Disclaimer: I don't own Mass effect or Halo franchise.
Chapter 14: Debriefing part I
Cerberus headquarters...
The Illusive man was watching the footage sent by his agent in omega station. He watched everything from the scratch. The arrival of 15 strange ships through a bluish white portal, with 3 ships looking so big. The ships with sharp bends was the largest. The footage even managed to get a closer look at the side hull of that largest ship. It read 'U.N.S.C Infinity' with an eagle insignia. Illusive man was quite startled. He could see 8 similar ships but smaller ones belonging to UNSC. But what really got his attention was the 6 strange ships out of which 2 where almost big as the Infinity and the other 4 smaller. Those ships didn't match these UNSC fleet. Those ships have a curvy design. He assumed it to be another faction.
"UNSC? The same faction those spartans belong to"
"But...Who does these new ships belong to? It's evident they aren't UNSC" thought the Illusive man.
Then the next footage even stunned him. They were attacked by the 46 eclipse and blood pack ships. But to his surprise, the shields held a lot more than that. Then those UNSC ships fired their version of mass accelerator weapons that tore the ships apart. Also the other 6 ships fired bright energy projectiles that melted the merc ships one behind the other completely ignoring the kinetic barriers. He identified it to be some sort of plasma based weaponry.
He found both the MAC and Plasma weapons intriguing. But was wondering how they actually got here. A month ago, it was only the spartans and their one ship which they claimed to have entered this domain through an anomaly.
"Do these people come from the same place the spartans were?" thought Illusive man in confusion.
He felt it strange. He was pondering whether they got here by the same accident or did their place had anything special to travel between universes. While the species of this galaxy had been staying in the same place for millions of years, It was truly magnificent. But something was tinkling in his mind as he started to doubt their presence.
"Their presence can't be coincidental. Spartans with their one ship? It's fine, but 2 fleet from the same place just 1 month after the spartan's arrival? It can't be right. What's really happening?" thought the Illusive man.
But either way, he found their technology impressive, especially their ship size and weaponry.
"These weapons itself will need a separate power plant to keep them running. If I can get my hands on any one of the ship, It could be decommissioned for study and reproduce the technology"
He then finally witnessed the destruction of 45 ships in less than 5 minutes with one ship escaping the onslaught.
"This is an opportunity for Cerberus to show it's true power and represent humanity, a dominant force in the galaxy"
"But no matter how many resources I have, When it comes to facing threats like, I have to wait for the right time. I have to monitor their movements" said the Illusive man who was watching the footage, taking a sip of wine and a smoke.
"But I also need to find how they travel between universes, If there's a way to do the same from here" he thought. Then he switched off the terminal and seated himself in his chair.
...
Titan nebula, near the spartan's planet base...
16 slipspace ruptures occurred side by side nearby the planet and 16 UNSC-Seperatists fleet exited slipspace. The Imperial dawn led the fleet in front.
"Cortana, report" said Chief.
"Excluding us, I'm reading 15 ships intact" replied Cortana.
"Good, what about docking?" asked Fred
"Dawn, Infinity and Shadow of Intent can get the ships to the docking structure. Others should maintain their position above the planet" said Cortana.
"Fine, get me a line to the captain and Arbiter" said Chief.
"Here you go" said cortana bringing up the link.
...
Aboard the Infinity, everyone including the captain got to see the planet they were. To be honest, they were attracted by it's atmosphere. It was clean and pure.
"And I thought, only we had such beautiful planets" thought Lasky. Then called Roland to brief on the situation.
"Roland, how's our fleet?" asked Lasky
"Fine, I'm reading 9 UNSC ships and 6 Separatists ships intact"
"Good, What about our engines and thrusters?"
"They are fine, but the FTL drive has heated up so we gotta wait for sometime before being used another time"
"Captain, Chief is online"
"Bring him up" replied Lasky. Then chief and Arbiter's hologram appeared.
"Captain, Arbiter" Chief gave the salutations.
"Spartan, Is there any reason you have brought us near this planet?" asked Arbiter.
"Yes. Captain, Arbiter, This is the terrain mapping of the base we established recently" said Chief bringing up hologram of the entire 400 mile region with every available feature. Lasky and Arbiter were stunned with the exotic view of the base. They could clearly see the architectures present there. The gondolas, defense cannons similar to what they saw in Requiem, the personnel quarters and finally the docking structure to land ships and place to keep the warthogs and scorpions.
"Chief, where did you even get resources to build something like this?" asked Lasky who was awestruck.
"After the halo installations, this is the second place I have seen something similar" said Arbiter.
"Actually, 3 ships can be docked in those docking structures. It would be our ship, Infinity and Your's Arbiter. Others should hold their position above the base in the space. I'm sorry, but we don't have enough room" said Chief.
"What about the troops and supplies?" asked Lasky. This time cortana answered.
"Well sir, You can bring everything down here. Vehicles, personnel and weapon supplies from the ships" replied Cortana pointing out the place to park all the military vehicles and to store supplies. The she pointed out the personnel quarters. Lasky and Arbiter were impressed.
"Heh, It looks like you people have sorted everything out" chuckled Lasky.
"That's true. But we need to act fast. First let us settle ourselves down there and then we'll hold a council" said Chief.
