CHAPTER SEVEN
Do you want the bad news first?
Monitoring increased brain activity… indicates dream state…
I'm five years old again… my mother is here. Her face is a hazy memory, but I can make out her eyes and see the love in them. I can tell that she is smiling at me. My father is here too… I hear his voice telling me how proud he is of me. Like my mother, his face is also a hazy memory, but I also see the love and pride in his eyes. The sounds of my baby sister giggle and laughing drift in the air, but I can't see her. I can almost see where we used to live… it was a farming community with a blue sky and green fields that seemed to stretch forever. I remember laughing as I ran through the fields…
Brain activity in a dream state… possible nightmares…
Everything has now changed, and I'm now back on New Constantinople… The Covenant are invading and glassing the planet. The same scenes just keep replaying… that old man stepping in the way to take that energy sword in the chest meant for me. I can still feel the hate and rage surging through me as his granddaughter's screams fill my ears…
I'm back on the defensive perimeter… the planet is close to falling, and we're trying to hold out to cover the last desperate evacuation of civilians. Fighting is raging everywhere. Huge plasma bursts from Wraiths fill the sky and explode all around me. Scared, desperate voices and screams fill the comm channels. The Covenant swarmed over the defenses, killing everyone… soldiers and civilians. All I can feel is the hate and rage, surging through me as I witness the massacres taking place. I'm firing my weapon until it's empty, I'm picking up whatever weapon I can find to use… then I'm using my hands and fists to kill. I kill and kill with no thought of trying to survive… I didn't think I deserved to survive…
Still monitoring high levels of brain activity… Dream cycle continuing…
I'm now back on Jericho VII… It's my first live mission after completing my training and augmentation. I'm to do an orbital drop on the planet and "take out" a secessionist leader. From intelligence gathered, we've located the leader's suspected location. I've taken up a position to overwatch and wait. My target finally appears, and I can see the man clearly in my scope as I line up the shot. The man appeared to be in his forties, but his eyes made him seem much older… they look haunted by sadness and loss…
I barely noticed the blue skies as I ran through the green fields to my extraction point…
oOoOo
Exhaustion weighed on Michael as he struggled to wake up. The bright daylight streaming into the room forced him to squint as he opened his eyes and tried to focus. It took a moment for him to realize he was lying down, looking up at a ceiling. He shook off the grogginess, realizing he was in an actual bed and no longer wearing his Mjolnir armor, having swapped it for a strange looking hospital-like gown.
As he sat up, a wave of dizziness and nausea hit him, forcing him to pause. Moving slower, he sat up on the edge of the bed, rubbing his face and trying to shake off a dull throbbing headache while trying to figure out his situation.
It was a spacious room with a warm and practical feeling to it, but it wasn't a human-designed room… it was definitely an alien design. Sunlight streamed through a large windowed door that opened on to a balcony, squinting Michael glimpsed a hint of a spectacular view of the lake and surrounding forest.
The dizziness and nausea settled down enough that he could try standing to see if everything was still working. His ribs tingled as he took tentative steps towards the balcony door. With each step he tried to recall what happened and how he'd ended up here.
His mind was a convoluted mess of images… he remembered being in a forest and hearing screams. Images of a woman and fighting a creature flashed in his thoughts. Things became even more confused as recalled a woman's voice pleading for help and another voice saying a word… Reclaimer.
Michael steadied himself on the doorway, taking in the refreshing gentle breeze and warm sun. A strange sense of deja vu filled him as he gazed across the balcony towards the surrounding landscape… forest and a lake seeming to stretch forever. As he took in the beautiful breath-taking scenery, he thought of Faith, wishing she was here to share it with him. A voice from behind caught him by surprise, interrupting his thoughts.
"You are awake, Reclaimer! This is most excellent news."
Michael spun, ignoring any lingering dizziness and nausea, to face this potential threat… finding himself facing a giant floating orb.
oOoOo
Light bulb… was Michael's first thought at seeing this floating orb. The orb talking to him was a silvery metal, roughly spherical, and concave on three sides. A "glowing eye" adorned the front of the orb. He got no immediate sense of danger from it, but still tensed up, staying wary and prepared. Michael tried to reply, but his throat was dry and rough, croaking out, "Water?"
