Hello again, everyone, and welcome back to my Halo - Mechwarrior/Battletech crossover. I am very happy with the feedback that I am getting. As a result, I'm doing a double upload today, meaning new chapters for both of my crossover. This is the first of the two uploads that I am doing today, given that I was motivated enough to write on the weekends as well. Either way, thank you for your support and I will keep updating both stories as time continues. This chapter is a tribute to the Inheritance Cycle by C. Paolini, one of my favorite authors. As always, leave a review and enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own the Halo or MechWarrior/BattleTech franchises. They are the respective properties and trademarks of Microsoft Game Studios, 343 Industries, Bungie, FASA Corporation, FASA Interactive, Catalyst Game Labs and Piranha Games Inc. Any material original to the franchises belongs to their respective developers and publishers. Any material not original to the franchises is of my own invention. I do not own any music listed in each chapter. Any music listed belongs to it's original composers and/or artists.
Forerunner Gas Mine
Near Installation 04 Ruins
20th Age of Reclamation
The door to the central part of the facility came to life, opening to reveal two Elite Minors that had been sent to ensure that there were no hostiles inside. Nearby, R'tas, Thel and Bero waited until the Minor's motioned for the Grunts to enter, with R'tas and the others coming inside. A moment later, R'tas began sniffing the air, his mandibles puckering when he smelled a strong, sickly sweet stench. "What is it," Thel asked.
"That stench," R'tas replied. "I've smelled it before."
"I have too," Bero replied. "It's the Parasite. I was in here while spying on the Heretics."
"Indeed," R'tas replied. With that, they proceeded inside, with the door closing behind them.
Unlike the rest of the facility, which had been a warm tan color, the interior of the central section was a cold, silvery-gray color, almost like the inside of a manufacturing facility. Walking around a wall, Thel found himself looking at a large, rectangular tank that held a yellow-green fluid inside. He nearly leaped back with a shout when he saw Flood spores inside, but relaxed when he realized that they were safely contained.
Hearing movement, he turned around to see Bero visibly shuddering at the sight. "I hoped I would never see one of those again," the young Sangheili shivered, his eyes rapidly moving around. Thel realized that 'Kusovai was reliving the events of that day, part of a condition that the humans called 'Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.'
Reaching over, R'tas put a hand on Bero's shoulder, with the younger Sangheili turning towards him. "Hey, relax," he said reassuringly. "It's going to be OK. I won't let them take you again, even if it means sacrificing myself to do so." Bero visibly relaxed at those words, his fear having been eased for the moment.
Thel smiled at the sight. Since Bero's infection, rejection and recovery from the Parasite's infestation, R'tas had formed a powerful bond with the young Sangheili, a bond that was just as strong as the one between father and son. Where Bero was young, vibrant and emotional, R'tas was more cerebral, older and cautious. The two had found that they were attracted to each other, not in a sexual way, but in the same manner that a brother was bonded to another brother. In many ways, Thel knew that R'tas was like a father to Bero, even though the younger Sangheili's father was very much alive and well.
Continuing on, the group soon came to a hallway that led to another door on the other side. The floor was transparent in places, though a thick fog obscured the room below, casting an eerie atmosphere into the place. They briefly paused when they thought they saw motion down below, but since it was separated from them, they proceeded onward. Reaching the door, Thel opened it up and gazed inside, intent on finding out what was going on.
The door led to a much larger room that was divided into two levels. The first one was an elevated series of catwalks that led to others bordering the interior of the room, with transparent sections in places. Looking up, Thel could see pipes that were designed to transport gas into the central structure, where it would be refined and converted into compounds that the Forerunners found to be useful. The lower level of the room was a large open space, with support columns that were arranged into small, rectangular groups of four. Thel thought he could see what he thought were bodies on the ground, though the room was dark enough that he couldn't tell for certain at this distance.
Walking inside, he walked onto one of the transparent sections, only for the material, weakened by time and lack of maintenance, to shatter beneath his feet. With a cry, he fell to the lower level, landing on his back with a hard, meaty THUMP. Growling from the impact, Thel got onto his feet and looked up at the others. "I'm alright," he told them. "Be careful on the transparent sections. They've grown weak with age and neglect."
"There are no other entrances on the upper level," R'tas reported. "We're coming down to your position." R'tas dropped down to Thel's position a moment later, with the others carefully coming down as well. The Grunts were small enough that the Elites simply grabbed a hold of each one and lowered them to the ground.
Now that they were at 'ground level', Thel was able to focus more on what was in front of him. True enough, he had spotted corpses on the ground, but they weren't your typical Sangheili corpse; instead, they appeared to be Flood Combat Forms that had no Infection Forms inside of their chests, as the signature tendrils were missing. Each one was strewn about on the ground, with a few between the support columns for the room.
