The Following chapter contains Characters/beings from the following: Half Life series, Halo series, XCOM series, Neon Genesis Evangelion, DC Universe, The One (2001 film), Star Wars (Unleashed), Kung Fu Panda, Transformers series, Universe at War:Earth Assault, Harry Potter, Doom (2016), Infamous Second Son, and Gears of War
A/N: For the Record, Doomguy in this story will be reffered to as Doom Slayer.
Suicide Squad Mk.2
When the Combine had captured the Second Angel Lillith, they came across something else in that universe that gave them... ideas.
WIthin that universe, the Combine came across the S.C. Magi system. A trio of supercomputers build by a particularly ingenious human named Dr. Naoko Akagi.
The Magi was an organic computer implanted with three aspects of Dr. Akagi's personality using the Personality Transplant OS (Operating System). These personalities included her persona as a woman, as a scientist, and as a mother.
This OS was the same one used by the powerful Evangelions, as well as the Combines own Nephilim.
What was interesting about Magi was the human brains used as its CPU.
The Advisors immediately took this computer, as well as the Entire Geofront compound it was housed in and began to upgrade and modify it with their own technology.
The Combine deleted the Personality of Akagi, and began to genetically engineer the brains within using their own neural biology. This resulted in each brain to grow in size, until they were roughly the size of an adult human body. The computer was programmed to be bent into the Combines aggregate will.
It was then expanded.
More brains were incorporated into it. The brains of dead Advisors were the first used, allowing them to continue on with their goal after death.
This was the first breakthrough. As the Computer possessed the sheer psychic power of the Combine, and was capabe of communicating telepathically.
The more brains added, the greater the power.
The Combine looked to further expand their new Biocomputer, and in their examinations of the Omniverse, they found something to expand their Master Computer to new heights.
The Ethereal Collective.
Since the Combine enslaved the Kromagg Empire and integrated their technology into their vast Empire, multiversal travel became as easy as ever, especially for the Combine.
One of the first Empires to fall to the endless tide of the Combine was the Covenant Empire, whose many species was quickly adapted into the Combines own. Forerunner technology was taken, analyzed, and quickly outfitted for many of their soldiers. Their planets conquered and their Slip-space tech was added to Combine ships.
The highest authority of the Covenant, the enigmatic San 'Shyuum or the Prophets were augmented with control implants. WIth their subjugation, the rest of their religious organization followed.
The Jiralhanae, known to Humans as Brutes were quick to adapt to their new life amongst the Combine, many of them willingly following the words of the Combines own Advisors who were far more willing to give them the power they so craved, at a price of course.
The Huragok, or Engineers were quickly adapted and enslaved to work tirelessly in the Combine's many factories and R&D Departments.
The Mgalekgolo, or Hunters were a boon to the great Combine armies. Especially the great and mighty Scarabs.
The Yanme'em or Drones found themselves given free reign over many worlds where their populations exploded to levels unseen in the Covenant's history. Whole swarms could darken the skies under their countless numbers.
Kig-Yar or Jackals as well as the Unggoy also known as Grunts, were quickly made use of as they were given weaponry and training that made them far more terrible than the cannon fodder they once were.
With the Covenants soldiers, planets, and technology added to the Combine, they grew stronger and stronger. They bred their new troops, to create vast numbers beyond anything the Covenant had ever achieved.
Then the Combine moved on.
The Brute Tartarus moved alongside the Combine Advisor he was sworn to protect. The massive grub-like creature disgusted him, but he had seen what these creatures were capable of. He knew better than to do anything that could be seen as a threat.
He had seen these beasts tear thoughts from the minds of others. He had seen them accomplish tasks with machine like precision. They were a calculating species, far more than the San 'Shyuum could ever hope to be.
The Prophets resisted the Combine's leadership at first, now they were but slaves for them and their inexhaustible armies. The pitiful once rulers of the Covenant now looked to the Advisors with the same devotion that once was only limited to the Ancients.
These Advisors of the Combine however were a Godless breed, only interested in extending their influence and securing their already great power.
Tartarus looked to his companions. The Psi-Metro Cops. Seemingly they were like the humans, but their mental might was not to be trifled with.
Recently the Combine's leadership had expressed interest in the mental powers of various beings found across all realities.
It was a thought that caused fear to rise in Tartarus. He had seen what befell those under the flag of the Combine. Their worlds castrated, subjected to endless propaganda. Resistance sprung up on many worlds, but they were but a nuisance to the Advisors. Quickly quelled under the boots of the newest soldiers and monsters created in the dark labs of the Combines own scientists.
Tartarus stopped as he looked to see their destination in sight.
A large meeting room, where a cloaked figure hovered in the air.
The species only known as the Ethereals were as Enigmatic as they were powerful. There had been talks of them being absorbed into the forces of the Combine Empire. It was a thing Tartarus expected to see much more of in the coming days. The Covenant tried to fight back against the endless tide of the Combine's forces, and the Prophets paid for it more than most.
Tartarus looked to see the guardians of these Ethereals, a trio of strange humanoid creatures. One female and two males.
The Female of the group looked to be a warrior, Tartarus could tell simply by looking at her musculature that she had trained extensively with the blade she carried upon her back.
One of the Male guards wore a hood and carried a rifle upon his back.
The last one however had an air of malevolence to him and the stain of psionics. With a look on his eyes Tartarus knew well that this creatures eyes held the gaze of the fanatically devoted.
"Combine, I am the chosen voice of the Ethereal Ones. We can feel brilliance upon you. You possess the Gift. Shall we speak as one."
The Combine Advisor squirmed forward. Locked into an inaudible mental debate with the Leader of the Ethereal Collective. Even though Tartarus did not know what the two psionic leaders were talking about, he could still feel the mental power that permeated their bodies and flowed around the room.
It was a strange and alien feeling. An itch on the brain, not a physical one, but one on upon the very soul. These Psionics were truly the most unnatural of breeds within creation.
The Ethereal hovered near the Advisor, moving its four arms as it motioned to the beings around it. Whatever it was that the Ethereal said to the Advisor, it was enough that he heard the Grub-like creature chuckle mirthlessly.
The Ethereal flinched as the Grub thing invaded its mind with unpleasant images of worlds upon worlds of slaves, soldiers, and cities.
Incalculable in their vastness.
The Ethereal then reflected on its own comparatively small numbers, and was humbled.
Tartarus did not know how he knew that, and he didn't want to find out.
The air grew tense before Tartarus felt the Ethereal radiate a sense of Cooperation.
it finally spoke.
"We accept your terms. The Ethereal Collective is no more. We are Combine."
Tartarus's soul itched.
He did not know what the Advisor showed the Ethereal, but he did feel it.
He repeated his earlier thought.
Psionics were an unnatural breed.
Gabriel Yulaw fought with reckless abandon as he took down wave after wave of his fellow prisoners on the Stygian Penal Colony of te Hades Universe. The tides just kept coming, as they had for years now, and without sleep he felled each one with pinpoint precision.
High above the fight stood Amanda Waller, who watched the fight and the pile of bodies that they fought atop. To say she was impressed would be an understatement.
"Are you sure about this? Yulaw is a Sociopath with a God Complex. He killed 123 alternate versions of himself to seek power. He lives for nothing more than power and his own egomania." said the Warden.
Waller glared at the man.
"He's perfect."
"He's been fighting for ten years straight, not stopping to sleep, eat, or drink. He hasn't wasted away like he should. Out of everyone who ever attempted to steal the power of their doubles in the MVA, Yulaw was the most successful. Only two remain, including himself."
"I'm familiar with the the One Phenomena of The Multiversal Authority controlled branch."
"Then you know if you take him, if he finds out about the expanded Multiverse, he'll try to escape and find Gabe Law. That's not even getting into what would happen if he started collecting items best left out of the hands of Monsters like him."
"That won't happen. Besides, Have you seen what we are up against?"
The Warden sighed.
"Fine Ms. Waller, Yulaw is all yours, but don't say I didn't warn you."
Yulaw smiled as he was wheeled around on a dolly wearing a straightjacket composed of a material even he found difficult to break. He looked at the Heavyset woman before him as a scientist or a doctor, he didn't care which, began injecting him with something.
"Gabriel Yulaw, I'm Amanda Waller. As far as you are concerned, I am your new God."
Yulaw laughed at that.
"I think you'll find that particular title much more suited to me than you."
