Hello again, everyone, and welcome back to my remastered Halo - MechWarrior/BattleTech crossover.

The poll on my profile page has officially closed. I am pleased to announce that the two winners of the votes are a BattleTech/Star Wars crossover and a BattleTech/Mass Effect crossover. The runner ups are a BattleTech/RWBY crossover, as well as a BattleTech/Warhammer crossover. Thank you all for informing me which crossover you want to see next. Thank you!

Also, I've decided to change my posting schedule. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday, I'll be updating this crossover. On Tuesday and Thursday, I'll rotate between updating my EFT/ME crossover, as well as my other BattleTech/Mass Effect crossover. On the weekends, I'll update my Halo/Star Wars crossover. If that update schedule is suitable for you, let me know in the reviews.

Either way, thank you for your support, and I hope to see you in future chapters.

As always, leave a review and enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own the Halo or MechWarrior/BattleTech franchises. They are the respective properties and trademarks of Microsoft Game Studios, 343 Industries, Bungie, FASA Corporation, FASA Interactive, Catalyst Game Labs, 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.

High Charity

En Route to Hierarchs

9th Age of Reclamation

All Tartarus and the others could hear as they advanced through the dimly lit corridors of the jails were the sounds of Jackals screeching and hissing at them. Next to him, the two other Brutes that served as his body guards walked along silently, though the noise was enough to irritate them. Between them was a hooded figure, with the figure walking alongside them silently.

"How much further must we travel?" one of the Brutes asked. "We could've taken a Phantom to get there instead of walking."

"Quiet," his compatriot growled. "We are going to the Hierarchs in the manner we are, because they wish us to do so. If you wish to question their actions, then you can ask them why once we arrive there."

His compatriot was about to reply when some Jackals in one particular cell began screeching quite loudly. Disgruntled, said Brute smashed a fist into the bars, knocking one of the aliens off and sending it crashing into the others like a bowling ball. That promptly ended the noise, with the jails falling mostly silent once more.

Tartarus smiled slightly at that. His subordinates might've been cantankerous, and even dumb, at times, but they knew their place. As he walked along, the younger of the two Brutes asked, "Chieftain, if I may ask, why are we not throwing this one into the cells here? I do not mean to be impertinent; I merely wish to understand."

Tartarus would've barked out a warning, but he knew that the younger Brute had good reason to ask a question. He's young, and one of the more intelligent ones, he thought. He might make a good Chieftain someday, if he shows the aptitude for it.

Turning to the Brute in question, he said, "There is nothing wrong with seeking enlightenment, friend. It shows a mind willing to grow and more deeply understand our faith. As for why we are here, this one is not meant for the jails. The Hierarchs have something special planned." With that, they reached the exit to the jails.

Moving forwards, they reached a platform that looked out over a large, cylindrical room that surrounded a similarly shaped building. Using a gravity lift, they traveled down to a large avenue down below them, before proceeding forwards. To the left and right, Sangheili Honor Guards stood to attention, energy staves ready should any attackers get close.

Tartarus, however, could smell anger coming from the Sangheili, even as he walked along. He shared their irritation in part, and it wasn't hard to see why. The Humans should've been crushed long ago, he thought. Then the newcomers came and completely dismantled our plans. They should start feeling scared now. With that, they entered the interior of the building.

The building's interior was ornately shaped, but also unusual in appearance as well. The building was divided into two floors, with the ground floor holding what appeared to be an anti-gravity generator inside of an ornately shaped indentation in the floor. Hovering over the hole was a large pod of some kind. The second level was mostly walkways and balconies, each one accessible via ramps leading up from the second floor.

The most unusual aspect, however, was the walls. Unlike most of the walls, which were smooth, these had ovoid protrusions bulging out at regular intervals. Each one was large enough to hold a single Sangheili, with holographic glyphs floating over each one.

As they walked inside, Tartarus spotted Truth and Mercy, the two Hierarchs that were currently at High Charity. Walking towards them, he came to a stop before and bowed, with the other Brutes and hooded figure doing the same. "Noble Prophets of Truth and Mercy. I have brought the incompetent."

"You may leave, Tartarus," Truth decided.

"But… I thought -"

"And take your Brutes with you."

Despite his surprise, and confusion, Tartarus did as told. "Release the incompetent." With that, the two Brutes, and Tartarus, left, leaving the Hierarchs alone with the hooded figure. Moments later, the hooded figure pulled back the cowl, revealing the face of the individual.

"Thel 'Vadamee," Truth began. "The Council wished to have you sent to the front lines, and to serve other Zealots. Ultimately, however, the terms of your punishment are up to me."

"I am already stripped, of pride and glory," Thel replied, his voice low and solemn.

"Indeed. Tell me, Thel. Do you know where we are?"

