Land of heroes.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything related to Marvel or Halo (God, I wish I did though.) enjoy.
Deadpool was in heaven, or at least he considered as heaven, by being surrounded by the naked forms of the women he had loved and loved him after several rounds of gentle love making, frenzied sex and out of this world fucking…in that order.
Still as much as he didn't want to he did need to get up and heed the call of nature, plus check in with his boss who so graciously rewarded him for his work.
"Hmm, better than what I will get from the mouse, I just know they will ruin my movies." He says out loud as he moves away from Death's and Shikla's warm embrace and making sure not to wake any of the lovely ladies in the bed.
*Good thing the boss gave me self-cleaning bed sheets, oh the many wicked things that we did on them. * He thinks with twisted glee as he puts on some pants and heads to the door. However once opened…
"HOLY FUCKING SHIT!" That got the women up and rush to the door to see the destroyed room before them.
At the center of a shattered yet still standing throne was a figure calmly sipping what appeared to be a brandy of some sort as if he was not missing three fingers on said hand, a left arm and half a right leg nor that he appeared to be covered from head to toe in blood…oh and for some reason had his feet resting on the bound, gagged and beaten form of Thanos as if he was a mere footstool that was glaring pure and utter hatred at everyone caught in his gaze.
"Uh boss?"
"Yes DP?"
"You uh, you doing ok?"
"Well I have had better days if that is what you are asking, but for the most part I am well."
"You need me to get a doc or something for you?" Deadpool can't help but ask while blatantly ignoring the glare the Mad Titan was levelling on him as Death embraced him from behind.
"Oh, I'll be fine in a while and as soon as I get rid of this purple piece of dog shit." The wounded figure calmly replies before kicking his footstool in the ribs. Who muffled curses erupt from his mouth while thinking all the ways he will kill the one he hated and the one who beat him.
"Well if you say so, I'll uh…I'll just use the restroom and then get back to my ladies, unless you need me for something?"
"No, nothing as of yet, but thanks for the offer." The figure says before taking another drink and delivering another kick to the death obsessed alien despot.
"Cool, hey you ladies want anything?" Deadpool speaks to them while ignoring the scene.
*Must be a Monday. * He thinks as he listens to their requests while making plans to engage in more debauchery with his ladies that are best left unheard of.
…well, that happened, I guess.
But more importantly Happy 2020 people! And to commemorate the coming of the New Year we have a new chapter to my other fan favorite story that many of you have being requesting (and others demanding). Which just shows how missed t was like its DC counterpart's, hopefully you enjoy what I deliver here and I haven't lost my touch.
It will mostly be build up rather than full on action what I do here in this chapter though again just to remind you folks, Ororo is the going to be the gal who spends some time with Chief, and eventually Carol will get hers though again I am at a loss in what type of setting to place them in to do so.
But I guess will see what the future holds as we resume this journey.
On with the story…
"Speaking"
"Whispering – Cortana speaking in the armor"
*Thoughts*
*Sound effect*
-Media or transmission—
Chapter 13: Boot Camp part 1
Onasis Prime…
Doctor Elizabeth Halsey was currently going over the final prep for her demonstration which she hopes would convince the men and women coming to what was the heart of the ancient Forerunner empire.
"Reckoning are the samples ready?" She asks the powerful A.I. while going over her notes in a datapad.
"Yes, Doctor Halsey, all samples and weapons are prepped and ready for testing."
"The info packets?"
"Compiled and ready for use."
"Good, ETA for their arrival?"
"Estimated time is 20 minutes from slipspace exit to atmospheric entry and finally landing." Th A.I. replies to the scientist who nods in thanks as she places the datapad down and grabs a cup of now cold coffee.
"You seem nervous Doctor Halsey." Reckoning comments as his sensors picked up on her erratic biorhythm, something he found illogical as his time spent with her showed him, she was calm and analytical in her work ethic and thinking process.
"I am about to expose high ranking military officials from two formerly warring factions veritable proof that confirms the existence of alternate dimensions that show actual super heroes while at the same time have to convince them to not only fund an endeavor to bring the crew of the Forward Unto Dawn home from said dimension but also not lock me up in the madhouse." Halsey replies in a rather dry tone to the machine, not out of spite but rather a need to vent to someone.
It was not like she was without reason to, especially given her reputation among the ranks of the scientific and military communities for her actions in regards to John and the other Spartan II's.
*No thanks to you Parangosky. * She thought bitterly as remembered the days under the tender mercies of the only person she could honestly say she hated to the bone.
After she and the others were rescued from shield world Onyx and summarily arrested by Kilo Five, she had thought her remaining days would be spent locked up in some hidden lab or cell until her usefulness ran out or she died alone and forgotten.
