SECTION I: REVELATIONS
Chapter One: CINCONI
1100 Hours, February 21, 2557 (Military Calendar)/
Office of Naval Intelligence Research Station 054323-45 "Prometheus", Location Classified
Fireteam Onyx had gone through quite an ordeal in the last hour: they had launched from the UNSC Ajax at 1021, docking with the research station exactly thirteen minutes and seventeen seconds later. The team had breached the facility at 1037, and "captured" by station security at 1042. Now, at 1100 Hours exactly, the Spartans were finally being briefed.
Captain Ambrose punched a command into the holotable console. At once, a hologram of the research station burst from the projectors. "This is ONI Research Station 054323-45, designate Prometheus. Prometheus is been classified beyond top secret by order of CINCONI and HIGHCOM. Nothing we say here will ever leave this station."
The Spartans nodded in acknowledgment. They were used to keeping secrets.
Ambrose continued. "Ever since the discovery of ONI Research Facility Trevelyan four years ago, ONI scientists have been trying to decipher the inner workings of Forerunner technology. Originally, Section Three's science division took them from Trevelyan to various facilities in the Inner Colonies and on Earth. However, after the events of the second battle of Earth, Admiral Parangosky ordered the construction of Prometheus and centralized all classified Forerunner research here. Now, all Forerunner artifacts discovered inside Trevelyan and other Forerunner facilities are first cataloged by ONI. If the artifacts are determined to be of a high level of importance, they are sent here."
Ambrose punched another string of commands into the holotable, which now projected an array of technological devices, including a suit of GEN2 MJOLNIR armor and the now famous UNSC Infinity. Several of the Spartans raised an eyebrow beneath their helmets. Infinity was the most powerful warship in the Navy, able to go toe-to-toe with Covenant assault carriers and come out on top. She was one of the main reasons for humanity's rapid resurgence in the postwar years.
"Starship energy shielding, improved Slipspace drives, superluminal communications. These are just a few of the secrets this station's research has helped to unlock. Thanks to the scientists here, humanity has given the Covenant bloody noses in every battle, and will never be driven to the brink of extinction again." Ambrose finished his speech in almost a growl, gripping his right leg in pain.
One thought about what the captain had said. These technologies would have given humanity a fighting chance against the Covenant onslaught. While the general public had not known of the technological disparity until the latter years of the war, the soldiers and sailors of the UNSC had seen the fury of the alien hegemony firsthand. While the Covenant's technological edge was less pronounced in ground engagements, the UNSC was completely outclassed in outer space, whether by Covenant shielding technology or their ability to conduct pinpoint Slipspace jumps.
But now, humanity was no longer weak. More and more energy-shielded ships were being commissioned each year, like the Strident-class frigates and Autumn-class heavy cruisers. Combined with the striking power of Infinity, the UNSC Navy had carved out an impressive foothold in the Orion Arm, taking the fight to the Covenant remnant groups that sprung up from the empire's collapse. Glassed worlds were being terraformed, and humanity could once again roam the stars without threat of annihilation.
The captain turned to the Spartans, his face now neutral. "Let's talk security measures. This station has the most powerful defensive architecture of any man made space station ever built. Its external defenses are mostly the asteroid's sheer bulk, supplemented by armor plating and energy shielding. Mini-MACs and defensive turrets, along with a few prototype plasma turrets, make up the rest of the defensive sphere around the station." The hologram of the station changed, a series of red spheres indicating the maximum range of defensive weapons. In addition, a blue dome covered the surface installations.
The captain punched another key. The hologram now showed a diagram of the station, deck by deck. The Spartans could see the virtually impenetrable defenses: turrets, shields, blast doors, along with Marine and ODST deployments. "Internal defenses are no laughing matter, either. However, with the increasing number of Forerunner artifacts being shipped here, ONI and HIGHCOM feel the need to update our safety protocols."
