Chapter 16: Knowledge is key for the secrets of the universe
Chief Charged towards the giant worm.
"I find it fascinating that there is a giant worm like lifeform inside the city. Taking in consideration that there are no known species that match the anatomy of this creature it must be a mutation...Or multiple flood forms gathered in a single build".
Chief just listened quietly. He continued to fight the worm, even tho he coudn't really inflict any serious damage. He realised listening that the AI sounded just like Cortana. Bias kept mumbling about completely unnecessary information about the worm but he didn't stop him. Cortana had the tendency to do the same and the thought kept him calm.
"Reclaimer I would advice you to keep your focus on the fight".
Chief started to fully concentrate on the fight. He just coudn't find it frustrating anymore. The fact that he had problems concentrating on the present. He was tired. Not tired of fighting but tired of losing friends and family.
"I cannot kill the worm without heavier weapons" Chief stated simply as he dodged another swing of its tail.
"Chief, heard you needed some help". Linda's voice came over the com.
"Linda you are supposed to watch over the doctor". Chief objected.
"Oh, She's right here and I have something to kill that worm". Linda said as a red laser flew over his head hitting the middle of the worm. It screeched but other than that it kept going. Even with the giant hole in its chest.
"Interesting seems like the worm is build from multiple different parts. You must damage each part individually to kill it". Bias told Chief.
"I don't have time for this, we need to leave". Chief told Bias
"Unfortunately, if Maethrillian isn't destroyed there's a large change that flood will find a way to spread. However you I have made a console available for you to use. It is located at the overhang near the outer layer of the core".
Chief fell silent for a moment firing at the worm as he was thinking any possible way out of the situation. "Linda, The worm is sitting between me and the city's core. I need to get there".
"And how were you planning to do that?" She asked confused.
"You should take the doctor and leave. There's no need to risk more people because of what im about to do".
"Like hell I am" Was her firm answer.
"Linda . " Chief had no time to argue with her. The more time they spent here, the bigger change there was for them to get killed by the flood.
For a moment Linda fell silent and John worried she woudn't listen to his orders but to his relief her voice cut trought "We will be waiting at the extraction point". And with that the com went silent.
"Reclaimer I believe I have found a way to assist you". Bias suddenly cut in.
"How?" he answered simply focusing on dodging the giant worm.
"I need you to stay alive for a moment".
"Now you sound like Guilty Spark". Chief said irritated. Bias didn't really give him much info to go on and he was fighting for his life.
Bias never answered. Chief was forced to back away even more and he was running out of space. If he coudn't destroy the city, the risk of flood escaping the station was very real.
Chief dodged another whip of the giant worm's tail and felt his back hitting something. He quickly turned around and saw a very solid wall behind him. The worm noticed Chief's lack of space and prepared to strike him down.
"You offered that assistance, now would be good time to give some". Chief said with just slight hint of fear in his voice.
"Oh but I have enjoyed the show so far reclaimer". Bias answered.
"Now". His voice came low and threatening.
"Very well" With that hundreds of sentinels flooded the room attacking the worm.
"Quickly Reclaimer, get to the core. SHUT IT DOWN!" Bias finished as Chief started to sprint towards the core.
The worm saw Chief's path and tryed to swing its tail to knock him of his feet. Chief however saw this and jumped over the tail, continuing to run towards the core.
"Use the console, You will see the path when you arrive".
Chief wandered what he was talking about but brushed it off as he arrived to the console.
"Bias, am I supposed to understand thi…". He trailed of at the end as he realised that he coundn't understand what the console said but somehow he just knew what to do.
"You will see the path…" He mumbled as he started to move the icons on the console.
Suddenly the entire room went white.
The sound of sentinel beams and screams of flood stopped. Chief was lying on the ground "Grass?" he noticed and he stood up taking in the scene layed in front of him.
"Hello again reclaimer". Came a calm feminine voice from behind him.
Chief turned around and surprised to say at least when he noticed who was talking to him.
"It's been too long, yet the reason we meet is alarming to say at least". Came the voice of Librarian.