"Oh my, of course Reclaimer! There is a room with a sink and facilities for your personal needs just through that door," the floating orb said, sounding apologetic.
Michael struggled to keep his balance as he stumbled across the room into what was the bathroom. He ran his hand under the sink tap, cupping and drinking the cool running water, savoring the feel and taste as it went down. The water felt wonderful on his throat, but the throbbing in his head only grew.
The floating orb was still talking, "This is such a wonderful day! It looked like you would not survive. It is most fortunate for you I have access to extensive data records on your race's biology and anatomy."
The throbbing in Michael's head was now switching over to a full-blown headache as he made his way out of the bathroom, heading back towards the bed. Sitting on the edge of the bed, the pain in his head increased, making it harder to concentrate on the questions swirling in his head.
So many questions… Where to start?
Michael's voice croaked, "How long was I out?"
"You have been unconscious since being brought to this installation. That was fifteen days ago on this planet's time cycle," the orb replied.
"Where am I?"
Again the orb willingly and cheerfully answered Michael's questions, "You are in the 5414 Erde-Tyrene Research Installation."
The answer meant nothing to Michael as he stared at the floating orb, but it was at least a starting point, "Who are you? Do you have a name or designation?"
The orb happily obliged, "Why yes, Reclaimer… I am AI construct 414 Eternal Vigilance. I am the Monitor for this installation."
Michael noted the information, but his mind was struggling against the pain and growing fog in his head. All he wanted to do was lie back down and close his eyes, but he needed to get a grasp on his situation, "Huh, an AI construct? Who constructed you? It wasn't those people in that village I saw, was it?"
The orb replied, "Oh my, no… Those beings are the indigenous life forms to this planet. The Forerunners constructed me to oversee and maintain this installation."
oOoOo
Forerunners? Here? Michael thought as the fog in his head momentarily lifted, finding himself facing a situation with major implications.
Was he back in his universe? Could he contact the UNSC? The scenario that had always been a remote "what-if" question now reared its ugly head, roaring to the forefront of his thoughts becoming the proverbial elephant in the room. Did he want to go back to the UNSC and the war? The old heavy loads of oath and duty returned, weighing on him, yet there was his promise to Faith… he wanted to be with her.
All this swirled in his thoughts, adding to his sharp painful headache. It was all too much to take in right now. Again, his body urged him to lie down and close his eyes.
The orb noted Michael's distress, "Please, Reclaimer… you must rest. The injuries you suffered were severe. I will have some solid food prepared when you are ready. Your system will require it after having been on liquid solutions for so long."
Michael gave into his body's urgings and taking the orb's advice, laid back down on the bed, closing his eyes. He may have appeared restful, but his mind was a raging torrent of thoughts, trying to process everything and their implications.
Forerunners… Home… Honor and Duty… Faith…
The Monitor floated off, humming to itself, "Yes-Yes… The Reclaimer needs rest. It is extraordinary that he even survived, wearing such a primitive combat skin."
Despite the turmoil of thoughts filling his head, it didn't take Michael long to fall asleep…
oOoOo
When Michael woke again, he didn't know how long he'd been asleep, but he glimpsed the setting sun through the balcony doors. His headache had faded along with the fog in his head. He was more alert and focused now as he studied the room in more detail. There were no dangers or threats… it appeared to be a normal bedroom, but he assumed he was under surveillance.
Michael took a deep breath as he made his way out on to the balcony. The fresh air was revitalizing and tasted great, clearing his mind even more. He could better appreciate the spectacular view from the balcony this time as he moved to the railing and gazed out at the scenery. Looking down, he figured he was about three-stories up on the tower which if he had his armor wouldn't have been a problem to jump. In the waning light, he saw a small settlement or village off in the distance. His augmented vision picked up the yellow and orange glow of small fires and the shadows of people moving among them.
Michael closed his eyes, basking in the light breeze and enjoying the warmth from the waning sun on his skin. A cheerful electronic-sounding voice interrupted his reverie, "It is good to see you up Reclaimer! You appear to be in much better shape than when you arrived here. Would you care for a more solid meal now?"
His stomach growled at the mention of food, overruling any potential hesitations or objections to the offer. The bonus to accepting the offer was the opportunity he would get to scope out where he was. It was time to get a better look at this installation, "Yes, that would be nice," he replied.
