Halo: Predator Lost, ch5 First contact
In the history of first contacts, a few things have always remained constant. The first is an impression, how will you react, how will they react, this often results in two emotions which is common for all life, fight or flight. Fear is a constant, will the race be friendly or will they see you as a threat to be destroyed. The other is wanting to run and hide.
Communications can often lead to misunderstandings and some confusion, sometimes shots are fired only to have a treaty signed thereafter. Others, war occurs and both sides end up having a grudge for decades, centuries, or even millennia. When first contacts go well, feelings of joy and accomplishment are shared and mutual respect is founded. Many first contacts have a shock value as the new species sees the first extraterrestrials ever and can't help but gape.
This is none of those, for while some confusion at one's customs is normal, that usually results after the two sides learn to not shoot each other. Instead, this is bar none, the most awkward first contact in the history of first contacts.
Due to housing a large research base, many on Algolis had some knowledge of the Spartans and section three, which ran the more interesting and classified projects. when Winter out of the door, the silence and awkwardness were so palpable one could cut it with a knife.
Turning in his chair, Colonel Stein looked at the spook and back at the feed. The new contact looked suspiciously like a Spartan, The armor covered all vital areas with a black, likely bulletproof bodysuit surrounding it. The obvious human weapons it carried didn't help either and the only thing that said it wasn't human, maybe was the helmet and the size. According to the feeds, the creature stood eight feet tall, dwarfing even the largest Spartans and putting it in the same size region as Covenant Elites.
Adding to further confusion was the fact it was the least alien-looking thing ever seen, as it even had five digits on its hands. Then there was the fact it too hadn't moved since opening the door, so it was likely just as shocked. Sigh, "Spc Mayweather, LT Owens, this is your show, however, I do ask you refrain from pissing it off." Shutting off the radio Stein now looks at the spook, "I don't want ONI taking their things without permission, understand, a potential ally is far more useful than a resentful enemy". Nodding his head, Stein then continues to watch as the situation unfolds.
I've met humans, I've slaughtered them, and other sentient races but why in Paya's name are these humans looking at me funny? The last time I was this awkward, I had my seamen checked by Spirit, which then caused depression followed by Wolf popping up out of nowhere. Threat assessment was already done as this is typical human behavior but the confusion on their faces and sheer awkwardness is killing me.
Best to wait for them to make the first move, by the looks of it, two humans not wearing combat garb stood close by, one is a surprisingly attractive female, she is small, brown hair, fairly small rack but not flat. Winters eyes then opened, realizing what he was doing and it didn't go unnoticed.
LT Owen couldn't help but smirk as the large humanoid had lazily look at Spc Mayweather. "I think he likes you".
This caused Mayweather to blush slightly but ignoring her companion she then did what very few ever lived to do. "Hi, I'm Sara Mayweather of the United Nations Space Command, welcome to our Colony Algolis and I think I ask for everyone if I ask, are you single?"
Jaws dropped, odd facial expressions showed on everyone, Lt Owen was doing everything he could to not laugh his head off. By contrast, Scythe was trilling for all he was worth, nearly falling on the deck plating, knowing Winter hadn't taken a mate in his life, which spanned some two hundred years.
Winter's comfort zone had now completely vanished and was blushing more than a little bit under his helmet, this female reminded him of Spirit, only smaller, Paya help him if she has a similar personality.
Colonel Stein by contrast, along with every spook on the planet had done a loud facepalm.
After a minute which felt like an eternity, Winter finally regained himself and decided to fight back in a way.
"Yes, and having never mated for over two hundred years, I ask that you decide to take this fine male here. As he looks perfectly healthy and could father many strong offspring". Winter finally trilled under his helmet, taking some of the heat off of him and onto the other human.
Both Owen and Mayweather gawked and blushed at the same time. This alien spoke perfect English despite its voice sounding inhuman, guttural, and the fact that two hundred years without sex, just how long-lived is this thing!?
ahem, clearing her throat, now knowing they could easily communicate with each other."Okay so there is much to discuss but first I've got to ask, do you have any rules that we need to know before we proceed." Mayweather questioned.
Hmm, I'm starting to like this human, normally they'd be trying to kill me and take my people's technology, so rules are simple enough." If you are true to your word, then don't attempt any access into the ship without my permission, any attempt to access will result in the ship imploding and leaving no trace of its existence. Next, I will not disarm and any attempt will result in death to anyone who tries. Now seeing as I'm at your mercy, I will abide by your rules and provide any information within reason, as long as the same is returned." Finally back in a more comfortable state, Winter waited for their reply.
Such terms seemed reasonable enough, Owen thought, after all, the ship is clearly not going to fly, the biggest issue will be ONI. Since ONI has a knack for ignoring such things, a compromise was needed in case this alien decided to share technology, and so came up with a solution. Switching on his radio to Colonel Stein."Sir request the ship be monitored closely by army units to ensure no one, especially ONI gets near the alien vessel."
Stein thought about this only briefly, he hated politics but also knew that one's word can mean a lot."I'll send the order now Lieutenant, take it to Ucon heavy and bring him here so that we may discuss as to his people and any help we may be able to provide."
"Yes sir."
"Okay, we have a deal, army units are going to watch over your ship to prevent some spook from causing a diplomatic incident. In the meantime, we've been instructed to take you with us to a secure facility to meet our superiors and help you." Owen said knowing this could be suspicious but the creature didn't have much of a choice.
Clicking again, Winter knew that spook was a human term for intelligence operatives who didn't follow the basic rules of a military."Scythe if any human makes it past their own parameter and into the ship they are likely a threat, eliminate them should that happen but nothing else. I'll be talking to their leaders and hopefully, they will have the means to get in contact with our people. Winter out."
