A large, dim room appeared to be illuminated by nothing but faint blue hues, and glowing machinery. It seemed like the room itself, although grand and vast, was deserted. It was clear nobody had been inside the abandoned structure for eons, despite this, in one particular location a bright light manifested. Illuminating the area more so than even the hum from the various technical systems. The light took shape and in no time the shapes of 2B and her pod were fully restored.
Eyes opening behind her visor she gasped, looking around as Pod righted itself in the air, correcting its flight pattern after the mysterious surge had knocked the floating machine off kilter.
The realization that she was floating upside down registered in 2B's processors. Before she was pulled downward with a heavy force. As gravity exerted its influence, 2B flailed back hitting the solid metallic flooring beneath, her senses now registering the strong feeling of pressure and pain. 2B groaned as a wave of discomfort flowed through her body, blinking as her vision slowly recovered, "Good... to... be. Un- back. Where-" Her voice rasped. "Where, are...we?" she finally got the words to come.
"Data: Unknown." Pod 042 offered, slowly floating down to the prone Operator and the alien, dreary room. "A quick check of local structures suggests we are still on the alien installation, however, unknown readings are coming from all directions."
Wobbling forward and tripping into a staggering mess, 2B reached out a hand grasping at the darkness only to have her fingers push through thin air. "What, a peculiar... sensation-" she shivered at the coldness she felt. "That light it was like..."
"The same phenomenon that transported us to this ring," Pod explained, helping 2B sit, she leaned against a structure, gazing around. The place was deserted. Nobody was there to greet or provide answers. Nothing and no one in sight but her pod.
"Hypothesis: Operator 9S most likely initiated the teleportation." Pod theorized, scanning their surroundings with its external lights.
"That does seem likely. 9S..." 2B slowly, and steadily rose to her feet, surveying the area and determining the source of this transportation and their location, "Where did you send me... This area-" the sounds of faraway screams broke the silence. Horrific guttural howls and painful calls echoed through the metal chamber.
Snapping from her dazed stupor, caused by the flash and shift from their transportation, 2B realized the center of the room seemed to hum and pulse with an immense blue beam that ran through the ceiling and deep within the complex.
"Unit 2B," Pod hummed, shifting its flight path and its scans in a particular direction, the hum from its scanner pulsed, revealing more and more, of the darkness of the surrounding area, Pod zoomed outwards, "Multiple signatures of marine and what appears to be Covenant forces can be detected," Pod reported, adding data into their collective display. "Other unknowns can be identified, but they do not match the life forms identified previously on the ring."
"Maybe it's those other species Cortana mentioned," 2B supplied, reaching and pulling her weapon from its sheath, readying herself in the darkness. "Get ready, we are in the wild," she advised, readying herself as a powerful scream reverberated in the distance, getting closer and closer.
"Anomaly: Human and Covenant signatures are moving in unison to converge on our position. Unknown entities can also be identified in a defensive formation," Pod began, hovering closer to 2B.
Gunfire and flashes of light in the far distance echoed throughout the darkness, and sounds of a battle raging reached both the pod and the android, "Guess we've arrived at a very crucial point," 2B mused, tightening her grip as the blue pillar of light from behind lit them, revealing their outline.
Closer and closer the fighting and scuffling echoed, screams of horror were followed by sounds of ripping flesh. Gunfire was more sporadic and irregular the closer their visitors were, accompanied by the yelling, screaming, and shouts.
A metal floating ball-shaped machine came careening into the chamber. A single blue eye was illuminated on its metallic body. Behind it the familiar large, green armored form, fired a barrage at its back, pushing further into the chamber.
"Master Chief?" 2B made to step forward and make her presence known to the man, "what are-"
From the darkness, strange humanoid-shaped enemies revealed themselves. Limbs made from barbed thorns or bones, their bodies coated and dripping with oozing ooze and viscera, jagged and sharp claws formed on each appendage.
What was once Covenant foot soldiers accompanied the twisted and altered corpses. Also changed, in various states, and in various stages. From Grunts, Jackals, and even Elites, their bodies had been ripped and mangled, torn into new grotesque and unnatural shapes. The half-mangled bodies of their enemies' corpses held together by sinew and viscera, chunks of flesh, or torn bone.
Not paying her any mind, The Master Chief pulled a strange large double-barrel weapon. Leveling its barrel, a rocket screamed towards a humanoid. Blowing it and several other Covenant to bits, and showering the other grotesque, alien, nightmarish creatures with their bodily fluids.
