Hope you enjoyed last chapter. This time, it will be a two chapter breather from all of the actions. Because hey, it cannot be all actions and information dump? I feel like the Chief needs to be acquainted first before heading off to his next adventures.
But can the review be raised up high PLEASE?! I always see that the Followers and Favourites are going up constantly while the reviews are always slowing down. It's just 2/3 balance which I do not like. C'mon, who would even like that?
Oh, and the Flood? I am aware you are going to be disappointed but they are not going to be in this story. Me and my Co-worker agreed to only mention them due to what is about to unfold in the future.
One more thing, if you are by the username of Dasgun, natono or Drcaus? Please put proper reviews cause I've seen how you write reviews and they are just words being blurted out random words. Seriously, you guys are really annoying as hell. To me and perhaps anyone who has gotten your responses.
This is gonna be a short chapter because c'mon? I just want to make the Chief realise what is happening across the galaxy. Oh, and he gets to learn about a certain warrior group. And the next chapter I promise will be a long one. Well, not too long for your and/or my liking.
Now then that's over, sit back and enjoy reading this chapter.
Halo Galactic Wars Chapter Four: Something Doesn't Feel Right
Who would say that the Master Chief didn't feel relaxed?
A Spartan II was meant to be on the front lines. Aiding any people as best as he can, not to stay still for how many hours had passed.
Staying in a room that the Jedis had given to him within the Jedi Temple for him and his AI Companion, he just stood still. Thinking about what he was informed with regards to the Force and it's alright to say that it was going to take him a while to digest all of it.
But that didn't help him wonder about this Galactic Republic. From what he knew from hearing from the Jedis, it was a governing body that lasted for several years and had a few downfalls due to the actions of another Force User faction called the Sith.
He knew that his instincts were telling him that there were more than what he was told.
"Still up, Chief?"
The Master Chief quickly turn to the holographic table and saw Joy's avatar standing. "Still thinking about what I was informed on."
"Oh," Joy said with a hint of realization being noticed in her voice. "I admit that I didn't know much about what they had just informed us until an hour ago."
"How come? The Spartan questioned.
"I manage to gain some access to the data networks and let's just say that there is a lot of information to digest." Joy admitted as she was rubbing her forehead to ease the information she was taking in.
"Easy." The Spartan said to his AI Companion. "We haven't been here for an entire day. Do not stress yourself there."
The AI let out a sigh to let herself be calm and relaxed. Despite being created around six months ago, this was all still new to her. "I know Chief. At least we get to have a room to ourselves. Thanks to the kind offer of the Jedi."
Hearing the last part reminded of Chief of something. "I do not think of it that way."
Joy blinked at what she had just heard. "What do you mean?"
It was then that the Spartan then spoke of something that was lingering in his mind for a few hours now. "These Jedis…they are peacekeepers of this Galactic Republic. I do not know much about them but despite saying that they are the good guys, something is telling me that they have their own agenda." It wasn't only that but seeing some younglings wondering the Jedi temple did bring back some memories of when he and the other Spartan IIs were trained as kids back at boot camp.
Joy just had a confused look on her face. She crossed her arms across her chest and look at him, thinking about what he had just said. "Well, I do seem them as good people. I do not know why you are saying all of this?"
"Because that green grunt mentioned about hearing your voice before. He mentioned it in the meeting." The Master Chief revealed to Joy in a very serious manner.
This time, the AI went silent upon hearing this. She was caught off guard from hearing this as she too wondered how the Grandmaster of the Jedi Order had heard her voice before. "His name is Master Yoda Chief, and I can hardly guess that this Force thing that he had somehow sense her." The last part made the Spartan feel down a bit as he knew who Joy was referring to.
"How can he sense Cortana?" The Master Chief questioned; his seriousness started to grow though his stoic tone remained. "We came from another Galaxy and he somehow knew her."
Joy pondered in that thought for a bit as she knew what her Spartan companion was about to say. If she was being honest, she was in the state of confusion. "Well, how do we put it this way? Maybe we could ask Master Yoda about it after we had gotten some rest?"
The Master Chief let out a sigh when Joy had made that statement. Thinking that this is too much to a day, he looked at her. "Fine. We can do what you suggested."
"I knew you were going to say that." The AI said as she decided to follow her Companion's decision. There was one thing that Joy had to mention. Quickly locking the doors, her avatar soon disappeared from the holo-table. The Spartan just looked up at the ceiling before heading to bed to rest.
Hopefully, the next day would answer some curious questions for the two. Both would need to gather more intel of the Republic and wonder whatever is happening in the galaxy, they hope they the Republic is fighting for the right side.
