Hello again, everyone, and welcome back to my MechWarrior/BattleTech - Halo crossover redux.
Thank you all for the wonderful feedback and support on the previous chapter. I have never received that much before, and I am thrilled to have done so well with the beginning, as I usually struggle in that regard.
This will also be the first chapter where I will respond to your feedback as well. All responses to your feedback will be at the bottom of the page.
As always, leave a review, and enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own the MechWarrior/BattleTech or Halo franchises. They are the respective properties and trademarks of Microsoft Studios, 343 Industries, Bungie, FASA Corporation, FASA Interactive, Catalyst Game Labs, WizKids, Piranha Games Inc., etc. 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.
BattleTech OST - Carpe Noctem
Installation 04
Threshold – Basis Lagrange Point
June 15th, 2515 (2785)
If there was ever a word that described 343 Guilty Spark's mood a few hours ago, it was boredom, and it wasn't hard to see why. For over a hundred thousand years, he had studiously ensured that Installation 04 remained fully operational, and that none of the specimens contained in the quarantine facilities broke free. While he wasn't exactly lonely, Sentinels, in his opinion, made for terrible conversationalists, which left him in a state of constant boredom.
Now, however, his artificially created mind was in a flurry of activity, courtesy of the recent event that had happened. Scanners and sensors screamed for his attention, while the Sentinels, detecting this rapid rise in activity, were on high alert, ready to act at the slightest sign that something was wrong. Guilty Spark, for once, was happy to have something to do.
It was also why he was puzzled. Around two hours ago, he had detected a strange burst of radiation, mostly visual and infrared radiation, along with some tachyons and a few other exotic particles. This happened in a region of space that was in close proximity to the Installation, which had immediately drawn his attention.
Now, he was looking at the source of the disturbance, and he was puzzled. For one thing, the disturbance was a cluster of ships that had simply appeared near the ring, though they were not ships that he recognized. All of them were boxy and angular in appearance, though some had rounded sections, including one that had appeared quite close to the installation.
The other was that there were no Luminary readings at all, indicating that these ships did not make use of any form of Forerunner technology at all. That was why he was puzzled, as the Luminary picked up human life signs onboard each of the ships. In addition, new sensor sweeps from just a few minutes ago showed thousands of ships that had human life signs, though most appeared to be unarmed transports.
This is quite strange, he noted to himself. None of them arrived via the use of Slipstream Space, and none of them have a trace of Forerunner technology aboard them. What do I do? What would she do? For a few minutes, Guilty Spark wrestled with the question as to what to do. It was obvious that the standard 1 light year avoidance protocol was unnecessary, given that these were obviously Reclaimers.
Then it occurred to him; if these were human beings, and that was likely the case since Luminaries were rarely wrong, then it was likely that all he needed to do was contact them. Quickly going through his protocols, he began checking for a frequency, since the scan informed him that they didn't have Slipstream Space comm systems. A moment later, he set up the necessary systems, then he attempted to contact the ship closest to the station. "This is 343 Guilty Spark, Monitor of Installation 04. Do you read me?"
. . .
Onboard the McKenna's Pride, Aleksandr Kerensky was keeping his eyes focused on the crew, as well as the mysterious object that they were approaching. So far, the artifact hadn't shown any inclination of activity, even as they burned towards it at 1.5G. The crew was silent, but the tension was so thick that one could've cut it with a knife if they so desired.
It was a tension that he himself felt, and he knew why. We are wading into unknown territory once more, he said to himself as they flew closer to the object. Still, what has me confused is that we never came across this before. 31 Aquilae was thoroughly surveyed by the Terran Hegemony during the 2310's, and we never came across anything like this. There wasn't even a gas giant here. What is going on? It was a question that boggled his mind, a question that even his subordinate, Aaron DeChavilier, was wrestling with.
Still, even as they approached at the maximum safe acceleration, he knew they needed to remain armed and ready. "Launch all AeroSpace Fighters," he ordered calmly. "I also want weapons loaded and charged, but no firing solution yet.."
