Author's Note

We're truly getting into Act 2 now, and it's super exciting to write this. I really hope that everyone enjoys this story continuing, because I'm in love writing it. As a side note, if anyone is wondering what the Space Pirates look like in this story, then direct your attention towards the Zebesian's from Metroid Prime 3, specifically the normal Pirate Trooper, not the slave class Pirate Militia. In that game, they were practically the same as the sangheili. So in this world, since they have not been genetically engineering their offspring with Phazon, they instead look mostly like the sangheili, albeit with more slender bodies with thinner waists and red leathery skin instead of the Elite's grey brown.

They are a bipedal race with more reptilian features, with three-fingered claws, digitigrade legs, and raptor-like feet. Their heads are strikingly similar to the Elites with the difference in the fact that they have eight eyes instead of two, four on each side. They have mandibles like the Elites, but shorter and more gentle looking despite the fact that they have sharp teeth that line their mandibles. However, just like the Zebesians seen in Super Metroid And Metroid Fusion, they do have wings on their backs that fold up when not in use.

I've yet to decide if they are a subdivision of the sangheili in this Universe or a completely separate race of creatures, but if anyone has thoughts towards that point, please feel free to let me know.

If anyone has a problem with me really cherry picking my favorite aspects of the Pirates to create them for this story, just know that the Space Pirates have like, fifteen different canon designs in the Metroid Lore, it's agonizing to try and find one that supposedly the original look for their species.

Okay, I'm done talking now...

Uploaded

02/24/2024

LEGEND BELOW

"Chief, that's not a good idea..." = Normal speech.

''You're you, don't let it control you...'' = Normal thoughts/Receiving coms.

Chapter 40

Rated-M

M rating for blood, and language, and violence.

Music of the day

Metroid Prime 3 Corruption - Bryyo (Cliffside)

"Make haste, do not dither! Move as if our great Queen was watching over you herself! She has blessed us with her glorious technology and power, do not spit in the face of her offerings."

A young and rather feminine Zebesian exclaimed, ushering around other Space Pirates left and right. She stood proudly over her division, ruling as the right hand to the Queen of the Zebesian race.

Since her rising to such a glorious position, she had been gifted a suit of armor that resembled the Great Queen in color, but could never even approach hers in power or grace. That said, she wore it with pride and excellence, and felt an intrinsic sense of pride when seen wearing it around the city.

Two months, roughly speaking, had passed since her race had acquired such a respectable and powerful new leader. Two months had passed since the Zebesians had acquired their new mother, the one true leader that would stand tall over all her peers, demanding respect and loyalty.

Despite it being such a short span of time, tremendous progress had been made in multiple ways across the entire planet. Their glorious Mother had brought with her not only technological advancements far beyond anything they had ever imagined possible, turning their interplanetary ships into vessels capable of traveling the stars and adequately defending themselves.

More than that, she brought with her the science of medicine that made any advancements they had prior seem brutal and obsolete by comparison.

She helped cure diseases, bring an end to biological defects many weaker members of her kin were born with, and blessed them with a life beyond any of their wildest dreams.

But for those who she could not save via science or technology, she changed with a touch of her hand.

Looking down at herself now, she could still feel the remnants of her blessed power on her body, her limbs that had been annihilated in a showy display of Lady Aran's power having been recreated from thin air by use of her great power.

She had been the first of the House of Aran, a contingent of Zebesians both fiercely loyal and submissive to her great Mother. They were selectively chosen for numerous differing reasons, whether that be age, genetics, strength, mindset, or more specifically, those she had a personal hand in saving. Nearly all within the Great House had been perfected by her hand, and she was grateful to have been the very first.

Now, however, her wondrous leader had busied herself with bringing about a new age of the Zebesians. As such, she had little time to oversee the evolution of her race in all its aspects, and so she had crafted devisions dedicated towards differing goals, with members of the House to oversee their operations.

She was one such candidate, and had been given the position to oversee the construction of their new star ships.

And she was very thorough in her work.

Knowing that her Great Mother had faith in her was enough of a gift then anything else, and it certainly urged her to do everything she could.

"Lady Vespian, operations pertaining to the retrofitting of the star vessels are commencing well." Another voice broke her silent musings, drawing her attention to a Zebesian male warrior, the creature bowing out of respect to her.

