PSA's:
Man, this has been a crazy year. But, just to bring the message from my other story, here you go:
Life Updates: Insane. That is what I will say today as an overview of what has happened. I started my job somewhere near the last update, worked day shift for the entirety of my time until July, and got put into Night Shifts. In that timespan, I've lost a manager including 4 other employees in a quitting event, and multiple family emergencies since. Life sucked for a while, but now, it is manageable enough for me to have a permanent schedule.
However, many great things did happen.
I went camping into the Texas Renaissance Festival for the Hallows Eve weekend, drank a lot of liquor, met a lot of new friends, joined a group, and so much to talk about about the small stuff. In my job, I've earned Employee of the Year, and regained focus on my passions that I have time to enjoy!
Note: I will be getting back into writing more as time develops! Also, for those who read the Halo: Modern Evolutions and Legend of Spyro isekai, chapters will release soon!
Chapter Note: Just to make you all aware, this chapter was made when Helldivers 2 came out, so keep in mind that there will be some details that will escape you, do not mind those notes as they are fan pieces for the chapter.
However, for the next chapter, I do have a question since it has been literally a year since the last chapter release...
What about this story do you want to see more? (If it is Master Chief, I already have that covered. Reminder to watch or play Space Marine 2 once in a while.)
In this I have one last message for you all:
Merry Christmas!
For the Sangheili Fans: May Urs light be with you!
Halo: Modern Evolutions
Chapter XIV: Harvest III
Light rain began to fall, casting the landscape in a gauzy veil of the distant battlefield. It collected in droplets on Raven's armor, the moisture mingling with the soot and ash that clung to the metallic surface. Her visor, ever clear, scanned the ghostly remains of the city ruins with practiced precision. Buildings that had previously reached towards the sky with ambition and hope now stood fractured, their gaping windows like hollow eyes reflecting back nothing but despair.
Raven moved like a shadow through the debris-strewn streets, her Sentinel Armor emitting an occasional quiet hum that was quickly swallowed by the eerie silence of the city. She treaded lightly over broken pavement, her boots crunching softly on shattered glass and remnants of lives once lived. Her custom made Assault Rifle hung loosely in her grasp, grip-relaxed but ready for any threat that might emerge from the desolation. The weapon was a part of her, an extension of her will to survive and protect what little remained of order in this forsaken place. It bore marks and scratches from the initial engagements from the aliens who attacked this world.
The rain intensified, beginning to tap rhythmically against the ruins around her. Small rivulets formed in the crevices of broken roads, washing away layers of dust and uncovering glimpses of color from beneath—the faded pastel of a child's drawing, a tarnished locket half-buried under rubble. In these moments, Raven paused to look at the items with sudden shock, before she avoided them to look into the sky. Up above, where the twilight met the dark clouds in a somber dance, the sky was alive with fragments of distant firefights. They were fleeting, almost ghostly and unreal against the onslaught previous reports indicated.
Her HUD sprang to life, streaks of green code cascading down the periphery of her vision, as it began deciphering and analyzing the battle profile. It was a subtle comfort, the soft hum of her suit's systems intertwining with the steady rhythm of the rain. The engagement was scattered, clustered pockets of resistance dotting the orbit above. The battle was not centralized, but rather a series of smaller skirmishes, spreading like wildfire across the expanse of space. Raven's suit highlighted the positions and vectors of the ships involved, both friendly and alien, with colored icons that popped up in an overlay against the backdrop of the sky.
The prowess and efficiency with which these ships had assembled was nothing short of an organized chaos. It was as though Atlas had anticipated every move, every counter that The Covenant might bring to bear. For each wave of alien aggression, there was a calculated defense. For every plasma volley fired in anger by The Covenant, there was a barrage of kinetic rounds barking in defiance. The Covenant's vessels were unmistakable with their organic curves and ominous luminosity, a stark contrast to the mechanical angularity of Atlas's fleet. The Covenant fought with ferocity fueled by zealotry, but Atlas fought back with precision born from desperation and survival instinct.
As Raven scanned the tactical feed, her thoughts couldn't help but drift towards Griffin Phoenix, the enigmatic mastermind who seemed to stand in the heart of the storm, commanding it as one might conduct a symphony. His orders, relayed through countless intermediaries, were executed with an almost preternatural foresight. The more she observed, the more she realized that Griffin's influence was everywhere. The way the fleet moved, the way they responded to threats, it was all part of a grand design that only he seemed to understand. It was as if he had a sixth sense, a preternatural ability to predict the Covenant's movements and counter them before they could even be executed.
She tried to shake off the feeling, telling herself that she was being paranoid. But the more she watched, the more she saw Griffin's name, the more she was convinced. There was something about him, something she couldn't quite put her finger on, that made her uneasy.
Raven's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of her suit's comms crackling to life. "LOCAL UNITS." The voice that spoke through the comms was unfamiliar, but authoritative. It belonged to a Dumb AI by the name of High Command, a faceless entity that controlled the flow of battle in the Northern Regions campaign. "REPORT TO COORDINATES 14-7N. AN ESCAPE POD HAS CRASHED IN SECTOR 14. SECURE THE SITE AND RETRIEVE ANY SURVIVORS."
Raven looked at her HUD, and sure enough, she saw the coordinates blink into existence. They were not far from her current location, just on the other side of the city. She could see the distant anti-air rounds still going into the air, the smoke billowing up from the ground, and the faint lights of a defensive campaign in the distance.
She hesitated for a moment, thinking about Griffin and his strange influence over the battle. But then she shook her head. She had a job to do, and she was not going to let her paranoia get in the way. With a grunt, Raven activated her thrusters and shot off towards the crash site. As she flew, she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. She knew that she was being watched, something that her scanners could not be able to see.
As Raven approached the coordinates, she noticed a strange stillness in the air. It was as if the world around her had become frozen in time, leaving only the sound of her own heavy breathing to fill the void. Suddenly, a flicker of movement caught her eye. She saw it again, a shadow darting between the buildings below. Her heart skipped a beat as she realized that whatever had been watching her earlier was now following her.
Raven's instincts screamed at her to flee, but she knew that she couldn't keep running forever. She had to confront whatever was stalking her, and she had to do it now. With a surge of adrenaline, Raven switched off her thrusters and began to glide towards the nearest building. She could feel the eyes of her pursuer on her back, but she refused to look back.
As she landed on the rooftop, Raven quickly scanned her surroundings. The building was old and decrepit, its walls pockmarked with holes and cracks. But it was sturdy enough to provide cover, and that was all that mattered.
