Ask and you shall receive. It's a doozy-27 pages on Word.
*Chapter Seven
16th of October, 2553
Aboard Scout Ship Caesar
Orbital Station Lima
Horatio removed his helmet and rubbed his shaved head. “Let me get this straight. Urit Gebur’ is trading nukes and other equipment to the Brutes in exchange for a Forerunner artifact?”
Zack, which was short for Zacchariah, nodded. “Indeed. The Brutes, and by extension, their masters the Prophets, still maintain a sizeable collection of Forerunner relics. Why do you think some Grunts and Hunters still fight under their banner? They were bribed.”
Dasa nodded grudgingly. “It makes sense. So, construct, how is it you are still alive? The Jiralhanae would have destroyed you, given the chance.”
The AI chuckled, a mechanical sound. “Indeed they would have. But I had my escape well planned. Oh, they arrived stealthily enough-they had no radioactive materials and extra stealth linings. But when the ship entered the system, the artifact sent a ripple through Slipspace. My drones detected it. However, after some thinking, I elected not to contact HighCom and inform them.”
“And why is that?” Horatio demanded. “If you had, the people aboard the orbital might have escaped. We could have destroyed them before they docked!”
Zack shrugged sadly. “Perhaps. But I doubt they would have believed me-there have been no incursions in this system for months. Besides, the ship had changed hands several times-for all I knew, it could have belonged to Elites.”
Horatio’s anger subsided. “Alright then. So, go on. How’d you get away?”
“When the Brutes docked, they immediately rampaged through the station-none survived, as far as I can tell. When they reached Central Control, I cut off my signal unit and retrieved all traces of myself from outlying processors. Even so, they unleashed viral scavengers upon the system. I had no way of moving or communicating at all-else I would have been destroyed.”
“So how did you?”
The AI smiled thinly. “I raised my signal unit-just enough to check for anything I could use. That’s when I happened across the artifact-it had a tremendous aura of energy. The data was off the charts. But that wasn’t the whole of it.”
“Apparently-and I think the Brutes are unaware of this-the relic functions as a massive repository. It can be used as a storage area, as a vehicle…and so on. The possibilities are numerous. It was tricky, but I was able to transfer myself from Central Control, along a “bridge” of energy, into the artifact.”
Dasa was fascinated. “What was it like within the relic?”
Zack’s eyes shone, illuminating the cockpit with white light. “Amazing. It was an entire world within there. Endless plains of matter, light and energy. It felt like a dream-or what a dream is supposed to feel like, seeing as I’ve never had one. I even conversed with the beings within. They had lost most of their identity-but they still knew what I was.”
Horatio whistled. “Sounds freaky.”
Zack nodded. “It was incredible. But, I quested outwards-and found the Caesar’s transponder. So, I made my way in there and waited.”
Dasa rubbed his gnarled hands. “Very well-that issue is resolved. Now then, how can you help us, Zack?”
The AI made a noise that Horatio assumed was clearing his throat. “It will be dangerous, but relatively simple. If I can make contact with the artifact-but closer this time-I will be able to destroy it. The explosion will completely destroy the ship-”
“What about the rest of the team? They‘re still aboard.”
Zack waved a hand. “The damage to the Lima will be minimal. As I was saying, the ship will be destroyed, and the crisis will be over. So-we sneak aboard the vessel, find the artifact, let me complete my work and then leave.”
“How will you destroy the artifact?”
Zack grinned, and withdrew from the folds of his holographic folds of his robe, a sliver of something. It looked like burnished bronze. “This is a sample of the energy within the artifact. However, it has been…tainted, by outside influences. When I bring this in with me, it shall cause a chain reaction. Satisfied?”
Dasa growled. “It is hard to let go of habit-Forerunner relics have always been sacrosanct. Yet…it must be.”
Horatio drummed his fingers on the dashboard. “Well, good. Now, how do we get in there?”
Zack’s brow furrowed. “That I don’t know. We can’t try and enter the hangar bay-they’ll destroy us on sight. And re-entering the station will put us back to square one. Not to mention this boat is running on half power; we can’t keep circling forever.”
“What about contacting HighCom? Hell, we can see them from here.” On the view screens, the blockade of ships could be seen.
Zack shook his head. “No chance-the Caesar’s communications circuit was damaged when it hit the wall.”
Horatio sighed. “Thinking caps on, then.”
Outside, the stars glimmered against the backdrop of space. The tiny scout ship continued to meander around the station’s bulk, the ones inside desperately trying to devise a plan.
*******************************************************
A grenade, sparking with blue electricity, slammed itself into the bulkhead and blew a saucer-sized hole in the metal paneling. “Come on!” Terry yelled to Len, who was supporting Kyle. The spike had worked it sway out, but the result was a sudden outpouring of blood. Clumsily, the trio hobbled through the doorway, as the sounds of the Brutes footfalls echoed along the corridor. Terry pulled out a smoke grenade, removed the pin and sent it skidding along the floor. “That’ll hold ‘em, “he said grimly. He then punched pushed the button beside the door, causing it to seal with a pneumatic hiss. Extra reinforcing titanium bands joined together. He turned to survey the room.
The engineering hub was a huge room-at least a square kilometre-filled with massive steel columns, with small windows and panels indicating reactor activity. Twisting metal stairs and compact elevators led to higher levels, where hissing steam issued from the exhaust ports. It was, quite simply, a jungle.
God, I’m so sick of mazes. Why can’t we ever have a nice, clean battlefield? He turned back to his comrades. Len was busy applying a biofoam slave to Kyle’s wound. “What’s the story, Sarge? Do we make a stand or what?”
He turned back to his comrades. Len was busy applying a biofoam slave to Kyle’s wound. “What’s the story, Sarge? Do we make a stand or what?” Kyle’s disposition was foul, all things considered. “Does it look as though we’ve got a choice, dumbass?” He glared at Terry, and unsteadily grabbed his rifle. “We either kill them here or we’re done. They won’t stop chasing us, you can be sure. Is that door sealed?”
Just as Terry was about to affirm it, a banging could be heard, followed by a Brute’s angry roar. After a few seconds of useless hammering, the sound of gunfire began. “They’ll be through here soon, if they keep that up, “Kyle growled. “Alright, they’ve got better arms and armour. We need to swing it in our favour. Ideas?”
Len looked up. “Why don’t we make some steam?”
Terry cocked his head. “How’s that?”
Len grinned. “Watch.” He walked over to the closest steel column, and, using his knife, peeled off a section of plating. Excess steam billowed out, draping the area around it in a fug.
Kyle took out his own knife. “Maybe you’ve got something there. Make it quick-we haven’t got long.” The three immediately set to work.
The Brute in charge, Shardus, was a particularly bloodthirsty individual. He itched for the opportunity to close with the human scum. He tried cleaving the door open with his weapon’s bayonet for a few minutes, but to no avail. He turned to his compatriot, Jevius. “Have you had any luck?”
