Hello all! I have brought myself a renewed interest to continue writing this mega crossover. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own content belonging to the universes being crossed over. I do, however, own the Gryllians as a original creation of mine.
Chapter IV: The Traitor Turian
1257 HOURS, JULY 2, 2571 (MILITARY CALENDAR)/
EAGLE NEBULA, PILLARS OF CREATION, CITADEL
There it was, a ghastly tubular silhouette with five sprawling arms. It was great in scale, a bustling residency to many. To the military, it was where some major counsel meetings took place. This colossal structure, with its five arms joined to a rear ring, was the Citadel. Upon its arms' inner surfaces were spanning cities that housed the Milky Way Galactic Alliance's diverse civilian population, minus one held by the military.
Gryllisus stood before the large council building, under ownership by the reformed UNSC. It reminded him, in appearance, of ONI's complexes. ONI's structure were off cubicle in nature and jet black with its symbol planted at its entrance. They were ones to go for the intimidating styles. The inside of these buildings were beautiful, Gryllisus had to admit. It masked the terrible deeds done stories underneath the upper floors.
He walked into the building, clearing through several security checkpoints firstly before he could enter the council chamber. He stepped into the atrium and was escorted by a troop of Jiralhanae guardsmen to his station near Darian's. They were there to give the Faction Council a briefing of the events that had transpired. He looked up at the hovering podium platforms. Each platforms carried a unique design that designated which faction it belonged to. Upon each platform's bow was the faction's crest. He looked at each; the UNSC, the neo-Covenant, the Colonials of Kobol, the Federation of Planets, the Council Races, the Gryllian Imperium, and the Gardexians.
The first platform set before them belonged to that of the Kobolians. Upon it was President Roslin, Admiral Adama, Colonel Ti, and two other representatives. President Roslin gave out an opening statement, explaining why the meeting was taking place and its purpose of existing. Then came the questioning from Admiral Adama.
"Commander Darian, is it true that the Sentient Xenomorphs attacked Stadol Station before Kholo arrived?" Adama's question brought about a quiet series of murmurs among the councilors surrounding the floating platforms.
"Yes Admiral." Darian answered with confidence. The murmurs and whispers fell silent briefly.
"What happened during your encounter with his fleet?"
"Sir, we were already weakened by the efforts of the Xenomorphs. We were winning our battle, until Kholo arrived and began actively attacking our vessels. However, he left shortly after his arrival, with the Xenomorphs eliminated and much of my fleet immobilized."
"There was an intelligence officer aboard Stadol Station, reports say that he has gone missing." Colonel Tigh voiced.
"Those reports are correct, sir. We managed to track his last location outside of Stadol, approximately where Kholo's command ship had been where his tracker's signature dropped."
Whispers returned, flowing around the room in a minor crescendo before dying down, "Would it be wrong to assume that this intelligence officer was captured?"
"It is a possibility. However, later events proved otherwise."
"Why is that?"
"When me and Gryllisus ran into Kholo on Glory, we found him with another capture, Hector Felix. It would be best to assume that the officer was killed."
Angry councilors rose shouting in rage. They were angry, not at Darian, but at the prospect of one of their own having been murdered by a Gryllian. Especially at the fact that it had killed one as important as the officer. Adama roared a 'silence' into his podium's mic, quieting the agitated crowd.
"Gryllisus to the stand."
Gryllisus' station lit up and Darian's darkened. The Gryllisus was wearing his formal naval attire, a dark blue jacket with ornate pouldrons and jet black dress pants. Quiet voices filled the air again, the subject about him. He looked up and watched as the Covenant's podium floated forth, stopping next to the Kobolian representatives'.
On the Covenant's platform was the noble Arbiter Thel 'Vadam, Supreme Commander Rtas 'Vadum, Prophet of Virtue, Chieftain of the Brutes Brutus, Messiah of the Unggoy Dadap, and Kig-yar and Yan'me individuals. There were seven total.
"Gryllisus, you arrived during the aftermath and you and Commander Darian pursued Kholo. You arrived at Glory, correct?"
"Yes Arbiter."
"And you discovered him within a Forerunner complex, yes? And what in particular did you find?"
"When we traversed aboard the gondola, Kholo forced his hostage to activate the structure. We discovered, visually, that the complex was a galactic map that kept record of existing empires and artifacts. And more than likely, Kholo found what he wants and is actively seeking it out."
"Thank you Gryllisus." The lights around the Gryllian warrior and emperor dimmed. The crowd of councilors conversed with excitement under the little time of informality they had.
The two subjects then left their station, their duty done. The platforms circled up with Gryllisus and Darian taking their respective places, their placeholders stepping off. The Prophet of Virtue took place in between the formation of platforms, all focus drawn to him.
