Hello again, everyone, and welcome back to Halo: Termination. This is the penultimate chapter to this crossover, and I must say, it's been a wild ride. I've enjoyed every aspect of writing this story, and I am certain that you have as well. Still, I'm happy that it's about to be finished, as I'll be able to move on to other projects. Either way, thank you for sticking around, and I hope you continue to stick around to the final chapter, which will be quite the experience. As always, leave a review and enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own the Halo or Terminator franchises. They are the respective properties and trademarks of Microsoft Game Studios, 343 Industries, Bungie, Carolco Pictures, Hemdale, Skydance Productions, 20th Century Fox, Lightstorm Entertainment, etc. Any material original to the franchises belongs to their respective developers, producers 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.


UNSC March of Winter

Installation 00

November 4th, 2552

Onboard the March of Winter, Chief was getting ready for the next mission that they would have to embark on. Checking his body suit, he stepped into a gyroscopic armor assembly that would scan his armor, to make sure that it was fully operational and ready for combat. As the scanner's rays washed up and down his armor, he looked to see Thel doing the same with his own armor: checking every surface of the armor plating for any hints of a fault or a defect. As he scanned his armor, Chief felt his mind drift back to when they got back to the March of Winter. Once they were onboard, he knew that they had to deal with High Charity somehow. When he encountered Connor, he expressed his concerns about the Flood infested space station, now that it had crash landed. According to Chief, now that High Charity had crashed onto the surface of the surface of Installation 00, it would allow the Flood to indefinitely bring reinforcements to the fight, and that it would allow them to continually wear down UNSC and Sangheili/Jiralhanae Separatist defenses until they could invade.

Surprisingly, Connor knew about this, as he told Chief that he knew that was the case the moment the infested space station crash landed on the Lesser Ark. As a result, he and R'tas had discussed possible countermeasures with each other. According to Connor, it had been decided that he and R'tas would send a 'specialist' to High Charity, one that would be able to destroy the Flood infestation without risking it spreading to the rest of the Installation. As he loaded up, he looked at a video feed of High Charity off in the distance. Even from here, he could see the Flood biomass that was infesting the station, covering parts of the hull like slime mold growing on a wood post. I hope their specialist knows what he or she is doing, he thought to himself as he continued preparations for his mission.

. . .

What Chief didn't know was that Bero 'Kusovai was just as nervous about this mission as he was, but for different reasons entirely. Looking outside of the Troop Bay for the Pelican dropship he was on, he could see the terrain changing as they traveled closer to the infested shithole that was now High Charity. The ground here was mostly grassy terrain that had rivers and streams spread throughout the grasslands. He could see flora that was on the ground, while his eyes picked out fauna that was on the surface, courtesy of his enhanced eyesight.

As he looked around, he remembered the briefing that he, and three other Sangheili, had received before they were tasked with this mission. According to John Connor, and R'tas 'Vadum, the presence of High Charity, and the Flood, represented a Tier-One threat to their efforts to protect Humanity at all costs. As a result, they needed a team of specialists to enter High Charity through one of the myriad number of hull breaches that were now present. Once they were inside, they were to head to the reactor room for that portion of the space station and plant a HAVOC-II Thermonuclear Bomb, which would create a chain reaction that would end up destroying High Charity, or rather what was left of it,now that the Flood was infesting it. Once the bomb was planted and armed, they were to retreat to any nearby zones for extraction and evacuate High Charity. According to SKYNET, the blast from the combined detonation of the HAVOC-II and the reactor core would have a total yield of roughly 700 megatons, enough to destroy High Charity. The only downside was that the Installation would be damaged, but the AI reasoned that a partially damaged Installation 00 was a small price to pay for neutralizing High Charity as a threat.

Looking behind himself, he could see the Sangheili that had courageously volunteered to help him in delivering the nuclear payload to the target location. All three were wearing fully sealed Combat Harnesses that had filters installed to fully filter the air of any Flood Spores that threatened to get into their lungs. Should they enter any areas that had critically high levels of Flood Spore infestation, their armor would engage it's life support, with a rebreather giving them roughly 8 hours of breathable air, more than enough time to reach the reactor core and plant the bomb. All of these Sangheili knew what they had signed up for and, despite being reasonably cautious about dealing with the Flood, were more than willing to give up their lives in order to ensure that Humanity, and the Sangheili and Jiralhanae that sided with them, a future to look forward to; a future where Sangheili, Jiralhanae and Human children could laugh and play alongside each other, without the fear of being destroyed for reasons like religious disagreements or the culture of a species. If we succeed here, Bero thought as he watched the others finish their preparations, we will have guaranteed a future for our respective species.