"I see. What is the rate of our success thus far?" The first of House Aran, Vespian, muttered. "I would not like to return to her side without pleasing news." She added after a moment.

The male straightened up at her words, clasping his arms behind his back.

It wouldn't do well to displease their Queen.

"Currently, Orpheon, and Siriacus are at seventy percent completion. I believe our Great Mother will be most pleased with our progression in this field." He stated quickly and efficiently. "At this rate, she will have a small fleet of vessels at her disposal within one more month of construction."

Vespian hummed in delight at the words, her mandibles clicking in a cooing glad sound of song. "That is most wonderful news! Our Mother will be most pleased to learn of this information." She exclaimed, overcome with joy. "With the might of our great shipyards and surplus of materials, our intergalactic conquest of the stars is all but assured. One thing stands in our way, and that is time. But, even time will bend to our will."

"I know it is not my place to ask such an esteemed member of her House like one such as you, but if you will bless this lowly warrior with your insight, I would be most grateful." The male bent down, inquiring knowledge from her.

Vespian's eyes turned from the vast ship-building yard before her to the male at her side.

"Ask your question." She stated, voice level.

"I have the knowledge that our wonderful Mother has lofty ambitions for us, and I am curious. She plans to lead us to greatness, to expand across the stars. But, what are the limits of her conquest?" He posed his question, keeping his head down.

He knew he was speaking out of line, but he could not contain his curiosity. Even knowing that he could face reprimand for his inquires, he felt compelled to seek such knowledge.

The thoughts behind Queen Aran's actions were something that many found their eyes drawn towards, and their race were, if anything, a curious bunch of creatures. Curiosity was what had gotten them this far, it was likely to continue propelling them forward.

"That is a… compelling question."

Both Pirates fell to the ground in surprise, bowing deeply towards the source of the voice as the Great Mother stepped into the room.

"M-My Queen! Our apologies, we did not notice your presence." Vespian exclaimed in apology, keeping her head down, an action mirrored by the other. "Such a disgraceful action must be punished, I will accept anything you place upon me!" She declared proudly, head on the floor.

"Rise, Vespian. Punishment is not needed." Samus spoke with a surprising gentleness, carrying the grace of a great leader. Vespian breathed surprise as Samus knelt beside her, raising her head upwards with a green claw until their eyes were locked together.

"M-My Queen…?" The Zebesian breathed, eyes wide.

"I have come to inspect your work, and I am pleased with what I have found." Samus spoke gently, staring down at her with a lone red eye. "Tell me, what is your estimation for the completion of my vessels?" She asked.

Vespian swallowed thickly, her righteous and proud attitude crumbling to dust in such intimate proximity to her glorious leader. "C-Currently, both Orpheon, and Siriacus are undergoing final assembly. They will be ready in three weeks at the earliest." She spoke quickly, shaking as she struggled to try and keep her proud attitude before her.

Samus's eyes upturned in approval at her words. "I see. And what of Vol Paragom?" She asked curiously.

"Vol Paragom has completed its retrofit and is ready for use, Mother." Vespian explained. "I have gone ahead and ordered that it be prepared for your personal use at a moments notice, M-My Queen." She hastily added.

Samus's black lips quirked up in delight. "Good girl. I am grateful for your efforts, Vespian." She said, moving to stand once more.

The Zebesian's chest shuddered underneath her approving words of praise, her loyalty to the woman growing with every day.

"See to it that Orpheon, and Siriacus arrive at completion soon. I am planning a departure and require the fleet combat-ready at that time." Samus spoke, turning to gaze out at the vast shipyard before her.

Although two of her greater starships were still under the final construction phases, situated in the center was the first ship completed with the use of her new technology. It resembled the Space Pirate Destroyers from her dimension, although larger in size. The main body of the ship was cylindrical in shape, with three gigantic prongs that extended forward from the end to form the main weapon system.

The orbital laser weapon that she'd seen use countless times during the Federation Space Pirate war was a formidable weapon in the battlefield, and the decision to replicate that technology here and now, albeit at a more efficient capacity, was a decision she was quick to make. The design of the ship was intimidating in nature, and its alien shape would help differentiate it compared to her allied UNSC starships.