"We are now gathered here today to answer the galactic threat that is Kholo. As you know he has frequently sought out Forerunner devices. Devices both dangerous or unknowingly obsolete. And now he must be stopped, once and for all."
Gryllisus shifted uncomfortably. It was a subtle act, and was only detected by the most perceptive members there. He leaned forth on his podium to listen carefully.
"At the moment, no one knows where Kholo has fled and what his next actions will be. These are dangerous times now. Are there any suggestions on how we will address this threat?"
"His interest seems to reside within our borders, noble Prophet. I suggest that we have fleets patrol the borders and others guard key planets." Roslin spoke.
"We should parade his gutted corpse across the galaxy once he is captured!" Barbarus roared, and it was followed by the roars of other members of warrior races.
"That would not be advisable, Chieftain." Virtue rose his hand, silencing the crowd. "However, if it comes to it, his death will be assured."
That earned whispers of approval within the room. They all wanted Kholo dead, for he had ruined many lives as an expense of his actions. Family, friends, leaders, he killed a great number of them in his campaign. Gryllisus growled inwardly, he didn't want to kill his brother, but it seemed that that would be the only and desirable outcome as time passed.
"But, if he is in a state where he can be arrested, that will be a course of action to be considered." Virtue's eyes flickered to Gryllisus for a brief moment. That brought some relief to the old Gryllian. It was a reasonable decision, capture him if possible, but kill him if necessary.
"But the beast is a mystic! To capture him would be suicide!" One of the councilors, a Sangheili, roared with rage. "That would cost more lives than necessary!"
The crowd exploded in a fury. Shouts of "blasphemy" "heresy" "Virtue has spoken" and "the devil must die" could be heard among the arguers. "Enough!" Virtue shouted, his voice exponentially risen through his chair to blare over the crowd's, "There will be order in this council!"
With the momentary chaos dissipated, the Arbiter voiced, "I will have one of my fleetmasters guard our borders, President. We will ensure nothing enters or leaves without clearance."
"I will have Starfleet guard our borders, as well. As the Arbiter said, nothing will nor leave. All vessels traversing will be scanned and searched until Kholo is stopped." Spock, a Vulcan regarded to a high degree in his faction, nodded. The other bordering factions then joined, covering the entire as well as heightening security within their territory.
Virtue made his closing statement, stating the priorities and covering the overall details of the current status that the Milky Way Galactic Alliance would. The council then made the vote for the conditions and the greater majority chose the new status and accepted the conditions that would come. "This council has now ended, return to your duties my friends." Virtue waved and left to his platform. The platforms hovered and locked to their stations. The occupants and councilors met with their acquaintances, discussing the new policies formed and catching up on recent events. Gryllisus met with Rtas and Virtue. The Arbiter had left to deal with business of his own. Most of the leader members had done such. They spoke to each other, to which Virtue left to attend his duties. Gryllisus and Rtas left to head to the court to spend the little free time they had to discuss military tactics at the square, to which they ran into Darian. They took residence at a local bar.
In the black of 'night' prior to the meeting, there was an incredibly tall building stood out from its surrounding ones. It was a luxury apartment skyscraper complex, housing wealthy civilians. At the base of it was a bar, lounge, game area, and check in offices. Outside was a street, where hover vehicles raced to and fro. Standing outside the complex was a hooded figure, looking up at the building. The large figure stepped forth and walked through the revolving door and headed towards the bar of which was lightly occupied. He seated and looked straight at the bartender. This bartender seemed very laid back, seemingly too relaxed.
"Bartender. I've a question for you." The figure pulled back its hood.
"Well hot damn, look at you Kholo. Shouldn't you be running around tryin' to get away from your enemies? You're pretty dumb for comin' to this place." The bartender smirked and continued his work.
"Filthy inhuman inbreed. The Kenodoxia Program's operation did a number to your southern half-breed accent." Kholo growled.
"What're you talkin' 'bout?"
"Where is the Turian, Sloth?" Kholo narrowed his eyes. The augmented human eyes widened in surprise and then he took on his relaxed persona.
"Dunno, ran away maybe."
Kholo was not amused, "Do not toy with me you fool."
"Can you just let me go back to work, go home."
Kholo growled and rose his hand, an invisible force striking Sloth and pushing the man into the wall behind him. "I do not have time for your petty games, Sloth. There is great work at hand, and I need the Turian."
"Look... man, I don't know where he is. I'm not screwing with you."
Kholo pulled out a kite shaped dagger, which floated in the air. The point faced Sloth and the Gryllian growled, "Do not tell me lies you thranis trasab."
A cool and collected flanging voice stopped Kholo, "Hello Kholo, please put James back on the ground."