Waller stared blankly at Yulaw before taking a step back, causing a holographic image to appear before him displaying... Something Yulaw couldn't full identify. It was a tall and emaciated creature with four arms.
"I think you'll find things have changed since you've been imprisoned Mr. Yulaw. This is your target. Recently an Alien species known as the Combine has been enslaving various beings across the Multiverse. This creature here is known as the Uber Ethereal of the Ethereal Empire. A powerful alien empire composed of multiple enslaved species with sophisticated technology. Our precogs have unanimously discovered that the Ethereal Empire has willingly allied with the Combine."
The image shifted, displaying different beings Yulaw had never seen.
"These are the original forms of various species enslaved by the Ethereals."
The Hologram died down before Waller looked Yulaw in the eyes.
"A facility in one of the Combine Controlled Universes has been discovered, the Leaders of the Combine are using this location to construct a new Psionic Network based on that of the Ethereals. If they succeed, then the Ethereals Psionic Network will work on a multiversal scale, instead of a universal one. Your mission is to infiltrate this facility, get our agent there. His mission is slightly different, he will implant a back door in the Psi-Network allowing us to know what The Combine are up to, they already are an innumerable force composed of hundreds of thousands, if not millions of Universes. With a Psionic Network that spans the Multiverse, they could surpass the Multiversal Alliance in terms of both communications and logistical support. "
Yulaw froze at that.
"Did you say... Millions?"
At this Waller smiled.
"You are a bit behind on the uptake Mr. Yulaw. The 125 universes you are familiar with are only one single branch of a multiverse composed of an infinite ammount of universes. The Multiversal Authority has merged with a greater authority known as the Multiversal Alliance, though the Authority has absolute control over the 125 universes you are familiar with. If you're asking if there are doubles of you in other branches of the Multiverse, as I am sure you are wondering. Well lets just say that the answer to that question is much more complex than you can imagine. Suffice to say, if there are other versions of you, they aren't quite as close as the 125 iterations to be connected."
Yulaw rose a brow.
"The Multiverse is a much stranger place than you are used to Yulaw." said Waller as she nodded to the Doctors as they left the room.
She stared at the Prisoner before her as he looked at her as if she were a mere curiosity.
"What you are being injected with is a series of nanite transceivers. They will connect directly to the brain allowing us to talk regardless of distance. It however is a very special batch. Alchemical iconography and a very unique Spell Matrix intertwine it with your very soul. My organization has employed individuals with a touch of what can only be described as magic. We make good use of them. If the nanites are in any way removed or disabled, your soul is irrevocably destroyed, and you die a lifeless husk. Your body can then be recovered so we can analyze it."
Yulaw began laughing.
"Magic, really. I have been gone a long time."
"You don't seem as shocked as I thought you would be."
"I was an agent of the MVA once. I have seen enough things to believe that anything is possible. It doesn't really matter what it is. More importantly, I want to know why you think I would help you."
"Because you currently know something you shouldn't. If you don't cooperate, you will be executed immediately.
Yulaw barked a laugh.
"I think I like you. When I'm God, I'll be sure to keep you around."
"Or we could kill you right here for knowing far more than you should and being on our merry way."
"You wouldn't do that. You'd focus too much power on the One. Your world would end, and the Ones world would begin."
"The Multiverse is a lot bigger Mr. Yulaw. Assuming your delusions are true, Having Gabriel Law be an all powerful deity over 125 universes would hardly be a major event in the Omniverse. Their worlds might end, but the world I live in would be fine. So killing you ff you don't cooperate is really a non issue, even if Gabriel Law became a God in the process."
"I will become the One, not him. He doesn't deserve it."
"And I really don't care." said Waller blankly.
Yulaw glared at the woman with all the hate he could muster. He tried to use his vast powers to vanquish her, but he found his binds much stronger than anything he ever encountered. To an almost supernatural degree.
"Even you can't break Vibranium Alloys."
Yulaw calmed himself. There would always be the chance to end her in the future.
"Fine, I will help you."
Waller smirked.
"Noted, You'll be fitted with any weapons you need. You also won't be alone. This Suicide Squad MK2 is composed of individuals from all over the Multiverse. You'll meet them shortly. But for now... Rest." said Waller as she snapped her fingers.
Yulaw felt something stir within him, an energy unlike any he ever felt. It caused his eyelids to drop. No matter how he tried to fight it, he found that even with his great strength, he could not. For the first time in 10 years, Yulaw drifted to sleep.
Yulaw awoke within the cargo hold of some kind of ship he couldn't identify. Through his blurry vision he could see only one other occupant with him. As his vision returned he looked to the individual in question. He wore a mechanical helmet of some kind, but what really made him stand out was the obvious signs of cybernetic reconstruction. His arms were unevenly replaced with robotic versions, each finger replaced with sharp metallic claws. He wore a two tailed long cloak of some kind, and his belt held dozens of what appeared to be high tech sword hilts minus the blades.
Yulaw blinked as the figure turned slightly to observe him.
"You are awake." said the figure in a cold and dead mechanical tone.
"Who the hell are you?"
"Once I was known as Galen Marek, The Sith Stalker, and Lord Starkiller. Now I am an instrument for my new Master."
"Waller?"
"Yes."
Starkiller said nothing more as Yulaw looked around.
"Where am I?"
"Aboard a craft whose name I do not know. We are currently on our way to retrieve more weapons and Soldiers to accomplish our mission."
"Right, the Combine. It's all coming back to me. So you're apart of this so called... Suicide Squad?"
"I am."
Yulaw nodded at the figure. He didn't ask any questions as to Yulaws identity, but he figured he might as well enlighten the cyborg.
"I am Yulaw, Closest individual to becoming the One, a destiny I plan to accomplish."
Starkiler said nothing, only giving a single, almost imperceivable nod.
"So, how did you get here?"
"I was merely a placeholder for my last master until he could find a true apprentice. When he did I became disposable. I was used as a bargaining tool for him to receive exotic items and materials."
Yulaw hummed at that.
"And your robot parts?"
"I was presented a choice between duty and revenge. I chose revenge. This was the cost."
"Sounds worth it to me. So, I notice you aren't in chains. Why is that?"
"I exist to serve my master."
Yulaw sighed. His new companion, while forthcoming, wasn't much of a conversationalist. The rest of the ride passed in silence.
Yulaw closed his eyes, engaging in a few meditative exercises he used in an attempt to pass the time. He was somewhat numb to the world in this state.
He couldn't tell if minutes or hours had passed by the time the doors opened, but when they did, his meditations actively stopped. Opening his eyes, he watched as another figure, bound just like himself was rolled into the room. He was momentarily floored by what he saw.
It looked to be a Snow Leopard, an anthropomorphized Snow Leopard. It wore clothing as well, a belt and pants. It glared through its restraints as the men moving him successfully strapped him down. Starkiller observed the creature for but a moment, but otherwise made no movements.
As the men strapping in the Leopard left, he focused on Yulaw.
"And what are you looking at?"
"Holy shit it talks." said Yulaw blankly.
The Creature glared.
"Of course I can talk you deformed hairless monkey."
Yulaw smirked at the creature. This looked to be a much better conversationalist.
"Rude and pissed off, I like that. I am Yulaw, and who, or what are you?"
The Snow Leopard glared for but a moment at his fellow prisoner before speaking.
"I am Tai Lung, and that is all you need to know."
The plane began to shake somewhat as it took off once more. Starkiller crossed his legs, seemingly meditating, leaving the Superhuman and the Snow Leopard alone.
" Interesting binds you have there. Turtle shell. I dig it."
"Better than a metal straitjacket."
Yulaw nodded.
"It does chafe a bit, so how did you end up here?"
Tai Lung focused on Yulaw somewhat before closing his eyes.
"I was offered an opportunity to test my skills once more. Being kept immobile for so long tends to get rather dull. I would kill to move again. When offered to fight something supposedly as powerful as this Combine Empire, I jumped at the chance. Granted I thought I might be out my binds by now, but I suppose if they did, I would try and escape. I cannot fault others for being smart, but I can vigorously dislike them for it."
"Escape might be a bit of an issue, considering the injections we received." said Yulaw.
Tai Lung looked thoughtful for a moment before scowling.
"They made me fall asleep on their command. I'm not quite sure what they put into me, and allegedly into you, but I can tell it is unnatural."
Yulaw nodded in agreement.