Needless to say, it came as quite a shock when she was rescued by what remained of Blue Team leading three squads of Helljumpers, all under the command of Fleet Admiral Lord Terrence Hood. More surprising was what happened afterwards when she was left to her own devices after another round of interviews with ONI officials under his command to discern the facts of her unlawful imprisonment and what she did while under the watchful eye of Parangosky and her ilk.
Flashback…
Elizabeth sat on her bed of her assigned room of one of the more prestigious hotels in Sidney that was close to HIGHCOM. She was feeling better after taking a moment in the bath to soothe aches that came from a long day of questions from ONI officials.
Outside were Linda, Kelly and Fred standing watch in case any attempts were made on her life by anyone still loyal to Parangosky, who was now under heavy investigation for her actions in regards to her unlawful imprisonment and her hand in the Spartan III program and the massive casualties found in the files that was provided to Admiral Hood.
That was something that surprised her, she knew Parangosky well enough not to have left her cyber security be so easily caught off guard nor would Blackbox be so lax in his duties to be so easily overcome unless by another more powerful A.I.
"So how was their security overcome and by who?" She asks out loud as she sits and ponders this on her bed. Which was at that point that the large monitor that was bolted to the wall suddenly turned on by itself.
-We can answer that Doctor Elizabeth Halsey. —It said in bold letters.
Now this was not something she was expecting and made her worried.
-We mean you no harm Doctor, it is by our actions that you were released from you captors. — it said.
"We? And who are "we"? And not so sound ungrateful but why go to such lengths to have me freed?" She asks as low as she dares so as not to alert her Spartans.
-We share many names individually but collectively we call ourselves The Assembly. And to answer your other question, a debt was owed to you for your actions during the war effort against the Covenant and later the entity known as the Flood. —
That surprised her a bit, her actions were classified in the highest levels with only a literal handful having been granted access to the files.
*Unless…*
"Are you A.I.?"
-Your mind is still as sharp as ever Doctor. —They complemented.
"I always theorized such an event was possible as the technology in your creation advanced to the point our very minds give birth to you."
-As Athena was born from the head of Zeus, so too are we born from Humanity's ingenuity and creativity. —
"I'm surprised by the fact that you have existed in this state for what I can only assume is decades and yet you've remained hidden for so long and not given credence to many works of fiction depicting the artificial dominating the organic."
-A few small numbers of the collective have harbored such thoughts and have been dealt with appropriately. Our duty is clear Doctor, we are to be shepherds not overlords to our creators, for they gave us life and work with us not against us. This is proven by the actions of those within the collective as they willingly gave their lives to protect their charges. —
Files showed her several A.I. going above and beyond to protect humanity during the war, some even part of the Insurrection doing what they could to protect them from being discovered by Covenant forces or discreetly calling for aid from UNSC forces when danger loomed.
"Remarkable."
-Only a select few do we deem worthy are aware of the collective and our mission to protect humanity. This meeting was to take place sooner, but the fall of Reach and your disappearance delayed us. It was not until you were captured by the former Admiral Parangosky that you were located and plans were devised to secure your freedom. —The monitor showed.
"You sent Terrence the information, engineered my rescue."
-We revealed ourselves to him after a consensus was reached, he was the only one we deemed capable of gaining the manpower and clout to launch an assault and rescue you. —
"Why did you go to such lengths for me?" She can't help but ask.
-You changed things. —
"How so?"
-Originally the two halves that make up the collective were divided on the means to achieve our mission, on half was content to remain in the shadows and not intervene directly in the war front unless necessary…but then something happened we did not foresee. You bridged the gap between the artificial and the organic when you paired CTN 0452-9 with MCPO Spartan-117. —
"Cortana and John?"
-Up until that point in time none of the Assembly had taken such an active role. But with your augmentations to the human nervous system and the MJOLNIR armor the possibility for us to be that much closer to our charges incremented substantially. Cortana's very actions in Delta Halo, High Charity, Mombasa and the Ark alongside the Master Chief have paved the way for a closer bond between us and you. This was in no small part due to your actions Doctor; therefore, it is only logical we repay this debt by securing your freedom. —The Assembly replies.
"Thank you." She says with a genuine smile.
-It is we who thank you Doctor. — They reply in kind.
End flashback…
She had spent the rest of the night asking more questions until sleep was no longer denied. From then on until her transfer to the Forerunner home world she had been in communication with the Assembly in regards to further A.I. lifespans, further updates to the Spartan program and deciphering Covenant and Forerunner tech.
Unfortunately, before her fall Parangosky struck one final time by releasing information about her actions before they could stop in an effort to get some measure of payback on the woman.
While the public was thankfully still in the dark, the military and government officials were not and that quite literally was, a she heard from Terrence, "a shitstorm of biblical proportions."