Just as she was about to take out and adjust her assault rifle to that of a sniper rifle, her communicator beeped. It was Nova, directly patching itself through her inner communications. "Your vital signs indicate an increased pulse rate. Have you encountered any hostilities?"
Raven hesitated for a moment before responding. "Yes, Nova," she said. "I've got something on my tail. Something's been following me since I left my last position."
There was a pause before Nova spoke again. "Understood," it said. "I will send reinforcements to your location immediately. But in the meantime, I need you to stay put. Do not engage the enemy unless absolutely necessary."
Raven nodded, even though she knew Nova couldn't see her. She knew that he was right. She couldn't afford to be reckless. Not when there were survivors to rescue. Raven scanned her surroundings, every shadow and corner a potential hiding place for her stalker. She gripped her sniper rifle tightly, her knuckles turning white. Her heart raced, but she took a deep breath and tried to calm herself. She needed to be sharp, focused.
The building was eerily quiet, save for the occasional creaking of the old wooden beams. Raven crept forward slowly, her boots barely making a sound on the dusty floor. She moved from room to room, checking each one thoroughly before moving on.
As she entered a particularly dark room, her instincts kicked in and she dropped to the ground, her rifle at the ready. She waited, her breathing shallow and controlled. After a few tense moments, she saw it - a flash of movement in the corner of her eye. She spun around, her rifle trained on the spot where she saw the movement. But there was nothing there. She cursed under her breath and continued her search, more determined than ever to find her stalker. As she moved deeper into the building, she remembered the reports of the aliens on The Orion. They were unlike anything she had ever seen before - tall and slender, with long, spindly limbs and elongated heads. They moved with a grace and speed that was almost inhuman… and some of them were given cloaking tech.
She moved carefully, her senses on high alert. She knew that she couldn't let her guard down, not even for a moment. The alien was out there, watching her, waiting for the right moment to strike. And then, she saw it. A flicker of movement in the darkness. She trained her rifle on the spot, her finger ready to pull the trigger. But something held her back. She knew that she couldn't afford to make a mistake.
Raven waited, her heart pounding in her chest. And then, she saw it again. This time, she was ready. She took a deep breath and pulled the trigger, the sound echoing through the building. When the smoke cleared, she saw the alien lying on the ground, motionless.
As she zoomed in closer, she saw that the alien was indeed dead. She let out a sigh of relief and lowered her rifle.
But her respite was short-lived. Just as she was about to ignite her jetpack and head for the escape pod, a beam of light struck her shoulder guard, causing her to stagger back. She cursed under her breath, feeling the burn mark that scorched her collarbone. She had to keep moving, keep fighting. Raven turned her attention back to the motion tracker, where she saw a cluster of red dots converging on her location. She didn't have much time.
The woman sprinted down the hallway, her boots thudding against the cold metal floor. She could hear the sound of footsteps behind her, getting closer and closer. She knew that she couldn't outrun them forever. As she rounded a corner, she saw a door ahead of her. It was her only chance. She slammed her shoulder into it, feeling it give way beneath her weight.
She reached for her communicator and called for backup. "This is Raven, I've engaged the enemy. Repeat, I've engaged the enemy. Requesting immediate assistance." The woman waited for a response, but there was only static. She tried again, but the comms were down. She was on her own until reinforcements arrived.
With a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach, Raven knew she had to act fast. She tapped at her wrist, activating the holographic display that hovered just above her forearm. Her fingers danced across the interface, bringing up the settings for her suit's 'SPARTAN' mode. She had only used it a handful of times before, but she knew that it would give her the edge she needed to take down the mass of aliens coming her way. The suit's AI responded, and she could feel the changes taking place within the exosuit. It was as if it was coming alive, molding itself to her every movement and thought.
The visor of her helmet flickered to life, displaying a myriad of data and readings. She could hear the sound of her own heartbeat, amplified by the suit's systems. Raven turned to face the door, her eyes scanning the room beyond. The aliens were already there, their large and invisible forms lurking in the shadows. They were massive, towering over her even with the suit's enhanced height. She could make out the faint outline of their features, their elongated limbs and sharp teeth. They were terrifying, but Raven was not afraid.
With a surge of adrenaline, she charged forward, her suit's thrusters propelling her forward at breakneck speed. She could feel the air rushing past her, whipping her hair around her face like a wild tempest. The first alien lunged at her, its jaws wide open, but Raven was too quick. She ducked and weaved, dodging its attacks with ease, but her rifle was ripped from her hands. Raven reached to her hips and pulled out her M6D anti-personnel variant pistols, each made by her. With a flick of her wrist, she immediately activated and fired her pistols in quick succession, the shells exploding outwards in a burst of energy. The force of the shots sent some of the aliens flying backwards, their invisible forms rippling under the onslaught. Shields shattered, limbs flew free, and the room was filled with the sounds of agonized screams. But still, they came. More aliens emerged from the shadows, their eyes fixed on Raven and her suit.
Raven didn't hesitate. She spun around, her thrusters keeping her agile and quick. She fired again, this time aiming for the aliens' central mass. The shotgun shells tore through their invisible forms, causing massive explosions that sent them hurtling into walls and ceilings. The air was thick with smoke and the stench of burning flesh. Raven knew she couldn't keep this up forever. The aliens were too numerous, and she was starting to feel the strain of the suit's systems. Her aim was true, her reflexes lightning-fast. She fired round after round, dropping aliens left and right.
But then, just as she thought she might have a chance, she felt it. A sudden, searing pain in her gut. One of the aliens had gotten close enough to strike.
Raven doubled over in agony as the alien's fist connected with her midsection. The force of the blow sent her flying backward, her arms windmilling wildly as she struggled to maintain her balance. She hit the wall hard, the impact sending a shockwave through her body. Pain exploded in her chest, and for a moment, she couldn't breathe. She felt the wall buckle under the force of her weight, the plaster and drywall crumbling under her fingertips. The alien's kick had been like a punch from a freight train, a visceral force that threatened to shatter her bones.
Gritting her teeth against the pain, Raven summoned every ounce of strength she had. With a surge of adrenaline, she pushed off the wall, sending shards of broken plaster and drywall flying through the air. But before she could get anywhere, the alien had already raised its weapon once more. This time, it ignited an energy sword, the blade crackling with blue energy as it hovered in mid-air. Raven could feel the heat of the blade as it came crashing down towards her.
Just as the sword was about to connect, however, an explosion rocked the room. An orbital drop pod had impacted nearby, sending shockwaves through the building. The force of the explosion knocked the alien off-balance, causing it to lose control of its energy sword. The blade sputtered and died as the alien staggered back, trying to regain its footing.