Barrel rotating, another rocket launched. The organic abominations were ripped into pieces. Their inner masses ooze and seep out like pus. Screeches left their broken maws as they continued to claw towards the lone man. Sprinting to 2B's position, strange drone-like machines hovered over the attackers, letting off blasts of concentrated light, searing chunks off the monstrous horde.
Running past, a single command echoed through his external speaker, "Go." his gravelly, deep voice thundered out into the open air and cut through the noise, drowning out everything.
Nodding, 2B's heels pivoted, following him. Bolting behind the large man as he continued to the center of the room and its glowing column. Rounds flew and landed where they stood moments ago, pinging and glancing off the hard floor, some just missing the Master Chief.
Passing and keeping behind the large armored man, 2B looked behind. Seeing the figures of those grotesque abominations approaching in greater numbers, shrieking as they scuttled and sprinted to them in their pursuit.
The floor suddenly rumbled and shook as the beam's power and brightness increased, illuminating the whole space. The bottom lurched revealing it to be an elevator as it slowly fell, descending the group.
"The energy barrier surrounding the Index will deactivate when we reach the ground floor." The unknown metallic ball's high-pitched voice buzzed as it joined Master Chief's side, before gazing at the new addition to their party.
"Another Reclaimer? Splendid." It beamed, circling the android. "Greetings. I am the Monitor of Installation 04. I am 343 Guilty Spark."
2B opened her mouth to speak but a scan from the now named Guilty Spark drowned her attempt. Covering herself as if the AI's probing scan could peer beneath her clothing.
"Ah... Not one of my Reclaimers. How fascinating! A synthetic. And what a strange power source, unlike anything on record. Incredible" it gushed in awe. "Oh, it would be most agreeable if you came with us."
"Alert: Foreign AI may prove to be a hazard to our mission and-" Pod was cut off by Spark hovering between it and 2B's faces.
"What a peculiar construct. Perhaps later I can examine your compatriot. There would be much to learn." 2B flinched at the word, her posture becoming rigid and hostile.
"Spark." the deep tone of the green-armored man spoke. Bringing the attention to him.
"Ah my apologies, yes. Of course." Turning toward the lone armored warrior. "My curiosity can wait once we've dealt with the local infestation." Guilty Spark exclaimed cheerfully. The Master Chief grunted.
Gripping tighter on her weapon she gazed at Master Chief and then Spark. Guilty Spark. What was this 'index,' they spoke about, and why hadn't Cortana made herself know? Her brows scrunched beneath her visor in confusion.
The elevator sunk farther into the dark chasm. Lights from their surroundings barely kept them from falling into darkness, the Spartan standing beside 2B was silent before his visor shifted, his gaze now locked with her own, his hands clenching before relaxing. "It's been two days, what happened?" his deep tone hummed as his stare locked on hers.
Two days!? 2B's face contorted and turned, unable to hide the shock from her voice and actions. She stared down at the floor. Body slumping, and arm grasping at the elbow, "I'm still figuring out the answer..." She shook her head. "All I remember is a flash of light and here we were."
Chief stared at her, nodding and seemingly satisfied at least with a brief outline of the happenings, his frame tensed and became rigid, turning from 2B, as the platform drew closer and closer to the bottom.
"Master Chief, those things what were they?" She asked, noting how tense and aware he was, the pistol in his hand now poised and ready for action.
"The Covenant accidentally unleashed an unknown Infestation onto the ring," he responded curtly.
"And what are these things to you? In your vocabulary," the android pressed him.
"Hostiles. Difficult, extremely aggressive, and lethal," He spoke. 2B looked up at where they last saw the organic grotesque nightmares. Wondering about their threat and capabilities.
"The Flood will stop at nothing, not till the universe is devoured," the blue-colored sphere hovered next to Chief, informing 2B with an upbeat tone.
The Flood? 2B tried to absorb and process this. An unknown creature and species. One that ate, altered, and corrupted other living and sentient beings? It all seemed ludicrous. And the casual mention of eating a whole universe also seemed so unlikely. Just what was she thrown into the middle of, and could she and her pod return to her proper timeline?
"Once we've gotten the Index we'll activate the rings defenses, wipe this place clean from their presence, and leave." the Spartan told 2B. His plan to end this conflict seemed rather simple.
