Vanguard

Chapter 43

"The Azloc Findings Pt. 2"

[Orbit over Azloc lll]

"Tracer . . . Tracer!" a voice beckoned over the comms net.

The clone ace pilot in question was in a semi-conscious trans like state of mind, the world before him had slowed down to a fraction of a second. To his left, he could see a Covenant CCS-Class Battlecruiser take on a barrage of blue heavy turbolaser fire from a nearby Venator, its shields held strong against the attack, while it returned the favor with a single lance from its bow energy projector. To his right, he found Dice flying alongside him, the blaster cannons of his Headhunter Starfighter blistered away at the enemy ahead of him. And finally in front of him was a Banshee interceptor closing in with its twin plasma repeaters firing away, each bolt either zips pass harmlessly or find their mark on his craft. Quickly enough a single blast from Dice impacted the alien craft and destroys it entirely in a ball of blue fire and metallic fragments.

Time catching up to Tracer, his perception of reality quickly speeds back up to normalcy with his wingman stating "Tracer! Can't have you freezing up brother, snap out of it!"

The ace briefly shakes his head before coming back to the situation "Agh sorry . . . I don't know what happened."

"Think you got a little too close to the enemy cruiser, flak shook you up."

"Eh maybe" he sighed "I'm a little cooked but let's keep doing our job for now."

"Right, Hammerhead Squadron is preparing to make a run for one of the capital ships, they're requesting fighter cover."

"Alright let's get over there and help."

"I'll follow you're lead."

[Arrestor, Command Bridge]

The floor rumbled lightly beneath Res' feet as the conflict progressed with the Empire sustaining a steady amount of losses though it was unfavorable compared to the three ships the enemy had lost to heavy fire. Despite this he was thoroughly impressed by the sheer cutting technological edge the Covenant possessed over them, able to cut down a single fully shielded Venator-Class Star Destroyer in a single sweep. But even so they were not without flaws, Res had already acknowledged the fact that the enemy must lower their shields along a specific portion of their shields to fire any of its weapons, quick-reacting bombers and gun batteries would be able to send out several strikes against the attacking ship and damage the weapon without having to try and break through the shields.

"Sir! We've lost the Belfast and Revelation, our port flank is losing ground!" a clone officer reports from the lower pits.

"Reinforce them with the Nobility, and bring in our Imperator classes" he answered calmly as he stared out into the raging war.

"Right away Sir!"

The clone then attends to one of the communication consoles, put on a headset, and then acquired the specific frequency the Imperial fleet works on "Star Destroyer Nobility, move in to reinforce point five-echo-six. Star Destroyer Attrition and Concordance assume battle positons at point eleven-mark-nine and thirteen-delta-five."

As ordered, the Venator-Class Cruiser Nobility jumps in from the safety of the reserve fleet and take up combat positions in place of the lost Belfast and Revelation. In addition, the two larger Imperator-Class Star Destroyer Attrition and Concordance performs their own hyperspace jump and came out in the heated battle flanking both port and starboard sides of the Assertor before releasing their air wings of fighters and bombers. As expected, both vessels became targeted by the Covenant fleet, launching small volleys of plasma torpedoes against the new ships but much to everyone's surprise the more modernized and advanced shielding of the Imperator classes proved to be much more resilient than the Venator, the Concordance was able to take three torpedo hits without suffering any hull damage though at much cost to shield power despite the advancement.

In little to no time, the ship's gunnery crew had locked in the targeting parameters of the nearest battlecruiser and took aim with its portside main batteries, consisting of three twin-barreled heavy turbolaser turrets and a heavy ion battery acting as the fourth gun, then fired. A flurry of green and blue energy fire raced across the vacuum until it collided with the covenant's energy shielding, beating away like a drum to moderate effect. In kind response, the battlecruiser responded with its own devastating barrage of pulse laser and torpedo fire, slamming into the shields and eventually breaking through and pummel the thick durasteel armor beneath to greater effect.

Beyond the two giants clashing, the war in space roared onwards growing in intensity. But beyond that, two forces moved to gain control of the ancient relic that lied beneath the north polar ice caps . . .

[Phantom dropship, Solemn Night]

The squadron of thirteen phantoms raced from the outlying zones of the conflict to Azloc's north pole where they will find what they will defend with their very lives. Each dropship contained roughly thirty capable soldiers totaling to about three hundred and ninety loyal soldiers to the Great Journey, accompanying them were four Wraith Main Battle Tanks and six more Ghost Rapid Attack Vehicles.

