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The following is a fan-based

FICTION

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"They shall burn from within"

March 12 2527 - Hour 0241

MSGT Logan 'Log' Sutton

Core Section, Shield 0459

Early morning was never a good time to start an offensive against a tough foe, but we weren't exactly trying to brute-force our way into the heavily-fortified section held by the Covenant.

Differently than how things unfolded in Halo Wars, we didn't end up sparring blows with one of the enemy ships once we all exited the corridor that led to the core, however we were suddenly forced to retreat from the central section of the inner region when Serina and Sif spotted numerous heavy AA plasma batteries preparing to shoot us as we approached. The Covenant was entrenching itself into the main section of the core, thus creating a rather troublesome defensive line to break into.

Our ships could technically get through that sort of resistance, but the losses would be disastrous. And with the Flood still being a factor one couldn't ignore, it was decided that a more cautious approach was needed. Which is where Perpetual Comprehension provided us a few more information about this facility: it turns out that there were small buildings at the edges of the Covenant fortress which held terminals meant to activate external mortars that could be redirected back at them. If we captured those four terminals, then we would have four turrets barrage the bastards with enough heat to melt their toughest fortifications.

It was imperative all four of those terminals were captured and the assault was divided between the special forces within the Spirit of Fire and the Roman Blue. Omega Team, Red Team, Forge's squads and my own team- the hostile presence in each of those locations was less prominent compared to the main fortified sections of the perimeter, but it was still going to be tough due to the high numbers of vehicles that they were employing. We had Marines supplanting our operation, but we could rely on a very limited pool of armored vehicles such as a few Scorpions, a Grizzly and a Vulture. No Hawks or Hornets since both aerial vehicles couldn't do much with how thick the forest we were dealing with was.

First contact was a bit rough, but no one got hurt. The ensuing two hours? We had medics and they were working, but none of the team suffered any injuries. We had some close cases since our shields were quick to crack, but it was enough to warn us and give us the chance to seek cover from any defender that was shooting at us. All in all, the process was the same as protocol. Kill the leaders, shred the grunts, and, if the situation demanded it, kill any Hunters or heavily armored Brutes between us and our destination.

The Vulture took care of any Wraiths in the area after all aerial defenses were taken down, its heavy firepower easily destroying the mortar-based tanks as we advanced unto the jungle-like path. Soon we were at our destination, the doors of the Forerunner's building still closed shut as we approached.

"We are here," I communicated through the line with Perpetual Comprehension and the AI hummed.

"Glad to hear that. You were the second team to make it after the squad led by 'Sergeant Forge'."

"Are the others facing issues?"

"A few," Sif admitted and I sighed. "Mostly those for the Red Team. The Covenant managed to send support to their position and they are close to getting pinned down."

I nodded at this, knowing they needed some help. "Firegroup Epsilon, disengage and provide support to the Red Team."

"Sir, yes sir," The Vulture's pilot announced before shifting towards the known location of the aforementioned Spartans.

"What about the Omega Team?"

"Their path is longer than the rest, but they are facing no immediate threat," Sif confirmed, giving me some good news as we finally started to move inside the structure.

As we entered the structure, killing off the last holdouts within the area, I couldn't help but notice that some of the terminals were activating as we were walking through.

"Sir," Felicia muttered quietly. "What are the chances this is a trap?"

"Low," I admitted, looking around for any surprises.

After all, Guilty Sparks has been a good enough reason to not trust Forerunner AIs so earnestly. Not when they prioritized their main goal compared to what secondary priority may come true. If Perpetual Comprehension saw us as potential threats to the Core World, then we were going to have big issues in the long run.

Still, nothing suggested this much- actually, it felt more like he was going to 'help us' for as long I was around. Something about me seemed to bring out an odd behavior from the AI, and Sif had noticed this too. When she inquired about this, I mentioned that I had no clue beyond my unique condition.

I hoped for this to be an unfounded fear, but the more this operation went on, and the more I listened to Perpetual Comprehension's comments about the matter and the bizarre words he used towards me... well, I was legitimately sweating a bit. And it wasn't just the pressure exerted by the action-packed stroll into the woods. No, there was something else.

We finally reached the terminal and I quickly uploaded Sif in it. It took just a few seconds for her avatar to form, the AI moving fast to enable the structure and direct the mortar turret to the fortifications. A powerful energy bullet channeled and then was ejected by the cannon-like construct forming over the building, sending an intense plasma-fueled blast which started to melt at the purplish defenses. Just as the process was done, I noticed that Sif had gone stiff, something catching her attention.

"What is it?" I asked, Sif looking more intrigued by what she was looking at something important.

Without saying much, she opened a few windows that showed the central platform that went to show the inactive fleet and-

"That's Anders," Felicia muttered, but her comment was met with a more relevant one.

"And that's the Prophet of Regret," Alba pointed out, snarling at the image of him walking beside the Arbiter.

We sure are moving fast if we caught up to this moment

"One of their leaders?" Gage asked and the female Jiralhanae nodded. "What should we do, sir?"