-Scene Change-
It was the next and the Spartan sat down in a table along within the Jedi Archives. Well, not really as his AI Companion was also gaining information by hacking into the files and making copies of it. Scrolling down through a tablet, the Master Chief felt like something he hasn't felt for a while. He was getting a bit of a migraine.
"I take it that this is taking quite a toll on you?" Joy commented with having the same feeling as the Master Chief.
"…" The Master Chief didn't say anything as he continued to scroll down through what he was reading.
Exactly ten minutes had passed and there were certain topics that Joy was really keen to talk to the Spartan on that got her interest. Pulling his left palm out, his AI Companion's Avatar then appeared and look at him. "Say, mind of I talk to you about something?"
"Go ahead." The Master Chief simply replied through his stoicism.
"Well, there are only just two topic that caught my attention. So let's go ahead with the first one." Joy simple stated as an imagine of an animalistic skull with two tusks that was akin to a dinosaur appeared onto the Tablet that Chief was reading. "The first topic is with the Mandalorians. From what I can gather here, they are a clan-based cultural group that was composed of members from multiple species all bound by a common creed, language and code. They are known throughout the Galaxy as warriors and tough mercenaries."
"What do they exactly look like?" The Spartan asked as he had a feeling that these Mandalorians were somehow similar to that of the Sangheili or simply known as the Elite.
That is when the holographic picture of the skull logo was replaced by a person cladded in armour. The Spartan can see that that design was unique and he can see that they were covered in shoulder pauldrons, vambraces, breastplate, codpiece, knee-pads, and thigh and shin guards clasped over a body stocking. What was eye-catching was that the visor of the helmet had a -T-shaped visor that was in black. "The design seems rather simple. Even in Spartan standards. But something tells me that I should not underestimate them." Chief had simply stated though he knew that these Mandalorians were something to be reckon with.
"I would say so. They're kinda like the Spartans from the UNSC but as a culture. From what I can gather from the Archives, these Mandalorians used a metal called Beskar, well, I assume a trace of that material into their armour and they are extremely skilled due to them being trained and taught about their culture at a young age." Joy added as there was a mix of curiosity heard at her voice.
Hearing the last bit made the Master Chief go quiet. Hearing the last bit made him remind of his time during boot camp where he and the other Spartan II Candidates were trained to become killing machines. At least with these Mandalorians, the Spartan assume that it was done under certain circumstances. AS much as he wanted to know more about this warrior culture, he knew that the second topic might be important and that learning about the Mandalorian history and culture would be for another time. "And the second topic?"
Joy had a mix expression between curiosity and confusion. "Well, remember the broadcast and the Clone Troopers that were on that Rishi Moon Outpost?"
"…" The Master Chief nodded back in confirmation.
Seeing the Spartan nodding, Joy then had to say something that was important. "Well, this Grand Army of the Republic has been issued recently."
Chief blinked at the last part that his AI Companion had just stated. "Recently?"
Joy nodded in confirmation. "From what I can gather from the recently made files within the Archives, the Grand Army of the Republic is its first major armed forces since the New Sith Wars over a thousand years ago due to the Ruusan Reformation that demilitarized the Republic."
"A millennia ago?" The Spartan said as he was quite surprised at hearing this.
"Yeah. And just out of nowhere after the Supreme Chancellor was given emergency power, the Clone Troopers just appeared on the Battle on a planet called Geonosis." Joy informed the Spartan with a clear look of worry shown on her face. "Chief, I think something is going on here that is happening behind the shadows."
"…" Chief when quiet when he had heard this and it was indeed raising some major red flags. If that was the case then he'll have to find more information to where the Clones originated from and find out who issued to create them. He may not be part of the Republic or even the Separatists, but he is for damn sure that he is going to prevent whatever is happening to ensure the safety and protection of everyone in this galaxy. No matter what the cost is. Just then, he saw his AI looking around. "Something wrong?"
"Someone is coming." She simply stated. Master Chief then saw her retreating back into his armour and saw a yellow mark on his hub which indicate that the individual was standing behind. He quickly turned around to see someone that he had saw not long ago.
"General Skywalker?" He looked at the individual. Sure he wasn't part of the Republic, but at least he wanted to show some respect to him.
Anakin let out a sigh upon hearing this. "No need to be formal around here and I knew I would find you here."
"…" The Spartan went quiet.
The Jedi let out a sigh once again. "Really? You won't say anything? C'mon, at least you have to say something other than to be quiet."
"We were doing our own research." Joy spoke through Chief's comms.
"Research, huh?" The Jedi murmured before an idea popped up in his head. "You know, I know someone who could exactly help you."
