Wing-clipped, purple smoke wafting in the air, The Banshee swayed violently, its course uneven and veering. Turbulence jerked its occupant before it crashed straight into the wall of a small, building.
Below, crowds of citizens ran and pushed each other out of their way, rushing past, screaming, shrieking, trying their best to flee and save themselves from the attack that descended upon them from the skies.
Stumbling as the banshee impacted. 9S followed after 2B, who shifted through the mass of people, gracefully, skillfully flowing around, and sidestepping the civilians like an artist painting upon a canvas.
Her eyes quickly scanned her immediate area, 2B quickly tried her best to maintain her composure. The massive ship in the sky was alarming enough, but knowing the massive and deadly force that waited inside its hold, had 2B on high alert.
Clearing the wave of evacuating humans. 2B was joined by 9S and Pod 153. The Scanner unit's mouth was parted. His words seemed stuck, his throat not wanting to cooperate with the task of making his voice known. 2B was content to stand, take note of her immediate vicinity, and watch as more ships continued to fill the blue atmosphere above them.
"2B..." 9S pointed at the crowd they had passed; the hundreds, maybe thousands of humans were still rushing and stampeding down, away from the warzone and the city's center. "T-Those were people, right?" He couldn't take his focus off the throng that fled.
"I told you I saw, and met humans 9S," 2B stated, the light breeze, lightly blowing her soft, fluffy, snow-like hair back, "Did you not believe me?" her words came out, a touch softer, curious almost, at why her partner didn't listen, and comprehend her account of meeting humanity.
"N-No...I mean, Yes?" 9S spat out. Watching the humans in utter wonderment, not taking his gaze off the teeming masses of humans, fleeing the aliens, "Y-Yes... I-It's just... It's surreal that I'm actually…that they exist. So many, a-and right there!"
There it was again, the gawking, the staring. He couldn't, his body desperately wanted to follow after the crowd, maybe talk to one, try to establish some kind of communication with them, maybe he could finally-
"9S." 2B grabbed his shoulder, whirling the android to look at her. "Not now," she cautioned, giving him a cold look behind her visor, one he knew not to push, test, or mess with when it came from his partner, "We'll study and explore this place later, right now..." looking off at the large carrier as a flock of Banshees, swooped overhead and out of sight. "Right now, we need to focus on the fight that's coming our way," she ordered, pulling him along, with the two trotting at a faster clip, avoiding any possible waves or crowds of humans that still darted past.
Ducking and weaving away. The android duo exited the row of structures, leaving the protective, cover of their overhanging roofs.
A large door separating one district of the city from another blocked their path, caution lights, and turn-around signs flashing their warning to would-be intruders.
"Guess they want to avoid anyone going further into the war zone?" 9S remarked, observing the thick heavy metal barrier that loomed before them.
Nodding. 2B took point, "Then we'll find another path, pod 153: Is there any entrance nearby? or are we cut off from further ingress?"
"Searching." 153 chimed and bobbed in mid-air.
"Hold on, 2B, I'm sure I can hack this terminal and lower the gate," 9S noted, running a finger over the built-in keypad on the large and complex structure.
The sounds of explosions and lasers blared beyond the shutter doors. Cries of combat, mixed with the deep echoing voices of the Covenant.
"Warning: Enemy presence confirmed." 153 relayed and scanned from behind, as it pointed to the east. "Multiple energy signatures confirmed, readout indicates movement is not friendly or UNSC affiliated. Advise caution, and approaching with the utmost vigilance, caution."
"Yeah, yeah, give me a sec and I'll-" the android suddenly flinched and recoiled, pulling his arm away.
A small, trickle of static traveled along his form, shocking and tingling him.
"H-Hey," 9S murmured. Touching the buttons, and touch-sensitive areas, but was met with the same, brief pulse. "Ow..."
Walking to him 2B and Pod stood at his side. "Having trouble 9S? What seems to be the problem? Can't hack it?"
As the small group chatted away, a camera from one of the nearby traffic lamps rotated its lens, honing its position, its electronic optics trained in on the small cluster of Androids. Zooming and focusing on the two white-haired entities that conversed with the small floating box.
"Of course I can do it," 9S pouted, before shaking his head, dismissing his partner's assumption, "That's not the issue... I... Something's interfering."
The same camera pulled its view, zooming to and focusing on the weapons they each held. Switching and concentrating its image and line of sight, as it monitored 2B's and 9S's hands. A finger and thumb caressing her sheathed weapon, the small lens recording the motions, and aiding a microscopic scanner in mapping out the length and make of 2B's sword.