"Alright chief. I'll see you down" said Lasky and cut the channel. And aboard the Infinity, Lasky started giving further orders.
"Roland, open a fleet wide channel" said Lasky.
"Yes sir...Channel's ready" said Roland.
"Fleet, This is Captain Lasky of the Infinity. Infinity and Shadow of Intent will land on the planet at the specified base while other ships are supposed maintain their position in the space above the base. But the crew and captains of the ship are allowed to come down and even bring your armaments and vehicles. But the personnel to maintain the ship's weapons, comms and engines should stay in the ship until further orders are given" ordered Lasky.
"Acknowledged Captain Lasky!" came a voice in unison. Then Lasky cut the line and prepared to enter the base.
"Roland, I need you to dock the ship in the place where chief pointed out" said Lasky. I am preparing to leave to the surface" said Lasky.
"Aye aye captain" said Roland. Lasky immediately contacted Palmer.
"Sarah, I need you, Carter, Jorge and Dr. Halsey to meet me at the hanger bay 06"
"On our way" replied Palmer and the comm was cut. Then Lasky made his way to the hanger bay 06 for departure. Lasky then took the tram system to reach the Civilian deck and from there with a few left and right, he reached the hanger bay 06. Everyone in the hanger after seeing their superior officer,
"Officer on deck!" yelled one of the marine. Everyone took the stance of attention.
"At ease, Roland, where are the others?" asked Lasky.
"We are here captain" came a voice from behind. Lasky turned to see along with Carter, Palmer, Jorge.
"So captain? what's with this new planet?" asked Carter.
"This is where blue team had made their base. This is where we'll dock our ship with shadow of intent" said Lasky.
"Dock? here?" asked Jorge in confusion. Lasky just gave a smirk and then turned to Roland.
"Roland, open the blast door and keep the atmospheric field intact" said Lasky.
"Yes sir, Bay door opening in 3, 2, 1..." said Roland and the door started to open.
After opened, everyone got a clear view of the planet and the ships had already entered the planet's atmosphere. Everyone in the hanger stared at the open view and their eyes widened in astonishment. The warm sunlight shone inside the hanger.
"My my! It's beautiful!" exclaimed Halsey "John, sure picked an alluring spot"
"Our boys and girls are gonna love this" said Palmer with a smile.
"Sure they will, but we need know what's really going on and what the blue team was after. We make sure if our hunch was right" said Lasky, his face slightly turning serious.
"Captain, the dawn has been docked. It's time for us" said Roland.
"Good. Get us down" said Lasky.
The Infinity and Shadow of Intent started to descend towards the docking tower. There were three towers in total. It was purely coincidental that three biggest ships got the opportunity to dock here. The docking towers had a magnetic clamp and a constraint field generator. In this way it would be easy for the big ships to dock easily without any shakedown or hiccups.
...
Aboard the shadow of Intent, Arbiter and shipmaster R'tas were watching the spartan's base in awe. They were wondering what made the spartans to build a base as fortified as this one.
"The spartans had everything ready" said R'tas who was surprised.
"The base is big enough for everyone. It is as if they were waiting for us. Did they planned this already?" asked Arbiter in surprise.
"May be. But Arbiter, Shouldn't we tell our allies what we found near our home?" asked R'tas now his turning somewhat serious. Both started to talk something cryptically.
"R'tas, amidst the confusion, we don't want to add fuel to the flames just as the humans say. We'll tell if the circumstances call for it" replied Arbiter. They both shared a look of concern for a moment.
"By your words, Arbiter" said R'tas keeping his fist over his chest in respect.
"We are in a war with the loyalists and the storm faction, yet our discovery is the reason we still came here to aid our allies. This is even more important than our war. One that will shape our future" said Arbiter.
"Understood Arbiter" replied R'tas. Arbiter though came along to help his UNSC friends, something was troubling him. He's got something in his mind that he couldn't let it out or keep it off his mind. But his instincts told him to carry on and he simply does that.
"Helm, are we ready to dock?" asked R'tas.
"Yes, fleet master. The ship's yaw has been adjusted to sit right" replied an elite.
"Good, Then bring us down" said R'tas. The helm brought the Shadow of Intent towards the docking tower 3.
The Dawn, Infinity and Shadow of Intent has been docked in the towers 01, 02 and 03 receptively.
...
SSgt. Marcus, leader of the ODST team 'Ghost' aboard Infinity was pretty much excited to see the new base. He was watching the base in awe from the hanger bay 06 after Infinity was docked. The 400 mile base was visible for him. He whistled in astonishment.
SSgt. Marcus is a veteran ODST soldier in service and the leader of the 'Ghost' team who had been fighting the Human-covenant war in the early days. Ghost team was formed by July 16, 2535. Unlike other ODST teams, Ghost team always receives top of the line equipment instead of standards.