Thel was about to continue forwards when Bero, drawing his Energy Sword, began cutting up the Flood Combat Form corpses on the ground. "What are you doing," Thel asked.
"Making sure the Flood can't come back to attack us," was the reply. "If the forms the Parasite uses are intact, they can re-infect the body and use it to attack us. Better that we spend the time to destroy each corpse now than allow them to come back and attack us." Nodding at 'Kusovai's sage advice, Thel drew his own Energy Sword and began helping Bero.
Just as they finished, Thel thought he heard a noise coming from behind and above him. Turning around, he watched as a small, ball shaped drone flew into view, coming to a rest just above the ground behind him. Moments later, the image of Susa 'Refumee appeared out of thin air, with the image being perfectly accurate in terms of size.
"I see Heretic," A Grunt shouted, firing his Plasma Pistol at the holographic image, which simply sputtered slightly.
"Hold your fire," R'tas ordered. "Hold your fire!"
'Refumee simply laughed at the antics the Grunt had done. "Very amusing," the Heretic Elite remarked. "I wondered who the Hierarchs sent to silence me." Looking at Thel, he said, "An Arbiter? I'm flattered." Moments later, the Elite chuckled mockingly at Thel, who simply growled in irritation.
"He's using a holo-drone," R'tas remarked. "He must be close. Come out, Heretic, so that we can kill you."
There was silence, then 'Refumee laughed mockingly at the group, his laughter echoing in the chamber. "Get in line," the Elite growled. "That is, if you avoid becoming the willing pawns of the Parasite." Moments later, his holographic image faded into nonexistence, with the drone clattering to the ground.
"Leader," one of the Elites asked.
"Stand firm," R'tas ordered. "The Flood are upon us." As soon as he said that, one of the pipes up above shattered like glass, with a small, bulbous organism falling to the ground. Landing with a slimy SPLAT, the small Infection Form got up and began quickly scrambling to reach one of the Elites.
It quickly became a fight for survival, as more of the Flood swarmed into the room, while the Elites fired back with their stolen weapons. One of the Grunts was unlucky enough to be infected, it's screams of pain becoming shrill roars as it's body morphed and bent, it's flesh becoming consumed by the Flood Super-Cells. Turning on that Grunt, Thel fired his weapon, incinerating the organism with supersonic phased plasma bolts.
Almost immediately, Thel could tell that his weaponry was highly effective against the Flood Combat Form. Unlike the older plasma weapons, which had taken some time to terminate a Combat Form, the SLDF Plasma Rifle tore into the creature with devastating results, flash cooking it's infested body and killing it instantly. I'll have to remember that for the future, Thel thought.
Around him, the other Elites fought back as well, with many having drawn Energy Swords before slashing and cutting at the Infection Forms. Bero proved to be particularly active in that area, as he constantly moved and changed position, not once letting a single Infection Form get close to him. Those that tried to were promptly cut to tattered ribbons of sickly flesh, or were kicked away by the Elite.
Eventually though, as the Elites destroyed the last remaining Flood, one managed to get through and plunge itself into Bero's flesh. Bero screamed in horror and pain, just as the Infection Form burrowed inside of him once again… or rather would have. As soon as it made contact with him, Thel watched as the Flood organism seemed to become stuck to Bero, unable to burrow inside of him, yet unable to pull itself off.
That was when something else happened to Bero: he began to absorb the Infection Form. The Infection Form screeched as it tried to break off, only for it's tendrils to meld with 'Kusovai's flesh, the Flood Super-Cells being assimilated by the young Sangheili's own cells. Within five seconds, the Infection Form had been halfway absorbed by the young Sangheili and, in another five seconds, it was fully consumed by 'Kusovai's body, with the hole in his tech suit being the only evidence that the Flood had attempted to infect him.
Both Sangheili looked up at each other with an expression that rolled confusion, shock, and pure amazement into one. Out of the two, though, 'Kusovai was the most shocked, as he fully expected to be infected by the Flood and lose control, permanently this time. "By the Prophets," Thel gasped, "what just happened?"
"I don't know," Bero replied. Looking at his hands, he whispered, "I think I assimilated the Parasite into my flesh." Looking at his hands, Bero said, "What is strange is that I don't feel it attempting to absorb my memories or mind. It's like I am, for lack of a better word, immune to the Parasite."
It was crazy and unheard of, but when Bero put it like that, Thel realized that, unless contradictory evidence turned up, he would have to take 'Kusovai at his word. Turning around, he looked around for any more Flood to kill, only to see that there were no more remaining. The two Grunts they had brought with them had succumbed to the Parasite, and had been put down as a result. Turning back to 'Kusovai, Thel said, "We'll investigate this at a later time. If you notice any more unusual abilities that you have, let me know immediately so that we can work through this. As for what has happened, you can take on the Parasite without fear of infection, but do not allow hubris to control your mind. That has been the death of many a Sangheili."