As Michael started to follow the Monitor, he realized his lack of wardrobe, and felt underdressed, "Uh, 414 Eternal Vigilance is it? Do you have anything else I could wear, besides this?"
The Monitor's eye pulsated a bluish-green color, "Oh my apologies, Reclaimer. Of course, I have prepared alternate clothing for your use upon awaking."
A door opened in the wall next to the bathroom facilities, revealing a closet with clothes hanging up. Michael checked out the clothes, they appeared to be one-piece work coveralls. He picked out a pair of coveralls and tried them on… they fit. He also found boots in the closet and tried them on… they too fit.
Eternal Vigilance noted how the clothes appeared to satisfy the human's needs, "If you will follow me, I will take you to the main eating area. I have food prepared for you," the Monitor said, turning and heading for the door.
Michael noted how the door opened for the Monitor as he followed the AI construct out into the corridor. As they walked the corridor, Michael kept observing and noting the details of his surroundings for future reference. The design and styles of this installation reminded him of the Forerunner installation back on planet PX-2235. As they reached the end of the corridor, another door opened, revealing a ramp that appeared to act as the central staircase for the installation.
"If you will proceed down to the next level that is where the main dining area is," Eternal Vigilance said in his unending cheerful tone.
Michael made his way down the ramp as the Monitor descended beside him down the open shaft. Out of reflex, Michael paused several times to "tie his shoe", to orient himself and memorize his location, in case he needed to leave in a hurry.
He was getting a better sense of the layout of this installation. While there appeared to only be one more level above the level his room was on, the installation appeared to be much larger than what it appeared from the outside. The central access way appeared to go much further down which indicated that a lot of this installation appeared to be below ground.
The Monitor didn't seem to catch on or say anything about Michael's pauses. They reached their destination level, exiting into the corridor, "Please turn to your left, and proceed down the corridor. The door for the main eating area will open for you," Eternal Vigilance said, keeping step with Michael as they headed down the corridor.
A torrent of questions still swirled in Michael's head. This seemed like the time to ask them to get a better sense of his current situation, "414 Eternal Vigilance, you said that this is a Forerunner installation?"
"That is correct, Reclaimer."
Michael noted how the AI kept calling him… Reclaimer. His curiosity was boiling over what the word meant and how it applied to him, but he filed that information away for now. He would follow up on it later if the opportunity presented itself, but there were more pressing questions that needed answers.
"So where all the Forerunners? Are there any Forerunners here?"
The Monitor turned towards Michael as they continued down the corridor, "Oh my, no! There are no Forerunners here. They have all left… According to the limited information I have on hand, there have been no Forerunners for at least 100,000 of your years."
Michael noted the change in the Monitor's voice. It had gone from its usual cheery tone, to a more somber, sadder-sounding tone.
Eternal Vigilance quickly changed topics as they reached their destination, and the door to the dining area opened, "Please save all your questions until after you have eaten. You can then ask your questions, and I will endeavor to do my best to answer them."
oOoOo
Michael leaned back in his chair, digesting his meal. When the food first appeared, he didn't have high hopes for it. It wouldn't have been his first time he had to eat something bad or disgusting-looking to survive. The meal turned out to be a pleasant surprise as his now full stomach attested to the food quality and taste. With the meal behind him, he now could get on to asking questions, and hopefully get some answers.
"414 Eternal Vigilance… Can I just call you 414 or Eternal Vigilance rather than having to deal with that mouthful each time?"
"Yes, Reclaimer. My programing is adaptive, so you may address me with either name as you wish."
Hmmm… adaptive, Michael thought, filing that info away.
"We'll get back to that later. What I need now are some answers?"
"Yes, Reclaimer… of course."
Michael continued, "You mentioned we're at the 5414 Erde-Tyrene Research Installation. Can you show me the star system and the planet we're on?"
"Why most certainly," replied the Monitor.
The room darkened, and a hologram projection appeared over the table. Michael breathed a sigh of relief at recognizing the familiar spiral shape and arms of the Milky Way galaxy. As the hologram zoomed in on one particular—and familiar—spiral arm, a bad feeling growled in the pit of his stomach.