They have participated in numerous campaigns against the covenants. The most notable mission was to blow up the city of New Rodney in Beta hydri-VI after being invaded by covenant on November 3, 2551. When the covenant fleet consisting of multiple CAS Assault carriers, CCS cruisers and corvettes, There were 4 UNSC task force under a battle group named 'Omega'. The omega battle group consisted of 5 Marathon cruisers 6 Autumn cruisers, 20 strident frigates and 4 Phoenix colony ships still being outnumbered by 3:1. The Covenant forces were successful in landing a big platoon over the city of New Rodney. But in fact the covenant were about to invade an underground research facility for unknown reasons. Ghost team made an atmospheric jump with the SOEIV. The team infiltrated the then fallen city. The team pushed through but learned that the civilians in the cities were dead already. Also intel suggested that the research base was compromised. The research was top secret classified information. But due the situation, cole protocol was initiated to prevent covenant from gaining the intel, They used a shiva nuclear warhead to manually detonate through a proximity fusing and blow the whole city. The City was swarming with elites, hunters, brutes, jackals, grunts. One of Marcus's team mates got fatally wounded in a gun fight after being shot in his abdomen by an elite plasma. He asked his team to leave while he blow up the city. The covenant didn't know of this trap and rather they were wondering why only 5 humans were sent to clear a city. The wounded ODST soldier lighted the fuse while others got to a safe distance in an pelican at the extraction point. Then the whole city was brought to ruins killing all the covenant forces along with the research base. In the naval warfare, UNSC lost 2 Autumn cruisers and a marathon cruiser with 3 strident frigates. The destruction of the city was a distraction so UNSC used this opportunity to lure the covenant fleet to the New Constantinople battle group through slipspace where the combined UNSC fleet decimated the covenant task force.
This was their last mission alone and then they took part in important campaigns from operation first strike to the battle of Ark during which they also had a good working rapport with the Master chief. Because of this, the team has greater reputation among both the ODST and the whole UNSC. SSgt. Marcus is someone chief considered as close as Avery Johnson himself.
Though the nature of the research intel on Rodney was unknown till this date. Everyone believed the file was closed by ONI section one.
"Hey sarge, ever thought we would see something big like this?" asked corporal Blake, member of the ghost team.
"Hm, If we had something like this in the days of war, we would have had the mule heads run for their money" said SSgt. Marcus with a chuckle.
"Do you know what this is all about, sarge? I mean, how did the chief got a base like this and why?" asked Pfc. Simon.
"Chief would definitely have a mind blowing explanation to all of this. Why don't we just ask him when we get down there?" said Marcus .
Ghost team currently comprises of SSgt. Marcus, Cpl. Blake, Pfc. Simon, Pvt. Rourke and Pvt Abbas.
...
Once the three ships were docked, Lasky called up Roland.
"Roland, I need all combat personnel on the ground from here. Prepare to deploy the ground vehicles" said Lasky.
"Aye aye sir!" replied Roland
"Sarah, Carter, prep your spartan fire teams and meet me at the ground side" Said Lasky. They saluted him and went away.
"Dr. Halsey, you are coming with me too. We'll board a pelican"
"I will, I need to see this through" replied Halsey.
"Sir, Me and team will escort you both" said .
"Very well, Marcus. We'll go together" said Lasky.
Then Lasky opened a fleet wide channel to the superior officers of the other ships.
"Attention all High ranking officers of the UNSC fleet, I'll on the on the ground side for debriefing with the spartan blue team. You will be staying in the ships above the base taking a defensive position" said Lasky. A word of acknowledgement came into his speakers.
Then Lasky, Halsey and Ghost team went to board a pelican that was ready to get to the ground side. The pelicans, M820 scorpions, M12R warthogs and YGGDRASIL Mark IX Mantis were prepping to get of the ship carrying personnel and other inventories.
...
Aboard the Shadow of Intent and other separatists sips, the Sanghelli and Mgalekgolo were getting ready to get down with the phantom dropships, banshees, Anti-air and mortar wraiths, T-46 spectres.
"Arbiter, Our people are ready to be deployed on the ground" said a now sanghelli ultra Usze Taham.
"Very well Taham. You and N'tho take care of the elite guards and hunters in getting to the ground with all the ground side vehicles. Myself and R'tas will go there to attend the UNSC council" said Arbiter.
"By your words, Arbiter" said Usze keeping his fist over his chest in respect. He then went to do his job.
"R'tas, Let us take a phantom to the ground" said Arbiter.
"Sure, I am ready whenever you are" said R'tas. Arbiter nodded and both went to board the phantom.
...
Just after 3 hours, several separatists and UNSC dropships were seen flying above the base, carrying military supplies and vehicles along with thousands of UNSC combat personnel, Covenant Elite guards and hunters. The people started to spread all over the base. Pelicans and Phantoms were dropping the ground vehicles as well as the combat units who then started to spread the supplies using those vehicles. All the military logistics are dealt on the left cliff where as the right cliff is for personnel settlement and to plan missions in the underground CIC.
In 9 hours, the base was almost stabilized with all military vehicles being spread and kept in order along the left cliff which will be maintained by the inventories and logistics officers with the help of sentinels that had been in this base right from the first. Now was the time for combat personnels to settle in their camps on the right cliff. It was already evening 05:00 pm and the sun was already slowly setting down.
Fireteam Majestic and Crimson were already in the ground looking at the base with their eyes widened.
"I don't even know why we are here, but i've fallen in love with this place" said Madsen.
"Well, only if you expect one big ass whoopin incident to happen" replied Hoya.
"Hm, This is the first time I'm seeing the blue team face to face" said Madsen.
"Do we even know where we are?" asked Thorne.