Kholo dropped James, his adorned name was a cover name with the intent of protecting his MIA status, and walked to the Turian waiting in the hall next to an elevator door, "Hello Saren."
"My apologies for his abrasiveness, Sloth. Come with me Kholo, I assume you have much to tell me."
They entered the elevator and it raced up to the uppermost floors, "You have a human as your informant?"
"No. I have an augmented human as my informant. He's more than just a human, Kholo. Look at it in that sense. He's not weak, not incredibly stupid, but rather he is strong and has many abilities. If you had been in arms reach of him, he would have drained you of your life."
"The Kenodoxia Project made humans into monsters."
"Not monsters, my friend. But great, resourceful tools." Saren corrected.
Kholo snorted, "He's still partially human. Gives me good reason to despise him. His augments mean nothing, they just make him stand out."
"Indeed that is true, but he has done enough to have me hold him to a high regard." Saren chuckled as the elevator stopped and opened, allowing the occupants to walk out and head Saren's suite. Kholo looked around, admiring the architecture in the place. The living area, with the couches and holographic TVs were in a squared area a few steps down. The kitchen looked like it had been moved in there from a high end restaurant. A flight of stairs led up to the bedroom. He followed Saren to the living area and sat across from him. Saren took seat in an ornate leather chair, leaning back and eyeing the Gryllian inquisitively.
"You have something to tell me. It is yet another Forerunner artifact, is it not?"
"You are perceptive. It is indeed so. But this time, I believe it will lead me to true ruling. A device that will put the humans beneath us, right where they belong." Kholo smiled, pulling out a black ovular object from his coat.
"You've come to me times before, Kholo, with schemes of grandeur pertaining to these ancient artifacts. And thus far they have failed when you were so close to achievement. What makes this time any different?"
"Perhaps it will, perhaps it won't be. But, this object, this thing, will bring us great tools. Tools that will bring us to godhood. This is not a simple weapon or warship, but rather it is a portal."
"A portal." The turian's interest piqued.
"Yes. A portal of which will bring us great riches, machines, abilities. It will accelerate us to a higher spectrum, and we will be able to bring the humans back in their place. Their arrogance will be silenced!"
The Gryllian placed the onyx black device upon the table between them and it split open, shooting out a holographic projection of the galaxy, "Saren, this is a map I retrieved from a successful search."
Kholo pointed to each individual empire, noting the concurrent data by showing civilization borders and artifacts strewn about the galaxy. He showed him one particular section of the galaxy, zooming in the map. The Kobolian civilization's section of galactic space was revealed and he pointed to the central area of the territory. The map zoomed in again and he was pointing at the star system of Helios Gamma.
"The portal resides upon a planet called Scorpia in this system." Kholo purred with anticipation, staring at the star system projection with a hunger.
"Scorpia? That is where the Kobolian's main shipyards are. That planet is heavily guarded, I doubt you have the forces to successfully unearth your portal, let alone lay siege to the planet."
"You know not the extent of my power." The Gryllian smiled.
The turian simply smiled, "It is late my friend. Meet me in the square tomorrow morning, eight in morning sharp. I will be seated at the bar there."
Kholo nodded, "Goodnight, I will see you then." He snapped the device closed and placed in his pocket and left. Saren stared at him, crossing his arms and thinking about the situation he was presented with. He didn't like the humans, not at all. He found them to be crude, arrogant, and too ignorant to be at the high seat of power they found themselves in. He saw that they did not deserve the power they held. But Kholo's blood lust disturbed him still, for his hatred of humanity far surpassed Saren's own.
The Citadel turned to face its newly constructed artificial sun, granting the superstructure a day and night schedule of which most creatures needed. The sun itself was small, no where near the scale of a true star, but it gave off the necessary light. Saren walked down the street, passing by varieties of sentient creatures; Sangheili, Jiralhanae, Krogan, Human, Vulcan, Gryllian, and more. He reached the bar and sat down at an outside table and soon Kholo appeared on time, hooded to hide his identity.
"Hello, Gryllian. I believe you wish me to help you with your ploy, yes?"
"Yes."
"Then you must listen. I am a member of the Spectres, which means I have access to many places. I will be able to shut down planetary defenses around the area of which your artifact rests. Luckily for you and for me, their shipyard is almost directly over that area."
"How is that lucky, turian."
"Because I can activate an EMP device that will disable their ships and defenses. However, I must be able to get it between the shipyard and Scorpia's surface to do take out the surface defenses."
"That will be unnecessary. Activate it upon the shipyard, the ships and orbital defenses are my primary concern."
Saren nodded. He knew that Kholo's forces, if they were to make it past the Kobolian fleets and orbital defense, could overwhelm the surface forces. Enough so that he could get what he wants without hindrance. After taking into consideration of the expenses at hand, he addressed what Kholo would have to pay him to get the risky service done.