As he turned back towards the entrance to the Pelican troop bay, he could feel that nervous energy suffusing his veins. Part of the reason why he was so worried was due to the fact that, like him, the Gravemind was telepathic. It's possible that it could override my mind and take control of my body, he thought. On top of that, it might adapt it's infectious spores in an attempt to infect me a second time. There's just so much that could go wrong, probably why R'tas sent these specialists with me: to ensure that, even if I lose control to the Gravemind, that the mission is completed. While he knew that it was likely that he would maintain control, it was better to prepare for the worst than merely hope for the best. Turning around, he said, "Are you ready, fellow warriors?"

"Yes," one of them, a Sangheili female named Fila, replied. "We are ready, Zealot."

"Good," Bero replied. "Remember, once we are inside of High Charity, the Flood will be hounding us. They will do whatever they believe is necessary to stop us in our goal of protecting Humanity and our species. In response, we must steel ourselves and prepare for the fact that we may die in our efforts to complete the mission. So, with that in mind, it was an honor to be serving alongside the best of our species. May fortune and fate smile on us today." There was a roar of agreement as the Sangheili cheered in response. As soon as Bero smiled, they reached High Charity.

The former mobile Capitol of the Covenant was an utterly infested ruin. Flood biomass covered sections of the hull, and possibly covered every square meter of the interior of the space station, with the sickly material ranging from a pale tan color, to a dark brown color reminiscent of feces. As they flew in closer, the Pelican began heading for a hull breach that was close to their objectives, with HK Aerial UAV scans having revealed the closest path to the reactor core. Once it flew inside, the Sun disappeared, casting the place in a kind of twilight gloom. "This is as far as I can go," the Pelican pilot reported to Bero. "If you can, find another LZ that I can pick you up at. Once you've planted that bomb, and found a suitable LZ, activate the beacon, and I'll come to pick you up ASAP."

"Understood," Bero replied. "We will inform you as to any developments. Sigil Actual out." With that, they quickly got out of the Pelican, with the vehicle closing up before exiting the structure. As he walked forwards, he thought he heard a soft, squishing sound. Looking down, he frowned as he saw Flood matter sticking to the bottom of his feet. It is fortunate that I am immune to the Flood, he thought as he grimaced. Still, it appears as though they do not place any value on ensuring that they do not lose bits and pieces of themselves when taking a place. I will be glad once this mission is complete. He could sense the disgust that the others had towards the infested place. Spotting a way down, he grew a pair of wings out of his back before stepping off the platform they were on, beating his wings once in order to slow his descent to a safe level. Nearby, the others activated their Jump Packs before following him. Looking around the area, he could see that not everything in High Charity was coated in the sickly material; parts of the iridescent purple nanolaminate interior were still present, as well as some lights that still worked, albeit poorly at that. As he looked around, he spotted what appeared to be a corridor up ahead of their position. "Follow me," he informed the others. "I have found a path through the muck." Nodding in agreement, the others began to follow him. As they moved through, several sacks on the walls burst open, with Infection Forms spewing out into the area. Acting fast, the others fired their phased plasma weapons, terminating the Infection Forms before they got too close. With those forms down, they proceeded through the tunnel.

As they did, Bero felt a pressure at the back of his head, as though someone was pushing on it. A moment later, he could see his vision distort slightly, though he was able to mitigate this effect somewhat. He was about to investigate the source of this change when a deep voice echoed in his mind. Friend of my enemy, why have you come, the Gravemind rumbled in his mind.

Moments later, Bero shook off the psychic influence. Do not answer him, he said more to himself than the others. If I do not respond to his questioning, I will not grant him a means by which to leverage my mind. Still, if this keeps up, then I will have to use more active measures to block him out.

A moment later, he heard N'tho, who had come with him on the mission, ask, "Bero, are you alright?"

"Yes," Bero replied. "Why do you ask?"

"You stopped moving for a moment," N'tho replied, "and you had a far away look on your face. What happened?"

"The Gravemind," Bero replied, catching the other's attention. "The Gravemind psychically contacted me. It doesn't know what we are up to, but we must be cautious."

"I agree," Tila nodded. "The Parasite knows that we are here now, so we must be quick and cautious if we are to succeed." Nodding in agreement, the others continued to follow Bero through the infested labyrinth As they moved forwards, he spotted something that was in the ground. Looking down, he noticed what appeared to be a sphincter-like orifice that was in the ground. Strong muscular bands were present underneath the infested material, and there were semi-flexible plates that served to keep it closed. "What is that," Tila asked, disgusted.