"Not sure, If chief and his team are here, then there's definitely something big goin on" said Demarco.
"Are we even allowed for the briefing?" asked Grant
"Nah, I don't think so. This must be some top secret mission" replied Hoya.
Chief and his team came down in a pelican to the left cliff followed by a phantom that carried Arbiter and R'tas and another pelican that carried Captain Lasky, ODST ghost team and Dr. Halsey.
Spartan Palmer, Carter and Jorge saw them touching the Aircraft station. They went near the dropships as it touched the ground with the thrusters blowing the dust off the ground. Then they watched everyone coming out of the drop ships, The blue team, Arbiter and R'tas, Lasky, Halsey and ghost team.
Palmer, Carter and Jorge saluted the captain and Lasky returned the salute. Then Lasky talked.
"So this is the base, huh?" asked Lasky with a smile.
"Yes sir. It's big enough for everyone" replied Chief.
"This's one hell of a place you've made even if it's not clearly why" said . Chief was surprised to see the ODST ghost team here. It was a long time since both saw each other during the battle of Ark.
"Marcus? I never knew you were in Infinity!" said Chief quite surprised.
"Well, my team got transferred to Infinity 3 years back"
"Still good to see you and your team here and intact" said Chief.
"Likewise Chief" replied Marcus
"I think there is no reason to wait, spartan. We can have everyone settled down and hold our council" said Arbiter his face serious.
"You are right, Arbiter" replied Chief and then he turned to Captain, "Sir, Let's get to the other side of the cliff. That's the place where soldiers will be staying in the camp" said Chief.
"Then, we can move. Palmer, Carter, Jorge, You will come with us" said Lasky. They nodded in acknowledgement. Blue team finally decided to greet Jorge, their fellow spartan as they didn't get time to talk to him. Lasky was walking up front with Palmer and Carter, Arbiter and R'tas. Blue team joined with Jorge.
"It's been a long time Jorge" said Kelly with a smile under her helmet. Jorge had his helmet removed already.
"It is Kelly. Well, It takes time to recover from your nightmares" said Jorge keeping his face not too happy.
"Still couldn't get off from those wars?" asked Fred
"No, I already got out off that a long time ago. Now everything feels different. Carter had me re-instated at Infinity"
"Have you been to reach after the war?" asked Chief.
"Yes and I felt relieved to see it back in shape" replied Jorge.
"Actually we all should have a separate conversation once this meeting is over" said Linda.
"We will for sure, Linda" replied Jorge. Then Chief talked to Cortana.
"Cortana, these people are gonna need a ride in the gondola to get to the other side. Do you have full control with the base's transport systems?" asked Chief.
"I do chief. I can set the gondolas for a routine pickup" said Cortana.
Everyone came towards the soldiers who were waiting to receive further orders. After seeing the captain, everyone became silent to listen to him. Chief whispered something to Lasky before he began to talk to which he nodded.
"Attention all personnel! You will be getting to your camps on the other side through the anti-gravity gondolas. Fire team Majestic will help you escort to your camps. We'll have our discussions once our council is over" ordered Lasky. Everyone acknowledged in unison. Then Majestic escorted the marines to the gondolas.
"And you four, help majestic and stay here while I go for the briefing" said Marcus to his team mates.
"Yes Sir!" said the four loud and clear, saluted him and went to help majestic.
Lasky and others reached the first gondola. Chief pressed a button in the holo-console and the gondola started to hover and move straight to the opposite platform. Everyone could feel the gondola's slight inertia caused by anti-gravity movement.
"Hm, Surely this gondola must be some forerunner replication" said Palmer with a chuckle.
"It is. It was good back then on installation 05. I quite enjoyed the ride along with the chief" replied Marcus with a smile looking at the chief.
"You were with the chief back then?" asked Carter in surprise. Some of them became curious to listen to the sergeant. Even cortana was interested in the conversation as it heavily involved her. Arbiter was even more interested in talking about that coz he was the only other person who was on the delta halo on that very day.
"My team assisted chief on the halo-05 during our first feet on ground" said Marcus.
"We were ordered to find and assassinate a san shyuum named..." Chief explained only to be interrupted by the Arbiter.
"Prophet of Regret" said Arbiter which got everyone's attention. Some were looking at him in mild surprise.
"So, what's your story?" asked Palmer.
"News of that prophet's death reached us. Back then I was serving them and I was tasked to retrieve the Icon, the activation index from the halo's library" said Arbiter.
After hearing this, some of their face's expression changed from a smile to seriousness. Indeed, everyone knows Arbiter's past and that he was solely responsible for several human deaths. But still, when he got out of the illusion, He hated the whole covenant with passion and vowed to exterminate everyone those who wronged his race.
"I've heard the early reports, I was sent by ONI to halo-03 for field work but never knew much about halo-05" asked Halsey who was listening to their conversation so far.
"After I retrieved the Icon, Prophets ordered the brutes to eliminate our race when we withdrew ourselves from the covenant" said Arbiter.
"And that was when the first covenant civil war took place" said Kelly who too was listening to the conversation. John-117 was the only spartan present during the halo-05 fight as other blue team members were on another mission, but everyone knew most of the story.
"So the prophets ordered the brutes to activate halo" said Arbiter.