"Something's interfering?"
"Yeah," 9S confirmed. Gazing up at the sleek, grey, and metallic slab that blocked their path. He stood back up, eyeing the keypad, "Get this, the city is controlled by an artificial intelligence; they have access and full control over all aspects of their city. Including the electricity, systems, computers, etc."
"So... Is this AI, protecting their system from foreign infection and infiltration?" 2B mused. Rubbing her chin and resting her hands on her waist, she looked at the still-locked gate, the hum, and the sounds of distant fighting filling the air.
Gazing between the door and her, 9S bit his lower lip, "Oh, but don't worry I'll try to access them myself, bypass that pesky security measure, and-"
A low, whirring buzz, stopped 9S's sentence.
All three of the companions looked up. Their attention grabbed onto the sounds and faint claps of the lock, the automatic and programmed bolts opening the large doors, with the thick panels slowly sliding outward and exposing the wide expanse beyond that awaited them.
"deal with the door... Okay, okay, cool," the male android uttered, turning to face his ally, "Guess this AI decided to help; no hacking needed," he quipped, smiling and flashing a smirk 2B's way.
Scoffing, 2B's mouth turned upward, just a touch. "Less talking, more walking, 9S, we've got company waiting on us," she commanded, wasting no time to walk forward, motioning and bidding for 9S and Pod 153 to follow, which they did without question.
LED signs that once read caution and stop had now been changed; the color of the lettering was now an ocean blue, and the words 'Keep right' replaced the previous instructions, giving the small group direction.
Motion lights along the walls, flickering, flashing as the AI sent its subtle message to the androids, ushering them towards the far end of the street.
Chirping and beeping 153 followed next to 9S. "Attention: Local artificial intelligence has sent me a data package pertaining to the events currently unfolding. The A.I has agreed, to direct and aid the androids, in fighting, and destroying the invading force of the Covenant," 153 spoke.
"Woah, really?" 9S commented, gazing at the pod beside him, "It's not angry or suspicious or questioning what, who we are? That's interesting,"
2B took point as they rounded another corner. Her feet skidded and halted as a covenant ship slowly descended in the middle of the city street; unlike the tuning fork design of the ones found on Halo, this ship seemed more bulbous.
"Worry about that later, 9S," She said, watching as the loading ramp of the Covenant ship dropped and unleashed its occupants to the surface below.
"Wow, 2B... Look at them,"
All Grunts, they mingled and clumped together, hurrying and trotting across the ground. Elites and Jackals fell behind. Snarling and pushing and arguing as the mass of smaller ones began setting up turrets and stations.
"I know I should have expected grotesque, bizarre beings. But talk about expectations being met and exceeded," 9S shuddered and took his stance next to his partner, as the opposing side now seemed to have taken notice, and the little ones had spotted and raised their weapons to aim and fire. "Uhh... I guess those little guys really, REALLY hate us 2B," he voiced.
"Those weapons pack quite a punch, try and limit contact," 2B recommended and spun her blade out, "their weak bodies and slow reaction times make them vulnerable; a slash here or there is an easy win."
Nodding 9S took her words to heart, dashing off as his sword jumped to his fingers.
Letting the smaller units and their guns fill the street with fire. The Elites ordered and directed, standing tall, watching as their grunts aimed, the little gray and brown piggish monsters firing at the androids who sprinted, zigzagged their way through the road, avoiding and narrowly missing the glowing green fire.
"This plasma fire is intense!" 9S ducked, dodging two shots.
"Mounted plasma turrets are being deployed, Unit 9S," 153 relaid to her Android.
"Lovely... Just lovely," he replied sarcastically, sliding over the hood of a derelict and abandoned vehicle, the alien ordnance peppering the metal skin, scorching holes, and burning away at the paint.
"Cut the chat, 9S, focus on cutting the enemy!" 2B barked. Feinting right, 2B evaded a cluster of needles. Kicking a Jackal back, she gripped his ankle, slamming and cracking its head across the pavement.
"One of the big ones is charging," 9S muttered and saw an Elite Major. His red armor and intimidating design sent a shiver down 9S's synthetic spine.
"Strike when ready, 9S, you are faster; take the offensive!" 2B commanded, ramming and side-kicking one Grunt as his grenade detonated, creating a cluster of fireworks and screams.
Nodding, 9S clicked his tongue, charging at the towering enemy and spinning, his feet light and agile. His blade flashed and lashed out in a blur. Cutting and hacking away at the Elite's thick skin.