"I won't," Bero said adamantly. "One of the first lessons I learned as a swordsman was not to allow hubris to cloud my judgment. When we can, we will have to work through what I am slowly turning into." With that, the two regrouped with the others who had terminated the rest of the Flood.
As soon as they did, the door to the chamber opened, leading to another part of the facility. At the end of a short hallway and airlock was what looked like a large lift that was supported by a tall, elevator column that lay in the middle of the lift. Four of the lift room's walls were lined with cylindrical slots, each one holding a container of some kind. An automated loading tube was built into the lift, with said tube transporting large cylinders onto the lift. Between each storage wall was a gap, with walkways and support beams in between each gap; the lift itself also had an upper platform around the shaft that was accessible via ramps leading upwards.
"That's the way forwards," R'tas informed the others. "Go on, Arbiter. I'll follow when reinforcements arrive." Taking his advice, Thel proceeded forwards onto the lift, followed by 'Kusovai and the other Elites. As soon as they were through, the door sealed shut behind them, locking a moment later.
Looking around, Thel did a tactical analysis of the situation they were currently in. The other Elites, including 'Kusovai, were present with him, which meant that he had the bulk of the more skilled forces with him. The Grunts had been lost, consumed by the Parasite, but they brought little, if any, advantage to the battle with them other than being a convenient target to shoot at. As a result, he felt good about their chances when it came to numbers, as well as the fact that Bero was fully immune to infection by the Parasite.
The one thing that had him concerned, however, was the layout of the actual lift itself. The lift was exposed on all sides, with nowhere to hide if the enemy happened to hop down onto the actual lift itself. One could take shelter underneath the ramps in the event they needed to have their shields recharge, but that was about it. Everywhere else was completely exposed to any members of the Parasite, or the Forerunner Sentinels if they happened to fly along into the area.
As soon as they entered the lift, the squad found that it was infested with the Flood, as Sangheili Combat Forms were present, firing their weapons at Forerunner Sentinels that were working to contain the Parasite. Both sides, though, were hostile to the Covenant, so Thel began firing on the Flood with his plasma rifle, while the others fired on the Sentinels that were collecting around the lift itself. Eventually, the lift was cleared of all hostile forces.
As soon as they were onboard the lift, though, it began to descend, cutting off any hope of retreat. Now we're in for a long trial, Thel thought to himself. The Parasite and the Sentinels are not going to make this an easy task. We'll have to last long enough to reach the bottom and escape that way.
On top of that, the Flood weren't armed with the normal weapons that the Covenant used. They were armed with the SLDF's Phased Plasma Rifles, having absorbed the memories on how to use them effectively in the process. As a result, the battle was going to be much fiercer than before, when the Flood hadn't been armed with advanced weaponry.
Already, things were getting tense, as more Flood dropped down from the support beams and walkways in the lift shaft, firing their weapons while trying to get within melee range. Spotting a Combat Form, Thel pelted it with plasma bolts, frying the Combat Form just as another one jumped down. Unable to react in time, he was knocked over onto his back, with the Infection Form inside attempting to infect Thel, it's tendrils snaking closer to the Arbiter.
It never got the chance, as it was promptly flung off of Thel by an angry 'Kusovai, who kicked the alien over the edge of the lift. Killing a couple more Combat Forms, he walked over to the Arbiter and offered a hand. "Are you alright," he asked a moment later.
"I'm OK," Thel replied, taking the Zealot's hand, allowing the Sangheili to lift him off his back. "How are the others?"
"They're fine, but the Parasite is getting smarter," 'Kusovai replied. "They're attacking me the most, and almost completely ignoring the others. I think they know that I'm immune to infection."
"That might be," Thel agreed. "If possible, can you lure some of them away. We'll be able to purge them more effectively that way."
"I'll see what I can do," Bero replied, before jumping back into the fray.
The battle went on like this for the next five minutes, with the Elites holding off both the Flood and the Sentinels with their weaponry. At times, the lift would rotate around the shaft that it was attached to, causing the Elites and their enemies to stumble around as though they were drunk until the rotation stopped. On top of that, Thel learned that the cylinders held Infection Forms that had either been contained a long time ago, or had been put there by the Heretics as a means of biological warfare.
Either way, it was an annoying an irritating experience, as they continued to fight off more of the Flood. As he fired his weapon, Thel heard a scream of pain coming from behind him; turning around, he watched as a Flood Infection Form burrowed into one of the Elites, with the alien screaming in pain as it did so. Roaring loudly, Thel raced forwards and tore the thing out of the Elite's body, sparing him complete infection.
Unfortunately, it seemed as though enough of the Flood Super Cells had gotten into the Elite, as he continued to be slowly changed into a Combat Form. "Arbiter, k-kill me," the Sangheilian pleaded, his eyes wide as the pain grew worse. "I-I do not want to be-become one of them."