The Master Chief just stared at him whereas he could sense that Joy blinked for a few moments before saying what was in both of their minds. "And who exactly is it?"
-Scene Change-
Within a building called the Republic Executive Building, Master Chief was currently walking with Anakin Skywalker as they were making their way towards a certain destination. While doing so, the Spartan couldn't help but to see many people and Clones just looking at him suspiciously. "Somehow, I just feel nervous by the way people are just looking at us." The AI spoke quietly through Chief's comms.
"Aw, don't sweat it, Joy." Anakin assured to Master Chief's AI Companion. "They are only just curious to what you are."
"I assume that this person wants to meet me?" The Master Chief stoically guessed and quietly told Joy to be very silent when he meets this individual.
The Jedi nodded in confirmation when the Master Chief had asked that. As soon as they reached their destination, the doors then slid open to reveal a man that was watching over Coruscant. "Your Highness."
The individual then turns towards them and the master Chief can see that this person was a man. Really old in fact. Perhaps older than Catherine Halsey. "Ah, Anakin. It's good to see you." He then looked over to the green armoured individual that was standing besides the Jedi. "You must be the stranger that was picked up from the Rishi Moon Outpost?"
"…" The Master Chief just stared at him as he was carefully observing him. From what he can tell, this Chancellor was generous and kind. Too generous and kind for the Spartan's liking.
"Anakin. I think it's better if we only converse between me and this Stranger." The Supreme Chancellor clarified to the Jedi, to which said person then nodded his head and left the Chief with him. "Now, I believe I should introduce myself. I am Sheev Palpatine and you may have already known of my position."
"You are the Supreme Chancellor of the Galactic Republic." The Master Chief stoically answered.
Palpatine just gave the Spartan a generous smile at the Individual's answer. "You are correct and from what I have seen from the reports from the Jedi, you are the Chief?" The Spartan just nodded his head confirmation. "Please, have a seat. We may be talking for a while."
"I do not mind standing." The Master Chief declined his offer. He wasn't really disrespecting the Chancellor for denying his request, but he honestly just wants to stand up.
"I see." The Supreme Chancellor said in a gentle manner. "Shall we get into talk then." He saw the Spartan nodded and soon Palpatine begins to talk. "So, I can see that you seemed to want know about where you are I am guessing."
"Yes." Chief simply stated with a nod.
"Well, I assume that you are from another Galaxy from what I read from the reports. I take it you are having some difficulties with the information that you researched on?" Palpatine questioned the Spartan to which he didn't say another word and just nodded in confirmation. "Well, as a Chancellor, I can offer you anything you want."
The Master Chief just observed the Chancellor. He wasn't sure if Palpatine wasn't being truthful at his words. But at the same time he still didn't want to disrespect him despite being non-aligned with the Galactic Republic. "Anything?"
The Supreme Chancellor gave a gentle smile at him while holding his hands together. "Yes. Anything. You are still new in this galaxy, aren't you? You may have been in this planet for an entire day, but I can tell that you, my friend, that you may need extra support. Not only that but I will provide you with anything to get you back to your own Galaxy."
"…" The Master Chief just stared at him for a few seconds. True Palpatine's words was true to his words, but he cannot help the feeling that there was something playing into his mind. "I will be thinking about your offer before making my decision."
"I knew you would." Chancellor Palpatine said with a gentle smile shown on his face. "Now then, I shall be returning to the world of politics. Thank you for being here and it is good to meet you, Chief."
Feeling that the meeting was over, the Master Chief quickly turned around and exited the room. As he was doing that, his instincts were telling him something. There were red flags raised for the Spartan as he can recall the Chancellor's words. It seems like he was trying to manipulate him. But for as long as he knows, Palpatine was loved by everyone and he wouldn't even dare do anything to him.
Well, the only thing the Master Chief can do is to only observe him and if there was something wrong with Palpatine, then he will have to do something if it harms to all of the people within this galaxy.
Walking through an empty hallway, Chief held his left palm out and Joy's avatar soon appeared. "That was some kind of meeting."
"…" The Master Chief just only looked at her in response.
Joy just looks back at him. "You weren't really talkative, weren't you? I should have not stayed quiet during that meeting of yours. At least I manage to delete some reports that involve me."
"Good." The Master Chief commented with a hint of relief heard in his tone. "Because if he wanted to meet you then that would mean something."
His AI Companion narrowed her eyes at him while crossing her arms across the chest. "Chief. Is there something wrong?"
The Spartan went silent for a few quick second before answering. "The Chancellor. The way he talked to me. I do not like it."
This only made the AI Companion raised on of her eyes at him. "Chief. That Chancellor was very nice to you. You should be grateful about what he offered to you."
