I have returned to stay, at least I hope so. We're nearing the climax of this story, so give me suggestions along the way.
Chapter 16, "The Greatest Warship".
"You creatures are ignorant, to think I will die so soon." The Gravemind bellowed as it flung its tentacles at us. Our numbers diminished, and we weren't in a very good situation regarding our escape, not to mention this beast. The Flood had no doubt taken control of our ships already, and would sooner or later learn how to initiate the Slipstream Drive. We would need to find a ship capable of space travel soon. "I haven't got any ideas, you?" Sergeant Johnson asked. "None whatsoever. If we can make it to the South Tower, we'll reach a docking bay. I don't know if there will be any operable ships, but it's the best option." I replied, charging my cannon. And so we made a mad dash, hiding and firing at Flood hosts whenever possible. It was about 100 kilometers to that tower, and that would be without interference…
After hours of guerilla tactics, we were coming up on the structure. I vaguely remembered hearing about a powerful Omega Class Cruiser, but pushed the thought aside – no doubt those arrogant "Prophets" had it at Earth. Those ungodly beasts came at us, one after another. All forms suddenly left us and converged at the base of the tower. As my Elites – yes, my Elites, broke out their Swords and Fuel Rod Guns, I thrust my spikes and charged my particle cannon. Where is the Gravemind? It stopped attacking hours ago… I pondered as we threw ourselves at the incoming horde. It dawned on me, albeit too late to do anything about it, as its "arms" erupted from the ground behind the army. The rest soon followed mouth agape at us as it had been before. I fired, to no avail. "Warriors, prepare for combat! Fire on my mark into the center of that swarm, and not a moment later!" I ordered.
My plan worked. The combination of their weight, the stress already on the floor, and our plasma weapon's fire combined sent the creatures into oblivion. That left the greatest parasite. "The best we can do is hide from it, and enter the tower." I informed Johnson. "Whatever works for you, but I don't hide from any damned head on tentacles!" he replied, gung-ho about taking it out. "We have no means to fight it! We have to find a ship, leave this god forsaken place, and find survivors!" I ordered. He paused, and then resigned. "Alright, but how the hell are we gonna make it past that thing without gettin' smashed?" he asked. "Simple; we create a diversion." I replied.
The Gravemind turned to see a pair of Elites running the gauntlet. If this doesn't work, nothing will. I worried as they ran. They drew attention from everything in the vicinity of the Gravemind, and even the aforementioned beast attacked. We quickly ran toward the tower grav lift, and boarded it. When we reached the top, after about 15 minutes, I bowed to honor their sacrifice… and was caught off guard when they arrived on the lift; although they were severely wounded. I could immediately tell that one had a broken arm and fractured skull, but he managed to limp to us. They other's arm was missing altogether, and it was apparent that his shield generator didn't work anymore. A liability at this point. "Commander, I want you in the center of our contingent; we can't risk losing you." I instructed him. "Yes, Major!" he replied. I received the promotion for conduct above and beyond the call of duty. And I would make good on my worthiness as we transgressed through the tower to reach the bay.
When we reached the doors to the bay, our bad fortune reared its ugly head. They had been burnt shut. I called upon two of my species, and we proceeded to ram it. Nothing. We charged our cannons, and fired a salvo into the center. No effect. Blasted Brutes. I figured as we continued. It took a good ten minutes to break through. What awaited us struck us speechless.
There, in the center of the bay, was an Omega Class Cruiser. Equipped with two shield generators, fine-tuned Slipstream Drive, armed to the core with weapons, and a streamlined design fitting of the ship. She was also about the size of an Earth city.
We were staring at the Fleet Capitol Ship Manifest Destiny.
To be continued in Ch. 17. I bid you adieu for now.