Chapter IX : The Cyberdemon
The crew inside the bridge of the Equinox dared not to turn away at the image of the bizarre vessel , once known as The New Order, as it rapidly approached into an attack vector.
´´ Dear god…what happened to the ship…´´- commander Mackenzie thought while looking at the demon infested vessel: The hull of the ship was replaced by , what appeared to be , gore and skin. The upper level kind of resembled a rib cage. In fact, the entire ship seemed more like a skinless creature instead of the once powerful Covenant ship.
The Equinox trembled after receiving a direct hit from the ship's plasma turrets. Wasting no time, Mackenzie turned to his first lieutenant.
´´ Ma'am, there was no energy reaction from the covenant ship. There was no way we could have saw it coming. ´´
´´ How can that be? ´´- Mackenzie asked -´´ Even the smallest covenant ship has an energy outburst ´´- The ship once again trembled by incoming antimatter charges.
´´ Ensign, evasive maneuvers on the double ´´.
´´ Yes ma'am ´´
The ship's constant shaking did not go unnoticed by the chief, after reaching the Equinox the chief along with the sarge , Spartan 147 and several marines they began to feel the constant attacks.
Putting Cortana in a nearby panel, the chief spoke - ´´ Cortana, what's the situation ?´´
Cortana's image appeared instantly -´´Bad news, judging by the enemy ship's unique armor, I would say that some of our demon friends decided to follow us ´´.
´´ Show me ´´
In the screen, the once covenant ship was being bombarded with archer pods and MAC shots coming from the 3 UNSC vessels. Indeed the covenant ship was most likely run by demons by the looks of it.
´´ I don't understand it, that ships has no energy reading. ´´- Cortana said to the group -´´Besides, we've already punched a lot of holes in it and it's still operational ´´.
´´ The only way to win it is to completely destroy the ship ´´.
´´ No kidding ´´- The sarge said to the chief -´´ But no UNSC ship has that kind of firepower ´´- The sarge said, however Cortana looked like she was thinking in something. -´´Or do they ?´´.
Once finished, Cortana turned to the sarge -´´ Sorry to keep it hidden chief , but admiral Hood forced me to guard the secret ´´.
The chief was lost in what Cortana was saying -´´ What are you talking about ?´´
Sighing , Cortana spoke -´´ You're not gonna like this but, the Equinox has an experimental weapon taken from a Covenant flagship ´´.
The sarge almost dropped his cigar after hearing her -´´ Say what!. This tin can has a squid lips cannon ´´.
´´ Not just any cannon sarge ´´- Cortana replied -´´ The weapon is the one the covenant usually use to glass a planet ´´- By this, the chief made a fist of anger. Cortana well knew that the chief hated when the covenant destroyed a world , making it void of life. To know that the UNSC dared to equip such devastating weapon in their fleet only fueled his anger.
Finally the chief spoke -´´Just when were you going to tell us this Cortana´´.
´´ Project O.M.E.G.A. was going to go public…when we reached our destination…´´
´´ Which is ?´´- The chief asked.
´´ A nearby Covenant habited planet. ´´- Cortana said to the group. Frankly, the chief had no problem with killing all those covenant living in that world, however by killing them with a weapon that killed millions of humans in the past still didn't make the chief feel with ease.
´´ Now if you excuse me, I'm going to the bridge to prepare the weapon ´´. – Said that, Cortana vanished from view. The chief walked all the way to the bridge, not saying a word in the whole trip.
´´ Energy readings show 75 percent charge commander ´´- Cortana informed Mackenzie as they prepared the weapon. The demon infested ship was currently engaged with the two helsion class ships, while the equinox prepared the main cannon.
´´ Helsion ships, stand by to move away from blast radius ´´- Mackenzie informed the ships.
´´ Roger that ´´
´´…98, 99,…100 percent commander ´´- Cortana said from her holo projector.
´´ Cortana . Fire at will ´´
The chief entered the bridge just in time to see the Equinox prototype cannon rain plasma on the demon ship, the multiple layers of the once covenant ship quickly vanished into nothing after the massive attack. In the end, only dust particles and radiation was left floating in space.
´´ Enemy ship is no more commander ´´- Cortana informed the bridge, Mackenzie relaxed while some crew inside the Equinox celebrated, except the chief.
´´ We'll, I would say that our first test was successfully…´´
´´ Commander, may I have a word with you ´´- The chief interrupted her.
´´ Yes Spartan 117, what is it ?´´
´´ In private ´´.