"We can't directly attack them," I muttered, noticing the elevated number of guards at the moment. Way more than I would have liked but... "But We can still stop them."

I turned to Sif. "Can we stop any shifting within the core? We need to stop him from leaving the planet."

Before the AI could tell me something, another voice jumped in.

"It can be done," Perpetual Comprehension spoke, this time the voice not coming through our suits but by a nearby source. We all turned and saw a Guilty Sparks-like monitor approach us. Instead of its bulbous core glowing a soft blue, it was flashing a light-yellow tone. "However, if possible, may I have more information on such a figure to demand this option?"

"He is one of the High Prophets and the one that declared war on Humanity," Alba replied curtly, pointing at the San'Shyuum. "If he dies, it will reduce how many years this war will go for."

"Definitely," The AI conceded. "And that makes him a rightful target for this kind of offense."

I turned to stare at the windows and also noticed something happening in the background. Some Sangheili were carrying away some tied up troops. I frowned at the scene and wondered if these were some sort of rebels or traitors.

"What's up with that group?" I asked while pointing at the scene itself.

"By communications alone, I believe they are being taken away for being 'unfaithful' or 'too little zealous'," Perpetual Comprehension pointed out. "Why are you interested, Reclaimer?"

"Could be new friends," Alba guessed and I nodded.

"The enemy of our enemy can be our newest friend," I muttered and the AI hummed at this.

"I see but I can hardly stop that ship on my own," The Ancilla remarked, mentioning the Phantom carrying the prisoners elsewhere. "But I think we can solve this in another manner."

"Teleporting?" I guessed and the AI hummed in delight, causing me to sigh. "We need to inform Captain Hood before doing any of that."

"I already informed him myself," Perpetual Comprehension confessed happily. "He is willing to accept these parameters but gives you the final say on the matter."

This was happening too fast and too suddenly. It wouldn't take a genius to know there was more to it. This was a potential trap and... we had to walk into it. It was a risk, one that primarily was aimed at me, but if it meant killing Regret, then it was best to give it a shot and hopefully have a chance to bail if things were to go south.

"Team, be ready. We are leaving to claim some prisoners."

The rest of the group nodded, and I saw Serin looking a bit tense at this, but accepting my order when-

I was suddenly teleported and found myself in an unfamiliar room. It was just me and... not Sif. There was the Ancilla, but not my AI. She just went quiet. I glared at the floating monitor.

"This is not what you-"

"I need you to answer me some questions, Reclaimer. Specifically about your unusual genetic pattern."

"What are you talking about?" I asked and the Ancilla hummed.

"While your DNA may be close enough to be seen as one of the new humans, there is a fascinating correlation with older humans' traits which someone like you shouldn't possess. At least, not without some external assistance," The AI continued. "You hold quite a few secrets, however I'm willing to believe it's all in the name of good reasons. And nothing which could prove highly destructive for the legacy of my masters."

I was a bit stumped. I had 'what'? While I knew that I was inserted in this universe, I didn't know this meant I had 'Old Human' genetic traits on me. How 'Old' are we talking about? The first generation? The one before the one known as 'first generation'? I truly had no means to know what it was all about, only that it was so important for Perpetual Comprehension to take such a scary step against me.

"I... It's difficult. And I can't exactly tell you personally-"

"I-"

"But Sif knows and has data on it," I interrupted back, half-snapping at the AI. "I get it, I am odd, but I can't spend time right now explaining the full story. You want it without any interruptions? Sif will provide you if you tell her I gave you permission."

...

"Hmm, I suppose my manners may have been misplaced as rude and impolite. I never meant to sound like a threatening entity, Reclaimer," The Ancilla assured, and I wasn't sure if he was being honest or not. "Still, I will check with your AI if this is indeed the case. I suppose she can spare a copy."

I nodded.

"Good. Then I think I can finally shift you with the others into your proper destination."

I opened my mouth and- I didn't get the chance because I suddenly was teleported with the others... inside the Phantom.

My eyes widened in surprise as we found the vehicle already facing a struggle as the prisoners had broken free from their restraint and I happened to stumble on the sight of a Sangheili trying to choke down a Kig Yar which was stabbing its arm with a small cutter. I think I saw the Jackal before, a quick glance confirmed that it was among those that attacked us when Anders got kidnapped. My response was immediate as the rest of the team joined the brawl against the guards.

The Elite was surprised by a knife passing through the side of his head. The guy grumbled something and then fell limp on the side. The Kig Yar gave me an uneasy look and... I offered a hand. Stupid right? Even stupider when it grabbed it with her free palm and grinned.

"Thanks," She rasped and I blinked.

"You're... welcome?"

This is definitely going to be the cause of migraines. I can say this much already as the brawl intensified.

AN

And thus the ballad of Chol Von begins. But how did she happen in such a mess and what's about this sudden imprisonment of troops?

P.S. I now have a discord server! Discord .gg/ceBMM2Zz6c