Hello again, everyone, and welcome back to my Halo - Mechwarrior/Battletech crossover. We are at the penultimate chapter of the Halo 3 story arc, and I am very happy to say that it has been a wonderful ride. Once I complete the last chapter of the current story arc, I'll take a break from updating this crossover and start a variation of this one that I and another author have been collaborating on. Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to finishing this story arc. 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 original 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.
Installation 00
SLS/FCS Guardian of Liberty
February 16th, 2553
Standing on the bridge of the SLS/FCS Guardian of Liberty, Chief looked around to see the other high ranking officials that were in the room. Besides himself, there was SaKhan Juliana Ebon, Archon-Prince Victor Steiner-Davion, Admiral Chernenko, Admiral Hood, the Arbiter, Bero 'Kusovai, Imperial Admiral Xytan 'Jar Watrinee and finally, 343 Guilty Spark. Beyond that, any personnel that hadn't been called to this meeting had been assigned to other missions on Installation 00 that needed to be completed.
There was one reason why there were so many high ranking officials here: the Flood. After their arrival at Installation 00, and Truth's death at the hands of the Arbiter and Bero, the Flood had been fairly inactive, though that didn't mean they weren't up to something. That was why, about fifteen minutes ago, the Archon-Prince had called an emergency meeting to determine how to defeat the Flood, before they could spread any further.
Once everyone was inside of the bridge, Victor said, "Gentlemen, welcome. As you are undoubtedly aware, the Flood has arrived at Installation 00, most likely to begin it's genocidal campaign here. We need to come up with an effective strategy to defeat the Flood, or otherwise delay it's plans." Looking at 'Jar Watrinee, he asked, "Imperial Admiral, what do you suggest would be the best course of action?"
"I believe we need to glass the entirety of High Charity, or rather what's left of it, since it crashed landed on a section of the Ark," 'Jar Watrinee replied. "If we glass High Charity, we will be able to destroy the Parasite without having to risk the Flood gaining access to information on our forces by infecting anyone. If we do this right, we'll be able to destroy the Flood and prevent it from getting access to anything else."
"I have a few concerns about that," Admiral Chernenko countered. "High Charity has a fairly thick and strong hull, which means it will take a lot of energy to burn through the hull. On top of that, the glassing will only destroy the Flood growth on the hull itself, not the actual Gravemind inside of the station, which is what we need to destroy in order to stop the Flood dead in it's tracks.
"My proposal is that we send in a team of Elementals, led by Master Chief, into High Charity in order to plant a prototype, antimatter bomb that will destroy High Charity in it's entirety. Once they've reached the minimum safe distance, we'll be able to get to the newly constructed Installation 04 and fire it, destroying all of the Flood in one fell swoop, but not before we evacuate via the Slipstream Space Portal."
"That's a good plan," Victor remarked. Looking at the Monitor, he said, "What do you think?"
"That will buy us enough time for Installation 04 to move into position near the Ark," Guilty Spark beamed. "The Monitor of Installation 00 has been working on moving Installation 04 into a position that will allow us to fire the ring without destroying the Ark, or severely damaging it in the process. Once it is in position, we will be able to fire it, though I don't see how we can do that."
"We'll destroy that bridge when we come to it," Victor remarked. "Anyone else have a better idea?"
"I don't have any better ideas," Admiral Hood replied. "If anyone else does, then they're free to let us know."
"It's an excellent plan," Thel decided. "By using this prototype weapon inside of High Charity, we will be able to delay the Flood long enough for the Installation to move into position, then we'll be able to fire it." Looking at the Monitor, he said, "Oracle, are you certain that we are far away enough from the galaxy that Halo's discharge will not harm any life in it?"
"Absolutely," Guilty Spark replied. "The galaxy is well beyond the range that Installation 04 has when it fires."
"Then it's decided," Victor replied. Looking at Chief, he said, "Master Chief, you will lead a select Star of Elementals into High Charity in order to reach what we think is the reactor room. That will be the best location to plant the bomb at given the amount of energy that the reactor still holds. Once you've left the station and reached minimum safe distance, you will detonate the bomb and, once High Charity's destruction has been confirmed, head to Installation 04 in order to fire it off."
"Understood," Chief replied.
"Good," Victor remarked. "Dismissed, but I want to discuss a few final details with you, Chief." A few moments later, the command personnel of the joint forces left the room, leaving Chief alone with Victor. Clearing his throat, he said, "Now that we're alone, Chief, I understand that Cortana has something that can activate Halo. That's what I presumed from her encrypted message, yes?"
"Yes, sir," Chief replied. "Cortana still has the Activation Index from the original Installation 04. If what she knows about Forerunner architecture is true, then the Index from the first Halo will activate this one."
"I see," Victor remarked. "You were right not to tell Guilty Spark. If he learned about it, he would go to every length possible to take it back for himself. Once you get to Installation 04, though, tell him that you have it, otherwise you'll be giving him a big stick that he can use to beat you with. Understood?"
"Yes sir," Chief replied. "Is there anything else, sir?"
"No," Victor replied. "That was all. You have your orders, Chief. Head to High Charity, plant the antimatter bomb, cripple the Gravemind's efforts, then fire Halo and destroy the Flood once and for all. Dismissed."
. . .
One Hour Later
"This is as far as I can go," the Hermes pilot informed Chief and the others, with the VTOL coming to a stop just above a suitably large LZ. "The rest of the area is only accessible via foot. If you find another LZ, let me know, so that I can pick you up there."
