Hello again, everyone, and welcome back to my Halo - MechWarrior/BattleTech - Mass Effect crossover. Now that the previous chapter is complete, I decided to bring in a character from one of the numerous Halo novels that are out there. I won't spoil who, but let's just say he's been around for a very, very long time. Either way, thank you for your support, and I hope to see you in later chapters. As always, leave a review and enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own the Halo, MechWarrior/BattleTech or Mass Effect franchises. They are the respective properties and trademarks of Microsoft Game Studios, 343 Industries, Bungie, Electronic Arts, BioWare, 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.
Requiem
Slipstream Space Transit System
June 15th, 2576
Alex gave a loud grunt as he and the others landed on the other side of the portal, with the Clan 'MechWarrior landing face first onto the ground. Getting up, he helped the others onto their feet, as they had also fallen down on the ground as well. The only one that hadn't was Chief, and that was due to the fact that he hadn't thrown himself inside of the Slipstream Space Portal headfirst. Shaking his head, Alex looked around and asked, "Where are we?"
"I think we're at some kind of hub for the transit system we were using," Cortana theorized. "If we exit this hallway, we should be able to find out."
"Agreed," Chief nodded. Looking behind himself, he watched as the others got onto their feet. "You ready," he asked.
"Sure," Alex nodded. "The others are a little shaken, but I am alright. Clansmen live for this kind of shit, and this is certainly some exciting shit." Nodding at that, Chief proceeded onward, with Alex and the others following behind him. Moving towards another door, they emerged out of the hallway and onto the other side.
If there was one thing Chief knew, it was that the Forerunners not only built big, they built elegantly and always with a purpose. Looking around, he found himself and the others standing inside of a massive chamber that was large enough to house a pair of Pelican-III's and Scorpion-III's with room to spare. Part of the ceiling appeared to be the ubiquitous alloy that the Forerunners preferred in their architecture, while the remainder and part of the wall appeared to be made out of a transparent form of energy. They were currently standing on what appeared to be a platform that had a control panel on it. To the left and right were walkways that led to what he assumed were inactive Slipstream Space Portals. The floor was made out of the same Forerunner Alloy, only it was not flat, but rather had bumps and dips that were courtesy of the baroque style architecture of the floor.
If the room was beautiful, then the view beyond was not only beautiful, but imposing as well. From what he could tell, they were at the very center of Requiem, and it appeared as though Slipstream Space was, once again, expanded in this area, making the center almost as large as the exterior itself. The interior of the Shield World in this layer was fairly dark, with the ground composed of what appeared to be volcanic rocks, with no shred of plant life to be found. What caught Chief's attention was a small sphere that was being held in place by two energy beams extending from opposite sides of the interior shell. Behind him, he heard Alex say, "Wow… I thought the Inner Sphere made some awe inspiring structures, but this blows them all out of the water. No wonder the Covenant worshiped the Forerunners: they could built such awe inspiring structures with ease."
"Indeed," Cortana remarked. "Chief, I did a scan of the interior room we're in. Apparently, very little of that Forerunner alloy is around. Most of the structure appears to be made out of hard-light construction. The Forerunners actually learned how to use hard light in order to build structures. It's one thing to made bridges out of hard-light, but it's another thing entirely to make actual structures from hard-light. The power costs must be enormous to maintain such a structure." While he didn't say anything, Chief nodded in agreement. It was actually very impressive of the Forerunners, though when it came to their species, that was something to be expected. A moment later, Cortana said, "Chief, put me into that console there." Once he did so, her avatar came up on the holographic display.
"What are we looking at," Chief asked.
"Hang on," Cortana remarked. "I'm performing a inquiry in the system right now." After a moment she said, "Huh, that's odd. Apparently, the system claims that the sphere in the center of the structure is some kind of communications relay. Those beams are creating interference throughout the entire Shield World."
"That cannot be right," Alex remarked. "I can understand a power supply, but a communications relay?" Walking over to Chief, he said, "Something is not right, Chief. There is no way in hell that sphere is a communications relay. I think someone is trying to lure us in."