Turning, Winter then walks to and aboard the Pelican with Owen and Mayweather joining him. Surprisingly there was enough space in the craft for Winter to sit down comfortably. With Mayweather and Owen on the opposite side, feeling more comfortable now that the new alien was cooperating. Upon taking off and traveling though, Winter couldn't help his growing curiosity for the new machines the humans were using and was taking scans of the Pelican. This didn't go unnoticed by Sara who couldn't help but feel some common ground as the creature was just as curious as she was.
Now landing at the UNSC base, Colonel Stein finally got a first-hand look as the alien stepped off the Pelican. In-person, the creature just screams death, and several things were noticed. Firstly it had more weapons on its back and belt, with ammo covering anywhere that had room. For the way, the creature moved with such controlled grace, made it appear as though all that armor and weapons weighed little. "Greetings, I'm Colonel Stein, head of UNSC operations here. If you'll follow me to the briefing room we can get started".
Traveling down various corridors and ducking beneath multiple doors, the briefing room was large and sparse. The entire room was lit up with a bright metallic grey, much like the rest of the facility, it also has twelve chairs situated around a rectangular table with integrated computer and holographic systems. The Chairs looked somewhat comfy and clearly reinforced for heavy loads but not designed for Yautja physiology, let alone one with copious amounts of stuff.
Besides the ones he just met, there was a civilian in white robes whose name tag listed them as Dr. Soren. Likely here for technological assistance. Thus preferring to stand on one side while the humans sat on the other the talks could finally begin.
"Okay then, let's start from the beginning, we picked up your vessel upon noticing a massive radiation burst more akin to a star exploding or a fleet of ships. Imagine our surprise to see your vessel limping over here. So I must ask what happened on your end?" Stein questioned.
Once again that odd clicking sound occurred, causing many in the room to wonder just what the creature looked like under the helmet.
"We encountered an unknown phenomenon that hit our ship. I had to jettison the FTL drive to prevent disaster. Upon massive deceleration we passed out, then within hours of waking up, our systems registered we had traveled roughly five hundred years into the future. The distress beacon was activated, but no response has been received yet. The ship is now scrap, meaning the only way of contacting my people is to use your subspace coms". Finished, Winter then noticed a confused look on the humans then mentally slapping himself for saying we.
ONI, listening in, then began using all available sensors to track whatever distress beacon was being broadcast but finding nothing, confusion set in.
"Forgive me for saying this but assuming subspace communication is some form of FTL telephone, then, well we don't have anything like that, instead our ships are used to take messages from one planet to another," stated Dr. Soren.
The sudden urge to swear up a storm was now palpable. This left two options for the predator, either give the humans the knowledge to build subspace coms or ask if they can spare a ship, but this would require sharing of navigation data.
"How fast are your ships and don't you dare say classified?" Winter questioned, with a bit of venom in his already scary voice.
Sigh," Three light-years per day, we can understand you wanting to go home but even with a ship, you'd have to give us the data on where to go". Said Sarah who knew she could get in trouble for this.
"This was bad, Predator vessels could easily go much faster than that, which meant any trip would take days, maybe weeks depending on the location. Still, it irked him how these humans lacked FTL communications. Now pacing back and forth he contacted Scyth to ask his opinion on the matter and sent all footage thus far in the proceedings.
"I say give it a few cycles, and if no one shows up, then we proceed to give them the technology, as much as neither of us doesn't like it, we don't have a lot of options". Scythe counseled. The situation was getting more depressing with each new problem found.
Finally halting his pacing, Winter looked at the humans to give his answer. "If you'll permit us to wait a few days to be sure no one is coming for us, then we will give you the knowledge to build subspace communications, at least the basic ones. This will allow you to contact other planets within minutes instead of days. Is this acceptable?"
Soren, Stein, Owen, and Mayweather, were now mentally flabbergasted. FTL comms have been a wet dream for many and right now the Covenant's superior technology and communications gave them an enormous edge. Hence why Cole protocol was created. However even what this creature considers basic would change that dynamic entirely. Fleets could be coordinated across entire sectors. Deep space recon taking less time to report back. planets warned and evacuated more quickly.
Even ONI, now secretly admitted how the Colonel was right and stopped any potential incursions into the ship to capture the other one.
"Specialist, ensure our guest's needs are met, you too LT, as of this moment you two are now assigned, to help our new friends here. Give them access to all nonclassified data and any accommodation they may need".
"yes sir." Owen and Mayweather replied.
"Now then as for your slip up, I can understand, wanting to protect your fellows and you are free to use any method needed to secure your ship. After all, I would do the same in the situation you're in. Though I strongly recommend you start with our history assuming you can read it that is and perhaps you can find your bearings. All that aside our navigation data is classified but feel free to explore the colony itself. Be warned, the media is going to want every inch of you, so expect interviews tomorrow among other bs.
Finally, we never got your name or the name of your species, if you don't mind sharing?" Colonel Stein finished.
This human reeked of being a worthy prey and one demanding respect. "I am Winter, the race I belong to are the Yautja, translated into English, it means Predator."
That sent a chill up everyone's spines.
"Thank you, in the meantime, we can either send you back to your ship or if you wish, we can set up some form of accommodation here?" Said Stein, knowing what he would do.
"My ship is fine." Winter then nods his head, showing a form of respect, before leaving an orderly came and handed him a datapad containing anything Winter needed. Owen and Mayweather following behind him but in truth needed to head to their quarters for what has been an exciting day.
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