Tartarus passed the dark halls of this ADVENT facility,
He saw a troop of Muton and Sectoid, both Modified and Unmodified pass glance at him as he passed. Tartarus growled as he passed them up. Most of the forces he had seen were the ADVENT soldiers, but here within this building he saw all manner of the Ethereals slaves.
He ignored the myriad of other species under the control of the Ethereals, a hand full of Unggoy and other Covenant species were also here acting as the Combines signs of cooperation. He passed the double doors to see a human standing over his desk, or at least what appeared to be human.
It didn't smell human. The sparse scales on his neck also betrayed his true nature. Tartarus had seen the Ethereals infiltrators. The so called Thin Men. This looked to be one of them, albeit one who appeared much more human than those exaggerated skin puppets.
The figure looked up to Tartarus, before clasping his hands.
"Tartarus I presume, I have heard much about you. I a the Speaker, the mouthpiece for ADVENT, though now I suppose I am the mouth of the Combine."
"It matters not to me, I am here because I am ordered. They said you would explain the details."
The Speaker nodded as he took off his glasses, revealing the snake like pupils below.
"The Enhanced Psionic Network the Combine Advisors have commissioned is being finalized here. Upon its completion it needs to be moved into place. The facility is mobile, using Combine Portal Technology to bypass the barriers of reality. Once activated it will be able to create a psionic network across realities regardless of where it is. This is where you come in. We have received word that the forces of the faction your Combine refer to as the Multiversal Alliance is going to attempt to destroy the facility. Many of the components used in its construction had to be cannibalized from the Temple Ship, thereby making it extremely difficult to reproduce should it be destroyed. You are to act as chief of security on the installation as it comes to an end before it is moved to a location the Advisors deem safe."
Tartarus growled, but otherwise showed no defiance. The Speaker smiled as he put his glasses back on.
"You will not be alone. The Ethereal Ones have deemed it important enough that their Chosen will aid you in the protection of the facility. The Hunter, The Assassin, and the Warlock are the absolute elite of the Ethereal Forces, collectively one of the most decorated units at our disposal. Anything beyond that is up to you to get."
Tartarus nodded before quickly leaving the disgusting false human behind.
As he made his way outside the building he looked to see a familiar craft fly over head, moving impossibly before deftly landing in front of him and changing its shape.
A massive humanoid machine stood before Tartarus, greeting him with a nod. Tartarus returned it.
"Starscream, I did not expect to see you here." said Tartarus.
The species known as the Decepticons were another of the Combines forces, like the Ethereals however they willingly joined the Combine, and paid for it. The energon they so desperately needed to survive was not common in the Multiverse, and only the Combine were capable of making it in amounts that allowed them free reign of the Multiverse. As such, while the Decepticons were allies to the Combine, their dependence on energon made them all but saves to the Ethereals.
There was always the option of joining the Multiversal Alliance of course, but allegedly another faction known as the Autobots made that unacceptable, and the less said about the Decepticons forcibly assimilated into the Machine Collective the better.
In the end, the Combine was their best chance at remaining themselves, both physically and culturally.
"I was passing through. Me and a few of my brothers have been assembled to contain an infestation of a faction known as the Lost that the Ethereal Collective have difficulties dealing with. An IFF scan of the area revealed you here."
Tartarus nodded.
He felt a strange kinship with the Decepticons second in command. Both hated their current lot in life, and they had bonded over it somewhat.
"I have encountered these Lost creatures on my way here. Cursed beasts they are. Once humans infected with exotic chemicals that have changed them on a fundamental level. Death would be a mercy for them."
Starscream nodded.
"I have been informed, but it is a non issue. Shambling humans are hardly a threat for a Decepticon. I am more worried about the... things I am to be commanding"
Tartarus had to agree with that, especially considering most Decepticons towered over most life forms by a large margin. However the mention of 'things' made Tartarus pause.
"What things?"
Starscream looked to the distance, where a massive portal storm was releasing ships that landed to drop off... Something. They looked to be massive walkers surrounded by flying saucers.
"An empire of planet looters known only as the Hierarchy. Their Habitat and Assembly Walkers are capable of calling in reinforcements from the mother ship now orbiting above our heads."
Tartarus watched as the Walkers called down armies of creatures, some resembling unmodified Sectoids, though they were less avian and more reptillian, somewhat larger as well as hunched over walking on spindly limbs with glowing red eyes. They wore red metal collars and cuffs on each wrist. They were accompanied by large creatures wearing near-full body armor. Where the creatures were not armored Tartarus could see dark blue, almost purple skin.
Then there were the giants. Like the other creatures it had glowing eyes, a stooped posture, and three digit hands. However they were massive with extended jaws of razor sharp teeth
"The armored creatures are known as Grunts, the smaller ones are coincidentally also known as the Lost Ones, and the giants are known as Brutes."
"But... The Lost Ones, the ones in this universe at least are just mutant humans, why bring out beasts such as this. It is overkill of the highest order."
"I don't claim to know the will of the Combine, I merely follow the orders I am given. I suspect however that the Hierarchy war machines, and especially the Hierarchy Walkers, are a show of force for the ADVENT Coalition. Make them think twice about the possibility of attempting to leave their new masters."
Tartarus sneered before turning away from the beasts.
"What other news can you bring?"
Starscream looked to the side, before motioning for Tartarus to follow. The Brute followed the Decepticon to a much more private location.
"I have names of a few Empires who have been absorbed by the Combine, none of them numerous enough to fight back."
"What can you tell me about them?"
"One I personally met was the Locust Horde. Mostly composed of subterranean reptillian Humanoids. They are violent Hulking brutes. Bulky and strong. Their females are even worse, appearing as giant versions who are blind and will try and kill everything they come across. They also possess many beasts with a variety of uses that the Combine are turning into new Synths."
During his descriptions, Starscream displayed images of the various creatures he had seen amungst the Locust Horde.
"Breserkers and brutes, not very promising, but if you find dissidents among them tell them of the Resistance."
Starscream nodded.
"I can promise you I will. There are others who the Combine have enslaved, but I have yet to see them. One is known as the Scrin. I do not know much about them, but I do know they brought with them a new resource called Tiberium. A material I have come in contact with. It has many applications the Combine are more than willing to take advantage of. Though they are powerful, from what I understand they are not normally fielded as an army, rather they seem to be conducting mining operations for the Combine leadership."
"Are their any warriors among them?"
"I have heard there are, but I have yet to see any. As I said, their main purpose for the Combine is resource gathering. I have seen what Tiberium can do, it is a terrifying substance."
Tartarus nodded before Starscream continued.
"The Space Pirates are another enslaved faction, don't be fooled by the name, their race is an organized army rather than small bands of individuals. They possess something called Metroids and Phazon, I am not sure what either of those things are, but the Combine is interested in them, so it cannot be good. I have only seen one of these Space Pirates, a dragon like creature called Ridley. We did not speak, I only saw Ridley from a distance, but I could tell just by looking that Ridley dispised the Combine. If I meet him again, I will pass the message to him of your plans if you so desire."
Tartarus looked to the holographic image of Ridley Starscram had conjured. It was certainly an intimidating creature.
"There are other races I know little more than the name. Strogg, Chigg, Goa'uld, Ceph, Mimics, and Multiple different kinds of creatures only known as both Greys and Martians. I can tell them of your resistance movement If I see any of them."
"Please do so, but what about the Decepticons?"
Starscream only shook his head.
"No Decepticons are willing to join in on the Resistance movement. Energon is rare in the Multiverse, and Megatron covets these parallel worlds. Without Energon we Decepticons cannot spread and grow. Not to mention that the Combine treat Megatron very well. They accommodate him with his own small empire to control. He hates the Combine, but he believes we will never be fully prepared to fight against them, and has fully folded to their will."
Tartarus sighed.
"I should have suspected. The Combines power grows each day, but I won't stop until I can mount an offensive against them."
"You will fail. New worlds and empires have been enslaved and are being spread out as we speak. It is a method against us, prevents reliable communication. The Combine control Multiversal Travel, you have no method of mobilizing against the Advisors."
"I will still try."
Starscream sighed, before seeing one of the Heirarchy's leaders, a creature known as Nufai stalk towards them. Tartarus watched the tall lanky creature with disgust.
"Who or what is that?" asked Tartarus.
