Disclaimer: I do not own Halo or Battlefront for the idea of this fic ( If I did I wouldn't be writing this…), any other character I portrait in this fic are from their original game, movie or TV program. (original characters are mine, nonetheless)
M for mature ,for some swearing and cursing , sexual themes maybe later…
´´ ´´: Dialogue of characters
Italics : thoughts of characters
The Demons Within Us
´´Blue team report´´
The comm. cracked to life as Blue one spoke – ´´10 Jaffa's are heading your way Red leader, permission to engage.´´
´´ Negative ´´– The chief replied – ´´ Remain in position, we'll handle them´´.
´´Roger that, blue team out´´
´´ Jaffa´´ – The leader of the Jaffa's yelled to stop his men, sensing something wrong the leader ordered two Jaffa's to scout ahead – ´´Shel na krek´´.
In unison both Jaffa's fell dead in the spot, followed by the leader and another Jaffa. Linda abandoned her sniping position and secured another one, to avoid her position to be revealed.
The remaining 6 Jaffa's were easily taken out as the chief, along with Sam and Kelly and 6 clone troopers took them out, suffering cero loses. Linda revealed her position and joined Red team.
´´ Blue team what's your status, over ´´– Cortana said by comm.
´´ We're pinned down by Jaffa's and some weird creatures, requesting backup´´
´´Got it ´´– The chief replied – ´´Hold on until we arrived´´ – In unison, Red team vanished between the woods to rendezvous with Blue team.
´´ Delta squad reporting, we found the Goa'uld temporary base along with some powered down fighters and a mid range bomber on stand by , along with 20 Jaffa circling the perimeter´´ – Delta 38 said by comm. to Cortana.
´´Nothing we can't handle ´´– Sev added.
´´Roger that 38, mechanized forces are on their way, meanwhile take out those fighters before they can have a chance to take off. ´´ – Cortana replied.
´´Will do´´ – 38 added, then he turned to Scorch – ´´you know what to do´´.
´´I sure do´´ – Scorch replied as he shouldered a republic antimatter rocket launcher and motioned several Arc troopers in position – ´´you 3 fire upon the fighters, while the rest fire upon the ground troops. That will take them by surprise´´
´´ You know, when he's blowing things up he doesn't seem like such a screw up´´.
´´ I agree 07 ´´ – Fixer said to Sev by comm.
The unsuspected Jaffa were taken by surprise as their death gliders and several small packs of Jaffa were taken out by Scorch's attack. The Al'kesh immediately took off to make a turn and bombard the area in which the surprise attack took place, but Delta squad, along with the Arc troopers had already abandoned that position and they engaged the remaining Jaffa on the base. A few Hydralisk emerged from the ground but they were quickly taken out by the clones.
´´Take cover until the mechanized forces take out that bomber´´- 38 yelled to his team, they returned fire with their rocket launchers, but the Al'kesh absorbed the damage with his thick armor. From the horizon, 3 warthogs and 2 Scorpion tanks approached their position and opened fire upon the Al'kesh. Some well placed shots to the Al'kesh propulsion system and the bomber was destroyed.
´´I love this weapon´´ – O'Neill said ,manning the Mini MAC in one of the Warthogs- ´´Say Carter, can we duplicate one of these for when we return to our own world´´
´´Let me ask Cortana for the designs when we return to the fleet´´- Sam replied from her passenger seat in the Warthog.
´´Sweet!´´ – Jack replied
´´Thanks for the help´´ – 38 said as he approached them – ´´now lets rendezvous with the other teams to take out the remaining Jaffa camps still in the planet. ´´ – And so Delta squad mounted a Scorpion tank while the remaining marines and clone troopers secured the area and awaited evac by part of the phantoms.
Blue team consisted on 5 Spartans along with 7 elites and 3 remaining clone troopers, blue team tried desperately to repel the sudden wave of Jaffa and this new breed of creatures the Goa'uld now possessed.
As the Zerling and Hydralisk marched for the kill, they were flanked by Red team with a hail of bullets and plasma. Without their pet Zerg the remaining Jaffa's fell with ease.
´´Thanks for the help´´ – Blue one said to the chief – ´´These damn creatures suddenly appeared in waves and took us by surprise. ´´
´´No problem ,now let's move out´´ – As they prepared to advance, the chief's motion sensor detected incoming foes. The chief motioned Linda and her armor blinked a light of acknowledgement, then she took sniper position. The chief ordered the troops to take cover to receive the incoming foes.
´´I only see two of them´´ – Linda replied by comm.
´´Take them out ´´– The chief replied. After several moments, the chief could still see the two red points on his motion tracker –´´ Linda, what happened? ´´
´´ Bad news´´- Linda replied.
From the smoke and debris of the previous fight two black armored soldiers emerged, the chief and the other returned fire, so did Linda with her sniper rifle, but the two armored foes seemed unaffected. The Kull warriors, or Anubis Super soldiers as Sg-1 called them, returned fire taking out a few clones and draining half of the shields of the chief.
´´Plasma weapons are ineffective as well´´ – an elite said – ´´What now demon?´´
´´Grenades, on my Mark´´- The chief looped 2 frags and so did the rest with plasma grenades and thermal detonators. The super soldiers ignored the incoming explosives and continue to fire on their position, when the grenades exploded, so did the soldiers.
´´What kind of soldier is that? ´´ – a clone asked no one in particular.
´´Who knows ,but they finally succumbed to our….´´ - The elite was killed by incoming fire as the super soldiers stood up from the ground.
´´How I wish for a rocket launcher´´ – The chief thought. Suddenly, two blue energy shots impacted with the super soldiers clearly affecting them, Daniel and Teal'c repeated the same dose finally taking out the two drones.
´´Thanks for the help´´ – The chief greeted the two Sg members- ´´what kind of soldier is that? ´´
´´Kull warriors´´ – Teal'c replied.
´´Kind of super soldiers to be more accurate´´- Daniel cut in – ´´They are virtually indestructible, except for these energy weapons we designed from an Ancient device back on earth. ´´
´´Or a direct hit from a rocket launcher will work as well´´ – Teal'c added.
´´That's right, Invincible or not, they can't ignore physics ´´– Daniel said.
´´Good to know, next time I'll bring one with me´´ – The chief replied. Just then, his comm. came to life as Cortana piped in.
´´How's it going down there? ´´
´´Most of the enemy troops have been wiped out´´ – The chief answered Cortana.- ´´And how are things up there? ´´
´´Pretty good´´- Cortana replied from her holo projector in the Bringer of Order , the Arbiter's command ship – ´´Imanaged to keep the Arbiter from screwing up the fleet, and I managed to destroy those pyramid ships as well.´´ – Cortana joked.
´´I believe It's thanks to me that those Ha'tak are now destroyed´´ – The Arbiter replied from his post. How he wished to be on solid ground fighting the enemy, but he had to command the Alliance fleet this time, along with Zeratul.
´´Delta 38, O'Neill and Fenix have reported that they have completely eradicated their fair share of Anubis troops.´´
´´ Then I suggest all ground troops return to the ships in orbit´´- Zeratul entered the conversation.- ´´We must discuss some important matters´´.
´´Agree, all teams prepare for Evac ´´– The Arbiter replied.