"Aye, sir," the Weapons Control officer replied, recognizing the implication behind those words. Putting in a few commands into his computer terminal, he waited for the system to confirm that all weapon systems were green. "Naval Autocannons, Lasers and PPC's are loaded and charged. Missile tubes are loaded as well. No firing solution in place."
"Very good."
He was about to continue when the Comms officer said, "Sir, I have an unknown transmission coming in from the object. It appears to be a laser communications system, but much more sophisticated. Language is unknown. Orders?"
Hearing this, Kerensky knew that he was at a major crossroads. So, this artifact is not only active, but there's something or someone attempting to contact us. It could be an automated alert system, but I wonder if it's something more. With that in mind, he weighed his options, then said, "Contact them on the frequency they used."
"Affirmative," the Comms officer acknowledged. A moment later, he said, "Unidentified transmitter, this is the SLS McKenna's Pride. We read out loud and clear, but your language is unknown. How copy? Over." For a minute, there was no reply.
When the Comms officer was about to guess that it was an automated alert system, another transmission came in. Startled, he jumped briefly, then he said, "Sir, I've got the transmission again, but this time, it's in Star League English."
"Put it through on the loudspeakers," Kerensky ordered.
A moment later, a synthesized, but distinctly male voice echoed on the bridge. "This is 343 Guilty Spark, Monitor of Installation 04. Do you read me?"
That had Kerensky's attention in an instant, and it wasn't hard to see why. Looks like we're dealing with an Artificial Intelligence, if the numbers are any indication, he noted. That wasn't what had surprised him; the Terran Hegemony, he knew, used an AI to help manage their economy, and had been conducting research into more advanced AI that used neurological systems, though that technology had been lost in the Amaris Coup. The fact that this one sounded sapient, though, was what had, though he knew that it could just as easily be his own imagination.
Still, I will reply to this, he decided. Clearing this throat, he pressed the transmit button on his command chair and said, "This is Commanding General Aleksandr Kerensky of the Star League Defense Force. I read you loud and clear."
"Is this Star League Defense Force your military branch?" Guilty Spark asked.
"Yes," Kerensky replied. "We are the military arm of the Star League, the multinational cooperative controlling the Inner Sphere and all of Humanity."
Just as he said this, Guilty Spark spoke up, though he sounded quite jubilant. "Greetings!" he said to them. "Welcome to Installation 04!"
"Do we know each other?" Kerensky asked. He wasn't aware of any installation by that name in the Inner Sphere. In addition, he sounds quite chipper for having met us just now. Something is going on here.
"No, but I do know your species," Guilty Spark explained. "You are the Reclaimers, the ones that the Forerunners designated as the ones to inherit their technology. As such, you are more than welcome to come to this Installation."
"I see," Kerensky noted. "Stand by." Releasing the transmit button, he turned to Aaron and said, "We happen to have a misjump, find what we now know is a ring world, and it just so happens to be controlled by a friendly machine. Your thoughts, Aaron?"
"Your guess is as good as mine," Aaron shrugged. "I've never heard of a ring world like this, nor have I heard of a race known as the 'Forerunners.' Given our proximity to Terra, we would've known for a long time by now if there was an installation from an alien race here. In addition, the Hegemony would've kept it as a very close secret, known to only the Director-General, First Lord of the Star League or the SLDF Commanding General, which is you. If you ask me, something is up, and I don't necessarily like it."
Kerensky nodded. His XO had good instincts, and if he said that something was off about a situation, he was almost always right. "My thoughts exactly," he agreed. "The moment I became the Commanding General of the SLDF, I would've learned about something like this, since the first thing I did was ask for a status report on all projects the SLDF had been working on. Either way, we've been invited over, so we'll go, but with weapons primed and ready in case something happens."
"Good idea," Aaron nodded. "Either way, if this turns out to be legitimate, then we've scored a major find. For one thing, the entirety of the personnel aboard the Exodus Fleet could settle this ring world with little trouble. Besides, people have been looking for somewhere to finally settle down and begin to live once more."