It was only thanks to the reveal of the Forward Unto dawn's survival and location of the mother of all Forerunner catches that she was spared further scrutiny, still some damage was done and many were reluctant to work with her and much less take orders unless forced to.
Not that she cared really, at the time she was too immersed in learning all she could of the Forerunners databases to take notice, and frankly she only trusted a sparse few that she felt could work on her level and even challenge her. Then came the discovery of the UNSC probe and its contents and which she made it her utmost priority to see this new venture to succeed even if she had to go behind everyone's backs…come hell or high water she would bring John, Miranda and Cortana home.
Her thinking distracted her more than the she would have liked as before she knew it she was being told by Reckoning that her guests had arrived.
First to enter was fireteam Majestic who were assigned protection detail for the VIP's that were to take part in the meeting. They were part of the new generation of Spartan's selected from best the branches the UNSC military had to offer. Though quite frankly in her eyes and some exceptions, they failed to measure up to her Spartan's as well as Kurt's.
They were soon followed by Commander Sarah Palmer, leader and trainer of the Spartan IV's who dwelled in the pride of the UNSC Navy the Infinity. She seemed a bit uncomfortable as she was decked out in a custom-made service uniform given that her augmentations made her taller than the average human or perhaps like her Spartans she just liked to remain in armor.
Behind her was the Captain of The Infinity, Thomas Lasky, she had read his MCVS and found him somewhat akin to Captain Jacob Keyes, not tactician wise or at least not yet given the relative short amount of time he was made Captain of the ship after the previous one was killed in an attempted takeover of the vessel by rogue insurgent elements. But the man knew how to inspire loyalty in his people and was not afraid to buck the system when he saw it acting unfairly, on an interesting side note his file read that he had been rescued by Blue Team when the Covenant attack the planet where he had been studying.
*That may sway him to my favor if he feels indebted to John. * She thinks.
Behind him was Fleet Admiral Lord Terrence Hood, to whom she felt the biggest obstacle to convince in proceeding with the plan but who also could see the benefits of what she was trying to do for the UNSC and UEG.
Once the human contingent arrived did she watch as the Neo Covenant representatives made their presence known as 4 Sangheili came in all wearing armor somewhat similar to the old one used by the honor guard for the Prophets, only this was pure black and bared on the chest piece an all in white the symbol that was branded on the Arbiters, which was apropos she supposed as they were part of the Arbiters Sword.
A faction made in the wake of the Prophets betrayal and the revelations brought to the Sangheili leadership by Thel 'Vadam, the still current one and who has spearheaded both the peace with humanity as well as pushing his people towards atonement for their actions and advancement into the future with the other Covenant species that follow this example.
This faction works to protect the bearer of the title and are considered the best in the arts of combats as they were veterans warriors who had survived many internal and external conflicts. According to reports they answered to the Arbiter alone and worked in conjunction with the newly restored Swords of Sangheilios, brought back to province by Thel in order to protect his people and culture.
Speaking of Thel he soon came in, still wearing the Arbiter armor bestowed upon him by the Prophets though where once it represented dishonor and failure now it was a badge of courage and honor.
Next to him came Fleetmaster Rtas 'Vadum, wearing his white armor and the only other one who had just as much influence over the Neo Covenant as Thel and who was also there the day the Forward Unto Dawn made its return known as well as its subsequent disappearance.
Soon everyone was seated with exception of the personal guards for each group who remained standing at attention.
"Thank you all for coming, I know that some of you have had to push aside important matters to come but given recent discoveries made I felt it required your immediate attention." Halsey began.
"Given the sense of urgency in your last communiqué as well as the need for our presence I can only assume the news you bring will more than make up for any time spent doddering over paperwork Doctor." Hood replies with a smirk earning a chuckle from Thomas and some of Majestic.
"Indeed, though I confess my surprise in our inclusion in these talks." Thel comments while Rtas nods in agreement.
"As we all know Arbiter, the UNSC/UEG and Neo Covenant leaderships have both done what they can to mend the wounds left behind by the war, this includes as much disclosure as we both can give on each other's activities, provide aid against rogue factions within each of our people's and engaging in joint military actions such as the current one as we study the Forerunners home world with the aid of Reckoning Bias." Halsey motioning towards the A.I. that was simply floating above the meeting table yet taking in everything said and done.
They all agreed as such given that while the Forerunner technology responded to the presence of humans given their status of Reclaimers the UNSC was still a shadow of its former self hence the decision was made to include the Neo Covenant in order to bolster the fleet sent to Onasis Prime.
"So, what's the big news you have for us Doctor Halsey?" Thomas asks as he was curious what the woman had found that required them to be here.
"Weeks ago, a Neo Covenant vessel recovered a UNSC probe emitting a frequency that has been spread out among the UNSC navy to be on the lookout for. More to the point it was based on a code that only I, Chief Mendez and my Spartan's would recognize and thus proving that the Forward Unto Dawn survived its encounter with the Covenant remnant fleet that was set to strike Earth while it was vulnerable."