"I agree," Linda remarked. "If I wanted to draw a target into range, that is something that I would do: disguise something to be something else, then reel them in. A true rope-a-dope trick."
"That's what I was thinking," Cortana remarked. "It's odd that a communications relay would end up so deep inside of Requiem. I think that it's something else entirely. If you find any databases on that inner layer of the Shield World, I might be able to determine what is going on here."
"Agreed," Chief nodded. When he heard what Cortana said, he came to the same conclusion that Alex and the others had as well. Someone is trying to lure us into a trap, he thought. I don't know who, but I intend to find out, and neutralize them if they pose a significant threat to Humanity. Looking at Cortana, he asked, "Can you get us to the first pylon? If what we know is true, the Forerunners would most likely keep databases in the support structures nearby."
"You read my mind," Cortana remarked. "I've already opened up a Slipstream Space Wormhole near the first pylon. We'll have to hoof it a little, but then again, a little exercise never hurt anybody." Nodding in agreement, Chief pulled Cortana out of the system before walking over towards the Slipstream Space Wormhole, walking through to the other side with the others in a few seconds. They ended up in a hallway that held a number of Forerunner devices, which Fred bagged and tagged for retrieval later.
Walking outside, they found themselves on the surface of the innermost layer of Requiem. The ground here was devoid of even the simplest form of plant life, with the ground a dark brown to black color that was nearly purple in the dim lighting on the innermost layer. The energy sphere the beams formed were the main source of illumination, though Chief spotted what he could tell were cracks in the ground that glowed with energy. While it was dark, it wasn't dark enough for him to use his helmet's Light Amplification modules. "This is foreboding," Cortana remarked.
"Indeed," Alex remarked. "Chief, I do not like this place one bit at all. It is best that we proceed with due haste."
"Noted," Chief replied, increasing the speed of his pace a moment later. As they moved up, he thought he spotted movement, causing him to instinctively activate his armor's Thermal Imaging Sensors. As soon as he did that, he noticed a number of quadruped creatures that hid in various crevasses and cracks, rendering them invisible to thermal imaging. "What are those," he asked Cortana.
"I don't know," Cortana replied. "The system made no mention of them, even when I queried it about what happened earlier. They could either be worker drones, or some kind of defense intelligence. Either way, we need to be cautious." Nodding in agreement, he continued to proceed forwards, weapons in hand.
That caution proved to be well warranted, as suddenly, his sensors picked up a massive increase in unknown movement. "Incoming," he alerted the others, who snapped their weapons up as soon as possible. In just two seconds, more of the constructs came into view, with some leaping down from the cliffs, while others crawled down the walls. "Take cover," he ordered.
The order came in time, as suddenly, the four legged machines began firing on them, sending what appeared to be bolts of orange glowing energy in their direction. A few that had a number of spines were firing bursts of the bolts, which flew towards the cover the team was taking shelter behind. Once the firing diminished, Chief and the others immediately opened fire, sending Gauss shells, Pulse Laser beams and Plasma bolts directly at the hostile drones. While the Forerunner constructs were durable, even they proved vulnerable to Star League/UNSC weaponry. One of the drones promptly blew apart as a HEAP shell tore into it's head, blasting it into it's constituent components moments later. Another one lost it's legs as Fred fired his MPL rifle, with the beam rapidly vaporizing the armor and penetrating into the internals. Will, who was using a Plasma PDW, opened fire, damaging a number of the drones with supersonic plasma bolts. "Focus fire on their heads," Alex roared as he took out a group with his Plasma MachineGun. "Their heads are their primary weakness!"
"Focus fire," Chief ordered, with the others immediately complying. Thanks to this change of strategy, the drones began to go down much more quickly than before, with each one breaking apart into their constituent components. Moments later, all of the enemy drones were gone.
"What the hell are these things," Will asked as he kicked a component for one of the quadruped drones. "I've never seen anything like this before."
"Looks like they're some kind of defense drone," Cortana remarked. "They're running on the Forerunner equivalent of a Dumb AI, but even that is highly sophisticated as well. We'd best keep moving; I don't want to imagine what would happen if those things cornered us."