One stepped forward. "We're ready when you need us, sir." The captain nodded and turned to the group of officers standing next to the Spartans. Lieutenant Gladstone stood there with his helmet held at his right side. Another ODST lieutenant stood next to him, his IFF tag identifying him as "Hernandez, Diego." The five remaining officers differed from their fully armored counterparts: four wore standard Marine BDUs, while the last one was clad in a Navy service uniform, the silver leaf of a Commander pinned on his left breast. Onyx One quickly identified the Marines as the commanders of the Marine company onboard the station, but only received a partial name for the commander: "Atwood."
The captain continued to speak. "These are the senior officers aboard this station: Lieutenants Gladstone and Hernandez command our Helljumpers, Captain Mackenzie leads Alpha Company, and Commander Atwood is my XO."
Onyx One took interest in the commander: even though the man was clearly older than him, he looked frozen, as if he hadn't aged much past thirty-five. He was far more fit than even most military men of his age. In addition, the man was tall: not as tall as an augmented Spartan, for sure, but the man had to be at least six feet five inches. His eyes were light blue, but betrayed a steely resolve. It was clear that the commander had been through hell, but he seemed to be a simple ONI spook: something was very wrong.
Atwood stepped forward and extended his hand out to the leading Spartan. "Pleasure to meet you, Onyx Team. Your reputation precedes you." Onyx One grimaced under his helmet as he shook the commander's hand. Not again. "Of course, don't let that fame go to your head. The original Spartans still got you beat."
The original Spartans: not a phrase that Onyx One had heard uttered very often. In fact, outside of the hallowed circles of ONI Section Three, almost no one knew the truth about the ORION Project and its successors, the legendary SPARTAN-II and -III programs. While the Master Chief and his comrades were well-known to humanity, the other two programs were classified beyond top-secret. So the good Commander is high up in Section Three then.
Captain Ambrose interrupted One's thoughts. "Now that this meet and greet is over, let's get you to your quarters. Lieutenant Gladstone, please show the Spartans to their barracks." The young ODST nodded and waved the armored supersoldiers over. "Follow me. You're bunked up on Deck C." The five Spartans fell in behind the shock trooper as he walked out of the control room.
Commander Atwood watched the Spartans until they exited the chamber, followed by the remaining infantry officers. Captain Ambrose, who had turned back to the holotable, spoke up. "What do you think Commander?" Atwood smirked and walked up to join the captain. "They're good. ONI sent us good ones."
Ambrose chuckled. "That's high praise coming from you. Remember what happened when the IIIs showed up? You just shook your head." Atwood smiled at the memory. Ambrose punched in a command, bringing up the inventory from the supply drop.
"Tell Commander Amador that her damn medical supplies finally arrived, and send Doctor Hayashi to Cargo Bay 7 for the latest shipment. The good men and women in science division have some new toys to look over." The hologram flashed, before being replaced by a beautiful woman in Greek armor. She carried a shield and spear, completing the image of an ancient Greek warrior.
"Captain Ambrose, I completed my inventory. However, I found an anomaly: a package I couldn't scan. The casing is comprised of a refractive nanopolymer which none of my sensors cannot penetrate." The two officers looked at each other in confusion before turning back to the AI.
"Any guesses on what it is?" Athena shook her head. "No sir. The only information I could get was a recipient: you, Commander Atwood." At that, the commander's face broke out into a wide smile.
A light chuckle escaped his lips as he shook his head back and forth. "Oh, Serin, you don't change one bit." Both the captain and Athena looked confused. Atwood tapped in a few commands, locating the package. "Thank you for the information Athena. I'll take it from here."
The commander strode out the door, with the captain and Athena still sporting dumbstruck looks.
The five Spartans followed Gladstone to the elevator bank, where he punched the up button. The five titans stood together silently, while the Helljumper made discreet glances over towards them. The elevator dinged softly, the doors sliding open to allow the six entrance. Gladstone once again punched the button, the C lighting up.
The doors slid shut and the elevator surged upwards. The sudden acceleration didn't faze the silent Spartans, but Gladstone swore under his breath as he stumbled. He had been so distracted by the Spartans that he hadn't braced himself. Pulling himself back up, he looked at the Spartans, who had turned their gazes toward him. I look like a damn fool.
Just seconds later, the elevator doors opened up on Deck C. Gladstone walked out briskly, eager to escape the awkward situation of the elevator. God, do they ever talk?