Kerensky nodded. He could fully agree with the latter statement, though time would tell if this was a good idea, or a poorly thought out one. Still, one has to play the hand of cards they are dealt, and this is a particularly good hand if we play it well. Turning back around in his seat, he depressed the transmit button again and said, "If that is the case, then I will not turn down your invitation, Guilty Spark. Requesting berth or holding position coordinates."
"Splendid!" Guilty Spark replied, his tone still jubilant. "Remain at your current coordinates. I will send landing coordinates for any smaller shuttles that you have. I await your arrival." With that, the laser-comm channel closed.
Indeed, Kerensky noted. Looking at Aaron, he said, "You have the bridge, Aaron. Inform the DropShips that undocked from our ship to head into a holding orbit around this 'Installation 04.' Also, inform the SLS Firebird to expect a small craft to head to them, with me, my sons, as well as the SLDF Blackhearts onboard."
"Affirmative," Aaron agreed. With that, Aleksandr Kerensky strode off towards the small craft hangar bay that was closest to his position.
. . .
On the surface of Installation 04, Guilty Spark patiently hovered a couple meters off the ground as he awaited the arrival of the vehicle that General Kerensky said he would be coming to the ring on. It was also why he was around four hundred meters away from the landing zone, as he'd been warned that the plume from the craft's engines, a DropShip he'd been told, could destroy anything within a 150 meter radius.
While he waited, he looked around the area to keep himself entertained. The area they were in was one of the savanna regions of Installation 04, with the area being wide and flat. Yellow-green grass grew from the ground, and trees were growing in a small, wooded area around eight hundred meters from his location. Up above, one could see the interior of Installation 04 as it arced overhead, while the gas giant was visible to the left, and the star known as Soell to the right.
Still, he was more than happy to know that the Reclaimers were coming home. It's been so long, he said to himself, but they've finally returned! I've been waiting a hundred thousand years, six months, 3 weeks and two days for this eventuality. It will be a pleasure to serve the Reclaimers to my fullest capacity once more.
It wasn't long before the audio receptors on his chassis began to detect a sound that wasn't native to the environment. It was a dull roar, like the sound of a ship approaching, but very faint. Soon, this dull roar became louder and more intense. Soon, it was loud enough that an organic being would've found it very uncomfortable to listen to.
Looking up, Guilty Spark saw the source of the noise. To him, the ship making the sound looked like a round ball held in a conical container. Armor plating of a type that hadn't been registered in his databanks covered the ship, and he could detect weapon hardpoints on the hull. A hextuple of powerful engines on the bottom spewed nuclear fire, allowing the ship to slow down to a safe speed, while eight landing gear legs deployed from the bottom. A moment later, it hovered over the ground, before finally landing, sending a muted THUD throughout the area.
There were a couple minutes of inactivity, though Guilty Spark's scanners showed that the human beings inside were moving around, likely completing landing checks and getting ready to disembark. This proved to be the case when a door that was facing him opened, allowing the occupants inside to come out.
Rather than people, though, he watched as several vehicles began to drive out of the ship. Most were tracked, wheeled and a primitive form of hover vehicle, but a pair of ones further in the back caught his attention. To his surprise, they were mechanized walkers, with each one using a pair of legs that bent backwards as the linked up to the central chassis. Two arm pods extended downward, while a turret on the top jutted outward, likely a weapon of some kind.
All of these vehicles surrounded a single one that was in the center of the formation. Proudly emblazoned on the vehicles was the symbol of a eight point star, with the points being a silvery-white color, while a another four points were located around a sphere in the center. Two of the points, specifically the bottom and right points, were elongated.
The display of firepower was quite impressive, and Guilty Spark knew it. While he was confident in his abilities to defend himself, he knew that these weapons, while primitive in function and design, were still more than capable of causing damage. I'll imagine that one of those weapons could crack my chassis and cause my power supply to detonate, he noted internally. Either way, he wasn't here to cause trouble, but to greet the Reclaimers.
A moment later, the vehicles came to a stop, with the vehicle in the middle of the formation driving out towards him before coming to a stop, the wheels squeaking slightly as the brakes stopped them from turning. A moment later, the doors behind the vehicle opened, allowing the occupants to step out.