Although it was named after the research frigates she had destroyed in her own time, they were modeled after the Destroyer class star ships. The idea to steal the name was a quirk she'd thought of last minute, but decided not to change once the names were implemented. She felt it an appropriate stab at her now distant enemies, and a way to remember the universe she'd come from.

In addition to the main canon used to destroy enemy cruisers of similar sizes, it was also armed with half a dozen heavy anti air plasma cannons and interplanetary cruise missiles capable of both in atmosphere flight as well as space. The vessel was well armored, but its largest upgrade would be its energy shields.

Most UNSC star ships were heavy vessels that made up their defense with metal and alloys, but no energy shields. The Infinity was the only exception she knew of currently in their fleet.

That would not be the case in her own fleet.

She personally modeled a shield generator system designed after her own Power-Suit's energy shields into Vol Paragom, allowing it maximum defensive capabilities in the field. It was, as of yet, untested.

She planned to change that soon enough.

To compliment her flagship destroyer, two more were currently under development, Orpheon, and Siriacus. They too were Destroyer class star ships, yet they stood to carry lesser star fighters into a battle instead of heavy cannons. Each of her ships had a compliment of Fang Class Fighters, Armored Tactical Carriers, Assault Skiffs, and one Heavy Assault Ship her Destroyer.

Compared to the UNSC or the Covenant, it was minuscule in comparison to their respective fleets. But this was only the beginning, and her plans were far greater than what she had now.

That said, she was a mastermind in making a lot out of a little, and she would use her small fleet well in the future.

There were still enemies left in this dimension, and she couldn't rest until they were either dead, or they submitted themselves to her.

With that thought in mind, she turned her eyes back to her loyal subjects, the Zebesian's standing at attention before her, arms clasped behind their backs. They seemed to stand a little straighter at her gaze. "You wished to know the limits of my ambitions, my Conquest?" She spoke suddenly, giving them her attention. "Then listen clearly." She muttered lowly, turning to gaze up at the night skies above her planet.

"There are those in the galaxy that seek to destroy us and bring havoc to both us and our allies. We cannot stand on the wayside while they galavant across the galaxy bringing destruction wherever they go. They stand to threaten our existence, our future, our world. I have no intention to let them do so." She explained firmly, eyes narrowing dangerously. "You asked what my intentions were? Let me put it clearly. Humanity are our allies, those who stand to threaten their lives are our immediate enemies, and must be exterminated."

"My Queen…? Were we not once a threat to Humanity…?" Vespian spoke uncertainly. "Before we gained you, we were directionless, pride-less lowly creatures. Yet you deemed it right to grant us the greatest of mercies, and we are all eternally grateful for your actions. But, do you plan on offering that mercy to our enemies…?" She asked lowly, the temporary courage she gained from her Great Mother's speech granting her the power to speak her mind before her leader.

Samus took in a deep, slow inhale, thinking on her right hand's words. She could not blame the girl for her inquisitive mind, and found it a good time to divulge her intentions. She turned from the skies above, laying her blood red eyes on her young Zebesian Commander, her close right hand.

"If they submit to my rule, if they leave behind their destructive ways and submit to me, I will grant them the same mercy that I granted you." Samus muttered.

"…And if they refuse?" Vespian asked lowly, eyes gaining a dangerous, almost gleeful glint.

Samus's eyes narrowed. "Then they will not be spared." She spoke simply, before turning to make her way out of the developing facility. Multiple heavy armored Elite Pirate Warriors stood at attention outside the door in wait for her, an escort for their Queen that was not needed, but given out of respect nonetheless. "See to it that you complete your work, Vespian. I expect great things from you." She added before leaving, her words reinvigorating the young yet bright Zebesian Commander.

"As you wish, my Queen! It shall be done." Vespian declared proudly, bowing to the Hunter as she made her departure.

(INFINITY)

The command deck was quiet, a tension hanging over the crew stationed there. Del Rio stared firmly at the control terminal, viewing a readout of tactical data pertaining to the space just beyond the entrance to Requiem. Covenant ships lined the only entrance to the Forerunner shield world, a mix of debris and asteroids proving to be a nuisance when placed alongside the aliens that stood guard.

