STRING 17

Earth calendar – estimated 97,495 BCE…

(Compiler's note: And so, we now arrive at the critical part of the entire document, in these following data strings, as we learn more of the role both Mendicant Bias and the Master Builder played during the fateful encounter at the Charum Hakkor system. This particular string was the most difficult of all to locate, but once we knew where to look, this was quickly pushed to the surface, as if the system was somehow helping us, working to bring this to light. I know this is not a particularly popular subject with Naval Intelligence at late – considering the recent Project Spartan debate – but this did give all of us involved a moment of unexpected contemplation. Now, without further ado, I will continue…)

Mendicant kept track of their progress over the following days, noting their progress through the old human Empire, past former settled worlds, border colonies – and finally out to the Hakkor system, the old capital of the empire. Could something still live out here, among the old Precursor ruins?

The star system had a number of rocky planets, most uninhabited, such as Sothra Hakkor, whilst Faun Hakkor still held much animal and plant life.

Charum Hakkor itself had been heavily blasted during the war, damaging many of the lesser Precursor structures, and flattening most human ones – laid low by orbital fire; drifting orbital 'arches' lay haphazardly in orbit, still largely intact through a million years or more.

The signal Mendicant followed seemed to lead them directly to the ancient planet itself, and he elected to bring in his principle 'core ship' with a respectable escort to make a closer inspection.

He broadcast an encrypted message via special channel to his command centre – to the Master Builder – alerting him of a possible find, and began the voyage insystem.

The ships moved in swiftly, soon detecting immense structures in orbit – filaments and orbital 'bridges', silk-like connecting strands, solar mirrors of archaic design, and more – all left generally untouched except for some light and careful examination by Builders and theoreticians millennia ago. All were quiet, dormant – and yet, a signal appeared to emanate from somewhere close by.

Most likely the signal originated somewhere on the surface itself, perhaps at one of the major cities once claimed by human populations. These in turn, had been constructed close to ancient adamantine structures – all that remained of likely Precursor habitation. These in turn, appeared sparse and few in number, leading many to conjecture that the Precursors dwelt deep underground for the most part…

Hmm, underground… Mendicant brought up reports made by the Didact and others during and after the human wars, on various local infrastructure and topological anomalies. It seemed there were some crate like depressions, and also some dome-like protrusions in the landscape – possible sites of concealment.

The signal spiked again – this time surely localised on one of these 'domes' – and Mendicant fought to establish a focused probe on the site.

"Contender – we are detecting a very large slipspace signature nearing one of the system's inner libration points (Compiler's note: L-5 or Lagrange Points) – it is of uncertain, but huge size," a navigation sub-metarch reported crisply.

"Display, full definition," Mendicant replied swiftly.

Seconds later, a huge, purple-blue swirl of distorted space-time erupted in the hitherto empty void. A dark region appeared, as an eye in an immense storm. Then a narrow silver track appeared, broadening into a curving shape, its considerable gravitational mass coming to rest at one of five barycentres of the system's inner orbital paths. It was a Halo…

…More precisely, the very one assigned to the rearguard of their fleet, as an ultimate tactical weapon. Accompanying it, coasting from out of the hoop's interior, emerged a large Builder starship.

"05-032 Mendicant Bias – this is Shaper of Ashlar: we have detected evidence of Flood signal traffic in this star system. We believe this may be sign of a coordinating presence. We stand ready to assist…"

"Honoured Shaper, please restrain your actions! This situation is uncertain, and requires further study…"

"We do not have time for hesitation here! Even now, major fleets have been detected on the move…"

Mendicant felt various old processes and code reconnect in anticipation and alarm – like old reminiscences of past memories – of the last time he had been party to a potentially premature action like this.

Even now, your masters react with alarm, and haste. They fear what possibilities now lie before them – and before you…

The message now was difference – immediate, delivered straight into his data core, as personal and vivid as a communication via the Domain – in fact, very similar in texture and experience.

"Then please allow me to complete my probe first – I am seeking to collect vital data on a possible entity operating free of Flood persecution out here…"

"You have a few minutes to fulfil this operation – be swift…" Shaper said sternly, before cutting transmission.