The first ones were a group of eight people, each one armed with what appeared to be rifles of some kind. All of them were dressed in what Guilty Spark recognized was a form of Combat Skin, though they were clearly a Class 2 Combat Skin, and nowhere near the highly sophisticated Class 10's or 12's for that matter. Still, they appeared to be well armored, and they moved with military precision and discipline.
All of them were guarding a trio of individuals that walked out from behind the vehicle. The one in the lead was an older Human, with no hair on his head, wrinkled skin on his facial features, but vibrant and youthful looking brown eyes that held decades of wisdom and experience inside of them. It was clear that this was the leader of the newcomers. The other two were quite similar in appearance, though one looked older than the other and had black hair and blue eyes instead of dark brown hair and green like the other. It was likely that the two were brothers.
All eight of the armored individuals surrounded the trio as they advanced towards him. Guilty Spark, taking this as a good opportunity to approach, said, "Greetings! I am 343 Guilty Spark, Monitor of Installation 04. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
"The pleasure is all mine," Kerensky replied. "I am Commanding General Aleksandr Kerensky of the Star League Defense Force. With me are my sons Nicholas Kerensky and Andrey Kerensky." With that, the two men to his side nodded their heads. "You are the caretaker of this ring world, yes?"
"That would be correct," Guilty Spark agreed. "As Monitor of this installation, my purpose is to ensure that all systems are functioning normally, and that all specimens on this installation are kept within quarantine. It is also my duty to serve the Reclaimers to the best of my capabilities."
"By Reclaimer, you mean Humans, yes?"
"Precisely."
"I see," Kerensky noted. "You may come back with us to the Firebird, the DropShip that we used to arrive here. Once inside, we will speak some more."
"Very well," Guilty Spark agreed. With that, he followed the squad of soldiers, and Kerensky, inside of the vehicle. The interior looked quite cramped, though Guilty Spark noted that it was well maintained, and quite suitable for it's purpose: transporting soldiers. Once everyone was inside, the last soldier closed the door and buckled in.
The sound of the vehicle's engine increased in volume as they began to drive towards the DropShip once again. The vehicle rocked and swayed back and forth as it moved over slight dips and bumps in the ground. After a few seconds, the vehicle's interior sharply angled upwards, before it became flat after a few seconds.
At that, the vehicle stopped, and they began to disembark once again. Flying outside, Guilty Spark found himself looking at a fairly spacious vehicle bay. The mechanized walkers were already stepping into specially designed bays, and he could see personnel and soldiers moving to and fro, going about their daily business.
Just then, another man, likely the DropShip's Captain, walked over to them. "Welcome back aboard the Firebird, sir," he said to Kerensky, before saluting him.
"At ease," Kerensky replied, though it was clear he appreciate the respectful gesture.
Spotting Guilty Spark, the Captain asked, "So this is our guest? Huh… I never thought flying robots were a thing. Captain Richards, at your service."
"343 Guilty Spark at yours," Guilty Spark replied, making a bowing motion with his chassis.
As he did so, Kerensky asked, "Captain, do you have a private room where we can speak with Guilty Spark without eavesdroppers?"
"Certainly," Richards replied, his memory going to work. "The private lounge is a good place to speak with people in private. I'll show you to the place."
"Lead the way." With that, the group, aside from the soldiers, followed Captain Richards, who led them to an elevator shaft that was built into the center of the DropShip. Walking inside, he hit the button for the crew deck. A moment later, the elevator slowly ascended the shaft inside, before coming to a stop at the destination.
As they moved through the crew deck, Guilty Spark took detailed scans of the interior of the DropShip, from things like computer consoles, to the very materials that made up the entire ship. I must admit, it is certainly primitive compared to a Forerunner ship, but certainly well made and cared for, he observed.
A moment later, they entered one of the private rooms aboard the ship. It was a fairly small one, barely large enough for five people to sit comfortably inside. Once they were inside, Kerensky closed the door, but not before he nodded at Richards, who had Andrey and Nicholas stand guard outside of the door. Turning to Guilty Spark, Kerensky said, "Now we can speak without being overheard." Sitting down, he asked, "So tell me, Guilty Spark, what is Installation 04?"