"Nufai, last of a species called the Skinwalkers, they were exterminated by the Hierarchy, all except him. He betrayed his whole race for power and his own survival, he did it again when the Combine came into opposition with the Hierarchy. Do not trust him." said Starscream.
"Starscream, why do you speak to this thing."
"I was collecting information on the location. General Tartarus has been here longer."
The strange creature observed Tartarus with a curious gaze before looking back to Starscream.
"Nufai yerns to feed. Let us bring misery to these Lost Ones before I find something else to fuel my desires for blood and pain."
Starscream turned to Tartarus.
"As much as I would like to continue this conversation, I have a mission to accomplish. Best not to keep these maniacs waiting."
"Fight strong Starscream." said Tartarus as Starscream transformed and flew off.
Yulaw rubbed his wrists as he was released from his bindings. He looked around himself, and saw he was atop a massive canyon surrounded by a dead forest. Tai Lung and Starkiller were being released by the troops as well.
He was surrounded by soldiers, some wearing the familiar garbs of the Multiversal Authority, others however worse uniforms that looked to be far more advanced than that. Dozens of soldiers with unidentifiable weaponry lead the trio to a large makeshift series of tents and shacks that appeared to have been turned into the current HQ for their little assignment.
Once inside he saw a large holographic Globe displaying data he didn't really care to read. Starkiller took his place next to Yulaw, and Tai Lung was right behind him, looking at the technology around him with suspicious confusion.
"Nice to see everyone is almost here." said Waller as a holographic image of her was conjured into being.
It was at this time to see someone enter the room. It was a woman with thick, shining dark hair, long eyelashes and heavily hooded eyes who was also held in binds. Yulaw leaned away from her when he focused on her eyes a bit more. Within those eyes he saw sadism, barely contained insanity, and a fierce intellect. As her binds were removed she stared spitefully at Yulaw when she caught his eyes gazing at her.
"Look elsewhere muggle, before I rip out those pretty eyes of yours."
Yulaw narrowed his eyes, but otherwise said nothing as he looked to Waller.
"Ms. Lestrange, what have I said about your outbursts." said the image of Waller as a holographic representation of some deformed pygmy appeared next to her.
Lestrange's eyes widened at the pygmy who was kept in a cage and in binds.
"Master!" she said excitedly before the image dissipated.
"Continue at your outburst and we can make Voldemorts imprisonment infinitely more unpleasant."
She spitefully glared at the image of Waller, but otherwise said nothing as she submissively looked at the floor.
Waller looked at Lestrange for a moment before she crossed her arms when another person entered the room.
Yulaw looked at the man, he was a heavily armored figure, wearing green combat armor that looked far more technologically advanced than anything Yulaw had ever seen. In addition he held a gun-like weapon Yulaw could not identify. He tilted his head somewhat. With the exception of Starkiller, no one else had been given weaponry of any kind.
Yulaw supposed that meant this individual was one of the few Waller trusted.
"This is Doom Slayer, he single handedly fought the demonic armies of Hell and has a Kill Count higher than most wars. He will be observing you all during your mission, and has been given full authority to execute any of you should he deem it necessary. However he is merely my eyes for you all." said Waller as she looked to Starkiller, who was bowed before Waller.
"Starkiller will be the team leader for the duration of this mission. I have a lot of work to do, so I'll leave the details of the mission to Brooke Augustine, she is officially in charge of this operation, listen to her as you would to me. Oh, and don't make her upset, she's not as frail as she seems."
Said Waller as the holographic image dissipated.
A woman who previously was looking over one of the screens.
She was a fairly aged woman with red hair. What caught Yulaw off guard however was her hands. As what looked to be a medatative of concentration exercise, she twirled her fingers as concrete shards unnaturally moved around them. The shards would break and merge together around her hand before she focused on the group and lowered her hand. The concete that once was there seemingly merged with her gloves, that upon closer inspection looked to be made of flexible rock and stone.
"Like it?" asked Brooke when she caught Yulaw looking intently.
Yulaw said nothing, and Brooke smiled.
"If you're wondering, no I will not be accompanying you on this mission, but..." said Brooke as she lifted her hands.
Concrete ripped itself out of the ground and encased Yulaw, Tai Lung, and Bellatrix Lestrange. The struggled against it but found it only got tighter.
"...I am willing and able to make sure you get the job done." said Brooke as the concrete around the three began to fall into dust.
Brooke nodded as she motioned for the Squad to assemble, which they did. Though Yulaw, Tai Lung, and Lestrange glared daggers at her.
"So, lets talk logistics." said Brooke as the Globe behind her began to change.
Tartarus looked to the strange purple orb that hovered in the middle of the room, creating tendrils of energy that linked together a trio of meditating Elders. A duo of the Combines Huragok Engineers were examining and modifying the machinery of the Psionic Network.
"Beautiful, isn't it."
Tartarus turned to his companion, one of the Ethereals Chosen, known only as Warlock. Tartarus looked back to the spectacle before him.
"This is what the Combine want? A light show?"
"Foolish Brute, this is unity, unobstructed Psionics allow for a level of communion unknown to your kind. Your masters might possess a spark of the Gift, but they have yet to expand upon it as the Elders have."
"It is unnatural." said Tartarus.
"It is Will made Manifest, and it is Beautiful. I do not expect those who lack brilliance to understand." said the Warlock as he moved to join the Ethereals.
His siblings, the Assassin and the Hunter moved towards Tartarus.
"He's like that." said the Hunter.
The Assassin nodded at his statement.
"I must admit, I never expected the Elders to come across something that would give even them pause. What can you tell us of the Combine?" asked The Assassin.
Tartarus grunted as he adjusted his stance. He felt as if he were being examined.
"They are a countless breed. I have been apart of them for a short amount of time, but in that time I have seen many worlds and a Myriad of races held in chains. I was once apart of the Covenant, a coalition of races on the holiest of missions when we came across the Combine analyzing one of the Creators ringworlds. We fought back, but lost before an offense could be mounted. Every world that fell under the Prophets control became another cog in the Combines machines. Yours is but the most recent empire taken by them. Your rulers may have some autonomy, but absolute control remains with the Advisors."
"The grub beasts?"
"Make no mistake, their grotesque appearance hides an intellect beyond any you have seen. I have felt the minds of your Ethereals, and they do not compare to the full might of the Advisors."
The Hunter nodded as he seemed to smile somewhat.
"Yet they need this Psionic Network."
"I have seen worlds without end Hunter. Things between worlds work very differently. Even Psionics can be different elsewhere."
'He speaks truth.'
The conversation halted as one of the Ethereals made themselves known. The voice was soothing and feminine, but held an eldritch power that echoed among the thoughts.
'Our Gift is suited for communion far more than that of what you call Advisor. Theirs works suited to communion, but just as capable of of our conditions for cooperation was to give these Advisors all available knowledge on the Gift. Their gift is fluidic and malleable, more so than ours. It confounds and humbles us.'
The Warlock bowed before the Ethereal, who merely looked upon his visage blankly through its mask.
"My lords, please do not gift this cretin with your presence. They are undeserving of it."
A strange feeling radiated in the air from the Elder, not altogether unpleasant but somewhat unwanted.
'Rise Warlock, as I have said The Ethereal Ones have been humbled. Our bodies have long been cursed to wither and die, and though the Avatar project shows promise, it weighed on our soul. The existence of this Combine piled on top of that weight has shattered our preconceived notions of superiority.'
"To be humbled is common amongst those who would oppose the Combine, as the Jiralhanae have learned the hard way."
'We have heard your kind fought back. The Advisors showed us the full might of their forces. We need not fight back when destruction was guaranteed against us.'
"I am not sure if that makes you the wisest of beings I have ever met, or the most cowardly."
"Hold your tongue beast."
'No Warlock, Tartarus speaks truth. We are frail beings, The Advisors are not.'
The Ethereal turned to its brethren, as well as the Avatar that had joined them. It looked back to Tartarus.
'I must go, the project we have been tasked with nears completion.'
And like that it floated away.
Warlock watched them until they left before turning to Tartarus.
"I can sense that your Combines forces have arrived, let us depart to meet these guards."
The Warlock stalked off, followed by its siblings. Tartarus quietly followed behind them, his company was about to improved, more Jiralhanae have arrived.
He was not disappointed. Living Combine Dropships landed carrying massive containers full of Jiralhanae, as well as Unggoy, Kig-Yar, Yanme'e, and even a pair of Mgalekgolo Bond Brothers.