He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.

He had hoped to have seen the last of that cursed planet, but it seems like he wasn't going to be that lucky. UNSC command had ordered the Infinity back to the planet with a full complement of Spartan IV's and strident class frigates.

They weren't playing around anymore.

"Lasky, what exactly is the situation inside the planet?" He spoke up, a tired sigh escaping his lips.

"Information is scarce, Captain." Lasky replied, standing across from him, PDA in hand. "The Covenant have cruisers stationed just outside the planet's entrance, but their forces are nowhere near as formidable as before. The likelihood of a larger fleet inside the planet's interior is extremely likely, so we cannot out-rule that option."

The older man's eyes narrowed. "I don't like it. What the hell are they looking for here? The Didact is dead, his ship is gone. What else could they possibly be looking for?" He muttered lowly.

"This sect of the Covenant is highly religious, perhaps more than the first Covenant. If there's even a chance of something of religious value here, they'll be all over it." Lasky sighed.

"That's what I'm afraid of." Del Rio sighed.

The conversation was cut short when the deck doors opened, Palmer walking inside with a casual sway to her step. "I'm not interrupting anything, am I?" The brunette asked, a smirk on her lips.

Del Rio blew out a tired sound. "Quite the opposite, in fact. We'll be arriving in twenty, I hope your Spartan's are ready." He said, hands clasped behind his back.

"We've spent six months training them in the War Games, we could spend another forty eight hours running them through the Firefight simulation?" Palmer offered.

"Negative, Commander. Command wants us ready, now. I'm afraid we don't have the time to sit around while the Covenant go about that planet freely." The Captain muttered. "My hands are tied, Palmer." He added after a moment.

"Understood, Captain." The Spartan nodded, before stepping away.

Lasky sighed, turning to stare at the battle data readout as his mind began to wander. "It's weird, going back to Requiem without Samus…" He muttered offhandedly.

"She's off doing god knows what now. She probably wants nothing to do with this god forsaken rock anymore, and I don't blame her." Palmer muttered.

"I still regret not getting her onboard with the UNSC. Command would've paid everything they had just to keep her around." Del Rio sighed.

"So long as the Chief's around, I think she'll come round if it ever gets bad. She's got that man tied around her finger, or claw…" The Spartan commander laughed.

"Do you think it wise to not involve her with this mission here?" Lasky thought to ask.

"She's not UNSC. Her involvement is entirely voluntary." Del Rio stated. "If she was to help, however, I wouldn't turn her down." He added after a moment. "Now then, Palmer, get your Spartans ready for deployment. We're dropping in ten." He ordered.

"Yes sir." The brunette saluted, before making her way out…

"Ladies and… other Spartans, listen up! Your new workplace is a planet first discovered by humanity six months ago called Requiem. Some of the old hands here know what you're in for. The rest of you… you're due for an education. On that note, I've got a special guest here today that would be delighted to shed some light."

The Spartan armory was alight with life, soldiers rushing about as the entire company of Spartan IV's were rushed through the armory, various suits of generation two Spartan armor on full display.

Commander Palmer's voice echoed throughout the entire ship, demanding attention while she spoke. When she'd clearly finished, a new voice entered the fray.

"Alright Spartans, listen up. Commander Palmer has issued me to oversee preparing the Spartan combat teams to be ready for what's to come."

Displayed overhead was the Master Chief, his voice echoing throughout all decks of the UNSC Infinity.

No one dared interrupt him.

"Six months ago, humanity was made aware of this Forerunner Shield World installation when I contacted them while stranded on the inside. There is no one man or woman on this ship that has more hand to hand experience with the threats here then I do, so listen closely." The green armored man explained.

The screens fluctuated, bringing up images of Promethean Crawlers, Watchers, Knights, and Soldiers. "These here are natives to this planet. They are Forerunner defense A.I. that exist for one reason, and one reason alone, to put a hole between your eyes."

All Spartan personnel stood at attention, watching silently as the Legendary Spartan himself explained the situation at hand. "I am here today to help make sure that doesn't happen. All battle data pertaining to these Promethean's will be transmitted to each and every one of your Gen two power armor. Thanks to a close friend of mine, the secrets of their weapons and their weaknesses have been unlocked, and this information is now yours. If you wish to stay alive, I suggest you make use of it. I will see on on the ground, good luck, soldiers."