"You won't," Thel replied. "I give you my word." Activating his Energy Sword, he said, "Though you have been slain in battle, know that you will walk the path when the Great Journey comes. Die with honor and dignity, knowing that your deeds are not in vain." With that, Thel cut the infected Sangheili in half, from head to groin, sparing the Sangheili from suffering a fate far worse than death.
After that was done, he sighed as he looked at the corpse. It was never easy losing people under his command, more so when they had been infested by the Parasite. Walking over to him, Bero said, "You did the right thing, Arbiter. It would've been cruel to let him turn into a member of the Parasite."
"I know," Thel replied. "It's just that… losing a fellow brother-in-arms never gets any easier."
"I know," 'Kusovai replied. "For his sake, let's endeavor to prevent the Parasite from gaining any more slaves." With that, the two rejoined the fight, keeping as many Flood off of the lift as possible.
Eventually, they came to the bottom of the lift, where another door was located at. "Get inside now," Thel roared, holding off the Flood until the others went through, following them inside moments later. Shutting the door, they took a moment to catch their breath before continuing onward.
Rounding the corner, Thel found himself looking down another hallway, with light strips shining cold white light into the room. The silvery surfaces of the Forerunner's preferred alloy gleamed like silver in the light, giving place a grand and majestic aura. However, as if tainting this aura, there were dead Combat Forms, Sangheili and Grunts on the ground. "We should've brought weapons to burn these bodies," one of the surviving Elites remarked. "Every one is a vessel of the Flood."
Continuing onward, they entered another room through another door at the left hand end of the hallway. The room was massive, much more so than the lift they had been on just a minute ago. The first level of the room was what appeared to be an observation room, as there were transparent sections of metal looking into a room down below, with hard metal columns providing support for each transparent section. The room below also had these columns, but it was dominated primarily by platforms that ran down the center of the room, with smaller blocks to the left and right of the ends of the room. A single door was in the back, presumably leading to an airlock that would lead outside.
Here, the Heretics and the Flood were locked into mortal combat with each other, as plasma bolts and grenades flew through the air like confetti. Looking down into the chamber, Thel debated on whether or not they should enter, as it seemed wiser to allow the Heretics and the Flood to wipe each other out before moving in. That plan was promptly rendered defunct, as Carrier Forms began to waddle towards them. Kicking part of the transparent section, Thel shattered the weakened metal alloy, allowing him and the others to hop down into the chamber.
As soon as he landed, Thel noticed what he thought were Plasma Turrets on each of the blocks nearby. However, they were different, as they were more angular and had multiple barrels that were designed to rotate around a central point. These must be the SLDF's version of Plasma Turrets, Thel realized. After a moment, he said, "Get onto those Plasma Turrets. The rest of you, provide cover for the Gunners."
"It will be done," the Elites replied, getting onto the SLDF Plasma Turrets moments later. True enough, they were SLDF Plasma Turrets, as supersonic bolts of plasma tore out of the weapons as they fired at a blistering rate. To Thel, it looked as though a constant stream of plasma bolts tore into the Heretics and Flood, tearing apart bodies and cooking them in the process.
As time passed, more and more waves of Heretics and Flood poured into the room, with Thel and his men holding them off again and again. Any Flood that got too close to the gunners were promptly incinerated by their support, allowing the Gunners to continue firing all the while. Gunning down a Combat Form, Thel spotted a Heretic charging at him. He pulled the trigger, only to see the words, Fusion Mag Depleted. Replace Fusion Mag. Unfortunately, the Heretic had seen this, as he activated an Energy Sword and charged.
"Arbiter," came a roar, with 'Kusovai charging in between the two moments later. Thel watched with horror as the Energy Sword plunged through 'Kusovai's abdomen, with the blades coming out of his back. The younger Elite doubled over, a gasp of pain erupting from his mouth.
"Bero," Thel screamed, his eyes wide from horror and shock.
Laughing, the Heretic pulled Bero closer before saying, "What will you do now?," mockingly. "What can you, a blind fool, do against those that have seen the truth?"
"The best I can," Bero replied defiantly. Moments later, Bero strange, as though his mind was expanding outwards. I'm… telepathic, Bero gasped mentally, when he realized his mind really was expanding outwards. How many more abilities do I have that I do not know about?! What am I turning into?!
Sensing his own panic, 'Kusovai immediately quashed the emotion, crushing it under the weight of his discipline. Silence your panic, he ordered himself. I am telepathic, that much I know now, but I cannot allow my panic to gain control over me, otherwise I will die. Now, with that being said, what can I do using this newfound ability of mine?