Mackenzie nodded and lead the chief to the meeting room. Cortana vanished and instantaneously appeared in the meeting room. Once inside, the chief spoke:
´´ Commander, why wasn't I informed of project omega ´´.
´´ Simple, there was no reason to inform a low ranking soldier like yourself. That's what Captain Stukov thought, and that's what I think as well ´´.
´´ Commander, I'm not arguing that, however this weapon has a catastrophic firepower and In all my years fighting the covenant I've witnessed how entire planets…´´
Mackenzie interrupted him -´´ Now I see, you're jealous´´.
´´ Excuse me? ´´- The chief replied.
´´ The High brass at ONI has told us that you Spartans are earth's only chance for survival in the Human-Covenant war, but you all gotten accustom to being the saviors that you can't stand when someone else ,or in this case a new weapon takes your spot. Am I right ?´´.
The chief felt the fury within him build up, the only thing the Spartans had done was fight in the war expecting no reward , most of his brothers had died serving these worthless people like Mackenzie and for what: so that later they could be pushed aside like nothing.
Regaining his senses the chief spoke -´´ Very well commander. I'll leave this discussion for when we return to earth ´´- As the chief headed out he turned to her to spoke one last time.
´´ And you're wrong ´´.
Once the chief left, Mackenzie kicked a chair to the floor. -´´ How dares he speak to me like that. Now I know Colonel Ackerson was right all along, these freaks must be stopped. Once we return to earth and they give Me the promotion for destroying that fucking planet, I'm going to make a voting so that the High brass ends the Spartan Project for good…´´
The chief stormed his way across the ship, ignoring the marines he pushed away, the marines did not answer back , they were too afraid of a Spartan. Once he reached an empty room he punched a nearby panel, sending pieces all over the place.
´´ Chief, what's wrong with you? ´´- Cortana asked him, the chief could tell she was worried by the tone of her voice.
´´ I wanted to kill her…´´
Cortana was shocked by the chief's words, the chief turned away from her while she spoke - ´´Chief, you can't be serious. This isn't like you ´´.
´´ I know ´´- The chief said -´´ Something's not right, but back there I used all of my willpower to stay calm and even now I'm still trying to stop myself from going back there and rip her skull with my hands ´´.
Cortana was thinking of any possible thing that might influence the chief to act like this, and then it's when both of them knew what it was : -´´ The demons ´´.
´´ Of course ´´- The chief said -´´ It was so obvious, but somehow the answer was blocked in my mind ´´.
´´ But that's impossible ´´- Cortana cut in -´´ We destroyed the demon infested ship, and the cube along with the covenant base back in the planet ´´.
´´ Now, I'm not so sure ´´- The chief said to her -´´ Cortana, what covenant species habits the planet we're going, and how much time until we get there ´´.
Cortana's image flickered, and then she answered -´´ Intel only knows that the planet is called Malak , and it's not populated by any elites. Plus that, ETA is 1 hour 18 minutes ´´.
´´ Malak ?´´- The chief said -´´ Maybe those grunts we brought back can tell us more ´´.
The sarge was currently in the docking bay, a cigar lit on his mouth. He could very well head back to the bridge or to his quarters to get some shut eye after all that demon bashing, but something on the back of his head told him to stay alert.
His attention turned to a couple of marines: One was currently carrying a large box with ammo for the pelicans, however as he struggled to get the heavy load to his destination he dropped a clip near his partner.
´´ Hey ,watch it you dumbass ´´
´´ We'll, if you decided to help instead of feeling your ass grow…´´
´´ Care to say that to my face ´´.
The marine dropped the ammo box and turned to punch his companion to the ground, the other marine tripped him to the ground as well and lunged on top of him. They continued to exchange blows until the sarge interrupted them.
´´ Stop this right now marines, before you rip your pantyhose ´´.- The sarge yelled to the two marines.
Reluctantly each marine stopped, not turning their gaze of each other.
´´ Now clean this mess right now, Is that understood ´´- Both marines obeyed the sarge and went their separate ways. Leaving the sarge thinking. -´´ that's second time in the day I have to split up two ladies …´´- The sarge thought. Just then the chief entered.
´´ Sergeant, where are the grunts that survived? ´´.
´´ Those shrimps are still in the seraph ´´- The sarge replied -´´ Maybe they're too chicken to exit that damn excuse of a fighter ´´.
The chief and the sarge headed towards the seraph's cockpit to find both grunts, they were in their sleeping position but not asleep -´´ Are they trembling? ´´- The chief thought
The sarge beat the chief in waking them. -´´ Hey wake up, you little shits ´´.