"Some kind of sphincter," Bero replied. Walking forwards, he placed a foot near the orifice; a moment later, the orifice opened, revealing a short drop down into another chamber. Walking through, he dropped down onto the ground, rolling in order to break his fall. When he looked up, he found himself in a massive chamber that spanned a good 80 meters in width. On one side was a wall that was partially open, with pillars that allowed light to enter the chamber, while the other side was a mess of exposed nanolaminate and Flood biomass, though he could clearly see pathways that led up and over the hump. As he looked around, he realized that this place was oddly familiar… then it hit him. This used to be the High Council Chamber, he realized. If that is the case, then I know where we are: the remnants of the High Council Tower. He was about to walk forwards when he realized with a start that the others hadn't followed. Looking up, he said, "It is safe. Follow me." As the others landed, he began to investigate the area to see if there was a suitable LZ for the Pelican that had dropped them off. Walking forwards, he noticed a section of the biomass that had extruded out into a platform, with the platform being wide and long enough to allow a Pelican to land with room to spare. This is perfect, he thought to himself. We will escape from this foul place here once the bomb has been armed and planted.

As soon as he thought this, he sensed other presences inbound on their position. "Incoming," N'tho shouted. "The Parasite is here!" As soon as he said this, a number of Infection Forms, Combat Forms and Pure Forms entered the area, having been directed to do so by the Gravemind. Spotting the intruders, the creatures roared, a combination of shrill screams and deep bellows, before charging forwards, intent on killing their quarry. As soon as they charged, the Sangheili opened fire with their phased plasma weaponry, while one threw a Plasma Grenade into the area. Several Combat and Infection Forms were vaporized instantly, with the sphere of expanding plasma creating a large crater in the ground. Shouting, Bero fired his own phased plasma rifle, killing some Combat Forms just as the Pure Forms closed in. Knowing that they were too close for comfort, he tossed his rifle to Tila, before morphing his arms into blades. Charging forwards, he began to hack and slash at the Pure Forms, cutting them apart with the razor sharp bone blades that were once his forearms. Nearby, N'tho used his Jump Pack to soar into the air, allowing him to gun down a group of Combat Forms that were closing in on 'Protam, the third specialist that had come along. Said specialist was currently in possession of the HAVOC-II, as the bomb was attached to a port on the small of his back. Eventually, after three minutes of intense fighting, the Flood stopped coming. "Where to now," N'tho asked.

"Up the mound," Bero answered. "There is probably an entrance on the other side into the rest of the area."

"Got it,"Tila replied. With that, they scaled the mound of broken nanolaminate and Flood matter. It was difficult going up, since the Flood biomass was fairly slick and slippery, but they were able to exploit a path they found that led up and over the mound of material. The other side was fairly wrecked as well, with more Flood matter and nanolaminates. As they moved through, Tila said, "Look. Some of the bodies of our own kinsman are present here. The Parasite must not have found them yet."

"We cannot do anything for them right now," N'tho reasoned. "The detonation of this foul hive will be their funeral pyre. It is the least we can do for them now."

"Agreed," Bero nodded.

As they traveled through the Flood infested High Charity, Bero felt that pressure on the back of his head once again. Focusing, he did the best he could to minimize any influencing on the Gravemind's part, though he was working with psionic tools that he didn't fully understand. A moment later, the Gravemind said, Friend of my enemy, why have you come here? Is it to gain vengeance, or to fulfill some unknown goal.

None of your business, Bero replied, as he felt the Gravemind attempting to push into his own mind. Pushing back, he removed the psychic influence before saying, Your foul existence ends today, Gravemind. You will not find any cooperation here. Be gone. While the mental contact withdrew, he knew that the Gravemind would try again. After all, it had been around for over a hundred thousand years, so what more were a few minutes to it? As they moved through, 'Protam stopped, almost as though he was learning something. "What is it," Bero asked.

"There's another signal in here, aside from our own," 'Protam replied. "According to my Combat Harness, it appears to be a SKYNET signal."

"SKYNET," Tila asked, confused. "What would a SKYNET signal be doing in here?"

Moments later, her question was answered when another female Sangheili spoke over the COM. "This is SKYNET Terminator, Series 890, Volara. I am requesting assistance from any UNSC/SKYNET forces that are near High Charity. The Flood have trapped me in a chamber near the reactor core in this sector, inside of a stasis field. I am unable to escape on my own and my living tissue sheath has been fully infected. I require assistance ASAP."

Keying his COM, Bero said, "Volara, this is Sangheili Zealot Bero 'Kusovai, we are inside High Charity with a HAVOC-II bomb. We will attempt a rescue as soon as we possibly can. We are currently heading towards the reactor core. Remain calm, we are on our way."