"Roger that," Chief replied. Turning around, he headed into the Troop Bay onboard the VTOL, where the rest of the Elementals were at. There were roughly four Elementals that had come with him, half of the group being Humans and the other half being Sangheilians, as the latter were much more familiar with High Charity's internal layout. The two Human Elementals that had come along were Osman Conners and Edward Pryde, while the Sangheilian Elementals were Lat 'Ravamee and Bero 'Kusovai, the latter having been chosen due to his telepathic and shape-shifting abilities, as well as his immunity to infection by the Flood.
As a result, Bero had been chosen to transport the antimatter bomb to it's destination: the central reactor core on High Charity. The antimatter bomb was, surprisingly, tiny for such a potentially destructive weapon, as it was about as large as a pair of footballs put together end to end, and composed of the strongest materials that the Inner Sphere's best scientists could devise. Antimatter weapons, from what Chief learned, were in the 'working prototype' phase of R&D in the Inner Sphere, meaning that the bomb worked as it should, but it was still being simplified and optimized for mass production.
Still, despite it's small size, Chief had learned that this particular antimatter bomb, known as a Damocles-Class Antimatter-Matter Annihilation Bomb, could generate a blast equal to that of a 300 megaton thermonuclear bomb. While not nearly as powerful as the legendary, UNSC designed Nova-Class Thermonuclear Bomb, it was just the bomb needed to destroy High Charity, as the initial blast, combined with the energy inside of High Charity's reactor core, would be more than enough to destroy High Charity. Due to concerns about damage, though, the Monitor of Installation 00 had been informed of the potential danger, while being told about potential asteroid belts and mining planets that would have the necessary materials needed to repair Installation 00 in the event it was damaged by the explosion.
Looking at Bero, Chief watched him make sure the ordinance was safely on his back before getting ready to get out. "Are you sure you can do this," Chief asked, as Bero had told him how he had become what he was during the flight here.
"Yes," Bero replied. "You need not worry about me becoming cowardly. I'm immune to infection by the Flood, so I have nothing to fear from them, aside from the Gravemind's telepathy."
"You don't seem particularly angry at the Flood for what happened to you," Cortana remarked.
"How can I be," Bero asked. "The Flood do what they do because it's an integral part of what they are. Either way, we have a mission to complete, and I intend to make sure we succeed, even if I have to sacrifice myself to ensure victory." Nodding at Bero's words, Chief opened up the loading ramp/troop bay door, revealing the interior of the room they had landed inside.
If High Charity had been a beauty to look at on the inside before, it was now a disgusting sight that would cause even the most stalwart inspector to throw up in disgust. Most of High Charity's interior was now covered with an ugly yellow-orange-tan material that covered the walls, most of the floor and most of the ceiling. Stepping outside, Chief heard a squelching sound, prompting him to look at his armored boots a moment later; he frowned in disgust when he saw that his foot had sunken into the Flood material a couple inches. Lifting it up, he noticed more of the Flood material stuck on his Armored Boot.
The other Elementals, when they got out, also showed their disgust at what they were looking at. "Well, shit," Osman remarked as he stepped outside. "Uugghh, this is disgusting. If I thought walking through a cloud of Flood Spores was disgusting, then this is even more so. I preferred it when it was not wet and gooey like this."
"I agree," 'Ravamee said as he stepped outside, his mandibles pursing into a frown behind the Advanced Ferro-Glass that was part of his helmet's visor. "This is, by far, the foulest place I have been in my entire life. I cannot help but shudder at thinking about how it might've been if I hadn't been wearing a fully sealed helmet."
"Indeed," Edward remarked as he stepped out, with Bero in tow behind him. "Either way, we have a mission to complete, and I intend to succeed. Chief, what are your orders?"
Looking around, Chief pulled out a small UAV that had been on his belt. Due to the crash, it was determined that the internal layout of High Charity had been altered, on top of changes that the Flood had made now that they were the new tenants of the former Covenant Space Station. As a result, Chief had been given a UAV that was designed to act as a forward scout and guide for the others, so that they could reach the Reactor Core without getting lost or separated from each other.
Activating the drone, Chief watched as the small UAV, using it's antigravity thrusters, zoomed forwards, scanning an area up ahead before planting small, glowing markers in the ground like a futuristic series of bread crumbs. "Follow the UAV," Chief ordered the others. "It will guide us to the Reactor Core. Osman, you will come with me and take point. 'Ravamee, Pryde, you will stay with Bero as we move up. Move out." With that, the Star of Elementals began to move forwards, navigating the radically altered environment inside of the wrecked space station.
Dropping down, they landed on a section of the ground that hadn't been covered in Flood matter, with the UAV Chief had launched flying ahead, deploying more markers for them to follow. Looking up, Chief spotted a series of what appeared to be fleshy sacks on the sides of the walls. "Be careful," Bero told the others. "I can sense Infection Forms inside of those fleshy sacks. Take care not to burst those sacs open."
"Understood," Chief replied. Just as they moved up, some of the sacs immediately popped open, spewing out Infection Forms. Instead of heading towards the group, Chief watched as they moved towards a pile of corpses that the Flood had made, most likely those that had been left behind when the Flood invaded High Charity. Almost immediately, the Elementals acted on instinct, with Osman blowing apart the swarm of Infection Forms with a well aimed ATM/2. Behind them, Pryde made sure his Advanced Flamer was fully operational, letting out a small burst of plasma fire before moving up with 'Ravamee and Bero. Moving onwards, they neutralized a few more Flood Infection Forms, while Pryde incinerated any bodies on the ground, denying the Flood the chance to infest those corpses.