Feeling and registering the new sensation and impact upon its front, the Elite twisted, letting out an angry holler.
His sword flashed in the sunlight. Readjusting, 9S spun and went low. Bringing his hilt forward to slice into the Elite's ankle tendons, a large spurt of bright, warm liquid, gushed out. Staining his blade with the vivid, purple substance.
Collapsing onto its knee, the Elite screeched, swiping out with its hands, hoping and praying, to inflict some damage upon the android, but its target was far too agile and elusive.
Bringing his blade high 9S finished the job. Ending its suffering as its body collapsed and hit the concrete hard.
Turning, 9S could hear his companion's exertion as she thrust her blade into every Jackal, Grunt, and Elite who dared come close. Blood stained her lithe and lean frame, and purple spots and patches lined her pristine white and black ensemble. "You uh, don't need my help, do you?"
Punting a Jackal into the Grunt manning the turret. 2B leaped, her left leg thrusting straight through the neck and shoulders of an Elite minor, killing the large brute instantly, his neck cracking and bones popping as the android finished her destruction. Landing, a soft puff of dust formed under her heel as she righted herself and her sword, facing her comrade. "Perhaps, you need mine?" she proposed, nodding to him with a tilt of her head.
Smirking, 9S walked past a dead, mangled grunt's corpse and made his way toward her, his footsteps echoing and clapping across the deserted street. "Can't lie," his blade dropped low and came across his chest in a resting manner. "You certainly look like you're having a bit of fun 2B." He voiced with a hint of amusement.
"This isn't a vacation, 9S," she reprimanded, her head angling, looking off at the downed jackals, "seems like they were trying to set up defensive emplacements."
Nodding, the android duo shifted around the disabled defenses and gazed up, finding anti-air rounds painting the sky with bright streaks of fire, illuminating their surroundings. "No doubt the Covenant are landing throughout the whole city." 9S conjectured, observing and watching the sky as more ships roared overhead, and more turrets spat and peppered their way toward the enemy aircraft.
"Then we better hurry along and rendezvous with other friendly forces." 2B spoke firmly, "We'll take out any defensive setups along the way," her head nodding, turning to face 9S, "sticking together is the most effective way for the two of us to clear the area," 2B advised, starting and running past her friend, toward the next intersection that lay ahead.
Keeping up with the powerful stride of his superior 9S trudged alongside her, keeping a steady pace and lookout on both their sixes. "Sounds good, 2B," he remarked, slowing as his attention was grabbed, distracted, as more billboards and electronic messages flashed across the skyscraper walls, a flood of English text and symbols, replacing and overriding whatever commercial advertisement once had been displayed.
"Keep right."
The repeating flashing words beckoned, the many lines of bright, bold letters and characters, "Guess the city A.I. wants us to go that way?" 2B wondered.
Shrugging 9S held a lax expression. "It hasn't steered us wrong yet, we should follow its advice."
Agreeing with his proposition. 2B sidled up with him and began strutting, her legs pushing onward with the directions displayed. "Then we go right, stay with me," she said, and in a brisk run, the trio, led by the small holographic instructions and phrases, headed deeper into the sprawling urban landscape.
The New Mombasa A.I. had proven to be very helpful in their fight against the Covenant invasion. In no less than an hour, the AI had assisted them greatly in uncovering numerous hostile encampments. Using the thousands of cameras around the city and communicating its findings to 2B and 9S through 153, who would pass on the information for them to pursue, investigate, and eliminate.
Putting his boot on a large, dead, charred Elite Minor 9S yanked his stuck sword free, a small wet squelch sounding as he stumbled back and caught himself.
2B flicked her blade, watching as blood, purple blood flew in several directions before spattering across the ground. "Looks like we are done with this group," 2B claimed, watching 9S wipe and clean his weapon, ridding the stained steel of the liquids that marred it.
"Yeesh..." he sighed, his eyes fixed upon the many bodies, and bodies of the Covenant aliens that littered their surroundings, "These numbers make me think we're dealing with machines and not aliens, they're throwing wave after wave into our faces," he complained.
Having been led to the city's docks and waterfront, 2B surveyed the scene. Water separated New Mombasa and the older sections of the city, with a large bridge connecting the two. Large amounts of destroyed UNSC Pelican dropships lay scattered, strewn, and cast upon the bay and boardwalks. The huge hulking Covenant carrier hung in the skyline next to the towering orbital elevator that reached towards the heavens and sky.