Using both geomagnetic sensors and space-time interface scanners, Mendicant was able to determine a definite presence of structures below the swelling in the landscape below. One lobed region appeared to house a major cavern, surrounded by smaller structures – and many of those appeared arrayed as if fortifications and walls around the cavern exterior. At least some kind of city lay down there, in whatever state – and perhaps a buried redoubt of some kind. Could humans have found this place? Will the Flood locate it before long?

Come closer, little one – I would speak with you. There is still time for you to learn how to bring this war to a proper conclusion the voice of the 'other' spoke, as if in reply.

"Shaper – there is definitely a submerged structure down there, and likely an intelligence of some kind."

Several stars winked out as the great hooped mass obscured them. The Halo was still millions of kilometres distant, and yet making its presence known for those able to observe.

"Contender – we fear this intelligence may be the very one that you seek, or have some other connection to the Flood. Please, withdraw your vessels…"

"Shaper – by your honour – there is no evidence yet to support this, and full survey would better determine…"

"05-032 – I am invoking your military protocols to initiate a direct recall order and withdraw your forward taskforce from the area – comply at once!" a new voice demanded.

It was the basso, honeyed tones of his co-creator – Faber of Will and Might – the renowned Master Builder, in the greying flesh.

"…Acknowledging, Master," Mendicant said after an infinitesimal but significant pause.

The ships accelerated up into the upper orbital planes of the system – higher and higher, more and more remote from the inner planets. The Halo rotated within its anchor-point, turning its hollow centre towards the nearest worlds. The Builder vessel fell back behind it, as a set of blue beams vaulted out, spoke-like, to converge at the centre.

Then an eerie blue tongue of flame licked out, diffusing into a more vaporous glow. A broadening cone spread out, to encompass both Charum and Faun Hakkor in a deadly embrace.

Light flared, and engulfed both worlds, before fading.

Hours passed, tense and quiet, as data trickled in. The most harrowing were the visuals.

Orbital structures rapidly decoupled and fell apart. Many de-orbited to sink aflame through the atmosphere to make leaden impacts in the arid soil and dust below. On the surface, a similar story was told as towers and arches tilted and folded up, to topple onto the ground amidst newer structures.

The Master Builder took it all in, part aghast – and part relieved.

He had kept track of Mendicant's voyage for a while now, but lately had found his attention diverted to matters more close to home – like Flood defence, and the first deployment of the other Halos. But when he received reports placing the Ancilla in close vicinity to Charum Hakkor – and then following a mysterious message – he had hastened to major action.

Embarking on a rapid vessel, he located and commandeered the roving Halo, and followed a hunch and brought it along to serve a purpose. A hasty and impulsive one, but one he could only hope was justified.

"05-032, we have completed operations, and you are free to re-enter orbit at your convenience. I regret this action, but will clarify my reasoning at a later date. For now, I would like your resources to be available on standby."

"Acknowledged – Master…" the machine said, almost huffily. Was this a sign of reluctance, or hint of mutiny? Unthinkable…

Faber signed off rapidly, and turned to Shaper: "And there we have it – a decisive and decidedly effective test of our weapon…"

"Against the Precursor's own handiwork?! How do we dare – even with the threat of a Flood takeover of it?"

"There is more here than you know, Shaper. Last time I ventured here, I followed up disturbing intelligence received from our human prisoners of the true secret that lies within this world. I could not determine if it remained here, but the Didact indicated finding something further himself. Nothing came of that, and I was reluctant to draw further attention to it, or to my investigations, but I can see now that was a short-sighted decision. If I am right, we may have dealt the enemy a critical blow here…"

The planet itself had certainly received one, and so had Faun Hakkor – its vibrant life reduced to only basic flora, feasting on many small carcasses.

A new signal bleeped for attention – once more on Mendicant Bias' channel. Faber sighed and punched the acknowledgement button.

"Master – I am sorry to interject, but I am again receiving a signal – much like the last, though reduced. I am certain there is something still down there…"

Faber looked across at Shaper grimly, face darkening.

"Then you had best recommence your probe, Contender… I will be very interested to hear the result…"

Sensor probing very quickly revealed that the 'dome' that was the source of the signal had caved in significantly, revealing a chasm and tunnel deep into the depths. Struts and panels now jutted out and arched skeletally, corpselike remains of faded cultures past.

Seekers and landing craft descended into the ruins – the Master Builder arriving soon after with a heavy escort. Builder Security troops and Aggressor-class Sentinels – three armed floating combat robots – scurried down the tunnel, checking for ambushers or traps.