Within the lead phantom, coated with a burgundy alloy nanolaminate hull, 'Vadamee along with his personal squad of twelve Spec Ops Rangers, Admiral Gran who stood by the Shipmaster's side, and four selected clone troopers still outfitted in their artic gear and armed with their old blaster weapons. Gran chose these four knowing they would keep a cool head, knowing that if one trooper steps out of line or worse, openly attacks 'Vadamee or his men, it would cost him his life and that of everyone else still left in his command that he swore to protect, thirty sum troopers and officers.

"We are breaking through the planet's upper atmosphere" the pilot's voice broke through on the phantom's intercom.

"Good, stay the course. We need to reach the relic before the humans do, if they open it all will be lost to us" Shev instructs.

"Yes Shipmaster."

Gran, standing ever so diligent, kept his eyes on his men who stood close to one another, dwarfed by the much larger Sangheili, and asks "This 'relic', I suppose it is something that was created by your gods?"

"Indeed. Though despite our efforts to open the gateway have yet to learn its purpose and function, it has become apparent that we require the aid of a human. Such as yourself . . ."

"So this is why you kept me around, I'll be honest but I don't understand why you need a human. Is there a sort of significance?"

"During the course of our war against the humans, we have come to realize that they possess a certain characteristic that allows them to interact with particular relics and holy sites, a trait we do not have."

"You wage a war against humans but yet you need their help to unlock the greatest of secrets your gods have left you . . . humph."

"Mark the irony if you wish, but that is the tragic truth. But you are lucky to be under my care and not of 'Artamee's, he would have killed your men and slay you the moment you outlive your usefulness."

"What makes me think you won't do the same?"

"Because unlike him, I keep my word regardless of who I give it to. You perform what I ask of you and I will ensure the liveliness of you and your men."

"You've also taken the risk of arming them too . . ."

"It is a waste to have trained men just lying about. With what few assets we have we cannot afford to chance anything."

The floor beneath shook as the craft began to level out and fly low to the snowy plains beneath them, the dropships continue to fly in formation as they now approach the relic site just several kilometers away.

"If you're asking them to fight against their brethren, you know they rather kill themselves before doing such a thing" Gran warns him.

"I am aware of that and I truly understand, rest assured I will not ask them to do so. Instead I have other uses for them."

"Such as?"

"Thus far the relic has not yet been open, this only leads to the speculation that the interior systems and defenses are still operational."

"What sort of defenses?"

"Nothing of any real threat, only combative constructs left by the builders to care for the holy site. I am sure your men are capable of handling themselves."

The admiral then gruffly remarks "Hmph, let's hope so . . ."

At this time Gran catches movement out of the corner of his left eye, he turns his head to see a ranger approaching him and more specifically 'Vadamee who also turned to meet his fellow Sangheili "Have you acquired the status of the enemy forces?"

"Yes Sire" the ranger responded, his voice sounded mechanical due to the vocoder in his black helmet that showed nothing but the face behind a dimmed transparent visor, he reaches for his utility belt found along his waist and produces a small orb-like device before he thumbs a small switch which brings a visualized map of the local regions into sight.

He then began "The human transports have made their way to an open field four kilometers away and are deploying their armies as we speak. Given the acceleration of their heavy vehicles we should expect the bulk of their forces to arrive within the next hour."

Shev took the report into consideration ". . . Very well, we shall set our defenses around the site. Once they come within range of our heavy mortars I want continuous fire raining down upon them. That should slow their advance long enough for reinforcements to arrive and handle the matter."

"Yes Sire, is there anything else?" the soldier asks.

"That is all for now."

The ranger nods in acknowledgment and leaves to relay the orders, not soon after the pilot's voice spoke again "I have visual on holy relic, initiating landing protocols."

"Very well" the shipmaster responds before turning to his men "Rangers! Prepare to deploy!"

A chorus of grunts and victorious roars resonated from the crowd of aliens "RAAH!"

Shev took up his position pacing through the center row in between his men and began to heighten his troop's morale "Throughout the existence of our o'holy Covenant, we great and righteous many have held close to the promise of the Great Journey! For endless time we have persevered through the seven ages!"

Then one voice spoke out from amongst them "The First Age: Ignorance and Fear!"

Then a second "The Second Age: Rivalry and Bloodshed!"

The third "The Third Age: Humility and Brotherhood!"