´´Why don't they just beam us out? ´´- A marine said to his group- ´´The Asgard do posses that technology, Am I correct? ´´
´´But we have pelicans , so zip it marine´´- The sarge scowled the marine – ´´Besides, they only use the beaming thing for Important figures, like myself. ´´
As the sarge said that, he was surrounded by light- ´´See you up there marines´´- As the sarge smiled he vanished from view.
´´You know, I think he does this sort of things just to annoy us´´ – Mendoza said to another marine.
´´No. You think´´
The Alliance fleet, after liberating the planet from Anubis recon fleet, entered slip space to their next destination. Meanwhile inside the Gantrithor, the team leaders discussed the mission briefing.
´´Those creatures our forces encountered within the planet were Zerg´´ – Zeratul said to the others.
´´The Zerg? ´´ – The Spec ops commander asked- ´´Now that you mention in, they do resemble those creatures we fought when we meet you, Protoss.´´
´´So, Anubis has allied himself with the leader of the Zerg? ´´- Now it was the turn of the chief to ask.
´´I doubt it´´- Zeratul answered – ´´Kerrigan, the queen of blades, would never join someone who represents a powerful threat like Anubis. Besides, those Zerg you fought were weak, and in small numbers. So my conclusion is that Anubis is controlling part of Kerrigan's brood.´´
´´That may be possible´´- Daniel spoke – ´´After all, Anubis does posses Ancient knowledge , maybe he found a way to control them.´´
Suddenly ,the comm. of the Gantrithor came to life – ´´Arbiter, long range sensors have detecting a Covenant Flagship not far from our exit point of the slip space. What are your orders.?´´
´´Continue course and exit slip space on the designated point, then await further orders until I get back to the ship. ´´
´´Yes mighty Arbiter ´´– The elite replied and ended the communication.
´´Mighty Arbiter? ´´- The chief asked.
´´They are used to call me that, chief. ´´- The Arbiter replied.- ´´Just as your troops call you chief.´´
The Alliance fleet exited slip space just beyond a small planet. They originally intended to follow a Protoss Observers recorded data of a possible lead on Grievous fleet, but the Covenant flagship was worth to check out. The Arbiter and the Spec ops commander were beamed to their own flagship, The Bringer of Order, to survey the Covenant vessel.
´´ Where is it? ´´ – The Arbiter asked.
´´Arbiter, the ships sensors have located the flagship in the far end of the planet´´ – The elite then reviewed the data he received – ´´we also detect several small debris around the ship. ´´
´´Most likely the remains of a battle ,but stay on your guard anyway´´ – The Arbiter replied. Those debris could turn into small enemy cruisers.
The alliance fleet advanced towards the far end of the planet, but found nothing. –´´Ensign, where is the ship? ´´ – The Arbiter asked.
´´I don't know´´ – One of the few humans inside the Bringer of Order replied – ´´Our sensors had pinpointed the ship just here. ´´
´´There. ´´ –The spec ops commander said and pointed towards the dark shadow of the planet, The Covenant flagship, along with debris of fallen ships came into view. – ´´Those debris ,they are from CIS ships.´´
´´So Grievous was here after all´´ – The Arbiter said – ´´Strange, look at the flagship. Apart from leaking plasma and some minor hull damage, it still looks functional.´´
´´You're right´´ –The commander replied – ´´Ensign, run a scan of the flagship's interior and look for any life sign still on board.´´
´´Yes sir´´ – The ensign turned to his console. Just then, the chief along with 38 and Jack arrived.
´´What's going on? ´´ – Jack asked.
´´We found evidence that the CIS was fighting the Covenant not long ago in this sector of space´´ – The Arbiter answered – ´´Also, we found that ´´– Then he pointed towards the screen, showing the Flagship.
´´Sir, we detected 26 life signs within the ship's storage bay ´´– The ensign replied.
´´And the ship, how is it? ´´- The chief asked.
´´Life support is held on all decks, as well as primary and secondary power conduits, however propulsion ,weapons and slip space generators are offline. ´´
Both The Arbiter and Half jaw smiled, the ship was not going anywhere anytime soon, which gave them the chance to access the ships database and find out the Covenant base and location of their fleet.
´´Half Jaw, gather a strike team to board the ship and eliminate all opposing forces, then access the ships navigational records and find out the location of their fleet. ´´
´´Right away´´ – The commander said to the Arbiter.
´´We'll go as well´´ – the chief replied, meaning himself and his Spartans.
´´No´´ - The Arbiter said – ´´You stay here chief. If something goes wrong inside that vessel you will go in there and aid our troops, besides there are only 26 on board. My elites will handle them with ease. ´´
The chief was about to complain but he dismissed it, after all the elites held a great hatred towards the Brutes. It was better if they discarded that pinned up hatred in battle. – ´´Very well. Just remember that there might be droids in the vessel as well.´´
´´Good point ´´– The Arbiter replied – ´´but the first scan should have shown irregular energy sources within the ship, so if there were droids inside the ship, they are now deactivated.´´
´´Arbiter, this is the Spec ops commander. ´´ – Half jaw said by comm. – ´´I have my team ready, requesting permission to board. ´´
´´Granted´´ – The Arbiter replied.
40 fully loaded elites, from blue to black armor, formed up as they boarded the phantoms, along with 12 hunters and 30 grunts. The Spec ops commander had only chosen former covenant troops for this mission, since this was a 'special' occasion.
The 6 phantoms exited the ship's docking bay and headed towards the flagship, an escort of 5 seraph fighters accompanied them.
´´This is Seraph 1, the docking bay's shields are up and working fine. You are clear from here on.´´
´´Roger that´´ – The commander replied – ´´patrol the surroundings until we return to our ship, over and out´´
The 6 phantoms entered the docking bay and every elite and hunter descended first. Securing the area, the elites gave the ok for the grunts to come out as well. The spec ops commander inserted his own AI into the nearest panel to inspect the ship. In mere moments the holo image of a black ops elite appeared before him.
´´Helios, access the ships database and find out the Covenant navigational records of their fleet, then download any surveillance footage to our ships in the fleet.´´
´´In moments commander´´ – The AI replied to Half jaw.
´´Very well, keep me posted´´ – The commander replied and drew his particle rifle – ´´You 5, stay and guard the phantoms and the docking bay, along with two hunters.´´
The 5 elites nodded and positioned themselves around the docking bay, the hunters just stood ready for battle with their arm shields up.
Then the commander turned to Helios – ´´Helios, seal every door of this docking bay, except the main one.´´
´´Yes commander´´
´´Alright, let's spill brute blood´´ – The commander yelled and his elites roared in unison.
Meanwhile in the Bringer of Order:
The Chief and the others surveyed the first footage that Helios had downloaded, in it Super battle droids and Droidekas fought against several Brutes and Jackals.
´´So Grievous managed to board this vessel´´ – 38 said to the group – ´´But strange that he just abandoned it like that. ´´
´´Indeed´´ – The Arbiter replied – ´´Why would he throw away the chance to study this vessel and add their technology to his own fleet. ´´
´´Maybe he was forced to escape as the battle raged on´´ – The chief replied – ´´But why didn't he destroy it at least.? ´´
´´Cortana´´ – The chief called upon her.
´´Yes? ´´
´´Tell Helios to send us the very first and last footage of the flagship.´´
´´I'll try, but those elite AI's are such a pain to deal with´´ – Cortana said and turned to her task at hand. Several minutes later, her image appeared again. – ´´Like I told you, Helios is whining around that most of the database is corrupted and that he needs time to properly set it back to normal. ´´
´´So ,he didn't get the videos? ´´– The chief asked.
