well."

Telek shook his head: "I spent over 6 years trying to make Earth safe and Cujo just set loose a monster that could destroy it with one swipe. Nice, Cujo, nice."

"Heh," Cujo said with a laugh. "Oops."

"We are gonna have a long talk about this, Cujo," said Telek. "A very long talk."

"Crap…"