Pushing outwards, he found he could sense the thoughts and emotions of all of the others around him, including the Flood. Thel's mind, 'Kusovai found, was very orderly and logical, though that order was disrupted somewhat by what he was seeing. The Heretic's mind was also present as well, along with his various thoughts and emotions. The Flood were, quite literally, a horrific fusion of all of the minds that the Parasite had consumed, with each mind fused into a single, feral consciousness.
Focusing on the task at hand, Bero began concentrating on taking control of the Heretic's mind, in order to free himself from his current predicament. Pushing outwards, he entered the Heretic's mind, brushing past any mental defenses like wind blowing leaves along. He found he could see the memories of the Elite as though they were his own. Memories flowed through Bero's mind like a river, from the taste of a favorite meal, to the family the Heretic had on Sangheilios. This Heretic isn't just another enemy, Bero realized. He has hopes, fears and dreams like me. Even love; who am I to deny his family the chance to see him again? He wrestled with the conundrum that had popped up.
Then it hit him. If I can see his memories and enter his mind, maybe I can control him as well, Bero thought. It was an ugly, repulsive thought, but he knew that if he was to survive, that was what he had to do. Ancestors forgive me for what I am about to do, he thought. Moments later, he swept into the Elite's mind once again, taking control of his thoughts and bending the Heretic's will to his own.
As soon as that happened, he willed the Heretic to remove the Energy Blade from his abdomen, allowing his enhanced regenerative factor to get to work. A moment later, 'Kusovai removed himself from the Heretic's mind, returning to his own mind and stepping back. While all of what he'd done had been mental, Bero felt as though he had run a marathon, as his breathing was deep and he felt exhausted. It seems as though shape-shifting and telepathy consume energy, Bero thought as he regained his strength moments later. That would explain why I feel ravenous whenever I use those abilities for a long duration. I'll have to take that into account.
While this had been happening, Thel watched as suddenly, just four seconds after stabbing 'Kusovai, the Heretic Elite withdrew the blade from his body, allowing his body to heal the wounds seconds later. Then, the Heretic's eyes went wide, and a wailing scream erupted from his mouth. "What are you doing," the Heretic screamed, his former bravado replaced with horror and fear. "Get out of my head! GET OUT!" Collapsing to the ground, the Heretic clutched at his head, an emotional wreck of his former self.
Looking at 'Kusovai, Thel could see that he seemed disturbed, frightened, as though he'd learned something about himself that disturbed him. "Bero, what happened," he asked. The young Sangheili was about to explain what had happened when the door on the other side opened up. "Actually, wait until we're somewhere safe to answer. We need to get out of here."
"Agreed," 'Kusovai replied, putting aside what he'd just learned. Looking at the Heretic, he said, "If you want to live, you should surrender yourself immediately." The Heretic complied, surrendering himself to the other Elites, who took his weapons from him before placing handcuffs on his wrists. With that done, they proceeded out of the facility and through the door.
"Leader, the storm is about to hit," a Phantom Pilot informed R'tas. "We cannot maintain this position!"
"Bring the Phantom down to the Arbiter's current location," R'tas ordered. "Provide him with reinforcements. Be ready to retrieve us when we have the Heretic Leader."
Exiting the airlock, Thel found himself standing on a walkway to the central structure of the facility. Ahead was a winding walkway that led upwards, coiling around the facility to the very top. The Parasite was present here as well, as Thel could see Carrier, Combat and Infection Forms making their way towards the central section of the facility. Throwing a plasma grenade, he eliminated the Infection Forms, with the blast throwing the Carrier Forms over the edge of the walkway. Besides him, 'Kusovai neutralized the Combat Forms, allowing them to move up the ramp leading inside the facility. Moments later, the Phantom arrived, offloading R'tas and some of his men.
Fighting their way through, they continued to advance up the ramp and towards the location of the Heretic's leader, 'Refumee. All the while, they fought against Heretic forces, the Flood and Sentinels that were trying to contain the infection. Eventually, they reached a door that led inside of the facility, heading inside moments later.
There were two doors that were on either side of the room. Passing through the doors, Thel and the others found themselves inside of a large room that held a series of curving ramps, with each one leading upwards to platforms that were suspended over their heads. A holographic image of the Forerunner Gas Mine they were at was present, along with a door on the other side.
The room was infested with the Flood, as well as Heretics and Sentinels. Spotting 'Refumee, Thel was about to charge ahead when Bero, spotting the danger, elongated his right hand into a tentacle, wrapping the muscular limb around Thel's waist. "Wait," he shouted. "There's too many for you to handle. We must thin them out first!"
At first, Thel was about to protest, but then he saw the wisdom in 'Kusovai's words. There were too many enemy forces here for them to engage, and if he died, the others would fall as well. Growling in frustration, he stepped back, with 'Kusovai pulling the tentacle back before changing it back into a normal, Sangheili hand. Focusing on their mission, they fired on the enemy forces inside, neutralizing them in short order.