The bad feeling only intensified as the projection zoomed in, showing a star system with a single yellow sun… and nine planetary bodies. Michael shook his head in denial as the projection closed in on the star system's third planet. He stared in disbelief at the holoprojection of the planet as its recognizable land masses came into focus.
I'm on Earth…
Denial and disbelief filled him while staring at the holoprojection of Earth. The projection continued zooming in to show their location to be close to where Sunnydale was… or should be. He shook off those emotions as he realized he was on another alternate Earth… not his or Faith's Earth.
414 Eternal Vigilance studied the human while the hologram projection displayed the information the Reclaimer requested. The Monitor experienced some confusion over this Reclaimer's reactions to being shown where he was. He accessed what he had available on human psychological, and determined this Reclaimer was experiencing extreme stress, along with conflicting emotions, including confusion. It took Eternal Vigilance several more cycles to further analyze and consult his data before constructing a hypothesis to help explain this Reclaimer's response and how to respond.
"Reclaimer… I think I understand what you are looking for. I have accessed your damaged combat skin's systems. From the data recovered, I believe I can allay your confusion. You have been transiting through a portal system trying to find your way home… is that correct?"
Michael nodded, "That's right. I'm looking to get home… to Earth."
"You have been on Erde-Tyrene in each dimension you have visited."
This information sparked something inside Michael's head, "So, Erde-Tyrene is the designation for this planet?"
"Correct," responded the Monitor.
It was if the walls were closing in around him. Despite the dread building inside him, he had to ask… he had to know, "The '5414 Erde-Tyrene' name is not a star system catalog number, is it?"
"That is correct, Reclaimer. The number designation is the universe dimension catalog number followed by the planet's name… we are on the 5414th version of this planet."
Despite the growing dread filling him, Michael knew he had to ask the obvious followup question, "H-How many universes…? H-How many dimensions are there coexisting?"
The Monitor's cheerful voice was like a punch to the gut for Michael, "At last count, when this research installation ceased operations, there were 2,560,765 alternate universes cataloged…"
oOoOo
Michael felt like throwing up…
With, over two million alternate universes he knew his chances of finding that one specific universe were astronomical. It would take countless lifetimes to even make a dent in that number and even then it would still take a miracle to find his way back to Faith.
Despite the horrific odds against him, Michael still refused to give up. He needed time to think… he needed a plan. The first step was to determine what resources he had access to.
"414… You said this was a research installation, correct?"
"That is correct Reclaimer."
"Okay, then. What was being researched here?"
The Monitor's eye pulsated, enjoying this interaction… it had been so long, "Until this installation ceased operations, the Forerunners were performing research and testing of inter-dimensional Slipspace travel. They used this installation to support the main research center on Tari-Epsilon II in our home universe. This installation's primary function was to allow researchers to test and calibrate equipment with the primary research center. The installation also had a secondary function of assisting with the cataloging of alternate universes along with other related experiments and testing."
A whisper of hope pulled on Michael, "Can I travel to other universes… other dimensions from this installation?"
"Why yes, this installation still has all the equipment necessary to allow for inter-dimensional travel. Does the Reclaimer wish to travel to a specific universe?"
Hot damn! Jackpot!
Michael tried to keep his excitement in check, "Y-Yes… Yes, I do! Can you locate a specific universe for me?"
There was a long pause and Michael's hopes began to fade before the Monitor replied, "Reclaimer, I understand what you are requesting and that would be most difficult. It is possible for me to reactivate this installation to full operational status. The problem is, to send you to a specific universe, I would require the universe dimensional co-ordinates or lacking that I would need a quantum signature from that universe. Without that information, I cannot target a specific universe for inter-dimensional travel…"
Despite the Monitor's response, Michael focused on trying to find a solution to this seemingly insurmountable problem, "Quantum signature? What's that?" he said, trying to get a better understanding of this installation and what it could do.
Eternal Vigilance's lights pulsed again, enjoying the interaction, "Each universe gives off its own distinct 'signature' at the quantum level, much like an identification mark. It was during the early research stages of inter-dimensional travel the Forerunners discovered that each organism in their universe radiates a common signature… a universal identification mark. This helped researchers to identify and catalog the alternate universes. It also allowed research teams to track where they were and return to their home universe when using the portal system."
