Spirit of the Fox
(CASTLE base, 10:45 AM, Reach, Epislon Endari System)
(Dr. Catherine Halsey's Office)
CASTLE base was one of the most defended places in known establishments for the UNSC. It had thick Titanium A plating that was thick enough to stop a 80 megaton nuke, it also included many halls that were need to be known to most personnel. It was also here that most Spartans were trained and honed in their skills that made them legends on the battlefield.
Along with those facts, it also added up to Dr. Catharine Halsey. She was a refined genius, even when she was younger. Being a star pupil, she had actually written two doctoral Thesis's during her teenage years and the master mind behind the Spartan program.
Now, she was told of a new development taking place for the UNSC. She had black hair that was slowly greying but held her good looks. She was now thirty nine years old and quite skeptical about what she was now reading.
She sipped a cup of coffee and eyed the crucial parts of the report. Skepticism entered her features, while she was a scientist, she was somewhat suspicious about this new arrival out of nowhere. With a sigh exiting her lips, she got up from her chair and walked out of her office to head for the research lab for the presentation.
(Reach CASTLE Base landing)
The Pelican slowed down as it entered the airspace of CASTLE base, Naruto stood at the ready, hanging onto a handle of the ceiling of the Pelican, he spotted Captain Cutter near the landing pad along with Admiral Hood.
He gave a nod of the head as he got off the pelican, wearing rather new clothes, a long sleeved t-shirt with the sleeves rolled up to the middle of his forearms along with cargo pants and combat boots.
"Sirs" he greeted while Hood and Cutter nodded. Noting the case held by the handle, Cutter started "I atke it you're the one responsible for the seismic activity earlier?" he asked, raising a brow slightly to show that he was actually believing this.
Naruto nodded, confirming their suspicions as Hood started "What exactly is in the case?" he gestured to the entrance of CASTLE base, his tone curious as Naruto followed.
"I've already read reports on how plasma torpedoes easily pierce or burn through Titanium A Armor" Naruto started, getting past a few security checkpoints "Despite the fact that it on a molecular level capable of standing such intense heat, is useless against plasma. I came up with an alternative metal for as such" he ended as they had passed by personnel and hall while the blond ignored the looks he was getting.
"And you have a replacement?" asked Cutter, at this point he was sure the blond could do practically anything given his shinobi skills.
Naruto nodded as they entered an elevator "Yes, a metal that will help defend better against Plasma torpedoes as well as their pulse laser defenses" Naruto explained before continuing "Including another material that is more potent then what you use now for your missiles and warheads" he smirked a little seeing their surprised faces.
"Research, I was able to pick up what I could from the database of the Spirit of Fire"
"And who exactly told you?" asked Cutter, slightly annoyed that someone had once again bypassed his orders.
"That would be me, sir" cackled Serena's voice through Cutter's com, said captain sighed slightly "I figured we'd have a better chance to rain death and destruction upon-"
He turned off the com noting the looks from Hood and Naruto, whom was looking slightly amused. Cutter ignored the ongoing silence and decided to leave things as they were.
Hood said nothing, but the corner of his lips twitched to suppress a smile as the elevator stopped and made their way down a hall that was specifically made for private conversations in ONI.
(Research Lab)
The lab specifically taking place for debriefing was Catherine Halsey's personal lab as she was to be the first one to know of his involvement with the project before deciding to take it to the rest of the ONI personnel, given the fact if the Covenant picked up ears on this project, they'd take any chance to stop the shields from being completed.
Catherine had read the files earlier and was quite skeptical to say the least. She glanced at the seal of approval that came from the personal office of the Fleet Admiral himself. She mused mostly over the videos she saw not just minutes earlier and was impressed by the battle skill alone that would put a Spartan on par.
She chuckled amusedly, this was going to be interesting.
Her thoughts were cut from when the doors slid open and Cahterine found herself mildly surprised to find a late teen kid here, deterimining the height and the one she saw from the videos, this would be the one who was in the cybernetic suit. That caught her eye, if only a minute interest.
"Lord Hood" Catherine greeted, they were situated at a desk under some lights with the lab equipment in the room's expansion behind her.
Hood nodded to the civilian as did Cutter. Catherine found herself again surprised though she didn't show it. In his slit blue eyes, she could see knowledge experience and battle that he had experienced. Other than that, his build was suited to fight as well as evade by her deductions "You read the reports? asked Hood, gazing at her curiously, "And the video" went unsaid.
She chose her words carefully for a split second "I have" she said slowly "Finding something like this is…" Catherine cupped her chin in thought "…staggering to say the least" she said finally, drawing a nod of understanding from Hood.
"Ah, and this is Naruto Uzumaki…"
"Namikaze…" finished Catherine, giving a pointed look at Hood "I read it extensively before your arrival" she explained shortly, glancing at Naruto she started "If you truly want me to believe you can get what you said done, I need proof" she stated firmly while Naruto titled his head towards her, showing his acknowledgement.
In response, he sifted through his left pocket and fished out a disc light object, the shield generator appeared in a light of hologram as Catherine observed it, her calculating eyes scanning the device.