The former Fleet Master didn't need to look around to know where he was. It was the place where the protectors of the Covenant, the warrior-kings of Sangheili society, were cremated and interred at. The vanguards of the Great Journey, and a position of penance for those who wished to reclaim their honor after committing heresy. "The Mausoleum of The Arbiter."

"Quite so. Here rests the vanguard of the Great Journey. Every Arbiter, from first to last. Each one, created and consumed in times of extraordinary crisis."

"The Taming of The Hunters," Mercy listed. "The Grunt Rebellion, and now, the Attack of the Star League Defense Force – were it not for the Arbiters, the Covenant would've broken long ago!" He smacked a fist into his anti-grav chair's armrest for emphasis, the meaty thump fully audible.

"Even on my knees, I do not belong in their presence," Thel said quietly, bowing his head in reverent silence.

"Halo's destruction was your error," Truth continued, "and you rightfully bear the blame. As we all know, however, this was only due to the actions of the Minor Prophet of Stewardship. Due to his actions, you failed, but we know you are no heretic. He is, which reminds me of another."

Moments later, a holographic image of another Sangheili appeared over one of the armrests of Truth's anti-gravity chair. This Elite was different, in that he was wearing armor that was not a standard pattern. "This," Truth continued, "is another face of true heresy. One that would shatter our faith." Moments later, he played an audio recording.

"Our Prophets are false!" the Heretic Sangheili declared. "Open your eyes, brothers! They would use the faith of our forefathers to bring ruin to us all! The Great Journey is -"

Truth stopped the recording there before speaking to Thel. "This heretic, and those that follow him, must be silenced!"

"Their slander offends all who walk the path," Mercy added.

"What use am I?" Thel asked. "I can no longer command ships, nor can I lead troops without arousing suspicion. How can I carry out this task without being a burden or liability to those that I serve with?! HOW?!"

Despite Thel's outburst, Truth remained silent. He knew that Thel's questions were coming from a Sangheili that knew he'd been stripped of his honor and authority, only to be handed an even greater task, one that the former Fleet Master believed he could not do. "Not as you are, no," Truth nodded. "But, become the Arbiter, and you shall be set loose against this heresy with our blessing."

As he said this, the large pod that had been hovering in the room slowly moved downward towards the indentation in the ground, towards a ramp that was built into the floor. Two doors on the pod opened, the hiss of escaping air filling the room. Inside was a suit of armor that was silver-gray in color, with ornate carvings along it's ornately shaped armor plating. The dark blue and black material that was the tech suit was plainly visible, even with the lighting in the pod.

When Thel saw the armor, his eyes widened as he involuntarily gasped. I am to be the Arbiter, he wondered, shocked. The defender and vanguard of the Great Journey? To wear the armor, to him at least, was a sign that the Sangheili in question, despite committing a great dishonor, was more than willing to lay down their life in order to ensure the continuation of the Great Journey.

For Thel, it was a humbling experience, one that he wouldn't forget for the rest of his life. Looking at Mercy, he asked, "What of the Council?"

"The tasks you must undertake are perilous, suicidal," Mercy informed him. "You will die, like all those before you."

"Should you fall in battle, however," Truth added, "you will be buried in accordance to your species rites. While you failed to prevent Halo's destruction, your valiant efforts to halt it's doom showed that you were no heretic. As such, you will be remembered as one of the few Arbiters that did not commit heresy, and one of the noblest Sangheili to serve the Covenant."

With that in mind, Thel realized that he had what the Humans called a 'Hobson's Choice'. If he refused, he would likely be branded a heretic, and forced to the role anyway, while accepting would end up with him becoming the Arbiter as well. Either way, he realized that he didn't really have a choice, and that he was being presented with the illusion of free will.

Despite this, he strangely felt honored to carry such a title, and as such, made his decision. Standing up, he walked over to the pod, both arms reaching up as he grasped the helmet. Taking it into his hands, he looked down at it, before slipping it over his head. Turning back to Truth and Mercy, he asked in a more confident voice, "What would you have your Arbiter do?"

. . .

The interior of the Phantom jostled around slightly as it flew towards the gas giant of Threshold, with Thel making sure he was securely locked in place. It had been just two hours since he had chosen to accept the mantle of the Arbiter, and already, things were getting interesting. Once he'd accepted, he had been asked to head to a waiting Phantom and head to Threshold, where a Forerunner Gas Mine was located at.

Looking around the interior, he could see a number of Sangheili that had been chosen for the operation, as well as some SpecOps Grunts that had been requisitioned for the mission at hand. There are no fools in here, he thought as the Phantom moved along. All present are battle hardened warriors. We will see if our faith, and skill, are enough to defeat the heretics.