´´He did managed to get the very first one just before the battle´´ – Cortana sad and immediately she run it before them.
In the video, several Brute Honor guards stood in formation as the Prophet of Truth floated towards his throne, followed closely by Tartarus.
´´ That damn ape returned as well´´ – The Arbiter thought.
´´Wait a minute, then this ship is…´´
´´Was the personal flagship of the Prophet of Truth´´ – The Arbiter finished the chief's sentence.
´´Are you sure? ´´ – The commander asked.
´´Yes commander´´ – Helios responded – ´´I am certain of it. ´´
The commander pondered that thought, If this was the personal flagship of Truth then why did he abandoned it, Truth still possessed the Forerunner ship he took from High Charity, but he would never abandon his personal flag ship.
´´Commander´´ – A black ops elite broke trough his thoughts – ´´This is the storage bay.´´
´´Indeed´´ – The commander shouldered his rifle and withdrew his plasma sword – ´´Once open, throw 3 plasma grenades to the group, we shall follow. ´´
The black ops elite nodded and motioned two of his elites on stand by. The door was locked from the inside, but that was nothing Helios couldn't fix. As the commander gave the order, Helios opened the door with ease and the black op elites looped the grenades inside.
´´Attack´´ – The commander yelled after the grenades detonated. But as he entered , he froze in the spot. – ´´What is this? ´´
The chief, the Arbiter and the other watched the first video as Grievous holo image appeared before Truth and ordered him to surrender to the CIS, along with his ships.
´´Doesn't he know another phrase? ´´- The chief asked.
´´We'll, he is a droid, what do you expect? ´´- 38 countered.
The video continued with Truth babbling about the might of the Covenant, until the spec ops commander contacted them by comm. – ´´Arbiter can you read me? ´´
´´What is it? ´´
´´Look for yourself´´ – The commander replied and turned his portable camera to the Covenant inside the ship. Apart for some Brutes and jackals killed by their grenades, over 20 badly wounded Covenant forces stood in a corner. – ´´I don't see within them the treacherous prophet of truth or that blasted ape Tartarus.´´
´´They must have escaped in the middle of the battle´´ – The Arbiter replied.
´´Indeed, but what shall we do with these ones? ´´- Just as the commander asked, a Brute ,missing a leg, crawled towards them.
´´Please help us, we're hurt ... ´´
´´Back off´´ – A black ops elite yelled to the brute, but the brute continue to crawl towards them – ´´I say back off !´´ – The elite shot the brute in the face with his carbine.
´´We should kill these bastards´´ – An elite yelled.
´´Yes, these damn apes have spilled the blood from hundreds of our brothers´´ – Another elite yelled.
The Spec ops commander didn't like to kill a wounded enemy, even if it was a Brute, but seeing that his elites didn't had a problem with that he marched out of the storage bay.
´´Do as you please with them´´ – The commander said to his troops.
The chief, 38 and Jack watched as the elites mutilated the wounded Brutes and jackals in the storage bay. Since the Covenant were wounded, this was a butchering for them.
´´This isn't right´´ – The chief said – ´´Even if were at war.´´
After hearing that, the Arbiter decided that he had seen enough. – ´´ensign you have the bridge´´ - then he turned towards the grav lift to head to the armory.
´´Where are you going? ´´ – The chief asked.
´´Down there to stop this. ´´-The Arbiter answered.
The Arbiter headed towards the armory to arm himself and then he would ask an Asgard to beam him to the Covenant flag ship, what he did not expect was a team already waiting for him in the Armory.
´´What are you doing here? ´´
´´Gearing up for the mission ´´– Jack answered the Arbiter as he passed by him.
´´Mission, you're not coming ´´– The Arbiter said to Sg-1
´´Why not? ´´ – Jack asked.
´´Because I will go alone, that's why´´ – The Arbiter replied.
´´You could use some backup. ´´
´´There are over 40 elites in there to back me up. ´´
´´We want to check a Covenant ship´´ – Jack answered back.
´´This is a Covenant ship. Check this ship. ´´
´´I thought you elites weren't covenant anymore? ´´
´´We aren't. ´´
´´Then we just want to go to kill boredom, right guys. ´´ – Jack said. Seeing that this was going nowhere, the Arbiter sighed and turned to O'Neill.
´´Very well human, your team can come. ´´
´´It's O'Neill´´ – Jack replied, making the Arbiter even madder – ´´With two 'l's. ´´
The Arbiter regretted the idea of having them along but nonetheless he resigned and opened his comm. – ´´Penegal, beam us to the storage bay´´
´´In moments´´– The second in command of Thor said and in moments they were beamed to the Covenant flagship.
´´Chief´´ – Cortana's holo image appeared before them – ´´Helios has finally found the last known surveillance footage of the Flag ship.´´
´´Thank you Cortana´´ – The chief replied – ´´Now ,can you play it. ´´
Cortana played the video in the main holo screen , the chief and 38 turned their attention to it. In the video, severe mutilated bodies of dozens of Covenant forces as well as destroyed droids filled the floors. In the last minutes they could see some damaged Super battle droids and Brutes fighting against a third foe, but due to video problems the chief could not identify the third foe.
´´Did I just saw right, or were the Covenant and droids fighting another army? ´´ – Boss asked.
´´You saw right 38´´ – Cortana answered – ´´Helios is currently searching for any signs of the third foe, but so far nothing. ´´
´´Then we better warn the Arbiter and his team´´ – The chief replied.
´´Stupid ape´´ – A black ops elite sneered as he kicked a brute in the floor. Just as the elite aimed his plasma rifle towards the brute he was stopped by another elite.-´´The Arbiter!´´
The Arbiter pushed the black elite back and glared at the others. As the black armored elite regained his composure he spoke – ´´Why did you stop us? ´´
´´We are Sangheili´´ – The Arbiter yelled – ´´Even when these damn apes deserve a dreaded faith, we have honor. This is not the way.´´
Once said, the Arbiter walked outside the storage bay to find the spec ops commander on guard with some hunters.
´´Why didn't you stopped them?´´ – The Arbiter asked.
´´With all due respect Arbiter, we are at war. Even when you are right, in the end we will have to kill every Covenant forces to win over them. ´´
´´Maybe, but as I said, this is not the way…´´
Suddenly, Helios voice rang trough their comm. – ´´Commander, we have a problem. ´´
´´What is it? ´´ – The Arbiter asked.
Helios holo image appeared before them in a holo projector - ´´I've just saw the last known footage of the flagship's interiors and it appears that a third faction was responsible for the decimation of both droid and Covenant forces, right now I'm trying to further access the ship's database, but the whole network is in disarray.´´
´´That doesn't sound good´´ – Carter replied as SG 1 joined them – ´´Helios, have you detected any unknown residue of another faction besides the Covenant and CIS? ´´
´´That's the strange part, I haven't ´´– Helios answered – ´´It's almost as if the third faction either suffered no losses or meticulously vanished any evidence proving they we're even onboard.´´
While they heard the words of Helios, the black op elites decided to kill the remaining brutes anyway. The Arbiter heard them and ran back to the storage bay, just to see the last brute being killed by the same elite he had stopped moments ago. The brute's blood flowed freely in the floor as the Arbiter approached the elite.