And so forth "The Fourth Age: Wonder and Understanding!"

"The Fifth Age: Obedience and Freedom!"

"The Sixth Age: Faith and Patience!"

In unison the entirety of the crew roared "The Seventh Age: Journey and Salvation!"

Apart from the Covenant, the four clones and Gran remained silent as they watched their contemporary allies continue to rise in spirit as they prepared for deployment, Shev continues "We righteous many walk a path, gifted to those of all walks of life! The weak, the strong, the old, the new, the ill, the loyal, and the just, any and all who believes in the Great Journey and the ascension to godhood is welcome to join us on our holy quest for salvation for the path is broad and we walk it side by side!"

The rangers roared ever so louder, their blood boiled for a fight in hopes that in the time of their sacrifices and eventual death will be secured in promised salvation.

"They're fanatics . . ." one clone muttered under his breath, only Gran and the other clones could hear his voice.

"Watch the tone trooper, you wouldn't want to insult them" Gran scorned him in whisper.

But one trooper began "Look at 'em, all lined up. We can take them."

"You will do no such thing. You raise that weapon and you will doom us and the others still aboard their ship" the admiral commanded.

Then a third, the battalion leader Commander Cobol, voiced his opinion in a calm manner "With all due respect Sir, we were born to fight and die if necessary. We all knew what we signed up for."

"I understand that Commander, but you are failing to see the bigger picture here. Whatever this relic is they're looking for, it could be a large potential threat to the Galaxy at whole. Kill them if you wish but they will just send another commander to investigate the site, if they kill us there won't be anyone to ascertain the threat and hopefully get word back to the Empire."

"What're you thinking?" Cobol asked, now seeing the point Gran was making.

"We keep our heads cool and do as the Shipmaster says, soon we'll see what's inside this relic and proceed accordingly."

Cobol merely nodded in agreement to the plan, the others however shifted uncomfortably with one stating "I don't like this . . ."

"Nobody said you had to Tremor" the clone commander adds "Just follow the Admiral's lead and we'll pull through."

Almost after those words, the pilot alerts the passengers "We have arrived! All lances deploy!"

The side hatches unlatched themselves and swiveled downwards allowing the sudden rush of cold crisp air to flow in, the Sangheili rangers then without thought rushed out the hatches leaping off the craft and into the ankle-deep snow below. Gran and his men however approached and stepped into a centralized gravity well that shined from the phantom's belly and soon they were met with 'Vadamee and the others.

Upon first inspection, they appeared to be in the middle of a vast flat field of white snow, the weather was calm with the sun out and no wind or signs of storms to be seen, the distant horizon was lined with mountains but they must've been more than ten kilometers away. However as one would take a more thorough look around them they would come to realize that the Covenant task force has landed right next to what reports would suggest to be a massive plateau nearly the size of the average ORS-Class Heavy Cruiser in length and width. And embedded within the icy walls of the plateau was a single massive protrusion of silver angular metal and blue subtle lights in detail taking the shape of a gateway large enough to permit the Wraiths entry but only in single line.

The hundreds of Covenant soldiers that arrived with 'Vadamee proceeded to secure the local area as the phantoms deployed their vehicles and 'Vadamee and company walked towards the gateway itself, still sealed away from the outside world.

The humans could only gaze in astonishment at the elegant architecture and sheer size that was put into the construction of this facility "So this is the relic? It's nothing like we've seen . . ." the Admiral asks out of awe.

"No, but merely the home of what we seek" Shev answers, seemingly pleased by the humans' reaction upon seeing the exterior "The true prize lies deep inside."

The group came to a halt at the door where they were then greeted by two Sangheili majors that stood patiently for their arrival.

"Raku nas vamus 'Vadamee" the first of two spoke, welcoming the Shipmaster in their native language.

But for the sake of the humans he kept it English "What is the progress of the gateway 'Taloh?"

The majors briefly glanced at one another before the welcoming major replied in the same manner "Forgive us but despite our great efforts we have not yet been able to open the relic."

"I see . . ." the Shipmaster acknowledges with sum disappointment found in his voice.

'Taloh then immediately tries to recover "B-but rest assured the humans have been kept away long enough to find something of note . . ."

"And that is?"

"The glyphs on the door speaks that only those chosen by the ancients may open the seal, I regret to inform you that we require two humans to open it."

"And that can be easily arranged, no fear" 'Vadamee answered with some pride as he turned his head towards the men behind him.