As he looked around, he spotted a familiar face in the throng. To his surprise, it was R'tas, though it was clear that his battle onboard the Infinite Succor had left it's mark. Two of R'tas' mandibles, just as he recalled, were missing. From what he could remember, this earned R'tas the nickname 'Half-Jaw', a respectful nod to the battle that had given him that injury.

As the Sangheili Ultra walked through the ship, he began to deliver a rousing speech. He would say one line, while the other Sangheili would speak the next. "When we joined the Covenant," R'tas boomed, "we took an oath!"

"According to our station!" the others replied. "All without exception!"

"On the blood of our brothers, on the blood of our fathers… we swore to uphold the Covenant!"

"Even to our dying breath!"

"Those that would break this oath are Heretics, worthy of neither pity nor mercy! Even now, they use our lords' creations to broadcast their lies!"

"We shall grind them into dust!"

"And continue our march towards glorious salvation!" There was a roar from all gathered as R'tas finished, with the Sangheili holding up their fists proudly.

As the Phantom continued to move along, Thel watched as a Sangheili Zealot walked out from inside the cockpit for the Phantom. His eyes widened when he recognized the individual. "Bero?" he asked, surprised.

Bero nodded a moment later. "It is I, Arbiter," he replied. "It appears as though you accepted your new role." After a moment, he nodded and said, "The armor suits you well."

Before Thel could reply, R'tas walked over to him. "As Bero said, that armor suits you, but it cannot hide that shame."

"Nothing ever will," Thel nodded.

"I heard of what happened in the High Council Chambers. I was relieved when I heard you were cleared of the charges of heresy. Now, you are the Arbiter, the will of the Prophets. Remember this, however: these are my Elites. Their lives matter to me, and if I must sacrifice you or them to complete the mission, I will do so. You understand this, yes?"

"I do," Thel nodded. "That makes two of us." Instead of replying, R'tas gave a respectful humming sound.

As they flew along, Thel could feel the VTOL beginning to shake. Looking at a video feed from his HUD, he watched as the exterior of the Phantom began to glow a soft blue color, before it soon turned to yellow, then an angry red as they began atmospheric reentry. The Phantom shook and shuddered as it buffeted against Threshold's atmosphere, with the occupants tightening their grip as they compensated for the harsh motions.

After a couple minutes, the fiery glow of reentry subsided, with the video feed Thel could see turning into the image of Threshold's atmosphere. Now that they were inside, he could see that Threshold looked like your typical gas giant, with howling winds and tan-white clouds. From what he recalled, there was a band of air on Threshold that had oxygen; formed as a byproduct of chemical reactions in the atmosphere, it was a layer of air that one could comfortably live in, provided the wind didn't sweep you away first.

As they flew along, he spotted the facility they were heading to. It was large, roughly two kilometers in height, and one and a half kilometers long. Split into three prongs, it was shaped in a manner similar to that of a grappling hook, with a single shaft, and three main sections bending downwards. The facility was apparently in full operation, as Thel could plainly see lights that were present.

As the Phantom moved through the air, he thought he spotted something in the edge of the video feed. Changing camera feeds, he was surprised to see a large, dark cloud formation that was swirling rapidly. As to to prove what it was, a burst of lightning lashed out, striking a lightning rod on the facility. "Leader," one of the pilots reported. "There is no doubt: the storm will strike the facility."

"We'll be long gone before it arrives," R'tas remarked, taking the news in stride. As the seconds ticked by, the Phantoms came in for a landing on one of the main sections of the facility, coming to a stop before deploying it's gravity lift. "Warriors, prepare for combat!" R'tas ordered.

Landing once the others were out, Thel activated his Energy Sword before advancing forwards. Even with the combat harness assisting him, he could feel the wind tearing at him furiously, fully intent on sweeping him off his feet and hurling him into Threshold's atmosphere. Thanks to his combat harness, however, he was able to keep his footing, and follow the others.

"You are the arm of the Prophets, Arbiter," R'tas informed him, "and we are the blade. Be silent and swift, and we shall quell this heresy without incident. The storm has masked our approach, and it has their local BattleNet in disarray. We have the element of surprise, for now."

As R'tas spoke, Thel soon found himself on a balcony that was accessible via a downwards sloping ramp. Walking up to one of the Elites, he found the younger Sangheili, a SpecOps, working at a door access panel. "How long?" he asked.

"Just about – there! We have access." Moments later, the door opened up, with each section sliding in to reveal an airlock. Once the doors fully opened, everyone traveled inside.

As they did, Thel felt his eardrums pop as the airlock began increasing the pressure to Sangheili norms. "Engage active camouflage," one of the Elite's ordered. "Reveal yourself only after the Arbiter has joined battle with the enemy." Moments later, each one of the Grunts and Elites, Bero included, faded into near-perfect invisibility.