´´What did I told you…´´ – The Arbiter yelled but stopped as he saw the blood of the dozens of killed Covenant flowing right to the center of the room. The flow of the blood would have been natural if it wasn't for the pentagram it formed as the blood collided. The pentagram glowed almost as if it was made of fire. – ´´We must leave this ship immediately´´ – The Arbiter yelled to his troops.
´´What's going on?´´ – Daniel asked.
´´Shut up and run towards the docking bay now´´ – The Arbiter yelled. The others wasted no time and followed closely. As they reached the gate that separated them from their phantoms they discovered that the gate had automatically sealed itself.
´´Helios, open this door immediately ´´– The spec ops commander yelled.
´´I am sorry but I cannot do that commander´´ – The Ai replied , and before the commander could ask why, Helios showed him the reason. A nearby screen showed that the shields around the docking bay have been deactivated and in so forcing the phantoms out of the docking bay, along with the unfortunate elites and hunters that didn't manage to board them.
´´Damn it´´ – The Arbiter growled, then he opened his comm. – ´´Penegal, beam us back to the fleet.´´- Nothing but static – ´´Penegal, do you read me ? ´´
´´Chief, the covenant flagship's shields have been raised and their phantoms have been expelled out of the docking bay´´ – Cortana said inside the Bringer of Order – ´´I've lost contact with Helios as well. ´´
Acting quick, the chief contacted Penegal – ´´Penegal, beam them out of there ,Now.´´
´´I'm afraid I cant do that´´ – The small Asgard replied – ´´Somehow, I'm being blocked due to the flagship's shields.´´
´´We'll then, there's only one solution for that´´ – 38 replied – ´´Aim all turrets towards the flagship and open fire, that way we'll lower their shields.´´
´´Good idea´´ – Cortana replied, but then something caught her attention – ´´But it's too late.´´
The flagship began moving away from the debris and prepared to jump into slipspace, but the difference was that the space window was almost as a black hole engulfing the vessel. The Alliance fleet fired anyway but the ship shields resisted and it jumped before they could stop it.
´´Cortana, do you have the coordinates of their jump´´ – The chief asked.
´´No´´ – Cortana shook her head – ´´I don't know how, but it almost looks like they just disappeared.´´
The chief was not going to give up just because of what he heard – ´´Cortana, check the energy readings of the flag ship when it jumped, Penegal check if there's anything useful in the CIS debris. We're not just going to abandon them.´´
´´Penegal, do you read me´´ – The Arbiter tried once more, but he gave up – ´´Helios, does the flag ship still possess drop ships in other docking bays.´´
´´Yes Arbiter, but it is pointless´´ – The Ai replied – ´´We cant evacuate the ship while it's on slip space.´´
´´Slipspace? ´´ – The commander asked – ´´But the ships engines were offline.´´
´´Apparently they came to life a few minutes ago. ´´ – Helios answered.
´´And where is it heading´´ – Daniel asked.
´´I can't access the navigational systems yet, so I do not know human´´ – Helios replied.
´´Then we shall find out´´ – The Arbiter replied – ´´Helios, download the ship's schematics to my armor. ´´
´´And to mine´´ – The commander said.
´´Done´´ – Helios said – ´´I shall remain within the ship's mainframe to continue my work from here.´´
´´Very well´´ – The Arbiter replied – ´´Everyone follow me.´´
´´Is it me or is it getting darker´´- Jack said to the group.
´´Indeed O'Neill´´- Teal'c said.
The Arbiter also noted that as they advanced forward, the hallways got darker and darker, an unusual phenomenon in the purple glowing Covenant vessel. – ´´Helios, what's wrong with the lights?.´´
´´What do you mean Arbiter´´ – The Ai replied by comm. – ´´I'm registering nothing unusual in your current position.´´
´´Strange´´ – The commander replied – ´´Helios, intensify the lights twice their normal output. ´´
´´Yes commander´´ – The Ai replied and in moments the light was intensified, but it was still dark, seeing this, the Ai spoke – ´´Should I increase it again. ´´
´´Yes, do it´´ – The commander replied. The lights flooded the darkness that surrounded them. The sound of fire caught the commander's attention. – ´´Why did you fire´´ – Half jaw asked Teal'c and O'Neill.
´´Something was hiding over there´´ – Teal'c replied.
´´Are you sure? ´´ – The Arbiter asked. – ´´what did it look like? ´´
´´Actually´´ – O'Neill said – ´´We only saw the shadow, not the thing itself. ´´
´´Then It was nothing´´ – The commander replied – ´´My motion sensors didn't detect anything. It was all in your head ,humans.´´
´´Forget the incident, let us continue´´ – The Arbiter said, ending the conversation. However he kept his plasma sword ready anyway.
As they got closer to the bridge, the darkness had overwhelmed them, forcing them to increase the light to their maximum and to turn their infrared vision as well as the built in light of the assault rifles of SG 1.
´´It's more likely that the power core of the ship is almost depleted´´ – Daniel said.
´´But then we would drop out of slipspace´´ – Carter replied – ´´There must be another reason. ´´
´´Whatever it is, we'll find out when we reach the bridge´´ – The commander replied. Crossing two more hallways the main gate towards the bridge was visible to them.
´´You sure waste a lot of space´´ – O'Neill said to the elites as he surveyed the enormous corridors of the Covenant ship.
´´Be quiet´´ – An elite said – ´´We're here.´´
The Arbiter and the spec ops commander stood in front of the door awaiting for Helios to open it. The Ai override the security protocols and the doors lights turned green ,showing that the door was unlocked. – ´´The door is unlocked commander.´´
´´Well done Helios, once we get the navigational…´´- The commander stopped as he bumped into the Arbiter's back – ´´Why did you stop? ´´. – Looking inside, the commander got his answer.
The entire bridge was covered in blood , dozens of brute, jackal and drone bodies lying around the floor, while some of them were hanged up the pillars with their intestines sliding out. The tactical screens showed nothing but weird and useless symbols. The worst part was in the ceiling as several skinned bodies, attached to some gross meat and tentacles looked down to them.
´´What is this? ´´ – The commander asked.
Suddenly, the bodies in the ceiling began moaning and their organs fell to the floor. The Arbiter had seen enough – ´´Helios, seal the bridge immediately´´ – Static once again – ´´Helios answer me.´´
A deep growl emanating from the dark corridors caught their attention, every elite, hunter and SG 1 aimed their weapons towards the corridors, looking for the source of the sound. The grunts also did the same, but some of them ran in fear to the inside of the bridge.
´´Wait, don't enter´´ – The Arbiter tried to stop them but several grunts, in their despair entered the bridge. Then the door to the bridge was sealed once again.
The Arbiter tried to open the door but it was pointless, from the inside the cries for help of the grunts reached their ears. Apparently, someone or something was slaughtering them inside.
´´Plasma charge ,Now ´´– The commander yelled and two elites ran towards the door to install the device, but they stopped as the cries of the grunts ended. – ´´Didn't you hear me´´ – Half jaw replied, but he was silenced by the Arbiter.
´´They're already dead´´ – The Arbiter replied. Seconds later, the sealed door began to bend by something incredibly strong from the other side. – ´´Everyone, fall back´´ – The Arbiter ordered. By protocols, the doors toward the bridge could resist even a pair of hunters ramming it, only an explosive charge had the necessary power to blow it, but if some thing could bend it like that, the Arbiter didn't feel like sticking around to find out what it was.