Ironically, the Spartans were talking: just not to Gladstone.
"I don't get it: why the hell would ONI make us storm the facility? What do they have in here?" Five discreetly glanced at Two, hoping for a response. Two shrugged his shoulders slightly and continued to follow the ODST. The two had opened up a private comm channel, talking as they made their way to their barracks. They walked shoulder to shoulder behind everyone else.
Two looked ahead at Onyx One, who silently followed Lieutenant Gladstone through the hallways of the facility. "You think that he's still acting strangely?" Five followed Two's gaze to their team leader. "I don't know. He's a lot different than when he was Delta One." Two nodded ever so slightly. It was true that Onyx One had changed after Malurok, but they all had, right?
Gladstone stopped in front of a door marked "Barracks 4." "This is where I leave you." He turned and thrust his hand out, which One took and shook gently. The Helljumper grimaced underneath his helmet, but nodded at the other Spartans. "It was good to meet all of you. I'm sure I'll see you at the mess in a few minutes: they're serving lunch soon."
All five Spartans nodded at him. The ODST smiled and began to walk down the hall to his barracks. They are really weird. Wait until Vanessa hears about this.
Meanwhile, the Spartans entered their barracks, surprised to find it devoid of any other human life. The room was clearly meant to hold about forty-five Marines, but someone had removed thirty beds. Only fifteen beds remained on the far side of the barracks, the remaining space filled by five massive machines. The Spartans realized that they were a version of the stations they used to equip their armor.
Four strode over to one and accessed its control pad. "Very nice. Right here in the barracks." She stepped back and admired the machines. "I wonder where they store the armor…"
The other four Spartans meandered over to the bunks, where five duffel bags had been placed in the aisle. Each one was labeled with their names in big black letters. Each Spartan took a bag and threw it on one of the beds. Two and Five picked two bunks next to each other, while Three and One chose beds far apart at the front of the room. Two and Five noted this with apprehension, exchanging a look.
Four noticed as well. She walked over and picked up her duffle delicately. Then she all but threw it onto a bed near the back of the room, away from the rest of her team. Three opened a comm channel with her. "You doing okay?" Instead of a response, he only got a red acknowledgement light. The massive Spartan closed the channel and grumbled to himself as he walked over to the armor station marked with a 3.
Two and Five exchanged yet another glance. Two opened a channel to his friend and sighed. "This is going to be fun."
After retrieving the case from Cargo Bay 5, the commander had brought it back to his quarters on Deck E. Inputting his personal security code into the panel beside his door, he waited patiently as the biometric scanner built into the door verified his identity. "Identity confirmed: Commander Atwood." Atwood strode through the now open door, the Titanium-A portal sliding shut behind him.
Being an officer, and a high-ranking one at that, the commander's quarters were a bit more lavish than the rest of the men on the station. He had a spacious living room, a small kitchenette, and a bedroom that doubled as an office, with a personal bathroom off to the side. Carrying the small black box into the bedroom, he carefully laid it down on his desk before moving to remove his uniform. This collar is always too tight. In just a minute, the commander sat down at his desk, wearing a grey sweatshirt emblazoned with the ONI logo and its motto: Semper Vigilans. He had also doffed simple black sweatpants and a pair of comfortable black slippers he had picked up in the New Alexandria markets before Reach fell.
"Lights down." The room lights dimmed in response to Atwood's vocal commands. Clicking on his desk lamp, he turned once more to the package in front of him. It was strange, even by ONI's standards: the case had no external markings, not even any indication of a locking mechanism. Frowning slightly, he spun the case around, looking for a way to open the box.
After two fruitless minutes of searching, the commander slammed his hand down on the black case. Suddenly, a flash of blue light encapsulated his hand. "Identity confirmed: Commander Atwood, service number 02422-60545-KA." The voice issuing from the package was synthetic, but one that Atwood was intimately familiar with.
"Black-Box?" The blue light shut off suddenly, accompanied by an audible click as the latches unlocked. Lifting up the lid, Atwood took in the contents of the package: two different data crystal chips. Puzzled, the commander lifted both out and weighed them, one in each hand. Unable to decide which one he should look at first, he shrugged and slid both into slots in the desk. Placing the now empty package on the floor, he cleared the desk so its holoprojectors could work unimpeded.