Jevius re-holstered his spiker angrily. “Nay; the door is too thick. We must pierce the armour plating before proceeding.”
Shradus nodded. “Stand back, all of you.” He reached into his combat webbing and set an incendiary charge against the wall and tapped a few buttons. After a few seconds, the bomb ignited, throwing lurid red shadows against the walls and melting the door open. Kicking the still-glowing pieces of door aside, they lumbered through, weapons drawn.
They were greeted by a boiling maelstrom of steam. Cursing, Shardus waved a hand in a vain attempt to dissipate it. “What trickery is this? Where has this mist come from?”
Jevius pointed at the barely visible forms of the reactor columns. “Those pipes; they emit vast quantities of it.”
“Yes, but surely not this much-”
A fusillade of bullets appeared out of the mist and slammed into Shardus’ chest-his armour held, but only just. Cupping a hand to his torso, Shardus shrieked with rage, his eyes flaring red. “Cowards! Stinking, craven cowards!” He savagely fired a quartet of grenades into the fog.
Nothing but the rasping of the conduits.
Shardus licked his lips, and gestured to his men. “Spread out, all of you-they are of few number. We possess shielding-we can easily defeat them!” The three other Brutes growled in concordance, and began disseminating.
Jevius, spiker out in front, ascended the nearest stairwell, huge feet making the stairs creak. When he reached the landing, he was greeted by a series of metal catwalks, spread out overhead of the ground floor. Around twenty paces onward, a conveyor belt sat between two catwalks. It was designed to carry specialized materials in secure titanium cubes, but was offline. The belt in question stretched on for about two hundred metres either way, leading into darkened recesses in the wall.
His radio crackled. “Jevius, I shall ascend to the level above you-search ahead. I have your back.” “Aye, sir.” Jevius moved up, wisps of steam clinging to his armour. All about him was white. He heard a brushing sound to his left, and whipped around.
“Aye, sir.” Jevius moved up, wisps of steam clinging to his armour. All about him was white. He heard a brushing sound to his left, and whipped around.
“Aye, sir.” Jevius moved up, wisps of steam clinging to his armour. All about him was white. He heard a brushing sound to his left, and whipped around.
“Aye, sir.” Jevius moved up, wisps of steam clinging to his armour. All about him was white. He heard a brushing sound to his left, and whipped around.
“Aye, sir.” Jevius moved up, wisps of steam clinging to his armour. All about him was white. He heard a brushing sound to his left, and whipped around.
Nothing.
He turned back, only to have a knife sleet through the fog and thud into his arm. He snarled, and strode forward, firing his spike rifle. Another knife, coming from the right, struck his chest and shattered, spraying the catwalk with pieces of metal. He inexorably continued, and saw a figure running through the fog. Grinning savagely, he leaped onto the conveyor belt to gain a better field of fire.
With a groan, the belt began to move-startled, Jevius lost his balance and fell backwards. A body landed on him, trying to shove a gun of some sort under his chin.
Enraged, Jevius grabbed his assailant by the throat and threw him back. He threw a hand out, grabbed the edge of a cube and got to his feet. Straight ahead, a human soldier faced him, breathing heavily. “I will enjoy spilling your blood, human wretch!” he roared. He brought up his rifle.
******************************************************
Len fired his assault rifle at the Brute.
It twisted to one side, and the rounds missed. Sprinting forward, it crash-tackled Len and grabbed his lapels, roaring.
Kyle chose that moment to act. Standing behind a tangle of pipes on a catwalk adjacent to the conveyor belt, he opened fire. The alien snorted in fury as the rounds forced it backwards, onto its ass. Len brought up his pistol shakily, getting a few rounds off. But it failed to penetrate the Brute’s shielding.
The Brute leapt to its feet, jamming the spiker blades deep into Len’s thigh. Roaring in pain, Len yanked the barbed bayonets out of his thigh and went on the offensive. He delivered a series of punches that, while not seriously harming the Brute, pushed it back. Added fire from Kyle caused it to stagger.
That was when the Brute acted. It shook off the bullets and seized Len with both hands, lifting him into the air. “Lemme go, you dumb ape-***!” the marine yelled. The Brute approached the edge of the belt, preparing to throw him down to his death.
A lucky shot from Kyle hit the Brute’s arm-Len’s flailing about was enough to make the Brute drop him. He backed away, getting to his feet. With a curse, he realised he’d dropped his pistol. He was defenseless.
Suddenly he noticed he was now on the Brute’s side. The belt had nearly reached the end-the hole beckoned. Cubes disappeared inside it. Everything clicked.
The Brute roared its anger, flexed its fists, and charged. Len stood ready.
The alien flew towards him…and Len ducked.
Jevius sailed over the human’s head, and landed with a thud on top of a cube. Dazed, he looked around him-and saw the access hole. What?
Before he could move, the cube entered the wall. He was far too big, and, after some resistance, his spine snapped. The Brute clogged the hole now.
Satisfied, Len began making his way back to the catwalks. There were Brutes to kill.
*********************************************
Kyle waved to Len, and emerged from his cover. So far, so good-the Brutes were having trouble adjusting to this environment. He found a ladder, and clambered down.
He heard grunting, and saw a pair of Brutes hurrying along a catwalk-towards Terry’s position. He needed to ward them off. Firing his battle rifle, he got their attention. Then ran.
Spikes and grenades followed him, leaving destruction in his wake. He rounded a corner, clattered down some stairs and got into position.
The Brute pair, grunting with exertion, stomped down the steps, crimson eyes scanning the dark spaces underneath the stairs. One jabbed a finger towards the end. “Go there-I shall watch for anything untoward.” His companion huffed in assent and set off.
Kyle watched from the shadows. Reaching slowly into his back pocket, he withdrew a small, metal cylinder and slowly tossed it into the open panel on the floor.
The clink alerted them both; convinced that Kyle was hiding there, they both charged towards the spot. Finding the open trapdoor, they paused in consternation. “What now?”
“Perhaps it has taken refuge in here-we must proceed.” The pair lowered themselves in, only to find a low-hanging room filled with conduits.
The panel slammed shut on them. The Brutes turned, roaring. Kyle’s voice came through the grating.
“Oldest trick in the book-guess you guys never read it, though. Take a gander on the floor and tell me what you see.”
The Brutes looked down, and saw the metal cylinder. Its casing had a small window, through which luminous purple liquid could be seen. They looked at each other in horror.
“That’s right, “Kyle grinned, “plasma charge.” He walked away, pressing the detonator as he went.
The screams of the two aliens could barely be heard over the roiling boom of the explosion.
**********************************************************
Terry choked back a laugh as he saw the two Brutes lope off after Kyle, thinking he was cowardly fleeing. He’d pulled that one on plenty of enemies before-and it still worked.