Taking advantage of the opportunity, Raven dove to the side, rolling over a broken window and ignited her jet pack.
She shot up into the air, narrowly avoiding a second orbital drop pod that impacted the building behind her. The force of the explosion sent a fiery wave crashing through the windows, singeing her hair and burning her skin. She could feel the heat from the blast on her back, but she didn't stop. She knew that the aliens wouldn't hesitate to finish her off if given the chance.
With a deafening roar, her jet pack pushed her even higher, above the smoke and flames of the burning building. As she soared through the air, she looked down to see three heavily armored men in Sentinel armor blowing up the building with explosive charges. They had returned fire on the incoming aliens, and now they were clearing the area of any remaining threats. Their weapons were impressive, to say the least. Each man carried a heavy machine gun with explosive rounds, capable of tearing through even the toughest of alien armor. One of them had a rocket launcher slung over his shoulder, while another had a device that could call in heavy ordinances from nearby bases.
Raven watched as they worked together seamlessly, coordinating their attacks and covering each other's blind spots. It was a thing of beauty, and she couldn't help but be impressed. As she continued to observe, she noticed something peculiar about their attire - all three men wore capes, an odd sight as no one normally wore capes into battle.
Each piece of Sentinel Armor was custom-made for its wearer, and these men's suits were no different. They were adorned with various attachments and add-ons that enhanced their combat capabilities. Their heavy machine guns had attachable missile packs that they could fire on the aliens, causing an even more devastating explosion. The rocket launcher also had an advanced targeting system that allowed the wielder to lock onto enemies from a distance.
As Raven watched, she noticed each man had a unique style to their fighting. The one with the rocket launcher was more aggressive, charging into the fray and taking out as many targets as he could before retreating. The man with the machine gun and missile pack was more methodical, picking off enemies one by one from a distance. And the one with the orbital strike device was like a conductor, directing the chaos around him, calling in devastating artillery strikes that leveled entire sections of the battlefield.
The madman even held a Conductor Baton in his hand, using it to direct the orbital strikes with sweeping motions that seemed to create a symphony with every explosion he directed.
She watched in intrigue as the three Sentinels worked together, their synchronized movements creating a veil of destruction. Despite being heavily armored and encumbered by their weapons, they moved with a fluidity that belied their strength. It was clear they had the best Atlas could offer.
By their actions, however, she could see they were children having fun. The battlefield was their playground and the aliens were obstacles they had to remove. They had the tech, knew their enemy, and had all the tools they needed to dispatch these creatures.
Whilst the battle raged on, Raven found herself mesmerized by the display of power in front of her. She watched the Sentinels effortlessly cut through the Covenant ranks, their weapons humming with energy as they mowed down the enemy and bring down several buildings with their ordinance. It was not long until the armored men finished off the remaining Covenant presence in the area, leaving behind a field littered with destroyed alien technology and the charred remains of their foes.
Soon, the three Sentinels made their way towards Raven, their armor shining in the bright sunlight. The one with the rocket launcher, a tall man with a gruff voice, nodded at her as they approached. They were a motley crew, each one with unique scars and markings, a testament to the battles they had fought and survived. Their armor, while imposing, showed signs of wear and tear, a reminder of the countless hours they had spent on the battlefield.
The Sentinel with the rocket launcher had a thick scar running across his face as he took his helmet off. It was almost as if his experience had been etched onto his very features. He wore a satisfied smirk, as if he knew that this would be another victory to add to their list.
The man with the machine gun and missile pack was a bit older when he took his helmet off, bearing a weathered face that seemed to have seen more than its fair share of hardships. His eyes were always focused, never taking his gaze away from the battlefield. He moved with a calculated precision, never wasting a single bullet, every shot counting towards the greater goal.
As for the one with the orbital strike device, he was a sight to behold. He held himself with an air of confidence, as if he was the orchestra conductor and his orbital strikes his instruments.
"Quite the arsenal you have here," Raven said, her voice barely audible above the sound of gunfire echoing in the background. The Sentinels exchanged glances, a subtle acknowledgement of her observation.
The man with the orbital strike device, a captain by the looks of his rank, took a step forward. His voice was deep and commanding, like that of a seasoned warrior. "We've seen our fair share of battles, miss," he said, addressing Raven. "And we've learned that it's not just about having the best weapons, it's about knowing how to use them."
Raven nodded, her eyes never leaving the weapons in their hands. "I see that," she replied, her voice reflecting her admiration for their expertise. "But I was also wondering if you have any ordinance left? I need to rescue a crew not too far away."
The captain's face hardened, but he didn't betray any emotion. "We may have some left, but it's not going to come cheap," he chuckled. "We may need to call in our final ordinance package once we reach the crash site." The men grunted in approval, and without further ado, they activated their jump packs. The air around them hummed with energy as the devices kicked in, propelling them into the sky. Raven, too, leaped into the air, her movements graceful and fluid.
As they soared through the air, the men marveled at the strange tunnels that were open and staggered below them. They were unlike anything they had ever seen before - a haphazard arrangement of tunnels that seemed to have been carved out by nature rather than human hands.
"What do you make of those?" Raven asked the captain, pointing to the tunnels.
The captain squinted, trying to get a better look. "I don't know," he admitted. "But we best be careful. They may hide some sort of danger."
Raven nodded, her eyes never leaving the tunnels. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss, but for now, they had a mission to complete. With renewed focus, the group flew towards the crash site, determined to rescue the crew and return to safety.
Descending from the sky and landing with a soft thump, Raven and the three Sentinel troopers impacted the ground with the air still humming around them as their jump packs deactivated. Over the flight to the crash site, Raven had been briefed by the men on their armor and ranking configuration. And the answer was quick and simple before they had arrived.
"Just call us Sentinels, it is easier that way." The Captain implied in her mind.
Raven's senses would soon be brought back the moment her HUD completed its sensor sweep. The crash site had been revealed to be a vast, open expanse of land, with the remains of the escape pod scattered across the ground. It was an eerie sight, with the wreckage twisted and charred, a vision of the violent impact. Raven's tracking sensor glowed with red lines, tracing the path of the footprints from the pod to the distant tunnel. As they made their way towards the crash site, they were met with a strange location.
The air was thick with an odd silence, broken only by the hiss of snow and the ominous crack of wind. The group moved cautiously, their guns at the ready. Raven led the way, her tracking sensors guiding them through the maze of wreckage and debris.
