1935 Hours, September 10th 2186 (Alliance Calendar)

Voyager Cluster, Gateway

Cerberus Forward Operating Base (Now under Alliance control)

The scene of battle replayed again for the fourth time as Rear Admiral Galloway and the other leaders of the Joint Alliance operation observed. Admiral Daro'Xen vas Morah kept insisting on seeing the replay at various rates of speed, and each time came up with a new application for such technology and why it was necessary to obtain samples of said technology.

Captain Endar Jel'tol, the Turian representative, was the first to state what everyone at the table was thinking, "The technology to create such weapons are beyond that of my people… Not as advanced as the Reapers I would think," he glanced around at those present, "Do we have any idea as to where they come from?"

EDI explained her theory as to where they came from in detail. Sighting various sources ranging from Asari temporal theory to early Turian experimentation in energy weapons prior to the discovery of the Mass Relays. She also sighted an old human theory where a ship could tunnel into another form of space where the laws of physics do not apply, allowing faster than light travel without relativistic side effects.

Urdnot Jark growled at all the technical talk. He was a soldier, not a scientist after all. Such things only gave him a headache, "Where ever they come from doesn't matter. What matters is the fact that Cerberus is still here, doing whatever the hell they do. I say we deal with them first, then deal with these new comers."

Rear Admiral Galloway nodded slightly, "Agreed. At the moment there seems to be nothing we can do about them anyway. For now we need to focus on Cerberus and our own forces."

Major Kirrahe looked about for a moment, as if trying to decide whether or not to speak. Finally he sighed, "This might be a bad time, but I fear I must confess something and request assistance. Shortly after our arrival, I dispatched some of my STG to investigate a large Cerberus deployment at the edge of the territory they control." He did not explain how he managed to get a shuttle off one of the ships without alerting anyone, "I lost contact with the team after they entered one of the structures that are scattered about this artificial world."

Urdnot Jark growled deeply and stamped his feet as if ready to charge, "Treacherous little shit! Planning to take information from this place without sharing with the rest of us?"

Kirrahe shifted his posture a bit, ready to dodge if the need arose, "The order to do this came directly from the Dalatress prior to us even arriving. We were told that while we openly worked alongside you all, that we would also conduct our own covert operations. With my team missing, I now have no choice but to request aid."

Rear Admiral Galloway did not speak right away. He did not enjoy being lied to, especially by those he was supposed to be working with, "I will put aside the matter of your deception for the time being Major… For now, I agree that we shall help you locate your men." He glanced to his left, towards Commander Shepard.

She knew what that meant, and simply nodded, "I'll get my team ready sir. We just need to know where we are going."

Kirrahe relaxed a bit, but still kept his eye on Urdnot Jark, "We located a base that was less defended by Cerberus and believed it connected to the main underground bunker. I will send you the details."

With that the crowd began to disperse, going to do whatever they had to do in preparations for a coming battle. As Shepard moved towards the surface she radioed the team she had in mind for this operation, "Garrus, Vega. Get your gear together. We just got ourselves a mission."

2113 Hours, September 10th 2186 (Alliance Calendar)

Voyager Cluster, Gateway

On board Normandy Shuttle (Approaching drop off)

The trip to the base entrance had taken longer than was anticipated, sure to Cortez having to dodge Cerberus air patrols. Oddly enough the patrols did not seem to be flying in a pattern to keep ships out, but more to keep things in. It made no sense. Cortez looked back towards his passengers, "We are approaching the drop site. We will only have communications so long as you remain above ground. Once in the bunker you will be on your own Commander."

Shepard stood holding on to one of the hand holds while Garrus and James Vega sat upon seats. She looked at them both a moment before speaking, "Alright. I know this was dropped on us at the last minute, but this is what we are paid for."

Garrus blinked at that, his mandibles shifting up and down, "Wait. We're getting paid for this?"

Vega chuckled and gave Garrus a light punch on his shoulder, "Come on Scars. Mowing down a few Cerberus assholes is pay enough, don't you think?"

Garrus considered that a long moment. He looked from Vega to his shouldered rifled, "Yea, I agree with that."

Shepard smiled. It was good to see her team getting along with one another. Every new mission, every new ship, brings with it a new crew with a few old members. Trying to get them to see eye to eye, and not kill each other was hard enough. Let alone get them to like each other.

"I've got a break in the canopy. There is a little bit of a walk to the entrance, but nothing you can't handle. I'm taking us in," The shuttle shuttered a little as the ship broke branches as it snapped as the shuttle eased towards the surface, but stopped in a hover mode. The doors opened up, and all at once the heat and stench of swamp filled the ship. Even dark as it was, the air was muggy.