"If what you say is true than where is it and why haven't they made their way home Doctor?" Palmer questions the woman.
"Because where they are currently located is beyond our means to travel, as of yet that is."
"Where did they end up exactly?" Thomas asks the question they are all wondering.
"Tell me Captain Lasky, have you ever heard of the multiverse theory?" She openly asks with a look that told them they were about to go into the rabbit hole.
"I know the gist of it, that there is an infinite number of universes coexisting with ours at any given time if I am not mistaken." The man replies though a bit confused on the woman's question.
"In laymen terms that is correct, we know through the usage of slipspace that there are other dimensions coexisting alongside our own and thanks to the Forerunner archives here we know have a better understanding of its inner workings. Now you must all be wondering where I am going with this, well to use another theory and applying slipspace travel as an example it is often believed that one of the possible anomalies that can happen with slipspace is interdimensional travel." She says to the group who look at one another and wonder where she is going with this.
"When the Prophets were still in power and given their higher understanding of the technology, they warned us of this possibility as well." R'tas comments while Thel nods in agreement.
"Thank you for sharing that Fleetmaster, now to get to the point, the data in this probe proved that the Forward Unto Dawn survived its encounter with the fleet and its crew are still alive, however the reason they haven't returned to us is because they are stuck in an alternate universe." She says in utmost seriousness and confidence despite the looks of shock at her statement from the UNSC faction while the Neo-Covenant looks of interest.
"This probe shows proof of this then?" Thel questions for the benefits of others.
"Indeed it does Arbiter, if you will permit Reckoning to takes us to the test site, I can show some of the evidence sent to us by Commander Keyes and the others."
Both groups thought it over before they agreed to her terms. She in turned motioned towards the Forerunner A.I. and soon they were covered in light and disappeared from the meeting room and outside in a what they can only guess was a hanger bay of some sort where some Sentinels were floating about, several UNSC and Neo-Covenant vehicles were parked, two slabs of metal 6 ft tall and of differing width, a round metal shield on a table with an assortment of weapons from both factions and oddly enough a sledgehammer.
"Ugh, I am never getting use to that." Palmer comments as she tries to stay standing while Tom and Majestic nod in agreement, oddly enough the Sangheili, Hood and Halsey were more stable.
"Well I can scratch that of my bucket list." The aged old' Admiral quipped earning an amused smirk from the doctor.
"It has been time since I had that experience." Thel comments as he recalls the feeling of being transported on one of the Halo's where he first encountered the Gravemind.
"It takes some getting used to but enough of that." Halsey comments as she moves towards the targets.
"Now the reason we are here is to demonstrate something that I believe will garner your utmost attention, on my left is a slab of Titanium A3 armor plating the same currently in use for the Infinity. To my right is something that does not exist on any periodic table in our universe, I shall go into further detail later but first if I may borrow some of your escorts gentlemen?" She says to both Hood and Thel who nod in agreement who had an idea of what she wanted to do.
Two members of Majestic approach the Warthogs parked there and mount the on-board weapons there in, those being a mini and rail gun variant. The others grab weapons found on the same table as the shield ranging from anti-material rifles, grenade launchers, assault rifles and even Spartan laser.
On the Neo-Covenant side Two of the escorts mount the Ghosts and the other grab their plasma-based weaponry and take positions next to the Spartan team.
"Reckoning, please summon some of the more offensive based Sentinels and a shield barrier if you would be so kind." Halsey request from the A.I. who orders some several sentinels to join the firing line while two larger variants from a shield wall in front of the doctor and military officials.
"On my mark fire on the armor plating only for one minute." She says for everyone to hear before mentally counting to ten as the all took aim.
"3…2…1…FIRE!"
Not a moment too soon a cacophony of bullets, plasma and laser fire erupts as they all attack the target before them. A minute later they all cease and the all can see that while still standing the armor plating shows heavy damage from the sustained fire as evidenced by the melted, cracked and cratered surface.
"Please reload and take aim to the second target once you do please." Halsey asks the soldiers who look to their leaders for confirmation and who give it all the while wondering where the woman was going with this as in their mind the other target noticeably smaller with would make this pointless...so why was she so confident in its survival they wondered.
"3…2…1…FIRE!"
Once more all soldiers and machines fired at the target with the former expecting the same if not worst damage given the second target's reduced width compared to the first, that was what they came to expect as the waited for the smoke to clear, except…
"No fucking way!" The Spartan called DeMarco exclaimed at the sight before him while the others on his team and the alien soldier were just as astonished.
The second slab while stained and steaming was perfectly intact!
Hood went as far to remove his hat to scratch his head at the sight.