"And it was that same moment myself and the chief met, though our meeting itself was in the unexpected place with an unexpected...*SIGH*...That was a nightmare" said Arbiter, his face frowned. Chief and Cortana knew what it was. It was then the three met the worst nightmare the galaxy could ever have.
"Well, looks like the story didn't have a happy ending" said Lasky. Chief sighed for a moment. Cortana then spoke through chief's speakers.
"For those who didn't know the entire story, I'll tell you another time. Now we got something else to focus on" said Cortana.
"Wait, You said the brutes were ordered to activate halo. But doesn't it require a human to do that?" asked Palmer.
"Indeed, The brutes captured our commander Miranda Keyes, Dr Halsey's daughter and Avery Johnson to force their hands" said Marcus. For a moment everyone looked at Halsey after her daughter's name was brought in. Her face was like she never wanted to remind herself of those unfortunate incidents.
"I was by the time busy stopping the prophet of truth from reaching earth" said Chief.
"That left me and my elites. We arrived at the right time to stop the brutes and together with Keyes and Johnson, we stopped the firing of halo" finished Arbiter.
That was quite a wrap up for some of them. Those events took place 5 years ago but still not everything is known about the wars fought on halos and the ark. Even the portal of Voi in Africa was covered post war and public access was restricted. When Infinity was deployed on installation 05 and 03 for decommission and study in the 5 years, there were no known evidences of the wars found on halo-05.
"Infinity found no evidences on halo-05 during the study. It was as if the whole place was cleaned" said Lasky.
"ONI works best in concealing the information just like they kept much from me" said Halsey with slight frustration.
"But, we'll have this exchange of historical facts later and get to the matter at hand" said Halsey now turning to chief.
"John, You and your team are supposed to give explanations about our current situation"
"Halsey is right. Chief, I need full details in the debriefing" said Lasky.
"Yes sir" said Chief.
"Here we are" said Cortana through the chief's helmet. The gondola reached the platform of the right cliff. Then it attached itself to the platform. Everyone came out to see the other half of the base. It was highly spacious and had camps to the left and right side for the marines and spartans to stay. In the middle is a big pathway for people to walk. The blue team had separate quarters and near by that would be Lasky, Palmer, Carter, Arbiter, R'tas and Halsey's place. The blue team have separate plans for Jorge.
As for the elites and hunters, They will be staying separately though their camps are similar to human camps. The reason being, Chief and his team didn't expect the separatists to be here.
"The place is spacious for everyone" said Jorge
"But, I am sorry Arbiter, We never expected you and your people coming here. So your people have to stay only in these human camps while you and R'tas can stay in the quarters we have for us" said Linda.
"No problem. My people were more used to dangers than comfort" replied Arbiter.
This place was already filled with supplies in the camps and ground side vehicles from the infinity and shadow of intent. Fire team majestic was doing a good job in escorting the marines, elites and hunters to the right cliff to their camps in the gondolas.
"Captain, We'll hold the council in an underground CIC 150kms from here" said Fred. There was a moment of silence with everyone's face in awe.
"That much? And you don't expect me to walk that distance, do you?" said Halsey. Chief let out a smirk, but Arbiter spoke before that.
"We'll board a troop carrier and get there soon" said R'tas who then used his communicator to call a phantom. In about 5 minutes, a type 52 phantom troop carrier came towards their position and slowly touched down before them.
"Let's get this over with" muttered Marcus. Everyone got on board the phantom and the door was closed. Usually gravity lift is used only during a fight for troop deployment otherwise, the blast door is generally used. Then the phantom went away from that place. Chief pointed out the directions. After they left, the marines, elites and hunters started to fill up the camps.
"Huh, How do you guyz even move between 400 miles?" asked Jorge.
"We teleport around the base" replied Kelly shrugging her shoulder.
"Hm, how comfortable!" muttered Jorge.
was stunned to hear that. She can already see the blue team's armors being severely upgraded, especially chief's armor was totally different. She decided to talk everything about this once the briefing was done.
In 10 minutes, they crossed 150 kms and reached the CIC. Everyone got out of the phantom to see a big door in front with a holo terminal to the left on a panel board. They also saw sentinels moving around the place.
Kelly then used the holo terminal to open the door. They all saw an elevator platform. Then everyone entered the elevator. Then she pressed the hologram and the door closed. Then everyone went down the elevator. After 10 seconds, the platform slowed down and finally reached the CIC door. The elevator stopped and the door opened. Everyone walked in. After crossing a small staircase, the entered a big room with nothing but a large table and chairs. But there was also a hologram emitter unbeknownst to them.
Chief inserted Cortana in a pedestal and Cortana was tapped into every electronics in the CIC. Sarah Palmer whistled in excitement.
"So, this...is our CIC?" mocked Palmer raising her eyebrow.
"Appearances are deceptive, commander" said Cortana, projecting herself. Everyone turned to look at her. She then switched ON the lightings just enough for the room to be visible.
"Why dont you all take your seats" said Cortana. Everyone sat around the table in the following order. Chief, Fred, Kelly, Linda, Lasky, Palmer, Carter, Jorge, Halsey, Arbiter, R'tas and finally Marcus. Everyone got settled and comfortable.
"So Cortana, why don't you start over from the very beginning?" said Lasky.