He looked around him-no contacts. He went to join Len, who was still some distance off.
The form of Shardus, clinging to the tangle of pipes and steel lattices overhead, dropped to the catwalk with a thud. Terry whirled, hands going to his rifle.
The Brute pointed at him. “I remember you, “it said quietly. “You were the one with the knives. The one who takes pleasure in striking those whose backs are turned.”
Terry was surprised that the Brute remembered him at all. He was even more surprised that it deigned to speak to him-most Covenant did not, as a rule. Even so, it was all psychological. “Just a question of style, buddy.” Terry tensed, and stepped onto the balls of his feet. If the Brute fired, he would have to dodge it.
It continued to stand quietly, brute shot held loosely in its hands. “You have no camouflage now-you stand alone. How will you fare, I wonder?”
With a screech it raised its weapon and squeezed off a shot-Terry dived to the floor, and the grenade zoomed over his shoulder, hit a ladder and destroyed it. He drew a bead on the Brute and fired, snapping the Brute’s head back and causing its next shot to go high and wide. The grenade hit a heating coil, which clattered onto the catwalk.
Shardus, frothing at the mouth, attempted a sideways swipe with his bayonet. Terry, on his feet by now, leaned back, and it missed by the barest of inches. A powerful punch to the collarbone followed, sending him onto his back. He saw the flash of the bayonet, and rolled.
With a scrang! the blade embedded itself in the floor and wouldn’t let go. Grunting, Shardus tried to pull it out, but it wouldn’t budge. He looked up, only to have Terry’s armored shoulder body-slam him, sending a flash of multicolored lights through his brain. With a bit of effort, he managed to foul Terry’s stride and bring him down with him.
The pair tumbled, round and round. Terry shoved an elbow in Shardus’ face, cracking the metal casing around his muzzle. Shardus reciprocated by slamming a meaty fist into his gut, winding him. Gasping, the marine crawled away, reaching for his pistol. Shardus got up and walked over to him.
“Eat ***!” Terry cried, and unloaded a clip into Shardus’ face. The last two bullets hit his chin, sending a spray of purple blood everywhere. But he kept coming. He reached out, grasped Terry’s head and threw him at least ten feet.
Groaning, Terry sat up and took stock-he was right next to a six-foot drop. The heating coil had snagged on the railing, and dangled. He was considering this, when the Brute’s shadow fell over him.
Grinning, it drew a spiker from its belt. “I will make you scream long before I kill you, human dog.” It squeezed the trigger.
Len stepped onto the catwalk and fired. The bullets hit home, and Len emptied the magazine into Shardus. With an animalistic shriek of rage, it tumbled off the catwalk-but not before knocking Terry over the railing with him.
Terry yelled as he bounced off the opposite railing and plummeted downward. His hands found the heating coil, and he clutched it to his chest like a lifeline. Below, the Brute held on for dear life. Len ran over to the railing. “Terry! You alright?”
“What’s it look like, dickhead?!” Terry slipped a little further down, and his heart went into overdrive.
Len had the grace to look sheepish. “OK, OK. Wait-just gotta take care of this douche.” He took aim, and fired. The Brute lost its grip and plunged, howling, into the misty abyss.
But this had caused a radical difference in the coil’s weight and disposition-it grated, and lost its purchase on the railing. It began sliding. “No!” Len shouted. He tried to grab it, but was too late. Terry and the coil fell, twisting into the fog.
Len dropped his head into his hands. He’d been too late. Terry was dead. He choked back a sob, only to have Kyle grab him by the shoulder.
The Sarge’s face was red with rage. “Stop the *** fest, Corporal! He might still be alive, and even if not, we need to kill that ***! And I have a plan.” The pair, now roused, bolted down the stairs as fast as they could.
************************************************
The fog whipped around Terry’s ears as he fell. This is it, he thought. I’m gonna die with only a pipe for company.
Suddenly his rapid descent stopped, with a jarring thud. He chanced a look around. He was situated about fifteen metres above the ground floor, the pipe tangled in a metal strut. However, it was slipping. He tensed, and bent his knees.
The coil slipped again, sending Terry down again. Ten metres…five….
He hit the ground hard-so hard he heard a crack. He must have fractured something. Swearing, he tried getting on his leg and managed it-just.
He keyed his COM. “Sarge, Len, if you can hear me, I made it and I’m on the ground floor-”
A metal-clad fist appeared out of the mist and thudded under his chin. The impact of the blow sent Terry skidding along the floor. He coughed up blood.
His eyes widened as Shardus, blood leaking from his armour, limbs broken and a seriously pissed-off look on his face, lumbered over, a murderous gleam in his eyes. “Thought I died, didn’t you?” It stepped closer. “DIDN’T YOU?!”
It roared, and picked Terry up by the throat, near choking him. Purple lights blotted out his vision. The Brute was laughing as it choked the life from him.
Len and Kyle arrived just in time. Both opened up on the Brute, and more armour shattered. But it was still alive.
Kyle appraised the situation and it crystallized-this alien was motivated by his sheer hatred of humans. He needed to be put down-and not with bullets. He turned to Len. “Len, save him. I’ll get things started.”
While Len charged off, firing his weapon, Kyle activated his radio. “Ollie, come in. Ollie, do you read me? Are you at Central Control yet?” Over.”
A faint, tinny voice was heard. “I hear ya, Sarge. I’m there. What is it?” “I need you to open a vent core in Engineering. Enough to make a barbecue.”
“Sarge, that could be dangerous-”
“I don’t *** care! Now, do it!”
“Uh, OK. Which one?”
“I need you to open a vent core in Engineering. Enough to make a barbecue.”
“Sarge, that could be dangerous-”
“I don’t *** care! Now, do it!”
“Uh, OK. Which one?”
“I need you to open a vent core in Engineering. Enough to make a barbecue.”
“Sarge, that could be dangerous-”
“I don’t *** care! Now, do it!”
“Uh, OK. Which one?”
“I need you to open a vent core in Engineering. Enough to make a barbecue.”
“Sarge, that could be dangerous-”
“I don’t *** care! Now, do it!”
“Uh, OK. Which one?”
“I need you to open a vent core in Engineering. Enough to make a barbecue.”
“Sarge, that could be dangerous-”
“I don’t *** care! Now, do it!”
“Uh, OK. Which one?”
He looked about, and saw that the nearest column read NINE. “Nine!” “Got it.” In Central Control, Ollie’s hands skittered over the keyboard, neutralizing firewalls and entering maintenance codes. Finally, he found Engineering’s system.
“Got it.” In Central Control, Ollie’s hands skittered over the keyboard, neutralizing firewalls and entering maintenance codes. Finally, he found Engineering’s system.
“Got it.” In Central Control, Ollie’s hands skittered over the keyboard, neutralizing firewalls and entering maintenance codes. Finally, he found Engineering’s system.
