Hello again, everyone, and welcome back to my Halo - MechWarrior/BattleTech crossover. Thank you all for your feedback. I greatly appreciate what I am getting.
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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 it's respective developers and producers. 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.
Tribute
SLS Amazon
November 27th, 2552
While this was going on, Alex was in the mess hall for the Amazon, one of the Riga class WarShips in Naval Fleet Delta. The trueborn warrior was currently getting a meal, even as he watched the WarShips moving past the ship and the docking cradle it was in outside. Around him, other members of his Trinary, as well as other crew members, were getting their meals as well.
Something is going on, he thought to himself as he shoveled in some more food. I can tell. The crew is a little more agitated than usual. I wonder why that is. If it was a threat, he knew that he'd be more than willing to absolutely crush it. Either way, I will find out soon enough, he decided.
His thoughts were interrupted when a member of his Trinary came over. Looking up, he watched as Deckard came over, the seasoned MechWarrior having gotten his own food as well. "Hey, boss," he said in his usual, southern drawl. "Looks like you're havin' a good day."
"I am," Alex nodded. "I might say the same for you too."
"That you can." Taking a moment to eat, Deckard asked, "So, what's goin' on?"
"Not much, aside from refits to our 'Mechs," Alex replied, taking a sip of coffee from his mug. "I have also noticed that the crew is a little on edge right now. I wonder why."
"Same here, boss. I'll imagine that Chernenko will tell us when it's time. I predict that, within two minutes, we'll get an announcement." With that said, he continued to eat.
True to Deckard's prediction, the PA chimed not a second after the two minute mark. Moments later, someone cleared their throat over the PA, before Chernenko's voice came in loud and clear. "This is Admiral Chernenko speaking to all Naval Fleet Delta personnel. I have good news concerning our current situation.
"At 0800 hours today, we have received reinforcements from a familiar place. At the location where we initially arrived roughly two and a half months ago, a permanent spatial anomaly has formed. This anomaly has allowed the Star League to send us reinforcements to better defend ourselves and the UNSC. For those of you wondering, this means that we finally have a way back home."
The moment the announcement finished, there was absolute silence in the mess hall, enough that Alex could hear a pin drop if one did drop. Not one man said a word. Even Deckard, who was usually a talkative individual was silent.
Alex didn't know who started it, but eventually, the entire crew in the mess hall was loudly cheering. Hugs and cheers were being thrown around like it was the Fourth of July on Terra, and more than a few crewmen had broken out into song. I bet it is the same on the other WarShips, Alex thought, even as joy blossomed in his own heart. We can finally go home now. I can reunite with Anna; we are no longer trapped here.
Even as he thought this, a sense of duty and responsibility pervaded his thoughts. Still, we will not abandon our mission to rescue the UNSC. The Covenant is still out there, and they must be defeated if peace is to be achieved in this galaxy. As long as the Covenant lives and breaths, I will not stop attacking them.
"I'll be damned," Deckard whispered, his eyes wide with shock and joy. "We finally have a way back to the Inner Sphere! We ain't stuck here anymore! Still, them Covenant assholes need to be killed."
"I could not agree more," Alex nodded. "That is a tremendous relief, though. At least we can go home when the war is over."
He was about to continue when Chenrenko continued speaking over the PA. "While I am no doubt certain that you are exhilarated to hear this wonderful news, we still have work to do. The Covenant is still a threat that must be defeated by the might of the Star League, and our allies in the Kig Yar Insurrection, as well as in the United Earth Government.
I have requested that a message be sent to the First Lord detailing our alliance, as well as our current situation. We will not stop until the Covenant's ability to make war is utterly destroyed. Today, however, we can take joy in knowing that we finally have a way back home. With that in mind, I have orders for the captains of the Amazon, Nile and Mississippi. You are to make best speed for Delta Halo, as UNSC/SLDF forces there require immediate assistance. That is all."
The cheering had become more solemn when Chernenko finished, though there was definitely a relieved and joyous air at the news. "Well, boss," Deckard said to Alex as he finished his meal. "Looks like it's back ta work. More Covie bastards to brand 'n burn."