Some of the Containers however held Combine Overwatch soldiers, including Psi-Metro Cops and various Synth Warmachines. Tartarus watched as the tripods called Synth Striders began patrolling the area surrounded by a fleet of Synth Gunships. He then turned to his brothers.
"It is good to see familiar faces amongst you. We have been tasked with guarding this location from any resistance factions that exist on this planet, including the possibilities of the Multiversal Alliance."
Tartarus watched as some of the soldiers began speaking amongst each other. The Multiversal Alliance was an interesting topic, the boogieman in the Combine Empires propaganda. They were feared by some of the soldiers, but most thought them as but a curiosity that couldn't hope to stand against the full might of the Combine.
"We will begin base construction of the surrounding area, with routine patrols and heavily defended encampments. Overwatch soldiers and Synth warmachines will also be here, they will aid the patrols and supply us as the Advisors see fit."
The soldiers said nothing as they stood at attention. Tartarus nodded.
"Move out and begin standard occupation procedures."
"This is the location we believe the Psionic Network is being built. The XCOM of this universe has been absorbed into the Multiversal Alliance, and universal exavacuations have gotten most of the citizens against the Ethereals out. Anyone left is to be treated as a sympathizer at best and traitors at worst." said Brooke as the image on the globe changed to show a truly massive building that looked to be somewhat similar to a ship that was absoutely surrounded by countless hostiles.
"This Facility is a heavily modified Ethereal Temple Ship. We expect there to be troops within it of all kinds."
Images of various aliens began flashing across the screen.
"Ethereal and Combine Forces have been detected, and we expect them to create a massive perimeter around the ship. One of the Combines enslaved forces, once known as the Covenant is present, and are known for their ability to occupy hostile territory with their forces spread out evenly across the field. Your best bet is to enter in this location."
Said Brooke as the image changed to show a field with sparce troops.
"A mutant breed of humans known as Lost Ones have infested this area. Combine forces are attempting to eradicate this infection. At present, they have done very well and are moving out of the area, but the previous infestation of the Lost Ones means that Combine Forces have yet to fully Occupy the area, making it the best possible location to reach the Temple Ship."
The Holographic map flickered before the full globe returned. Brooke looked to the assembled Suicide Squad.
"It is imperative that Starkiller enter the ship, his Force abilities, as well as the anti-psionic implants will enable him to interface with it without falling victim to it. You will do anything you can to make sure he can get access to the Ethereal Psi-Net before it is expanded. Once he finishes his goal, you come back here."
Brooke lifted her hands, causing the Squad to be swallowed by the ground.
"Your mission begins now." said Brooke as the five sank fully.
Yulaw breathed in deep as he finally found himself standing on solid ground once more. He was the first to emerge, and was able to see the earth deform like liquid as the others joined him. Starkiller and Doom Slayer seemed unaffected, but Tai Lung and Lestrange seemed much more disoriented.
"Damn Muggle Bitch."
"I do not believe Conduits fall under the definition of Muggles." said Starkiller blankly.
Lestrange glared at Starkiller as crates began to emerge all around the squad.
Yulaw watched as they opened, revealing an assortment of very familiar weapons he gleefully began grabbing and equipting to himself. He idly noted that the only things Lestrange got was what appeared to be a stick and several vials of strange liquid.
Lestrange lifted her wand as power coursed through her. A demented smile graced her lips as she closed her eyes, almost as if merely holding it granted her divine ecstasy.
Tai Lung retrieved a few much more primitive weapons, a pair of knuckle dusters that fit around his paws with ease, When he clenched his fists they were engulfed in blue flames. Tai Lung smiled as he reached into the crate and pulled out several weapons mainly used by martial artists. With each touch they disapeared when he touched them. He smiled as he flicked his hand, causing a sword Yulaw recognized as a jian to appear in his hands. With another motion he held a Polearm spear. With another a staff. A final motion, and he gripped a Dao.
He expertly swung each weapon as he changed between them with ease.
"Oh, I do like this." said Tai Lung as the sabre dissapeared.
"The Multiversal Alliance has fully embraced magic, almost every form of equipment is magically altered in some way. Repair spells mixed with Living metals make up most of their composition, as well as pocket dimensions for the guns to hold more ammo than they normally could." said Starkiller as he activated his lightsaber.
Lestrange sneered at that, but chose not to say anything.
Starkiller telekinetically lifted and observed each of his blades, checking them for any signs of damage. He quickly took each blade apart to inspect every single wire and circuit before they seemed to reassemble under their own power and return to his belt.
He observed his surroundings. They stood on cracked concrete that was quickly being overtaken by vegetation. A dense forest surrounded the area as well. In the distance, he could see the Synths of the Combine Empire flying through he air around where presumably the Temple Ship was located. A quick check of his internal sensors indicated that indeed their destination was in that direction.
Starkiller turned to his group. He quickly noticed they were a man short.
He prepared to draw his lightsaber, when he saw where the other individual was.
Tai Lung blended in rather well with the remnants of the desolated cityscape. Almost vanishing from view, but with his enhanced sensors, Starkiller could see that the Snow Leopard was keeping his distance, but was still staying with the group. Simply sticking to the shadows.
Starkiller relaxed his grip as Doom Slayer moved next to him, carrying what appeared to be a shotgun in his hands.
Yulaw and Lestrange followed behind him. Lestrange occasionally glaring at anyone her eyes fell upon but otherwise saying nothing.
Yulaw however was abnormally calm. Taking easy steps, almost like the strides one would take for a relaxing walk through the park as opposed to a very delicate mission.
Starkiller watched to make sure Tai Lung was following behind, satisfied that he was, Starkiller paced behind the group, keeping his internal scanners on just to be sure.
Doom Slayer took the lead, ready to fire at the first sign of trouble. Starkiller took the flank, close enough that should Tai Lung decide to make a run for it, he would not get very far.
The first few minutes of their trek was relatively uneventful.
The most interesting sight being massive rockworms feeding on glowing fruit. Starkiller stared at the creatures. His internal memory brought up data on these creatures. They were wormlike organisms native to the planet Sera, one of the worlds to join the Alliance relatively recently. Rockworms were relatively harmless creatures that only really were dangerous when you got in the way of their meals.
While they were harmless, they should not have been here.
Updating his internal database, internal scans identified the Rockworms as another invasive species the Combine brought with them to the planets they invaded, much like headcrabs.
Their introduction into the environment, as well as their food source was recorded on many worlds.
"Avada Kadavra!" said Lestrange as she killed one of the nearby Rockworms.
She looked at the resulting corpse in disgust before flicking her wand to burn it.
"Disgusting creatures."
Starkiller lifted his hand, and snuffed out the flames.
"Fire could attract attention we cannot afford." said Starkiller.
Bellatrix looked to the cyborg with a curious glare, before a sinister smile pread across her lips.
"Oh? Scared are we muggle?"
Starkiller said nothing. He contemplated breaking her neck, but restricted himself to a simple outstretched hand.
Lestrange's eyes widened as she immediately went for her throat. Her feet off the ground as she was choked by an unseen force.
Yulaw watched the witch kick in a panic as her eyes began to roll in the back of her head.
"This is a mission that requires guile and stealth. Fighting will only come on our terms."
Starkiller lowered his arm as Lestrange fell to the ground, taking in a few greedy gulps of air.
"I am aware of your beliefs in blood purity, and your disgust of non-magical human species, but this new multiverse is far more complicated than that. There are no more muggles."
Lestrange rubbed her throat absentmindedly before she looked to Starkiller.
Strangely, it was not a look of range, but a demented smile.
"How did you do that?"
Starkiller observed the crazed woman before him. A definant psychopath.
"The Force." he said simply.
"Can you teach me?" she asked excitedly, almost like a child, though with a sinister edge to it.
"You are Forceless."
Lestrange rubbed her throat once more as she got to her feet. Her enraged glare now gone to give way to gleeful mania. She said nothing as Starkiller past her, but did not look away from him.
Yulaw watched this with a curious gaze, before deciding the entertainment was gone.
He followed after Starkiller, who had rejoined Doom Slayer. Lestrange all but stalking behind Yulaw. He looked to the grass, seeing the passing shadow of Tai Lung for but a moment before he felt eyes on him.
Lestrange was looking at Yulaw up and down, almost as if studying him. He rose a brow.
"What?"
