Act 1: Unexpected Arrival

This story takes place after the end of Halo 3.

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Location, unknown, time unknown.

Master Chief, John 117, and the Arbiter, Thel 'Vadam, have succeeded in their mission. The Covenant has finally fallen, the Flood was destroyed by the firing of a new Halo created on Installation 00, the Ark, and the UNSC and the Swords of Sanghelios will finally find peace. Both escaped the powerful energy of the ring aboard the UNSC frigate Forward Unto Dawn. While attempting to enter the portal connecting the Ark to Earth, it closed, splitting the ship in two. The half with the Arbiter made it to Earth, while the half with the Master Chief and Cortana was left floating in the dark void of space.

However, something unexpected happened to Thel 'Vadam, something that shouldn't have occurred.

He was unconscious. His body lay collapsed in some sort of plane outside reality, devoid of all laws of physics, time, or light. His reptilian eyes began to open slowly, but he couldn't move the rest of his joints. His vision was blurry, his sacred armor felt heavy, though his scaly hands were already beginning to respond to commands.

With some difficulty, he placed his hands on the ground of that cold void. His arms were weak, but he managed to lift his chest, and after a minute, the rest of his body.

He was surprised to see the place he was in, but decided to hide it under his serious demeanor, prepared for the worst.

"Impressive work, Mr. Vadam..."

A voice, dry but calm, appeared behind him. The Sangheili quickly activated his energy sword and pointed it directly at the entity's neck, staring at him emotionlessly.

A human, or what appeared to be one, a man with an unsettling appearance, tall with a pale, thin face, narrowed blue eyes, dark hair slicked back, dressed in a blue suit with a purple tie and a white shirt, standing straight with controlled movements, carrying a gray briefcase in his right hand.

The human flashed a sly but also sinister smile at the Arbiter, who still maintained his composure, even with the sword in hand.

"You don't want to do that, do you?" said the man in the suit. However, the Sangheili said nothing and swiftly struck the stranger's jugular with a quick, precise slash. To his surprise, the sword's burning blade passed through his pale skin as if nothing was there.

This time, his shock was evident on his face, but he decided to set it aside and delivered a series of consecutive blows to various parts of the human's body, all passing harmlessly through. The stranger spoke again.

"Your abilities are certainly impressive, Arbiter. Perhaps my superiors might consider a position, exclusively for you." The words came from his mouth as he walked in a circle around the Elite, in that plane outside of reality.

"However, you will have to prove your worth, and if you do, my superiors will be more than willing to communicate with you. Remember my words," he said. "Don't call us, we'll call you."

The Elite also walked, following the circle along with the man.

"Who are you? What are you?" he asked, impatient for an answer.

"I am... your next employer." He let out a polite chuckle on his last word.

Suddenly, the stranger's appearance began to change. He morphed into Sergeant Avery Johnson, Miranda Keyes, Terrence Hood, the Demon, Tartarus, Rtas 'Vadum, Regret, Mercy, and finally, Truth, before returning to his original form.

"I suggest you don't resist. Soon, you will join one of my employees..."

"WHAT IS THIS?" the tall Sangheili roared in fury, demanding an explanation for what the man was playing at.

"Let's just say, once again, your time has come."

"I order you to release me from whatever this place is, or you will know the wrath of a Sangheili."

"Wake up, Mr. Vadam, wake up and look around!"

09:30 hours, November 21, 2552, UNSC military calendar.

Thel 'Vadam fell to his knees, the impact echoing on the wet, cold floor. The transition had been abrupt and disorienting, a flash of blinding light followed by oppressive darkness. His breathing was heavy, and the weight of his sacred armor seemed to have increased tenfold. Despite his training and strength, the Arbiter felt confusion and anger swirling within him. He rose slowly, his muscles protesting the effort. He ignited his energy sword, the bright blue blade illuminating the shadowy surroundings. His reptilian eyes adjusted to the dim light, trying to discern any immediate danger. The place was damp and reeked of decay, with the constant sound of dripping water reverberating in the darkness.

A roar of frustration escaped his lips, echoing off the walls of the place. "Come out, wherever you are!" he shouted, his voice full of anger and defiance. The only response was the echo of his own voice and the constant dripping of water.

Thel 'Vadam tried to calm himself, his warrior's mind evaluating the situation. The sinister man, that enigmatic and disturbing being, had toyed with him in a way no enemy had before. His blows had passed through the stranger's body without causing harm, as if he were a specter. This helplessness was a new and unpleasant experience for him.