Shepard stepped out of the shuttle first. Her legs sinking into knee deep swamp water. Luckily the suit kept the water out. Garrus and Vega followed behind. Vega waved a hand over his face, "Aw man, this place smells worse than Estevan's Queso dip."

The shuttle doors closed, "Yea, very funny Vega. I'll take the shuttle up, and head outside the Cerberus patrol areas. Once you need pick up radio in and I'll come and get you." With that the shuttle lifted off and broke thru the canopy. It was immediately out of sight, and only the fading was left for their senses to process.

The team began to slosh their way through the muddy water until they reached shore. The trees gave off an eerie yellowish glow that lite the swamp enough to see by. Drawing their weapons they began to move in the direction of the base. The terrain was harsh and hilly. The only sound they could hear was of their own feet smacking against wet grass and mud.

Oddly enough it brought the dream back to Shepard's mind. That silent and still shadow forest where her only companions were the voices of the dead.

As the team rounded the corner, they instantly feel into formation and raised their weapons. Before them was the crashed remains of a Cerberus shuttle. It looked as though it had been shot down by a missile, as one of its rear engines were gone and the hull around where it was supposed to be was nothing but scrap.

They approached with caution. Its exit hatch was opened. As they reached the door and looked it, a feeling of dread washed over Shepard. There were no bodies within, but the walls and floor was stained black and looked sticky. Drying blood.

"Jesus… Do you think the Salarians did this?" Vega asked.

Shepard shook her head, "I don't think so… It doesn't seem to be their style. Krogan maybe, but…"

Before she could finish Garrus suddenly brought his rifle to his shoulder and scanned the jungle the loomed on the high ground around them. Vega and Shepard spun around, raising their rifles and scanning the area.

"Talk to me Garrus," Shepard ordered.

Garrus slowly lowered his rifle, but did not take his eyes of the jungle, "I saw someone, or at least thought I did." He shook his head, "I don't know… It was quick. I saw a figure up there that immediately turned and ran in an odd fashion. I couldn't make any features out."

Shepard squinted as she looked towards the area in question. If there had been someone there, they are long gone now, "We have to keep moving. We'll worry about it later."

The team kept moving, but now they were more vigilant. Garrus kept glancing towards the foliage, looking for something.

As they reached the top of the last hill, they paused and saw it. The entrance to the underground facility. There were no guards, but definite signs of a fight having happened here. Trees scarred with burns from a flame thrower. Bullet holes in trunks, and blast scarring on the triangular shaped entrance.

"Looks like we missed the party," Vega stated as they moved on. As they approached the entrance they noticed drag marks going in various directions. As if bodies had been dragged off into the jungle. There were odd indentations on the ground, as if someone had writhed upon the ground before getting up and leaving.

They crossed the threshold of the bunker, and descended a slop into a large empty room containing a few creates and a gaping hole in the floor. As they approached there was a chime, and the sound of something rising from the chasm and instinctively took cover behind crates. They waited only a few seconds before the empty lift reached the surface.

Garrus clicked his mandibles a bit, "Well, that's Ominous."

"Thank you Captain Obvious," Vega stated.

With no signs of danger, the team left their positions of cover and stepped onto the lift. There was a control panel, but Shepard couldn't make heads or tails of it. Vega on the other hand understood it perfectly.

As the lift began to descend, Shepard activated her radio, "Cortez, we are descending into the bunkers. We will radio as soon as we are clear."

The signal was filled with static as Cortez attempted to respond, "Understood Commander. I will…. Area until….. Surface….."

The signal was then gone. They were officially on their own.

1816 Hours, September 10th [Date Unknown] (UNSC Calendar)

Voyager Cluster, Gateway

Onboard Covenant Supercarrier Avatar of Truth

Henr'ak Talalu (AKA Henry) entered the hanger along with four other Sangheili that comprised his team. Each of them were armed with various Covenant issued weapons favored by the Sangheili. As they made their way towards the Phantom Henry saw that Razor squad was already their waiting for them. Each wore armor with various kinds of attachments and designs, but all made to serve the wearer with ease and versatility.

Shortly after the conflict with the two alien vessels, the leaders of the Allied forces began to move quickly. Right now they had no Intel as to the size and strength of the forces that belonged to that fleet. That was why Major Lopez had come up with a plan to change that.