"Man... We've been gazing at that all day, but it's hard not to keep staring at that huge thing." 9S pointed out, eyeing the lift in wonder, "To think humans had the capabilities, the resources to make such a structure, the talent, and power. Incredible," he commented, walking through a pile of bodies.
Grunting, 2B swept the bay one last time, satisfied when no other threats popped out or jumped their location, she started after her android partner, who had gotten farther and farther away from her position."Humanity is full of surprises," she quipped, staying with 9S, close in range to cover for his shortcomings should anything pop out and ambush him.
"That's an understatement..." 9S brushed a hand through his hair, feeling the frills, and silky, soft strands of white caress his skin. "These humans... I always knew their intellect and knowledge were leagues above machines but... Seeing their architecture, buildings, ships, and transports... I was not expecting the kind of wonders humanity has brought forth, and just how much effort, passion, and... drive, and force, is packed behind each item, each wonder created."
Crossing her arms, 2B sighed at 9S's enthusiasm, she kept listening, though the explanations were tiring and repetitive at times when dealing with her Scanner, "Don't you think you're laying it on a tad thick 9S," her foot skidding, and shifting her weight so her momentum brought her to stand at the end of the broken, battered and beaten-down boardwalk.
"Sorry," he bashfully apologized, rubbing and scratching his neck, his eyes trailing across the broken Pelican that had been torn and ripped apart. "Just think about it! What more can they accomplish, what our Humanity can do once we've reclaimed our Earth, and repaired the damage, the fighting done!" He turned and stopped, glancing toward her, "Things will be fantastic, can you imagine 2B!" he cheered.
Standing tall 2B felt her mouth frown, looking toward the bridge miles ahead, "Yeah... Our Humanity..." 2B murmured, her mind clouding over, drifting off as thoughts and possibilities flickered.
The more 2B thought about the two different realities, the two distinct groups of Humanity that lived their own lives, and experienced so many differences. The more 2B wondered just how similar or different both groups truly were.
A thudding crash, a sudden but loud sound of metal clanking, echoed, drawing both androids and Pod 153's focus onto the bridge as a large four-legged armored walking mech stomped across.
"What the...?" 9S pointed, gawking at the new foe; its strange, unique body, design, and purpose had 9S at a loss, "is- is that a transport mech, a military mech, or what?"
"Alert: the superintendent has given us coordinates to our next objective," 153 relayed, its synthetic voice pulling both 9S and 2B away from gazing and looking at the Covenant vehicle.
Gesturing over the body of water, 2B waved, pointing a finger at the imposing armored machine, its stride strong, its steps controlled and steady. "I think I can guess where our friend wants us."
Stepping next to 2B, 9S nodded, keeping his mouth in a flat line, lips downturned, "Right." he spoke curtly, his jaw rigid and locked, his stance serious.
Without another word, they followed pod out of the small bay, across the cracked and damaged roads, as the four-legged monstrosity trudged onward. Its steps and motions leaving 9S silent, in awe of such a crafty and articulate piece of engineering.
"If it follows the bridge and doesn't detour, we'll probably meet it somewhere deeper in the city," 2B explained.
Following his partner, 9S sighed, "Well, if we're fast enough, maybe we can cut it off before it reaches whatever target it's after."
Sprinting down an alleyway. 2B gazed ahead, past the interconnecting roads, past the sea of craters, potholes, and destruction caused by the massive invasion force, her eyes picking out a gleam of metal, moving in the distance. Ducking back into cover 2B grabbed the scuff of 9S' collar, tugging him just as he exited out of the alleyway.
"Umph!" 9S grunted. Tripping and smashing into the alley wall just as a purple beam flew past where he had just been standing only a moment prior.
"Snipers. Two of them," 2B whispered to him, "On the balcony to our right." She quietly relayed.
Cringing at his stumble, and his cheeks gaining color, 9S huffed, his irritation dwindling quickly as he cleared his throat," Well uh," he tapped the concrete floor, "Good thing I have you 2B." He murmured, holding a soft smile to his companion.
Smiling, if ever so slightly, 2B pulled her blade out, preparing for an assault, "You should learn to focus and not be so absentminded; you'll live longer 9S, try and remember that."
Holding a sheepish grin, 9S lowered his head," Yeeaaahh, sorry sorry," he smiled again before quickly shifting his mood back to focus. "So... Do we find a different route or...?"