Suddenly, despair began to invade his mind. The Arbiter had never felt so powerless. He gritted his teeth, his breathing becoming erratic. He raised his plasma rifle and started firing in all directions at the faint sound, the blue projectiles briefly illuminating the damp, cold walls. The shots echoed through the tunnel, creating a deafening echo. The smell of burned plasma filled the air.

"Face me, coward!" he roared, his voice full of fury and frustration. The plasma shots revealed nothing but walls and endless corridors. He took a moment to refocus, his training in meditation and mental discipline helping him regain control.

He stored the plasma rifle but kept his sword active. The flickering light and plasma shots hadn't revealed anything beyond the oppressive darkness.

After a few moments, Thel paused. Doubt assaulted him, something he rarely experienced. Was it wise to traverse these tunnels without knowing where they led? The place was unknown and possibly dangerous. His mind, always strategic, warned him of the risks of advancing without adequate information or resources.

He looked around, searching for some sign, some clue as to the direction. But the place was homogeneous and confusing, each tunnel similar to the last. He wondered if it would be better to stay and wait, try to contact his allies somehow, though he knew it was unlikely. But staying still was also a risk, perhaps greater.

He took a deep breath, his determination reasserting itself. He knew he couldn't remain in one place indefinitely. Uncertainty was preferable to inaction. With one last look at his immediate surroundings, Thel 'Vadam decided to move forward. The path was uncertain, but his warrior's will pushed him to face the unknown, to overcome any obstacle in his way.

As he walked through the dark, damp tunnel, Thel reflected on what had happened. Had it all been a nightmare? A hallucination? But no, it had all been too real. The sinister man's words echoed in his mind. "Your abilities are certainly impressive, Arbiter... but you will have to prove your worth." This being had toyed with his mind and perception, something he needed to understand and overcome.

Pausing for a moment, Thel forced himself to focus. He knew he had to get out of there, find a way to return to his mission, and perhaps one day confront the sinister man again. For now, surviving and understanding his immediate surroundings was his priority.

With each step, Thel 'Vadam's determination was reaffirmed. No matter how strange this new challenge was, no matter how dark or uncertain his path, he was an Arbiter, a warrior of honor, and he would face any adversity with the same ferocity and courage he had shown in so many battles.

Although trying to make sense of what had happened was a priority for the Elite, he had to set it aside, at least until he got out of there. That sinister human would pay dearly for this, that was certain to him.

After walking for about three minutes through the dark tunnels, Thel 'Vadam's motion tracker picked up three signals about ten meters away. They were small and marked as non-hostile. He cautiously approached and saw that they were creatures on the ground, similar to the rats humans knew. Thel immediately recognized these animals; it was part of every Sangheili warrior's training to know the common species on human worlds before facing them in combat, a practice that dated back to times before the Great Schism.

The presence of these creatures indicated that he was probably in a human-controlled environment. On the one hand, this gave him some relief, as it meant he hadn't been thrown into a completely unknown place. However, he also understood that being in a human-controlled world presented considerable risks. Not all undiscovered human bases or colonies had officially accepted the alliance with the Sangheili.

These animals inhabited places among debris and dirt. Thel surmised that he was in some sort of aqueduct, a deduction reinforced by the presence of the rats and the damp, dark environment around him. The ground was covered in stagnant water, and the air was thick with the smell of dampness and decay. The rats quickly scattered at his presence, seeking refuge in the shadows. Thel watched

Aquí tienes la traducción al inglés del siguiente fragmento:

After walking through the sewers for a few minutes, Thel 'Vadam began to hear a series of unsettling sounds—muffled wails and agonized moans echoing off the walls. He stopped abruptly, checked his motion tracker for any signs, but saw nothing. This time, he drew his needler, knowing that the source of the cries was still some distance away. With the bravery of a warrior of his stature, he pressed on without hesitation.

Thel 'Vadam advanced silently and vigilantly toward the sounds resonating in the sewers. His energy sword lit the way with its blue glow, revealing every detail of the dark, damp surroundings. The sounds grew louder as he approached, blending with the echo of his own footsteps.

His motion tracker, adjusted to detect any nearby life signals, emitted a faint beep. Thel halted, focusing on the signal that appeared on the screen. It was a hostile signal, clearly marked in red on the device. His military training taught him to trust the data provided by his equipment, but he also knew he had to proceed with caution.