"Before I tell you, Why it took you one month to get here?" asked Cortana. Others were surprised with the question.
"What are you talking about? The moment the UNSC HIGHCOM received your message, in an hour, Lord Hood managed to get me a fleet and Arbiter's assistance and we used the same portal you used to get here" said Lasky confused.
"We had been waiting a month for your arrival, but you say that you followed us just an hour after we went through the portal?" asked Kelly. Halsey's face cleared up as she understood what the situation meant.
"Relativistic side effects are common with black holes. What had been a month for you was only a matter of minutes for us" explained Halsey. Clarity filled in everyone's faces as they understood the situation. They felt good to have an expert with them.
"But let us not deviate from the subject. Cortana, tell us everything" said Halsey. Others nodded in acknowledgement.
"Alright ladies and gentlemen" said Cortana who brought up this universe's milky way hologram display above the table. Everyone stared at the hologram eagerly.
"This is the milky way galaxy we all know. But, It's nothing like what we inhabit" said Cortana highlighting the star systems with their names displayed nearby.
"We even managed dig some data on our own regarding this universe's milky way galaxy during some unfortunate...encounters" said Carter. What Carter said stunned the blue team and Cortana.
"This universe? So you know that we are in a different universe?" asked Fred in surprise and confusion.
"That was only a hunch as what you humans say, spartan. But seeing the way you were surprised, It looks like we were right in that regard" replied Arbiter. Blue team and Cortana couldn't believe they already knew those information. Chief who was confused spoke immediately.
"How do you know this?" asked Chief.
"After we entered the galaxy, our fleet and Arbiter's fleet engaged an unknown enemy fleet of 46 ships. They asked us to surrender and we refused. So we fought and destroyed the enemy ships" said Palmer.
"Enemy ships? Who did you fight?" asked Cortana tensed.
"They called themselves Eclipse and Blood pack. Sounded more like cut throats" said Lasky.
"Shit!" said Linda quite loud. Blue team and Cortana had studied everything about this galaxy in the one month time. They know everyone and everything about this galaxy from which they need to stay alert at all times.
"What?" asked Lasky.
"That eclipse and blood pack you mentioned are mercenaries and cut-throats this galaxy had ever seen. So you did piss them off" said Linda.
"But how did you know that you were in a different universe with these encounters?" asked Chief.
"Roland, Infinity's AI managed to disable a ship through cyber-warfare. From that ship's computer, he managed to download all the data from an archive called 'Codex' regarding this galaxy which was more than convincing enough to prove that things aren't normal" said Lasky.
Blue team and Cortana were surprised to know that their allies had already learnt much before meeting them. This made Cortana to feel relieved as she didn't have to waste time in lengthy explanation.
"Then I guess you have learned about the different star systems, different species we have never heard about, the galactic society etc.,etc.," said Cortana.
"We do, but most of them don't make sense" said Jorge who had been listening on the conversation.
"And doc? I take it that it must have been your idea to suggest the others with the alternative universe theory" said Cortana turning to Halsey raising her eyebrow.
"I do. It's an age old theory, my dear" said Halsey with a slight smile.
"But let us get to the point construct. How and why you five traveled to this unknown place? Where did it all began? How did you even find this universe" asked Arbiter getting to the point. Arbiter was quite serious right from the start. It looks he had been keeping something to himself for a long time, some potential information of sorts. He acted as if he didn't want to waste any time.
"Yes, Tell us people, How did it all began?" asked Halsey. The Blue team exchanged looks while Cortana prepared to explain everything. She sighed a bit and started talking. She was walking around them.
"After chief and I managed to defeat the didact and blow up his ship, I used last of my abilities to save him from the explosion. But a large part of the debris was pulled into slipspace along with me while I was still trapped in the ship's systems"
"But, you weren't destroyed. Instead, you were transported somewhere else. Isn't it?" asked Jorge.
"Yes. The next thing I remember is that I was in a strange facility located in an unknown planet. But to my surprise, I was greeted by a forerunner monitor" said Cortana which brought a wary look from the others. Halsey's face turned serious.
"A monitor? do you know what facility was that?" asked Lasky.
It's a forerunner shield world designated 'Iridescent'" answered Cortana. Everyone's face turned surprised and confused. They couldn't believe blue team and Cortana discovered another shield world. It was an important discovery.
"Wow! So you have discovered another construct similar to Requiem" said Palmer in mild astonishment.
"Yes. A beautiful place indeed. That's where I was pulled in from earth. There, in a facility I was cured of my rampancy problem" said Cortana. Halsey was intrigued. If there was one thing UNSC scientists were struggling to solve, its the smart AI's rampancy. Cortana's rampancy cure could create a revolution in the creation of smart AI's in the future.
"You were cured of the rampancy?" asked Lasky raising her eyebrow. Cortana nodded.
"But construct, Why would the monitor help you?" asked R'tas who haven't uttered a word for a long time.
"There's a reason R'tas. Iridescent is not just any shield world. It's in fact a forerunner Research and Development facility. But that's not it's only purpose. The planet contains historical records of all events that occurred in the milky way"
"What sort of events?" asked Arbiter.