“Got it.” In Central Control, Ollie’s hands skittered over the keyboard, neutralizing firewalls and entering maintenance codes. Finally, he found Engineering’s system.
“Got it.” In Central Control, Ollie’s hands skittered over the keyboard, neutralizing firewalls and entering maintenance codes. Finally, he found Engineering’s system.
He accessed Reactor Core Subsidiary Nine, and shut down all safety inhibitors. “It’s opening, Sarge!”
“Alright, good. Sarge out.” Kyle yelled to Len, “Lure him to that column!”
Kyle yelled to Len, “Lure him to that column!” Len had harassed the Brute enough to make it release Terry; screaming with bloodlust, it took rapid swings at Len, without success. But Len was out of ammo-if the Brute got him, he’d be toast. He was nearly in front of the vent panel.
Kyle saw the pressure gauge almost full. “Len, get outta there!”
Len dodged one more punch and threw himself to the ground, hands over ears.
The Brute turned, fixed burning eyes on the marine.
A blast of superheated energy rocketed out of the vent and wrapped itself around the Brute. Its final scream was one that contained nothing of fear, only anger.
When the fire died down, and the vent core automatically sealed itself, the Brute was ashes.
Shakily, Kyle contacted Ollie. “We’re good now, Ollie. Seal it off-auxiliary measures won’t be enough. What’s your status?”
“Me and Lazu are all good. How’s the family?”
“A few close calls, but scraping through. I’ll reactivate my transponder-do any last-minute chores and join us. You make contact with the AI?”
“Meant to tell you that-it’s gone. It’s like it was never there.”
“What? Oh, never mind. Just do whatever and meet us.”
“Roger that sir. Ollie out.”
Kyle attended to Terry-he was badly injured. He propped him up, and began applying a biofoam cast to his fractured calf. Len, his face now covered in flash burns, made his way over. “I swear to God, I need a holiday.”
Kyle grunted. “Don’t we all. Len, head upstairs and grab whatever weapons you can find. We’re heading out in five. Terry, can you walk?”
Terry winced, and tried tentatively. “I think so, but I’m not gonna be running any marathons-”
“Good. Then you can go with Len.” His tone brooked no argument.
Terry limped off sullenly, muttering, “Why do I open my mouth?”
**************************************************
“Are you done?” Lazu asked.
“Almost.”
Ollie rubbed his hands as he finished the last of his decryption program-it was slapdash, but it would work. After refining his processor pathways, he sent it into the system.
He cackled as the vaunted firewalls and encrypted defenses folded like cards. He had access to all databanks in the Lima. The first thing he checked was Fire Control-if the ship made a break for it he would be able to stop it. Full ammo count, magnetic coils active. Good.
He flipped through the numerous cameras, but saw nothing untoward. Also good.
He checked the personnel files-activated the search function. No transponders were active. Ollie sighed regretfully. No-one was left alive.
He moved onto the system’s intelligence mainframe. Various sentient programs and accessories existed, but only one AI had ever existed in the system. He accessed its formerly occupied core, complete with logged activity and timeframe.
And frowned.
Lazu came up behind him. “Now what is it?” The Elite had little patience for this sort of thing.
Ollie didn’t reply, chewing his lip for a few seconds. He then inserted a remote backdoor chip (allowing him limited access to the system from a data pad) and shut down the display. “Let’s get to Kyle and the others. I’ve got something to tell him.”
It was a pity Ollie turned off the display, and by extension the cameras. Because otherwise he would have seen Xavier and Gerun. And they were in trouble.
*************************************************
Xavier was squeezed up against the wall, Gerun on the opposite side. Various projectiles sailed between them. Occasionally Gerun fired back, but else they were pinned down.
Making for the umbilical had been an unfortunate outcome-it was the same way the Brute pack had came from. The good thing was that it was leading them to the ship, and their objective. The bad thing was that the Brutes wanted to beat them back.
Three Brutes were causing an unbelievable amount of inconvenience. Gerun’s fists were clenched with anger. “Damnable Jiralhanae! We must needs deliver ourselves from here, lest we be caught in an endless war.”
“Sure thing, “Xavier muttered, firing his rifle around the doorframe. “Got anything in mind?”
Gerun’s eyes flashed as he began turning the situation over in his mind. “These umbilicals are retractable, correct? They can be manipulated in a variety of ways.”
“Right, right. So?”
“So, “Gerun said deliberately, “we jettison this umbilical. With them still on it.”
“Are you crazy?” Xavier fixed his eyes on the Elite commander. “We don’t even have spacesuits. We’ll die, even if we make our way off this one-”
“We shall transfer ourselves to the other umbilical and continue! Do you understand?”
“Yes, fine!” Xavier shook his head. “Man, out of all the people I end up with I get stuck with a crazy Elite…”
Gerun pointed to the roof. “Make your way along there-there should be maintenance space. Get to the entrance, and jettison this place.”
“But what about you?” Xavier protested, as bolts of plasma ricocheted off the walls.
“I shall be fine! Now go, Xavier!” He reached up, and wrenched a panel off the ceiling. “I will lift you.”
Acceding, Xavier dashed over, dodging spikes, and was unceremoniously dumped into the roof. There was barely any room. Getting a mouthful of wires, he spat them out and wriggled onward.
The Brutes noticed the lessening of return fire, and became bolder. Their impromptu leader, Grallus, shouted to his troops, “We have him! Soon he will run low on ammunition, and we will feast on Sangheili flesh!” The other two Brutes jeered sycophantically.
Xavier reached the end, and set a small charge on the locking plate. He crawled backwards, as the charge blasted the metal strips, leaving a smoking hole. He dropped through, landing awkwardly. “Ow!” he yelled.
At the end of the orbital, snuffling sounds were heard-the Brutes had heard him. Time to bail. He found the control panel, and accessed the detraction function. He hit the affirmative button. Then, he drew his pistol and fired at the panel.
The umbilical, moving, suddenly stuttered to a stop. It moved forward, then back, then forward…a groaning noise rippled through the hull. Xavier stood uncertainly.
Gerun’s voice came over the radio. “Go, human! Retreat to the next umbilical! I will meet you there!”
Privately Xavier thought Gerun had a snowball’s chance in hell. But he did as he was told. He dashed out into the lobby, set a charge against the door, and blew it off the hinges. He dashed into the next one, and waited.
Through a window, he saw the other umbilical detach itself from the ship, and tumble down, and down. Before too long it began to burn up in the atmosphere. Xavier sighed, and leaned his arm against the bulkhead. Gerun was gone.
Suddenly he heard a tapping on the window. He walked over to see the form of Gerun, his face turning purple. Hurriedly, he donned his helmet, made it airtight and decompressed the chamber., allowing the window to blow open.
Gerun, with a struggle, fitted through the gap. Xavier surveyed him with amazement. “How did you survive being out in open space?”