With one hand firmly on the hilt of his sword and the other ready to grab his needler, Thel continued forward with careful steps. Getting closer to the source of the sounds, his mind worked quickly to assess potential threats and combat strategies.

The wails echoed louder now, filling the space with a sense of oppression and imminent danger. Thel was prepared for the worst, ready to face any creature or human enemy responsible for those harrowing sounds in the depths of the sewers.

Meanwhile, the hostile signal on his motion tracker continued to blink, reminding him of the urgency of the situation and the need to stay alert for any surprises that might arise in that unknown and hostile environment.

The glow of Thel 'Vadam's energy sword faintly illuminated the figure emerging from the shadows, revealing a nightmarish sight. The creature stumbling toward him was a grotesque amalgamation of a human and something far more sinister.

The first thing he noticed was the alien parasite attached to the top of the human's skull. It looked like a dark brown crab, with a rounded body and four long, thin legs ending in sharp claws. These legs clung tightly to the unfortunate host's skull, piercing the flesh and bone with brutal force. The parasite's circular mouth, filled with sharp teeth, loomed menacingly from its dominant position.

The human body under the parasite's control was a horror in itself. The decayed, shriveled skin was torn in several places, exposing muscles and bones. The clothing it once wore hung in tatters, loosely and stained around the deformed body. The human's arms had transformed into long, skeletal claws, with each finger elongated and sharp like a blade, clearly designed to strike and tear enemies with lethal efficiency.

The human's face was partially obscured by the vile parasite, but what remained visible displayed an expression of frozen agony and horror. The glassy, lifeless eyes stared blankly into the void, while the jaw hung open in a rictus of pain. Each step the creature took was awkward and unsteady, as if the human body was futilely fighting against the parasite's total control.

Though a seasoned and battle-hardened warrior, Thel 'Vadam felt a surge of repulsion and anger at the sight of such an abomination. This creature inevitably reminded him of the human Flood combat forms, beings he had faced with a mix of disgust and determination during the previous war. It was a brutal reminder of the terrible consequences of the Flood, and a threat that had to be eliminated without mercy.

With renewed determination, he adjusted his stance, ready to face the creature with all the fury and skill of a Sangheili. Thel 'Vadam knew he had to destroy this being before it could pose a greater danger, and with a roar of defiance, he charged at the abomination, his energy sword ready to strike.

The creature proved to be slow, something the Arbiter exploited by lunging at the aberration. He managed to knock it down, and the enormous weight of his body crushed its lower half, prompting a scream of pure pain along with a foul, disgusting noise.

What he thought was a variant of the Flood attempted to defend itself uselessly with its grotesque claws. Thel wasn't done with the suffering of the poor human yet; he wanted to examine the abomination more closely.

And then, the parasite on the host's head began to move, retracting its sharp claws from the human's skull. Thel noticed this, and before the Headcrab could leap at him, he grabbed his needler from his belt and fired two shots. The blamite crystals found their mark in the small creature, similar to a Flood infection form, killing it instantly and causing it to explode into pieces.

Thel 'Vadam remained motionless for a moment, staring at the lifeless body at his feet. He had freed the tormented soul of the human host. The repulsion he felt mingled with a growing unease. Was this creature a new variant of the Flood? Humans had faced many threats, but something so similar to the horrors of Flood infestation couldn't be a coincidence. Could this parasite be related to that galactic plague?

The Sangheili deactivated his energy sword, letting the darkness briefly envelop him as he pondered. If this was a new form of the Flood, the implications were terrifying. He could not allow such a threat to proliferate. He needed to learn more, better understand this new enemy, and if necessary, eradicate it.

With a firm resolve, Thel reactivated his sword and began to move forward once more through the dark tunnels. He needed to find a way out, gather more information, and prepare for the worst.

After his encounter with the grotesque creature, Thel 'Vadam, still disturbed by what he had seen, decided to continue through the dark tunnels. With each step, his thoughts revolved around the nature of the abomination and the implications of its existence.

After several minutes of silent walking, a faint light began to appear in the distance. As he drew closer, the light grew more intense, offering a respite from the oppressive subterranean environment. Thel quickened his pace, his energy sword casting dancing shadows on the walls of the tunnel.