With the Master Chief being more talkative than normal 2B realised Cortana hadn't yet emerged or even acknowledged her. Just what was the AI working on? Could she even hear their discussion, or was she devoting her full attention to a project, with a high priority?
"Is Cortana-"
The elevator lurched as the platform reached the ground floor. A heavy clanking sound rang around as its components engaged once again and halted their descent.
The blue beam in the center flickered, and the power faltered, dimming in intensity and shine.
A small floating device materialized before the beam of light, shifting and spinning, the mechanisms inside humming with power.
"You may now retrieve the Index." the Monitor cheered, excitedly, hovering above 2B's head.
Reaching his arm out, The Master Chief raised his hand. Pod shifted forward blocking his grasp from reaching the item. The armored man tensed. Stopping his arm and curling it into a fist.
"Pod? Wha-"
"Human Spartan, it is unwise to trust the alien intelligence," it responded. 2B raised an eyebrow, understanding its hesitation as an unidentified unknown force. However, it seemed they didn't have much of an option right now, if they wanted to end this 'infestation' they were going to need the 'index.'
The Master Chief brushed his knuckle against Pod moving the hovering machine out of the way, "Your concern is noted." his calm, stoic, yet threatening voice rumbled, glaring down at the floating, armed, pod.
Snaking his fingers into the object, he grasped it. Pulling the small, Index from its sheath, he brought it close examining, and scanning the object.
A blue beam from Spark shot out, taking the Index from his grip, "Protocol requires that I take possession of the Index for transport. Your organic form renders you... vulnerable to infection. The Index must not fall into the hands of the Flood before we reach the Control Room and activate the installation."
As it finished, 343 Guilty Spark sounded somewhat, frantic at the thought. Or was 2B simply reading into things and reading too far into it all?
A golden light began to surround each of them. An unseen power wrapping, and folding around the bodies, 2B made a motion to step backward but her leg wasn't able to retreat, as their bodies were all suddenly teleported to somewhere else within the ring.
--
Materializing into another room, Guilty Spark's voice bounced off the walls as 2B's sight focused. The construct was nice enough to answer questions Pod 042 posed.
"...which means that any organism of sufficient mass and cognitive capability is a potential vector."
As he droned on and on. 2B eyed the Spartan in front of her. Gazing around the room as if he were scanning, or expecting someone to be there. But not reacting at all to 343's words.
Also catching his lack of reaction Spark turned, "Is something wrong?"
"No... Nothing." Chief deadpanned.
"Splendid. Shall we?" 343 asked as he led the trio deeper into the strange location.
In the center of the room, a large control console rested and protruded upwards. A holographic display of the whole ring was presented, shining above it. Spark slowly floated toward the terminal, positioning itself, hovering just before the control panel.
"This way please."
The next few moments were all a blur. Moving forward 2B took her post next to the man dressed in armor and the construct known as 343.
The Spartan inserted the 'Index' into the waiting slot. Cortana appeared, the usual blue tint present, as her appearance appeared larger, much larger.
Much to the anger of Spark who proceeded to argue with her, and her back, with equal fire, venom, and determination.
Refusing to let the Master Chief activate the ring's defense system, Cortana insisted and explained that this ring, this Halo was a weapon used to wipe out and eradicate all life. And would eliminate the sentient species across the cosmos. Including humanity, earth, and other sentient beings.
This infestation, the Flood needed food. And what better way to stop and sustain the life form, than to destroy the food source, all life?
It made sense, in an odd twisted, mad sort of way. But was this infestation really that big of a threat?
Retrieving Cortana and inserting her back into his helmet. Guilty Spark ranted on and on. Multiple sentinels soon surrounded the party, all their weapons pointed at 2B, Pod 042, and Master Chief.
Giving the order to save the Master Chief's severed head and not to damage Pod or 2B too severely, Guilty Spark teleported away, the machines surged, their weapons ready to unleash.
Cartwheeling to dodge a barrage of laser shots, 2B made her way for the nearest sentinel, the Master Chief's assault rifle barked loudly overhead, mowing down a sentinel that closed in.
Reaching out, her sword found purchase. Buried into the machine. Another spun, hitting her square in her abdomen. It stung but otherwise, 2B shrugged it off. With her heels spinning around, 2B struck and sliced the flying machine into pieces.
Zooming across and ducking beneath an errant shot Pod 042 avoided the two sentinels that gave chase, seemingly trying to capture the pod, not kill.