"Agreed," Chief nodded. "Alex, you and I will take point. Linda, you will provide fire support with Fred as your spotter. Will, you'll remain in reserve if we need you to take point." With their assignments decided, they continued forwards, moving through the canyon they were in and towards the pylon, as Cortana had made a waypoint path towards it.
Suddenly, something jumped off a cliff and down towards them. "Look out," Alex shouted, throwing Chief to the side, and just in the nick of time. The machine came down onto Alex a moment later, actually knocking the Clan 'MechWarrior off his feet and onto the ground. This defense drone was different, as it more or less resembled a humanoid being. Most of it's body was made out of what appeared to be hard-light, with a large, bulbous section coming off it's upper back. One of it's arms ended in a long blade, while the other ended in a hand that held a weapon. It's head was shaped like that of a helmet, though there were teeth that were carved into the hard material. Parts of it's body glowed blue-white in color, which clashed with the orange glow coming from the weapon.
Moments later, it leaned in towards Alex, before it's head split into multiple pieces, revealing, to Chief's shock, a human shaped skull on the inside. Roaring loudly, Alex kicked the machine off of him, sending it flying into the wall thanks to his Battle Armor's Myomers. Before it could recover, he got up and blasted it with his Plasma MachineGun, tearing into the drone before it had a semblance of even escaping. Moments later, it dissolved into motes of light, with a small ball of energy coming to rest on the ground. "Eat that shit, stravag," he shouted.
"What was that," Chief asked Cortana.
"Another defense construct," Cortana observed, having scanned the creature in the short time she had. "It's certainly far more capable than the others. Still, if that peek under the hood is anything, it suggests these constructs are mimetic in nature."
"Well, it was not enough to withstand Inner Sphere technology," Alex remarked. "That machine and it's high tech mimetic chassis can kiss my ass for all I care. Still, if this is a defense drone, then there are probably more of those things around here." Nodding in agreement, Chief continued forwards with the Clan 'MechWarrior, while the others fell in behind them, with Linda taking up the rear with Fred.
A moment later, they came to a large clearing, with the only pieces of cover being large rocks that jutted out of the ground like broken teeth. Spotting some of the other constructs, Chief watched as they seemed to dissolve and compress into small Slipstream Space Portals that winked out of existence. "More of them," he asked.
"Similar phasing activity at the edge of our sensors," Cortana reported. "We're about to get busy." As soon as she said that, the battle began. One of the humanoid drones made gestures to the others, with Chief realizing that was an attack signal. As soon as the humanoid drone finished gesturing, the other drones surged forwards, firing as soon as they were in range.
Taking cover, Chief and the others decided to welcome the assault with a reprisal of their own. Using his Jump Jets, Alex jumped onto one of the higher cliffs, before firing an ATM/2 missile at the drones. A number of drones immediately exploded as the warhead detonated just inches above the ground, with their chassis' turned to shrapnel that flew outwards at a considerable velocity. One of the humanoid drones was destroyed in the process, it's disintegrating body flung away by the force of the detonation. Once the missile had been fired, he used his Battle Armor's Plasma MachineGun to tear into the remaining quadruped drones, destroying them rapidly.
On the ground, Chief focused on taking out the larger humanoid drones, as their role as battlefield commanders put them at the top of his priority list. Firing his M50 AGR, he stripped the shields off of one before rattling it's chassis with HEAP shells. Before he could destroy it, the drone suddenly moved in a zig-zag pattern, it's body a blur as it crossed the distance to him in just a few seconds. Roaring loudly, the machine swiped at Chief with it's bladed arm, with the blade cutting through his shields only to stop dead when it hit his armor plating. The drone was surprised long enough for Chief to take it out, tearing off it's blade arm before plunging it into it's skull, destroying the machine instantly. Looking down, Chief noticed that the armor was damaged, though it had protected him in the process. Moments later, a smaller drone flew overhead, before projecting a blue energy field over the area where Alex's ATM had detonated, it's body reconfiguring in the process. "Take it out," Cortana shouted. "It's attempting to rebuild them!" Acting fast, Will blasted the machine, destroying the drone before it could succeed.
"Now that was a fight," Alex remarked as Linda blasted one of the other humanoid drones with Nornfang, blasting the machine apart. "Those humanoid drones are certainly a challenge. What are those things, anyways?"