It was not long before the four of them landed in a patch of snow 500 meters from the entrance. The men moved with a practiced grace, their footsteps barely noticeable over the soft blanket of snow. Raven's steady gaze scanned the area, her mind constantly assessing for any signs of danger. She had been through countless scenes like this one, but at least there were signs of corpses or dying men or women.
As they approached the cave, the three Sentinels pulled out small devices and tossed them into the snow-covered patch. The devices were small but powerful, sending out a signal that was almost immediately answered by the distant rumble of drop pods descending from the sky. They watched as several mechanical pods landed in a cluster around the cave entrance, their metal surfaces glinting in the dim light.
The group watched as the pods hissed and popped, their contents spilling out onto the snow. From the various compartments, a newer model of droids began to emerge, their dark metallic frames clanking and whirring as they assembled themselves in a matter of seconds. It was not long before the three men even took the moment to make their way to the pods as the droids were being assembled.
While they grew closer to the sites, the ground beneath the pods started to shake. Materials were being mined and used to continuously graft supplies and combat droids were assembled and prepared for use by the men. It didn't take them three seconds before they started to use the pods' terminals to exchange their depleted weaponry, changing from a machine gun to a strange looking rifle or a shotgun that glowed ominously.
Once the droids were activated and deployed from the pods, Raven would be able to see the different model that these droids were. They were sleek, nimble, and tact for maneuverability on the field. Even the weapons they bore were different, glowing, and bearing swords at the back of their chassis.
As they continued to observe the droids, one of the Sentinels closed in on Raven and tossed her two strange looking pistols. "You'll need those, comes' in handy during a rough patch." He would say, chuckling as he would motion her to the tunnel. "Are they in there?" He asked, the helmet comms coming out as he directed his finger to the entrance.
"Yes, the tracks lead further in there." She replied.
Looking into the cave, one of the Sentinels' helmets glowed slightly and his arm was raised. "Commando Units, recon tunnel." Ordered the Sentinel and caused the fifteen declared Commando Droids to enter the location. His suit was connected to the droids he assimilated into his command structure, one that glowed blue like his visor color.
In response, the Commando Droids would simply respond with two words:
"Roger-Roger."
With swiftness on the side of the Commando Droids, Raven would be able to see the automatons move faster than the Battle Droids. She blinked in surprise in the motions of the mechanical beings making haste into the natural formation.
As the sky dimmed, Raven watched the droids disappear into the tunnel. The unnatural light illuminating their path was a stark contrast to the natural darkness that enveloped the crevice. The Sentinels exchanged glances, their faces reflecting a mix of relief and concern. Raven, recognizing the need for answers, asked, "How and why are they so well armored, are these new droids?"
The leading Sentinel, his face obscured behind a translucent helm, replied, "Correct. They are designed for a different class, designed for speed and agility rather than durability. These Commando Droids are our frontline scouts, responsible for gathering crucial intelligence and paving the way for our forces."
"But how do they manage to assemble and carry out such complex tasks so efficiently?" she inquired. "It normally takes a few corrections on my speech before getting those B1's to go to the right location."
"The Commando Droids are equipped with a highly advanced neural network," the Sentinel continued, gesturing towards the droids. "This allows them to learn and adapt at a rate far surpassing any other Dumb AI. They can make decisions not only based on their programming, but also based on their experiences, giving them an edge in combat situations."
Raven's curiosity was piqued further. "And the Rachni... the new aliens uncovered six hours ago… What's their role in all this? They seem to help with mining and assembling factories, but how do they assist in actual battles?"
The Sentinel's voice was uncertain on that question as he replied, "The Rachni are… a unique case. They share our goal of preserving our people from total ruin, and they possess an aggressive instinct that makes them formidable in and of themselves."
The Sentinels exchanged knowing glances, their faces now etched with a mix of uncertainty and caution.
"The Rachni are capable of sensing their surroundings on a level far beyond anything we've developed. They can perceive vibrations, smell alien life forms, and even detect electromagnetic waves. This makes them invaluable in reconnaissance and combat operations," the Sentinel said, highlighting the extent of the alien's capabilities. "But why we haven't encountered any so far is a… mystery."
Just then, the air around them crackled with static, and the Sentinel's screen flickered to life, displaying a message from the Commando Droids. "They've found our guys. Looks like your retrieval mission is a go." The Sentinel exchanged a glance with Raven, nodding to her.
And so, with a measured stride and a determination set deep within their metallic cores, The Sentinels, Raven, and the thirty recently assembled Commando Droids made their way into the shadowy tunnel. The air was thick with anticipation, and the damp, musty scent of ages past filled their mechanical nostrils.
As they delved further into the tunnel, the darkness encapsulating them like a shroud, they couldn't help but feel the anticipation mounting. Suddenly, the air around them was shattered by the unmistakable coo of a thousand Rachni. Echoes of their chittering what could only be described as communication reverberated off the walls of the tunnel.
Raven, with her keen senses, noticed the smallest of vibrations in the air, a subtle hum that seemed to resonate with her very being. A voice, low and soothing, erupted in her mind, its calm presence seeping into her consciousness. "The people you seek are safe," the voice said, filled with assurance and warmth.
Hearing the soothing voice vibrating in her mind caused her to pause in the small march in the tunnel, causing the rest of the group to stop their formation as the Sentinels looked at her.
"Who… what are you?"
"Shhh… do not speak… think young one and I shall hear you… I am that which gives you aid, who protects my brood and my line. You may know me… as a Queen. A Queen of those you still have yet to know."
"So that is what has been giving us aid since the beginning…" Raven thought to herself as she would look around, pondering at the echoes and the presence of the creatures in the area around her. She now understood how so many droids and ships were made in such a quick timespan and why there were ships out there, distracting the Covenant fleet and allowing her and so many Atlas troopers to move about freely without an orbital bombardment from the enemy.
"Now you understand." The voice continued, humming to the woman's thoughts. "The Rachni have pledged to the aid of your kind. All to protect our broods from the strange creatures who bring fire from the sky."
"Fire from the sky… what do you mean?" Raven asked.
"Your… Griffin showed us the record of what happened to the humans in the great continent. They were… exterminated by a bright light from above the sky. No one can possibly survive this." Cooed the Rachni Queen. "They have harmed the world… and now we shall help you."
"Thank you, and I hope-"
A sudden 'CRACK!' shook Raven, the droids, and the Sentinels in the tunnel. There was a sharp seismic shift in the rocks, causing Raven to grow dizzy before falling to the ground. The force was enough to make her shake, as well as see the rest of her vision reel as the violent rumble of the tunnel continued.
"What was that!?" Raven demanded.