The moment the Master Chief vanished from the screen, Palmer once again took the stage. "The eggheads upstairs want to set up research bases. But before they can do that, we need to fend off some Covenant squatters. The Covies… they believe that this is the home of one of their gods. The way I see it? If those freaks want to meet god, it's our duty to help them along!"

The Infinity shook as it prepared to exit slip space. Spartans and soldiers alike were quickly issued to the landing bays, weapons and ammunition given out along the way.

Spartan Fireteam Castle and Fireteam Majestic found themselves running side by side towards landing bay five, nothing but a nod between team leaders before they split off towards their separate drop ships.

"Buck, you good? Looks like you've seen a ghost."

"Affirmative, DeMarco. Just got that pre-battle jitters, happens all the time." The wisecracking Spartan muttered nonchalantly, heavy footsteps echoing across the bridge as he and the rest of Spartan Fireteam Majestic made their way towards their Pelican.

"Oh he's just excited to be back in the field, Paul! Ain't that right?"

"Heh, I think the only one excited to be here is you, Grant!"

"Oh shut it, Madsen!" Grant socked him in the arm, armored fingers bouncing weakly off the other man's armor. "And you too, Hoya! I think out of everyone I'm worried about it's you, you battle hungry oaf!" The redheaded woman snarked teasingly, taking a seat across from the shotgun wielding Spartan.

"Come on, Grant. Can't a guy catch a break?" Came the black man's deep laugh.

"Not when it's at my expense." Grant sighed, taking a seat across from him.

Paul DeMarco sighed, shaking his head as the Pelican began to take off. His team was a group that otherwise didn't seem like they could work together well under combat, but he'd done enough training simulations with them to know how they managed in a battle. Whether that translated to a great teamwork in the field, remained to be seen.

He looked his team over, taking stock of each of their separate armor suits. Starting with his newest addition, yet a veteran when compared to the rest of them was Edward Buck. He wore a modified version of Helljumper, calling back to his days as an ODST.

To his right was Anthony Madsen, the smarmy jackass was adorned in Recon, a Spartan grade sniper rifle resting easy in his lap. He had a mouth on him, but knew how to handle himself in a battle.

The same couldn't be said for Carlo Hoya, a Spartan with anger issues and a knack for disobedience. His attitude was sure to get him in trouble sooner rather than later, and he wasn't going to be happy when it happened. He wore the Operation gen suit, painted blue like the rest of them.

As for their resident redhead, Tedra Grant, she was easily the lost level headed out of all of them. She was the tracker of the team, dressed in the Pathfinder suit. She liked teasing the rest of them, but was very protective of those around her.

As for himself? Well, he knew of his own problems, and was working on them. As the leader of the team, he wore Soldier class Spartan armor. Eventually, however, he was torn from his mental ramblings as Buck addressed him.

"Hey Paul? Figure you buy us a drink once we get back?" Buck muttered, slinging a shotgun over his shoulder.

Paul smirked, leveling a gaze at the oldest Spartan in the group. "I'll do you one better old man. Whoever lands the least kills on this mission buys us all a drink." Paul smirked, loading a DMR over his shoulder, the gun clinking off the metal of the wall.

Buck laughed, his voice gruff. "See, I think I'm beginning to like you." He smirked, glancing towards the bay doors as they hissed shut.

"Oh no, don't drag us all down with this little bet!" Grant sighed, holding her head in her hands.

"Too late." Hoya smirked.

Any conversation forward was cut when Palmer's voice rang out across local coms once more. "All Fireteams, you are clear to engage!"

"Requiem corridor is clear! Repeat, Requiem corridor is clear!" An officer's voice rang out.

Their pelican launched forward, exploding out from the landing bay.

"Majestic-One on approach. Hang on, we're going inside!" The ship lurched as it avoided Covenant plasma fire, dodging ship debris left and right as it flew straight for the entrance to Requiem.

"Here we go Majestic!" Paul exclaimed, his grip around the support beams tightening. There was a flash of light as they broke atmosphere...

Chapter

40

End