"I already have the material necessary for making the shields in question" he put the case on the table and with a click, it opened. He took out a shining rock that was layered into a slight brick.
"This, is Trinium" he set it on the table "A hundred times stronger then steel, yet a hundred times lighter" Catherine turned her eyes to it, with curiosity "Density?" she asked.
"Enough to take more than five hits of plasma torpedoes to a Halcyon class cruiser" he started "If I wanted an accurate summary, ten to twenty five would be more suitable on ships" this got a moderately surprised look from her while Hood and Cutter remained calm looking.
"The refined version is perfect for as such, but the brittle version that is raw, that makes it worthless, however…" he glanced sidelong at Hood who nodded thoughtfully.
"And the next element?" Cutter decided to get in on the conversation that he did not want to be left on. The blond nodded and took out a small smooth blue rock "This, is Naquadah" he set it down "This can be used both as a power source and as ordinance for offensive technology" he explained "The power output can be increased if liquefied and potent enough to create shields, using the trinium and the preliminary plan for the generator, I estimate that I can do so with ONI's funding in less than six to eight months. Seven if we over work"
Silence ensured for a minute until Naruto broke it "And I want ONI's help on a personal project of my own" that got a frown from her, but a curious nod nonetheless.
"Familiar with the "I scratch your back, you scratch mine" term? I take you've already seen the cybernetic suit?" he asked, Catherine arched a brow a bit as he finished "Technical upgrades to my suit, much like the Spartan Program" that got wide eyes from her while Hood remained expressionless and Cutter gulped inwardly, Catherine was very closeted about the Spartan program.
"Out of the question" she responded almost immediately, and was about to continue when Hood interceded "Dr Halsey, If we were to give the upgrades needed, Naruto would by far be more efficient then the Spartans. I have data from Serena, AI of the Spirit of Fire".
Her head snapped to the man and was about to give an argument when she stopped and paused, looking extremely thoughtful. After five minutes silence, she spoke "I will..have to see how compatible the two suits would be, even then, it would be tough".
"I can modify them if necessary" Naruto cut in calmly "I have the plans for the suit, and several modifications in mind, given how I've seen Red Team in action".
Catherine paused and nodded slowly "Will ONI know of this?" asked to Hood who nodded "For now, we'll keep this quiet to but a few at Section III, including yourself" Catherine saw the logic in this and nodded her understanding.
Section III of ONI was the Special Projects Program, responsible for many classified projects including the Spartan II program. Their greatest success was the Spartan II-Commando Unit that kept the morale of the UNSC going.
"Very well, when shall the work begin?" she asked, keeping her curiosity and faint look out of the norm. Hood paused and spoke "Three days from now, he'll brief you on the specifications. For now, we'll have to deal with making new ships with "Trinium" as it's called" he glanced at the mineral.
"Admiral, I suggest an overhaul for the Spirit of Fire" Naruto spoke up, suprising Hood before pausing "Your suggesting we do repairs on ships, instead of building new ones" he interpreted Naruto's statement and found it intriguing.
"Mixing metals with Trinium would increase the Titanium-A that you have on your ships, as well as that, it would cut time in half. With the war's current path, we can't take years to make a new ship" he pointed out logically at the end.
Hood considered that and nodded slowly, quality over quantity made sense. He looked at Naruto "Hm, if it can be done. Now, what rank would you consider after finishing the Shield Project?" he asked curiously while Naruto turned his gaze upward in apparent thought.
"Petty Officer Third Class at least, I did have experience In team management during my time as a mercenary on my own world" he explained with a shrug as he responded a minute later.
Hood nodded and a Door to the left side of the table opened, an ONI personnel walked in wearing a labcoat "Dr Halsey, Lord Hood, apologies for interrupting, but the upgrades on Red Team is due" Catherine looked at Hood who nodded for her to go.
As she left, Naruto sighed "Wonderful, I'm gonna have a lovely time" he muttered to himself, sarcastically as he put away the minerals while Cutter chuckled at his misfortune. While undeniably brilliant, Catherine Halsey had little in the ways of a social lifestyle, thus it would make it hard for him to get along with the good doctor.
"And Naruto?" asked Cutter, serious looking as the blond gave him his full attention "There's something I'd like you to take a look at…" even Hood had to listen to this one.
(One Hour Later)
Naruto reversed the frames of the video, watching the flood each and every time. His eyes both calculative and grimacing at the death of a Marine. He played it again and again as Hood watched with a bit of disgust and horror at this life form.
"…My marines as well as Red Team encountered this life form on the Shield World, from the planet's destruction, it should be destroyed…" Cutter explained "It seems to be a disease-"
"No" Naruto cut in, not taking his eyes off the gruesome spectacle "This is no mere disease" he sighed aloud and ran a hand through his locks.
Hood looked at Naruto, a sharp look in his eye "What is it then?" he asked, watching a Proto-Gravemind being destroyed.
"Well, there was something rather odd I noted when this video first began" Naruto saw Serena form next to the screen "Serena, reverse to the beginning frames of the organisms attacking". "Creepy mutated monsters attacking, coming up" she reversed it as the first wave attacked and the screen paused.