"Joy." The Master Chief then spoke her name. This made her look at him and saw him just stare at her. "We are in another Galaxy. It is true that the people within this Galactic Republic have good mindsets and ideals, but we have to be very careful. Just blurting out things vital to the UNSC would only give them the motivation to observe and take us hostage."
"Chief…" The AI just let out a sigh before bringing out her counter argument. "Just because we're in another galaxy, that doesn't mean that we shouldn't distrust all of them."
"…" The Master Chief remained silent upon hearing that. Her words did have a grain of truth on it, but that doesn't mean that everyone who he meets are friendly.
"Chief! There you are!"
Both the Spartan and the AI turned around as the former saw two dots on his hub. One yellow and an unknown one. There, both he and Joy saw the Jedi, Anakin Skywalker with a woman who had her "hair" tied up like a flower and wore a blue and gold dress. "General Skywalker." The Master Chief respectfully greeted the man.
Anakin just let out a sigh upon hearing this. "You don't need to be formal about it. But how was the meeting with Chancellor Palpatine?" He didn't get a response from the Spartan as he remained silent.
The woman next to him just looked at the two. To her, they seemed unique in a way and the big one's armour design looks unique in contrast to the one that Clone Troopers wear. "You must be the one that General Skywalker mentioned?"
Chief just look blankly at the Jedi, which made him a bit uncomfortable by the way his golden visor was looking at him. "Ah, well, she needed to know what happened yesterday within the Jedi Temple."
"Who's she?" Joy asked as she looked at the woman next to Anakin.
The Jedi just cleared his throat as he was about to who this woman is to the two strangers. "Chief, Joy. I want you to meet Senator Padmé Amidala of Naboo." Saying his secret wife's name just made him a bit happy.
Both said individuals just looked at each other before looking back at the Senator bowed down to greet them warmly and kindly. "It's nice to meet you two."
"Well, I'll just leave you two talking." Anakin said before walking up ahead to go back to the Jedi Temple. As he was doing so, he quickly shot a quick glance at his secret wife while she did the same.
Seeing this made both the AI and the Spartan look back at each other. Both felt a weird feeling of Anakin's quick glance. It was as if he was giving his friend a quick look. Or something else. "Now then," The duo looked back at the Naboo Senator who gave them a warm smile. "Since Anakin has told me about you and your AI Companion being new around here, I can show you around and also inform you about the Politics."
"Are you sure?" The Master Chief asked the Senator.
Padmé gave the Spartan an assured look and replied very kindly to him. "I am. Come with me to my Office and we shall talk."
The Master Chief didn't know why but he had a sudden feeling that the Naboo Senator was being very truthful to her words. Something he hasn't felt sine he was with Echo 216 back on Zeta Halo, nodding his head to let her lead the way, Joy's Avatar quickly went back to Chief's armour and the Spartan then followed the woman towards their destination.
If there was one thing that Chief hated was Politics. Back on his home Galaxy, there were many Politicians within the United Earth Government and the Inner Colonies that abused their power and position to exploit the Outer Colonies, which accumulated to the Insurrection within said Colonies against the UNSC.
Perhaps, it may be the same in this Galaxy ever since reading what happened during the Separatists Crisis which resulted into a war that he had somehow ended up in. Whether it was unintentionally or not.
He was quickly snapped back when his AI Companion just quietly spoke through Chief's helmet comm due to her asking a question. "Chief, may I ask you this? Is it just me and you who notice that General Skywalker and Senator Amidala are close or we're just imagining things?"
"…" Chief didn't reply as he continued to follow the Naboo Senator to her office. He already had a feeling that they are close, but he would just keep that to himself. For now at least.
I do hope you enjoy this chapter and now the events are unfolding.
Master Chief being suspicious with how Yoda knows about Cortana despite not even actually meeting. What makes this better is that even though Palpatine was very "kind" to offer any help to the Spartan, he just knew that he cannot trust the Chancellor. But all is not bad as he meets the Naboo Senator and Secret Wife to Anakin Skywalker, Padmé Amidala and he can perhaps trust her. Well, not right know of course since he only just met her.
Crimson Soldat: If you just read the story, I just written this alone since I really want to make some progress of this story. It is short but I just want to get some things out of the way first and hey, Master Chief had just learned about the Mandalorians. But oh boy that's gonna be a hot topic for me to write when it comes cause of…let's say some hardcore people who know a lot more about the Mandalorian Culture and Lore.
There you have it. I really do hope you enjoyed this chapter despite having OOC moments.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter despite the blatancy and any errors made in this chapter. Review this chapter and I and jojoblink01 (who is currently busy at this time) will see you all in the next chapter. Whenever the next one will be published.