"Good," Volara replied. "Hurry. The Gravemind is attempting to find a way around my countermeasures." With that, the COM signal went silent.

"So our demolition mission is also a rescue one," Tila remarked. "Well, it wouldn't be fitting if fate had decided not to give this task to us."

"Either way, we must remain cautious," Bero replied. "The Gravemind knows what we intend to do, or has at least guessed at it, and now it will attempt to silence us once and for all." With that, the team proceeded forwards, moving through another porta, as he was calling them now, and into another large room. This must have been a control room of some kind, as Bero could now see computer terminals, screens and other areas that were either partially covered or fully covered in Flood biomass. Nearby, more Pure Forms and Combat forms were present, though he could see a doorway on the other side. Morphing his arms into blades, he grew more bladed tentacles out of his back, while his venom glands began to produce so much venom that the clear liquid started to drip out of his fangs. Roaring, he leaped forwards and engaged a group of Pure Forms, using his new appendages to tear through the Flood like cheese. At the same time, N'tho and the other Sangheili began to engage the other Flood, firing their plasma weapons at the enemy. Flood forms screamed and roared in agony as phased plasma tore through their bodies, flash cooking them before incinerating them. One Pure Form had the misfortune to burst into flames; the creature screamed as flames licked at it's body, consuming it as the creature writhed and screamed in agony. After a few seconds, it's body fell limp, even as the flames continued to consume it's putrid corpse as fuel. Once all the Flood were down, they proceeded on towards the reactor core.

As they did, Bero winced as he felt that presure on the back of his head once again. Time has taught me patience, the Gravemind roared angrily, but basking in new freedom, I will soon know all that I possess! Apparently, it's attention had shifted to him, as it said, As for you, you can join me in that freedom as well. Turn against your allies; tear them apart, and I will grant you the same.

No, Bero replied firmly. You will not turn me against my friends. I am a Sangheili, and a loyal one at that. You will find no foothold here, Parasite!

How unwise, and foolish. You are not a Sangheili, not fully. You are so much more. Why help lowly creatures that will one day wither and die?

Because that is who I am. I would much rather be with friends that will love and cherish me, rather than be the servant of a foul monster that has never known love or friendship. Begone, foul beast, and take your foul influence with you! With that, he threw the Gravemind out of his head. I don't know how much more of this I can take. It's only a matter of time before it attempts to take control of my body. There is enough Flood DNA inside of me for it to do so, and my mind is now vulnerable to it's attempts. Either way, I will complete my mission, even if it means my own death. Nearby, N'tho could see Bero's mental struggle, prompting him to tap 'Protam on the shoulder, who merely nodded in understanding. With that, they continued on towards their objective. Passing through another porta, they found themselves in a large room that had a series of platforms that were connected via paths that coiled up and down the chamber. One of the platforms was close enough to another one that a Sangheili, or a Human, could easily clear the gap, with a porta that was up above them on the other side. "More Flood," he reported as he saw a Pure Form walk by without sensing them. "Looks like the only way through is above us."

"Then that is where we go," N'tho nodded. "Bero, Tila and I will head up there and provide covering fire. 'Protam will move with you in order to keep the bomb safe."

"An excellent idea," Bero nodded. "Go ahead. We are ready on your signal."

"Agreed." With that, N'tho and Tila moved up, before firing up their Jump Packs. Both Sangheili shop upwards like bullets, before landing on the platform that was closest to the porta, before firing their weaponry down into the crowd of Flood that had just missed their jump. The Combat and Pure Forms down below screeched in rage, before attempting to scale the walls in order to reach them. As soon as he heard Tila give the signal, Bero and 'Protam began to move up the pathways and towards the porta. "Look out," N'tho shouted as a Pure Form tackled 'Protam, before jabbing a proboscis at his chest. There was a loud CRACK as the proboscis hammered the Sangheili's armored chest, only to shatter into dozens of pieces in the process. Before it could scream, the seasoned Sangheili warrior kicked it off of him with a hoof before firing his phased plasma pistol once, killing it. With that out of the way, both Sangheili climbed up the chamber, before jumping the gap and reaching the others. Moving through the porta, they began moving towards the reactor core when they heard clacking sounds. Looking down, N'tho said, "By the moons of Sangheilios…" When Bero looked down, he didn't need to be told why: there were bones lying on the ground. All kinds of bones were here, from Sangheili bones, to Jiralhanae bones, Unggoy bones, Kig-Yar bones and even a few San'Shyuum bones. Skulls littered the ground as well, their faces forever frozen into a macabre grin.

"What manner of horror is this," 'Protam gasped. "Who would do such a thing?"