Thel was about to do the same when R'tas said, "You may wish to do the same, Arbiter. But take heed, your armor is not as… new as ours. Your camouflage will not last forever."

"I see," Thel remarked. "Thank you for that information." With that, the door opened, prompting him to engage his own active camouflage. Not a lot of time remaining, he thought as he noticed a small countdown on his HUD.

Advancing forwards, he found himself inside of what appeared to be a lobby of some sort. Two ramps leading to the upper level were present, as well as what appeared to be a way past that level. As he looked around, he spotted some Heretic Grunts, as well as a few Heretic Elites, one on the upper level and one where he was at.

Moving silently, he used a plasma dagger he had been given to slit the throats of the Grunts, before moving to the upper level. The Heretic Elite thought he spotted something, only for a blade made of plasma to stab into the base of his head. The Heretic barely made a sound as Thel lowered him to the ground. With that threat neutralized, he silently eliminated the other Heretic, his active camouflage deactivating as soon as the threat was eliminated.

That was close, he thought as the energy meter for the active camouflage began to refill. I'll need to time my movements so that I can use my limited cloaking ability to the best of my ability. With that in mind, he waited for the meter to recharge, before he moved up to the upper level.

Instead of using the active camouflage immediately, he took cover behind one of the half-walls and peered over the edge. Up ahead, he spotted a large, downward sloping avenue that continued ahead for some distance. It was being used as both a conveyor, as well as a pedestrian walkway, as he spotted Heretics on the avenue, as well as containers of what appeared to be methane gas that were on energy conveyors, moving down towards the bottom.

We won't be able to sneak through here, he thought. Keying his BattleNet transceiver, he said, "Warriors, we will not be able to slip past these Heretics. We will ambush them from our position, then move forwards to secure the area."

"We understand, Arbiter," one of the Elites replied. With that in mind, Thel readied his weapon, a Carbine, and took aim. Once one of the Heretic Elites was in his sights, he pull the firing stud.

There was a loud PEW-BANG as the carbine launched out a single, radioactive projectile at high velocity. Said projectile promptly flew towards the head of a Heretic Elite. As the Heretic's shields weren't up, the round effortlessly penetrated the armor, scrambling the Elite's brains and sending him to the floor, dead.

It was like an alarm had gone off. Heretic Grunts and Elites stood up almost immediately, weapons at the ready as they looked for the attackers. At the same time, Thel's compatriots decloaked, firing their weapons with the precision and accuracy that Sangheili warriors were renown for. In the opening seconds of the battle, a little over half of the opposing force had been neutralized.

The other half, however, was more than determined to fight back. As he fired, Thel was shocked when his shields were stripped down to a quarter of their original strength, forcing him to duck into cover. As his shields recharged, he spotted what looked like hypervelocity plasma bolts zipping over his head.

Once his shields recharged, he leaned out and began firing once again. Hearing a cry, he watched as a SpecOps Grunt's head exploded, splattering it's compatriot in blood and gore. Shaking his eyes off the gory sight, he focused on killing the Heretics as quickly as he could.

While the Heretics were good, they weren't as skilled as Thel and the others were, as they were all soon killed. As he advanced, Thel looked at the weapons the bodies had for answers. Moving forwards, he tripped on something, prompting him to look down. It was a rifle, but it wasn't one that he hadn't seen before, as it was fairly angular in it's design, not at all like the curved, organic looking weapons the Covenant used. Picking it up, he nearly dropped it when he spotted an all too familiar symbol.

It was a symbol that he hoped he wouldn't see again. It was a sixteen pronged star, with the inner prongs being silver, the middle prongs being black and the outer prongs being silver again. A small black circle was in the middle of all the prongs, and the bottom and top prongs were elongated.

The moment he saw it, he recognized what it was. Snarling, he said, "It's them!"

"Who," Bero asked.

"The Star League! They are supplying the Heretics with weapons! Their symbol is present on the Heretic's weapons!" He showed the other Elites what he found moments later.

Growls and roars of anger filled the air as each Sangheili spotted the symbol. "This is not good," one of them remarked. "If the Star League is supplying the Heretics with weapons, then it would explain why the KigYar Heretics have caused us so much trouble, despite our efforts to stamp them out."

"And now they are doing the same for these Heretics," Bero finished. Looking at Thel, he said, "Arbiter, we will have to be cautious from now on. The Star League's weaponry generally has greater power than our own weaponry. In addition, we cannot use their weapons; they have a self-destruct mechanism that prevents theft."

"Agreed," Thel nodded as he dropped the weapon onto the ground. "Why would they supply the Heretics, though?"

"A good question," Bero nodded. "We will need to proceed with caution if we are to survive. Let us make haste. We cannot afford to tarry any longer."

"Agreed. We must kill the Heretic leader, and find out where their suppliers are at." With that, they proceeded ahead to the next area.