"For a great effect, I will need a particular EMP device. A shipment was sent off not too long ago to a space station called Sevastopol. However, I will need to retrieve it without my name being on a purchase."
"I have my resources, turian. I will obtain it for you. Give me the coordinates and it will be done." Kholo said as he paid the turian and they soon relaxed to speak of other things. But then Kholo froze in place, puzzling the turian.
"What is it, Kho-"
"Silence!" Kholo whispered aggressively "He is here, my brother! Speak to as if I were a stranger, now!"
Gryllisus crossed the bustling square to the bar with his allies when he paused. Something felt off and he immediately turned his attention to Saren and a large hooded creature. It was a Gryllian, but why was Saren's body language depicting discomfort? Then the hood turned and a glowing green, blue ringed eye locked. Gryllisus roared, "Saren!"
Kholo roared, his hood and cloak tearing off his body in a flurry of movement. Saren's eyes widened in surprise and shock as Kholo sent him hurtling into another table with an invisible force. The former archangel's armor gray armor glistened in the light and Gryllisus charged. The crowd screamed as they clashed, Kholo flying through the bar's outside windows. Rtas brandished his energy and Darian rushed forth with his shotgun. Gryllisus jumped into the bar as Kholo reaffirmed himself, grasping a table and tossing it at the Gryllian overlord.
Gryllisus swiped his hand, casting the table off elsewhere while activating his armor's energy claymore. Kholo grinned at the challenged, pulling his slender scythe from his back's magnetic strip. He roared and activated it, the blade whizzing to life with plasma energy. In a whirlwind style, the traitorous archangel spun with his plasma scythe reared and struck Gryllisus' block, knocking his opponent back. Rtas leaped into the air, activating his energy swords and clashing blades with Kholo's.
Kholo, having no interest of this combat as he heard the sirens sound, pushed the elite back and pushed the sangheili away with his mind. Rtas hurtled, nearly crashing in Darian as Kholo jumping from out the bar and onto streets. Gryllisus chased after him with swiftness. "You will not escape, brother!"
"Oh, but I will Gryllisus!" Kholo spun and sheathed his scythe back onto his back and spread his arms low, palms up. The vehicles with meters of the Gryllian lifted into the air and were launched at the emperor. Far behind, a Ravager starfighter swung low from space and headed towards them. It stopped directly over Kholo as the local authorities entered the scene. Saren, seeing an opportunity, fired as the Gryllian was pulled up into the starfighter. One round struck, giving the Gryllian a superficial injury.
Kholo grunted, and took seat with his automated ship. Deciding he would leave a good message, he opened fire upon Saren and the others. He unleashed his payload of plasma bombs and sent them into the civilians and surrounding structures before pulling away and disappearing. Gryllisus jumped from cover and roared with rage while pulling out his pistol and firing into the sky to where Kholo was going, "Kholo! I will kill you for your treachery!"
Rtas as well as Darian ran up next to the emperor, rage boiling their blood as the enemy fled into slipspace, "I will have my fleet track where he went, Gryllisus!" Rtas then left to do so.
"Gods damn it! He was here! Here! Of all places! Damn it..." Darian said, "I will ready my surveillance fleet, goodbye Gryllisus."
Gryllisus grumbled and turned to Saren, whom he saw speaking with Kholo. It appeared the Spectre did not know that he was speaking with him upon arrival, but that could be wrong, "Saren! Why were you speaking to him!"
"I apologize, emperor. I did not know I was talking to that bastard of a Gryllian. He just walked up to me, asking questions about artifacts and locations." Saren spoke sorrowfully, as well with agitation and anger.
"Did you answer? What artifacts? What locations?"
"I didn't provide him answers, you managed to interrupt our strange meeting. He was asking about some portal artifact on a planet. I can't recall the name of it, but he mentioned Aerilon as a later plan."
"That's an inner Kobolian planet..." Gryllisus began pondering as a Spectre vessel landed.
"I am sorry, Gryllisus, but the Spectres are calling me in on this business with your brother. I will have to inform them quickly, goodbye and good luck." Saren then left, boarding the grounded ship.
Gryllisus looked up at the sky as a two fleets converged, the Kobolian and Covenant, and left together. His tolerance for Kholo was on thin ice, as he was considering his death highly at the moment. He wanted to know what his deviant brother was up to. He needed to know why Aerilon was a target, and what portal artifact he was seeking and why he sought it. Many questions and speculations fill his mind as he boarded his own escort ship and left to his fleet.
I was incredibly saddened that Leonard Nimoy died, so I made a reference for Spock in this chapter as you saw. I may make further use of Spock in later chapters as well. Also, Sevastopol!
Please review! Have any questions, suggestions? Ask away!