The grunts jumped in fear of their new companions. Once he got their attention the chief spoke -´´ Grunts, which species habit's planet Malak?´´
´´ Malak is one grunt colony, how you know of planet ?´´
´´ A grunt planet ´´- The chief replied -´´ Tell me, do you have any covenant ships in the planet ´´- The grunts remained quiet -´´ Answer me, this is important ´´.
The grunts remained quiet anyway, until the chief spoke once again -´´ The demons might be on their way as we speak ´´.
The grunts immediately spoke after hearing that -´´ planet is both shipyard and grunts colony, we make ships for Hierarchs and elite masters ´´.
Once they finished, the sarge spoke -´´ What do you mean chief, those demons suck it hard when we destroyed their ship a while ago ´´.
´´ Now I'm not so sure sarge ´´- The chief replied.
´´ But where are they? ´´.- The sarge asked.
´´ Here ´´- A grunt spoke -´´ We remain here to be safe ´´.
´´ You got to be kidding me, you're telling me that those horn freaks are here in the ship ´´.-The sarge said to the group.
´´ We have to warn the other , you grunts remain here.´´- said that, the chief headed towards the bridge. This time, hoping that the commander remained calm for both their sakes.
´´ Chief I wouldm't go in there If I was you ´´- Cortana said to him as they reached the entrance to the bridge.
´´ I have to Cortana, meanwhile scan the ship for any unknown signatures like the ones the demons created back in the alpha base.´´
´´ I'll do it, but you shouldn't enter anyway…´´ -Cortana's warning was ignored by both the chief and sarge. Once they got inside they were greeted by a small squad of ODST's.
´´ Escort them to the brig ´´- Commander Mackenzie ordered.
´´ What the heck are you talking about, there are demons inside the ship and we need to flush them out pronto ´´- The sarge said, but the commander didn't listen to him.
´´ Spartan 117, for defying a superior officer you are sentenced to court martial for acts of betrayal, you as well sergeant Johnson for helping the chief, take them away ´´.
By Mackenzie's command, the ODST's approached them, but a look of the sarge made them walk back.
´´ Sarge let's play along for now, right now we can't do much ´´- The chief told him, and so both men were escorted to the brig.
´´ Cortana ´´- Mackenzie said -´´ Inform me when we reach the covenant planet, until then do not interrupt me, is that understood ´´.
´´ Yes ma'am ´´- Cortana watched as Mackenzie left the bridge towards her personal quarters. Once she was out of sight Cortana turned her attention towards the brig and to analyze the Equinox.
´´ …Those fools…they only want to opaque your success…´´- A voice said to Mackenzie as she locked the door of her quarters.
´´ I know, If they only understood that you're our salvation ´´.
´´ …they will learn soon enough… you will be known as the woman that ended the covenant war…but first you must acquire our power…´´
´´ Yes, master…´´- Mackenzie sat in the floor and positioned the cube in her lap, running her fingers around it, trying to open it once more.
Once they reached the brig, both the chief and sarge were relieved from duties and their weapons confiscated. The ODST's dare not to remove his armor.
´´ You've done it now…´´- The sarge said to the ODST's -´´ Once I get out of here, there's hell to pay for each of you ´´.
The ODST's quickly left, leaving the two men in there alone -´´ Doesn't matter if you run, I can tell each of you behind that helmet ´´.- The sarge yelled to the group one last time.
Act following, 147 was also brought to the brig, removing her weapons as well they put her in the same cell with the chief and sarge.
´´ You too Kary ´´- The sarge said ,with a grin on his face.
´´ It's Karen, and yes. Why did they brought us in here in the first place ´´.
´´ I might have a theory ´´- the chief said -´´ Cortana, do you mind opening these doors ´´.
Cortana's projection appeared next to them -´´ Right away chief ´´.- The cell doors opened releasing the 3 of them. The chief thank her and proceeded to ask her about her scanning of the ship.
´´ So far, I haven't detected anything ´´- Cortana said, but her image flickered red -´´…hold on, an unknown energy reading is coming in ´´.
´´ Where ´´- The chief asked.
´´ Oh god, the commanders quarters. Hurry up there ´´.
The trio ran as fast as they could ,avoiding every possible ODST on their way, however 2 ODST's guarded the commander's room.
´´ What now chief ´´- The sarge whispered -´´ We can't just go there and beat the crap out of those guys can we ´´.