"I'm beginning to get the feeling you aren't all muggle either. I can smell something on you." as if to highlight her delusions, she took a slow deliberate sniff at Yulaw.
It almost made his skin crawl. Almost.
"Well, I am only one step away from being God." said Yulaw idly.
Lestrange quirked her head at that. Her lips mouthing the words, but not speaking. She looked over him once more, her gaze somewhat suspicious.
"A demonstration perhaps?" asked Lestrange.
Yulaw thought it over.
He looked to the side where Tai Lung stalked. He made a motion with his hand.
Faster than she could see, Yulaw caught a flying dagger in his hand, one that came from the tall grass in the distance. She caught but a glance of the SNow Leopard before he vanished.
Yulaw nodded appreciatively at Tai Lung before flipping the dagger in his hand.
He then handed it to Lestrange.
"Stab me."
Now, Yulaw expected Lestrange to be confused, asked what was he thinking, the usual things one would expect when such a ridiculous request is made.
Instead, Lestrange grabbed the dagger in a flash, and aimed for Yulaws head.
Yulaw was somewhat surprised, but caught himself quickly so as not to show it on his face. He however made no motion to stop the dagger. Or at least he appeared not to. Faster than the eye could see, he reached up, and snapped the blade between his index and middle finger, putting his arm back in his pocket long before the human eye could even register.
The next thing Lestrange knew, Yulaw held the daggers blade in his hand, before dropping it to the ground, leaving only the daggers handle in her hand.
She eyed the handle for a moment, examining it from all angles.
Yulaw smiled as he sped up a bit, leaving a confused Lestrange behind. She continued to look at the daggers handle.
She blinked once more before dropping it right next to the blade and catching up with the others.
These were certainly strange times.
Tartarus watched as weapons caches were dropped on the ground around him. He watched the Combines Overwatch armies march off into parts unknown in groups of five. He growled when he saw a passing patrol of Hierarchy Lost Ones, who would watch the once Covenant forces prepare their encampments. The Lost Ones would giggle to themselves as they marched onward.
A few of the Kigyar snipers managed to kill a wild Bullsuid and were currently cooking it over a makeshift fire. One of them was gnawing on a cooked leg.
Tartarus watched as the Hierarchy Assembly and Habitat Walkers passed in the distance, it's sheer size making it highly visible even at its vast distance. Each Walker was surrounded by flying cylindrical monoliths and saucers.
Every few moments, it would transport new troops and war machines to join in their patrol.
Tartarus glared at them as they continued on their way.
"I feel small." said a Brute next to Tartarus.
Tartarus growled.
"Another empire subjugated, and another threat to deal with in the future."
The surrounding Jiralhanae said nothing as they continued with their operations.
The Squad knelt over the cliff overlooking a massive grass field that had overgrown over old streets and roads. Yulaw watched as the massive Walkers past them in the distance. His eyes wide as trees fell with each step they took. Smaller machines seemed to be collecting the fallen trees and debris.
"That must be it." said Starkiller.
Yulaw looked away from the massive robot to see a massive alien battleship that had landed on the ground. It was surrounded by all kinds of strange creatures and machines that were completely unidentifiable.
"You know, I don't think your boss thought this through. How are we supposed to even get into their computers?" asked Yulaw.
Starkiller did not look away.
"The Ethereals do not use traditional Computers, The Ethereals Psionic Network is already established, the Psi-Net gives them an expansive Hive Mind."
Starkiller lifted his hand slightly and point it at the ship. He focused for a moment.
"I cannot initiate Contact from here, but I do feel the Combines Psi-Computers."
Starkiller stood, taking a step back as he did to keep from being spotted.
"Too many troops to enter, we'll need a distraction."
"What did you have in mind?" asked Yulaw.
Starkiller looked to Yulaw, before reaching into his robes to take out a metallic orb.
Small holographic screens appeared around the Orb as Starkiller's hand seemed to be manipulating it somehow. Yulaw couldn't exactally tell how the movenemts of fingers were manipulating the device, but the result was obvious when a screen showing Brooke came up in front of him.
The conduit looked to Starkiller for a moment before she spoke.
"I read you Starkiller, what is the situation?"
"The Psi-Net facility is heavily guarded, thousands of troops, we require a distraction."
Brooke tapped a finger to her face as she seemed to contemplate something. She looked to some screens on her end that the others could not see.
"GPS is down, but the tracker has your location. Give me the exact quardnates for the Facility."
Starkiller lifted the orb slightly, and began moving it around the area.
Unknown to the others, invisible lasers were scanning and running over the environment, giving a 3D map of the area."
Brooke continued to watch screens on her end, before she smiled.
"Give me a moment, I need to talk to someone."
The screen disapeared, and the group waited.
Brooke Augustine watched as a holographic image appeared before her. Amanda Waller stood there, just looking at the conduit.
"Miss Augustine, what can I do for you?"
"Ma'am, I am requesting the shut down of the Ray Field Inhibitor."
Waller rose a brow.
"On what grounds?"
"S.S. Mk2 requests a distrction."
Waller stood still for just a moment, before she typed something on an unseen computer.
"Inhibitor will be deactivated for fifteen minutes, make them count."
Brooke nodded to Waller as the image of her flickered away.
Then she felt the Inhibitor fall.
Brooke smiled. Before joining Waller's branch of the MA, she had quite the upgrade. She managed to get a hold of multiple Ray Spheres from across the Omniverse, and upon seeing the truly ungodly power of many entities within the Omniverse, she decided to use each and every one of them. To such a degree that the Ray Field Inhibitor could weaken her, but never kill her, nor could it fully take her powers away.
As far as conduits go, Brooke was one of the strongest, only a handful equaled her or were more powerful.
Waller had contacted Brooke and offered her a position, one Augustine Brooke was more than willing to take. The only condition was the Ray Field Inhibitor must be near her at all times, it was because of this no Other Conduits could be on this mission, such as Sasha, another conduit with numerous abilities such as the production of a very unique tar like substance that gave her the power to dominate minds, amung other things. Sasha was considered for the Suicide Squad, but ultimately it was decided not to include her as the Inhibitor field Brooke was required to use would kill most Conduits near instantly.
Brooke took a step forward as she placed on a set of virtual reality glasses, giving her full view of the field around the Ethereals Ship.
She lifted her hands, and the earth shook.
Lestrange tapped her fingers against her dress as the group waited for something to happen. After a few moments, nothing seemed to change, but right before the witch could voice her displeasure at the current situation, the ground began to quake.
Her eyes widened at what happened next.
Yulaw couldn't really believe what happened. The decrepit streets of what once had been a highway ripped themselves out of the very ground, like the tentacles of some ancient monster, they stretched upward into the sky, before swiping across the field.
The soldiers of the Combine were thrown aside as the roads began to break down and reconstitute themselves into massive concrete titans.
Tai Lung, who was watching the events from a distance watched as the stone monsters began rampaging.
The Synth war machines immediately began firing upon the Concrete titans as they tore the earth apart underneath their feet.
Starkiller was the first to speak.
"Lestrange, if you would be so kind as to get us to the facility." said Starkiller as he walked forward.
Yulaw blinked.
As far as distractions went, that was a damn good one. Idly he wondered why Brooke didn't just come here and take care of this problem herself.
Then again, Yulaw supposed she couldn't interface with the Psi-Net thing that everyone seemed so concerned about.
Lestrange then did something with her wand, Yulaw didn't know what but one moment they were atop a cliff, the next they were much MUCH closer to the ship.
Most of the troops were engaging the Titans, but not all of them, and immediately, they were spotted.
Yulaw took off faster than the eye could see. The world to him seemed to move in slow motion as he struck one of the Combines Metro-Cops in the throat with enough force to decapitate him. Before the body could even hit the ground, he managed to grab a hold of the cadavers weapon and begin unloading the clip into the nearest solder with pin point precision right through the weakest part of their armor, the glass covered eye protectors. Even at full auto, each bullet penetrated a different soldier until the magazine was fully expended.
He was still moving far too fast for the Overwatch solders to react.
As soon as the last bullet was fired Yulaw managed to impale one of them on it, shoving it past the armor, and pierce the heart.
Tai Lung who did not expect to be dragged along quickly began engaging the troops in combat. He saw seemingly Yulaw blink out of existence as he pounced. Running on all fours, he quickly caught up with one of the combines Synth Striders. He leapt up at the tripos creature, and managed to grab ahold of the warp cannon below the machine. As soon as he held onto it, the Strider began firing wildly as the cannon swiveled in its socket violently in an attempt to get Tai Lung off.