"I think I know now," Cortana replied. "That flash we see when we destroy them is actually a data purge. I've caught multiple segments of data calling the small drones 'Crawlers' and the larger ones are known as 'Promethean Knights.' Beyond that, things get a little dense."
"Fitting names," Will remarked. "Still, our guns tore through them easily. I wonder why."
"I can tell you why," Alex replied. "The UNSC and Star League have been studying Forerunner technology in an effort to improve our own, without integrating their tech into ours. As a result, our guns are more powerful, enough that we can actually take on Forerunner weapon systems and have a reasonable chance of success. Those Forerunner weapons we found on Installation 04 are the primary reason why; we are still studying them to this day."
"I see," Chief nodded. While it was dangerous in his opinion to reverse engineer another species technology, it was clear the Inner Sphere knew that and had devised ways to counteract the negative side of things. "Are we approaching one of the pylons," he asked Cortana.
"We're nearly there," Cortana replied. "We just need to pass through a few more areas and get to the pylon. Hopefully, we'll find a database there that can tell us what's going on here. It's frustrating that we can't learn more about these things right now." While he said nothing, he understood Cortana's frustration, even as he continued to move forwards with the team.
Moving onward, they passed through a number of areas up ahead that were teeming with the drones. They had to constantly watch their sensors while they were out of combat, as their armor's built-in sensor suites were the only things that could catch each incoming attack before it arrived at their destination. It wore on their nerves, but they remained professional all the while. As they moved into another hallway, Alex said, "I wish whoever built this place would show up at some point. If they could configure the drones not to attack, then that would make life much easier than before."
"Agreed," Cortana nodded. "If only that were the case."
. . .
Unbeknownst to the team, someone was watching them, someone that had spent the past 100,000 years inside of Requiem, serving as a guardian for the place. As Chief and Alex moved through the door into the hallway, the figure watched as they moved inside, both eyes keenly focused on the two men. While the door closed moments later, the figure could see them via camera feeds from nanoscale camera nets that were inside the structure.
He had to admit, the presence of Humans here after so long was a surprising development, though it was a welcome one at that. While he still had his wife and son to be around, being one of the few members of his kind that had returned to the Milky Way Galaxy had worn on him, and by a considerable amount. While the drones had interesting personalities, they had lost their ability to feel emotions long ago, having been reduced to completely obedient servants with no free will of their own, aside from what their programming allowed.
What had surprised him where the presence of the alternate Humans, the ones coming from the 'Inner Sphere.' It had been a shock for him when he learned that Humans from an alternate version of reality, where his kind and the Precursors didn't exist and where Humanity developed advanced technology through it's own efforts. It was strange, knowing that there were a seemingly infinite number of universes that existed, but oddly enough, it comforted him, as it meant his kind was not extinct after all.
Still, at least their aware of the deception that he attempted to use on them, the figure thought, his mind turning to the reason why this Shield World had been built in the first place. I cannot allow that madman to be released. If he were to be released, he would unleash a war that would destroy our entire universe. Not to mention that the Flood might still exist. Shaking his head, he knew one thing: he would uphold his responsibility to the end, even if it meant his own death. Still, the time has come to begin making myself known to the Humans once again. With that decision, the figure backed up, his body vanishing as he seemed to phase out of existence.
. . .
At the same time, Chief and the others were moving through the hallway and towards the first of the pylons. Noticing some distortion on his HUD, he asked, "What's that distortion?"
"That's me," Cortana replied. "Something about moving through those portals is increasing the load on my systems. I'm working on a solution right now, but don't be scared. I'm not turning rampant; if I were, I would know."
"Noted," Chief nodded.
Behind him, Alex turned around as he thought he spotted something on his sensors. Huh, that is odd, he thought, a frown on his face as he examined his sensor readouts. Something, or someone, was watching us. Why did they not attack, though? He shook his head out of frustration; the more he learned about Requiem, the more questions he had about what was really going on. Still, he would destroy that bridge when he came to it, as all thoughts on that were banished when they exited the structure.