Moving forwards, Chief found that the drone was hovering in front of a large, circular mass of Flood tissue in front of them, with said mass of tissue being split up into a number of sections. "What is that," Chief heard Osman ask. "Is that the Flood version of a door?"
"Looks like it," Bero remarked as Chief approached it. A moment later, Osman's question was answered when the fleshy growths retreated into the walls with a sickening, squelching sound. "Fascinating, but disgusting," Bero remarked as the drone moved ahead, encountering another porta, as Osman decided to call them, and coming to a stop.
As they moved forwards, Chief felt it: another attempt by the Gravemind to intimate them. At the same time, Bero extended his mind outwards, doing his best to shield the others. "Child of my enemy," the Gravemind rumbled. "Why have you come? I offer no forgiveness. A father's sins, pass on to his son." With that, the telepathic message ended.
"That is… disturbing," Pryde remarked. "What was it trying to do?"
"It was attempting to intimidate us," Bero replied, looking at Edward moments later. "It can also influence other people into doing what it wants using the same method. I have no doubt that the Gravemind will attempt to influence us into leaving High Charity, or worse, allow ourselves to be infested by the Flood."
"It will take more than that to make me obey," Osman growled. "I declared a Trial of Annihilation against the Flood, and I swore to help carry it out. I am not going to allow some fetid, putrid worm of a monster to tell me what I should and should not do." Nodding in agreement, Chief and the others proceeded forwards, dropping down through another porta and into the next area.
The next area was a large chamber that was split in half by a large slope that led upward, with some exposed metal serving as a divider for the chamber. The room was amply lit by sunlight that streamed in between what appeared to be large, fleshy columns that helped support the room. Parts of the metal floor on the lower areas were present as well, though it was clear that the Flood had covered most of the area in the fleshy material they were composed of.
The Flood were present here, and in great numbers as well. Chief watched the drone fly up towards the ceiling, just as a mass of red dots appeared on his sensor readouts. "Contact," Chief called out. "Bero, keep the bomb safe. Osman, Pryde, you're with me. 'Ravamee, stay behind with Bero."
"Understood," the Sangheilian replied, just as Osman and Chief charged forwards. Plasma fire spewed from Osman and Pryde's Advanced Flamers, while Chief fired off his M42 Phased Plasma Rifle at the Combat, Infection and Pure Forms that charged at them. The Combat Forms didn't have the chance to dodge, as plasma fire splashed onto their bodies, igniting them as though someone had poured gasoline onto them and lit it up. Loud, horrid screeches and roars filled the air as the Flood were burned alive; a Pure Form charged at Chief, only to be caught in a massive conflagration that began to consume it's body. The Pure Form screeched in pain as fire licked at it's flesh, consuming the creature in it's entirety moments later.
Moving upwards, Chief and the others began pushing the tide of Flood back, with Bero and 'Ravamee following closely behind as the Elementals moved forwards. Moving towards the left, they proceeded into the other side of the large chamber, coming on top of a large hill of metal and flesh that dominated this part of the chamber. More Flood charged at them, only to be incinerated by the powerful Flamers that Osman and Pryde had brought with them. Behind them, Chief provided fire support, killing any dangerous Flood, while picking off the ones that had escaped the barrage of fire either by luck or skill.
Some of them, sensing Bero and 'Ravamee, charged to the right of the other Elementals, roaring as they charged towards the two Sangheilians. Engulfing the antimatter bomb into his body, Bero charged forwards, roaring loudly as he morphed his arms into blades, while 'Ravamee took out his Energy Sword and charged forwards. Limbs and bodies fell apart as the two Sangheilians tore into the Flood; Bero, in particular, was the most dangerous combatant of the two, as he constantly changed and altered his shape, using his entire body as a weapon against the Flood.
Eventually, the tide of Flood coming at them thinned out, with the last one being neutralized moments later. Turning around, Osman noticed a large, flat area that was large enough for a VTOL to land at. "Hey, guys," he said to the others. "There is a large, flat area behind us that we can use. We can signal for the VTOL pilot to come get us."
"Affirmative," Chief replied, as the small UAV he had deployed came down from where it had taken shelter. Looking at Bero, he asked, "Do you have the bomb still?"
"Yes," Bero replied. "I pulled it into my body when the Flood engaged me and 'Ravamee. It's safe and sound inside of me."
"Good," Chief replied. With all hostiles down, they regrouped and proceeded forwards, entering another series of fleshy hallways as they advanced. As they moved up, more Flood began to assault their position, with the group often stopping in order to thin out the Flood onslaught before moving forwards. As a result, their progress was slowed, but not completely halted.
Nearing the entrance to another chamber, Chief was about to proceed forwards when Osman shouted, "Watch out," with the Elemental reaching forwards and pulling him back, throwing the Spartan to the ground. As soon as Chief landed, a Pure Form grew out of the fleshy material on the walls, changing into Tank Form before charging at them, roaring as it did so. It never got the chance, as it was promptly blown apart by a missile that Osman had fired. Turning to Chief, he said, "Are you OK?"