"Certainly," Alex nodded as he finished his own meal and got up. "It is time to invoke a Trial against the Covenant. I am uncertain as to which trial, but I am certain that the Khan will determine which is best. Meet me at the 'Mech Bay in thirty mikes."
"Got it, boss."
. . .
At High Charity, the Capitol of the Covenant Hegemony, things weren't nearly as joyous. As he walked along the walkway to the Hierarch's Inner Sanctum, Thel was quiet and solemn from the news that he had heard. Regret has been slain, he thought, frowning at the news. It is a sad and solemn day for the Covenant.
As he walked along, he could clearly see that this had resulted in a change of the guard. Looking around, he watched as Sangheili Honor Guards handed over their equipment to Jiralhanae that were eagerly awaiting the new gear. One got into a fight with another, only to be clobbered in the head when the first Brute hit the other with the helmet he'd pilfered from the Sangheili. One even snarled at Thel, though he ignored the Brute.
As he walked into the Inner Sanctum, he found R'tas and a few other Sangheili talking with Mercy and Truth. It was clear from R'tas body language that he was disgruntled about something, though what it was about he wasn't certain. That was when he heard R'tas speaking. "This is unprecedented… unacceptable."
"A Hierarch is dead, Commander," Truth said to R'tas.
"His murderer was in our grasp! If you had not withdrawn our Phantoms -"
"Are you questioning my judgment?"
"No, Holy One! I only wish to express my concern that the Brutes -"
He was promptly interrupted when Truth raised a hand. "Recommissioning the guard was a radical step, but recent events have made it abundantly clear that the Sangheili can no longer guarantee our safety."
R'tas was clearly unhappy, and unsatisfied with the answer he got, but like a good soldier, he didn't resist the order. "I shall relay your… decision, to the Council." Turning to leave, he looked at Thel and nodded, with Thel returning the nod as R'tas and his men left the Inner Sanctum.
"Politics," Truth sighed, clearly unhappy with what was going on. "How tiresome." Looking at Thel, he said, "Did you know, Arbiter, that the Sangheili threatened to resign? To quit the High Council, because of this… exchange of hats?"
Thel didn't nod or shake his head, though his answer made his stance clear. "We have always been your protectors."
"These are trying times for all of us," Truth agreed.
Mercy looked genuinely sad. "Even as the Human's annihilation filled us with satisfaction, the lost of one of the Sacred Rings, wracked our hearts with grief." What he didn't add was that he was genuinely grieving for the loss of his friend, Regret. While the two hadn't gotten along well all the time, it was well known that the two were close friends.
Truth, looking to try to cheer them up, said, "Putting aside our sorrow, we renewed our faith in the prophecy that other rings would be found." Gesturing towards the viewscreen, which showed Delta Halo in all it's glory, he said, "And see how our faith has been rewarded."
At that, Mercy became joyful, though his grief dampened that joy somewhat. "Halo," he declared reverently. "It's divine wind will rush through the stars, propelling all who are worthy along the path to salvation!"
"But how to start this process?" Truth added. "For ages, we searched for one who might unlock the secrets of the ring." Gesturing to Guilty Spark, who was being held in a gravity beam, he said, "And with your help, Arbiter, we found it."
"With appropriate humility," Mercy continued, "we plied the Oracle with questions. And it, with grace and clarity, has shown us… the key." As he said this, an image of what looked like the Sacred Icon appeared.
Turning to the Arbiter, Truth said, "You will journey to the surface of the ring, and retrieve the Sacred Icon. With it, we shall fulfill our promise."
"Salvation to all," Mercy added.
"And begin the Great Journey."
Bowing, Thel said, "It shall be done, Holy Ones." Standing up again, he left the Inner Sanctum, fully ready to complete his mission.
. . .
A few minutes later, he was onboard a Phantom that was taking them to the surface of Installation 05, as the Oracle had called it. Looking around, he could see that most of the crew onboard were Brutes, something that also disturbed him. There is more going on than just changing the guard, he thought.
That was when he smelled something familiar. Looking around, Thel was surprised to see a familiar Sangheili Zealot walk into the troop bay. "Bero?" he asked, surprised.
