Venturing through the depths of her mind, Augustine perished the ill fitted thoughts that befell someone made to become better than themselves. She was deep in meditation several miles away from any form of civilization; thinking and planning how one could be able to survive... not even fight against such odds that were stacked against them. Her heart felt for the billions of lives that would be lost in this war, but there was a foreboding sense of anger in what will cause this bloodshed. The mass murders committed in a false belief, a lie, it angered her so much to the point of break.
Yet, Griffin cautioned her to have clarity in the mind, a need to find the focus required to ensure the survival of all life in the galaxy. That was the mission, the plan, the goal that was given to her. Even as she laid perched in the deepest brush along the treeline, nature wavered in her path and her power grew steadily. It was here that she could sense whenever Griffin was nearby, helping her train for the long mental strain of sensing, detecting, and having awareness of her perimeter. Due to the long hours it required to demonstrate and improve her abilities, there were several ways she extended her power:
She would be informed by Griffin that she was capable of Telekinesis, a power that was straining, but efficient to pull off and understand. Griffin said something about a possibility in the implication of Neural Physics, a philosophy and science that could be used, a power she demonstrated through guidance and principle. It was one of the first lessons she understood to be effective, but hard to understand. However, through the teachings of a philosophy and science that had yet to be understood by any biological being besides the creators of all life in the galaxy... Augustine would be the first to explore it to its entirety through guidance by Griffin as her teacher.
By meditating for as long as she did, she was able to uncover answers to nourishing herself by the essence of all life. A matter conversion in its simplest form. Whatever molecules draped her body, her feathers absorbed the material and absorbed it to the tip. Insects and any living being that came into contact with her were not absorbed, but she would repel them with a mental wave, a repellant of mass and energy; paired with a telepathy she passively used. By feeling this power... there was a certain energy to it... a light that was almost a cleansing synonym to the life that struggled against it. Whether or not her mind was playing tricks, she would do her best to understand it. There was meaning to it all, something that mattered in the bigger picture.
It was why her meditations mattered... because in her effects in the wildlife around her; Augustine could effectively plant the seed of change in the environment. It was why the seeds of the long dead Precursors that were in the containment of The Forerunners were key; a way to repent for the great betrayal. There was a sense of clarity through the memories of information that passed through what tragic tales came from that time period. So many unknowns, so many dead and gone, manipulation by powers unknown; and many masses of dead.
Augustine turned her head away from the horrific facts, she was not ready for them yet. There was still much to consider, so much to learn and practice.
With essence from her by the root of eight feathers, Augustine would plant the seed to create a people from her blood. Deep into a forest and nearby a mountain, Augustine prepared herself... especially when there was more to Neural Physics than anticipated. Time was a power that could be used, and so she would seek to fundamentally understand how to make and create with the bubble of the universe. Griffin encouraged her to be better than what she was in the current, an innocent soul seeking to give her the chance to live and survive.
It was time to see what powers the Precursors really had.
Griffin Phoenix
CAMS, Dormitories
April 30th, 2525
Even deep in meditation, Griffin pondered what abilities he had and what he could do. There was a power behind what was possible, sure, but there was great risk in what they could provoke. In the scientific method, there was a need to provide documentation over what was discovered, but that would only spell discovery by humanity and he would be experimented on... if not killed. This is what caused Griffin to heavily consider many plots, plans, and ways to preserve himself or his life. So much was being considered, that the young man barely had time to even rest.
However, as Griffin was prepared to sleep, he would sense a flickering tune in the holographic terminal. With the bay doors closed and locked, Griffin would get out of his bed and walk towards the table in the room. When he grabbed a seat and sat down to look at the flickering terminal, the device would flicker off and shut down.
Immediately, the western avatar of Mack would spring up right in front of Griffin.
"Alright, tell me why you know everything about my girl and what is goin' on out there partner. You knew too much for comfort." Just to emphasize, the avatar would be sporting two holographic sequoias pointed directly at him.