"So what you're telling me is that I could travel back to my… our home universe with no problem?" Michael said, making sure he was understanding everything.
"That is correct, Reclaimer," replied the Monitor.
"If I wanted to go to a specific universe, I would either have to know the dimensional universe co-ordinates or have something with that universe's quantum signature… Correct?"
"Yes, Reclaimer."
Looks like I'm screwed… in spades! he thought with a sigh, not seeing any way around his problem.
The Monitor interrupted his brooding thoughts, "Ahem… Reclaimer… There is something."
Michael's ears perked up, catching the Monitor's tone, "What is it?"
Eternal Vigilance would have not been so forward with suggestions, but seeing the Reclaimer dejected made him reappraise his position. He decided he needed to do something, "Even though you do not have a quantum signature or dimensional co-ordinates for where you want to go… I have another option."
A surge of hope flared in Michael, "Go ahead."
"To be honest, Reclaimer… I am hesitant to mention this option. It has a limited chance of success and I would hate to raise your expectations with this option. I would—"
Michael's impatience and frustration got the better of him, "What is it?" he said brusquely.
Eternal Vigilance paused for a second, still debating if he should continue mentioning this option. He noted the Reclaimer's growing impatience and quickly analyzed and calculated it was the only option, "It is possible for me to open mini-portals to other universes. With the equipment here, I can scan the other universes based on certain parameters that you provide me. It will not be as accurate as a quantum signature scan, but I can create a list of potential universes for further investigation. I must caution that this process could take considerably longer, and with little chance of success."
"You know 414 Eternal Vigilance that is pretty much the best news I've heard all day! If you weren't an AI construct I would kiss you," Michael laughed, seeing a spark of light at the end of a long tunnel.
"Maybe you misunderstood me, Reclaimer? I cannot guarantee any chance of success and the time required—"
"414, you've given me a chance! Even a small chance is better than no chance at all! Besides, I have nothing but spare time on my hands."
Michael sat back in his chair, despite this news and the sense of optimism gripping him, other—long dormant—thoughts resurfaced adding to everything weighing on him. When he found himself stuck in Sunnydale, he'd struggled with the guilt of knowing he'd failed in his duty and oath to protect the UNSC and his humanity. Over time, knowing there was no way for him to get back, he'd reconciled this guilt to only a lingering nagging whisper in his thoughts and dreams.
Now, that nagging whisper was getting louder as he realized he was purposely deciding to turn his back on this chance to return to the UNSC. He knew if he returned home, he could fulfill his duty and oath, removing any sense of guilt. Yet, memories of Faith and the thought of never seeing her again stabbed at him, struggling against the guilt and the ever present thoughts of oaths and duty.
This struggle of choice would have shocked and surprised his ONI handlers, and maybe—to some degree—even surprised Catherine Halsey. The assumption had always been that the indoctrination and training used on the SPARTAN-IIs had removed any thoughts or feelings that could impede them from performing their duty. That was far from the case as Michael thought about Faith. She meant so much to him, representing something different… a potential future that he'd never envisioned or thought possible.
Am I not entitled to have some happiness? he thought, trying to find some way to reconcile or escape his guilt.
Hadn't he already given and sacrificed much to the UNSC and the wars back home? The thought of knowing Faith was somewhere out there among the universes, but never seeing her again, tore at Michael's soul. That painful emptiness struggled against the over thirty years of indoctrination, augmentation, training and fighting hammered into him. The words… Honor… Duty… Loyalty… echoed in his thoughts, but his heart and soul said he needed to be with Faith.
I've made my choice…
"When can you start… you know scanning universes?" Michael said.
The Monitor's eye pulsated and Michael thought he detected excitement in the AI's voice, "I can start reactivation of this installation immediately! It will take approximately one-hundred and sixty-five standard hours to bring the equipment out of stasis. I can then run checks and power up tests before actual work can begin."
With his decision made, Michael brushed aside the nagging thoughts, trying to bury the guilt and any doubts by focusing on keeping his promise to Faith. No matter how long it took or how many universes he had to visit, his mission… his new imperative was to find her.
oOoOo
The Monitor accompanied Michael as he walked back to his room. With the food settling, a wave of fatigue hit Michael and the need to grab some sleep grew more powerful. Despite the situation and the odds stacked against him, there was now a chance… a small one, but it was still a chance.