"It is I, Arbiter," Bero replied, nodding as he did so.
"What are you doing here?"
"I was examined by the healers when we arrived at High Charity. Apparently, my genes are mutating further than they expected. My ability to shape-shift is one of those abilities that awoke courtesy of the mutations."
"I see. Would you mind demonstrating?"
"I would, but shape-shifting requires a lot of energy. I do not want to tire myself out before -" A moment later, Bero stop, his eyes gaining a stare as though he was gazing at something far away.
"Bero?" Thel asked, worried. "Bero?"
Moments later, Bero snapped out of his daze. "I… what?" Realizing what had happened, he said, "Forgive me, Arbiter. Something strange happened. I thought I began to hear voices in my ears, though I didn't see anyone speaking to me."
"Are you certain you are well?"
"I am, Arbiter. It will not interfere in our duty."
Just before Thel could reply, Tartarus spoke up. "Once the shield is down, we will head straight for the Library. I do not wish to keep the Hierarchs waiting."
"The Human that killed the Prophet," Thel asked. "Who was it?"
"Who do you think?" Tartarus replied.
"The Demon is here?" Thel asked, surprised.
Tartarus snorted in reply. "Looking for a little payback?"
"Retrieving the Icon is my only concern," Thel replied, making sure his carbine was ready.
While Tartarus seemed to accept this explanation, he laughed skeptically. "Of course." Moments later, the Phantom shook slightly as the pilot made adjustments. "What is it?"
"More Human warships inbound," the pilot reported. "I'll need to offload the Arbiter quickly, or they will spot us."
"Make it fast," Tartarus replied. In the back, Thel looked at a video feed of what was going on. Currently, they were moving to avoid one of the SLDF WarShips that were in the area, with letters on the hull identifying it as the Volga. Now, Thel watched as three more of the Human warships winked into existence near that one.
Fortunately, they were able to get into the ring's atmosphere before they were detected, with the Phantom approaching the Library. Surrounding it was what appeared to be a massive wall of some kind, likely to keep anything inside contained. The Phantom quickly flew towards what appeared to be a landing that jutted out from the wall.
Once the Phantom stopped, Thel disengaged from his crash harness before dropping down through the gravity lift, his feet hitting the landing moments later. Looking around, he could see that there had been a battle here, as he spotted a number of destroyed Sentinels, as well as what appeared to be corpses and blood on the ground, with the former being so badly mutilated they were unrecognizable beyond being organic. Behind him, he heard Bero landing on the ground as well.
Just as he did, he heard him shout, "ARBITER!" before he was hurled behind a rectangular block of Forerunner alloy. As soon as he got up, Thel looked around the corner to see a massive Forerunner construct. It was rectangular in shape, with a central ocular sensor, two massive arms, as well as what looked like weapons mounted in it's chassis.
It was about to rush forwards and fire at them when a plasma bolt smacked into it. Looking around, Thel watched as the Phantom flew off, while firing at the machine. As the Sentinel Enforcer, according to a readout on Thel's HUD, chased the VTOL, he heard Tartarus say, "Lower the shield, Arbiter. I'll come pick you up when you're finished."
Noted, Thel thought as he looked at Bero. "You ready?"
"Always, Arbiter," Bero nodded. With that, the two began to move forwards, weapons ready as they walked towards what looked like an alcove. When they got inside, Thel noticed what looked like smaller drones flitting about. While they didn't have weapons he could see, he kept an eye on them nonetheless.
A quiet whimper drew his attention to the left, where he saw an Unggoy Major cowering behind what appeared to be a pillar of some sort. Walking over, Thel gently laid a hand onto the Unggoy; this had the desired effect, as the Grunt looked at him and said, "T-thank you. Papap thought he dead!"
"You'll live," Thel replied. "Follow us, and you will survive." Turning to Bero, he looked at the pillar and asked, "How do we proceed from here?"
"This pillar has some glowing glyphs on it," Bero replied. Examining it close, he said, "Could it be so simple?" A moment later, he placed a hand on one of the glyphs. To their surprise, the pillar made some hissing sounds, before it retracted into the ceiling. Looking inside, they found what looked like a shaft.