Taking a runner's stance, 2B felt her smirk appear," I prefer the direct approach. Just focus, and don't lose track of your surroundings," she finished, before shooting out into the open.
Two purple beams crackled and fired as 2B weaved through the intense crossfire. Jumping and sliding toward an overturned car. Landing behind the derelict husk, a clanging of metal rang, a hissing, and splintering of glass as one beam grazed overhead.
Resting her head back on the broken frame. 2B exhaled a breath, looking back over the alley's exit, finding 9S waiting next to the walls cover, awaiting orders.
Halting him with a raised palm 2B's eyes roamed, analyzing, watching, and carefully observing the surroundings and structures that littered her immediate vicinity. These snipers... she gritted her teeth, they were highly skilled. They had already adapted and noticed her presence in only a matter of seconds.
Squawks and clicks sounded across the other buildings. The two sharpshooters called out to each other and communicated. The sound of smaller marching footsteps was heard.
Grunts. Many Grunts had been dispatched and sent towards her position. 2B gripped her blade tight, trying to flush her out with numbers, she understood their logic, even approved, but she would not lose.
Knowing the snipers were zeroed in on her. 2B waited, hearing the grunts close in. Their high-pitched chattering and murmuring echoed through the rubble.
Looking over at 9S's spot, their gazes met. His face was stern, set, and determined. He nodded, stepping out, and running forward.
Hearing the surprised yelps from the Grunts. 2B darted from behind her cover. Narrowly dodging the first beam. Twisting her body, ducking and sliding across the ruined roads, she gripped one Grunt from its face, its body unable to scream, and beg for mercy as she blocked the second beam with its body and hurled the small corpse right at the Jackal, throwing the sniper off balance, 2B bolted, hurling herself forward.
Tensing the alien warrior spun and reared back, firing from its waist.
Beam zooming by. 2B somersaulted into the air, the gap between her and the jackal, now nonexistent. Swooping her blade, with the downward strike, slicing the sniper down the center and creating a shower of purple.
With no time to spare, 2B turned, the other sniper already took aim at 9S, who was in the middle of dispatching its small squad of subordinate grunts.
There wasn't enough time for her to intercept and catch 9S; no amount of speed would see her blade reach the Jackal before the trigger was pulled.
That fact didn't stop her from trying. Legs propelling, she was off. Blade tightly in her hand as she willed the cold steel to reach, reach far enough to be in time.
She wouldn't lose. Not like this, not now.
Beam rifle aimed squarely at 9S chest, the Jackal steadied his arm. Just a slight adjustment and his target would be dead, all he needed was to complete the task and pull the-
An echoing bang echoed. The Jackal's head exploded.
For a split second, it was still upright. Then gravity took hold, and it dropped lifelessly from the balcony, with the rifle crashing down as the Jackal's body hit the road.
Landing on a ruined balcony, her feet touching the concrete. 2B looked up, a bullet trail leading to a familiar dropship that floated high above.
Finishing up with the grunts and unaware of what had just transpired 9S pivoted, holding his sword out, at his side, but still poised, his defensive stance at the ready for anything," Yo 2B." he huffed, panting for a bit, "all clear," he held a lopsided smile before taking in the dropship above them," oh! Huh?" 9S was surprised, then just curious, as the vessel slowly descended, the sound of engines whining, before coming to a gentle touchdown on the empty side street.
Jumping down from her perch 2B holstered her blade and stood next to the other android, both the pod and 9S directing their full focus on the recently landed ship.
Disembarking from its rear doors. Combat boots stomping and clomping against the street. Sniper rifle in hand. Sgt Sergeant Major Avery Johnson stood tall. Taking note of the bodies, the destroyed road, and the colorful scene in front of him.
"You know when Cortana sent me on a wild goose chase looking for you two, I wasn't buying what she was selling, but damned if that ain't what we got," he proclaimed, strolling across the debris, passing the blood pools and corpses. "You still kick ass, as good as I remember," Johnson commented, coming to a stop near them.
"Nice to see you haven't forgotten me, Sargent." 2B chipped in.
"You're not easy to forget girlie." He remarked, rubbing the side of his tired, stubble face, "trust me,"
"It's... been some time," 2B admitted. Although it was more of a question, than a statement.
Lowering his hand, the Marine ran a gaze up and down her frame. His head tilted a little, and his mouth screwed a bit before opening, "About a month or so?" the human commented, glancing down at 9S for a moment. "...It's felt longer with everything we got goin' on here..." he droned out the last bit. Shifting and adjusting the long barrel of his rifle, holding it and letting its butt rest on the ground.