Running up to the door, Thel was about to get through, only to be thrown backwards by an energy barrier that activated. Getting up, he walked over to the barrier, just as 'Refumee said, "This will protect me from the storm, but you will be consumed." Just as the door closed, Thel roared in frustration, ineffectually smashing a fist into the energy barrier.
"Arbiter, is he…," R'tas asked, with Thel giving a snort in reply. "Stinking Flood bait boxed himself inside. We can't break through the barrier, even with the human weapons we stole from the Heretics."
"Then we shall force him out," Thel replied, looking at the holographic image of the Gas Mine, specifically the long cable connecting the facility to it's anchor.
"How," R'tas asked.
"That cable," Thel replied, pointing at the hologram. "I'm going to cut it. Get everyone back to the ships."
"You're not going alone," 'Kusovai replied. "You'll have to put me in a watertight container to stop me, since I can shape-shift into a gelatinous material." Thel looked at him for a moment, then he nodded in agreement.
"Warriors," R'tas announced, "return to the Phantom. The Arbiter will cut this station loose from it's anchor and force the Heretic from his hole." Turning to Thel, he said, "We'll try to retrieve you once you've completed your mission. Good luck."
"The same to you," Thel replied. With that, he and 'Kusovai began to ascend the ramps, fighting off any Flood in their way. Reaching an elevator at the top, Thel pressed an icon before turning to 'Kusovai. "Now, what happened back there, at that room?"
'Kusovai pressed his mandibles together before answering. "I-I somehow became telepathic. I entered that Heretic's mind; my thoughts became his, and I could feel his memories as though they were my own. I had him pull the Energy Sword out of me, then released control over him." It was clear that what happened had disturbed the young Sangheili.
"You became telepathic," Thel asked, surprised. "What proof do you have of this? Can you demonstrate?"
Moments later, Thel heard 'Kusovai speak, only his voice reverberated in his head. Yes, Bero replied telepathically. I can, apparently, communicate with you using my mind. Just think your answers and I'll hear them.
Nodding, Thel began to think his answers so that Bero could hear them mentally. I must admit, this is… unprecedented, he thought. There hasn't been any record of any Sangheili being able to do this. How did you gain this ability?
I probably gained it during my initial infection with the Parasite, Bero replied, shrugging his shoulders to help convey his emotions. Remember, the Parasite mutated me as punishment for my defiance, but it appears as though it made a mistake. Instead of crippling me permanently, it gave me abilities that would have many a Sangheili turning green with envy. Not only can I shape-shift, I can apparently use telepathy to listen to and enter the minds of other Sangheili. It's… disturbing to be honest. I don't know if I really am a Sangheili anymore.
You still are, Thel replied. You look Sangheilian and you revert into a Sangheilian after shape-shifting. That means that, deep down, at the most primal level of your being, you are still a member of our species. No matter what happens, or what abilities you gain, you will always be a Sangheili. Nothing will change that; just remember, great power requires great responsibility. I learned that lesson as a Zealot, during my time at the human place known as The Rubble.
Thel was surprised when he felt relief emanate from 'Kusovai. Thanks, the young Elite replied. I just… I just need someone that I can rely on to serve as my anchor to the rest of the world. It seems as though you are that anchor. Thank you, Arbiter, for your wise words.
It's the least I could do, Thel replied. You always will be Bero 'Kusovai, a loyal Sangheili of the Covenant, and a guardian of the Great Journey. Besides, how many Sangheili can say that they went through something as traumatic as you and came out not only alive, but mentally sound as well. I believe you were given these abilities for a reason, 'Kusovai, and that is an encouraging thought. Now, we must sever the facility from it's cable. You think you can communicate telepathically with me while we do this?
Yes, Bero replied. I could hear the Heretic Leader's thought at the exit of that arm as though he was standing next to me. Apparently, thoughts travel great distance. We'll easily be able to communicate like this. Moments later, they reached their destination.
The area they in was the mooring point for the nanocomposite cable preventing the gas mine from falling to it's doom in the planet's atmosphere. Three anchor points connected the cable to the facility itself, each anchor being thick and strong in order to distribute the weight in an optimal manner. Ramps leading up to walkways allowed for access to the anchor points. Flood Combat and Infection Forms were everywhere, each one occupied with Sentinels that were firing on them.
'Kusovai, Thel said to the young Zealot, this is the plan. Use your shapeshifting abilities to blend in with the architecture and head to one of the anchor points, while I head to another one. I'll cut my anchor point first, then you cut yours. Understood?
Understood, Bero replied.
Good, Thel replied. Now, make haste. The storm will hit at any moment, and I don't want to be here when it does. With that, both Sangheili moved in opposite directions. Turning around, Thel watched as 'Kusovai seemed to melt into a congealed, gelatinous mass of flesh, with the mass flowing over the ground using pseudopods, changing from black to orange as Bero disguised himself. Disturbing, Thel thought, but useful.