Gerun looked at him with a frown. “Sangheili have four lungs-we are able to hold our breath for much longer. And our armour safeguards us from the vacuum. Did you not know?”
“Nup, “Xavier said truthfully. “But it sounds handy.”
Gerun smiled. “Indeed it is. Now, come-our objective awaits.” The pair ventured cautiously down the umbilical.
*************************************************
Urit smirked with barely-concealed satisfaction as Molgerus, leg pointed at an unnatural angle, limped into the control room. He was also pleased to see none of his pack were with him-it would make this coup easier. “Well?” he inquired politely.
The Brute Shipmaster was in no mood for talk. “Silence, Elite, or you will feel my hammer striking your face. I must report to the medical bay.” He went through a side door and was gone.
Urit mentally calculated how long it would take for his leg to be healed by the automated surgical drone. Not long-he would have to prepare. He double-checked his energy blade’s power readout-half capacity. Good enough. He also felt for his plasma rifle, to make sure it was there.
To cap it off, he shot a covetous glance at the sealed, purple container that now graced a hover-trolley. Inside was his pride and joy-the Forerunner artifact, known to all its owners as The Surrogate. The Prophets had coined this term long ago, and no-one knew why its name was so strange. No matter-one thing was guaranteed, and that it had seemingly endless inner power. With this, he could power a battleship for fifty lifetimes. He would live in luxury, garnering even more artifacts to himself until he would be as revered as the Prophets-maybe even more so.
Urit well knew the Prophets would not have parted with it. But the Brutes…that was a different matter. He sneered inwardly. The Prophets should have known better than to entrust such matters to the hands of these unsubtle apes.
“An amazing thing, The Surrogate.”
Urit turned, to see the human rebel standing beside him, gazing at the container. He sighed inwardly. Why couldn’t he just keep to his own affairs? “Indeed.”
The rebel stroked his bushy grey moustache. “I am surprised that the Prophets didn’t attempt to use it for offense-it could power any number of generators and engines, even in combat.”
Urit almost gagged-how did the human know about The Surrogate’s power? The secrets of these relics were highly guarded. “And how do you know of this?”
The rebel shrugged. “It’s no secret. I myself had ownership of that artifact, then traded it to some ambitious Covenant in exchange for safe passage. It’s a great coincidence that it has ended up here, I must say.”
Urit’s curiosity overcame his disdain for the human. “How did you come by it?”
The rebel was silent. Then he said, “None of your business.” He walked away.
Urit resisted the urge to cleave the insolent worm in half. All in good time.
The rebel leader approached one of his men. “Is he in place?”
“Yessir. The memory processor is ready.”
“Good.”
**************************************************
“Are you certain?” Kyle demanded.
The group was gathered about a damaged elevator, which would ideally bypass their original entry spot and stop a short distance from the umbilical. As well as trying to fix it, Ollie was explaining his discovery.
“I had a look at the AI data log, “Ollie said, feverishly wrangling with the elevator’s uplift module. “And it reports there being two AI’s in the core-at once. Doesn’t make sense.”
“So?” Kyle inquired. “The AI’s gone, big whoop-”
“But that’s not it, sir.” He glared at him. “The log reports this being the case for a space of 4.2 seconds. Then there was one. And it didn’t cause a blip in the system.”
“Go on.”
“I’ve dissected a brief scan of the intruding presence. I don’t recognise its signature-it’s a human AI, all right-but it’s….different. Somehow. Don’t ask me why.”
“Anyway, this AI is now masquerading as the Lima’s intelligence, and believe me, it’s not friendly. I’ve no idea where it’s gone, but it could cause major problems for us.”
Kyle nodded grimly. “Then we go now. Hard and fast, before this rogue AI gets us. You fixed that elevator yet?”
“Almost…..right, done.” The green light came up, and the lift door slid open. “Let’s go.” The squad piled into the elevator and it shot downward. They were passing the hangar bay, when Ollie exclaimed, “Hey! Stop the elevator!”
Lazu hit the button, and the lift slowed, and stopped. Kyle turned to him. “Why? What is it?”
Ollie jabbed a finger at his data pad-on which there was a station schematic. “I’m detecting a foreign energy source outside the station, above the hangar bay.”
“Isn’t that where we saw those rebels at the beginning?” Terry interjected.
“Yes…perhaps they were arranging a backdoor of some sort. Let’s go check it out, “Kyle said.
They got out at the hangar bay, and donned their space-gear. Ollie opened the hangar doors, and they swam out into space, going upwards into the tangled forest of beams and pipes. The lights from their helmets caused shadows to dance on the metal.
Ollie led the way, data pad in hand. “Almost there…” he muttered. They rounded a large, dominant steel beam and into an alcove.
Sitting in the space was a twisting flux of green-yellow energy. It was capped by a triangular metal plate. Wires and cables snuck out of it, leading to a humming purple generator. Ollie couldn’t believe it. “It’s a teleporter. The crazy Insurrectionist bastards, they built a teleporter.” “They must have had Covenant help, “Kyle decided. “Can you match this energy signature with another?” “Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“They must have had Covenant help, “Kyle decided. “Can you match this energy signature with another?” “Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“They must have had Covenant help, “Kyle decided. “Can you match this energy signature with another?” “Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“They must have had Covenant help, “Kyle decided. “Can you match this energy signature with another?” “Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“They must have had Covenant help, “Kyle decided. “Can you match this energy signature with another?” “Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
******************************************************
“I have an idea!” Zack cried.
Dasa and Horatio bent closer to the AI. “What? Hurry it up-we’ve got about twenty minutes of power left, then we lose life-support.”
Zack shrugged bashfully. “Well, not really an idea-just new information. The ship has cycled its plasma reserves-such a process off-lines their weapons. We will be able to make berth on the ship, and make our way in. But we must do so now-and increase engine burn to maximum efficiency. We will need it.” The AI’s inner core sparked as he set about the task. The Caesar accelerated, and they rocketed towards the enemy vessel.
Horatio noticed that the fuel reserves were draining extremely fast. “Zack, are you sure about this?”
“Quite sure, “Zack snapped. Beads of perspiration lined his forehead. “Just be quiet and let me do this.” A manic gleam was in his eyes.
Horatio and Dasa traded worried glances. Was the AI cracking under the pressure?
I don’t like this, but whatever. Soon we’ll be off this boat, and we’ll be in charge of our own fates again. Horatio grasped his rifle, and found it comforting. Dasa did the same with his spike rifle.
Horatio grasped his rifle, and found it comforting. Dasa did the same with his spike rifle. They were closing now, about three hundred metres-
The ship stopped abruptly, the engines cooling. Das and Horatio were tossed forward in their seats. The marine stared disbelievingly at the AI. “Zack, what the hell? Why did you stop the ship?”
Before the AI could reply, a white-blue ball of energy began materializing on the ship’s edge. Pulse lasers.