Cutter ignored the way she sounded and Naruto chuckled at her, he found Serena to be interesting to say the least. He could get along with her much easier then Anders or Captain Cutter could.
"Split the screen. Take a shot of the organism's after a few marines went down" he stated as the screen spilt showing the separate images.
Hood could see him contemplating, wondering what he was thinking "What conclusion can you draw from these…things?" he gestured to the screen while Naruto spoke after a minute.
"Look at the first image" he zoomed in on the first spilt section "The attack is unorganized and overwhelming. Meant to take down the first few" he pointed to the next image "Here, after three marines go down, their attacks are precise" his conclusion confused Cutter and Hood.
Naruto explained to satisfy them "The organism is not a disease, but rather a sentient being capable of parasitic actions, taking over a host's body and gains their knowledge" Cutter hmmed and observed the photos.
"So, that's why we had a harder time against them…the more of us that fell…the more they learned of us?" he ended incredulously, shivering slightly at a still image of an infected marine.
Naruto nodded slowly "It seems likely, but what I'm more concerned of is this" he brought of a hologram of the Shield World and ships that John Forge encountered.
"This technology is far beyond that of ours or the Covenants" this got grim looks from Cutter and Hood. Knowing there was technology out there that outmatched their own was none a thought too pretty. "Serena, can you bring up Ander's notes on the "Artifact" found on Harvest?"
Serena nodded and brought up glyphs that made Naruto frown a bit as he leaned forward "Can you copy this?" he asked suddenly "All data on these organisms as well too?" he asked Serena, inserting a memory chip into the drive of the holo-table.
Serena arched a brow "Anders won't like this, you realize" this made Naruto snort in response "You want my expertise and help against the Covenant?" he asked rhetorically.
"Point taken" she responded with a smirk as Naruto took out the memory chip that looked like it had a hole in the middle. "I'll figure out what I can about these organisms as well as the glyphs Ander's found" he glanced at Hood who nodded his approval.
"You think there are…more of these "Shield World's"?" asked a slightly hesitant Admiral Hood. Grimacing mentally at the thought of facing those advanced ships.
"Most likely, for now, we'll have to hold onto assumptions until we can get the evidence we need" Naruto responded, taking out a holo-tablet that was the size of a PDA. He slipped in the chip and put it in a holster at his left side.
Hood merely nodded as he glanced at the PDA "Get back to me when you can on deciphering those symbols" he got an instant nod from Naruto from the sound of that serious tone.
"I'll do what I can" Naruto responded "If any more of these structures contain these organisims, the Covenant will be the least of our problems" his statement got grim nods of agreement from Hood and Cutter, not wanting to imagine facing a threat worse than the Covenant.
Naruto sighed and took the case up before nodding and left with an escort. As the door closed, the sound of hissing faded as silence took its place in the lab.
"Given what you've shown me, it's hard to believe he's lasted a year alone on a Covenant occupied planet" Hood started "ONI is going to swarm this…" he rubbed the bridge of his nose as Cutter stayed silent, knowing what he was referring to.
"If they find that video sir…" Cutter trailed off ominously as he grimaced, ONI would like nothing more then to cut open and dissect Naruto just to learn about his regenerating abilities and try to apply it to the Spartan soldiers. He asked "Keep this under wraps?" he asked as Hood looked at Serena "Serena, delete the video of Naruto's fight against the Shipmaster, now" he inserted a memory chip into the holo-table.
Serena paused and nodded affirming that the evidence was destroyed.
Hood sighed in relief for a moment before taking out the chip and slipping it into his pouch, next he took out the flash drive with Covenant movement "I'll get this down to logistics, I'll hand off a copy to Naruto and see what he can make sense of it" he eyed the glowing flash drive with a sense of hope in his eye.
(Twenty Minutes Later – Naruto's Room, Spirit of Fire)
Naruto observed a hologram of a Sniper Rifle System 99 Anti Material. Being rather curious of the weapons in the UNSC, he decided his sniper rifle wasn't exactly suited for urban combat and decided to do a remodel of his weapon. He had to admit though, the mercury tipped rounds did quite an amount of damage to Covenant forces.
A remake would be done on his own time given ONI would be giving funding this time around. He sighed aloud and turned off the hologram. His gaze turned to the city and noted the grim looks on soldier's faces, a sad smile graced his features.
They were expecting to die, almost, that it was.
Naruto sat down at the desk and began to go over some plans for his new cybernetic suit combined with Spartan tech. Allowing a small smirk to his face, he mused this would be an interesting time for himself.
Authors Note
Hey everyone, new chapter. I have to say, things really are heating up for my story. Now, Naruto will be able to modify his up and coming armor, I will have to research for a bit to find a cool one from an anime or manga, I am open to recommendations.
This takes place after Halo Wars for those who don't know. The next chapter will be an seven month time skip, explaining what has been happening during the time frame. If this chapter does not satisfy you, I can rewrite. Also, Halsey should be around thirty nine years old in 2531, I took the current date and subtracted it from her birth date.