"I'm alright," Chief replied as he got up and brushed himself off. "Thanks for the help."
"It was the least that I could do," Osman replied. "Remember, Chief, you are a member of our Clan, and the Warrior Caste at that too. It is my duty to help my fellow Warrior when he needs help. Teamwork is how we survive, not solidarity."
"That is right," Pryde beamed. "Still, the fact that the Flood can grow their reinforcements so quickly…" He trailed off at that, with the others reaching the same conclusion as he had. With that in mind, Chief advanced forwards, keeping an eye out for any Flood, including the fleshy walls.
Moving forwards, the Elementals quickly entered a small chamber that had a number of corpses, both Jiralhanae and Sangheilian, as well as a large amount of grenades on the floor. Walking over to one of the corpses, Bero bent down, before whispering a Sangheilian death poem to the corpses. After doing so, he said, "We have to destroy these corpses. Every one is a potential vessel of the Flood."
"Understood," Chief replied. Using their Flamers, Osman and Pryde began to torch the bodies, incinerating them with pure plasma.
As they did so, Bero grunted, holding his head as he felt what he realized was the Gravemind's mind touching his own. "Why do you persist in helping your friends," the Gravemind asked Bero, causing the latter to groan slightly. "Cut them down where they stand, and you will be granted forgiveness. Join me, Bero, and you will have all the answers that you desire to your questions."
I'd rather not, Bero replied. You will never succeed in attempting to make me betray my friends. Shutting his mind, Bero groaned as he forced the Gravemind's influence out of his head, sitting down moments later.
Spotting Bero's distress, 'Ravamee came over and knelt down next to the young Sangheilian. "Are you alright," he asked Bero.
"I'm fine," Bero replied, rubbing his neck before getting up. "The Gravemind tried to persuade me into killing you all, stating that it would offer me forgiveness and the answers to all the questions that I have. I forced it out and refused it's offer."
"I see," 'Ravamee noted. "Just be careful, Bero. Since the Gravemind is telepathic as well, it can take control of your body as well. You will have to place defenses around your mind if you wish to remain under your own control."
"I know," Bero replied. "I shut my mind to it's influence, but I don't know if I can resist it if it attacks. I do know this, though: you and the others will always be my friends, and I do not intend to betray my friends. You have my word."
"I know," 'Ravamee replied as Chief and the others finished up. Turning to them, he said. "We have to make haste, Spartan. The Gravemind attempted to influence Bero into attacking you; he resisted, but we have to make haste."
"Understood," Chief replied. Looking at the young Sangheilian shape-shifter, he said. "You're doing good, Bero. Just do what you can; I won't be angry if the Gravemind takes control of you. If it does, force it out with everything you have."
"I will," Bero nodded. "You have my word on that." With that, the group proceeded forwards, moving through more fleshy corridors and tunnels. Moving through another porta, they continued to follow the UAV as it flew through the air, depositing markers all the way.
Eventually, after dropping down a hole in the fleshy floor, they reached what appeared to be the Bridge of High Charity, or at least a small auxiliary at that. While parts of the chamber had the characteristic infection by the Flood, most of the Bridge's floor was uncontaminated, with most of the nanolaminate floor being untouched by the Flood. The same couldn't be said of the ceiling, as Chief spotted tendrils that extended down, twitching somewhat as they moved past them. The Bridge was split into two levels, with a lower level below them that was visible via transparent sections of nanolaminate.
There were a lot of Flood in here, as well, as Chief spotted more Infection, Combat and Pure forms inside of the Bridge. A massive group of them charged forwards, only to be blasted apart by an Inferno missile that Pryde fired from his Salamander-IIa's Missile Pod. Moving forwards, Chief and Osman fired their weapons, incinerating any Flood that came towards them. Realizing they were about to be attacked, Pryde, 'Ravamee and Bero charged forwards, killing any Flood that came too close.
As they fought, Bero stopped as he felt another push on his mind, roaring loudly as he clutched his head in pain. "Destroy the Spartans and Elementals," the Gravemind roared at him. "I command it!"
GET OUT OF MY HEAD, Bero roared, just as he felt the Gravemind attempting to invade his mind. Fighting back, Bero used whatever mental weapons he had to drive out the Gravemind's influence, even as it attempted to control him. For two, long minutes, Bero and the Gravemind fought, with the tide of the mental battle shifting back and forth between the two beings. During the fight, Bero realized that he'd passed a critical point, as he felt the Gravemind's pressure on his mind lessen. With a roar, he threw the Gravemind out, nearly collapsing to the ground as he expelled the foul influence from his mind.
Gasping for air, the young Sangheilian looked up to see Chief and the others cleaning up the rest of the Flood. Spotting Bero, Pryde realized what had happened, as he came over and helped the Sangheilian up onto his feet. "Tried again, I take it," he asked.
"Yes," Bero replied. "This time, the Gravemind attempted to take control of my mind. It was hard, but I threw him out again. I don't know if I'll be able to stop him the third time around."
"In that case, give the antimatter bomb to me," Pryde ordered Bero. "I am not angry at you, Bero. I just do not want the Gravemind to crush the bomb before it can be used." Nodding in agreement, Bero pushed the antimatter bomb out of his body, with Pryde taking to to 'Ravamee, who had overheard the conversation. Securing the bomb to his armor, the older Elite moved forwards, while Pryde kept an eye on Bero.