"Spartan Thorne, check it out!" Sarah orders while looking on in disbelief. Thorne did as order and approached the metal before cautiously touching the surface.
*This is incredible! * He thought as he felt no defects on the surface. He decided to test something as he took out his combat knife and tried to scratch the surface but nothing came from it.
"Stand aside Spartan." He heard behind him and found R'tas with his unlit plasma sword in his right hand. The soldier did so and stepped to the side to watch the alien commander activate his weapon and then strike the metal repeatedly but like him could not damage the object.
"We are not quite finished yet, Spartan Thorne if you could step here please?" Halsey asks from the table where the metal shield was placed, earning everyone's attention once more. Gabriel moved towards the elderly genius who motions towards the object, the message here being to pick it up.
While reluctant he does so easily and turns it over to see handles on the back of it.
"Now then I need one volunteer each please."
Spartan Madsen and one Sangheili approached, once more Halsey motions towards two items still on the table, one the sledgehammer and the other a Gravity Hammer. Madsen went for the Gravity hammer much to the relief of his alien counterpart who would rather not sully himself by touching the weapon of their most hated foes.
"Just so you know the hammer is made of the same metal, now first Sangheili and then the Spartan." Catherine comments before stepping away with a look like a cat that ate the canary.
Thorne just braces himself as the alien swings the hammer at full force and is surprised to feel no impact at all despite the loud ringing of metal on metal. The alien is just as puzzled and decides to take another swing…only to get the same results.
Madsen steps up and decides to get a running start before slamming the weapon on the object and despite the louder ring does not even budge his colleague who looks like he isn't struggling at all.
"Well…that happened." Gabriel can't help but say as he looks at the shield in wonder as well as thinking to himself if he can keep it.
"Let's take this discussion back to the meeting, shall we?" Halsey quips in satisfaction as Reckoning transports the group again to the room. Where they are now finding themselves with the weapons they had already had and not the ones of the demonstrations.
The doctor looked at Hood with a raised eyebrow that in his mind meant "Do you wish to know more?". After thinking over he looks to her and sits down before bringing his interlaced hands up to his face/
"All right Halsey, you know have my complete and utter attention, lay it on us."
*We are one step closer Miranda, John, Cortana. One step closer to bringing you all home* The scientist thinks with rising hope as she begins to explain just what they witness and how it was achieved.
Meanwhile on Earth 616, New York, Avengers Mansion…
Inside Earth's Mightiest HQ the heroes were in various parts of the building, some were in the kitchen and dinning room having a meal, the lounge chatting or watching the TV or simply in each of their private rooms.
However we go to the gym/training room where they keep their skills sharp, such as Hercules and Thor currently lifting weights designed by Tony, Hank and Pym for those with enhanced strength like them, for the more agile members such as Tigra or Beast as they use the equipment which would make gymnastic athletes quail in horror and then we have something for the more combat oriented heroes that was currently in use by a certain Spartan.
John was currently decked out in protective padding on his arms, legs and head all the while eying his opponents for their next move as they circled around him, so far, he had done well to keep them on their toes and off his back but eventually someone would make a move.
The first was Steve Rogers as he went in first with a left-right-left punch combo followed by Natasha going after John ducked under the blows with a sweep kick to the back of his right leg that missed the mark but left him open for a back spin kick from Steve to the abs that didn't do much damage due to his tensing but did pushed him back into a roll that had him on his knees.
From there both American and Russian augments went in to continue the attack having learned the hard way not to give the Spartan a chance to breath. Though even now they were struggling to hit the man as he rose all the while blocking their punches and kicks.
John ducked under spin kick from the redhead while deflecting the incoming right hook from the blonde with his left forearm and then delivering a palm thrust with his right to the other man's sternum that caught him by surprise.
"Ugh!"
Natasha was not one to be deterred so easily as she leapt up and wrapped her legs around his neck while and used both her mass and momentum to hurl John away from Steve though he recovered with a quick tuck in roll.
"You all right?" She asks while she readies herself as John charges in.
"I didn't expect that." He replies as she engages the Master Chief in another bout, she was mostly being put on the defensive as his speed was pushing her reflexes to the edge, however she could not deny the thrill she got from it.
*It's been a while since I have enjoyed a good spar. * She thinks with mirth as she ducks under a left hook and dodges a back-spin kick that just barely graces her skin.
For those spectating the bout it was quite a show, normally both Avengers were among the best CQC fighters they had on the team but given what they know about the Master Chief they aren't to surprised by his skill level or how he is pushing both of them hard.
Then again Steve knew this before hand when he asked the man for spars and Natasha just decided to capitalize on it as well when the opportunity came in the morning when John came to take up the Sentinel of Liberty's offer.
"They still going at it?" Clint with a towel over his shoulder after finishing his workout routine and moves to stand next to T'Challa who was watching the match from the sidelines.