"Is that what I think it is?" Thel asked. Looking at the Grunt, he asked, "What is this?"
Before he could respond, he heard a yelp of surprise. Looking forwards, he watched as Bero, having leaned in closer to get a look, slipped. Unable to steady himself in time, he tumbled ass over teakettle into the shaft, grunting and shouting as he slipped and slid down the shaft.
Without considering his own safety, Thel leaped in after Bero in an effort to follow him where he was going. That was easier said than done, as the shaft turned out to be quite slippery. Before long, Thel found himself tumbling ass over teakettle. Wrapping his arms around his head, he waited for the shaft to go vertical before extending his legs outwards.
That was a smart choice, as both feet promptly hit solid metal. Unwrapping his head, he looked around to see that he'd entered a small room of some sort, which led to a longer passageway. Looking down, he found Bero getting up, with the younger Sangheili snarling. "Are you hurt?" he asked Bero.
"No," Bero replied, grunting as his arm, which had dislocated, snapped back into it's socket on it's own. "I am fine, Arbiter. You need not worry about me."
"I still do," Thel replied. "Still, it is good that you are able to proceed." Looking around, he asked, "Where are we?"
"Somewhere inside of the wall," Bero replied, "if I had to hazard a guess." Looking at his HUD, he said, "My sensors have found a power source up ahead. According to Tartarus' information, we have to proceed along this path to get to the power source. That should allow us to disable the shield preventing entry to the Library."
"Agreed," Thel nodded. "We must continue forwards." Nodding at that, both Sangheili began to move, weapons ready as they advanced. Looking around, he noticed what appeared to be panels located in strategic locations on the walls.
He was about to ask what they were when, suddenly, a Sentinel popped out of one. Spotting them, it opened fire, with both Sangheili dodging to the left and right before the beam could get at them. Firing his carbine, Thel destroyed the Sentinel, before firing on the device it came out of. It was tough, as it took almost the entire magazine to destroy it. "What was that?" he asked.
"Some kind of device that fabricates Sentinels," Bero observed. "Our weapons will take too long to destroy them. We should use our plasma grenades instead."
"Excellent thinking," Thel nodded. Proceeding forwards, they found more panels, with ones that were just about to activate. Throwing a plasma grenade, he watched with satisfaction as it detonated, preventing another Sentinel from getting inside. Spotting a room with another pillar, or rather piston now that he thought about it, he activated it before both of them dropped down, with the Grunt that was with them following.
Moving out of the room they landed in, Thel was surprised to see what appeared to be a large room. This one was fairly ornate, with the angular, Forerunner architecture that was present throughout the place. From what he could tell, the room they entered was split in half by a chasm, with walkways allowing access to both sides. Further ahead, he could see a bridge that led into what appeared to be a symmetrical room.
This one, however, had Sentinels that were firing on a Grunt, as well as a Jackal. Firing their weapons, Thel and Bero destroyed the Sentinels firing on them. "Arbiter, our savior!" the Grunt beamed. Noticing that his comrade was silent, he barked, "Stupid Jackal, say thank you!"
"Not until we're out of danger," the Jackal replied angrily. Seeing the Arbiter, he said, "My apologies, Arbiter. We're the only survivors of the most recent attempt to disable the power generator. We're nearly out of supplies, and our weapons are nearly drained. If you hadn't arrived when you did…"
"No need to be worried about that now," Thel decided. "Stay with us and you will survive. Can you take us to the power source?"
"Follow me, but keep your weapons ready," the Jackal nodded. With that, they proceeded forwards. True to form, Sentinels were everywhere, with the squad working overtime to prevent themselves from being overrun.
As they moved over the bridge during a lull in activity, Tartarus came over the BattleNet. "You're getting close to one of the shield generators. Many of my fellow Brutes have fallen attempting to take it down. Let's see if you fare any better."
We will, Thel thought to himself as they moved through. Fortunately, the other side was devoid of the numbers they'd faced, as he only needed to take down a couple Sentinels. Hearing a screech, he turned to see one of the Grunts lying dead on the ground, it's body charred to a crisp.
"Gods," the Jackal with them gasped. "Why do the holy warriors of this ring attempt to kill us when we arrive?"