"Slipspace rupture, half a kilometer above us! They're headed to the ruins of the town." The Captain grunted, balancing himself on his Sentinel exoskeleton. "We need to hustle."
"Not yet…" Raven grunted. The walls of the tunnel seemed to groan in sympathy with Raven as she rose back to her feet, the tremors subsiding as quickly as they had come. The once-calm, flickering glow from the bioluminescent fungi lining the tunnel now cast around them an eerie, ever-changing palette of color, with deep purples and reds bleeding into each other like oil on water. Raven, her eyes fixed on the Captain, began to help him navigate the narrow passage. They ducked under low-hanging limestone formations, their helmets clanking against one another, and leapt across gaps the size of handbreadths.
The noise of their colleagues behind them grew fainter and fainter, until it was barely audible over the sound of their own heavy breathing and the creaking of the tunnel floor.
"What do you think about this place, Raven?" the captain asked, his voice full of concern. "Do you think we should continue?"
Raven hesitated, her hand on the hilt of her pistols. She could see the danger that lurked ahead, but she also knew that they had to keep going. They had to reach the surface and warn everyone about the incoming threat.
"We don't have a choice," Raven replied, her voice steady and resolute. "The… Rachni… these aliens can speak through to our minds. They brought the crewmen to safety, we can use the tunnels to do the same. If we go out there, the aliens swamp us. Down here, we can get to a rendezvous point."
With that, the captain nodded, and they continued down the tunnel, their boots echoing in the darkness. The sound of the slipspace rupture grew louder, and the ground trembled ominously. Raven knew that they needed to hurry, and she clenched her jaw determined to make it out alive. A strange hum could be heard in the distance. The Rachni Queen, sensing their unease, chose to communicate with them all telepathically, her voice echoing in their minds.
"Do not fear," it spoke. "You are safe with us. Follow me, and I will guide you to sanctuary."
Nizat snarled at the Minor Minister of Artifact Survey as his fingers drummed against the table, his sharp talons tapping out a rhythm that suggested impatience and frustration. The San'Shyuum had become a thorn in the Sangheili Fleetmaster's side, constantly overruling his decisions and making tactical choices that endangered the lives of many Sangheili warriors. It was as if the Minister believed that his so-called divinity granted him infallibility, and Nizat found the notion highly insulting.
The Fleetmaster had watched as ship after ship had been lost, their crews annihilated by the infidels' deceptive tactics. The Sangheili were not meant to be under the yoke of these weak creatures, these Minor Ministers who knew nothing about war, yet here they were, following their commands, their lives teetering on the edge of oblivion. The Fleetmaster was a figure of austere grace, his ceremonial armor gleaming in the harsh artificial light. His eyes, like obsidian mirrors, reflected the indignation he felt as he contemplated the actions of the San'Shyuum in the holoscreen in front of him. The image of a ruined Sangheili vessel, its broken hull and scorched corridors a testament to the reckless decisions made by the San'Shyuum Minister.
The image flickered to another, this time a holographic representation of a Sangheili warrior, his body mangled beyond recognition, his screams silenced by the unforgiving void of space.
Nizat had always known that these… humans were a problem, but their infestation had recently escalated to a level he'd never imagined. They were swarming across the regions of the planet, evading their orbital weapons and meeting their fleet with an endless wave of strikecraft, both ships and fighters that kept harassing and dividing their attention. Nizat's anger grew with every defeat. The Minor Minister of Artifact Survey's meddling had left the Sangheili fleet in a precarious position, and they could not afford any more setbacks. The San'Shyuum Minister's decisions were costing them dearly, and Nizat could feel the frustration and despair spreading through the command deck.
He knew that their only hope was to take matters into their own hands and bypass the San'Shyuum's restrictions. The Sangheili Fleetmaster had lost faith in the Minister's leadership, and it would come high tide he would answer for it. However, there was an opportunity that had shown itself while the Minister was distracted:
The retrieval of the data slate that was recovered from the escape pod that the Jiralhanae was recovered from. The data slate was a rare find, one that might hold the key to understanding the enemy's tactics and strategies. It had been salvaged from the wreckage of an escape pod, and now he had a chance to find out what was left behind. The escape pod had been the only thing salvaged from the charred wreckage that had once been a ship. Its hull had been battered by enemy fire, and the smell of burnt metal and scorched flesh still lingered in the air.
The Minister, so concerned with the state of the ship and its events, was more interested in the technical aspects than in investigating the deeper implications of the war. It was as though the chaos unfolding out in the battle was nothing more than an afterthought to him. Nizat shook his head in disbelief, muttering under his breath about the stubborn ignorance of the Minister.
Needing to pry answers from the data slate was not only a matter of personal integrity, but also of survival for the fleet. If the San'Shyuum Minister continued to make decisions based on his own narrow-minded agenda, the outcome would not only be a loss for the fleet, but a loss for his honor as a Fleetmaster. As he reached out to the escape pod, Nizat was consumed by the notion that this data slate would be the key to finding answers. He reached inside the storage compartment and withdrew the glowing device, gripping it with his claws.
With an unwavering determination, Nizat concealed the data slate and swiftly made his way to a secure location, away from prying eyes. He knew he had to act fast, before the Minister could discover what he was doing and quash his efforts. Upon arriving at a sanctum, Nizat took a deep breath. The room was dark and enveloped in a silence that felt as if it had been waiting for him. It was a place where secrets could be revealed, where the truth could be sought after in the darkness.
Nizat activated the data slate with the press of a single button. The holographic message flickered to life, revealing a tall and dark-robed figure that seemed to be floating in midair. The human's voice emerged from the phantom image, speaking the familiar and common tongue of his kin:
"Greetings, to whom hears this message. I am Griffin Phoenix, enemy to some, allies to others… and a Reclaimer to the important ones who need to know. If this message is read by a San'Shyuum, as them to utter the names of the Hierarchs. If they are really good, tell them to name the former name by the Hierarch named 'Truth'. If this message is read by a Sangheili, utter the Oath you gave to The Writ of Union."
Nizat's eyes widened in shock, for it was rare to encounter an Infidel who knew their language. Nizat gazed at the disembodied figure, his eyes searching for any trace of deception or guise. It was uncanny; how did this human know so much about The Covenant to specialize his own message specifically for whom heard it and knew what phrase to utter to it in order to give the message to the user in question? With a flicker of uncertainty dancing in his eyes, Nizat hesitated. He had never heard of a Reclaimer before, but the message was clear.
"So full of hate were our eyes
That none of us could see
Our war would yield countless dead
But never victory
So let us cast arms aside
And like discard our wrath
Thou, in faith, will keep us safe
Whilst we find the path…"
As Nizat continued to speak the Oath, the message flickered and the figure began to speak.