´´ We don't have to, we only need to take them out without killing them ´´- Said that, the chief ran towards them, the ODST's opened fire upon him but the chief's shields withstood the incoming fire. The chief disarmed them and punched one of them to the floor, the other ODST rammed his rifle to the chief's back but Karen knocked him to the wall. Grabbing their battle rifles, the 3 of them turned to the door.
´´ The door's locked ´´- Cortana informed the chief -´´ Give me a few minutes so…´´
The chief kicked the door open, leaving Cortana hanging -´´ Or we could kick it …´´
´´ Hey you stop ´´- Several marines reached the chief's position ,ready to arrest him once again, however the insides of the room paralyzed them: Inside , Commander Mackenzie's body was hung upside down, her skin thorn away from her and lying in several directions. Some chains with hooks embedded in her skin. Most surprisingly of all, she was still alive.
´´…you will all suffer eternally...we shall devour your very souls…´´
´´ Yeah ,yeah ´´- The sarge cut her in -´´ We all heard the same crap several times already´´.
´´...you will all die...´´
Once Mackenzie's body finally died the lights on the entire ship turned off, leaving only the auxiliary red light on. The marines were instantly scared shit.
´´ Cortana, what's happening?´´- The chief asked her.
´´ Chief quickly, put me inside your head ´´- The chief touched the panel and Cortana was instantly transferred inside his armor. -´´ Oh thank god, something is quickly taking over the ships main systems, a few moments in there and they would have overrun me as well´´.
´´ Did the demons take the power out ?´´.- The chief asked.
´´ No, they only did this to distract us, the worst news is that the ships velocity has tripled somehow, our ETA to Malak is now 25 minutes and counting chief ´´
´´ What about the other helsion ships ´´
Cortana answered him -´´ we left them way back, I'm afraid were on our own, if the demons invade the grunt colony and take control of the covenant ships, they'll be able to invade both human and covenant planet in existence . ´´
Regaining his composure, the chief spoke -´´ Listen up, sarge take the marines and rendezvous with the other personnel in the ship, something tells me that our friends will appear very soon.´´
´´ You got it chief´´- The sarge replied -´´ alright ladies , let's head out and blow demon guts everywhere ´´.
Once they left, the chief spoke to Cortana and Karen -´´ Cortana, where was the last energy reading you detected ´´.
´´ In the primary long sword docking bay chief ´´.
´´ Most likely the place to find the cube ´´- The chief replied -´´ Karen come with me, we'll need some things from the Armory ´´.
In mere seconds, the entire ship was reporting conflicts with demons in every level. The chief and Karen made their way to the armory while dealing with the occasional imp on their way.
´´ One more…´´ The chief said, the soul cube that remained hidden within him was almost fully charged. As an Imp appeared before them, the chief kicked the demon back and pulverized his skull with several blows. The final light on the soul cube turned on.
´´ What are you waiting for ´´- Karen said to the chief as she tried to hold the incoming demons. -´´ Use the cube already ´´.
´´ Not yet ´´- the chief grabbed a rocket launcher and unleashed both volleys onto the demons. -´´ I need it charged to take care of the other cube ´´.
Karen entered the armory and both of them restock: The chief grabbed the rocket launcher and several spare rockets, an assault rifle with 600 rounds and finally the surviving BFG gun, Karen grabbed and assault rifle and rocket launcher as well, plus a sniper rifle.
´´ You might want to hurry chief ´´- Cortana said from within his armor -´´ The energy reading inside the docking bay is rapidly increasing.´´
´´ How do you know ?´´- Karen asked her.
´´ The mark VI sensors aren't as precise like the ones in the Equinox, however I can still get data from the ship directly to the armor ´´.
´´ Anything useful in the ships data ?´´- The chief asked Cortana.
´´ No, unless you consider creepy voices , satanic rituals and screams of pain useful ´´.
Both Spartan made their way to the primary docking bay, fighting alongside several marines against the demons that appeared in the ship. All the time, the chief not using the soul cube.
´´ Almost there chief ´´- Cortana said to both of them -´´ Get ready for anything ´´.
´´ You got that right ´´- Karen replied.
Killing a few imps and one last pinkie demon, the chief gave orders to the marine to rendezvous with other teams.
´´ Yes sir, master chief sir ´´- The handful of marines parted ways, leaving both Spartans once again alone. Both Spartans could use all the help they could get, however that would include more unnecessary deaths.