"Perhaps it's a test to weed out the unworthy," Thel mused. "Either way, we will ensure that his sacrifice will not be forgotten." With that, they continued to proceed ahead.
Dropping into the next room, they encountered a Grunt that was panicked, with the thing shouting, "Big scary thing! Run away!" Spotting them, it said, "Please! Don't make me go back!" Shaking his head, he allowed the Jackal to chew it out for it's cowardice before they proceeded forwards.
It was here that they approached another piston. Dropping down through the hole once it' retracted, Thel found that he and the others had entered a large chamber. The sides of the chamber had ramps that led to walkways, while the ceiling had a large hole in the top. The middle of the chamber had four pylons, as well as what appeared to be a central control panel.
"You've reached the power source, Arbiter," Tartarus informed him. Apparently, he also had a video feed, as he spotted the Enforcer at the same time as Thel. "It's useless to attack from the front," he advised Thel. "Stay in the shadows, wait until it loses interest, then strike the beast when it's back is turned."
"Good advice," Thel nodded. "Any ideas?"
"I've got one," Bero replied. "This would be a good time for me to shape-shift." As soon as he said that, he took off his combat harness, before handing it to Thel. "Hold this. I will destroy this beast."
"How?" Thel asked. Bero simply looked at Thel, before something very strange happened.
To Thel's shock, Bero began to flow downwards, his flesh drooping as though he was made out of candle wax that was now melting. Bero's bodily features continued to melt, with his mandibles and eyes melting as well. Within a few seconds, Bero had melted into what appeared to be a dark blue, congealed mass of gelatinous Sangheili flesh.
Once the change was complete, he began to moved forwards, extending what looked like pseudopods in a manner reminiscent of a massive ameoba. He wasn't slow, though, as the mass of gelatinous flesh that was Bero moved at very high speed, before compressing into a ball that rolled forwards. Flattening out into an ameoba-like shape again, Bero flowed up the wall and onto the ceiling. Not once did the Enforcer notice him. Then, once he was directly over the Sentinel Enforcer, Bero detached from the ceiling and landed on the construct with a loud SPLAT!
That caught the Enforcer's attention, as the Sentinel began looking for whatever had happened while the gelatinous mass of flesh flowed inside the Enforcer. Thel was about to order an attack when pieces of the Enforcer began to be ripped off, as though some beast was tearing at it's body. After twenty seconds, both pincer-like arms were torn off, before the Enforcer fell to the floor with a loud CLUNK!
Proceeding forwards, Thel was about to ask Bero where he was when the blue-purple mass of gelatinous flesh flowed out of the Enforcer. As it did so, it compressed before growing in height, with limbs and facial features bulging out of the gelatinous material until it resembled a Sangheili. Seconds later, pigments returned as it's internal structure changed, until Bero was, once more, a normal Sangheili.
Thel's eyes were wide with genuine surprise by this point as Bero calmly took the combat harness he'd been wearing earlier and put it back on. "How…?" Thel trailed off. "How…?"
"Did I do that?" Bero finished calmly. "According to the healers on High Charity, my cells gained the ability to alter their function, position and shape rapidly. This means that I can shape-shift into any organism that I see, though my DNA remains Sangheili at all times. What you saw was the most energy efficient form I can take on, that form being gelatinous flesh."
"I… see," Thel decided. "Does it hurt when you do that?"
"No," Bero replied. "I can feel the changes, but they do not hurt. They simply feel strange, but if you had that ability too, you'd grow accustomed to it." Finishing getting his armor on, he said, "Either way, we cannot tarry any longer."
While Bero ate some food rations to regain the energy he'd consumed, Thel moved towards the pylons. "Tartarus, did you…?"
"See that," Tartarus finished. "I did. It is… strange. But if the gods have seen fit to bless your friend with such gifts, then who am I to question them? He is right, though; we must focus on what we can do right now."
"Right. What must I do now?"
"Overload the locks holding the power supply in place." Nodding, Thel pressed the glyphs required. One by one, he disengaged the locks holding the power supply in place. "All locks removed. Release the power source. Now find a way to remove it from it's cradle." Walking over to the console, Thel pressed the required symbol.