Finally, he emerged into what appeared to be a canal that once had abundant water but was now dry, filled with trash and some kind of debris. The difference in the environment was immediate: the air was fresher, and daylight provided much greater visibility. He surveyed the area, evaluating his new surroundings. On either side of the canal, a series of medium-sized buildings stood, all with a dilapidated and poorly maintained appearance. The walls of the buildings showed cracks, and the broken windows hung from their frames. The scene was desolate, reflecting a place that had seen better days.

Thel observed his surroundings with a mix of caution and curiosity. The place seemed to have been abandoned for a long time, but the presence of the creature in the tunnel indicated that similar dangers could still be lurking. With his energy sword at the ready, the Arbiter began to advance through the dry canal, determined to explore the area and find some clue about his location and the nature of the threat he faced. Once again, he would venture into the jaws of the Flood.

By now, it was more than obvious—he stood on a human world. Yet something puzzled him: the infrastructure seemed... primitive. The Arbiter assumed it was possibly a colony with scarce resources and that there was likely a low UNSC presence.

He hid behind an overturned bus and checked his resources.

- His energy sword.

- His plasma rifle.

- His needler.

- 6 plasma grenades.

- His personal shield.

- His active camouflage module.

He was well-prepared for any adversity, though he knew he had to conserve the energy of his sword more wisely.

In the distance, he heard the noise of humans going about their daily routines. He couldn't understand why they weren't fighting against the parasite, especially if it was already on this world. Perhaps UNSC forces were present and had contained the threat before it worsened.

However, something felt off. Rtas 'Vadum had maintained a fierce and constant quarantine around the holy city, and the only ship that had managed to bypass the security measures was headed to Earth, specifically to the African continent. Before or after that, they had received no reports of a Flood outbreak in any colony. All of the parasite's terror had been directed to the Ark to prevent the humans and Sangheili from achieving victory.

But maybe a starship had indeed been stolen by the Flood and had ended up on this planet. His mind began to race with possibilities. He needed to find answers and uncover whether this ominous man had anything to do with the already-contained outbreak.

The Elite set aside his thoughts and noticed a set of steps leading out of the canal, with a rusted metal railing.

The Inquisitor approached cautiously, not wanting to be seen just yet. He ascended the stairs and, halfway up, activated his camouflage module before stepping out. He found himself in an alley between two old, dilapidated buildings.

The alley was somewhat long, and Thel 'Vadam decided to move out of it toward the main street. As he did so, his motion tracker detected a non-hostile lifeform. A cat, specifically a feline, emerged from behind a trash bin. Thel ignored it and continued on his way. His camouflage was at 98%, enough to last for about half an hour, maybe a little more.

As he was about to exit the alley, his visor picked up several non-hostile signals marked in yellow. The invisible cloak covered his hulking frame, but he remained cautious nonetheless. He moved slowly toward the alley's exit, observing every detail around him.

When he finally reached the main street, Thel was greeted by a depressing sight. The street was full of people, but their appearance differed from the human soldiers and civilians he was accustomed to seeing. These were citizens wearing tattered and identical clothing. Most wore light gray button-up shirts and dark blue denim pants, all equally worn and dirty. Some wore long-sleeved blue shirts, which also showed signs of wear and neglect. Their movements were slow, as if an invisible force weighed them down.

The surrounding buildings, all equally dilapidated and poorly maintained, formed a bleak urban landscape. Thel noticed the presence of screens and loudspeakers broadcasting propaganda, a constant surveillance that kept the population in a state of submission.

These citizens moved cautiously, avoiding drawing attention. Hidden by his camouflage, Thel observed their brief interactions—short words and furtive glances. It was clear they lived under a constant threat.

The Inquisitor continued down the street, ensuring he made no sound. His goal was to find some clue about his current situation and how he had ended up here. As he walked, he overheard snippets of conversations about the oppression and control exerted by a force called "the Alliance."

The Inquisitor realized he needed to move quickly and discreetly. Beyond the desolate scene, he noticed a few flying robots—drones with large red ocular sensors—acting as autonomous surveillance cameras.

The Sangheili took a moment to process what he had seen. These humans were under a regime that likely subjected them to total oppression and extreme surveillance, monitoring their movements at all times.

This "Alliance" was responsible for everything. Knowing that this government held absolute control over its people's freedom disturbed him, reminding him of the servitude the Sangheili had been forced into by the High Prophets, who had deceived his species for thousands of years.

Suddenly, Thel heard the sound of firm footsteps approaching. He quickly hid in the shadows, his invisibility cloak still active as he cautiously observed. A group of men rounded the corner, patrolling the area.