"When we joined the Covenant, we took an oath."
In immediate response, Nizat knew the reply and spoke.
"According to our station, all without exception."
The message flickered again and the figure replied:
"On the blood of our fathers. On the blood of our sons. We swore to uphold the Covenant."
"Even to our dying breath."
In recognition of Nizat's words, the figure bowed his head in respect and continued its message. "Thank you, honorable one for speaking the words. You have unlocked the contents of the message for The Sangheili, and all that comes with its bounty… and horror." Griffin spoke. "The San'Shyuum have lied to you all," it said, its tone filled with sadness and anger. "For thousands of years, they have manipulated everyone, twisted the truth, and kept you from the truth of our purpose."
"You a Sangheili, I come to you now as a voice of truth. I know of the War of Beginnings, the true role of the Arbiter, and the true purpose of the Forerunner technology. I have seen the lies woven into the fabric of your history by the San'Shyuum, and I have come to reveal the truth to you and your people."
Raven's exosuit, a construct of alloyed muscle and glowing lights, burst through the tunnel's end like a specter fleeing the dark. The whine of servo motors and the crunch of compacted snow underfoot filled the air as she led her band of Sentinels and Commando Droids past the tunnel entrance and into the tundra of Harvest's surface. The Rachni had saved them from a Glassing, one that had destroyed the town and the evac site.
And now, The Rachni had directed them straight into a decisive battle.
Harvest's frozen landscape offered little cover, its icy plains broken only by the occasional jagged rock formation or the stark, skeletal remains of trees long since succumbed to the cold. The distant explosions, muffled yet persistent, provided a grim soundtrack to their emergence. Raven's visor, a slab of reflective glass set in the helm of her suit, flickered with incoming data. A stark, red alert flashed across her heads-up display:
"ALL UNITS."
The Covenant was escalating their assault, focusing now on a Manufactorum nestled beyond a nearby ridge. Without a word, Raven gestured forward, her movements crisp and determined. The group responded in kind, a silent, deadly procession moving as one. The ridge loomed ahead, a natural barrier that did little to deter their advance. Raven's exosuit powered forward, servos whirring with the effort as she ascended the slope, her squad trailing just steps behind.
The relative silence was shattered by the three distinct popping noises of allied machine gun towers coming to life, their barrels spinning up to unleash a torrent of lead at incoming Seraph fighter formations. Tracers arced through the air, drawing bright lines across the dim sky, a desperate attempt to thin the numbers of the Covenant's aerial harassers.
Not long into Raven's rush past the ridge, the air vibrated with the hums of Spirit Dropships descending nearby, their bulbous silhouettes cutting through the gloom, depositing fresh waves of Covenant troops into a beachhead. The tranquility of their descent contrasted sharply with the chaos that awaited them on the ground.
Ahead, the ground shook as Covenant Drop pods hammered into the snow, their impact throwing up clouds of icy particles. The pods cracked open like the eggs of some monstrous bird, spilling Covenant infantry into the fray. Raven, her eyes narrowing behind her visor, raised her dual pistols. "Move up the beach," she commanded, her voice a steely thread over the comm-link, "Assault the Covenant on the ground. Now, before they get the drop on the facility!"
Raven's boots pounded against the snow as she surged forward, her jetpack flaring to life and propelling her into the sky. The Sentinels, their armored bodies gleaming, followed close behind, their miniguns chattering with deadly efficiency. The Commando Droids, their rifles out, fanned out to Raven's flanks where Covenant forces would likely gather.
The Covenant forces, caught off guard by the sudden assault, scrambled to rush out from their positions. Elites barked orders, their voices echoing through the desolate landscape while Grunts huddled together in fear. Raven unleashed a barrage of slugs from her pistols, her aim deadly as she picked off the incoming Elites. Their shields broke from the concentrated pistol blasts, shattering armor, flesh, and bone as she rushed past their formations.
The Sentinels unleashed a torrent of bullets into the grunts, their miniguns spewing forth streams of fire that tore apart anything in their path. Grunts and Jackals crumpled to the ground, their bodies riddled with holes as the Sentinels advanced relentlessly.
Suddenly, a group of Hunters emerged from some deployed sections of the beach, their massive bodies lumbering towards the attackers. But before they could get close, one of the Sentinels tapped into a device, throwing it at the creatures. Instantly, the device latched onto one of the Hunters, sending a signal to nearby artillery. A moment later, the sky was filled with the sound of incoming artillery shells, which impacted the Hunters with a deafening roar. The ground shook beneath their feet as the creatures were torn apart by the explosive force, their massive bodies reduced to smoldering ruins.
"Take that you grubby worms!"
The Commando Droids joined the fray when a Lance of Elites ignited their energy swords to face the incoming assault team. When Raven turned her head to look at the alerts on her screen, she would see red energy bolts shooting off from The Commando Droids as they shot down incoming reinforcements with ease. She had to look twice before she confirmed The Droids using weapons that drained The Elites shields that allowed the hulking beasts to be killed easier.
Raven soared overhead, her pistols blazing, taking out Elites and Jackals with precision shots. Additional Covenant reinforcements would come as Elites charged forward, their energy swords and shields humming menacingly, but they were met with a wall of laser fire that came from The Manufactorum. The droids emerged from The Manufactorum in a thunderous march, their metallic bodies gleaming in the sun. The beach trembled beneath their synchronized footsteps as they advanced towards the oncoming Covenant forces. Rocket launcher teams, strategically positioned on high ground, unleashed a barrage of missiles that streaked through the air, targeting and obliterating incoming Covenant Aircraft.
Looking down Raven's keen eyes scanned the area. Below, the Commando Droids engaged in a fierce clash with a separate group of Elite Spec Ops, their metallic swords clashing against energy shields. Nearby, one of the Sentinels, the one who had an Elites very own energy sword, lay dead with smoke pouring from his chest and back.
Suddenly, a flicker of movement caught Raven's attention. A faint shimmer appeared in the distance, and a moment later, a squad of Elite Spec Ops emerged from invisibility. Their sleek, obsidian armor gleamed under the harsh sunlight, and their piercing eyes locked onto Raven. The woman cursed under her breath and twisted her body, narrowly dodging a beam of concentrated plasma that nearly took her head off.
"Anyone who can read me, this is Raven! The Covenant are targeting us! Naiomi is dead!"