Watching the exchange, 9S gathered himself, taking note, and finally comprehending that someone was, in fact, conversing with the white-haired woman, 9S stepped next to 2B. His expression was flabbergasted, almost confused, and stunned, looking as if the Sgt were some sort of movie star.
Up until now, he'd only seen panicked humans or dead ones. Seeing a soldier talking to 2B with no hostility or sense of fear in his voice and gaze, it was shocking, and totally out of 9S' comprehension."I- Uh-ummm..."
"You mentioned Cortana, so I assume others made it off the Halo and safely evacuated?" 2B enquired. Gazing behind Johnson she scanned around the empty area, noting the Covenant was quiet. No ships or large movement, most likely licking their wounds and making plans to regroup for a larger offensive strike.
Mulling over the events for a moment. The older man simply shook his head. "Yeah." nodding to her, "We weren't the only ones. A few others got their ticket off of Halo too." He answered, gruffly, his eyes moving to the shorter companion next to her.
"Who's this scrawny guy?" the Marine asked, pointing a free finger at the smaller, shorter Android. "Your brother or something?"
"Hey, I take offense to that." 9S swiftly added, puffing his cheek out, in annoyance. "Who are you calling scrawny?"
Avery just raised an eyebrow, a ghost of a smile lingering on the old warrior's mouth."Don't sweat the small stuff kid, I didn't mean nothing personal," he casually tossed a small grin, the older man having noticed the sass and pomp the white-haired Android held, "You just need to pack on a couple of pounds, get that growth spurt," the man went on.
Huffing, a bit annoyed, and still not convinced that he should brush off what the soldier said. 9S relented. Poking his chin out and defiantly crossed his arms, not realizing that, to someone as battle-hardened and experienced as Johnson, it looked like a toddler stomping their foot because they had to share with their sibling.
"I'm 9S, and no, 2B isn't my sibling, we're... Friends, Partners!"
Rolling his shoulders, a small laugh came from Johnson, "Yeah, yeah, okay, kid," he went on. "You as good at killing covie bastards like 2B over there?"
"Definitely!" 9S spat out immediately.
"He can hold his own, for the most part," 2B injected, drawing the small, albeit minuscule attention of 9S, as he grumbled under his breath, before making himself straight again, looking ready, serious.
Snorting and turning on his heel, Johnson began walking back to his transport, waving them to follow along, "Well, get in, boys and girls, we've got aliens to kill, and you're joining in the fun," he grinned.
Boots crunching against the gravel. 2B fell into step right at the man's back. "We were planning on intercepting that armored vehicle that was heading deeper into the city. Any word on its whereabouts Sargeant?"
Entering his bird, the Sergeant grabbed onto the machine gun mounted on the back. His hand checked its chamber and ammo before he answered."The Scarab? Well, it just so happens your mission overlaps with mine."
"Oh?" 2B wondered as Pod 153 flew inside.
Patting his gun lovingly Johnson flashed an excited toothy smirk her way, his eyes moving on 9S's form, who had already entered the ship.
Twirling around in the ship's troop bay, 9S marveled at the interior and space. A man-made construct, a transport built with Humanity in mind. Everything was different, everything from the designs to the arrangement. Even down to the minute things that could easily be overlooked or ignored, it all made him want to investigate and dig deeper into everything and find out how and why everything was the way they were.
Foot bumping into the boot of a marine, 9S had realized his constant twirling, and excited gazing had moved him toward the middle of the bay. "Oops. Sorry about that!" 9S spouted, rubbing his hair, the other marines not giving him a second thought as he awkwardly stepped back, next to 2B, with Johnson near the gunner stand, at the back ramp.
"Corporal, get this bird up, and move us after those Covvies," he barked.
The sensation of excitement and dizziness swarmed and clouded 9S's thoughts. An uncontrollable emotion and a sudden euphoria as the hum of the engine blared through the interior, the ship swaying, rising, and shifting as it propelled, its hull swooping up and gaining height.
Despite large areas of the city up in flames and in shambles, the sight of the various bridges and skyscrapers was a delight, with their tall and mighty spires piercing through the clouds. And the aerial views, the feel, and the sway of the craft, flying and cruising over the various winding streets, 9S realized he had a large, contagious smile plastered to his face.
"Ow." 9S winced, his mouth crinkling a touch as a swift, and sharp jab dug into his ribs.