"Everything that's necessary to be passed down to the future generations. The life of forerunners, their early conflicts, then their war with the flood, reseeding of life and their eventual 100,000 year evolution. Even the recent incidents such as the human-covenant war" said Cortana. Everyone were shocked to hear that and were dumbstruck. They couldn't believe there was a forerunner world that has a wealth of knowledge that's powerful than any known weapons, even the more recent incidents such as the covenant wars. Some in the room started to show interest in going to this facility to learn more.
"But...that was not all" said Cortana who's face turned serious. Everyone turned to listen to her.
"The facility had been recording a strange mysterious signal" said Cortana.
"Signal? What kind of signal?" asked Halsey.
"Only thing I know about it was that it needed an organic mind to decipher it. It's nature is neurological" said Cortana. Everyone were confused.
"Can you be brief Cortana?" asked Lasky. She nodded. Then prepared to talk.
"A 100,000 years ago, during their end war with the flood, The Librarian, a forerunner life worker was on her way to the lagoon nebula in a personal ship. There, she found this artificial portal we all came through" said Cortana bringing the hologram of the artifact upon the table.
"Did the early forerunners built it?" asked Carter
"No. Our luminary identified it as an unknown artifact. It's not forerunner" replied Arbiter.
"Not forerunner! So some other advanced civilization built it?" asked Marcus.
"It is unknown till now. The librarian went near the portal to examine it. But, things didn't go quite well for her" said Cortana.
"Why? Was her ship pulled by the portal's gravity?" asked Lasky.
"No, but something strange happened to her. She identified a beacon originating from the portal to her surprise. And in the next instant, her mind was burned with horrific visions" said Cortana.
"So is this beacon the signal you mentioned?" asked Halsey.
"Yes" replied Cortana.
"That explains the neurological nature. But...A signal through a portal?! Who did even sent that?" asked Halsey in surprise and confusion. Cortana and the blue team can see the confusion in everyone's face.
"We haven't yet found that. There's no clue or lead to start with" said Cortana.
"What can you tell us about the signal? What did it show the librarian?" asked Jorge.
"She saw visions of galaxy wide annihilation and mass slaughter by an unknown ancient force" said Cortana. This caused a slight tension among everyone.
"Annihilation? In Milky way?" asked Palmer in tense.
"That's the catch. The librarian never saw anything related to the milky way. She believed it to be another galaxy" replied Cortana.
"The librarian never insisted on finding out?" asked Lasky.
"She took this matter very seriously, but couldn't do anything about it. They were already losing the fight with the flood. They couldn't spend resources to look into this" said Cortana.
"So the whole thing was abandoned" said Jorge.
"Yes. But she managed to archive the signal at iridescent and asked the planet's monitor to keep track of it" said Cortana.
"Why would she do that even after knowing they can't help" asked Lasky.
"She-...She believed someone in the future would look into this. The librarian believed in the mantle of responsibility so fiercely no matter where" said Cortana.
"So in 100,000 years, no one cared about it, right?" R'tas.
"Actually this signal has a pattern. The signal emanates from the portal every 50,000 years. So it's unlikely anyone would have found it" said Cortana. They couldn't understand this pattern Cortana mentioned.
"50,000 years?" asked Arbiter leaning front.
"The librarian's vision was the first one. Somewhere after 50,000 years, the signal once again showed up. Finally now, another 50,000 years later. Just few days before didact attacked earth" said Cortana.
"Does this pattern mean anything?" asked Carter.
"The librarian saw destruction in those visions caused by the beacon. If I'm correct, then every 50,000 years, the signal represented the same thing" said Halsey after calculating the possibilities.
"You are right doc. After I was cured of the rampancy and studied the archives, I learned about this signal. It shows a 50,000 year pattern of rise and fall of the species of this galaxy" explained Cortana.
"Did the librarian knew that the signal was not from another galaxy but from same milkyway in alternate universe?" asked Carter.
"I guess not. Because there are no references of another universe in the records" said Cortana.
Everyone wrapped up their mind with what they learned so far. One thing was clear for them. Even amidst the confusion, they have made a significant discovery either knowingly or unknowingly.
Halsey leaned front and was about to speak.
"So, the portal we all used is not forerunner in origin and the even more troubling fact is that it led us to another universe which is still incredible. Also that a strange signal was emanating from the portal for 100,000 years with 50,000 year interval. The forerunners tried to meddle with but couldn't help as they were already stretched thin. Now we all have followed the signal, used the artifact and finally we are here...Did I miss anything?" asked Halsey. Everyone were sharing a brief look. But they all knew that was only one half of the story.
"How did you find the chief and his team?" asked Lasky.
"After I learned about this, I sent a cryptic warning to the blue team. By the time, they were on a mission at Ivanoff station. After their arrival, I explained of the situation. Then we took a ship the facility had made and left for the portal" said Cortana.
"No offense, but why would you do that?" asked Marcus.
"The Monitor of the shield world insisted on carrying out this mission as a favor to the librarian" said Cortana.
"She's not even alive to return the favor. Why would you even care to poke into this business?" asked Marcus.
"I agree with Marcus here. Why should we even care about this?" asked Palmer. Cortana nodded in disappointment and sighed.
"The artifact bridge two different universes which itself is beyond comprehension. Even forerunners were not capable of achieving this feat. This portal was constructed by some race far ancient than any other we have ever known. Above all, A signal has been sent from here to our place in a pattern. This is something we cannot let it slide" said Cortana.