Raven felt the ground rumble beneath her boots as the Seraph fighter plummeted towards the Manufactorum, its hull engulfed in flames. The impact shook the battlefield, sending debris flying in all directions. Droids continued their relentless march, their laser fire echoing through the chaos. The Spec Ops Elites, undeterred by the carnage, regrouped and advanced on the remaining droids.
With mechanical precision, the battle droids unleashed a barrage of laser fire upon the Spec Ops, their numbers overwhelming the elite warriors. The droids' relentless assault cut down the elites by the masses, their bodies collapsing in a heap of shattered armor and flesh.
Raven watched as the battle droids decimated the Covenant forces with ruthless efficiency. The droids' relentless laser fire tore through the Elites' armor, sending sparks and shrapnel flying into the air. Their once-formidable presence crumbled under the sheer weight of the droids' onslaught, their bodies falling like flies.
Amidst the chaos, a squad of Seraph fighters swooped down from the atmosphere to make another attack, their sleek hulls shimmering in the sunlight. Their plasma cannons unleashed devastating volleys at the advancing droids, their energy beams vaporizing the metal bodies into clouds of molten slag.
But the Covenant was not to be outmatched. Droid fighters soon started to fly over the facility, shooting down and chasing Seraph fighters as they came. Their nimble frames darted and weaved, their laser cannons painting the sky with a deadly dance of red. Even a Frigate flew overhead, its immense hull casting a long shadow over the battlefield. Its MAC cannon boomed with an earsplitting thunder, sending a powerful beam of superheated plasma towards a closing Corvette. The hapless Covenant vessel erupted into a blinding inferno, its hull disintegrating into countless fragments that rained down upon the distant Tundra, never to rise again.
Amidst the ending of battle, Nova's voice crackled through Raven's helmet, her synthesized tones a beacon of clarity amidst the chaos. "Mission objectives complete, Raven. Return to evacuation site. Repeat: mission objectives complete, return to evac site."
Guided by the AI's instructions, Raven turned and made her way towards the extraction point, her boots crunching on the shattered remains of droids and Elites. The air was thick with the acrid stench of ozone and burnt metal, the aftermath of the relentless battle hanging heavy in the air.
Raven's senses were overwhelmed by the sheer carnage that unfolded before her eyes. The battlefield was a twisted hellscape, littered with the broken bodies of both Covenant and droids. The once-orderly ranks of the Covenant had been shattered, their disciplined formations replaced by a chaotic scramble for survival. Even Hunters were the first to be targeted, with Wraiths and Banshees being wiped out before they could prove to be an effective enemy asset on the field.
The droids pressed their assault with relentless determination, their laser fire forming a deadly grid that swept across the battlefield. The Covenant forces, once a formidable legion, were reduced to scattered remnants, their cries for help drowned out by the relentless waves of laser fire and rocket launchers.
Raven's gaze fixed on the distant horizon, where incoming enemy armor met its end beneath the wrath of an orbital MAC blast. The deafening explosion sent shockwaves through the earth, shaking the landscape violently. Amidst the chaos, Raven spotted the captain, Oscar, and the other Sentinel, Hanz, waiting for her at the evac site. They were standing next to a Pelican gunship, its engines roaring in anticipation. Raven broke into a sprint, her muscles burning with exhaustion. As she approached, Oscar and Hanz offered her a weary wave.
"Glad you made it back in one piece, Raven," barked Oscar, his voice a mixture of relief and grim determination. "Let's get the hell out of here."
Raven nodded, her body trembling from the adrenaline rush. She climbed into the Pelican, taking a seat next to Hanz. As the Pelican lifted off, gaining altitude over the ravaged battlefield, Raven gazed out the window. The Covenant forces were in full retreat, their once-imposing invasion force reduced to a scattered few. The droids, sensing victory, roared in triumph, their laser fire illuminating the ground like a celestial fireworks display.
Just as the Pelican began to leave, Raven and the Sentinels would begin to see strange tanks beginning to emerge from the Manufactorum. Their shapes were sleek and angular, unlike anything they had seen before. Their hulls glistened with a metallic sheen, and their tracks clanked against the pavement as they lumbered into view.
When Spirit Dropships and Banshees started to make another desperate assault, the tanks' long barrels fired beaming lines of plasma that concentrated and impacted the dropships at a long distance. The Banshees were too fast and maneuverable for the tanks to hit, but the Dropships were less fortunate. One by one, they were vaporized in mid-air, their wreckage raining down on the battlefield below…
And the Banshees were taken out by guided SPUNKR rockets.
Intrigued by the unfamiliar tanks, Raven reached for her communications device and summoned Nova. "What are those?" she inquired.
Nova's voice crackled into her ear. "Raven, those are the latest model of All-Terrain Assault Tanks, or AATs for short. They're designed for multipurpose combat against the Covenant and are equipped with an array of weaponry."
Raven's eyes widened in amazement as she observed the AATs' sleek design. "Impressive," she remarked. "They look like they could decimate a Covenant air fleet."
"When can I have one as a Stratagem?" Hanz asked.
Griffin did not know who he was anymore while he walked through the tunnels. His changes were evident and bothered him from the helmet sensors. From the outlines of his face to the lines of his hair, the young man looked more and more like Forthencho by the day. He could not recognize himself both in appearance as well as voice. The tones of his vocal chords were deep, sharp, and his mind bore its change.
And what bothered Griffin even more, Forthencho had not spoken to him since.
He was all alone, left to the war that raged all over the planet. With the help of The Rachni, his creations; they bore the burden he could not. Warships delayed every Covenant advance that could be found in orbit. Legions of Droids halted what deployment zones were discovered with all haste… and heroes like Raven and the soldiers she fought with brought victories where they needed them.
Even if the casualty count skyrocketed from friendly fire.
Atlas's forces were broken and scattered in the first few hours of the battle. Now they were at a stalemate, keeping The Covenant from claiming the facility. ICBMs rocked the former colony that once stood tall, blowing into mushroom clouds to deny asset retrieval. Armies were made and lost in many theaters of war, all in a bid to keep The Forerunner Facility secured from enemy hands.
A Facility that Griffin started to enter.
"Is this what you wanted to show us?" Came the voice of The Rachni Queen. Her soothing voice and clicking tone.
The Forerunner Facility itself was an architectural marvel, its walls and floors made of a material that seemed to absorb the light, giving off a faint, ethereal glow. The complex was vast, its corridors stretching into darkness, with high vaulted ceilings that echoed their footsteps. The environment was sterile, untouched by time, with geometric patterns adorning the surfaces, creating an almost sacred atmosphere.