As soon as he did, the platform descended, before beginning to move forwards. Up ahead, the wall split in half to allow the platform to move outside. Looking around as they traveled outside, Thel found himself looking at what looked like a gap between the outer and inner walls of the place. Looking up, he could see a shimmering teal-blue barrier that was now fading into nonexistence. "Our path to the Library is clear," Tartarus reported. "I'll pick you up on the ledge ahead."
"Agreed," Thel replied. Turning around, he found Bero staring ahead once again. "Bero, are you alright?"
"Huh? What?" Bero asked, clearly confused.
"It happened again, didn't it?"
"Yes, Arbiter. Forgive me for -"
"There is nothing to forgive. If I recall correctly, something like this happened before you mutated again. It is likely that you are changing again."
"Maybe, but instead of pain, I hear whispers in my ears when there aren't any?" Looking at Thel with genuine terror in his eyes, he asked, "Am I going mad?!"
"No," Thel replied. "You do not seem to be going mad. You can still think calmly and logically, as I saw you do so back there during the fighting. If it happens again, you let me know."
"I shall do so, Arbiter," Bero nodded. With that, they began to wait for the platform to reach the other side.
Just as Tartarus was about to pick them up, another Sentinel Enforcer came out of nowhere and fired it's weapons. Thel watched as what looked like mortar shells smashed into the Phantom, tearing rents into the hull. "AAARRGGHHH!" Tartarus roared. "BLASTED MACHINES! Make your way through the wall, Arbiter!" Just as he said this, the platform came to a stop inside the inner wall.
As soon as they arrived, Thel's eyes widened when he saw a familiar foe. "The Parasite comes!" he shouted. "Defend yourselves! Do not let them take you!" Bero, upon hearing that, snapped to attention, weaponry at the ready as the others did the same.
They were just in time. Seconds later, Combat Forms leaped down from the walls and alcoves in the chamber, while Sentinels came and began firing on the Flood and Thel's team. It was a massive free-for-all, with everyone fighting to keep themselves alive. "Stay together!" Thel thundered. "If they split us up, they will kill us all!"
"I don't wanna die!" a Grunt screamed, unable to cope with the situation. "I don't wanna d -" Moments later, an Infection Form latched onto the Grunt, mutating it as it screamed in agony.
Firing his plasma rifle, Bero put the Grunt out of it's misery, before firing on the Combat Forms. Up ahead, Thel continued to fight with all the ferocity he could muster, his Energy Sword flaring to life as he cut and slashed at any Flood that got too close to him. Behind Bero, the surviving Jackals and Grunts fired on the Sentinels to buy the two Sangeili breathing room.
Eventually, the fighting drew to a stop, with the last Combat Form falling down as it fell apart. Looking around, Thel could tell that, while they'd won, it wasn't without cost. Both Grunts had fallen victim to Infection Forms, before being killed during the fighting. One of the Jackals, as they'd rescued another before, was dead, it's head a crisp.
The surviving one was still alive, with the Jackal huffing and puffing. "That… was too close," the Jackal huffed, clearly out of breath. "Can we not do that again?"
"I don't know," Thel replied. "Let's focus on escaping this death trap." Spotting an alcove that could be accessed, he dropped down from the platform onto the ground, before climbing up some of the architecture and into the alcove. Moving forwards, he spotted another piston.
Bero was the one that got there first, as he had moved towards the alcove faster than Thel. Retracting the piston, Thel watched as a cloud of greenish-brown spores flew upwards. Backing up, he asked, "What is that?"
"Spores," Bero replied. "I think the Parasite is creating these. If I know the Parasite, it would not do well to inhale these." Backing up, he allowed the piston to close.
"How do we move through?" Thel asked,
"Here," Bero replied as he disengaged something from his belt. "This rebreather should allow you to move through without fear of inhaling the spores." Smiling, Thel took the mask before fitting it to his face, the flexible material adhering to his face. Behind him, the Jackal did the same with a helmet. Once everyone had breathing protection on, Bero opened the piston again, before they dropped down inside.