Looking out over the area, Chief and the others could see that they were now in a massive clearing, which held an equally massive Forerunner structure that was inside said clearing. The volcanic rock walls towered over the area, with the cliffs so steep and tall that not even an Elemental in Elemental-IV Battle Armor would be able to scale the cliff, not without using their Battle Claw at least. Down in the clearing was a number of Forerunner structures that were present, all of which surrounded the massive structure. Walls and doorways were present at the smaller structures, with sensor readings indicating that there were large sources of energy located inside. The entire area, however, was crawling with Forerunner Defense Drones, with Promethean Knights and Crawlers scrambling all over the area. "Uhhh… I think I need more ATM Missile Pods," Alex hesitantly observed. "In fact, I think we need a Jenner-V BattleMech for this."
"Oh, at least," Fred remarked. "Chief, I don't think we can engage that many hostiles and come out alive."
"Well," Cortana remarked. "We could always ask nicely if we can come in."
"Asking's not my strong suit," Chief admitted.
"It's not mine either," Will agreed. "I usually shoot first and ask questions later. I don't think that we can survive this fight, though. They've got sheer numbers on their side, and Forerunner technology is more advanced than what we have."
"Agreed," Chief nodded. Looking around the area, he began to formulate a plan for getting inside, as it was clear that brute force wasn't going to cut it. Looking around, he noticed that the drones were clustered into large groups, with small gaps in their line of sight that could allow a Spartan or two to get inside with little trouble. However, all that planning went out of the window when things went from bad to worst; to quote Murphy's Law, 'Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.' That saying promptly came true when Chief heard a loud noise, like a fighter jet coming through the area. Moments later, he watched as what appeared to be Storm Covenant Drop Pods land in the area, with enemy personnel clambering out of each one.
"Well, shit," Fred growled. "The Storm Covenant's here." As soon as he said that, all hell broke loose.
It was like watching a 26th Century version of 21st Century America's Independence day, only instead of fireworks, plasma and energy bolts were being exchanged with each other like so much confetti. As soon as the Drop Pods had landed, the Forerunner Drones immediately went on the offensive, blasting the incoming Storm Covenant troops with everything in their arsenal while the Storm Covenant retaliated with everything that they had. Both sides began to suffer heavy losses, with the Drones and Storm Covenant wiping each other out as quickly as possible. Alex was about to head down when Chief held up a hand. "Wait," he ordered. "If we wait for them to whittle each other down, we can move in with minimal resistance and get to the data archives that might be here."
"Ah," the Clansman remarked. "I see. Playing both ends against the middle."
"That is if both ends don't fire at us," Linda dryly remarked. With that, the group of Spartans and their Elemental waited on the cliffside, watching as the Storm Covenant and Forerunner Drones hammered at each other. Within five minutes, the Storm Covenant and Forerunner Drones had practically wiped each other out, though the Storm Covenant had taken considerably higher casualties.
On a motion from Chief, the squad immediately moved down the cliff and towards the smaller structures. Thanks to their reduced numbers, the Forerunner Drones didn't spot them as they went inside. Finding a panel inside one of the structures, Chief asked, "Cortana, can you access Requiem's data network?"
"Yes," she replied. "but I don't think I have to."
"Why?"
"During the fight, I intercepted another Storm Covenant transmission. Those shock troops had orders to 'release the Didact from his prison.' Chief, I think that sphere is holding a live Forerunner inside of it, one that must've committed terrible crimes, or was forced to hide in here from the Halo Array."
That was when something happened that Chief and Alex would remember for a long time. Just as Cortana finished speaking, a surprisingly human sounding voice said, "The former is the correct answer." Whirling around, Chief pointed his M50 AGR directly at a humanoid figure that was standing behind him. The figure was tall, with what appeared to be an armored bodysuit that made the figure as tall as Imperial Admiral Xytan 'Jar Watrinee, and Chief figured that the individual inside without the armor would be as tall as he was in his own armor. Said body suit appeared as though it was far more advanced than even the Battle Armor and Powered Armor that the Inner Sphere had devised. Small parts of the armor were suspended in air, most likely in energy and gravity fields, though Chief had no way of confirming it. The armor was also spiky in some areas, though the armor plating was angular and bulky, but in a streamlined and beautiful way, with glowing blue accents on the armor, as well as on the floating portions. As soon as Chief had pointed the rifle at him, the figure merely gestured, with his weapon literally vanishing into thin air. "Please, I did not come for a fight," the figure replied. "I wished to both speak with you and warn you of what you are facing."