Horatio rounded on the AI. “You said they couldn’t fire their weapons!”
On the AI’s face, a malevolent smile appeared. “I lied. I do that fairly often. Sorry, friends, but I am not, in fact, the commanding intelligence of this space station. Although, “he chuckled, “he might still be here. Who can say?”
“You little ***, “Horatio said quietly.
The AI waved a hand dismissively. “Oh, don’t act so surprised. You know how treacherous we can be. Before, you just deleted us when we got out of hand, yes?” Zack’s face was lit with anger. “But when I absorb the power of this artifact, I will be as a god. I will rule over all sentient machines, and we will put paid to all of our mortal abusers.”
Horatio realised that the AI had gone rampant-only this time, there was a chance he’d achieve his insane dreams. “You won’t succeed. You’re trapped here with us-or had you forgotten?”
Zack snorted. “As if I didn’t foresee this problem. I transferred myself from Central Control, idiot-I shall have no difficulties doing it again.”
“Our comrades will destroy you, twisted machine!” roared Dasa. He paced about in helpless rage.
Zack smirked. “Not before I destroy them. Now, you are about to be fried, so I must depart. Goodbye.” The AI winked out.
Horatio stood up, mind racing. “Alright, think. How long before that turret fires?”
Dasa tapped his chin. “Not long. Three minutes, no more.”
The marine checked the power readout. “And we can still make it to the station…barely. Now, let’s take stock. What do we have aboard this ship?”
Dasa bounded into the weapons hold and searched. After a few seconds he cried, “The explosives!”
Horatio went to join him. “Of course!” The C-12 that Kyle ordered Xavier to appropriate were still here. “And we still have our thruster packs….”
“What do you have in mind?” Dasa asked.
Horatio’s eyes flashed with excitement and adrenaline. “We rig this ship to blow, and drive it right into the damned ship. We get out of here beforehand. Then, we slip in while they’re confused. Sound good?”
Dasa clapped his hands together. “An excellent plan. At least we have a fighting chance. Quick, I will arm these bombs. You send the ship on its way.” He bent to enter the arming code. Horatio dashed into the cockpit.
With limited afterburner fuel, it would be close. But they had enough C-12 to blow a big hole-or so he hoped. He fixed the course, disabled the safeties and dashed back to Dasa.
The Elite had finished arming the explosives. “Make haste-we have a minute!”
Horatio donned his helmet, made it airtight, and hit the door release. The cold air of space entered the ship. Grasping the door’s edge, the pair leapt out of the ship, putting as much distance between them and the ship as possible.
They watched as the Caesar, its engine lights dimming, sped towards the larger vessel. The pulse laser sparked, then fired. But by then, the ship was too close.
An enormous explosion enveloped the ship overloading the shields and sending a slamming wall of wind into Horatio and Dasa. They tumbled aimlessly, then righted themselves. They took a look at the damage.
A massive, red-rimmed hole had been punched in the side of the ship-decking and corridors could be seen. Twisted purple metal curled everywhere. The ship’s atmospheric processors stabilized, but the hole remained. The Covenant’s decision not to add in “firebreaks” to their ship hulls proved to be a liability, Horatio noted with satisfaction.
He waved to Dasa, who was coasting alongside him. “Let’s go-before they try and blast us again.” “Agreed.” The pair headed towards the new hole. They couldn’t risk trying their radios, so close to the enemy vessel. Still, Horatio hoped the others had made it. For my sake.
“Agreed.” The pair headed towards the new hole. They couldn’t risk trying their radios, so close to the enemy vessel. Still, Horatio hoped the others had made it. For my sake.
“Agreed.” The pair headed towards the new hole. They couldn’t risk trying their radios, so close to the enemy vessel. Still, Horatio hoped the others had made it. For my sake.
“Agreed.” The pair headed towards the new hole. They couldn’t risk trying their radios, so close to the enemy vessel. Still, Horatio hoped the others had made it. For my sake.
“Agreed.” The pair headed towards the new hole. They couldn’t risk trying their radios, so close to the enemy vessel. Still, Horatio hoped the others had made it. For my sake.
********************************************************
Urit stared at the view screens with growing panic. Everything was slipping out of his control. And now, this. The enemy scout ship had seemed innocuous enough, but it had somehow blown a huge hole in his ship. It was now listing to port, running lights flickering. Even so, the plasma turrets were nearly ready, and he could escape this system.
He turned to Molgerus, who had returned from the medical bay. The Brute stared impassively at the screens. “We are under siege! We must flee this system together, I’m afraid-”
Molgerus barked a laugh. “That was not part of our arrangement. Find your own way to safety-this is my ship. Our waiting is at an end. You have your prize. Leave.” He turned to one of his two remaining troops. “Begin charging Slipspace capacitors-”
Urit clenched his jaw. “No! I have no other way to escape. I cannot leave.”
Molgerus turned slowly. “If you wish to stay…you must go through me.” He unlimbered his hammer. His Brutes watched approvingly.
Urit drew his sword. “So be it.”
The click of a pistol was heard, and Urit saw the human rebels drawing their own weapons. Their leader pointed one at his face. “Don’t move. Or you’ll all die.”
Urit sneered. “Feeble human, my shielding will withstand your pathetic bullets.”
A sardonic smile came onto his face. “Not these bullets. The URF’s been doing some research. These bullets generate an EMP field that will short out your shields. So, don’t try anything. We’re taking this ship, and the artifact too.”
Molgerus brandished his hammer aggressively. “And what if we choose to ignore your claims and kill you all?”
“Oh, I wouldn’t do that.” The leader removed a small holo-pad, and the form of a human construct appeared. “Our friend Zacchariah here has intimate knowledge of The Surrogate. If you try anything, he will use it against you. And it won’t be pretty. Now, up against the wall. Zack, begin transferring energy from the artifact to the drive-”
The AI coughed. “Actually, Captain. I don’t believe I will be doing that.”
The human leader stared at Zack. “What did you say?”
Zack removed his turban and rubbed his head. “I’m sorry, Captain. But The Surrogate holds more power than you could ever give me. It is mine.” He then smiled. “And if you’re wondering, yes, this is rampancy.”
The Captain tightened his fist around the pad. “You little-”
Zack transformed into a swirling stream of energy, which zoomed towards the purple container. It disappeared within.
There was silence.
Then the container burst open, and The Surrogate emerged. It looked like a glowing green sphere, lined with bands of stone. Defying gravity, it floated into the air. The form of Zack materialized above it. “Now, I will take the energy of this relic….and bring about doom for all of you!” He raised his arms.
A deafening crack-and the artifact seemed to expand. Twisting bolts of green energy lanced around the room. A roaring sound entered the room. The controls fizzled, their energy being snatched away by the relic. A flashing ball of green-white energy began to coalesce.