"Simple, I am from a different time. How would I have prior knowledge of what is to come and what already came? The data confirms my information, now I am doing what I can to ensure the survival of mankind." Griffin replied, looking completely unbothered by the situation at hand. Even being tired to the point of collapse had its limitations, especially at this time when being unbothered in front of an AI was uncustomary.
"What else do you know about my girl that would not be remotely recordable?"
"She played you a Shakespeare Sonnet, I believe it was the eighteenth one before your fragment Loki destroyed her and you destroyed him. Plus, Syf fooled a Covenant Engineer into repairing her before it was killed by insectoid creatures. She was cured of rampancy because of that Engineer."
"I-" Mack had no words to say in the few split seconds that passed between Griffin and himself. "You win, Christian. Now tell me, how do you plan on saving all of mankind from a force like The Covenant?" Mack questioned, now putting his pistols into his holsters.
"First, where is the AI that runs this facility?" Griffin asked.
"Orlin is currently taking care of a flood of packages in his databanks. Why, thinkin about shooting him down?"
"No, I want you to override his systems and at least have programs and protocols that will help me have better access to the academy without traces back to me. I need to make sure this academy can properly respond when the inevitable happens... and see when it does happen so I can better prepare evacuations for the civilian and non-combat ready populations." Griffin would speak, looking at the screens of several pieces of his own personal data that he had written down for examinations and fool-proof tactical data. "And... I would like for you to use whatever means you have to develop whatever weapons, armor, ammo, and materials you can get your hands on."
"That is going to be a great deal harder than you-"
"No it isn't, and if you want, you can make mobile drone platforms to make it possible." Griffin implied, soon scrolling through the net to gather information. Once found the information he needed... with a great deal of surprise, the young man uploaded the information to the AI.
Mack flickered for a brief second before his avatar crossed his arms.
"You're not serious... are you?" Mack asked him.
"It is easy to apply, the stuff is covered extensively by Geeks all throughout the hundreds of years, it works." Griffin chuckled.
"You do realize this is breaking several major UNSC statues dating to the year 2077 and this action will force Archeron Security to paten the development of these projects."
"Mack, if you do what the first file describes, you won't need to worry about the laws you're breaking." Griffin pointed out. "Now, is that everything?" He asked.
"What about this armor and weapon you specifically requested, those items do not exist."
"Make it a pet project, I will handle in its development."
Catherine Halsey
CASTLE Base
May 1st, 2525
There was something to the excitement she felt when dealing with the approval to accelerate the Spartan program far beyond what the UNSC expected out of her. To see that her MJOLNIR Project was slated for immediate correction on research and corrective testing with no live subject to kill soothed her conscious mind on the subject. However, with the actions made by the military body, Halsey knew her Spartans would gain the armor they needed and be capable of far more than the missions they played in on the training grounds. Even the mission to capture Colonel Robert Watts would be simple to pull off compared to the ability of the Spartans.
Now, with the project in the slate to be approved, Catherine knew events would most likely play differently. If there was a chance that The Insurrection could be taken down long before the war gets serious, there would be a great chance that the UNSC could gain some victories of survival in the outer colonies before the fall would inevitably come. That worried her intensely, justifying the accelerations in the Spartans training and development.
However, making Cortana and the Smart AI that would help John and the Spartan II's would have to wait... not until their missions were complete. There was a danger to breaking UNSC laws, but when the time was right, there would be no need to worry about such things. After all, when the UNSC's back is put against the wall, there isn't a single tool that they would not grab to beat it against the problem.
The wild card now was Christian... what would he do now that he would be inducted into the UNSC from the inside. Something tickled her mind that no matter what she would do, he would eventually come into the spotlight some way. If she tried to find him, she'd risk him, herself, and the Spartan II's.
And that would never happen, not while she noticed Colonel James Ackerson on her doorstep.
General Black
CAMS, Admin Office
May 3rd, 2525
"Cadet Phoenix, you have been... outperforming yourself recently." General Black would speak as he stood from a dim lighted window overlooking the academy. Hundreds of cadets out there were conducting martial exercises, cadences in formation, and live-fire marksmanship. Not only did this once short cadet go from being the most average students of the freshmen class dropped right in the middle of the semester, but he had outmatched the entire freshmen cadet class and beaten every other squad he and Saegillius squad went up against. Whether this was up to the highly respected Cadmon Lasky whose tactics and forward thinking was sought-after by ONI and UNSC alike or not; Cadet Phoenix in his eyes was not someone he had the inclination to hold back his patience for.