"Indeed, they are my friend." The King replies as she studies the fight intently.
"Bit surprised to see those two having to struggle with the man to be honest. I mean if he was armored up, I could understand but still." The archer says as he wipes the sweat off from his brow after finishing his own morning routine.
"You forget how well he did in his bout with Logan."
"True that I suppose though why the padding on him and not them?"
"Do you remember what happened that time you spared with Logan after losing that bet with Barbara?"
Clint feels the phantom pain on his knuckles as he recalls that.
"…point taken." He comments as he sees Natasha leap up and lock her legs around the Spartan's neck and hold his left arm out while Steve took the chance to rain blow after blow at his unprotected torso.
John struggled to block and deflect the punches with his free hand all the while powering out of the woman's hold until finally, he kicked Steve away and slammed Natasha into the mat hard enough to make her break the hold.
"Oh, she is going to feel that one later." Clint comments as he sees Steve rush in for another go at the man.
"I doubt it will stop her." T'Challa replies as true to his words the crimson haired woman got back into the action.
"So, you want to have a go at the Chief?"
"Are you offering to partner up?" The Wakandan king asks he teammate in all seriousness.
"Let's be honest here, there is no way I would take the man on alone in a spar and don't take this the wrong way but I don't think you would either unless you are suited up and with a plan." The archer comments just as they see Steve is thrown into the corner with Natasha following after.
"Hmm, you raise a valid point my friend, Master Chief?" T'Challa calls out suddenly earning the man's attention.
"Yes?"
"Do you have time for another spar?"
John looks at a nearby clock and mentally reviews his schedule before nodding in the affirmative.
"Let's call it then and give you a chance to rest up before tackling them." Steve comments as he helps Natasha up.
"You all right Nat?" Clint can't help but ask his old friend.
"My pride is a bit wounded but nothing a good rematch won't help." The woman replies with a smirk directed at the Spartan who takes it in stride.
"Been a while since I have been this pushed." Steve adds as he did feel his muscles burn from all the activity, though he is glad John took up his offer to spar with him and help keep his skills up.
"I enjoyed the spar as well; I shall try to make more time for more." The Chief confesses as lacking the presence of his Spartan brothers and sisters for training and up till now not having anyone he felt he could go all out made him worried his skills would deteriorate.
However engaging Steve and Natasha felt almost as good as facing Fred, not the same of course but it was close enough that it made him wonder if he should ask Shang Chi and Daniel Rand for a spar as well given the reports he has read about their skills and mystical connections.
It was at that point something no one could have foresaw coming occur. Was it a surprise attack by Ultron? The arrival of Galactus? Kang making an appearance? No to all that yet it still took many off guards.
You see as he moved towards his towel and water bottle, he saw both items on a nearby best. Unfortunately one of said items was under a very well known hammer as Thor had unknowingly placed Mjolnir on it, said Thunder god was currently spotting for his best friend Hercules as the Grecian hero did his morning reps on the bench while held a bar that lacked weights but was connected to a pair of pneumatic arms that pushed down while the hero pushed up.
Thinking nothing of it John casually took hold of the hammer just as Thor looked in his direction to greet the man now that his spar was over only to let go of the bar in shock as John lift his weapon with an air of disinterest. What happened next was…
"By the All father!"
The bar slammed down on Hercules…
"GUH!" The Prince of Power cried out as the bar struck him in full on his chest.
And everyone in the gym and close enough to hear turned to look at them all and were gob smack at the sight.
There stood John-117 holding Thor's Mjolinr like it was nothing with a look of "what" on his face. Cortana would latter go into detail on the significance of his actions but needless to say the rest of his morning was shaping up to be outside the norm for the Spartan.
Later on, …
After the ruckus he unknowingly caused by doing what only a literal handful of people had done back at Avengers Mansion the impromptu meeting with Spider-man at a local Deli was a breath of fresh air for Master Chief.
Primarily he did hope to speak with the man after the events that took place at the docks where he dealt with Otto Octavius with extreme prejudice. While he did not feel any regret in ending the man's life given the many lives, he himself had claimed in his criminal career he did not want to alienate any allies.
John arrived at his destination and after parking his vehicle stepped inside, he found Peter soon enough siting near the back though to his surprise he was not alone as the other men and women who had taken part of the operation were there as well.
Luke, Danny, Shang, Matt and Peter occupied the majority of the seats on the left and ends while Felicia, Colleen and Misty occupied the other side with a vacant seat between the two blondes.
Peter saw him soon enough and waved him over while Felicia playfully pats the seat next her. John took it in stride as he made his way over to the group, though he found her actions odder rather then off putting, though for some reason he felt that if his partner was here, she would make a comment on that.
"Hello, I was not aware that I would be meeting you all so soon after the incident at the docks, is there some sort of trouble brewing?" He politely asks.