"Quit your gawking," 2B ordered, holding a flat frown at him. Her head directed to Johnson who was preoccupied, watching the view of the city fly past.
Puffing his cheeks out in annoyance, 9S sighed. Wiping his face, his smile disappearing in an instant," How am I supposed to calm down 2B? Everything, literally everything I look at, has the power and capability of capturing my full attention!" 9S reasoned, his palms gesturing toward the view, his smile finding itself back on his mouth."Can you honestly blame me?!"
Glancing at him and then at the sights. 2B acknowledged that the city was interesting, the towering, mostly pristine buildings and the neatly paved and constructed roads. The waterway, and canals of New Mombasa. The subtle beauty, the stark contrasts to her world, was indeed an entertaining diversion, an experience to behold. "Perhaps," was all she replied, leaving him grumbling and quietly standing next to her.
Turbulence, most likely caused by enemy ordinance, jarred and shook the interior. 2B managed to stay balanced as the small ship rocked.
"We're right above the Scarab Sarge!" the pilot's voice relayed to the troops on board.
Pulling back the bolt handle of the machine gun. Johnson growled, looking down at the hulking behemoth trudging its way past and along a water canal below.
"Sargent, 9S and I can drop and board the enemy walker. This will allow us to destroy the turrets and weaponry from the inside." 2B advised, her body readying as the transport hovered and slowed, giving Johnson a wide view of the target.
Averting his gaze from the enemy machine, and to the duo. He shook his head. "We're Plan B," the marine explained, reaching and gripping a cigar stuck in his pocket."Plan A is already deployed and giving that metal heap a piece of his mind," a flick of the lighter, his cigar glowed a dim orange. "Corporal! Make sure that Covvie piece of shit doesn't shoot us down!"
The pilot shouted an affirmative and pulled their ship off, further to the side, keeping a wide berth but making sure their transport could make use of its turrets.
"Plan A?" 2B queried, raising her head, "Who is this unit?"
Inhaling his stogie. The Sargent gestured forward. Pulling the cigar out, and spitting to his left, "Who do you think?"
At his words, the Scarab abruptly came to a complete standstill. Explosions erupted along its chassis, bright blue bursts of light flickering across its structure, lighting it up in a fiery mess. Its heavy limbs shifted, the mechanical joints dropped, its form shaking the earth around it.
"Showoff.." Johnson grumbled, his comment ignored by 2B and 9S, their attention completely on the gigantic enemy machine, as it staggered. Flailing and collapsing. With its limbs falling, and jutting in different directions.
"Take us down for extraction." The sergeant ordered, breathing smoke, watching his cigar burn before shifting, and catching 9S eye, who didn't tear his gaze from the walking alien fortress that had collapsed in the canal, "Tough bastards on the outside but they're all squishy on the inside, especially the control bridge. Just find one of them hatches, pop 'em open, and bam. Boom, done deal."
"Sir, contacts are retreating to the Carrier," the pilot warned,
Nodding, Sergeant Johnson moved up to the cockpit. Leaving 9S and 2B to their own devices as the craft quickly flew down to the Scarabs wreckage. A familiar green armored figure stepped out of the burning mass.
"...Chief."
2B murmured. 9S eyes quickly found the huge human. Walking away from the destroyed Scarabs' ruins the Master Chief watched the remaining Covenant ships fly off, returning to their command vessel.
Alarms within the Pelican suddenly blared, echoing through the cabin. The pair of Androids turning. They moved to join Sergeant Johnson up front.
"Johnson what's going on!?" 2B shouted, her arm shooting out to balance and steady as the bird lowered faster than normal and hurriedly.
"That Covenant carrier is going to jump inside the city." The man spoke. His palm motioned toward the Covenant ship in the distance as it moved, purple energy gathering and coursing along its length, the air rippling as a warping static buildup, illuminated and flaked. "Chief, get on board. Now!" Johnson shouted through the comms."
Looking between each other then down towards the Chief. 9S observed as the titan of a human jumped, landing on the boarding ramp, just as it closed.
Swaying from his weight the dropship shuddered. Its engines hummed and screeched with effort as the pilot adjusted the course of the aircraft and took off, ascending to the hangar bay of the In Amber Clad.
"Jump? What's he mean jump?" 9S added as he gazed through the front window. Eyeing the Covenant capital ship as it prepared to leave.
Adjusting to his full height the Spartan scanned over the Androids before setting his golden visor on 2B's form.