I heard that, Bero replied. Thel chuckled in amusement as he cloaked, while Bero flowed over to one of the anchor points. Regrowing into his normal self, he activated the Energy Sword he brought with him, getting into position to make the cut. Reaching his own anchor point, Thel activated his Energy Sword and cut into the cable. It was tough, as Thel had to swing multiple times, but in the end he cut the cable at the anchor point.
The cable snapped, with the bottom end lashing forwards towards the elevator, before being pulled up towards where the cables joined together. A loud series of twanging sounds echoed in the air as more cables snapped under the strain. At the same time, the facility began to list, tilting to the right and causing some of the Flood to stumble.
"That's one," R'tas reported. "By the Prophets, look at the station list." Moments later, 'Kusovai cut his cable, causing the facility to list even more, until the floor was at a 45° angle to the horizon. "One final cable, Arbiter," R'tas reported, as both Elites moved along the steeply slanted floor to the last cable.
Reaching the final cable, Thel looked at 'Kusovai and asked, Ready?
Ready, 'Kusovai replied. Simultaneously, both Elites swung their Energy Swords at the same time, cutting the cable in half. The floor abruptly leveled out, causing the two to stumble before they regained their balance. More twanging sounds echoed as the two Elites ran for the elevator, before hitting the button to head down.
As soon as they did, there was a loud SNAP as the cable, unable to contend with the facility's weight any longer, snapped. Almost immediately, Thel and Bero were hurled up into the air, their bodies flung upwards like a bullet. Just before Thel flew out of the chamber, Bero elongated his arms into tentacles. The first one contacted the elevator, splitting into four tendrils before flowing outwards in order to create a biological anchor point, while the second tentacle wrapped itself around Thel's waist, allowing 'Kusovai to pull himself and Thel back down to the elevator, after which he reverted to his normal self. "Thanks," Thel replied. "I owe you one."
"It's the least I could do," Bero replied.
"That's it," R'tas called out over the COM. "The station's in free fall. The Heretic Leader is running from his hole. Do not let him escape! We'll keep up as best as we can!"
As the elevator reached the bottom, Thel and Bero began running as fast as they could, ignoring the enemies fighting all around them. The Flood was, apparently, more interested in getting out than fighting, though the Heretic forces tried to block their escape successfully. Thel and Bero dodged and weaved around the combatants, reaching an elevator before heading downwards.
Spotting 'Refumee, Thel and Bero fired their weapons at the Heretic, plasma bolts being exchanged between the three combatants. Following the Heretic, Thel and Bero went outside, just in time to see a Banshee pointing it's weapons at them. Both Elites dodged behind another Banshee, with Thel getting inside after the Heretic Leader's salvo. "Bero, there's not another one," Thel said apologetically.
"That's no problem," 'Kusovai replied. Moments later, he shapeshifted, turning into gelatinous flesh before flowing over Thel's body, leaving the Arbiter's face exposed. "I can fit if I do this," 'Kusovai explained, his voice gaining a liquid, echoing characteristic.
While Thel would've been disturbed, he knew that Bero was right: he would fit like this. It was an odd sensation, as Thel could feel what his skin thought was warm liquid flowing over it. Shaking off the sensation, he got into the Banshee and took off, gunning the Impulse Engines moments later.
"What lunacy," R'tas said over the COM. "The Heretic thinks he can escape on a- wait! There's a Seraph fighter where we entered. Arbiter, you know what to do!"
As they flew along, Thel felt the Banshee shudder as something struck it, causing it to begin rolling out of control. "Look out," Bero shouted, as the Banshee began to head straight for the edge of the landing platform. Opening the canopy, Thel leaped out at the last moment, with Bero amplifying his strength, allowing the two to land feet first onto the landing platform. Flowing off of Thel, Bero resumed his normal appearance, before following the Arbiter through the rapidly destabilizing facility.
Explosions and debris rained down onto the ground, as wall, floor and ceiling panels were blown out of their sockets. Both Elites were jostled around as they continued to pursue their target singlemindedly. Eventually, they reached the hangar bay that the Heretic Leader was in, just as said Heretic leaped onto the Seraph. "Turn, Heretic," Thel ordered, with 'Kusovai giving a loud, feral growl.
"Arbiter," 'Refumee growled. "I would rather die at your hands than let the Prophets lead me to a slaughter."
"Who has taught you these lies," Thel asked. Moments later, his questions were answered when a spherical Forerunner machine about the size of a basketball flew down, the machine absentmindedly humming a tune. "The Oracle," Thel and Bero gasped simultaneously.
"Greetings," the Monitor replied. "I am 343 Guilty Spark, Monitor of Installation 04."
"Ask it the truth," 'Refumee told Thel and Bero. "Ask it what the Halo's are designed to do."