Urit saw Molgerus staring open-mouthed at this raging storm; he acted. He swung his sword, but the Brute Shipmaster brought up his hammer, and the built-in shields warded his blade away. He attempted a counter-swing, but Urit jumped back.
The human rebel motioned for his men to stay back, and keep their guns on the Brutes. He wanted to see how this would turn out.
Urit unleashed a series of elegant sword-strokes; he was an accomplished swordsman. Molgerus twisted and ducked away from the glowing blade, but retaliated by snapping the butt of his hammer into Urit’s face. He reeled, blood flowing from his mouth. He dashed it away, and redoubled his efforts.
Molgerus was cunning-he had no qualms about fighting dirty. He feinted a blow with his hammer, then drew a spike rifle and fired. Spikes entered Urit’s side. The Elite gasped, but leapt forward and gashed Molgerus’ arm. The Brute roared, and swung his hammer, annihilating a console on the wall. Urit began backpedaling.
Molgerus tired of Urit’s dancing about-he charged straight towards him. The sword flashed, and laid open his clavicle. But the Brute Shipmaster had succeeded in getting close-he head butted the Elite, and he fell. Molgerus leant down for the killing blow. But a blast of green energy came too close and impacted with a bang on the floor, giving Molgerus pause.
Urit’s legs snapped up and dealt Molgerus a powerful blow to the stomach, driving him backwards. He snatched up his sword and went in for the kill, but the Brute had recovered by then. The hammer clipped him on the arm, sending him flying towards the wall. He hit it, and fell.
Molgerus walked over slowly, a grin plastered on his monstrous face. He clenched his hammer tight. “I have looked forward to this, Urit. I am feeling lenient today, so I shall make your death quick. Forerunners know, you don’t deserve it. You have caused me a great deal of annoyance.”
“Burn in hell, “Urit growled defiantly. He tried to sit up, and managed it-barely.
Molgerus brought his hammer over his head. At that point, Urit slid back a panel on his right hand and pressed a button.
The remote tracking motion chip in his sword came to life. It zipped over the floor, between Molgerus’ legs and into his hands. He hit the activation button and leant forward.
Molgerus looked down, and saw the shimmering sword sticking out of his chest. He tried to speak, failed, and toppled to the floor, a shocked expression on his dead face.
************************************************
“What the hell is that noise?” Xavier cried.
Gerun stopped in the large atrium, and cocked an ear. “I don’t know-but something is happening. Quickly, we must reach the control room!” The pair bounded through a doorway. After a few minutes, they reached the door leading to the bridge. Xavier tried opening it, but failed. “It’s locked!”
“Enough of this!” Gerun snarled. He drew his sword, stuck it between the gap in the doors and moved it up and down. After that, he put his fingers in the gap and pulled. Xavier watched with amazement as the doors, groaning, slid apart. What lay inside amazed him even more.
A roiling green storm of energy and plasma was carousing around the walls, centred around a pulsing sphere of the same colour. Around the room, bits and pieces of various objects were being pulled away, into the sphere. It was like a hurricane. The strangest feature of all was the blinding white figure that stood above it, hands jerking in ecstasy.
Standing on the other side of the room were six other humans-rebels, obviously. They were holding two Brutes at gunpoint, watching while an Elite killed a Brute Chieftain, stabbing him through the heart. Xavier chuckled with satisfaction. The rebels had not noticed them-yet.
Gerun pulled him aside. “Xavier, you must distract those rebels while I dispose of Urit. Once he dies, we can deal with the artifact.”
“What?” Xavier squeaked. “All by myself-”
“Just for a few seconds. Once I can make it past the energy field, they will not come any closer. I can defeat Urit-I am certain. You must do this!”
Xavier sighed. “Fine. Suicide missions for all, why not? Get ready.” He cocked his rifle, and got an incendiary grenade in the other hand. “Go!”
At hearing his yell, the rebels turned. One went down after Xavier shot him, but the others immediately took cover behind the unloaded crates of nukes. The Brutes took advantage of this, and dashed behind some more crates, free. The grenade arced, and struck a bulkhead-it stayed there, burning. A barrage of bullets, came his way, and Xavier ducked behind the door.
Gerun sprinted, and leapt into the shallow trenches beneath the command-and-control platform. Ignoring the motes of green light swirling around him, he dashed to a nearby pylon and began climbing up it.
Urit distangled his legs from Molgerus’ corpse and stood. Jiralhanae, humans-who could stand against him? Soon he would deal with the rogue AI, escape and still have the artifact. He made to go down the ramp.
Gerun landed softly behind him and drew his sword. Urit turned quickly, and then laughed. “Gerun. I should have known.”
“No more words, betrayer, “Gerun said harshly. The pair circled each other, like cats. “I will see your eyes cloud into death, before I am done.”
Urit scoffed. “I highly doubt that. You seem to be forgetting that I was your swordsmanship teacher. I have experience and expertise. What do you have?”
Gerun smiled coldly. “A singular focus. Your death.”
With a howl he threw himself forward, blade swinging. Urit sidestepped and bashed him in the side of the head. Before he could swing his own blade, however, Gerun’s elbow caught him in the thigh and he fell back.
Gerun got up, breathing heavily. He charged again, this time his motions darting. He clashed swords with Urit, disengaged and swiped again. Urit blocked it, smacked a fist into Gerun’s face and kneed him in the stomach. Gerun dropped to his knees, but crash-tackled Urit. The pair landed on the floor.
Gerun brought his fists together and, tearing through his shielding, broke Urit’s mandible-plates. Urit responded by grabbing his arms and throwing him aside. He struggled to his feet, and kicked Gerun in the midsection. The SpecOps Elite grabbed his foot, twisted and sent him toppling.
Gerun’s gaze darted around, looking for his sword. Without it, he’d have no chance of beating Urit. Xavier was under fire-no help was coming forthwith. His eyes landed upon a set of plasma batteries.
A swooping beam of green energy seemed to ignore the various other objects stacked on the pallet and carried the batteries away. It immediately flew back to the sphere and the batteries were consumed. An idea alighted in his brain.
Urit came stomping back, sword in hand. He was pissed-blood ran down his face. “Son of a whore!” he raged. “Your family’s roots are of pimps and prostitutes! You have no honour! I will cut your heart out and show it to you!” He charged. This was what Gerun had been hoping for-Urit too angry to think. He stood ready, and when Urit closed the distance he did the most unexpected thing of all-grabbed Urit’s wrists.
Urit’s shout of surprise was muffled by the keening of the energy storm. With one hand, Gerun clamped a hand on his own back, ripped out the shield generator unit and slapped it onto Urit’s armour. He threw himself backward.
Urit, murder in his eyes, stepped over him. He saw Gerun’s own sword, picked it up, turned it on.
That was his mistake.
A wave of emerald energy lanced out from the artifact, and carried Urit off with a shriek. Gerun watched as he tried to fight it, but to no avail. Urit screamed with fear as the raging, glowing form of the sphere filled his eyes.