The team of over 70 preferred to stay around to fight the damn thing, after all no enemy would resist the might of over 30 elites and 10 hunters, but they had to obey the Arbiter. As they ran trough several passages away from the Bridge, the plasma charge installed in the door was activated by the Arbiter, the explosion was heard trough the hallways, but what about the scream of the thing?.
´´Strange´´ – The commander replied – ´´Why didn't the thing scream when the charge was detonated?. ´´
´´Maybe it didn't had a chance to do so´´ – An elite commented. Suddenly, each of them could sense a growing tremor , like something as large and heavy as an elephant came closer and closer towards their position. Instinctively, every elite ,grunt and hunter aimed their weapons towards the end of the hallway, ready to receive whatever it was coming like it deserved. With a shower of plasma.
Another tremor, followed by an ever bigger one, definitely the thing was almost there. The Arbiter was beginning to sweat. Another tremor ,and another , and then nothing.
´´It stopped´´ – The commander whispered. Then he motioned two of the hunters to advance forward, while several elites followed closely. The massive hunters advanced with their arm shields up and ready to fire their fuel rod at the first sign of any hostile. The commander had decided to position the grunts in the back, since they were useless anyway. The hunters finally reached the end of the hallway, but they didn't open fire. Lowering their arm shields they raised their long necks as if searching for anything in the adjacent corridor. An elite peeked in the corridor and then he motioned the commander.
´´Nothing´´ – The commander thought – ´´But the tremors, we all heard them. ´´
´´That's impossible´´ – Carter said to the group – ´´Nothing as large that can cause tremors like that can just hide like that. Given the mass and the distance of the last tremor.´´
´´Carter! ´´ – O'Neill stopped her , then he motioned her to stay quiet with his finger.
´´Sorry´´ – Carter mouthed with her lips.
Just as the Arbiter was starting to relax, the high squeaks of the grunts caught his attention. Turning and activating his infrared ,in the dark he found over 10 grunts killed , while the other ones run desperately towards his position.
The Arbiter saw a shadow leap from one corner ,grabbing a grunt and once again vanishing in the dark. The Arbiter lifted his Carbine and opened fire, followed by the other elites with their weapons. Suddenly, something was thrown towards him. The eviscerated body of the grunt.
´´Grenades´´ – The commander yelled and in unison, 5 plasma grenades illuminated the hallway with blue light, enough to see a creature as large as an elite growling and jumping back to the shadows.
A large thump was heard in the direction where the two hunters and elites had gone to inspect moments ago. When they turned ,they found the impossible: a huge being lifting a hunter by the neck as if it was nothing more like a rag doll. The second hunter rammed the Hell knight , but the Hell knight didn't budge and with his claw he sent the hunter several feet away. As the second Hunter fell dead , the elites, hunters and SG 1 opened fire upon the Hell knight.
The Hell knight moved towards their position, causing more tremors with his enormous size, the hail of plasma and bullets reaching him but the Hell knight seemed unaffected.
´´Carter´´ – Jack said as he reloaded his assault rifle – ´´any ideas. ´´
´´I'm afraid not sir´´ – Carter replied.
´´I do have one, human´´ – The spec ops commander said and motioned two hunters to open fire with their fuel rods upon the behemoth. The fuel rods impacted with the Hell knight, forcing it back, but only a few feet. The Arbiter ordered the elites to throw grenades on his mark, landing every plasma grenade right in the Hell knight's chest.
The Arbiter ordered full retreat while the two hunters remained back to delay the Hell knight, once the grenades exploded, the Hell knight was thorn in two. The Arbiter relaxed a bit, but it quickly vanished as dozens of Imps and two more Hell knights emerged from the corridor.
As the group ran , the lights continue to decrease more and more until darkness fell upon them, the growls of the abominations coming closer and closer as they ran with their infrared and night vision. The closest and safest place to take refuge was the Hierarch personal chambers, since the room was even more protected than the bridge, as well as possessing an energy dome around it. Something useless in a Covenant flag ship since no enemy had ever boarded their ships, but this time the Arbiter was glad for the dome.
Once they reached the chambers, they found the door locked – ´´Helios respond´´ – The Arbiter said by comm..
´´Yes Arbiter´´ – The Ai finally responded – ´´I detected a firefight moments ago, what happened?. ´´
´´I'll explain later, but right now open the Hierarch personal chamber´´ – The Arbiter replied.
Some elites and Hunters fought against wave and wave of imps as they approached their position, when the Hell knights reached them the true battle began: The Hell knights broke trough the ranks of the former Covenant forces , killing dozens of them. The Hell knights strange green fire impacted with a few elites and hunters, the elites shields flickered once and fell dead in the spot with a hole on their chests while the hunters armor melted away, followed by the full force of the blast.
´´Helios, now would be a good time to…´´- The Arbiter saw the doors open and motioned every member of his team inside, then he ordered Helios to seal the doors and raise the chambers shields.
The Arbiter activated his plasma sword as they heard the Imps and Hell knights slamming the shields trying to get in and cut the flesh and bones of their new prey. The slamming continued for a few more minutes until they finally stopped.
The Arbiter turned the sword off and turned to his team, or what was left of it: apart from himself and the Spec ops commander, only 15 elites , 6 grunts and 4 hunters, along with SG-1 remained.
´´Damn it´´ – The Spec ops commander punched the wall – ´´We fell strait in their trap.´´
´´What's done it's done, right now we must concentrate on finding a way out of this ship.´´
´´Indeed ´´– Half jaw replied to the Arbiter – ´´Helios, do you copy, over. ´´
´´Yes commander´´ – The holo image of Helios appeared in the Hierarch personal projector. – ´´What can I do for you? ´´
´´For starters, you can tell us if those damn things are still outside waiting for us´´ – Jack said to the elite Ai. Helios gave him a look of disgust, but followed his advice.
´´The ship's sensors do not pick any life signature, except your of course´´
´´And what about those things that slaughtered my troops?´´ – The commander replied to Helios.
´´Commander, I am telling the truth, here is the image from outside the hierarch quarters.´´
The image in the main screen showed that no one was outside the corridors, not even the bodies of the fallen elites, grunts and hunters appeared on the image.
´´Where are the bodies? ´´– The commander asked.
´´This is the live video, commander.´´ – Helios answered.
´´This might be a trap´´ – The Arbiter thought, however an elite didn't care and headed towards the door.
´´Now is our chance to reach the phantom bay´´- The elite lowered the shields around the room and opened the door, The Arbiter tried to stop him but he was too late. As the doors opened, the elite was face to face with a Hell knight, the Hell knight grabbed both shoulders of the elite and ripped the elite's head with his mandibles. Act followed, dozens of Imps and Maggots swarmed to the insides of the room.
´´Helios close the door Now! ´´ – The commander yelled. However, a good number of demons had already invaded their sanctuary. The elites and SG 1 opened fire upon them ,taking out several maggots, but the Imps leaped and crawled out of harms way.
´´Carter, Teal'c watch out´´ – O'Neill yelled as an Imp got the jump on Teal'c and pushed him far away, Carter fired upon the Imp but the demon was very quick and in mere moments the Imp disarmed her and stabbed her in the chest.
´´Carter! ´´ – Jack yelled as he saw the Imp digging his claws into her, Jack raised his rifle and filled the Imp with bullets. This time, the Imp was distracted and received every single shot strait to the body.