´´ Door open, good luck to all of us ´´- Cortana said to the group. Once they entered the first thing they noticed was the rapidly growing red fire sphere in the middle of the bay. The chief recalled the same event in the covenant ship when they were sucked to hell, however this time the portal did not expand at the same rate like back then.
´´ I'm not exactly sure but , I believe that the inverse cube is inside that event horizon ´´- Cortana referred to the portal.
´´ Now the only thing missing is the waves of demons, but none so far ´´- Karen said to the chief. - ´´ How do you propose to shut that thing out ´´
´´ Easy ´´- The chief replied -´´ Blowing that cube into nothing ´´- The chief lifted his rocket launcher and fired to the portal, the rocket traveled inside the horizon and returned straight towards them. The chief and Karen jumped out of harms way before the rocket reached them.
´´ Any other ideas ? ´´- Cortana asked.
´´ Yes ´´- The chief was about to fire with his BFG when the whole docking bay began to tremble. The chief thought it was caused by Hell knights, however he discarded the idea since the hell knights were smaller that this thing.
A shadow lumbered before them, easily of a height of two floors this demon resembled a hell knight but parts of him were mechanic, fire emanated from his mouth and what appeared to be a weapon of some sort replaced his left arm. The most disturbing feature of this being was not the weapon or mechanical limbs, but the several elites fused to his body: The elites moaned in pain and suffering, causing both Spartans to sense a feeling of dread wash up their bodies.
Deciding to end the tense quietness, Cortana spoke -´´ I think you should takethat thingout first chief ´´. –The chief merely nodded and grabbed his soul cube. -´´ Good thing I saved it for a special occasion ´´ - the chief thought.
The Cyberdemon, almost knowing of the impending danger , opened fire with his mounted weapon. Modified Jackhammer missiles created a hole in the place both Spartans stood moments before. The chief send the soul cube towards the Cyberdemon as he got back to his feet, the cube traveled towards its target, but crashed with a sliver reflection.
´´ Covenant elite shields ´´- Cortana said -´´ Now we know why does he have all those elites with him.´´
´´ No kidding ´´
The chief fired a level 4 charge from his BFG to the Cyberdemon, but the shields resisted the blast, taking cover the chief spoke -´´ Damn it, Cortana how much shielding does that thing has ´´.
´´ Scanning… about 8 to 10 of a normal Ultra elite. The good news it that apparently the shields take longer to recharge, hopefully we can lower them and use the cube if we coordinate our attacks ´´.
From the portal, several Imps crawled to the ship, Karen was currently dealing with them. The chief and Karen avoided yet another rocket coming from the Cyberdemon, and took cover behind a long sword fighter.
´´ Take this ´´- The chief handed her the BGF and the soul cube, then he grabbed her assault rifle - ´´ reload it. I'll distract him ´´.
Karen nodded and focused on the Imps, as the Cyberdemon walked around the long sword, the chief revealed his position and with assault rifle in each hand he unleashed both clips into the behemoth of a demon.
The rounds of the assault rifles didn't even faze the Cyberdemon, firing another trio of rockets, the chief rolled and took cover, however the blast radius of the rockets drained his shields to one quarter.
´´ A bit more careful chief, our shields cant withstand not even one direct rocket ´´.
´´ Good to know ´´- the chief replied to Cortana. Reloading both rifles, the chief took aim however the Cyberdemon, instead of firing another volley of rockets, decided to stomp him with his mechanical leg. The Mark VI shields dropped instantly and the chief could feel the pressure of the feet.
´´...Die...´´
The sound of a long sword fighter auto turrets broke trough the bay directly heading to the Cyberdemon. His shields gave in and the Cyberdemon's skin was thorn by hundreds of rounds.
´´ Ha, how'd you like that, goat legs ´´
Once the mechanical limb was off the chief, he turned to a docked fighter. By the voice the chief identified the one who helped him. -´´ Sarge, nice timing ´´.
´´ You don't say, let me take care of old goat legs over here and…o crap ´´- The sarge evacuated the fighter as the Cyberdemon fired a rocket straight to the longsword. The Cyberdemon infuriated, let out a roar that echoed trough the bay.
´´ Chief ´´- Karen reached him, handing the soul cube to his hands -´´ all done ´´.
The chief nodded and send the soul cube one last time against the Cyberdemon, since the sarge had lowered his shields this time the soul cube went trough his chest, the Cyberdemon kneeled in pain as the soul cube turned around and spread his brains all over the floor. Finally, the soul cube returned to the chief as the body of the Cyberdemon fell lifeless to the ground…
Don't go yet, a small epilogue follows this chapter. Review.