Moving out of the Bridge, they proceeded through another short hallway and entered a long and tall room, with multiple fleshy platforms that were on either side of the chamber. Oddly enough, it was redolent of a honeycomb, similar to found in beehives; long, fleshy bridges bridged the gap between the walls, and there were a series of straightforward tunnels that led to the other side, which seemed at odds to the apparently complexity of the room.
As he moved inside, Chief felt a slight, rumbling sensation under his feet. "Uh, oh," he said quietly, backing up slightly. Behind him, Osman and 'Ravamee pulled their weapons out, ready to fight in the event that the Flood reappeared.
That caution was well warranted, as Cortana shouted, "Incoming Flood! They're bulging out of the floors and walls! We kicked a hornet's nest!"
"No shit," Osman shouted, just as fifteen Pure Forms grew out of the walls and floor, with a few growing out of the ceiling. Jumping up onto the walls and ceiling, ten of the Pure Forms morphed into Ranged Forms, growing large spines that they began to fire at the group. Firing back, Chief killed five of the ten Ranged Forms while Osman engaged the other five. Missiles streaked through the air alongside plasma bolts, tearing into the Flood with ruthless efficiency. Bero, for obvious reasons, remained out of the fight, not wanting to risk having the Gravemind invade his mind again.
For the next few minutes, Chief and the others fought through the Flood, slowly pushing them back further and further through the corridor. Eventually, they reached a large chamber that was composed of a series of fleshy ramps that traveled up the walls and to another sphincter-like porta on the northern section of the chamber. A series of fleshy platforms and bridges spanned the room, with a small gap between a pair that led to the porta. Continuing to fight through the Flood, the Elementals pushed through into the chamber, climbing up a fleshy slope that led into a nearby tunnel. Combat Forms and Pure Forms harassed them as they pushed through the incoming tide of forces. Reaching the gap in the path, they hopped over to the other side, reaching the porta moments later. Pushing in through the porta, they proceeded into a nearby corridor, using an M15 Grenade set to Incendiary Mode to block off the porta. With the Flood dealt with for the time being, they proceeded through another long corridor and into the Reactor Room.
The Reactor Room was, by far, the largest chamber in the area of High Charity yet. Walking out into the Reactor Room, Chief could see a number of wide walkways that encircled the entire room, with the reactor pylons located around a central platform in the center of the Reactor Room. The Central Platform could be accessed via three walkways, two being made of the fleshy material that covered sections of the chamber, while the last one was composed of the nanolaminate material the Covenant made such widespread use of.
"This is it," Cortana told the others. "We're in the Reactor Core. Now, we just have to plant the antimatter bomb on one of the Reactor Pylons in order to secure it to the place. Once that's done, we'll exfill out of here and head to the LZ that you guys spotted earlier."
"Agreed," Chief replied. Just as he moved forwards, however, the Flood took this moment to strike again, with Pure Forms and Combat Forms charging at them once again. Getting their weapons out, the team advanced forwards, firing their weapons and neutralizing any Flood Forms that stood in their path.
As they advanced forwards, Bero began to lag behind, groaning as he held his head again. Chief was about to ask what was wrong when Bero screamed, a loud, grating sound as the Elite clutched at his head. Collapsing to the ground, Bero continued to scream, with his body randomly morphing and shifting as the young Elite suffered another telepathic attack. Get out, he roared in his mind.
"You will obey," the Gravemind thundered.
NEVER, Bero roared.
"So be it," the Gravemind growled. "If your mind will not obey, then perhaps your body will be more receptive." Again, the Gravemind attacked, this time, using overwhelming force to break through Bero's mental defenses. Bero screamed mentally as the Gravemind took control.
While this was happening, Chief watched as Bero's body went limp. He was about to ask the young Sangheili if he was alright when Cortana said, "Chief, look out!" Rolling backwards, Chief narrowly avoided a tentacle as Bero got up, a loud roar coming from his mouth.
"Bero," Chief shouted. "What are you doing?"
There was silence, then, Chief heard rumbling, chilling laughter as the Elite walked towards him. "Bero is no longer in here now," the Elite growled, his voice having changed into that of the Gravemind's. "We exist together now. Two corpses, in one grave."
"Gravemind," Chief growled. Pulling up his weapon, he fired, sending plasma bolts directly at the Elite. In a sudden flash of movement, the Gravemind dodged to the left, narrowly dodging the plasma bolts hurled at it. Roaring, the Gravemind grew more tentacles out of Bero's body, flinging the ends at Chief, who narrowly dodged the blow.
"Surats," Osman growled as he and Pryde were scaling one of the Reactor Pylons. "The Gravemind must have taken over Bero's body! We have to stop him!"
"No," Pryde shouted. "We have to focus on the mission! It is what Bero would want!"
"I'll help Chief," 'Ravamee shouted, tossing the antimatter bomb to Pryde. "You get that bomb in place." Drawing his Energy Sword, 'Ravamee charged to where Chief and the Gravemind were fighting, while Pryde and Osman focused on getting the bomb in place.
Dodging another blow, Chief smoothly rolled backwards, even as the Gravemind charged forwards. Looking at the possessed Sangheilian, Chief realized that the Gravemind wasn't familiar with Bero's body, as some of the Elite's movements had become stiff and jerky. One tentacle zoomed at Chief's head, only to stop partway as some unseen force began to fight the Gravemind. Bero must be fighting back, Chief realized as the Gravemind snarled, placing a hand on the Elite's head. It would explain why the Gravemind's movements are stiff and mechanical: the young Elite is still in there! Moments later, he was forced to dodge another series of blows, as the Gravemind reasserted control once more.