"More questions," Guilty Spark remarked. "Splendid. I would be happy to answer them." Moments later, the Monitor was cut off when 'Refumee fired at Thel and Bero, forcing the two back. Bero, since he wasn't actually wearing armor, gracefully dodged each plasma bolt, before taking cover with Thel.
"The Elites are blind, Arbiter," 'Refumee growled, "but I will make them see." Hearing some noise, Thel and Bero rounded the corner just in time to see two copies of the Heretic Leader.
Firing back, the two engaged the holograms, who also fired back as well. 'Kusovai, Thel asked mentally, which one is the real 'Refumee.
One moment, Bero replied. Extending his mind, he found that the real 'Refumee was trying to get into the Seraph fighter. Distract the drones, he told Thel. I've got the real 'Refumee. Nodding in agreement, Thel engaged the drones, distracting them while Bero got to the Heretic Leader.
Closing the hatch, 'Refumee turned on the systems in the Seraph, only for the controls to short out. "What," he gasped. "How-?"
"You're not the only one that is unusual," came an echoing, liquid voice. 'Refumee's eyes widened when he watched the Elite that was with the Arbiter regrow from a gelatinous state, his flesh fully solidifying as he grew armor onto his body. "I'm unusual too."
"What are you," 'Refumee gasped.
"What am I? My name is Bero 'Kusovai. Zealot, Sangheilian, shapeshifter and telepath." Moments later, Bero tackled 'Refumee, flowing over the Heretic before he could scream. Moments later, a loud CRACK echoed in the cockpit of the Seraph, with Bero reforming into his normal self a moment later. The Heretic Leader's neck was at an unnatural angle.
Getting out of the Seraph, Bero said, "The Heretic Leader is dead." Moments later, he hauled the dead 'Refumee out of the AeroSpace Fighter.
"How unfortunate," the Monitor remarked. "His edification was most memorable."
"We had no choice in the matter," Thel replied. "He endangered the Great Journey."
"Great Journey," the Monitor remarked. "Why do you insist on using such inaccurate verb-" He stopped when Bero approached. "Oh," the Monitor gasped. "Most fascinating."
"What do you mean," Bero asked.
"You show signs of the Flood's infection, yet it appears as though you rejected it. You also appear to be composed of Super Cells, which would explain your unusual ability to shapeshift."
"You mean," Bero remarked, "that I'm a member of the Flood?"
"No," the Monitor replied. "Your DNA is still firmly Sangheilian in origin. I am, however, detecting Flood DNA markers in your Super Cells. I would like to-" The Monitor was promptly interrupted when he was unceremoniously yanked along by a beam of electricity, as well as an invisible beam of gravitons. "OH MY, AAAUUUGGGHHH," the Monitor screamed, just as it impacted the head of a Gravity Hammer. Looking in that direction, Thel spotted Tartarus, who was holding the hammer.
"That is the Oracle," Thel growled at Tartarus. "Be careful with it!"
"So it is," Tartarus replied, prying the Monitor off the hammer before tossing it into the gravity lift of the Phantom he had come in. "Come," he ordered the Arbiter. "We are leaving this system." Looking at Thel, Bero cocked a scaly brow, with Thel shrugging in reply as they followed Tartarus into the Phantom.
. . .
Again, unbeknownst to the Arbiter and 'Kusovai, they were being watched by the same figure. Interesting, the figure thought, his almond colored eyes darting about as he watched Bero shape shift on the video feed. It appears as though Bero was changed into a shape-shifter when he fought off the Flood and regained control. We'll need to monitor him for the time being, but still, how very interesting.
Still, the figure couldn't help but laugh at the fact that the Elites were, unknowingly, handing over information on a silver platter. Hearing footsteps behind him, he turned to the newcomer. "I take it the operation was a success," A deep, resonant voice asked.
"Yes, it was," the figure replied. "Operation: FOG OF WAR is a go. The tracking devices on the guns we sold to the Heretic Elites will soon transmit the location of High Charity to our spy satellites in all nearby star systems. We'll be able to send agents there, if all goes well."
"Excellent," the newcomer beamed. "I must admit, the methods you humans use are… odd, to say the least. Still, they get the job done, so I won't complain about that. It is fortunate that we succeeded in the way that we did."
"That it is," the figure remarked. "Let's head out for a drink. This occasion needs a celebration."
"It certainly will," the newcomer remarked, leaving the room a moment later. The figure remained behind to watch the last of the video footage, before closing the computer and walking out. As he did so, the symbol on his shoulders glinted briefly in the light: an eight pronged star, with the outer prongs being black and the inner prongs being silver, with a black sphere in the middle. The bottom, upper and right prongs were elongated, with the right prong being elongated the most. Moments later, the door closed, casting the room into darkness. It was an occasion to celebrate. Humanity was one step closer to victory.