The Arbiter discarded the useless Carbine and switched to his plasma sword, slicing his way trough the Imps and maggots. The Imps also fired a strange fire attack like the Hell knights, but weaker , so the elite's shields resisted long enough for them to finish their enemy. Then the Arbiter turned to the main threat , a single Hell knight had managed to enter the quarters and he was slaughtering the elites and Hunters. The Arbiter turned his plasma sword on and turned to see the Spec ops commander doing the same.
´´Ready? ´´- Half jaw asked.
´´Of course´´ - The Arbiter replied.
Both elites lunged against the Hell knight, but the plasma swords only managed to cause superficial wounds. Half jaw ducked as the Hell knight turned around and lunged with his right arm, the Arbiter saw the opportunity and in one clean cut he separated the arm of the Hell knight's body, the spec ops commander stabbed the Hell knight with his own plasma sword and backed away as the Hell knight scrambled in pain. Finally ,the Arbiter jumped and in one move decapitated the Hell knight. Finally, both elites fell to the floor in exhaustion.
Once they finished the last demon, they discovered that the demons burned to ashes when defeated. However, they managed to take 3 grunts and two elites with them.
´´Carter´´ – O'Neill kneeled before her – ´´Talk to me.´´
´´Sir…sorry…I got…careless…´´- Carter managed to say but she fell unconscious. O'Neill fought the tears forming on his eyes and turned to Daniel ,that was attending her wound.
´´How bad is she? ´´
´´Pretty bad´´ – Daniel replied – ´´We can stop the bleeding ,but unless we get her some medical attention soon , she might not make it. ´´
´´She will´´ – The Arbiter handed Daniel a strange device. – ´´This will heal the wound, but only lightly, but enough for her to survive until we escape this vessel.´´
´´Thanks´´ – Jack said to the Arbiter. As the Arbiter left, he regretted bringing them along.
´´ It is clear that those two have feelings for each other, that is a mistake every soldier knows.´´ The commander thought, but decided to focus his anger upon the responsible for this – ´´Helios, you said that the corridor was clear ´´
´´Yes I did commander´´ – Helios once again appeared before them – ´´But somehow they managed to appear just as the door was opened. I apologize.´´
´´Apologize! ´´ – The commander yelled, but he controlled himself. – ´´Give me something useful, a way to escape this vessel Now!.´´
´´Immediately´´ – Helios replied and returned to his work.
Once Helios left, the Spec ops commander slid down the wall he was leaning and sat in the floor. – ´´I believe we must rest until Helios finds us a way out.´´
´´I agree´´ – The Arbiter replied. Exhaustion getting to him – ´´For now let us rest.´´
Unknown hours later:
The Arbiter opened his eyes after dozing off – ´´How many hours as it been? ´´ – He questioned himself. Turning around he saw his fellow elites on the floor: a few meditating while others slept. The Hunters stood in their fighting pose, but the Arbiter knew from experience that they were sleeping, the 3 grunts also slept in the floor.
Two elites stood in guard, although the chamber possessed shields they didn't want to risk it. The Spec ops commander, and friend, also slept a few feet away from his position. Finally he turned to the members of SG 1.
The human called Daniel used his gear, and rifle , as a pillow – ´´Ingenious´´ – The Arbiter thought. – ´´But stupid´´ – After all, if an enemy appeared, he would have a hard time disentangling the rifle from his gear.
Then he turned to Teal'c as he meditated. The black human ,or Jaffa as some Tok'ra called them, was like a statue, meditating or not. The Arbiter wondered for a few minutes just what life did these supposed goa'uld gods forced upon this breed of humans. –´´And what's with that weird symbol on his forehead? ´´
´´Do you require something Arbiter? ´´- Teal'c asked, not loud enough to wake the others but enough for him to hear.
´´No, nothing´´ – The Arbiter replied. Teal'c merely nodded and returned to his meditation, leaving the Arbiter thinking : ´´Was he aware I was seeing him? ´´
Finally, the Arbiter turned to the humans called O'Neill – ´´With two 'l's´´ – The Arbiter recalled in sarcasm, and Carter – ´´The female injured by the demon´´ – The Arbiter recalled, and decided that those things are the demons from the human religion.
O'Neill was currently asleep, but he kept Carter's head resting on his lap, constantly checking her status. The Arbiter used to think that the humans are blinded by emotions, but after seeing this scene he wasn't so sure now. He briefly remembered her own mate during the human covenant war – ´´And then she abandoned me after I was branded with the mark…´´ - The Arbiter remembered.
The Arbiter decided to contact Helios to ask if he had any progress – ´´Helios, have you found a way out of here?. ´´
´´None at the moment Arbiter´´ – Helios replied by comm. – ´´Several demons are still roaming around the corridors searching for a way to enter. ´´
´´Thank you, keep me posted´´ – The Arbiter replied. After realizing that there was nothing he could do to, he decided to sleep …- ´´No´´ – The Arbiter thought – ´´That's where they haunt me…´´
Jack O'Neill and his wife Sarah ran towards the second floor of their home after hearing a gun shot coming from within. As they entered the room, Sarah crumbled to the floor hysterical while Jack approached the body of their son Charlie, that accidentally had fired a round of his Beretta.
´´Charlie…´´- Jack mumbled as he hugged the body of his only son, now dead by a stupid careless accident. But suddenly, Charlie spoke in a demonic way.
´´Don't worry dad…´´ – The disfigured face of his son turned to see him strait in the eyes - ´´… You'll soon be with us…to suffer for what you did…´´
´´Nooooooo! ´´ – O'Neill yelled , waking the others, as well as a slightly better Carter.
´´What is it Jack? ´´ – Daniel asked – ´´Had a nightmare. ´´
´´Not a nightmare, more like a fucking vision from those bastards outside. ´´ – Jack replied, with anger in his voice.
´´That does it , I wont stay here and wait for those bastards to come´´ – The spec ops commander yelled to the group – ´´Helios, have you found a way out of this ship.? ´´
´´Yes commander´´ – The Ai replied – ´´I am sure that the demons are still roaming in the level you are, however If you exit the chambers trough the Hierarchs escape route you will be able to reach the lower levels of the ship. Once done, you'll head to the secondary navigational controls and lead this ship back to our base.´´
´´Perfect, well done Helios´´ – The commander replied, while the Ai acknowledged.
Moments later, a few elites moved a large statue of the Prophet of Truth and found a secret grav lift still operational. 5 elites descended first to secure the area, but as Helios said earlier, no demon was waiting for them.
´´Arbiter, the coast is clear´´ – A black ops elite replied by comm.
´´Roger that´´ – The Arbiter replied – ´´The grunts will descend first´´ – Then he turned to SG 1 – ´´O'Neill, can she move? ´´
´´Yes´´ – Carter answered, trying to stand up, with some help of Jack.
´´Very well, let us go. ´´
The now small group walked cautiously but fast towards their destination. So far so good, no demon had appeared before them, a good sign that things were finally looking good for a change.
´´Strange´´ – The Arbiter thought – ´´this seems too easy. ´´- The Arbiter discarded the idea and continue strait ahead. But several minutes later, the hallway divided into two separate corridors.
´´Strange´´ – The commander said – ´´my schematics don't show any corridor like this one, what about your schematics, Arbiter? ´´
´´Same here´´ – The Arbiter replied – ´´Helios, what corridor should we take? ´´ – The Arbiter asked by comm., but once again static – ´´Damn it´´
´´This way…´´- A voice said to the Arbiter in a mere whisper. The Arbiter turned to the left corridor ,the place in which the voice emanated.