"I agree with cortana here" said Halsey to which everyone turned to her in surprise.
"This portal had been in 'our' galaxy for a long time and we never knew. Surely, if there was a way in, then there must be a way out. If there was a powerful race in our place capable of traveling between universes, Who were they? Why did they do this? These are the questions that needs to be answered " said Halsey.
It was a fair point. Even though this isn't their business, somehow their universe was involved in this situation.
"Arbiter, Your people were the first to discover the artifact. Did you already know?" asked Lasky.
"No captain. We-...came across the region to scan for any remnant activity and we found the portal in coincidence" replied Arbiter though his face was telling a different story. But it's difficult to read sanghelli facial expression.
As one part of the story was finished, the other began.
"So, we can clearly see that this is a different universe but still with many similarities. But the signal mentioned about a galactic cataclysm. Do you know anything about it?" asked Arbiter. The others nodded in acknowledgement.
The blue team and Cortana shared a look. Then chief stood up from his chair and started walking towards the center position of the table slow and relaxed. Others were looking at him. He decided to take it on from here.
"Before explaining that part, Even if you knew, allow me to give a quick note of everything that is present in this galaxy and the way things have evolved here" said Chief who was then looking at everyone.
...
Citadel, Council Chambers, 18:00 GST
Councilor Valern was reading out the reports in his data pad about the appearance of 15 mysterious ships in the terminus. The salarian STG spy network managed to capture the footage of the incident in the terminus and send it to him. He was watching in awe, 15 strange ships with 2 completely different factions appear out of a bluish white portal similar to the spartans's ships. Also those ships decimating the pirate fleet.
"My goodness! These ships look massive, different and also come out of the same portal those spartans used in their ships" exclaimed Valern.
"Do they belong to the same group as the spartans? Shit, where do they even come from!? thought Valern.
"Wait, the spartans said they came from different universe through a unknown artificial portal. These ships use the same technology though looking different. Could these ships be too from the other universe? This galaxy had never faced anything like this in the past!" thought Valern with frustration.
Valern then took the data pad and went to see Sparatus and Tevos. The two councilors were already discussing something.
"Tevos, Sparatus!" called out Valern.
"What is it councilor?" asked Sparatus.
"Take a look at this" said Valern handing over the data pad to Tevos and Sparatus.
Both saw the complete footage from the arrival of 15 ships so big that their eyes widened in confusion, fear and astonishment to the destruction of 45 pirate ships in the terminus.
"Spirits! Who are they?" asked Sparatus.
"Whoever they are, Their technology is familiar. Those spartans of the UNSC also possess the same technology" said Tevos.
"Yes, you're right. But Clearly from the ship designs, I can say there are 2 different factions" said Sparatus.
"But look at those 3 ships out of 15, they are very big similar to the spartan's ship" said Tevos. They couldn't believe what they are seeing. It is as if building ships this big are simply defying the laws of physics. The citadel council imposed many laws, one of which was the construction size of ships. The size of ships were limited due to excessive consumption of Eezo.
Then they noticed the ships specifications in the data pad which made their jaw drop.
"What is this!? No trace of Eezo in any of the ships?" asked Sparatus loud.
"Then it's true. These people must belong to the same faction as that of the spartans" said Tevos.
"Dammit! Who gave permission to these strangers to come in just like that? How do they even do it?"
"Calm down Sparatus. This is not the time to be angry" said Valern.
"Are you crazy, Valern!? These people destroyed 46 ships in a blink of an eye and they carry deadly arsenals! We must not allow the situation to grow before it bites us in the ass!" yelled Sparatus.
"You sound like you are open for a retaliation" said Tevos raising her eyebrow.
"No..NO!...I am going to send a message in the extranet. I hope the spartans could read it" said Sparatus in anger.
"Sparatus, what are you going to do?" asked Valern in tense.
"I am going to send a warning message to the spartans to surrender themselves and explain the situation within 5 days. Or else, I will order the entire turian hierarchy to mobilize the fleet and bring down the spartans and those mysterious people by force" said Sparatus.
"Sparatus, don't be a fool. They attacked only the pirate ships that too provoked" said Tevos trying to calm him down.
"Don't justify this Tevos!. These people must be stopped. My decision stands. No matter how big vessels and powerful weapons they have, the turian fleet is the mightiest in the milky way galaxy. The turian hierarchy will teach those strangers a lesson and everyone, what will happen when they step out of line!" said Sparatus and stormed out of the chamber.
Valern and Tevos couldn't believe what they saw. They were worried to see that Sparatus was out right pissed off and started to think like a mad man.
"Let him go. But before he does something we all going to regret, we need to talk some sense into him" said Tevos.
"You're right. Where is Udina?" asked Valern.
"He is in the Embassy. We will keep this information to ourselves, we don't want another tension to rise here" said Tevos. Valern agreed and gave a nod. Looks like they have their hands full.
...
A/N: That's it for now. The debriefing is not over. Chief will continue his explanation to the end. Blue team and Cortana will have a private conversation with Halsey regarding certain potential knowledge. Shepard gathers his team for a ride into the derelict reaper to retrieve the IFF.