'Taloh looks pass his superior and notice the five armed humans standing behind the shipmaster, "Sire?" he asks bewildered by such a sight.

"Do not worry, they come as allies in our endeavor. They will open the seal and grant us entry."

The major stood silently for several moments, pondering on how the Shipmaster would go about this with little to no quarrel or reluctance, but soon he gives in "As you wish Sire."

With no more reports to make, 'Taloh steps aside and allows the Shipmaster, his rangers, and the humans to do what needs to be done. Shev was quick to notice two pedestals on either side of the door, each housed a holographic blue ball littered with the glyphs of the ancients, it was true that no member Covenant could access the locks and open the door, but then he turns to Gran.

"You and one of your men will be required for this task" he states.

"What do you need us to do?" the Admiral asks inquisitively.

"Step over to the pedestals, lay the palm of your hand upon the locks and open the door. We shall see if you are of some use."

Gran glanced at the mentioned locks then notions Cobol to make his way to the left lock as he heads over to the right. With no interruption of the Covenant, the two peacefully walked over to their respective terminals and glanced at one another with the Admiral giving the assuring nod. Without further hesitation both raised their hands and gently laid it against the orb of light, the glyphs that came within contact of the hand lit up and slowly a hum of power came to life with the inner workings of the facility turning and brimmed with activity. Then in a thunderous roar, the doors finally unlatched themselves and began to slowly slide open.

Gran and Cobol steadily stepped away from the locks and gazed upon the artifact, a bright white light beamed from the entrance as the doors drew farther and farther apart until they fully concealed themselves within the walls. The gateway was open.

'Vadamee and his men were in awe, many whispered holy verses and poems but few felt that no words should be said in this momentous occasion. The clones couldn't describe what they just witnessed and stood worriedly for what lied inside.

"Rangers!" Shev barked "Proceed and secure the relic, the humans will offer support."

One of the spec-ops Sangheili gave a sharp bark towards the others, signaling them to follow him in, meanwhile Gran signaled his hand ordering his men to follow him as well.

As the rangers and clones proceed through the entrance, an elite commander approaches the Shipmaster "What of the rest?"

"Form up your defenses in and around the entrance, send our light vehicles to slow down the enemy's advance. "

"As you wish."

With nothing else to say, Shev ventures into the entrance following his comrades and allies into the facility where their goal lies. Passing through the gateway, the Shipmaster catches up with his men and the humans who were beginning to take their first glances at the architecture around them. They were currently traveling through a short entry corridor slanted downwards, large enough to allow heavy vehicles such as the Wraith to pass through, gazing upon the sharp angular design. Passing through the entrance they come out into a vast atrium that ran the length of a mile further into the plateau which concealed it from the outside world. On both sides of the grand hall stood monolithic struts that protruded from the walls, each brimmed with glowing blue lights in detail showing that the facility was still in operation even long after the time of its creators. However dividing the atrium in half lays an artificially created chasm that showed no end to its depths, the chasm ran the length of the facility and splits off into two to form a circular abyss around a single platform on the far side, housing what the Covenant had come for. To traverse across the chasm, the creators built two separate walkways that splits in half and ran along both sides of the room with the black depths still prevalent in the middle.

"Here it is . . ." Shev spoke, trying his best to conceal the shock and awe he had just felt.

Gran and his men were dumbstruck, the only thoughts that went through his mind was how was anyone unable to find facility of this size for the past eons? How long have these creators existed and where have they gone? How powerful were they truly?

These questions were quickly dashed away by the sound of something large approaching, the heavy whir of machinery and energy drew closer prompting everyone to raise their weapons in preparation for a firefight. Then without warning a gargantuan machine rose from the chasm itself, the drone featured heavy plated armor in its hull with what looked like two massive arms housing a sort of repulsor drive that kept it afloat in midair, two smaller arms revealed themselves from within and quickly deployed a blue shielded barrier in between itself and the visitors.

"What kind of droid is that!?" a clone yelled, his DC-15S carbine firmly trained on its glowing red photoreceptor.

"Stow that weapon you fool!" 'Vadamee roared "You will surely kill us all!"

Gran then intervened "Stand down Narvo! Stand Down!"

The clone reluctantly backed down but kept his weapon ready, despite this five smaller constructs arrived on the scene. Four of them showed similar angular designs as their larger brother but appeared to be more agile and exhibited two arms for grasping and other duties, the fifth however was a roughly spherical ball with three concave sides and a single glowing white eye. As the constructs came closer some of the men could tell it was humming to itself until it came to a stop in between them and the massive droid.