´´Did you hear that?. ´´
´´Hear what? ´´ – The commander replied.
´´No…this way…´´- Another voice followed, this time from the right corridor. – ´´to the left is only death…´´
The Arbiter soon realized that the demons were playing with him. Trying once again with his comm., he contacted Helios – ´´Helios ,respond. ´´
The comm. cracked and the voice of Helios was finally heard – ´´Yes Arbiter.´´
´´We have reached a corridor leading towards two different places, tell me which one will lead us to the navigational controls.´´
´´The one in the left Arbiter´´ – The Ai replied – ´´The one in the right leads to engineering and plasma cooling…´´
´´Thank you´´ – The Arbiter replied, before the Ai continued on with his speech – ´´Arbiter out. ´´- The Arbiter smiled at the demons weak attempt to delay them – ´´Nice try, but you failed. ´´
The team took the left path and walked in relatively calmness ,that is until they came to a dead end, along with a rotting corpse waiting for them.
´´But Helios said this was the way´´ – The commander said – ´´There's no way he could be wrong´´ – But the rest ignored him as the corpse stood up and spoke:
´´You should have listened to the other one… ´´- The corpse laughed and lunged to bite the commander, but the Arbiter easily sliced the corpse in half.
´´We must move quickly´´ – Teal'c said to the group. However, the doors around them opened and from them hundreds of Trites emerged. The spiders, with inverted human-like heads, were easily killed, but the problem resided in the fact that there were so many of them. And the greatest threat was the mechanized bull demon, named Pinky by his demon pals. The bull demon rammed his way against several elites, pinning them and slicing their stomachs wide open with his mandibles.
´´We must go before they overwhelm us´´ – The Arbiter yelled to his troops. As they ran away from the spiders, the door leading back to the two way corridor was slowly sealing itself.
´´Helios, the doors are closing, open them. ´´
´´No´´ – The Ai calmly replied
´´What? ´´ – The Arbiter asked – ´´Open them now! ´´
´´As I said No´´ – Helios replied –´´You see, If you die, we'll have quite a feast with your souls, so I'm afraid you must die now, bye bye, jejejejejejejejejeje. ´´
The Arbiter ended the comm. The Ai had been compromised ever since they first inserted him onto the ship's mainframe.
´´Arbiter ,stand aside. ´´ – The commander yelled
The Arbiter turned to see the four hunters ready to open fire upon the door, as the Arbiter moved ,the Hunters fired their fuel rod , then two of them rammed the melting door. The door finally gave in ,allowing the rest to exit the Trites nest.
´´Arbiter, I got an idea´´ – Carter said as they ran away from the Trites – ´´Helios said that engineering was to the right .´´
´´So? ´´ – The Arbiter asked.
´´If we can stop or damage the main power source of the entire ship, the flag ship will exit slip space. ´´
´´And then what? ´´- The Arbiter asked.
´´Then we try to contact our fleet or hope that they are still searching for us´´ – Carter replied.
The Arbiter thought for a moment, then he spoke – ´´Better than staying here and do nothing´´ – The Arbiter replied.
The team entered engineering, but it was more different that the engineering aboard the UNSC vessels. The section was only a small portion compared with the enormous energy core in the middle of the room.
´´Holy…´´- Jack muttered – ´´This is engineering? It looks like this could fit an entire stadium. ´´
Carter and Daniel were busy tapping commands in the nearby panels, but Helios had done a good job in locking the controls.
´´It's pointless´´ – Daniel said – ´´The controls are blocked, there's no way we can stop the ship from here. ´´
The door was beginning to bend, the Arbiter guessed that the Hell knights had found them already. – ´´Yes there is. ´´ – The Arbiter motioned the Hunters to fire their fuel rod towards the main power core in the middle of engineering. But the Spec ops commander stopped them before they could fire.
´´Are you mad´´ – The commander said – ´´If the core is destroyed, the entire ship will blow by the chain reaction. ´´
´´I know´´ – The Arbiter replied – ´´But we wont destroy it, but damage it enough to stop the ship and leave it stranded in space.´´
´´You do know that if the core is damaged, life support might fail as well´´ – Daniel said to the Arbiter.
´´I know´´ – Then the Arbiter turned to the bending door by the Hell knights – ´´But we have no other choice.´´
Resigning, the commander spoke – ´´Very well, good luck to us all.´´
´´Why did you said that´´ – Jack complained – ´´Every time someone wishes good luck to another, everything goes…´´ - Jack couldn't finish because the Hunters opened fire upon the core, causing a mayor chain reaction in the entire ship. The last thing anyone saw was a blinding light, followed by the explosion of the flag ship.
Wake up…
Come on, wake up…
Wake up already, Hell only allows me to stay here for a few moments…
At the word Hell, the Arbiter slowly opened his eyes, his whole body felt like it had been rammed by a pair of angry Hunters. As he looked around ,he saw that he was in the bridge of the flag ship, nothing new, except of a human waiting for him there.
´´You finally got up´´ – The elderly human said to the Arbiter.
´´Who are you? ´´ – The Arbiter asked, while searching for his plasma sword – ´´Where are the others? ´´
´´Oh, they're quite fine. As for your other question, just call me Betruger, Doctor Betruger If you may.´´
´´You're not human´´ – The Arbiter replied – ´´What are you?.´´
´´A doctor, remember´´ – Betruger laughed a bit, but stopped as the Arbiter grabbed him by the neck and lifted him a few feet.
´´What do you want? ´´- The Arbiter asked.
´´Just to say hello´´ – Betruger replied- ´´and see how you're doing ever since that time in the mausoleum of the Arbiter.´´
The Arbiter dropped Betruger after he said that, so he was with the demons – ´´So you're the leader of the demons?.´´
´´No no no´´ – Betruger said – ´´I'm a mere pawn of my master, during the course of the wars, your pathetic alliance will meet my true master, but unfortunately…you wont live that long. ´´
´´So, you're going to kill me? ´´ – The Arbiter asked in disbelief – ´´Don't make me laugh ,human.´´
´´Oh ,I assure you, I wont. ´´
Several images filled the mind of the Arbiter, future images, but only the ancients had the power to see the future – ´´These images are false´´ – The Arbiter replied – ´´You demons are only trying to trick me again. ´´
´´Is that what you think? ´´- Betruger asked – ´´But you well know that those images are not false. You will see.´´
´´Only I can decide my destiny´´ – The Arbiter yelled – ´´Not cheap images from you, demons´´
´´Fine, be that way´´ – Betruger said, then he checked his wrist watch – ´´Look at the time, I better be going, but it was fun to talk with you. Hope we can do it again soon… Very soon.´´
Before Betruger left, the Arbiter had one more question – ´´If you're as powerful as the Ancients, then why haven't you fought against us in the battle field? Why have you not fought us head to head.?´´
´´Because we don't need to´´ – Betruger turned to the Arbiter –. ´´Every species inside these secret wars will shed more and more blood by themselves, making us stronger and preparing us for the moment in which we shall finally rise and finish both living and Ascended beings. You just wait and see…´´- Said that, Betruger left as everything became dark for the Arbiter.
´´Arbiter are you alright? ´´
The Arbiter once again opened his eyes, adjusting to the intense light he saw the helmet of a Spartan looking at him. Several medics attended him as well as the rest of his surviving team.