"414?"
"Yes, Reclaimer?"
"What's with all this Reclaimer business?"
The Monitor eyed Michael curiously, "You are a Reclaimer… From data I accessed from your combat skin, I understand that you are familiar with The Flood and the HALO installations?"
Michael started to nod, but then it hit him, "What? Wait! Installations? Y-You mean plural? Like as in there are more of those installations floating around back in our galaxy?"
Eternal Vigilance didn't miss a beat, "Why, yes… there were seven HALO installations deployed across our galaxy to fight The Flood. While the destruction of Installation-04 was most unfortunate, the other six remaining installations are more than enough to defeat any further Flood infestation."
It took a moment as the realization sank in there was more than one HALO ring back in his universe. The intelligence reports he'd seen only mentioned the one HALO. The information the Master Chief gathered from his encounter on HALO said the weapon system didn't kill The Flood… it killed their food source. That every living sentient being in the galaxy was their food source was not a happy thought to contemplate. One HALO ring contained enough firepower to kill all sentient life within a radius of twenty-five thousand light years.
The guilt and doubt over his decision surfaced again as the nagging whisper returned, filling his thoughts. Michael knew this information, the Monitor and this research installation would be priceless assets for the UNSC in its war against the Covenant. A brief idea of going back and trying to make a deal with ONI to hand all this over flashed in his head, but he brushed it aside. He knew that ONI wouldn't let a SPARTAN-II use this installation to look for their "girlfriend" once they got their hands on it and the Monitor. There was no going back on his decision if he ever wanted a chance to see Faith again.
Eternal Vigilance continued, not noticing Michael's state of mind, "When the Forerunners were fighting The Flood, they tried every strategy and weapon at their disposal. Each time, The Flood proved they were a cunning, adaptive, and resistant foe. The Forerunners knew what firing the HALO rings would mean to life in our galaxy. That is why they planned to protect as many species and life forms as possible. They created special locations to store these seeds for regrowth."
"Shield Worlds…" Michael muttered, finding himself dealing with muddled and clouded thoughts and emotions.
"Correct, Reclaimer. The Forerunners used them and the HALO installations as genetic repositories to store and protect genetic samples of many and various life forms… for afterwards."
Michael shook his head, trying to grasp everything, "Okay, I understand about the Forerunners, the HALOs and their war with The Flood, but why do you keep calling me Reclaimer?"
The Monitor paused, causing Michael to stop and look at the AI construct, "It is simple… You are the inheritor of the Forerunners. You are the child of my creators…"
The implications hit Michael like a thunderbolt.
oOoOo
Sleep eluded Michael as he tossed and turned. A torrent of thoughts and emotions swirled inside of him… there was the guilt pulling at him for turning his back on the UNSC. It mixed with tormenting thoughts of never seeing Faith again while images of HALO rings, seemingly ever present, also filled his head. The Monitor's words only added to this, bouncing around his head, about humans and Forerunners. It all staggered the imagination… even for a Spartan.
Michael found himself wide awake as the first rays of sunlight entered his bedroom…
oOoOo
Tala approached the temple to perform what was now her daily ritual. She carried her regular offering of flowers, fruits and nuts she collected each day for the Guardian… and also the Guardian's warrior. She'd been making her pilgrimages for the last sixteen mornings. Each time she hoped for a sign, but each day she returned from the temple disappointed, receiving no reply or acknowledgment.
Her daily sojourn to the temple, only reinforced her constant thoughts and worry for the man who'd saved her life. She replayed, again and again, those moments as they dragged the wounded man to the temple. When the Guardian at first refused to help, she feared the man would die and pleaded until the Guardian shone its divine light on the wounded man. Then she could only watch helplessly as the Guardian used its divine power to lift the man and carry him inside the temple.
Since then there'd been no word or sign of the man. Tala could not get the man out of her thoughts and she feared he may have died. His fight against the Goracks replayed in her nightly dreams, stirring up desires and emotions in her. She longed to meet the man again, to thank him for his courage.
A sigh escaped her as she added this day's offerings to the other untouched offerings…