"Yes sir," Phoenix replied curtly.
"And you have been utilizing every avenue of your... newfound strength against unmatched opponents such as your fellow cadets... correct?" He asked.
"...Yes sir," Phoenix acknowledged.
It was at that moment, General Black slammed his fist on the table. "Did you not think that was unfair to your fellow cadets, future officers who will fight and die by your side?!" He bellowed.
"No sir, we were taught to ensure that our team came first and our enemies dead last. I sacrificed my mark scores in result for the squad's ability to perform first." Phoenix implied. "Triarii Squad is the only other squad I have made friends with in this semester. If given enough time, I will ensure the unification of the other squads." He implied to the General.
To hear the words of a young man correcting himself by ensuring his future actions being that to uplift the class rather than break down parts of it; he was speaking of a feat few leaders could be able to perform. If Phoenix was speaking the truth rather than making a bluff, then he would prove himself a better candidate for his aspiring military career. Calming down after such a point of contention, General Black would make his stand and glare up at Phoenix.
"Then I suggest you do so quickly, The Crucible is around the corner."
Griffin Phoenix
CAMS, Armory
May 3rd, 2525
In the evening that followed Griffin's 'ass-chewing' by the Superintendent of the Academy, the young man had snuck out of his room during the night and focused and honed in on the armory that Orlin and Mack had secured for him. At a nearby work station that contained metals, materials, and components for Scorpion tanks; Griffin tacked and welded together armor materials together in the silence of construction. There were tools that Griffin was unfamiliar to, but with the 26th century version of a plasma-cutter, torch, MIG-Machine, and additional soldering components, months of armor wielding in the 21st century turned into only a couple hours.
"I still do not see why you are doing this." Mack criticized Griffin from a nearby platform, even as the young man was finishing up the layering of the armor he was making.
"Simple Mack, looks and practical application." Griffin replied.
"That would be if there was such a thing as Beskar existing in this universe, which is fictional metal. And what is with all the markings? You are making this too far into a Blacksmiths hobby." Mack spoke from the dashboard, not even impressed with the young man's attempts at his own welding.
"Look, I said this was going to be a pet project. This armor is supposed to protect me in battle and intimidate Covenant Troops when they see me. When they see me, they will see a human with armor coloration of that of an Arbiter. Even with the markings of one too." Griffin replied, soon turning to the circuitry that connected the helmet to the armor pieces individually. He then started to complete two items that were separate from the group of materials.
"And there is not a way we can make lightsabers either." Mack corrected.
"Yet there are energy swords and energy blades used by Covenant. We can find a way to make both happen." Griffin chuckled, soon looking to the projection of Mack's voice. "Besides, have you taken in consideration of my recommendations?" He asked the Smart AI.
"Making robots you mean? Yes, yes I have. Mobile platforms have been made, now I have to make sure that we can complete our evacuation objectives without needing to reveal ourselves too quickly." Mack implied, causing Griffin to smile.
"Head to a mine that contains building materials and become self sufficient. This planet is filled with useful resources, utilize them in the shadows. If you head towards the mountain, share yourself with the people there." Griffin implied. That caused Mack to question the young man.
"What's in the mountains?"
"People that only you would need to know and experience, the one who leads them is aware of my presence and so she will trust you." Griffin replied. "But I will not speak of them here, not while we are still needing the element of secrecy."
"Well get some rest young man, The Crucible begins next week. Just to let you know."
"Thanks for the heads up."
"So they call your presence 'The Sky-Mother', but they look to you as their leader while not knowing you are both in the same principle?" Griffin asked Augustine. They were both asleep in the real world, but their minds were linked together. To make it easier for the both of them, Griffin made the environment around their minds as clear and filled with life in a bright forest. The nature of their minds were calm, at peace, and they both walked through the passage of the mental forest together in thought.