Descent brought more evidence of old buildings and multiple doorways, with guard-posts. High-security had clearly been an priority down here.

Eventually, they reached a massive door, somewhat askew, but very heavy and immobile looking.

"Ready vehicles with torsion drivers – we need this removed…" Faber ordered uneasily.

A half hour passed as the order was sent up, until hovering vehicles arrived, including larger new 'Enforcer' type sentinels, clutching torsion drivers in their four dangling legs. Soon they went to work, gently vibrating and teasing debris out of interlock, until it was floating free and clear into the wide tunnel without.

Finally, they had their opening, and the Master Builder continued his descent, this time accompanied by Mendicant Bias, in addition to bodyguards.

They emerged into a truly massive area – a sweeping, arena-like enclosure, dim, but soon being illuminated by Sentinels and other equipment. As more light spread, it became possible to judge the immense size of the area – surely over a kilometre in width. Shadows fled before encroaching light sources to reveal a structure in the centre of the chamber – a kind of coliseum, domed and with arches. Stepping through, they could see what was situated in the centre – some sort of humped cage over a block – attached to… something.

No, someone, Faber reflected grimly.

They descended down a sloping surface, as if traversing down a crater, until they were a dozen metres away or so. There, finally, they could begin to comprehend what they were looking at.

Within the 'cage' was a set of bracing arms enfolding a dark, coiled shape – a glistening, anthropoid body, fat across, with multiple sharp limbs slightly suspended – but only slightly, as the arms – the restraints – were now clearly listing and drifting apart. A drooping, insectoid head resting on a wide chest, with a strange wired 'hood' attached to it. Behind the hood trailed a wicked looking segmented tail.

Skin like a scorpion… Faber remembered nervously. It has been here all along – watching us all, perhaps.

"Establish a perimeter – guard this, and see if it moves. Do not allow it to escape, and be wary of outside attack as well," he ordered his retinue. "Contender – approach, and examine this entity…"

Mendicant Bias floated across the room, down towards the eerie looking captive. As he drew close, many thought they saw a strange twitch or spasm – a faint sign of life.

"It lives?"

"There is certainly some degree of brain activity, but biosigns are reminiscent of a kind of hibernation, master…"

"Remove the cage from around it…"

With the aid of Sentinels, Mendicant began levering out parts of the cage from out of the frame, using torsion beams. The task was over alarmingly quickly – something had completely compromised structural integrity, probably very recently.

Then the prisoner stood before them, tied down only by some gnarled restraints and its ancient helmet.

"Who are you? Speak, and tell me your intent!" Faber asked loudly. He now stood largely alone except for Mendicant, the Sentinels, and a few guards a short distance off – his most trusted. After a moment, he paused to breathe, and asked "are you truly a Precursor – one of our fabled creators?"

He strained to see even a twitch or shudder, but nothing obvious stood out. Exoskeletal creatures were harder to read in terms of body language than a mammal, bird or reptile. Faber tried to bring to mind all the legends and rumours about the Precursors he remembered from his life.

Nearly an hour passed, and Faber summoned medical equipment to provide a closer study of the entity. The medical staff dispatched to him approached nervously, then a little respectfully, both awed and a little scared. Training had not truly prepared them for the likes of this.

Instruments and scanners were attached, with electrodermal probes and injector sprays. Scans and injections commenced for some time, but there was no real sign of movement. Eventually, they concluded the biosigns were at least stable.

"We must move this entity… carefully. Release it as best you can from its restraints here, and we will transport it up to the Halo. Knock out the walls here if you have to," Faber ordered, looking around the arena and up at the cracked open dome above. "We will run more tests in a more controlled environment – and we will obtain answers, no matter how long it takes!"

Filial Devotion bore witness to the large caravan that formed outside of the grounded starships below, waiting to receive the landing parties. With them floated a platform with a strange object upon it.

Zooming in, he discerned the eerie, broad insectile shape strapped upon it, as the platform drifting inside of a sleek transport shaped like a flattened bullet. Other slender shapes with trailing fins rose around it in escort, before all ascended rapidly into space.

Trailing at a distance, Filial's Seeker discreetly pursued them across the system. He was on system patrol, and taking advantage of his senior position to take a closer look at proceedings.

Soon enough, the convoy descended upon the distant loop of metal, gilded on the inner side with green and brown terrain…