The bubbly if not a bit sassy tone from Cortana picked up through the helmet's external microphone. "Slipspace ruptures. That's their ride out." She reported the blue image of the A.I suddenly appeared on Chief's outstretched hand, as her projection solidified, now sporting a different look than the last time 2B saw her, "Did you miss me? Ah, who cares," She joked. Her attention was solely on 2B; the friendly, chipper AI almost looked a bit excited, "You just keep popping up at the best possible times; nice to see you, 2B," she smiled, giggling a touch.
Smirking slightly 2B leaned down a little, her eyes softening underneath her visor, almost warming as they both spoke,
"Glad to see you made it out unharmed, Cortana," she murmured, her lips tugging a tiny bit. Taking note of the Master Chief's new armor and helmet, he looked completely different, compared to before, although his overall demeanor remained unchanged. "You as well," she added.
Grinning and placing her hands on her hip Cortana gazed at the other android and pod, "And you've brought friends with you this time, 2B; hopefully, they're not like Pod 042, who's more of a party pooper than anything."
With a million questions flooding his mind, 9S's focus went from Cortana to the Chief and then to the Pelicans' pilot who maneuvered their vessel to the hangar door of the In Amber Clad, "T-This is all so-"
"I hate to break the chatter, but we've got to move fast, people." Johnson injected, "We've been given the green light to jump after them."
No sooner had the words left the man's mouth when a sickening lurch was felt throughout the In Amber Clad, the light frigate surging forward to join the Covenant carrier inside the Slipspace rupture.
"Guess we're continuing to help the humans again..." 9S spoke, not hiding his interest or his curious excitement. His mind was already churning out possibilities and plans as 2B sighed and shook her head a bit.
"We don't really have a choice," She looked over her shoulder where Pod 153 bobbed and floated, its optical focusing and honing on her frame, "Isn't that right 153?"
"..."
The small, rectangular device continued in its quietness. Although its camera shifted, glancing toward 9S and then the Master Chief, who both regarded the Pod in turn.
Pondering over the silence 2B tried again.
"153?" she called.
Cortana's image blinked and flickered, a slight frown forming, her hand going over her ear pantomiming someone talking to her. "Wait." She stopped 2B's next comment, "My sensors are picking up an energy spike."
"The slipspace?" Chief asked.
"Yeah," She said before gasping a tad, "wait no. I've picked up this signature before, electromagnetic radiation." flashing through her matrix as she rapidly searched,
"On Halo, whenever 2B would transpo-"
"Attention:" Pod 153 interrupted.
Everyone, even the Chief, looked at the floating synthetic companion as she floated in place, staring ahead.
"Allotted time for data collection complete, transportation to original dimension in process, ETA unknown, bracing for transport,"
The second those words were uttered. A white light began to envelop the pair of androids and pod.
"Transport commencing-"
"Hold up!" the sarge stepped in, pointing and shouting, but 2B couldn't hear him. Their surroundings blurred as the sound was snuffed out by the buzzing white glow.
A path was set. Two universes had their story written long ago. However, It only takes one misplaced stone to turn an avalanche, one deviated outcome to open a new line of probability.
Perhaps if two androids never found the long-forgotten research lab. Perhaps if their pods hadn't gathered the necessary data to attempt something that seemed utterly and truly insane.
If those events never came to pass. Everything and everyone would be continuing on their set paths of life. Nothing out of the ordinary would occur. The wheels of fate would continue to grind onward.
But alas, that is not the case.
The slip space rupture flashed, and its endpoint changed. One which none had the foresight to comprehend.
Not Cortana.
Not the crew of In Amber Clad.
Not even the Prophet of Regret and those on board the Solemn Penance had any idea as their ship vanished through the anomaly of space and time.
In a world where lies and machines hold power. Gods long thought dead have returned, to a world not their own.
Destiny and reality twist and mingle in ways beyond anyone's understanding. And those on their proper paths had now found themselves lost...
Author's Note: Okay let's go over what you guys can expect from this moment on. Due to the android's teleportation happening at the same time as Regret's ship, the Solemn Penance began its slip space jump. A major error caused the ship to teleport along with the androids and the In Amber Clad.
I've been using the teleporter to get from point A to point b, not giving a location time to breathe and take in. Which is something I hope to change. A good chunk of the next chapters will take place on NieR: Automata's Earth. Expect big changes to NieR's storyline that will have ripple effects for future events for both its universe and Halo's.
Also, up until now Chief and Cortana have kinda been side characters. That is going to change as I jump between them, 2B and 9S often.
That's it. I hope you enjoy this chapter.