"I would be glad to help explain what this installation is," Guilty Spark replied. "Installation 04 is one of seven installations that were designed to house dangerous organisms, as well as to serve as a last line of defense against the Flood. As caretaker of this facility, it is my purpose to ensure the continued operation of this facility, and to defend it against all threats."
"I see," Kerensky noted. "So it's a military installation?"
"That, and a scientific one," Guilty Spark added.
"I see," Kerensky noted. It wasn't unheard of for the SLDF to do something like that. In fact, that concept was realized with the creation of what were known as Field Library bases. They had substantial military presences, but they also held scientific areas as well. Still, the words 'dangerous organisms' and 'quarantine' clued him in on what Installation 04 really was: a hazardous research facility. As the Commanding General of the SLDF, he had to make sure that Halo wasn't hazardous to the fleet, and he certainly didn't like the sound of this 'Flood.' "What is this 'Flood' that you mention? From the sounds of it, they are an extremely dangerous organism to warrant their own containment facility."
"You would be correct in assuming so," Guilty Spark agreed. "The Flood are a virulent species of parasitic organisms that reproduce through the use of Pod Infectors, which assault an organism, and inject Flood Super-Cells, which convert to host into biomass for the Flood to use. At the same time, the Infector gains control of the organism's body by forcing a match with it's nervous system, while altering it's body to suit it's purposes. It is as elegant as it is insidious. Given their method of infection, any species with sufficient biomass is a potential vector."
That single explanation had Kerensky more than a little worried, though he was curious to as to what that entailed. "Can you show me what happens?" he inquired.
"Certainly," Guilty Spark replied. A moment later, Kerensky watched as a hologram of some living being was attacked by organisms that resembled balloons with tentacles on them. One burrowed into the creature, and that was when the horror began.
Kerensky's gut tightened as the organism was completely converted into a member of the Flood. It's head was twisted at an angle, while new limbs sprouted out of it's body in macabre fashions. It's skin quickly became a sickly pale color, and before long, there was little of the creature that remained, aside from some features that remained. Seeing this, Kerensky realized just how dangerous the Flood was. Such a bioweapon would have catastrophic effects if this were to infect someone from the SLDF. Looking at Guilty Spark, he said, "Is this the extent of it?"
"Unfortunately, no," Guilty Spark frowned. "The Flood are capable of fusing into a super-organism known as a 'Gravemind.' When that happens, they leave what is known as the 'Feral' stage and enter the 'Intelligent' stage. Graveminds, according to the data I have access to, are highly intelligent, and have the memories of all of the hosts the Flood have consumed. Once a Gravemind is formed, the Flood become extremely dangerous, and often begin using tactics and other methods to spread the infection."
Kerensky was silent as he paced around, processing this information. And I thought the bioweapons used by the Rim World Republics were bad. This makes them sound like the common cold by comparison. However, his more immediate concern was if this 'Flood' had broken containment. "Have they escaped at some point?" he asked.
"No," Guilty Spark replied. "I have been extremely diligent in my duties to prevent the Flood from infesting Installation 04. I would be remiss in my duties if I did so otherwise. As long as no one intentionally releases the Flood and becomes infected, there is no danger of an outbreak."
"I see," Kerensky remarked. Internally, he said, Still, that is something out of my nightmares: a bioweapon that is capable of achieving sapience, and wants to spread itself. That cannot be allowed to happen. Pacing around, he knew that Halo would be unsuitable for colonization, given the presence of the Flood. As he walked around, he began to consider his options. Looking at Guilty Spark as he paced, he asked, "Are there any other planets in this solar system?"
"Yes," Guilty Spark confirmed. "We are currently orbiting Threshold. There is another moon known as Basis nearby, and there are five terrestrial planets located closer to the star. The first one is uninhabitable, due to proximity to the star, but the second and third are fully capable of supporting Human life. Basis is capable of supporting life, but it is barely large enough to do so. The rest are uninhabitable due to extenuating circumstances."