According to the data they had at hand, below the surface of Gateway there was a network of underground tunnels similar to those discovered on the original Halo ring, and used by Master Chief.

It was decided that the Henry and Major Lopez would take their teams into these tunnels via a Phantom Dropship under cloak and make their way into enemy territory.

It is believed that they will be able to reach an active fortification of Forerunner design that seems to be below the surface. They had no idea as to what was happening underground, but above ground the area was heavily defended.

Neither teams said a word as they were lifted into the troop compartment of the Phantom. Once all were on board the ship took off, heading in the direction of the nearest opening before vanishing as their cloaking system came online.

2120 Hours, September 10th [Date Unknown] (UNSC Calendar)

Voyager Cluster, Gateway

Beneath the surface of Gateway

The tunnels of Gateway was silent and still. Every once in a while a platform for cargo and personnel that were long since gone protruded from the sides of the tunnel. At one such place a few cargo containers had been stacked.

A dull hum filled the air as the outline of a Phantom Dropship appeared over the platform. The underside gravity lift came online and Spartans and Sangheili alike descended onto the platform.

Once the team was deposited the Phantom would return to stealth mode. The Pilot radioed, "I shall remain on station for your return."

"Acknowledged," Henry replied. He nodded his head towards the doorway that lead deeper into the facility.

The joint Spartan and Sangheili team began to move in a standard defensive pattern favored by humans. Henry and Lopez took the lead, with the rest of the team dispersed to cover all lines of fire.

As they pressed further into the facility they encountered the very machinery that help sustain the Gateway. Power generators that pulsated energy upwards to some unseen power relay. Large pentagon shaped rooms that could fit a dropship. The function of which was unknown.

As they pressed further into the facility they came across signs of habitation. Makeshift barracks, mess hall, command centers, and even an empty armory. The problem was that everything had been trashed, and there were signs of intense battle.

As they approached the next door, a Sangheili with duel with a Carbine and a Spartan with a DMR flanked the hatch. Lopez turned to look towards the armory the command center they had passed thru. Any chance of recovering data was gone, as the equipment was destroyed beyond repair, "What the hell happened here?"

As the rest of the team approached the hatch opened, its various segments sliding up into the wall. The Spartan and Sangheili that flanked the door turned in, weapons pointed outward as they scanned the area ahead. As the rest of the team passed through Henry suddenly froze. He sniffed the air a few times, becoming obviously tense. He suddenly took his Energy blade from his hip and activated it, while in the other hand he wielded his Plasma Rifle.

The rest of the team became alert, scanning the Area. Lopez moved towards her friend, "What's going on Henry? Talk to me."

Henry growled, "That stench… I've smelt it before. Lift your helmet a moment and you will understand."

Lopez blinked under her helmet. She lowered her MA5B, holding the grip with one hand while her other hand reached for her helmet and pulled it up a little. As the unfiltered outside air reached her noise, she suddenly slammed her helmet back down and raised her rifle, "Form up! We are falling back to the Dropship now! This mission is here by cancelled!"

One of the other Spartans called out, "Talk to me Major! What the hell is going on?"

Before she could answer, the sound of a blood curdling shriek could be heard from the direction they had come. It was answered by more from what seemed like every direction. Each member of the team turned to look through the still open hatch, "Hell itself is coming Corporal."

2156 Hours, September 10th 2186 (Alliance Calendar)

Voyager Cluster, Gateway

Within unknown facility on the surface of Gateway

As Shepard, Garrus, and Vega ventured deeper into the facility signs of battle began to become increasingly more intense. Bits and pieces of bodied, blood, and gore. It was as if Cerberus had been fighting each other.

"What do you think Commander? Maybe those Reaper upgrades are causing them to turn on each other?" Vega asked as they were passing through a narrow hallway that had been heavily damaged, as if it had been wall to wall.

Shepard had considered that when they first encountered all of this, but it made no sense, "If this had anything to do with the Reapers than why here only? Why not on other fronts? Also where are the Reapers?"

Garrus was covering their flank, scanning the area behind them, "Yea. Still, seems damn odd doesn't it? Blast patterns and bullet holes tell me that they were from weapons favored by Cerberus. All of them."

Shepard was just about to turn the corner to the next room when the place she was about to step began to spark as bullets riddled the wall. Shepard pressed herself against the wall. A panicked voice yelled out, "Stay back you fucking monsters! I'm not going to become like you!" More bullets were fired.