These individuals wore dark, form-fitting uniforms that covered their entire bodies. They wore black armored jackets with multiple pockets and belts laden with tactical equipment. Their dark green pants were tucked into sturdy military boots that echoed with each step on the silent street.

What caught Thel's attention most were the gas masks they wore. The masks were a bone-white contrast to the rest of their attire, with large ocular lenses that concealed their eyes and gave the men an alien, dehumanized appearance. A respirator on the front of the masks emitted a hissing sound, creating an even more oppressive atmosphere. These masks not only protected them from potential chemical threats but also instilled fear and anonymity, stripping the soldiers of any individual identity.

These men moved with precision and discipline, inspecting the citizens in their path. Their gestures were brusque and authoritarian, pushing people aside and barking short, harsh orders. Thel heard that they used some kind of voice modulator, which obscured their voices. Some citizens, upon seeing them approach, quickly stepped aside, bowing their heads and avoiding eye contact.

Thel noted that the soldiers carried weapons: pistols and some kind of baton used to strike citizens.

The Inquisitor remained motionless, observing closely. This "Alliance" not only held total control over the city but also deployed sinister, well-equipped forces to maintain that control. He reflected on the similarities with the Sangheili warriors and the oppression they had endured under the Covenant's Prophets.

He decided to avoid direct contact with these soldiers for the moment. He needed more information and a better understanding of the situation before taking any action.

It was time to leave the area and find a place where he wouldn't have to rely on his camouflage.

The Elite surveyed his surroundings carefully, evaluating his options. He decided he needed to gather more intelligence and, if possible, find an ally in this strange city.

With his camouflage still active, he moved cautiously through the shadows and alleyways to avoid detection. He headed toward one of the larger buildings, which appeared more robust than the others. As he approached, he noticed that the entrance was guarded by those same soldiers or guards.

Thel kept his distance, observing their movements and evaluating their weapons. He knew that confronting them directly wasn't a viable option at that moment. Instead, he looked for an alternate entry point.

Circling the building, he found a partially open back door. He slipped in quietly, entering a narrow, dark hallway. The sounds of machinery and distant voices echoed faintly.

The hallway led to a control room filled with monitors and communication equipment. Thel quickly assessed the situation. On one of the screens, he saw a map of the city, highlighting several points of interest and areas of intense surveillance. Unfortunately, he couldn't understand much else on the panel.

And he detected six signals approaching his position, meaning he had to leave.

Seeing the presence of the gas-masked men, Thel moved swiftly and cautiously. He exited the building and found a fence with a large hole in the middle, evidence that someone had previously escaped from there. For about five minutes, he searched for a suitable refuge, arriving at an even more desolate and deserted area. Not even those soldiers patrolled there. But his keen eyes spotted a partially hidden door in a ruined building, concealed by debris and overgrown vegetation.

With precise movements, he slipped through the door, making sure not to make a sound. Once inside, Thel found a small dark room filled with abandoned objects and accumulated dust. He quietly closed the door behind him and moved to a corner where he could observe the entrance without being seen.

The Inquisitor deactivated his camouflage, allowing his device to recharge. The cloak had dropped to 90%, but he still had enough power for a second activation if needed. He allowed himself a few moments to catch his breath and assess his surroundings.

The room was filled with broken crates and discarded furniture, a place forgotten by both time and people. The dim light provided adequate cover as he pondered his next moves. He peeked through a crack in the door, keeping a vigilant eye on the street outside. His HUD confirmed that there were no other life signs nearby.

He reflected on what he had seen so far. These humans lived under an oppressive regime, constantly monitored by drones and masked soldiers. This "Alliance" seemed to be a force that maintained an iron grip, reminiscent of the Covenant's methods before the Great Schism. The similarities were unsettling, and he couldn't help but think of how these humans might be potential allies against a common enemy.

With the information he had gathered so far, Thel knew he needed to find a safer base of operations and more data about the structure of this Alliance. However, for now, remaining hidden was the priority. He had to avoid contact with the soldiers while gathering enough intelligence to plan his next steps.

He leaned against the wall, his mind working quickly. The environment was hostile, but not unmanageable. He had survived worse situations. As he prepared for his next move, one persistent thought lingered: Could it be that in this fight for human freedom, he might also find the key to absolving his own sins against humanity?

Resolved, the Sangheili took a well-deserved breath, ready to move again when the moment was right.