Pacing around some more, Kerensky felt some reassurance. At least we won't be forced to move to another star system. Since that is the case, and the fact that the Inner Sphere doesn't know this place exists, then I know what we will do. Looking at Guilty Spark, he said, "Given those circumstances, I believe we will be settling this system. It's not perfect, but it's as close as we're going to be getting to perfect."
"Splendid," Guilty Spark smiled. "Could I have access to your history databanks as an exchange? I'm eager to learn more about what has happened in the past 100,000 years."
"Possibly," Kerensky replied. "I am not fully keen on handing over full access to our data banks. There is a reason why information is classified, and why we allow levels of access.
Guilty Spark seemed to be disappointed, though he said, "I understand. You've only just met me, and you're trying to see if I'm trustworthy. Perhaps we can reach a compromise in that regard? I could help set up any colonies you wish to create. Once you feel that I've earned your trust, you can grant me access to the information databanks of your fleet. Is that not a reasonable request?
That is actually quite reasonable, Kerensky mused to himself. Very well. Guilty Spark wants to earn my trust; I'll see to it that he earns it. "Very well," he decided.
"Splendid!" Guilty Spark answered. "I will do what I can to assist."
"Indeed," Kerensky decided. "Given that we've worked out an agreement for the interim, I must speak with the Exodus Fleet. Shall we speak at a later time?"
"Of course," Guilty Spark nodded. "While my duty is to tend to this installation, my greater duty is to serve you, Reclaimer. It is what I was created to do, and it is what I have chosen to do."
. . .
A few days later, Aleksandr Kerensky was in one of of the McKenna's Pride's meeting rooms, ready to make an announcement to the fleet. dozens of people that were in the room with him looked at him with an expectant gaze. This is it, he thought to himself as he prepared to speak. Today is the day we settle down, and make a new life for ourselves. Clearing his throat, he began to speak.
"To all of those that are listening to this broadcast, I bring good news. Today, I have decided that it is time for us to complete Operation EXODUS. We have found a suitable star system, and scouts have found two additional star systems that are suitable for human colonization. We will begin settling these planets in short order."
The room erupted into cheering, as people finally realized that they were going to finally put their feet onto the ground for a long time. When the chorus of clapping and cheering faded, Kerensky continued. "Once suitable habitation facilities have been constructed, we will begin a retesting period to determine who will have what role in our newfound society. I will not lie to you, nor will I attempt to make things pretty. It will be a harsh time, and many of us will wonder if what we are doing has any point. Should you keep to the path that I and dozens of other people have laid out, however, we will see the Star League thrive once more, and when we return to the Inner Sphere, and return we shall, our shining moral character will be as much our defense as our BattleMechs and fighters."
With that, the entire fleet seemed to erupt into cheers. For the first time in over a year, they had found safe harbor. Now, all they had to do, was put in the effort required to make it a home.
(Author's Q&A)
Guest #1: Thank you. I'm eager to see how this develops as well.
Nitroman98: Thank you. I'm also looking forwards to this as well.
Reaper Eye Fuck ONI: I agree. They were a bit over the top and a little 'meh.' This time around, I fully intend to make the most of this. Third time's the charm, after all.
Danny79: I agree. A good start helps a story become interesting.
: I'm glad you find it interesting.
edboy4926: Thank you, and I'm glad you're willing to give it a try. Also, don't assume that it's always going to be at the start of Halo 1. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by the upcoming chapters.
RoyalTwinFangs: i'm glad you see it as interesting.
Qrs-jg: Me too. This time, this time I'll do right by both franchises.
Guest #2: An interesting idea. I'll definitely consider it.
SulliMike23: Thank you. This story is also going to be very unique and interesting.
THATs1I3ntGUY: I'm glad you'll be reading this. It's always good to have many opinions.
Blanchimont: It begins indeed. The Halo Universe will never be the same again.
The True Skull: True, though I think the next few chapters will rectify that problem. Stay tuned!
Violet Toyger: That I will. We'll get to see what happens next very soon.
shypunk: I'm glad I do. I hope you'll find this story to be interesting as well.
Just a Crazy-Man: Time to rock and roll indeed. This is going to be a fun one.
StarBorn Michael: Indeed, and we will be seeing a lot more.