Vega eased up next to her, his rifle in hand, "I can toss a grenade down the corridor, and maybe…"

"No Vega," Shepard said, then looked towards Garrus, "Tell me I'm not the only one who thinks that voice sounded familiar?"

Garrus nodded, "Sounded like Rupert to me."

Vega blinked a moment, trying to place the name, "Wait. You're not talking about the Normandy's old Janitor are you?"

"Cook actually," Garrus corrected.

Shepard leaned a bit closer toward the corner, calling out, "Rupert! It's Shepard! Take it easy now, we don't….."

She was cut off as more bullets impacted the wall, "SHUT UP! You're not going to foul me! I know what you monsters can do!"

Garrus looked over Vegas shoulder, "Shepard, when he swaps Thermal Clips I can disarm him." Garrus swapped his Phaeston in favor of his Krysae Sniper Rifle.

Garrus eased up beside Shepard and waited. Bullets continued to impact for a few seconds longer before they suddenly stopped. Rupert yelled, "God damned piece of shit!"

Garrus popped out from around the corner, his rifle to his shoulder and his down the scope. Rupert was reloading an M-96 Mattock. Garrus fired, striking the weapon on its body and causing it to fly out of Rupert's hands.

Garrus sprinted down the corridor as Rupert reached for his pistol and slammed him to the ground. Rupert struggled beneath Garrus as Shepard and Vega rushed forwards, Vega kicking the weapons aside.

"Get off of him Garrus, I think he has had enough," Shepard ordered. Indeed it did seem Rupert had had enough, for as Garrus got off of him the man rolled into the fetal position and began to weep. This stunned both Shepard and Garrus. The Rupert Gardener they had known while fighting the Collectors would never have become like this. Shepard knelt down beside him, "Rupert, it's alright. You're safe now. Can you tell us what happened here?"

Rupert looked up toward Shepard, and slowly pushed himself up into a sitting position. As he wiped away the tears he began to speak in a shaky voice, "Shepard? Thank God it's you…. I came here... I don't know how long ago. Seems like years." He took several deep breaths, trying to steady himself, "Cerberus brought me here to help work the machinery of this place. The folks that are higher up thought there was something here, weapons or something, but…" Rupert suddenly began to cry again as he placed his head between his legs, "We saw them! Monsters! They slide around beneath your skin, and then start to TALK!" Rupert began to scream.

Vega was stunned, "The man's hysterical Shepard! I know he is your friend and all, but there is nothing we can do for him here."

Shepard considered that a moment, "Alright. Well go in a bit further, recover what we can, then leave."

Rupert's head suddenly shot up, "NO! We have to go NOW! Right now!"

Before anyone could stop him he was suddenly to his feet running through the corridor, "Rupert, wait!" Shepard called after him, but he was gone. She shook her head, "Well find him on our way out. Until then we need to…"

She was suddenly cut off by an odd noise. It sounded as if something was moving, or sliding, around within the walls. The tree of them stood with their backs together, scanning the room around them. Garrus switched back to his assault rifle, searching for the source of the noise.

The door they had just come through suddenly slammed shut, its blue light turning red. They began to move further into the room, when suddenly there was a slamming noise at the door they had just come from. Each of them turned, weapons at the ready.

The door exploded inwards. What seemed like hundreds of small bulbous shapes carried by thin tentacles began to flood the room, going straight for them.

Without warning Shepard and her team began to fire, even as even more horrible shapes spilled in. What had once been Cerberus Troopers were now monsters. Patches of their armor were gone, replaced by grotesque pieces of flesh with tentacles bulging from them. Then they creatures let fourth a shriek that would forever haunt shepherds_30 memories.

Elsewhere on Gateway

Monitor 8947 buzzed about the corridors of a facility deep at the heart of Gateway. Various consoles displayed the everyday goings on of the facility. Everything had been perfect until the modified Reclaimers had showed up.

Violating containment protocols as they explored deeper into Gateway without any comprehension of what they had done.

Now with the arrival of the two additional fleets, things had become even more complicated, but those matters could wait.

He buzzed to a holographic image of gateway. It showed where each of the fleets were, but there was also a spreading area of red that showed how far the Flood had spread. "Intolerable. Absolutely intolerable."

The Monitor turned and floated to another console, and tapped into the system to begin its report.

Gateway containment has been compromised. The three fleets have shown little interaction with one another, save for violence. With the Flood spreading I have no choice but to enact Containment protocol left to me by the Constable. With that in mind, I shall awaken the Promethean Knights from their long slumber. Perhaps they, along with my Sentinels, and return Gateway to proper order. End.