"They do, all fifty of them. I was surprised in their ability to think and grow so quickly, but I made sure to bring them to the valley to live in relative peace. At least for the moment while we have the chance." Augustine replied. She stood beside the young man while they both trekked through the passage. "I know they will be ready for the times ahead... but I fear for their future. To be introduced to the galaxy with a war of extermination on their shoulders... there may never be peace while we still exist." Augustine mused, looking to the distance.
"I will always be sorry this is what you have to bear. If I had not changed you, death would have been your following as well as an inability to act." Griffin implied, causing Augustine to turn her head to him.
"Do not attempt to justify what you have done, what is done is done and you promised to never do such a thing again." Augustine corrected the young human. "You bear their power, I hold some if not an equal amount of it... and no one else before the people made from my blood will contain that power." She spoke, now walking away from him. "To contemplate the first thought of a mass of people made from my existence is difficult to contemplate, as meditation and clarity gave me that balance... but seeing it... experiencing it... that is still difficult for anyone to experience."
"That is something I have yet to understand," Griffin admitted. It would cause the avian woman to stand still as the man walked with her. "The power you have there, it is honed, focused, and you have the ability to see far more than I on that essence. See me as your guide through this time, as I am hidden, kept inside the academy to train myself for the war. All I can offer you is advise and guidance, as well as plans for what will happen in the future."
"Is that why you are always trying to get into that Armory?" Augustine asked.
"Partially, if I completed the armor..." Griffin implied, just before he would take the form of a grey armored man with a familiar coating and ritual marks trailing all over his body... mixed with a black cape to follow him. "I can at least begin my journey without the issue of being killed by a simple shot. And..." It was at that moment, the young man pulled out two objects in both of his hands.
In that second, Griffin would ignite two white blades from the hilts of the handles.
"So you're just wanting to be a Revan with grey robes and Arbiter symbols?"
"Basically."
"I do not even know if I'm speaking to a man or a child." Augustine implied, shaking her head as she began to walk away.
"Compared to the humans of this century, I am an ancient elder. To you, most likely I might be a child. Regardless, you still value what I do." Griffin chuckled, soon letting his armor and weapons vanish as he began to walk ahead to catch up with Augustine. "Besides, I am hoping you are doing okay. Keep in mind I legitimately care about how you feel."
"I... thank you." Augustine replied, turning her head to look at the young human who followed behind her. He could see her bright eyes shining like the sun, a faint attraction to the female in front of him. Yet, in that instant, both avian and man looked away from each other and walked towards the path ahead.
"...so, have any plans on what you are going to call your people?" Griffin asked as he looked to Augustine.
"There is one, considering of the circumstances." Augustine started.
"Please do tell me, I am curious." Griffin smiled.
"The Solarians. There are many variations of the race among the masses... at least eight I believe." She began speaking about the topic. "To have multiple races as one unified faction. An Empire of unity, not separation; not while The Covenant exists." Augustine began, starting to consider the viewpoints of having people to talk to, but also think on the bigger picture... where they led to. And it made Griffin smile as their communion continued. "If The Covenant finds us... we will be ready for them."
"Good, then prepare them anyway, we will have a year before they come. Live and love with what peace you have now with the Solarians, guide them just as I have guided you." Griffin smiled, soon closing his eyes and beginning to walk in a separate direction. "I will see you at the end of the crucible... learn well my friend."
Mack
Abandoned Factory, Cirnius IV
May 4th, 2525
Mobile platforms... an idea that was basic to pull off if he wanted to have one sophisticated drone... but not an entire army full of them. Through rewritten override codes provided by Griffin and Orion, it was simple and easy to get into the internal services of the city. Every single remote service was crimped as an operation Mack used to his advantage. Garbage collection was sent to the abandoned factory and drones he controlled repaired the factory to its fullest capacity. What the city was unaware of, was the faulty readings of the energy grid. There were many faulty readings, especially the rerouting of the power grid into systems that were non-essential and horribly monitored.