"Those that delight in the suffering and pain of others," Tila replied. "If the Gravemind succeeds in breaking out of High Charity…"

"Then this is the fate we will suffer," Bero agreed. To end up as food for a malevolent organism like the Gravemind was a fate that some would argue was worse than death. As they moved through the tunnels, killing Flood all the while, he noticed that he was feeling… strange, almost as though his chest felt too tight for him. He frowned, knowing that he would have to investigate the strange feeling once they were out of here. It was when he felt strange that the team entered the reactor core. The reactor core was a large room, with four pylons that were in the center of the chamber, and a service walkway that looped around the pylons. Two bridges were present, though it was clear that they were overgrown with Flood biomass. As they entered, one of the pylons overloaded, a loud whining sound that echoed in the chamber before it exploded, sending shrapnel away from the team.

"Looks like this is the reactor room," Tila remarked.

"Agreed," N'tho nodded. "We will have to plant the bomb inside one of the reactor pylons. It is why R'tas gave us the Jump Packs."

"Good," Bero nodded. "N'tho, 'Protam. You two will plant the bomb, while Tila and I look for Volara. Should the Flood attempt to silence you, temporarily stop to deal with them, then resume planting the bomb. Understood?" When the others nodded, they began to proceed inside one of the corridors. It was then that things nearly went horribly wrong. As soon as they entered, pain ripped through Bero's body, becoming so intense that he could only scream in pain.

At the same time, the Gravemind hammered his own mind. You will submit to me now, it solemly thundered. You will kill your friends. Once that is done, join your voice with mine and sing victory everlasting. Unable to reply, Bero screamed, a deep, roaring sound that echoed in the hallway.

"Bero," Tila shouted, shaking him in an attempt to get him to focus. "What's wrong?"

"G-get a-away," Bero shouted. Before the Gravemind could take control, he shoved Tila through one of the doors before closing it, locking it moments later. As soon as it was locked, he screamed as the Gravemind began attempting to take control of his body. Both beings began to fight for control of the body in question, with Bero being forced to use tools that he didn't understand, while the Gravemind fought to control his body, with a full understanding of what it's psionic tools could do. As his mind was threatened with being overwhelmed, Bero felt a strange sense of peace washing over him. Moments later, time seemed to stop, with the Gravemind's attacks seemingly freezing in place. Before he could ask what was happening, he noticed that something was leaking into his mind, something old and ancient, yet benevolent. It took him a moment to realize that this was another mind, one that was far different from the Gravemind's own. Moments later, he watched as a large organism covered in a hard carapace appeared before him. It's body was in a constant state of change, with limbs growing and melting into it's body, while it's flesh changed from solid to semi-liquid to a liquid state and back. The only thing that remained constant was that feeling of benevolence that he felt, which was far different from the malevolence he felt in the Gravemind. Who… who are you, he asked a moment later.

When he asked that, the creature spoke, it's mouth constantly changing from lips, to chitinous mandibles, to vibrating, gelatinous flesh and back. I am what remains of the being, once known as the Primordial, the creature replied. My body has long since been devoured by the Flood, but my mind remains. Still, it warms my heart to know that you have made it to me.

To you, Bero asked, confused. What do you mean?

Is it not obvious, Bero? I am the Gravemind, or rather the Gravemind as it should have been. You are currently in the last bastion that I have against the Gravemind, the last refuge for those that have been consumed by the Flood.

Your mind?

More than that, Bero. Tell me, have you ever heard of the Domain?

No.

Well, it is high time that you learned, Bero. The Domain, to the Forerunners, is a vast information network that is capable of housing the collective feelings, memories, and emotions of all living organisms in all of Living Time. What they do not know is that it is also a creation of what you would call 'neural physics.' My species, the Precursors, created it, as a means of storing information, while being able to enjoy the sweetness of Living Time itself. It is also, to organisms such as you, a kind of 'afterlife', an existence that exists beyond death.

So it is what comes after death?

Death is not the final stage of existence, Bero. It is merely a stepping stone, to what, not even I know. Still, I did not bring you here, into my mind, in order to make friends. I brought you here, because you are the penultimate form of my… punishment.

That confused Bero greatly. This Precursor, this Primordial, was saying he was it's punishment. W-why do you say that, he asked. I don't know what you mean?