Tai Lung reared his arm back, and shot forward with a blade that materialized in his hand. The blace pierced the Striders brain, before Tai Lung leapt off the creature, still holding the sword. Maneuvering in the air the anthropomorphic Snow Leopard managed to decapitate one of the an Overwatch elite.
He prepared to strike the next nearest creature, when he froze.
The creature was barely recognizable as a human. Its arms and legs had been removed and replaced with bolted-on metallic augmentations. The remains of the human body were skeletal and atrophied. A metal plate over their eyes.
The creature roared as it slowly stalked toward Tai Lung, who was startled by the grotesque mockery of a human coming for him.
Tai Lung had never seen a Combine Stalker, whose combat role had been greatly expanded upon when the Combine discovered the usefulness of psychological warfare, they were naturally unsettling, and only minor alterations were built into them to disturb any who saw them causing them to hesitate. In the time since the Combines discovery of the Omniverse, they had been upgraded.
The creature stalked forward, roaring as more and more Stalkers joined it.
Tai Lung steeled himself as he swung his blade into the nearest Stalker, only for the thing to react frighteningly fast. Lifting an arm to block the blade. As the Stalkers arm rose, it transformed. Being replaced with a roaring chainsaw, based on the Lancer Bayonet favored by the Locust forces.
Sparks flew as the chainsaw bit into the sword. Tai Lung barely managed to dodge as the others caught up.
The Lancer had been incorporated into their left arm. The right one housed a laser, some of which were pointed to where Tai Lung once stood.
The Swarm of Stalkers marched forward towards Tai Lung, some firing upon him, but before any could hit, an unseen force passed the Snow Leopard, before sending a group of them flying into the distance. Yulaw began beating the Stalkers, dodging the laser fire as Tai Lung went after any within his range.
Lestrange casted spells, the killing curse being the most often used as Doom Slayer fired upon everything within his range with an increasingly strange assortment of weapons that he seemingly pulled from nowhere.
A shimmering shield of magic around Lestrange blocked any of the projectiles from hitting her. Her skill with Defensive charms more than allowing her to cast spells without fear of being struck.
A ball of green energy came from the Doom Slayer. Lestrange could only watch as the flying orb of energy literally caused anything in its path to explode and vaporize. Then the plasma orb exploded, destroying absolutely everything around it.
Lestrange laughed as a handful of the remaining forces were trampled beneath the foot of a Concrete Titan that had moved scarily close to the battle. Then the leg moved forward to kick a Synth Gunship that was just a little too close to the ground.
She smiled when a small creature firing at her, one of the Covenant Grunts. She pointed her wand at it.
"Acsendio."
Suddenly the Grunt was quickly and violently thrown into the air, along with several of its kin.
Lestrange nodded to herself as she pointed her wand at a massive creature, the Synth Gunship.
She merely quirked her head as it took aim at her.
"Bombarda Maxima."
The Gunship exploded, raining debris and viscera across the battlefield
The smile never left her face as she gleefully vocalized her spells, cackling with each and every beast she felled.
Then an explosion happened near Lestrange. Her defensive charms blocked most of the blast, but the sheer pressure wave it created flung her back.
She growled as she got to her feet to see what had attacked, and saw a pair of massive beasts. They appeared to be knights wearing technological purple armor with a heavy shield and a cannon integrated into its arm.
Upon closer inspection, Lestrange saw that the creature seemed to be made up of hundreds of worms.
The Covenant Hunter nimbly charge after Lestrange as its companion began to shoot at her.
Her rage intensified as she recast her defensive charms.
As soon as they were in place she aimed at and smirked.
"Diminuendo."
Half way through the beasts charge, the spell struck, and the 12 foot tall creature shrunk until it stood only a few inches high.
The Hunter, both of them, froze. The small one observing itself in absolute confusion as the other one stared at its smaller bond brother.
Before either Hunter could react, Lestrange came upon the smaller one, and stomped on it. Digging her heel into the ground as she squished it under her foot.
The other Hunter flinched as soon as Lestrange had done so, before it was overtaken by rage.
Lestrange never took her eyes off the other hunter, only smiling sadistically as she made a show of twisting her heel into the ground and the dead hunter, orange blood pooling around her foot with each twist of her ankle.
The Other Hunter charged with reckless abandon.
Bellatrix lifted her wand, casting the curse she had long ago mastered. She didn't even need to vocalize it as the Hunter was hit with the Cruciatus Curse.
However, what Lestrange failed to realize was that the Mgalekgolo worm colony lacked something important for the curse to work. Lekgolo worms possessed no nervous system at all, and pain was an alien concept that they could not feel.
The curse passed harmlessly over the Hunter as it barreled into Lestrange, carrying her with it as the worms that made it up loosened slightly and squirm around her neck, then they began to squeeze.
Lestrange struggled against the Hunters grasp, her defensive charm doing very little to stop the enraged colony as it choked the life out of her.
Her legs kicked and she dropped her wand as the creature squeezed tighter and tighter.
Just as her vision was about to go black, the grip released and Lestrange took in several deep and greedy gulps of air.
SHe looked up to see Yulaw had grabbed te Hunter, and physically pulled it off her, lifting it over his head as he threw it at the nearest enemy he could see.
He looked down to Lestrange as she rubbed her neck.
"That is the second time today you almost were strangled to death, third times the charm. I'd stick to making sure nothing gets in close if I were you."
"Avada Kadavra!" screamed Lestrange as she aimed at the Hunter that was making its way back to her. This time it died.
Lestrange looked to Yulaw, before he vanished. Her eyes steeled themselves as she lifted her wand, and fired every dangerous spell she could think of in rapid sucession.
Doom Slayer was pulling a chainsaw out of the guts of an Elite Overwatch Soldier as blasts of magic passed him and flung themselves into a gathering of Kigyar Snipers that had yet to have time to get into cover when the concrete golems appeared.
Idly, the Space Marine wondered where Starkiller was.
Tartarus saw as the giant rock creatures, each one as large as the Hierarchy Habitat walkers seemingly came out of nowhere. He could see that the Hierarchy Walkers on Patrol turned around and were heading towards the creature.
"What is that thing?" asked a Unggoy next to Tartarus.
"I do not know, but there is undoubtable very little we can do about it. Hold position, let the giant walkers deal with it.
"Are you sure?" asked the Grunt.
Tartarus snapped his head to look at the diminutive creature who took a hesitant step back.
"I mean... They are calling for reinforcements." said the Unggoy.
Tartarus grabbed a Type-51 Directed Energy Rifle from a nearby Jiralhanae and aimed at the communications relay. Immediately he began firing upon it.
He emptied his rifle into it before tossing it back to the original holder.
"Comms are down." said Tartarus simply.
Starkiller stalked through the halls of the ship, as soon as the others engaged in combat, he quickly made his way to the ship. His sensors on high alert as he activated his cloaking devices, that disguised him as a simple Overwatch soldier. It was an upgrade based on his old holodroid PROXY.
He made his way past a group of Mutons who were charging past Starkiller, not even sparing him a second glance as they went to see what was going on outside. As he made his way through the ship, he came across a side room, one that lead deeper into the ship.
Moving through with purpose, he found what he was looking for.
The Ethereal Device resembled a pedestal, with a purple orb of psionic energy around it. Ethereals held in stasis were positioned around the item as Starkiller walked in.
He approached the orb, examining it slightly before placing his hands around it.
The Ethereals immediately became aware of his presence, as did every other entity connected in their Psionic network. Starkiller pressed on as the lightsaber blades detatched themselves from his belt, activated and waited.
His concentrartion was split between accessing the Psi-Network and controlling his sabers.
It was a difficult task, Psionics and Force sensitivity were very different, but they network was more than capable of interacting with even non-psionic minds, only those without discipline would inevitably be dominated by the Ethereals collective will. Thanks to Starkillers discipline with the Force, it was close enough that Starkiller could brute force his way inside, and begin implanting thoughts into it. Most were actively malicious, and the Ethereals were quick to locate and will it away, but a smaller, much more subtle idea leaked through, and was left unnoticed by the Ethereals as they focused on the more overt mental probings.