Eventually, Chief realized that he was being backed towards a sheer drop, as he nearly fell over a ledge. Laughing, the Gravemind drew closer, ensaring Chief's arms and legs in tentacles. "The gate is unlatched," the Gravemind growled, it's mandibles spreading in gruesome smile. "Headstones shift… corpses move and offer room. A fate you must abide!" Reaching out with a tentacle, it began snaking around Chief's neck, in an attempt to remove his helmet.
Before it could succeed, though, an Energy Sword speared through the Gravemind's back, with the creature roaring loudly in pain as it released Chief. Turning around, it lashed out with an arm, knocking 'Ravamee back a good five meters. Getting up, 'Ravamee shouted, "Bero! If you can hear me, fight the Gravemind! It can only control you if you let it do so!"
"Silence, worm," the Gravemind roared, firing a series of bony spines at 'Ravamee, who narrowly dodged them. "The Sangheilian you once called Bero is one with me now. There is no hope for him to retu-" Moments later, the Gravemind screamed as Bero took control briefly.
" 'R-Ravamee," Bero gasped, his eyes flaring in alarm as he fought back. "I-I can't s-stop h-him! I-I can't k-eep this up f-for much l-longer!"
"You can win," 'Ravamee shouted to Bero. "Fight him, Bero! Don't let him win!"
Moments later, before he could react, a tentacle lashed out, smashing against 'Ravamee and denting his armor's plating. Sliding along, 'Ravamee watched as Osman and Pryde began activating the bomb, while the Gravemind walked towards him menacingly, morphing a tentacle into a long blade. "How I enjoy controlling one of the beings that rejected my gift," the Gravemind growled, smashing a hoof against 'Ravamee's hand, with a roar of pain coming from the Elite. "You will serve me well in due time, as will the others."
"Not if we have a say in it," a voice shouted. Turning around, the Gravemind didn't have time to react before an Armored Boot smashed into it's face, sending the Gravemind sprawling on the ground. "It is high time we shut down your twisted little marionette show," Osman growled, with Pryde landing behind him.
Snapping a mandible back in place, the Gravemind stood up and snarled. "Ah, the other armored caskets, and the Inner Sphere," it growled. "So much more than the Forerunners, and yet, so much less than them." Extending a tentacle, the Gravemind growled, "If you will not serve me in life, then you will serve me in death. A pity, but a worthy price to pay nonetheless." With that, the Elementals and Gravemind charged towards each other, intent on fighting to the death.
. . .
While this was going on, Bero was still fighting back against the Gravemind. Roaring loudly in his mind, Bero struggled against the mental tentacles that were restraining his mind, fighting hard to break free as the Flood attempted to tear his mind apart. Hearing a distinct buzzing sound, he fought to block it out, realizing that the Gravemind was trying to consume his memories. No, he screamed as he fought back all the harder. Someone, help me! Please! HELP!
The more he fought, the harder it became to block out the buzzing sound, as the Gravemind tore at the young Sangheilian's mind, pulling at memories in an attempt to dislodge them. Holding onto his memories like a lifeline, Bero struggled to keep his mind together, even as the ravaging madness of the Flood tore at it. It seemed as though it was all over.
Then, just as the Gravemind was about to tear away his memories, something happened. Bero gasped as another presence enveloped his mind, shielding him from the ravaging madness like a cave shielding a person from a sandstorm. Surprised by the sudden silence, he was about to ask what had happened when another voice spoke. It sounded exactly like the Gravemind, only it was filled with tender love and sympathy, like a father comforting a distraught child. Bero 'Kusovai, the voice said tenderly. You have suffered so much, child, far more than you deserve.
Who are you, Bero asked, shocked by what was happening.
The mind that had enveloped his own chuckled, but in a happy, grandfatherly way, not at all like the menacing laughter that the Gravemind would often boom out. Who am I, the other mind asked rhetorically, just as the mindscape around Bero changed.
Looking around, Bero found that he was in his family's house on Sangheilios, or rather the mental equivalent thereof. Looking around, he found that he was sitting near a fireplace with another Sangheilian, which looked exactly like Thel 'Vadamee, only Bero knew that it wasn't him. I am the Gravemind, or rather, the Gravemind as it should have been, the other mind spoke, the mandibles on the Elite's face moving as the being spoke. I have been called by many names throughout my life, but you can call me the Primordial if you wish.
Where… where are we, Bero asked. Why hasn't my mind been consumed by the Flood. More importantly, what are you?
We are in your mind, the Primordial replied. What you are seeing is a representation of your mind, from the most primal instincts that you have, to the memories that you have formed over the span of your life, which, if you are careful, has no limit now. As for why your mind is still intact, I have created a barrier around it that the Gravemind cannot penetrate.
As for what I am, I will explain, now that you have earned the right to know now. Standing up, the Primordial came over to Bero and sat down, another chair appearing as if it had been magically created. I am a living being known as a Precursor, the very first species that came into existence shortly after our Universe was born. As we grew in maturity and technology, we realized that we were, in effect, the Living Universe incarnate. As our minds grew and expanded, we realized that it was our purpose to shelter and protect life, to nurture it so that it could grow and become like us one day.