Dashing low to the ground, 2B lunged, somersaulting into the air, landing on one of the pursuing flying drones, her weight forcing it downward, planting both her heels onto its metal chassis and propelling herself upwards, the force of her jump sending the machine spiraling downward.
Shields tanking a hit, The Master Chief gunned down a sentinel from point-blank range. With the sentinel 2B had used as a launch pad, crashed down and exploded behind him, as another smashed against the wall.
Slicing the last machine into tiny, fragmented, pieces, 2B hurried towards the armored human. Sheathing her blade as she got closer.
"We can't let the monitor activate Halo."Cortana's voice could be heard through his speakers, as the armored behemoth pressed a button on a nearby control panel opening the doors that led to their exit.
"I have a- Oh 2B it's good to see you, "Cortana finally spoke to the android. "...Pod, not you, you weird hunk of junk." the AI added.
"Construct Cortana, I see you're the same as usual. A tactless personality. Insulting me again. Is this another human trait, or did the individual that programmed you to possess an innate cruelty? Must investigate. To determine the cause."
2B chuckled. At least things between Pod and Cortana seemed intact. That's good, some semblance of normality remained amid the insanity around them.
"Save it for later." Chief bellowed to the two, exiting through the large doors.
Down the massive hall, a pack of Grunts and Elite troops waited, all positioned to attack, barking their orders and sending out an all-out assault against them.
Plasma shots zipped past them. Ducking and moving aside 2B rolled, stopping next to a cover. The Master Chief barreled past, running headlong into the mix, his heavy steps shaking the ground beneath them.
The messy fight only grew in scale and ferocity as more sentinels descended from above. Opening fire on both sides. Their combatants dodged and strafed the laser fire from above.
Grabbing a plasma grenade in its four-fingered claw. A Grunt threw it against 2B, or what the aliens believed was 2B's direction. She was moving so quickly it missed and flew past.
"Victory will be ours!" A charging Elite, howled, plasma rifle spitting as it advanced.
"Nya Nya Nya!" Shouting like spoiled children the grunts, danced, and sprayed anything and anyone within their grasp.
Ripped to shreds by plasma fire a sentinel burst into several different directions. 2B backflipped, arcing past a sentinel that swooped in close to get a lock on the android.
"An explosion of sufficient size should help destabilize the ring and stop its ability to fire," Cortana suggested to Chief, who proceeded to pull a sticky grenade from his inventory.
Lobbing it near the feet of a pair of Grunts. They erupted in a shower of flesh and goo. Body parts and a blue mist settled.
Flipping behind a sentinel, 2B punched her hand into its backside. Forcefully tearing and pulling the flying mechanical robot apart, using her legs and pushing off with force, she flew high in the air, gravity claiming its share as 2B plummeted down, landing and burying her weapon into the skull of the Elites helmet, cutting and carving him in two.
With a savaged sentinel beam the Master Chief downed the remaining Grunts that attempted to flee.
With the area secure, the group took off towards their exit, pods engines revved with energy. Launching behind the running pair, following the familiar man clad in armor.
"Blowing up the ring doesn't sound like an easy task," 2B expressed concern, her heels continuing to pick up speed.
"It isn't, but a starship's fusion reactor should suffice," Cortana commented through the com system. "I'm navigating through the Covenant battlenet to see if I can locate the Pillar of Autumn."
"Pillar of Autumn... That's the ship you all came on? Right?" 2B inquired.
"Affirmative," she responded, then her voice drifted, distant, but still audible."It's pure chaos out here. From the battle reports...
the Flood are everywhere," her voice shifted. Cortana's concern clearly etched into her voice.
Exiting out of the control room, snow gently fell from above. It was a much more peaceful environment that betrayed what was actually happening on the ring, around them.
"Covenant, Flood, Spark's sentinels, and whatever Human stragglers remain, It looks like a battle royale." Cortana huffed, pausing her statement. Her voice clearly showing she didn't relish the idea of setting off a reaction inside the ring's structure while still on it. "I haven't located the Autumn yet but we need to buy time."
2B followed as Chief ran up the pathway.
"Query: If this structure is truly a weapon capable of wiping out all sentient life. Then there must be machinery that allows such a weapon to focus its energies, perhaps, if located we may be able to use it, to disable and depressurize the ring." Pod supplied to the trio, using its sensors to examine the region.