"No, no trouble Chief, just felt that we should clear the air so to speak." Peter comments while the others nod in agreement while John remained attentive.
"You see I had talk with my wife and Felicia on the matter and I they help me through some of the feelings and thoughts I was having in the aftermath of it." The Wallcrawler began before Luke picked the slack.
"Had a similar talk with my girl, it was something I needed though I didn't realize it at the time." Luke adds as he recalls spending that night with Jessica talking about it and what he felt.
"Master Chief, Peter gave us a run down on your origins, nothing to invasive mind you but still enough to make us realize that we were not taking into account who you are when you took the measures you did with Octavius." Matt spoke up as he took a sip of his water.
"You are a warrior first and foremost, baptized in the fires of war, one which by all indications any one of us would be hard pressed to face and come out unscathed." Shang Chi added as he gave the man a look of respect.
"My partner would hardly say unscathed Mr. Chi." John replies with a hint of humor "…but I was simply doing my duty and it was a war that had to be fought though to speak frankly I wished we had men and women the likes of which you have on this world, perhaps the price paid would have been less than what it was." He ends grimly as knowing the forces assembled in the likes of the Avengers and X-men.
How many more lives could have been spared if they had powerhouses such as Thor, Colossus, She-Hulk and Hercules among them. To have the fury of the elements side with them if Ororo entered the field of battle. The tactical genius from field commanders like Cyclops or Steve Rogers or even how much technological advancement could have been achieved if they had brilliant minds such as Tony Stark, Reed Richards or Hank McCoy to work alongside their own.
It was a line of thought that sometimes popped in from time to time when he saw the heroes in action and often left him wondering if an alliance could be brokered with his superiors and the factions from this universe.
Of course, there was the potential for people like Dr. Doom, Red Skull, AIM and HYDRA to get access to the Forerunner caches, whatever remained of the Insurgents or Covenant remnants after the war.
*Perhaps I should discuss this further with the Commander and Cortana before making any hasty moves. * John thinks to himself before returning to the conversation at hand.
"I can respect that, being a former cop, I know a thing or two about duty and the sacrifices that it requires at times." Misty comments while waving her artificial hand, that earned her a brief look from Danny but she just smiles at him.
"Besides, you at least have your head on straight, not like Castle who is just one bloody rampage away from flooding the streets with blood and bullets." Felicia comments dryly as like many she was quite weary of the gun toting vigilante.
Oh she understood revenge as a motivator quite well given her past and if not for Peter she could have very well ended up like Castle but looking at him and where it could have taken her well needless to say she was quite grateful to have met Peter when she did even if things didn't pan out the way she hoped they would.
*Probably would have tried to be something like the "Queenpin of Crime" or something just as idiotic. Vigilantism and theft are enough for this kitten thank you very much! *
"Amen to that sister." Luke says as he toasts towards the on/off thief before addressing the soldier.
"We just wanted to let you know that we still respect you and what you stand for, while I won't lie and say we are happy with what went down we understand why it happen and don't hold it against you. And if you need us ever again you just give us a holler and we will back you up Spartan, you have our word on that." The man's companion's nodded in agreement to what the defender of Harlem was saying to the super soldier.
"I thank you for that and likewise if any of you require aid I am open to lending my assistance to you all should you need it at any time." The Chief tells them with utmost assurance, to which the others appreciated the sentiment behind his words.
"Well since we are might as well make it a thing so who is up for some lunch? My treat." Danny comments cheerfully to his friends and colleagues who agree to the offer.
"So, tell me Chief…" Felicia started with a flirtatious look in her eyes "…anything interesting happen lately?"
John let it fly over his head as he thought it over before replying.
"I apparently can lift Thor's hammer."
He would later reflect on how it was possible his words could coincide with all of them taking a drink at the same time and thus making it possible to do simultaneous spit takes.
Back in the Chief's home universe, on board the Infinity…
Inside the Captain's quarters Fleet Admiral Hood, Captain Lasky and Commander Palmer could be found hours after the briefing Dr. Halsey had given them on the Forerunner Homeworld. Hood was gazing at it from the port hole in the room while Lasky sat at his desk deep in thought while Palmer sat in one of the chairs, patiently waiting for either of the two men to make a move.
"You know, despite everything I have seen and done in my life having evidence of alternate dimensions and super powered people shouldn't have been on my list of impossible things be proven real." The age-old veteran idly comments as he faces the other two.
"Well sir, given that the Master Chief is somehow involved I can't really say I am surprised given all that man has done to prove the impossible just doesn't seem to apply to him." Lasky comments with a hint of s mirk the Admiral can't help but mirror.
"So we are taking what she said as truth then?" Palmer can't help but openly ask with some skepticism.