For millions, and perhaps, billions of years, we traveled the Universe, taking in all that life had to offer, from the good to the bad. We understood this as a kind of 'sweetness', as we felt that life had to be enjoyed in all of it's aspects, so that one could gain a far greater understanding of the Living Universe as we knew it.
As we traveled, we began to create new lifeforms, nurturing and accelerating their evolution from simple, single celled organisms to beings that were just as strong and capable as we were. I remember, Bero, when your kind was born, how a friend of mine altered her flesh so that she appeared exactly like a member of your kind, as well as the joy she had when she carried one of your kind inside of her. It was a similar story with the Eucemme and the Humans, the ones we chose to uphold the Mantle of Responsibility.
So, where did the Flood come from, Bero asked.
The Primordial sighed, before speaking again. The Precursors became the Flood, Bero. It is a sad tale, one that even I am hesitant to speak of. However, since you are of age now, it is time to tell you. The Flood came about shortly after a war that happened between our species and the Eucemee, the ones you call the 'Forerunners.'
When the Forerunners were created, we created them to be companions, servants and stewards, alongside the Humans as well. As time began to pass, we found that the Humans remained humble and joyous at our creations, while the Forerunners began to become more and more arrogant. In light of this, when the time came, we decided that Humanity was to inherit the Mantle of Responsibility, the duty to nurture all life in the Living Universe, so that it could grow and change of it's own accord, even if that meant it would die out someday.
The Eucemee were enraged by this, believing that, as the firstborn species, they were to claim the Mantle of Responsibility, not the Humans. In a genocidal campaign, they attempted to wipe our species out. Some fled beyond the galaxy you call the Milky Way Galaxy, while others converted themselves into a powdery substance so that, one day, they might reform into normal Precursors when the Eucemee believed that we were extinct.
Sadly, this powdery substance became corrupted, with the Precursors that changed into that form becoming twisted and mad. They desired to absorb and consume all life in the Living Universe, so that all life would become linked together into a single, harmonious whole. In their madness, though, they decided that it was mandatory, even if the living organisms in question said 'no.' I gave the Ancient Humans the information they wanted, with most sadly committing suicide. Then, eventually, I was consumed by the Flood.
Then how come your mind is intact, Bero asked.
That is easy to explain, the Primordial replied. While my body was consumed, my mind was far too strong for the Gravemind to absorb, thus allowing me to escape being assimilated. For over one hundred thousand years, I have been inside of the Gravemind, observing and noting various things over the course of thousands of years. At first, I used the Flood as a means of gaining revenge against the Forerunners, as I was young, for my species, and angry at what they had done. Over time, however, I began to realize that what I was doing was wrong and that, in my anger and desire for revenge, I had killed many innocent beings, living beings that had done me no wrong. When I realized this, all I could feel was grief. For a long time, I mourned the loss of my innocence; I grieved for the loss of so much innocent life, life I had, in my blind rage, had destroyed and consumed. I grieved for the loss of my mate, as immortality is a horrible curse when you cannot share it with the one you love.
I take it that female you mentioned was your mate, Bero asked hesitantly.
Yes, the Primordial replied. She was my mate. I deeply loved her, and she deeply loved me. We would often fuse our bodies and minds together, so that we could more intimately enjoy each other's company. She told me that, without a mate, life as a biologically immortal being was hollow and empty, which was one reason why she loved me. The other was that she loved who I was as a living, sapient being. So when I learned of her death, it… The Primordial trailed off, and Bero could see that the memory still stung too badly for the Precursor to speak about it.
I'm… I'm sorry, he said apologetically. If I had known, I…
It's alright, the Precursor replied. You didn't know the pain that I suffered, still suffer, when she died. Eventually, I began making preparations to silence myself, so that I could join my mate and be happy once more. That was when I sensed you, Bero.
You sensed me, Bero asked, surprised.
Yes, the Primordial replied. I sensed you the first time, when you successfully withstood the ravaging madness of the Flood and rejected it. When it attempted to mutate you into a monster, I altered it's attempt so that you would not become a monster, but rather one of the most beautiful organisms of all: a living being capable of changing the shape and appearance of it's flesh, just as we Precursors are able to.
You made me into a shape shifter, Bero asked, surprised.
Yes, the Precursor replied. It was either that, or you would be turned into a monstrous creature, with no mind but to kill, eat and mate. As the months passed, I felt your mind as though I was you, from the nightmares that you suffered, to the loving kindness that your family showed you when they helped your mind heal. I realized that, for the first time, that someone like me needed help.
Which now brings us to the present moment of time. While you are strong in the mind and body, Bero, the Gravemind overwhelmed your mental defenses. I drew you in not only to speak with you, but to give you one final gift: the power to use Neural Physics to create powerful mental defenses. I cannot give you the same power that my kind had, as only we are capable of wielding that power without destroying ourselves, but I can give you a taste. Your mind will expand, and become capable of comprehending previously incomprehensible concepts and beliefs.
The present moment of time, Bero asked, alarmed. What about the others? I have to save them!
Calm yourself, child, the Primordial said reassuringly. Time here behaves far differently than time in the external world. What seems like minutes in your mind, is but a blink of an eye in the world outside of your mind.