The Precursor began making gestures, while speaking all the while. When I was young, Bero, I was a lot like you: inquisitive, intelligent, conscientious. I made mistakes, but I learned from them. Eventually, I fell in love with another member of my kind. She… was one of the most beautiful people that I had ever met, both in the mind, as well as in the flesh. She was, to me, the pinnacle of Living Time, of the 'sweetness' that pervades the Living Universe itself. She and I often entertained ourselves by taking on the forms of other species, with the last being that of your kind, the Sangheili. I still remember her bell-like laughter, as well as the joy that she had when she gave birth to our children. It's voice became sad as it continued to speak. Then, long before the Halo Array was conceived, our children, the Ecumene, or Forerunners as you know them, turned against us. This happened as our species, myself included, chose the Ere-Tyrenne, or Humans as you know them, to be the successors to the 'Mantle of Responsibility', which is the guardianship of all living things by those who's evolution is most complete, while allowing for competition so long as a species isn't rendered extinct, thereby making the experience of Living Time bitter and sour. The Ecumene were enraged by the fact that we chose a 'lowly' species instead of the so-called 'firstborn' that they believed had the right to attain the Mantle. As it said this, it allowed some of it's memories and knowledge to flow into Bero's mind.

The young Sangheili gasped as memories and emotions flowed through his mind, from the creation of the Ecumene and Ere-Tyrenne, to the time that both species had when they grew. As the memories passed, he felt the concern the Primoridal had when it saw how arrogant the Forerunners were becoming, before informing it's elders of what was happening, and how it suggested that it's elders find a species that wouldn't allow arrogance to get in the way of the Mantle of Responsibility. He also saw the Forerunner's enraged fury when the Precursors chose Humanity over the Forerunners, as Humanity then understood what the Mantle of Responsibility truly stood for, and what they had to do to ensure that it was upheld. He also saw the memories of the Precursor-Ecumene War, when the Forerunners waged war against their creators due to this single choice. When the flow of memories halted, he said, I… I have no words to describe how… arrogant the Forerunners were. How could they be so blind to the truth?!

Greed and arrogance have been the downfall of many more species than you can imagine, the Primordial explained. In their arrogance, our servants and companions turned against us, slaughtering our kind in a genocidal rage. Some chose to flee the galaxy your kind resides in, until they determined that it was safe to return and continue their work, others became a powdery substance that would reconstitute itself once the war was over, while others still chose to fight back, myself among them. Despite our best efforts, the Ecumene were victorious and in their hate, they… slew my love. As soon as it said this, Bero felt a deep, intense grief emanate from the Primordial. It was so deep and intense, that if it was water, it would drown an entire planet. After her, the Primordial continued, life no longer had any meaning, and the 'sweetness' had turned to bitterness. When the Flood came into existence, I shared with them what I knew about the Forerunners, told some of the most influential Ere-Tyrenne of the darkest secrets I knew, prompting them to commit suicide. In the end, when the Flood consumed me, I allowed them to exact their revenge against the Ecumene.

How could you, Bero asked, shocked by what he was hearing. What would drive you to commit such foul acts of anger, hate and rage?! Why would you do such a thing?! Why deny other species the chance to experience the wonders and joys of the Living Time you speak so highly of?! Throughout his rant, the Primordial remained silent.

Once he finished, it said, I was young then. I had allowed my rage and anger blind me to the realities of life, a mistake that I have no excuse for. When the Halo Array was activated, when the Flood, save for myself and the Gravemind, were destroyed, I slowly began to realize the horrors that I had unleashed against the Living Universe. For a long time, it was all that I could do to grieve, to weep for the innocence that I had lost, the innocence that my rage had taken from me. All the while, I was trapped in here, in this bastion, a perfect prison that had been erected by unseen hands to serve as the punishment for my crimes, with the Gravemind unable to consume me, despite my deepest desire to die, to join my mate in the Domain, so that we could be together again, while at the same time paying a penance for the crimes that I had committed against the Living Universe. That was when I sensed… you.

Me?

Yes, you. You were one of the few that had one of our children as an ancestor. While many of the genesongs that my mate gifted you with were gone, one of them remained: the ability to resist the Flood and become immune to it. When I first sensed you on the construct the Humans called 'Delta Halo', I began working to ensure that, when the time came, that you would gain my mate's last gift. Now that you are here, surrounded by Flood Spores that I have modified for my purposes, I can fulfill that gift.

And that gift would be?

To choose a member of the galaxy to become a Precursor, to gain the abilities that our kind has always had since the birth of our race.

When he heard that, Bero was shocked. He was to become a Precursor? A being that could alter space and time with the mind alone? It was almost too much for him to comprehend. Why? Why me? I… I am not worthy, Primoridal. I've made terrible mistakes. I've supported the genocide of another species. I've killed innocents that deserved to life. Why choose me when there are others that are far more suitable?