"Who are you," Chief asked. The fact that this being, which he figured was a Forerunner, had disarmed him so easily meant that he was quite dangerous.
"A friend," the Forerunner replied, "one that wishes to see you succeed in your mission." Moments later, the figure's helmet vanished, revealing a visage that Chief hadn't seen before. Now that he could see the figure's face, Chief confirmed that it was male, and that while it appeared human, there were things that clearly indicated the figure was not a human. For one, it had no nose, instead it had small nostrils that were flush against it's face. It's skin was black and grey with accents of red, with what appeared to be dark brown, almost black colored fur on it's head. It's eyes were gray in color, but they held an age and wisdom that could only come from someone that had lived a long time and had seen it all. "As for what I am," the figure continued, "you might've guessed it by now. Yes… I am a Forerunner, the Euceme as we call ourselves. I am the IsoDidact, one of the Forerunners that fled the galaxy, after the activation of the Halo Array."
A moment later, Chief watched as Alex, who had heard a commotion, walking inside. He quickly raised his Plasma MachineGun, but Chief said, "No! Do not fire!"
As he said this, the IsoDidact turned and looked at Alex, seemingly unfazed by the fact that he had a weapon aimed at him. Moments later, he surprised Chief when he extended a hand, lifting Alex into the air, while he was still in his armor. The Clan 'MechWarrior made a surprised grunt as he was lifted into the air, even though no one had hands on him. "A Clan 'MechWarrior," the Iso-Didact remarked. "I must admit, your kind's presence in this reality is strange yet… fascinating." A moment later, he lowered the 'MechWarrior back to the ground.
"What the fuck," Alex remarked. "How did you do that? How did you know about the Star League?"
The IsoDidact merely smiled, before saying, "A topic for another time." Turning to Chief, he said, "As to why I am here, it's because I need to warn you. The Storm Covenant must not succeed, otherwise they will unleash a horror onto the galaxy that even your Star League will have difficulty containing. In fact, they already have."
"What horror," Alex asked. "If it's around here somewhere, I'll make it afraid of ever crossing Clan Wolverine." He clenched his Battle Claw shut with a loud SSHHNNKK as emphasis.
"And I'm certain you would, if this was a normal one," the IsoDidact nodded. "However, this threat is one that will not be as easily dissuaded." Looking at the orb of energy in the structure they were in, he said, "The Ecumene that is inside the sphere that you've no doubt observed is another of my kind. He was once a highly adept and brilliant leader, but he committed a number of crimes against your people, before being driven mad by the horrors of the all consuming Flood."
"Who is he," Chief asked.
"The UrDidact," the IsoDidact replied, a visible frown on his face. "He was once a great general, and the husband of a close friend of mine. However, the events that led to the activation of the Halo Array caused him to become distrustful and vengeful against your species, the Ere-Tyrenne. He was also driven insane, infected by a powerful mental disease by the Flood. He attempted to use a device known as the Composer on your kind." Closing his eyes, he seemed to contemplate something before saying, "He is also responsible for the way I am today, as well as why I returned from a primitive existence to watch over him."
"How so," Alex asked.
Opening his eyes, the IsoDidact said, "I would love to satisfy your curiosity, 'MechWarrior, but we have little time. The ones you call the Storm Covenant have overwhelmed my forces at the second energy pylon and have deactivated it. We cannot hold this position, as the Storm Covenant is now sending enough forces to kill you, me and everyone one of our constructs here. Once that is done, they will move against the Cryptum holding the Ur-Didact and release him from his prison. We must return to your ship immediately, and prepare for the UrDidact's attack.
"Can't we hold them at this 'Cryptum,'" Chief asked.
"No," the IsoDidact replied. "My drones intercepted the communications that the Storm Covenant are using. All of their forces are concentrated around the Cryptum's Holding Chamber. If we were to hold there, we would be slaughtered immediately, and the UrDidact will have won."