"Oh! Hello there!" the sphere chirped excitedly "Welcome!" its voice sounding masculine and polite.

Gran felt uneasy and was prompted to ask "What… are you?"

But it was Shev who enlightened him with an answer "This is an oracle . . . holy servant to our gods. I did not think we would find one here."

"Oracle?" the sphere asks perplexed "I'm not familiar with that title. But I do remember your kind, Sangheili. From before the war. I am 3705 Solemn Inquiry; I am the caretaker of this installation."

"I am Shev 'Vadamee, Shipmaster of the Cruiser Harmonious Condemnation and member of the Fleet of Valiant Prudence, we come as followers of the Great Journey in hopes that we may find our way home and resume our sacred mission."

"And that is?" Solemn wonders.

"To continue our extermination of the human filth that plagues the galaxy so that we may secure our place in godhood with those who have left before . . ."

"Extermination of the Human race? Godhood? You have me confused . . ."

Before Shev could continue, Gran intervenes and asks "This installation, what is it?"

"Oh, this installation is known as the Observatory. It was built to study and examine this galaxy and the progression of its inhabitants, over the course of my assignment here I have watched and catalogued every event in galactic history from the times of the so-called Celestials to the rise of your new Galactic Empire . . ."

"Everything?"

"Quite so . . . Ivan Gran."

Gran's posture perked up as the monitor has now captured his full attention "You know my name . . ."

"I have been studying you and your fleet ever since you arrived some time ago. With the Observatory I can observe anything I desire."

'Vadamee steps in with a newfound interest "This Observatory, care to demonstrate how it works?"

"Gladly" Solemn spoke confidently signaling the large machine to deactivate its shields and retreat back into the chasm, the smaller ones scattered and left to tend to other duties, "Please, follow me."

The ball turns and floats away beginning to hymn to himself once again, 'Vadamee and Gran with their company began to follow. The group moved along one of the two major paths that led to their destination on the far side.

Then 3705 began "To be honest I wasn't sure when I would have visitors again, you are the first to walk these halls in thousands of years."

"Who were the last visitors?" the imperial admiral asks.

"Why, my creators of course."

"And who were they? So far I only know they built this facility."

"They were known by many as the Forerunners, a proud and intelligent race that held the Mantle of Responsibility. They believed that with their advanced technology and culture, they could protect all that lives within the galaxy and they had done so for a great many millennia."

"What happened to them?"

"The same thing that happens to all great empires, my creators waged a war so fraught with death numbering in the trillions. They could not contain the Flood and were forced to utilize their last resort. Halo . . ."

"Halo?" Gran ponders.

Shev answers "The holy sacred rings, said to have the power to propel all of those worthy onto the Great Journey, those who are blessed ascend their mortal forms and become one with the gods."

Solemn gave the Sangheili a curious glance but resumes looking forward adding "In a sense that is correct from your perspective. After the firing of the Halo Array, my creators vanished from existence whether by 'ascending to godhood' or fleeing the galaxy entirely to rebuild civilization elsewhere."

Then something occurred in the monitor's processes, prompting him to turn towards 'Vadamee stopping everyone else and ask "Funny, I was confident that the Sangheili species was not catalogued in the transport's databanks before departure from Installation 00 . . . how you managed to arrive here?"

The Shipmaster was for the moment silent, this monitor was becoming more inquisitive than he had hoped but for his sake he had to answer truthfully "My forgiveness Oracle, but our vessel suffered from a void cataclysm that warped us to an unknown world. The humans we were eradicating were more cunning and determined than we thought."

"Hmm, a slipspace detonation purposely caused to remove a hostile presence, bold and cunning indeed" he adds before floating away, resuming their walk to the Observatory "But now I have another question; after the incident where do you believe you were teleported?"

"In one of the outreaching arms of our galaxy, far away from Covenant space and our war with the humans . . ."

"Oh dear, I'm afraid you have it all wrong. The explosion had devastating effects causing an unknown variable to occur and launch what remained of your ship to an entirely new galaxy . . . you are a long ways from home Sangheili . . ."

This remark completely threw Gran and the clones off guard with Cobol stating "W-Wait . . ." catching 37's attention "You're saying that these guys are from a whole different galaxy!? Is that even possible?"