Because you are ready, Bero, the Primordial replied. While you have committed your fair share of crimes, you have done something that I never did before the Flood consumed me: you realized the error of your ways, and have begun making amends for those crimes. You are a better being than I have ever been. When you gained your abilities, you showed a great reluctance to use your powers, to do things the mundane way, even when you could've succumbed to your arrogance. Instead, you chose the path of humility, as you not only didn't know what you were capable of, but were frightened of what you were becoming. And with the beginning of your penance, you have shown a greater capacity for compassion than I ever have. Now, we must begin the work that my mate began so long ago. Time is running short, and I cannot protect you indefinitely from the Gravemind's ravaging influence. As such, Bero, I give to you my powers, my abilities. I give to you the mental and physical capabilities of a Precursor. Use these powers with humility and intelligence. Use them to nurture and protect all life, so that one day, that life might enjoy the sweetness as a friend and companion. With that, it happened.

As this mental conversation began, modified Flood Spores were pushed into the room, before they were inhaled by Bero's body as it fought to keep him alive. The spores began to melt into his body and flesh, the DNA inside infecting every cell in his body. Instead of turning him into a Combat Form, however, the heavily altered Flood DNA began to enhance his body, making it stronger and tougher than before. At the same time, his neural pathways and brain began to experience the most alterations, with his brain becoming denser as the neurons began to reproduce, while new neural pathways formed that previously hadn't existed before. The greatest changes, however, were to Bero's mind, as it began to grow and expand in directions he had never known before. He gasped as he felt his mind growing and expanding, with his thought processes altering as his mind grew. He knew now that he now had the same abilities as the Precursors, though they were not immediately available to him. That would take time, time that he now had, as his altered DNA began to extend his lifespan, until he achieved something that many organisms had desired but could never have: true biological immortality. At the same time, bodily features that showed his age began to melt away, with wrinkles and other signs of age melting into his flesh, making him appear young once again. After a few more seconds, the changes were completed. As he felt the last of the changes happen, he looked at the Primordial once again, tears in his eyes. Primordial, he whispered. You… you honor me. I… thank you for this wonderful gift.

You are welcome, the Primordial replied. Use these gifts with wisdom and humility. If there is one lesson that I have to impart to you Bero, it is this: great power requires great responsibility. You must use these abilities to better your own species, to educate and protect them, while teaching them how to fend for themselves. Do not use these gifts flamboyantly, arrogantly and for things that can be done the mundane way. The greatest arrogance of all is to believe that you are an all-powerful and immortal being that can do what he or she wishes to do. That is the path of evil, Bero, and it is an insidious one.

I understand, Bero replied. I never wanted this power, Primoridal, but since you insist that I have this power, then I accept. I am only doing so because I love my people, and I want to protect them, as well as the Humans, to the best of my abilities. Any who say that I am attempting to become a god are fools and madmen, because I want to be an equal, not a superior.

Your words gladden my heart, the Precursor smiled. With this gift, my mission is complete. Now, I can die happy, knowing that not only will I be reunited with my mate, but also in the knowledge that I have done what I should have done: uphold the Mantle of Responsibility. Goodbye, Bero. Now, for the greatest adventure of all.

With that, Bero could feel the Primordial's mind slipping away, while it's last bastion began to fracture and crack. As he was pushed back into his own body, he felt the Gravemind's assault continue, but something was different. This time, he realized that he had the power to resist the Gravemind, to throw it out of his body entirely. Thanks to that knowledge, he now understood the full extent of his gifts, though his body was not ready for all of them. Those gifts will come with both time and meditation, he decided. Besides, I welcome the room I have for improvement. If I was perfect, what would there be to improve? As a result, he realized that the Gravemind's psionic assault was nothing more than a minor inconvenience. Roaring mentally, he retaliated with a powerful mental assault, smashing aside the Gravemind's mental attack before hammering at it. Sensing the weakness in his mind that had allowed it inside, he forced the Gravemind's assault back before forcing it out. Before it could retaliate, he found the weakness… and sealed it shut forever.

While this was going on, Tila was attempting to override the lockout in the intersection she had been thrown into by Bero. "Come on," she snarled angrily as the panel denied her attempts to unlock it. When it seemed to permanently lock itself, she couldn't help but slump in defeat. "No," she whispered. "Bero, no…" As she said this, a cold, icy rage began to suffuse her veins, sharpening her focus while drowning out anything that wasn't relevant to the mission she had. "Parasite," she snarled. "I will make you suffer for what you have done!" With that, she proceeded through the intersection and into the chamber that Volara was being held in.