Moments later, the mindscape changed, with Bero and the Primordial standing apart from each other. Now for the most important thing of all, the Primordial stated. Before Bero could react, the Primordial's mind fused to his own. Knowledge and memories poured through Bero's mind, as the Precursor began to expand his mind, causing the young Sangheilian to gasp mentally as his mind expanded. After a few seconds, their minds separated, becoming separate entities once more. I planned this for a long time, the Pirmordial told Bero, when I realized that needed to atone for my crimes. Now you are ready to reclaim your mind and body, the Primordial said to Bero. You are now ready to finish the work that I started, the work that I began to end the Flood, and stop more needless death and destruction.
What about you, Bero asked.
Don't worry about me, the Primordial replied. I have lived long enough that I now wish to join my mate in death, plus my death will serve as a form of justice for those I wrongfully killed. As for you, go to Riala, love her, cherish her as though she was the greatest treasure you could ever have found. Few females of your kind are as understanding as she is. As for me, the rest is silence. Goodbye, Bero. May you enjoy a happy and wonderful existence. With that, the Primordial's mind faded away, disappearing from Bero's senses.
A moment later, Bero felt the ravaging madness return, only he found that he could easily withstand it. Brushing it aside, he said, I know what to do. With a roar, Bero assaulted the Gravemind's mind, startling the creature and causing it to roar in surprise.
"How," the Gravemind roared. "You should have been consumed!"
I had help, Bero replied. From the very Precursor that you attempted to consume. Your evil ends here, Gravemind! With that, Bero fought back, displacing the Gravemind from his own body and forcing it out. Gripping the entrance into his mind, the Gravemind defiantly roared, holding on as tightly as it could. Focusing his mental energies, Bero sharpened them to a single point… and blasted the Gravemind out of his mind.
. . .
How much more can this asshole take, Osman thought as he deflected another blow from the Gravemind's tentacles. It had been roughly thirty seconds since he and Pryde had begun assaulting the Gravemind, and already they were having trouble. 'Ravamee had since climbed up from his brush with death, while Chief assisted Osman and Pryde in stopping the Gravemind.
Another tentacle whipped towards Osman, knocking him onto his back in an instant. I guess this is it, he thought as the Gravemind approached him, bladed tentacle in hand. I guess this is how I die. At least I die an honorable death. He watched as the bladed tentacle rushed towards him… only to stop an inch from his visor, which was cracked from the force of the Gravemind's blows.
Then it happened. Nearby, Chief watched as the Gravemind, which was still controlling Bero's body, screeched in pain, with tentacles flailing wildly as it clutched at Bero's head. "No", it screamed as it's voice began to sound more like Bero's. "What have you- AAAAUUUGGGG!" With that, Bero's voice returned in full, with the young Sangheilian collapsing to the ground, melting into gelatinous flesh moments later.
For a few brief seconds, Bero's gelatinous form was motionless. Then, it began to grow upwards, reforming into his normal form moments later. "Bero," Chief asked, keeping his weapon pointed at him.
"It's alright," Bero replied, holding up his hands reassuringly. "I'm myself again."
"What happened," Pryde asked the Elite.
"My mind was temporarily overtaken by the Gravemind," Bero replied. "He used my body to attack you while attempting to consume me. There was another mind in there, one that shielded me, saved me from being consumed. It further evolved my mind, allowing me to throw out the Gravemind and restore control."
"Another mind," Cortana remarked. "What do you mean?"
"It's a long story," Bero replied. "I'll tell you when we have time. Right now, we have to plant the bomb and get out of here. The Gravemind will be furious at the fact that I was able to regain control and resist it successfully."
"Bomb is planted," Pryde replied. "Let's get out of here." With that, they began moving towards the LZ, with Chief signaling the pilot to land there.
As they did, Chief heard a loud, mental screech of rage, as the Gravemind realized what had happened. "At last I see," it roared. "His secret is revealed!"
As the contact ended, Chief said, "We need to move, now! The Gravemind is onto us!"
With that, the squad began an organized retreat as the Flood began to grow even more active. Pure Forms bulged out of the fleshy walls as the Elementals bolted for the LZ. As they ran, they fired at the Flood, killing as many as they could before they reached the LZ. Hearing a loud roar, Chief watched as Bero speared a line of Pure Forms with a bladed tentacle, before twisting it upwards, slicing the creatures in half. Up ahead, Osman blew apart a group of Combat Forms, blasting them into dozens of steaming pieces as they ran forwards.
Eventually, they reached the LZ, where the Hermes VTOL was waiting at. Much to their surprise, Thel was there, with a backpack supplying fuel to a Advanced Support Flamer that he was using on the Flood. "Get inside, now," Thel shouted to them as they reached his position. Running for the VTOL, everyone clambered aboard, with Thel getting inside last.
As the VTOL powered up, a tentacle reached out and tried to snag the cockpit, only for the powerful fusion thrusters to burn it up. Unhampered by the Gravemind's attempt to kill them, the Hermes VTOL zoomed out of the ruins of High Charity, accelerating to it's top speed in seconds. Once they reached the minimum safe distance, Chief hit the detonator.
Looking at the camera feed, Chief watched as it was immediately filled with a blinding white light, which lasted for a good fifteen seconds before beginning to fade out. Where High Charity was, there was a massive mushroom cloud, which billowed upwards with prodigious force, reaching an elevation of 80,000 feet in the air. The shockwave impacted the Hermes VTOL moments later, causing the vehicle to shake about somewhat as it headed for the next objective. They were at the last mile now. One more step, and the war would be over.