"It is, before the war the Forerunners were already committing several ships to long range exploration missions, planting beacons and portals in remote portions of new galaxies so that one day they may come to colonize. It was said that in the final moments of the war, three Forerunner Keyships launched and eventually arrived here to find refuge from their past. From there they began to explore and study this galaxy, constructing the Observatory in the meanwhile."

"So the Forerunners were extra-galactic as well" Gran notes, trying to make sense of it "But why are they not heard of in our records?"

"They maintained upmost secrecy to ensure their safety, they come only to watch. But once someone caught their scent, they vanish from existence. I'm afraid to say that it had been roughly over ninety thousands years ago since I last laid my sights on them, a lot could have happened since then. Most likely to find other galaxies to explore."

'Vadamee then asks "Oracle, you said that the ancients had built beacons and portals. Is it possible one leads back to our home?"

3705 took a moment to think before answering ". . . It is possible, though which installation contains such technology will take some time to find."

At last the group reached the far end of the atrium where they could see a central circular platform with no visible bridge to connect it, Solemn then refers to Gran "Admiral, if you would so kindly as to extend the bridge."

He motions himself towards a single pedestal that sat close by next to the walls, Gran follows his glare and spots the device as well and makes his way over. He reaches it and with calm he lays the palm of his hand on the glowing sphere which in response glowed and gave an energetic whir, in moments they all heard mechanical sounds operate beneath their feet and finally a bridge of subtle blue light appeared from thin air connecting the two sides and granting passage for the visitors.

Cobol couldn't help but glare at the bridge "An energy bridge? Not bad . . ."

"Impressed? This bridge consists of hardened light, a common sight within Forerunner technology."

"You can manipulate light? That is impressive" the Commander replied.

"Quite so, we even have been able to weaponize the light into solid projectiles capable of eliminating hostile targets, both armored and unarmored. But sadly my sentinels are not armed with such lethal weaponry."

The group crossed the bridge in steady steps, two troopers dared to look down through the bridge to see the bottomless pit they were over then quickly resume walking, until they finally stepped onto the platform housing the primary device.

The cylinder-shaped machine protruded from the ground with four struts on every side reaching up all the way to another large protrusion extending down from the ceiling itself, there wasn't much to describe in appearance because the machine was complexly built.

"This is the Spyglass" Solemn began "The most crucial device within the Observatory. Through an interconnected network of ground-based surveillance installations and Slipspace-anchored satellites spread out on a galactic scale, this device could bring even the smallest conversations to viewing, if it were my desire."

"You can watch everything from just here?" the admiral asks "How?"

"Allow me to demonstrate, does anyone have a specified place or person they wish to see?"

The Sangheili and the clones glanced at one another pondering about their decisions, but Gran knew what he already had in mind "My wife, Aliana, she lives on Anaxes with our son, Gabriel . . ."

Solemn Inquiry acknowledges the request with a nod and in response a small blue pulsating orb of light developed from the center of the machine, the ball blinked with every second.

"What is it doing?" the imperial asked.

"Currently searching for your spouse, it shouldn't take long . . ." the monitor answered as he dutifully watched the light.

And in moments the light swiftly and violently expanded in a bright flash forcing everyone to look away for a brief moment before turning to look again and see a beautiful middle-aged woman constructed in blue hardlight sitting down on a chair next to table. On the table was a small metal box.

"Is this her?" 3705 questioned.

Ivan tried to fight back this overwhelming sense of joy in his heart, now seeing his beloved for the first time in three years, tears slowly started to drip from his hazel eyes "Yes . . . there's no doubt about it . . ."

At first glance everything seemed perfect, but Gran noticed something wasn't right and his heart began to sink. He could hear light sobbing coming from Aliana, small trickles of light fell from her eyes, was she grieving?

A young man's voice off hologram then spoke "Mother?" through the Spyglass it sounded mechanical.

The woman glanced over and called back "In the kitchen Gabe . . ." her voice sounded weak.

In moments a man in a pressed naval uniform walks in, setting down a book on the table and kneel next to his mother "I got out of the Academy earlier than I should've, I figured I'm needed here more."

"What about your assignments-"

"They can wait . . . right now I'm here with you. How are you holding up?"

". . . As much as you would expect . . ."

Gabriel fell silent, letting out a tiresome sigh, he places his hand on her shoulders "I miss him too . . . he died a hero, just like Governor Constance said . . ."