It was the same chamber that the Hierarchs had used before the station was infested. The Inner Sanctum, she realized. N'tho said that this was the place he and the Demon went through. I have to find Volara! Looking around, she spotted the Sangheili Terminator, but it was clear that her message wasn't false at all. Her living tissue sheath was fully infected, with spines and tentacles sprouting off of the cloned tissue. It had enveloped her entire chasiss, preventing her from moving in any way possible. Surrounding her was a stasis field that prevented her from ever being able to escape on her own. Rushing forwards, Tila tried hammering at the barrier, only to find that it was far too strong for her own efforts. No, she roared mentally. I cannot fail, not after all this effort! She snarled in frustration as she attempted to hammer at the shield one more time. Feeling something wrapping around her hand, she turned around, plunging her Energy Sword into… She stopped when she saw her blade entering Bero's chest, with the tips coming out of his back. Her eyes went wide with horror as she realized what she had done.

To her shock, however, Bero didn't react at all. Instead, he withdrew the tentacle that had wrapped around her hand before unwrapping her hand from around the blade's hilt. Once that was done, his flesh gently pushed the Energy Sword out, with the flesh around the wound flowing back together like it was a liquid instead of a solid. Picking up her Energy Sword, he walked around her and, with a single, powerful blow, shattered the Stasis Field. Once it was shattered, he extended a tendril towards Volara, with the tendril melding with the infected tissue sheath around her. It was as though the infection was progressing in reverse, with Flood biomass quickly morphing back into healthy, Sangheili tissue. Moments later, Volara's living tissue sheath was fully cured. Gasping, the Sangheili Terminator fell to the ground, before Bero gently picked her up. "It's OK," he said to her. "You're safe now."

Volara looked at Bero long and hard before she spoke. "SKYNET knows how to pick them," she remarked. "You reversed the Flood infestation in my living tissue sheath. When we return, you will have to tell me, and SKYNET, how you managed to do that."

"I will, in due time," Bero replied, with a hint of amusement in his voice. His tone became serious as he looked around. "We must complete our mission. We cannot allow the Gravemind to further embitter the sweetness. Come. We must detonate the HAVOC-II and eradicate the corruption that is the Flood."

"Sweetness," Tila asked, confused. "'Corruption?' What do you mean by that, Bero?"

"I will explain later," the Sangheili Zealot replied. "Right now, we must not tarry in our mission." With that, they began leaving the Inner Sanctum for the reactor core.

As they did, Bero felt the Gravemind's influence again. This time, he wasn't worried, as he know knew how to throw the foul monstrosity out of his mind. There was a loud roar as the Gravemind screamed in rage. At last I see, it snarled. It's secret is revealed! Banishing the Gravemind's influence, he began leading the others out of the Sanctum and to the reactor core nearby.

As they moved forwards, N'tho and 'Protam entered the hallway. "The bomb has been planted and armed," N'tho informed the others. "Ah, you've rescued Volara. We can leave now."

"Good," Bero replied. "We cannot tarry any longer. The Gravemind will seek it's revenge." With that, they began to leave the reactor core. As soon as they began to move, Flood Forms began to rush into the chamber like a living flood of flesh. "Keep moving," Bero shouted as the others ran forwards. "Do not allow them to stop our progress! Follow me!" While the others followed without question, Tila was confused, as she had heard him using strange terms earlier. Still, he seemed to be in his right mind, so she decided to follow anyways. Reaching the hallway they entered in, they found that the doorway was blocked, but a large gash in the floor presented a way out. Dropping down, Bero motioned for the others to follow, even as he proceeded through the Flood infested tunnels.

Eventually, they exited the tunnels, reaching the area that used to be the High Council Chamber. To their amazement, Chief and Thel were in the chamber, firing their phased plasma weaponry at the Flood that were infesting the entire chamber. Thel roared as he used a Defoliant Weapon to incinerate the Flood, while Chief fired his MA5E with extreme precision and accuracy. Spotting Bero and the others, he said, "We were sent to assist you in the event you were overrun."

"There is no need for that," Bero replied. "Still, inform Connor that he has my thanks in either regard. Where is the Pelican?" Right on cue, a Pelican flew into view, before the Troop Bay door opened up. Seeing their chance, the others ran into the Troop Bay, with the Pilot taking off moments later, with the VTOL reaching top speed. It would take them a few minutes to exit the blast radius.

"Is the bomb armed," Chief asked

"Yes," N'tho replied. "It will soon detonate." Ten minutes after he said this, they exited the blast radius… and the bomb detonated. In an instant, all of High Charity was consumed by a brilliant white flash of light. As the light faded, it revealed a massive mushroom cloud that billowed upwards with tremendous force. As the flash faded, the Pelican angled upwards towards the incomplete Installation 08. The war was about to enter it's final crescendo.