"Took the words right out of my mouth, pod. My analysis suggests we will have a greater chance of disabling the ring if we disable three-phase pulse generators that amplify Halo's signal," Cortana answered."They are close by, according to the ring's schematics."
The sound of distant gunfire both Covenant and Human mingled in the air. Along with the odd scream, or odd shouts. All calling for more blood, carnage, and murder.
"Pod, I'm sending you a data packet detailing the current state of the ring." Cortana instructed, a pause lingered, before she continued, "From Flood concentration, Sentinel locations, the enemy's current movements, as well as potential enemy reinforcement points."
"Acknowledged: Thank you construct Cortana, transferring data. Processing... Done. Such data shall assist, immensely in our task," Pod's voice crackled, its coms systems already in the process of sorting, and compiling the vast amount of information Cortana sent over.
"Look at that he does have some manners, "Cortana's mocking voice played in the group's head.
"Resignation: Construct Cortana's petty, snide remarks can be ignored. Proceeding forward. Once a primary generator has been disabled our systems can shift its focus, and work on finding the correct set of commands to halt this ring's pulse sequence." Pod told everyone, drifting backward, keeping his scanners alert and peeled for any type of danger.
Checking his ammo reserves, Chief clicked a button, pulling a new set of magazines, replacing and inserting the old set of ammo, before unclipping his Assault rifle and moving toward the railing that overlooked the snowy canyon, "Where's the nearest generator," Chief asked. His gruff, deep tone cut through the crisp cold air, as a heavy gust of wind blew past them.
2B walked beside him, holding onto her sheathed weapon, gazing at the whiteness and snowy surroundings. The polar opposite of where she'd woken when this whole mess began.
"Hmm... Marking the generator's location to the group."
Turning to 2B the Chief pointed to their objective, "Keep your eyes open, Halo has a tendency to throw unexpected problems our way,"
2B nodded, acknowledging and digesting this information.
"Assessment: Detection and analysis of sentinel movement patterns can be projected and anticipated. Perhaps, given enough information pod zero four two and unit 2B would be capable of easily predicting the enemy's behavior."
Taking a step toward their objectives, Chief remained silent, scanning his helmet, up the white mountain they would need to ascend. 2B jogged slightly to his left and behind him, staying at his side but also giving them room and a sense of being covered.
"That's certainly a possibility." Cortana humored the floating machine, "But first we- wait."
Their group halted abruptly. Alert and searching for the danger.
"Chief, I'm picking up UNSC transponder signals," Cortana announced.
"Flood?" he queried
"No. Friendlies," She informed, an extra beep coming from her systems." Radio chatter confirms it, let's see what I can find." she responded, tapping into the enemy and friendly forces data streams, pulling valuable info on the signal, in seconds.
"There." she paused, the Master Chief's heads up display zooming in on a remote area not far from the group. "Fireteam Raven," the AI replied, locating, and detecting multiple new allied signatures in their vicinity.
"ODSTs." The Spartan's voice called from the helmet.
"Sounds like they're in trouble," the AI sounded more upbeat than moments ago. "Think we can afford to do a little detouring?" She proposed as a group of sentinels flew overhead toward the marked generators.
"Maybe not," she confessed.
"Our priorities are stopping the Monitor from activating Halo," the Chief laid out for his companion.
Gazing between the Chief and their objective, 2B stepped forward a hand over her chest, "Then allow us to take on this duty, Pod and I will travel to aid the soldiers. Whilst you take care of those generators."
Chief turned to the android, visor staring and analyzing the being beside him. The android stared at the behemoth for a moment before the Spartan gave his approval to their suggestion. "Once we've accomplished our respective tasks we'll rendezvous, good luck."
"I'll let them know help is on the way," Cortana interjected, sending out a beacon and hailing their beleaguered forces.
2B's lips twisted slightly. As she stared up at the large, imposing human warrior, in front of her. Nodding his head, 2B spun and made her way, Pod leading and giving a status of the direction and the data collected on the fire team.
Chief, gripping his Assault Rifle, peered and gazed in the direction of the coordinates. Making his move in his task, hoping for his companions' success in their efforts.
Authors note: Sorry for anyone who wanted the entirety of Halo Combat Evolved and the book to be in here, but I want to get to the real chunk of my story as soon as I can, which requires us to get to New Mombasa in Halo 2 as soon as possible.
So to compensate, I've included Fireteam Raven's appearance in the next chapter and some more Flood.