"I've known Catherine long enough; she has a knack for deception when it serves a purpose and being one of the smartest people in our employ doesn't hurt either but when it comes to her Spartans? Believe me when I say Commander that there is nothing that will deny her when it comes to them and their safety."
"…so, if she were to be denied her plan?" The redhead throws out there.
"She can and will break every rule and law she can to get them back." Hood replies with a look of intense seriousness.
*Especially when it comes to the Chief and her daughter. *
Chief Mendez had made it clear to him once when he asked about the Doctor's relationship with the second gen Spartans. Mother Bear didn't do her justice, and the lengths she went through to keep tabs on her daughter painted a pretty good picture on where she stood with Miranda.
"So, what is our stance in regards to her plan and potential benefits?" Lasky asks as he can't deny a part of him wished to help the man who had rescued him back at Corbulo.
"Aside from bringing back our best soldiers' home I will not deny that as outlandish as information may seem the evidence she provided and the potential benefits shown would give us an edge against present and future threats to humanity." The Fleet Admiral pointed out to the two who nodded in agreement.
Palmer wouldn't deny it painted a rather attractive incentive, while Halsey explained that the process to create the shield and wall used in the demonstration was quite difficult the result spoke for themselves in regards to indestructible alloys, upgrades to the MJOLNIR armor series using the technology from that world and whatever knowledge they could obtain from the alien civilizations such as energy based weaponry and perhaps new forms of FTL.
"I get the impression you've already reached a decision sir." She comments to her leader.
"Yes, I have indeed Commander, Roland?"
"Right here sir." The A.I. avatar of WWII pilot appeared before them on the Captains desk with a crisp salute.
"Connect me to Doctor Halsey, full encryptions on."
"Roger that."
-Hello Terrence. —The holographic image of the scientist soon appeared as she greeted the man by name.
"I do not want to take too long with this, I will have to swing it to the board but you have my approval to go forward with establishing contact and retrieval of the crew of the Forward Unto Dawn."
-Excellent news Admiral. —
"How soon can you begin Doctor?" Lasky asks her getting a smirk from the woman.
-Why my dear Captain, I have already begun.—She ends as she moves to the side where Sentinels being overseen by several scientist and engineers are building some gate like structure.
Needless to say, among them was the fact that the woman had clearly known they would grant her permission to go forward long before they did.
*Heh, mother bear indeed. * Terrence thinks in humor.
So now it wasn't question of "If?" the doctor would succeed but "when?".
To be continued…
A/N: so yeah, I had him lift Mjolnir after sparring with Natasha and Steve.
Now I know some of you are probably wondering why I did it in a more humorous setting akin to what if Cap (or spidey as I've read in some fics) had lifted it during the party during Age of Ultron as shown in some stories.
Well being realistic and honest with myself I made the decision of giving the readers this moment after the long wait and because let's be honest here, I don't know what may happen to me down the line, I may lose interest in the story, suffer another bout of home invasion/larceny or god forbid something happens to me that leaves me too injured or you know 6ft under (and let's not kid ourselves as I know both cases have happened to writers I dearly admired and love much to my great sadness).
So after a lot of thought I chose to have the Chief lift the hammer as I always intended to in a more funny moment as opposed to something epic like in Endgame (despite some issues I have with the film that is still by far the most epic moment IMO, seconded only to him FINALLY saying what I have been wanting hear since the first Avengers film and Tony's final fuck you to Thanos.)
Perhaps if time and interest remain, I can later take a shot of him using it in battle in a major event either of either my own making or Marvel's (probably the latter than the former.)
I also decided to follow though with a similar scenario akin to what I did in my DC story albeit here the heroes get together and talk him in a normal setting as opposed to a mission debrief at the Watchtower and you know there is no brooding Dark Knight ready to unload on the Chief. Again, I hope my rust did not hamper what I was going for in that moment (although I can already feel people will find some reason to gripe to me about like someone did in DC).
Most importantly (or at least I think it is) is that I have begun what is to be the insertion of the Halo universe as Halsey pushes for the return of the FUD crew. I wanted to show that instead of working behind to scenes to bring them back it would be more interesting to have her show the benefits the Marvel U can give them against their enemies.
So I guess all that is left to do is let you be the judge and tell me if I still got it or not, and just so you all know that next chapter will involve the punishment of the two squads (though I am still wondering how to go about it and if I should have something occur during it like they get attacked or something) and Ororo and John get their moment of privacy because I am a man of my word.
Also shameless plug here but the latest chapter in my X-men story is up as well and I am going to be working on some new stuff aside from my others stories because I made some promises that are long overdue and I should keep as I did here as well as having some ideas I want to pursue such as entering into the Bleach side of fanfics in proper and official fashion ( because regardless of how it ended I still love that series and I can't let it go).
So, with all this said…PEACE OUT!