The bright blue light of the projectors formed a simple cube hanging six inches over Atwood's oak desk. The box was featureless, but the brightest side faced the ONI officer. "So what brings you here, old friend? Miss me?" Atwood's lips stretched into a warm smile at the sight of an old companion. Of course, Black-Box wasn't amused.
"Oh please, as if such a perfect creation like myself would need your companionship." The smart AI's avatar swiveled around, seemingly searching the room. "Excellent. You are alone. Let me just make sure no one is watching." A sphere of pure code surrounded BB's avatar as he accessed the base's systems. "It seems that the captain trusts you, Atwood. Why he would, though, is a mystery to even my advanced intellect."
The hologram dimmed for a moment before the sphere of blue code vanished. "Now that we've gotten that out of the way, I have a message from Admiral Osman. Shall I play it?" Atwood's smile evaporated, replaced by an inquisitive expression. Why is she sending me a message now? What kind of game is she playing? After a moment's hesitation, the commander simply nodded.
Black-Box's avatar vanished, replaced by a familiar face. Despite himself, Atwood smiled once more. He couldn't help it: the two had always been very close, and that bond had only strengthened during their service in ONI. He hadn't seen her in over two years, but she was as beautiful as ever. She looked strong, as she always did, but she wore a smile, a rare sight on the face of the most powerful woman in the UNSC.
"BB, play the damn message already." The hologram flashed in annoyance, but the avatar of Osman began to speak.
"Hey, it's me. Obviously." A chuckle escaped her lips. Atwood smiled: only he could reduce CINCONI to the equivalent of a shy schoolgirl. "I sent this message to you because… well, you need to know everything about the latest shipment." Atwood's smile faded: business, then. The admiral sighed, putting her hand to her forehead.
"Spartan branch insisted that Onyx take this assignment, but I'm worried. These guys, they're good. Hell, with their scores, they could go toe-to-toe with Noble or maybe even an S-II team. But they're not stable: they went through hell on Malurok." Malurok: the commander's interest was officially piqued.
The Battle of Malurok had been the UNSC's first major strategic offensive since the end of the Great War. A major Covenant fleet had set up shop on a Sangheili fortress world and the UNSC Security Council decided to send a strike force to cripple it. Atwood had been stationed at Prometheus at the time, but he had heard rumors of a large Spartan contingent deployed during the ground invasion. The only other thing he knew was that the strike force had taken significant casualties, but the battle was a resounding victory for the UNSC.
"So I'm sharing their full CSVs with you: everything, uncensored in its true glory. You'll be impressed. These guys might not be Blue, but they damn sure try to be. Anyways, I figured you could handle it: after all, you are somewhat of an expert on Spartans." Osman and Atwood shared a smile at that.
"So on a more personal note, I pulled some strings and got you a ticket out on the next supply drop in two months. I figured you could use some R&R, and I've heard from one of my best officers that Sundown is a great place to be. So, look out for that, sailor." She put on her best seductive face, and failed spectacularly: something that Atwood loved about her.
"Anyways, if you want to talk, I think BB can always swing a secure line. Take care of his little clone: he wants him back. I have to go: Lord Hood wants an update on Venezia. I will see you in a few months. Bye Kirk." Osman turned away, but turned back around to utter one last phrase, almost in a whisper: "I miss you."
With that, the hologram of Osman was replaced by Black-Box, who whistled. "So the rumors are true. Of course, I've known for years now." Atwood smiled and tapped in a command to the holotank. "Where are the Spartans' records?"
"In the other chip. Osman didn't want me to spoil the surprise. Funny how she's like that." Atwood smiled at that and leaned back in his chair. "Well, what are you waiting for, BB? Open 'em up."
In a flash, five files joined Black-Box's avatar in the hologram. Each one was represented by a small sphere, each numbered one through five. I realize I never got their names. Strange, even for a Spartan. Undeterred, he decided to open the fifth file first. She was their stealth expert, if I recall.
The file flashed open and the commander began to read.