"He is right," Alex remarked as he looked outside of the structure and towards the now identified Cryptum. "There is a shitton of Storm Covenant WarShips up there. My guess is that they were able to use Slipstream Space to get inside without ramming into the other layers of the Shield World. Not even I am suicidal enough to take on that kind of firepower. We need to perform a tactical retreat and regroup in order to survive."
Checking Alex's video feed, Chief knew that he was right. A truly massive wave of Storm Covenant Drop Pods were on their way towards their current position, enough forces that Chief knew they couldn't hold this location. After a moment, he said, "Blue Team, we're retreating from this area. The Storm Covenant is sending in overwhelming numbers of personnel against us." Looking at the IsoDidact, he said, "Can you get us out of here quickly?"
"Yes," the IsoDidact nodded. "My Combat Skin allows me to access the transit system that my kind used to move around in an expedient manner on this Shield World." Just like that, a Slipstream Space Portal opened up in the chamber. "We must hurry," he said to the others. "If we don't act now, the Ur-Didact will attack your ship while it is defenseless. We have but a short time to prepare the defenses."
"Noted," Chief replied. Keying his COM, he said, "Sierra-117 to Captain Keyes, do you read me?" All he got was static. "Sierra-117 to Captain Keyes, do you copy?" When he heard some more static, he said, "The pylon must be interfering with our communications."
"That is one of their purposes," the IsoDidact nodded. "In addition, this layer of the Shield World is designed to prevent any form of communications from reaching the outside. Follow me." With that, he moved through the Portal, disappearing from sight in an instant.
"I guess we don't have much of a choice," Alex remarked as he walked over. "Looks like this IsoDidact has his head on right, unlike the Storm Covenant."
"Agreed," Chief nodded. "Blue Team, move through the portal. We'll contact Keyes once we're out of here." Acknowledgment lights winking on, the team moved through, with Chief moving through once everyone else was out of the area. Moving through the portal, he found himself standing in the forest that the Pillar of Autumn II was hovering over, as he clearly spotted the WarShip nearby. Keying his COM again, he said, "Sierra-117 to Captain Keyes, do you read me?"
"I copy," Keyes replied. "Chief, your tracker shows that you're back inside of the forest we're hovering over. What's going on?"
"We have a critical situation," Chief replied. "We have intelligence that indicates that the Didact is a living Forerunner that has shown aggression towards Humanity in the past. Our source indicates that he attempted to trick us into releasing him from a device called a 'Cryptum', in order to break free of Requiem. This entire Shield World is his prison and he's using the Storm Covenant to break free."
"Fuck," Keyes whispered. "So this Didact is a 'he', and he's a war criminal. Fuck me running; I can't believe that I nearly fell for that." After a moment of silence, he said, "Chief, return to the Autumn II immediately. We're powering up our defenses; I'll have Lee shore up our cyber defenses so that the Didact can't get inside. I'm also putting all UNSC and SLDF forces inside Requiem at Red Alert. We can't let this bastard run wild. I'm also picking up an unidentified I/FF Tag near your position. Friend of yours?"
"Yes," Chief replied. "He's our source. He's a Forerunner that was stationed at Requiem to prevent the Didact from escaping. I'll explain more once we're aboard."
"Roger that," Keyes replied. "Just make sure he gets back here alive and well. If we screw this up, we'll be looking at an extinction class event for the entire Human species."
"Understood," Chief nodded. Closing the COM link, he looked at the Iso-Didact and said, "We'll get you to the Pillar of Autumn II sir. The Captain is expecting you now."
"I see," the IsoDidact remarked. "Do you have any ground troops?"
"Yes," Chief nodded. "FOB Alpha is up and all defenses are online. If the UrDidact sends personnel, the static defenses will open fire."
"I see," the IsoDidact remarked. Thinking for a moment, he said, "I'll send whatever drones are still under my control to the base. They'll help defend your facility from the inside. Now, we must make haste." With that, he left, while Chief and the others followed closely behind. There was one thing he knew now: the drums of war were beating once more.