As Starkiller rode the psionic paths, he was attacked by the Ethereal Forces. The Ethereals themselves were not able to awake quickly, but their Muton and Sectoid guards fired upon Starkiller, but the telekinetically manipulated Lightsabers were more than capable of deflecting their shots as they moved to slice and dismember the Ethereals slave races.
Starkiller released the orb as he noticed the Ethereals pods begin to open.
He rocketed out the room, using the force, he propelled himself out the room, through the halls, and out the door. The world around him was little more than a blur as he threw Sectoids, Mutons, and even a Mechtoid.
He stopped when he exited the ship. Immediately seeing the continuing battle around him.
The Concrete Golems were tearing into a truely massive walker, one that dwarfed most that Starkiller was familiar with when he still was apart of the Empire.
He projected his voice outward.
"We must leave now!"
Yulaw heard the voice that was seemingly implanted directly into his mind. Strangely he felt a strange compelling Force that all but commanded him to leave the area. It was an eerie feeling,but not all that invasive all things considered.
Starkiller prepared to move as his fying Lightsabers followed behind him, slicing into anything that dared to get too close.
Then Brooks 15 minutes were up.
Elsewhere, the Ray Feild Inhibitor reactivated and the Concrete Golems fell.
Burning asphalt and concrete rained down upon the battlefield.
Tai Lung managed to use the falling stone to throw himself away from the battle. Leaping from stone to stone as he obeyed the strange directive that now entered into his mind.
Lestrange simply apperated away, taking Doom Slayer with her, albiet by accident when he saw what she was doing and grabbed her shoulder to hitch a ride.
Yulaw managed to kick a falling chunk of concrete the size of a house into the body of one of the Habitat Walkers as well as some of the Heiarcys giant brute creatures. He smiled as it fell before running at top speed away.
The retreating group all in all managed to escape as the Jedi Mind Trick faded from their head.
Yulaw blinked as Starkiller continued to move, the others following after him, seemingly still under its waning effects.
"What was that?" asked Yulaw.
Starkiller said nothing as he moved onward.
The others snapping out of their trance, confused. Seeing Starkiller continue on, and none of them wanting to stay behind to see the creatures catch up, they followed, though before they could move much more. They stepped on concrete, and one by one, were swallowed into the ground.
The Combine Advisors watched across the multiverse as the Ethereals Psi-Network was combined with their own biocomputer networks. Strategically placed Ethereal Psi-Machines activated in a myriad of universes across the totality of existence. It became intertwined with the Combines own Magi based Supercomputer which had already been prepared for the event by splicing Ethereal genes into the disembodied the expanded Psi-Network activated the Combines computational power exploded exponentially.
Synth Networks were subsumed into the growing networks that spanned the multiverses under Combine Control.
A gathering of Advisors watched as an incalculable amount of data poured into the Magi. Everything from combat data to subconcious thoughts each Synth had hidden deep within their minds.
Upon seeing what the Ethereals had managed to build, the Advisors decided it was time to elevate them into the Combines Leadership.
Tai Lung gulped in air as he emerged from the concrete at the feet of Brooke, who was looking at a tablet held in her arms.
"Our psychic divisions have made some progress connecting with the expanded Ethereal Network. It is a lot more data than we antisipated, but we have a back door into it. I suppose congradulations are in order, Suicide Squad Mk.2 is a resounding success."
Yulaw was the first one to get his bearings.
"What just happened, I just had... Thoughts put in my head. What the HELL is going on? I do NOT retreat."
The day had been rather strange for Yulaw, who on average, was used to weird shit happening on a daily basis, but even e had his limits.
Every weird fucked up thing had slowly been wiggling in Yulaws thoughts.
"Jedi Mind Trick, your implants make you all more susceptible than most." said Brooke, not even looking away from her screen.
"Muggle Bitch!" screamed Lestrange as she lifted her wand.
What happened next was anyone's guess, but suddenly Lestrange found her body no longer under control.
"Calm yourself Ms. Lestrange, your mission is a success, more or less. You'll now be put into our own prison system until we can field you for the next mission. I think you'll find them much more pleasant than most prisons. Apparently the Alliance has standards. It will practically be a vacation."
Starkiller and Doom Slayer had already dismissed themselves, leaving only Yulaw, Lestrange, and Tai Lung remaining.
Tai Lung upon seeing a force of humans and Anthropomorphic animals enter the room, he turned to Brooke.
"I look forward to our next assignment. I haven't had this much fun in years." he said with a bow.
Brooke nodded to the Snow Leopard as he was taken away.
Yulaw wanted to make a show of force, even if only to spite both this bitch, and her bigger boss bitch, but upon seeing the still frozen Lestrange being litterally wheeled out the room, he thought better of it.
As the chains were strapped to his wrist, he looked to Brooke.
"What are my chances of ever coming face to face with Gabe Law?" he asked solemnly.
Brooke looked away from her screen as she saw the megalomaniac stare at her, waiting for an answer.
"Practically Zero."
Yulaw nodded as he stared blankly ahead. Brooke tapped her finger on the desk as he was taken out of the room. When she was alone, Waller's holographic avatar appeared before her.
"I wouldn't call it a complete success, you did have to provide help."
Brooke nodded to herself.
"True, but I think the Multiversal Alliance will see the use of a squad like this. With a backdoor into the Combines Networks, you have quite the bargaining chip."
Waller stared at the Conduit before her. As much as she didn't like the woman for the ungodly power she held over concrete, a VERY common material in all universes, she still found a like-minded individual to be a godsend.
"Have you seen the level of data that back door gave us?"
Brooke nodded.
"Their processing power alone is practically infinite, the Combine are willing to go much farther than the Alliance, no morals helps there."
"They are a post-Singularity species. Out of all the major groups out there. The Corruption and the Machine Collective have access to less than a fraction of a percent of universes compared to the Combine."
Waller nodded.
"That is why people like us exist, so long as we're willing to go just as far as the Combine, we will keep up. The Hub is impossible to find. One universe amung infinity. So long as we have that advantage, the Combine can never win, and we will continue to keep up with them."
Brooke watched the image of Waller fade as she was left alone. She continued with her tasks. It was time to go back home.
Now all she had to do was find out how to mass evacuate a planet without ADVENT or the Combine figuring it out.
She sighed.
The Combine Advisors hovered over the tens of thousands of the Ethereals sarcophagus. Each one containing a resting Ethereal, and each one connected to a tank of identical androgynous clones.
The Grub-like creature activated their machines, causing precision robotic arms to begin moving to hover over the Sarcophagus.
Whirling Psionic energy copied the Ethereals mind unto the Multiversal Computer Networks of the Combine.
Then the androgynous human bodies began to shake and contort within their pods, almost as if they were having a seizure.
Ethereal neural patterns were burned into their Avatar bodies.
The process caused the original Ethereals to burn amd fade away. Disintegrating into their component atoms, which were collected and moved towards a strange esoteric apparatus
The Avatars shaking stopped and they awoke.
Then, the Advisors telekineticly lowered another series of esoteric devices.
The Ethereal Avatars beat their fists against their glass prison as they were disassembled molecule by molecule.
The Advisors watched as the human forms were modified and twisted into grotesque bulbous things.
The disintegrated remains of the Ethereals old bodies were used as raw resources that were woven back in durring the reassembly process.
Then the writhing creatures stopped.
The cases opened, and the new forms of the Ethereals fell to the ground.
Superficially, the Ethereals now resembled the Advisors, though their skin was had a distinctive purple tint to it. In addition the 'face' had four empty eye sockets. Four thin arms each one nearly six feet long emerged on either side of the grub-like body. Around the 'head' of the new Advisor was a mane of flowing white hair that blew in a non-existent breeze of Psionic energy. The new Ethereals squirmed as they found they could not see through their empty sockets, but then their new tongue like appendage slithered from their head.
The appendage was covered in photoreceptors and Psionic Neuromatter. Allowing them to sense the world around them.
One of the Ethereal Advisors placed its hands on the ground as it tried to lift itself up. Only to find that it was not used to its new form, and their frail arms much to weak to do so at this time.
More machines fell from above as the new Ethereal Advisors were outfitted with standard Advisor armaments, life support systems, and high end post-singularity technology.
The Advisors welcomed their new colleagues, whose minds had been warped and augmented with Advisor thought patterns. In time the other Advisors would splice these traits into themselves to elevate them higher and augment their own psychic might.
A new race has been accepted into the Combines Leadership.