´´Chief? ´´- The Arbiter asked – ´´What happened?.´´
´´I'll explain later, right now we need to get you back to the fleet to tend your wounds as well as your team´´ – The chief replied, then he opened his comm. – ´´Penegal , beam us up.´´
´´In moments´´ – The Argard replied and the entire surviving team was beamed inside the Bringer of Order, where they would be attended to. The chief headed towards the bridge to find 38 inside.
´´Chief, we're ready to open fire´´ – 38 said to the chief.
´´Very well Boss, blow that ship to pieces´´ – The chief replied.
Several Carriers and Cruisers surrounded the Flagship and opened fire upon the Covenant vessel, the flag ship's shields flickered once, then died and the hull was bombarded with plasma and MAC shots, the Flag ship went out in a huge ball of light.
´´Flag ship destroyed´´ – An elite informed them.
´´Very well, head course towards the Alpha base´´ – The chief ordered. Once the ships entered slip space, both 38 and the chief went to check on the wounded.
A few hours later, in the infirmary:
´´How are you feeling?.´´
Sam turned to the door from her room to find Jack. – ´´Fine, come in. Daniel , Teal'c and the Chief came a few moments ago as well.´´
´´Yes I know, but I wanted to come here by myself´´ – Jack replied. Reorganizing his thoughts ,Jack spoke – ´´Listen Sam…´´
´´I know sir´´ – Carter cut in – ´´I'll try to be more careful next time.´´
´´That's not what I'm here for´´ – Jack approached her – ´´Carter…those demons haunted me with visions while we slept , only to torment us…´´
´´As with me´´ – Carter replied – ´´the things that I fear most…´´
´´Like loosing you´´ – Jack said, surprising her.
´´What? ´´
´´Sam, they forced me to watch you die before my eyes, and that made me realize that my life would have no meaning without you, what I want to say is that I love you Carter.´´
Sam was speechless after his confession, feeling the tears drop from her eyes Carter spoke –´´I don't know what to say Jack, but I can't´´ – This surprised Jack – ´´I'm in love with Daniel. ´´
´´Y,you are´´ – Jack managed to say, his face downcast by the news. – ´´I get it…I wont be in the way…´´- Jack didn't finish because Sam pulled him next to her and sealed his lips with hers. After a good few moments, both had to separate to breath air.
Jack was more than please by the action, but a question still bothered him – ´´What about Daniel´´
To his response, he received some small laughter coming from her – ´´I was only teasing you for making me wait for a long time´´ – Carter leaned up against him as a fresh wave of tears came from her eyes - ´´…Do you know ,sob, how long have I waited, sob, for you to tell me these words.´´
´´Too long´´ – Jack replied as he held her – ´´But you don't have to worry anymore, I've said it.´´
´´Finally!´´
Jack and Sam turned to the door to find Daniel along with Teal'c – ´´Took you long enough Jack´´ – Daniel replied, with a big grin on his face.
´´As some Tau'ri usually say, 'it was about time' ´´- Teal'c replied to Jack and Sam, while the newly couple turned a deep shade of red.
´´Daniel, Teal'c´´ – Jack spoke – ´´Get out of here!.´´
The chief headed towards the Arbiter's personal quarters, smiling behind the helmet after receiving the news from Linda that Jack and Sam had finally gotten together. Jack usually talked with the chief in private, about his feelings for Colonel Carter and how he had always neglected the idea because it was improper for a relation between a subordinate and his superior. But the chief always motivated him , saying that 'if they truly loved each other , then they should ignore what others would say and stay together ', taking for example his relationship with Linda.
The chief didn't realize he was in front of the Arbiter's quarters until several minutes had passed. The chief entered the quarters to find the Arbiter looking outside the window, deep in thought.
´´What did you want to speak with me? ´´ – The chief asked.
´´From this mission´´ – The Arbiter replied without turning – ´´when we were onboard the vessel, a being materialized in a corporeal form and that form spoke to me, saying that they are gathering forces to attack both living and Ascended beings.´´
´´So ,that's their plan´´ – The chief replied – ´´Was the one who spoke with you the leader of the demons? ´´
´´No´´ – The Arbiter spoke as he turned around – ´´I'm guessing that the horned thing that stood over two feet tall is the leader. Remember, the one we saw in the gathering.´´
´´Oh, that's right´´ – The chief replied.
´´Anyway, the demons told me that each time any faction shed's blood in the battle field, they will grow stronger, that's when they'll attack.´´
´´Not if I can help it.´´ - The Chief and the Arbiter turned to see Sahian as she materialize before them.
´´Can you? ´´ – The Arbiter asked – ´´The demons told me that they are almost as powerful as you ascended beings, and that is only a matter of time before…´´
´´I know what they said´´ – Sahian cut his speech – ´´And remember this: they are only trying to deceive you with lies, and if you fall for them, then they have already won.´´
´´So they're bluffing´´ – The chief spoke, while Sahian nodded. – ´´Then I guess that's settled then.´´
Just then, the comm. came to life – ´´Chief we're reaching the Alpha base, Captain Keyes requests your presence in the city.- 38 said by comm.´´
´´Heading there now Boss , chief out´´ – The chief then turned to Sahian and the Arbiter – ´´Sorry, duty calls.´´
´´I understand´´ – Sahian said.
´´I'll come to the briefing later chief´´ – The Arbiter said. The chief nodded to him and left, leaving Sahian alone with the Arbiter.
´´Now that he's gone, tell me the truth´´ – The Arbiter spoke to Sahian. Sahian turned her gaze directly towards the Arbiter as she spoke:
´´Yes , they are almost as powerful as we are´´ – Sahian answered his unspoken question. The Arbiter absorbed that information and turned back to stare outside. – ´´Right now, Myself, along with other ascended beings are trying to keep the gates of hell at bay, but most of us still ignore the impending danger and continue to evade the demons. And as you said, slowly but surely, they are growing stronger.´´
The Arbiter ,with his back to her, continue to stare outside as he heard the words of Sahian, finally one question remained – ´´Is it true? Those images they showed me, are they true?´´-Several moments passed in silence, when the Arbiter turned he found the room empty, Sahian long gone.
The images the Arbiter saw were the demons invading each and every plain of existence, killing an unknown number on their wake with no one left to stop them. With her silence, the Arbiter got his answer.
´´Then it's true…´´
Author's Notes:
Oh yeah, finally chapter 10 is done (20 to go yet) As you saw, I'm back to the killing spree in comparison with filler chapter 9.
As you saw, Anubis is controlling a part of Kerrigan's brood ,how does he do it, I'll explain in further chapters (but I'm guessing some of you already found out how he does it.)
Anyway, any question or doubts of any chapter feel free to review and I'll answer them in next chapter. Chapter 11 will be the official addition to the fic, as the Necromongers arrive, and for the delight of others, chapter 12 will involve a full scale battle between the Aliens, Zerg and Flood, with the alliance in the middle.
Now for some important topics: The vessel Seven intents to create to fight back against the Borg is a Hybrid vessel (the specifications will be detailed in chapter 15) however I need a strait opinion here: How does the idea of the hybrid vessels being Veritechs from the Macross/Robotech series sounds like, I'll need at least 8 positive reviews to go on and add the variable fighters of the anime (minus the characters from the anime of course), from chapter 10 to chapter 14 I'll be receiving those reviews trough the course of the following chapters. Remember, a least 8 reviews from different readers to go on with the idea.
Until next update. Review.