Aliana shifted her tearful eyes towards the small box and takes hold of it, pressing a small button which then a holographic head rose from the box itself, Ivan's own head. The two stared at Gran for some time until she switches it off and opens the box itself, inside was a decorated medal, one awarded to families who had suffered a loss. A posthumous award.

"No . . ." the admiral whispered beneath his breath.

"I just wish he was here . . . with us" she spoke as she starts to break down into tears.

"I am here . . . I'm still alive . . ."

"So do I mother . . ."

"NO! I'm still here! I'm right here!" Gran begins to yell.

But 3705 had to intervene "They cannot hear or see you Admiral, I truly am sorry."

Ivan, now heartbroken and on the brink of breaking down himself, steps away in defeat as the hardlight figures themselves broke down into a million tiny fragments signaling the end of their observation.

"They think I'm dead . . ." Gran muttered to himself.

Cobol then came to reassure him "Don't worry Sir, we'll get out of this in one piece, then you can see them again."

As the clones comforted their incapacitated leader, 'Vadamee steps forth and asks "Can you show us the enemy forces that are heading this way as we speak?"

"Certainly" Inquiry nods.

And in no time a vast snowy plain materialized into view, upon it were two Accalmator-Class Assault Ships disembarking their complements of troops and vehicles numbering well in the hundreds. The Imperial army vastly outnumbers the Covenant force at the Observatory, both in manpower and vehicles, and was now marching their way towards them.

"That is a sizeable force . . ." Solemn notes.

'Vadamee then explains "Oracle, we cannot allow them to take this relic. Should they do so they will abuse its power with unjust."

"From what I have observed so far I believe you are correct. What are you proposing?"

Shev turns to two of his rangers and orders "Send word to the men outside, bring them into the facility and prepare fortifications."

"And what of our tanks?"

"Have two set up defensive positions inside and send the rest to a safe distance within weapons range, and do send escorts with them in the likely chances they are attacked. If we can lure the enemy near the entrance our heavy cannons should cause significant damage before they get inside."

The ranger bowed his head "It will be done Sire" before he and another Sangheili ran off to relay the orders.

The Shipmaster then turns to the rest of his men "Rangers, prepare yourselves as needed. I want vantage points secured and ambush positions set in place. We will not grant the Empire the hope of gaining the Observatory. This challenge will finally test us after our long absence of holy crusades. Now go!"

The Sangheili charges roared furiously, some sounding proudly than others, before they too rushed off to do what is required, leaving 'Vadamee, Gran, and the clones with 3705 who then asked "And what of my Sentinels and myself?"

"Use them as you wish Oracle, we will need your support if we are to protect this facility and the answers we seek."

"My security forces are at your disposal but be warned that this facility only has a small number of combat-ready units available, the Observatory was not built for the endurance of war."

"Rest assured your servants will be used to their full potential, but as for you I require you remain safe and hidden. Should we fall I do not want them to capture you."

"If that is what you are requesting, so be it. I will go and make the necessary preparations."

3705 then sputters away and dives into the chasm below. Leaving the only six behind.

The shipmaster then turns to the Imperial Admiral and his men "I will not ask you to fight your kind if you wish, but I implore you to understand the significance of this quest we together are undertaking. If we are able to gain victory we will have a chance of returning home, if you agree to aid us I will guarantee you and your men safety from 'Artamee and the other Covenant and once we have secured a path home, I will release you back into the hands of your kind."

"That's a big promise you're making Shipmaster" notes Ivan "What's going to stop you from killing us once all is said and done?"

The Sangheili knew his answer but took a moment to phrase it in his mind, then he said "It is like you said back aboard the cruiser, we have more things in common than we realize. The most important of which is our families, both believes us to be dead and I wish to correct that. Perhaps it may even grant me some calm and atonement for the past atrocities I have committed."

"What do you mean?"

"That is something I will speak of later, if you choose to join us."

Gran couldn't make the decision but unfortunately he had little time to decide before the Imperial Army arrives "We'll decide that after this fight. We'll do what we can but I'll hold you to your word that you won't force my men to kill their brothers."

"Very well . . . let us move on then."

The clones and their commander heads off, 'Vadamee was beginning to follow them until he heard a low-pitched blip resonate from his belt. He reaches down and grabs hold of a small holographic displayer, he thumbs a small button on the side and quickly a set of glyphs rises up for him to read.

The message was as stated "Reinforcements underway."

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