It turned out, the architecture down below was identical to the previous areas, only with one major difference. For one, the presence of Flood Spores made the air hazardous to breath without filtration gear. The second was that it was much dimmer than before, courtesy of the spores, and damaged lighting fixtures. That, and there were Flood Combat Forms present.
As such, they had to move through the area carefully. Entering one of the hallways, Thel thought he heard a loud, percussive banging. "Bero," he reported.
"I heard it too, Arbiter," Bero replied. Moving forwards, they looked through an open archway to the other side. Up ahead, both Sangheili were surprised to see Humans wearing fully sealed body armor. They were firing their weapons, most of which were ballistic, though Thel did spot a laser beam cutting through the air.
They could also hear COM chatter coming from that area too. "Proceed to the objective!" a Human voice called out. "We'll hold them off as long as we can!" Apparently, something attacked said Human, as he shouted. "AAGH! AAAAAAGH! GET IT OFF ME!"
"Suppressing fire!" another Human shouted. "SUPPRESSING FIRE!"
"Get out of there!" a third shouted. "Let the Flamer units deal with them!"
"We will have to be wary," Bero told Thel. "The Humans can't know we're here."
"Agreed," Thel nodded. With that, they proceeded forwards. Again, progress was fast, but cautious, as they had to deal with Combat Forms the entire way. Eventually, reaching another piston, they retracted it before dropping down through the hole.
This time, they landed on another platform, near a landing like the one they'd landed at at the start of the mission. This time, a Phantom was under fire from a horde of Combat Forms. "There's too many to fight," Thel told Bero. "We must escape!"
"That piston there," Bero whispered to him. "Move! NOW!" Racing forwards, they reached the piston and retracted it before jumping down. They were just in time, as a Combat Form followed them, only to be bisected when the piston closed down on top of it, like someone chewing food.
After another tumble down the shaft, they reached the bottom, which led outside to what looked like a snow filled clearing. A canyon cut the place in half, with a metal tunnel connecting both sides to each other. Moving forwards, they entered the other side.
As soon as they did, Bero looked up and said, "Wait, Arbiter!" Moments later, Drop Pods came down and landed, smashing into the ground before disgorging their contents. Within seconds, Thel and Bero found a number of SpecOps Sangheili accompanying them.
"Arbiter!" one shouted. "It is good to see you here. This Quarantine Zone has been compromised, we must do what we can against the Flood. Our Commander has landed further in; let us join him."
"That we shall," Thel nodded. Following the SpecOps Elites, he moved through a tunnel in the rocky canyon walls before emerging out the other side. When he exited, he found, much to his surprise, R'tas 'Vadumee engaging more Flood from the other side of another canyon. This time, there were sinkholes that surrounded his position, while a shutter door behind him led further in.
R'tas as just as surprised, as when Thel reached him, he said, "Arbiter, Bero?! What are you doing here?!"
"We were wondering the same thing," Bero replied.
Before R'tas could reply, a loud screech tore through the air. "The Flood is upon us," a SpecOps Elite shouted.
"I see them," R'tas shouted. Turning to Thel and Bero, he said, "We must hold this position until reinforcements arrive. Warriors, prepare for combat!"
Just as he said this, all hell broke loose. Flood of all kinds, from Combat Forms to Infection Forms assaulted their position, eager to claim more hosts for their forces. The Elites, in turn, showed their protest, by firing at the Flood. For a good five minutes, the fight went on, with the Elites beating back the Flood again and again.
Things finally calmed down once a Phantom arrived, dropping off two Ghosts and a Revenant. As it did so, Thel, Bero and R'tas walked towards each other, with SpecOps Sangheili gathering around. "Mind if you answer my question from before?" R'tas asked.
"In the center of this zone is a Sacred Icon critical to the Great Journey," Thel explained. "I must find it."
R'tas nodded, before speaking to the others. "Warriors," he announced. "We shall cut into the heart of this infestation, retrieve the Icon, and burn any Flood that stand in our way!" The other Sangheili, hearing this, roared in agreement. Turning back to Thel, he said, "The Parasite is not to be trifled with. I hope you know what you are doing." With that, they boarded the vehicles and began to move out.