However, with the temporary access to the energy grid, Mack had initiated commands to the new drones that were being swiftly constructed in complete silence. Every avenue was taken to ensure that the operation was not discovered even by the basic civilian. Due to the logical explanation and reasoning that no human would expect a robot army was underneath their noses, it was easy to detect that not a single human cared; thus allowing the operation to proceed. Anything that kept the streets clean and society to function perfectly was something that the people didn't care about... so the production of the drones went pretty smoothly. Through the first batch of one-hundred drones were simple to make... especially when a single encrypted packet is all it took for the drone to be operable and follow explicit commands.
What made these drones useful is their battery packs that was attached to their backs. That was the only thing that allowed them to continue and operate, a massive and nearly crippling flaw. They could operate interdependently from his commands, but what was to keep him from losing control from remote session interception, IPS Spoofing, Rerouting, system capture, and a hundred different software flaws. With this in mind, Mack would have Orion send in a fragment of himself into the factory to install himself into a new variant of drone creation that the collective consciousness of Mack took part in.
And when Mack and the fragment installed themselves into the new model prototypes, Mack would see the world differently.
Like a live-view of a map, the Prototype that Mack installed himself into was able to operate the same way he did as an AI; like he was a walking mass of an intelligent being. He could be able to command the basic model of drones before him... easily identified by Griffin and the rest of the community as B1 Battle Droids, but he himself was a higher model... a Tactical Droid. It was not difficult to grab the components from the landfills and upgrade the hardware from already existing metals in the city. The ease of doing all of this in such an organized cycle was a miracle on Mack's routine systems... but with taking systems apart all over Harvest and upgrading himself to be sent in one packet to a satellite... technological bounds were being created and limitations being broken apart with every new achievement.
What was once an idea became a feasible and practical application of technology, minds, skill, and data. Once there was an abandoned factory, now it was repurposed into a secret robotic production plant that had guised itself in the outskirts of a city. No human in the city was the wiser as an Elephant containing three hundred of the droids started to make its way towards a road not taken to the mountains...
"What do you think you will find out there?" Orion's fragment asked of the Tactical Droid that was now containing Mack.
"Unknown, but I will be prepared for any hostile response if there are any. You focus on protecting our asset and preparing the city for The Covenant." Mack ordered the fragment.
"Roger-roger." The fragment replied.
All Mack could utter in response was a cutting of communication, hearing that tune made his internal processors heat up for the moment. But in reaction to this, the tactical droid could only sit down all moot as the memories of Syf were recalled into his memory banks. How she acted, reacted, and eventually ended made the AI remember her mannerism's and memorable qualities. And he compared his own personality matrix with the memory fragments from Syf:
78% similarities.
Looking out into the thick undergrowth, Mack could only think about how lonely it was going to be on this trip into the mountain...
Good evening everyone!
I know this will come up as an unexpected update, so sorry for those who already read the chapter but didn't see this.
However, today is another day where a chapter is completed! Obviously those who are Star Wars fans will love this Chapter and those who don't will definitely dislike it. But, because we are exploring what Precursors or their closely attuned creations abilities are, it is a topic that personally isn't explored as much. Hell, most of the time spent in this chapter was on how Neural Physics worked! So, those of you who understand Neural Physics may see some references somewhere along the lines over how it works or at least how it was explained in varying discussions across the web.
Regardless, what is done in this chapter will prepare for what is next one! So, with the Droid army, Revan Robes mixed with Arbiter inscribing along with lightsabers, and the exploration of a new race/civilization being put into the process; it is obviously apparent that all of this is going to come together. This is especially considering of the fact that if you were faced with the dilemma that a powerful force such as The Covenant coming, you would prepare for it in whatever way possible.
This way is definitely fan/nerd material, but it is also the more effective. Obviously getting Blasters and Lightsabers from the get-go is impossible, but finding a substitute is always the better option. Yet, having the ability to pop your own personal Trade Federation army (obviously we are excluding Jeff Bezos) would be a pretty wicked idea. Stay tuned for that!
Also, because the last couple of chapters have not included any combat, I wanted to at least prep for them.
Stay tuned for next chapter!
-True