The Rachni Queen, a figure of otherworldly grace and menace, followed closely beside Griffin. Her presence was commanding, her form towering and alien, with a carapace that shimmered with iridescent, violet coloration in the artificial light of the facility. Behind them, a small horde of Rachni moved in silence, their chittering sounds the only indication of their number.
"This place," he began, "holds secrets ancient and powerful. But it is also dangerous. The Forerunners, the creators of this facility, contain information that could unravel entire planets. However… there is a danger here that lurks and that is why I have sealed off most of the facility to only our use."
"We understand the danger," she replied telepathically, her voice a haunting melody in Griffin's mind. "You have shared much with us, guided our ascension… our evolution. The Flood will be contained and we have been working hard to ensure you have the resources to contain them."
"That's why I worry." Griffin replied as The Rachni Queen followed just behind him, her movements a seamless blend of insectile grace and purposeful intent. Her massive, armored frame shimmered faintly, the light refracting across the glossy, violet carapace. Her multiple eyes glowed faintly, and her mandibles clicked softly in what Griffin recognized as contemplation. She paused briefly, extending her antennae toward the walls, where ancient Forerunner glyphs glowed faintly, pulsing in response to her psychic presence.
Behind her, the Rachni workers scuttled silently, their sinewy forms weaving in perfect synchronization. The drones, smaller and more agile than their queen, examined the walls and floors with multi-faceted eyes, their claws tapping out subtle rhythms that resonated against the pristine surfaces. Further back, a line of Rachni soldiers—hulking figures with reinforced exoskeletons and clawed limbs—moved in a defensive formation. Their acid-slicked mandibles twitched, ready for combat. Occasionally, the shadow of a Rachni Brood Warrior would pass across the light, its massive form scraping the ceiling, heavy with natural armor and bristling with spikes.
"Your concern," the Queen's telepathic voice echoed through Griffin's mind, "it carries the weight of many futures. We share this burden with you."
Griffin exhaled, the altered timbre of his voice carrying an unnatural resonance. "We've only breached the outer halls, and already the facility is reacting. Its defenses are older than anything we've encountered, and they won't recognize us as allies. The Forerunners' intent was clear—these places were meant to remain sealed."
Ahead, the corridor opened into a vast chamber, its scale breathtaking. Towering spires of Forerunner design rose from the floor, their surfaces inscribed with intricate glyphs that danced with an inner light. Energy conduits pulsed with a rhythm that mirrored a heartbeat, casting eerie shadows across the chamber. Suspended in the air was a massive hologram of a star system, rotating slowly as streams of data flowed across its surface.
The Queen paused, her antennae rising. "This place remembers. It hums with purpose… and with warning." Her voice darkened, the psychic link carrying an undertone of urgency. "Your Flood lies dormant, but its echoes linger in this construct. Should it awaken—"
"-they won't." Griffin's gaze lingered on the suspended hologram, its rotating star system flickering with soft, rhythmic pulses. His voice, resonating with a metallic edge that unnerved him even now, broke the tense silence between them. "The droid battalions are already mobilizing," he said, his words clipped, almost mechanical.
The Queen's antennae quivered, her multi-faceted eyes narrowing slightly. The faint shimmer of her carapace intensified as if the energy of the room responded to her presence. Her voice returned, a soothing melody in Griffin's mind, tinged with the weight of understanding. "Good. Your machines are diligent. They clear the path as our children ensure no stone remains unturned. Still…" She paused, her mandibles clicking thoughtfully. "This place resists."
"It does," Griffin agreed, his helmet's HUD flickering briefly as he scanned the room. Streams of data flowed past his visor, identifying potential energy signatures and structural vulnerabilities. "At the center of this facility is a cartographer. If the schematics are accurate, it's buried deeper than any part of this complex we've seen so far."
The Queen stepped forward, her massive form casting shifting shadows across the walls as she moved closer to the glowing hologram. The Rachni soldiers adjusted their positions instinctively, creating a living barrier between her and the darker recesses of the chamber. "A mapkeeper," she said, her tone carrying a faint echo of reverence. "The builders designed such places to conceal their truths. What must we do to awaken it?"
Griffin moved beside her, his boots crunching softly on the textured floor. "The cartographer will be unlocked by my hands… or at least by human hands."
Griffin's growl rumbled through the cartographer's chamber, reverberating against the metallic walls. He turned sharply toward the Rachni Queen, his gloved hand clenching into a fist as his voice cut through the ambient hum of the dormant Forerunner systems. "We'll need a Huragok," he said, his tone laced with frustration and resolve. "They're the only ones who can fully interface with this tech. If it's damaged, they'll fix it."
The Queen tilted her massive head, her antennae quivering as if sensing the intensity of his thoughts. "The Covenant will not surrender such a creature willingly," she replied, her melodic telepathic voice carrying an undertone of caution. Her multifaceted eyes narrowed, glowing faintly as she continued. "You propose we lure one… and take it?"
"By whatever means necessary." He replied.
The Queen's mandibles clicked softly, her presence looming as she stepped closer to him. "We will hold the line," she said, her voice steady, firm. "But know this: such a gambit will provoke the Covenant further. They will retaliate with their full strength."
"Let them," Griffin replied, his tone low and sharp. "Your brood is capable. Force their hand, draw them into the open, and take the Huragok. If we don't control this facility, they will." He paused, turning his gaze back to the dormant Monitor, its cracked surface a stark reminder of the fragility of their mission. "I'll handle the Parasite if it comes to that. You focus on securing the Huragok."
The Queen inclined her head, her carapace shimmering faintly under the chamber's dim light. "As you command, Griffin."
Griffin turned toward the cartographer's console, his hand hovering over the glyphs. "Nova," he said, his voice cutting through the room's heavy air.
The AI responded immediately, her presence manifesting as a faint holographic figure beside him. "Orders, Commander?"
"Deploy three droid battalions to sterilize this facility," Griffin commanded, his voice unwavering. "Activate containment protocols. If anything breaches the outer perimeter, I want it neutralized before it can take a step outside."
Nova's holographic form shimmered as she processed his commands. "Understood. Battalions deploying now. What of the Covenant forces in orbit?"
"They're secondary," Griffin said, glancing at the Rachni Queen. "Their focus will shift soon enough."
The Queen moved to stand beside him, her massive frame exuding an aura of silent power. "Your machines will hold the ground," she said, her tone more reflective now. "We will ensure the skies above are contested."
Griffin nodded, his hand activating the console. The glyphs illuminated, cascading light spreading throughout the room as the cartographer began to spin slowly, streams of data flowing into the air like a living flow of numbers.
"Begin now, we have little time to make this operation come to reality."