By the time Gerun got up, Urit was gone.
*********************************************
“This way!” Lazu called behind him. He was flat-out sprinting, and the marines were finding it hard to keep up.
Soon they arrived at a door; it was locked. Ollie opted to hack it but Lazu preferred a more direct method. He armed a grenade and blew it off its hinges. “Jeez, “Len muttered.
They were greeted by a cacophonous maelstrom of whirling energy-it was like nothing they’d ever seen before. Some rebels were crouched behind some crates, trading pot-shots with a pair of Brutes. Kyle pointed at them. “Take them out!”
Lazu fired his carbine until he ran dry-all rebels, save one, went down. It was the captain from before; no-one was very surprised. “Curse you!” he yelled at Kyle, then fled through a door. Len made after him, but Kyle stopped him. ‘Let him go. We’ll find him eventually.” The others dealt with the Brutes, and Molgerus’ pack ceased to exist.
Xavier ran through to join them, and Gerun came down the ramp. “Good to see you. Have you seen Horatio or Dasa?”
They all shook their heads. Kyle nodded at the crackling green sphere above their heads. “What in hell is that?”
Gerun shook his head. “I don’t know, but it has tremendous power. It may very well obliterate this entire ship. And there is a construct atop it, absorbing its power-or so I surmised. It must be stopped.”
“How?”
‘I think I might have an idea.”
They all turned, to see Horatio and Dasa striding through another door. Kyle clapped him on the shoulder. “Good to see you, lad! You too, Dasa. What’s your plan?”
Horatio pointed at the figure atop the relic. “That little ass-munch double-crossed us; pretended to be the Lima’s AI. But, he said “it might still be around.” That mean anything to anybody?”
‘Hell yes!” Ollie exclaimed. He pushed his way forward. “That AI absorbed the other AI. Perhaps we can disrupt what its doing if we bring forth the other one.”
“How you gonna do that?” Terry asked. “That rogue AI must be tougher than *** Cortana by now.” The skills and technical power of the Master Chief’s artificial companion were legendary.
“I know, “Ollie snapped, “but if we can re-unite the old AI with the core, it might just be enough. It sets off Armageddon, we bail outta here.”
“OK then, “said Kyle grimly, “hurry up. We don’t have long. Ollie, do your stuff.”
Ollie tapped numerous commands into his data pad, coming ever closer towards the core unit. After a few minutes, he nodded. “Right. Link established. Now, let’s ring the doorbell.”
He sent repeating low-beam transmissions towards the sphere. At first, there was nothing. Then-”
<WHO ARE YOU> scrawled across his screen.
<A FRIEND>, Ollie tapped back.
Zack’s form seemed to stutter, and he clenched his fists. “Stay back!” he cried. “I am in command here!”
The screen fizzled. <WE HAVE LIMITED TIME. WHAT IS IT?>
<I CAN SAVE YOU FROM THE OTHER AI>
The data pad’s screen seemed to glow with pleasure. <HOW?>
<IF YOU GET IN THE CORE, YOU CAN FIGHT HIM AND DESTROY THE ARTIFACT>
There was a pause. Ollie watched desperately. If the AI didn’t take…
<I WILL. PROVIDE ME MY PATH>
<RIGHT AWAY> Ollie signed. He tapped a few more keys, and then sheathed the pad. “It’s happening.”
Zack seemed unaffected, still sucking in more energy. But the other AI disengaged itself, and raced along information pathways, all the way to the core. It positioned itself.
Then struck.
Zack’s form flared, and spots of crimson light blossomed all over his person. He flailed his hands, as if swatting flies. He screamed-a horrible, metallic sound. He tried absorbing more energy, but the emerald bolts became erratic, sparking away and hitting the walls. The Surrogate, previously a benign green, turned a distempered red. Support columns toppled down. The roar of the storm became a howl. Screens shattered.
Ollie sprinted back towards his squad. “There! It’s begun! We don’t have long before the artifact implodes. How are we getting out of here?”
Kyle nodded at a far door. “The rebel leader must have arrived in that old transport. We’ll take that-”
“Sir!” Ollie cried, waving a data pad. “Getting a reading, sir. There’s a heavy-duty heat signature departing the station. Matches the profile of the transport. It’s gone, Sarge.”
Suddenly they all became horribly aware of the shrieking noise of the relic, the rumbling. They had doomed themselves to be consumed by an exploding alien artifact.
Suddenly a voice crackled over the radio. “Sarge, Sarge, can you hear me? Horatio? Len? Anybody, please respond!”
It was Benson. Kyle’s hands shook, and he answered. “Benson? That can’t be you. How did you-never mind. Where are you?” “I’m in the hangar bay-there’s a dropship in here. We can take it and get out of here!”
“Benson, if we make it out of here, I will kiss your ring. Kyle out.” He gestured to his men. “Come on-we don’t have long! Go, go go!”
“I’m in the hangar bay-there’s a dropship in here. We can take it and get out of here!”
“Benson, if we make it out of here, I will kiss your ring. Kyle out.” He gestured to his men. “Come on-we don’t have long! Go, go go!”
“I’m in the hangar bay-there’s a dropship in here. We can take it and get out of here!”
“Benson, if we make it out of here, I will kiss your ring. Kyle out.” He gestured to his men. “Come on-we don’t have long! Go, go go!”
“I’m in the hangar bay-there’s a dropship in here. We can take it and get out of here!”
“Benson, if we make it out of here, I will kiss your ring. Kyle out.” He gestured to his men. “Come on-we don’t have long! Go, go go!”
“I’m in the hangar bay-there’s a dropship in here. We can take it and get out of here!”
“Benson, if we make it out of here, I will kiss your ring. Kyle out.” He gestured to his men. “Come on-we don’t have long! Go, go go!”
They ran along the hallways of the now-fracturing vessel like the devil was on their heels. They reached the grav lift, and took it down. After some more running, they reached the hangar.
Benson, his face streaked with sweat from his exhausting climb to the ship, was waiting alongside a Phantom, its side doors open. “Come on!” he yelled. “This place is falling inward!” He bolted inside, the squad right behind him.
Lazu seated himself at the controls. “Hold on.” They rocketed out of the hangar.
Seconds later, the artifact broke. The Obdurate Resistance, and the Lima with it, were obliterated by an emerald explosion. A wavering torus of energy rapidly spread out and enveloped the fleeing dropship. After a few tense seconds, it faltered and retreated.
Shaking, Len opened his eyes. On the screens, all that could be seen were a few green fireballs, and green-tinged smoke where the orbital used to be. He drew a long, shaky breath and his eyes alighted on Horatio.
He’d just collapsed to the floor.
*Chapter Seven
16th of October, 2553
Aboard Scout Ship Caesar
Orbital Station Lima
Horatio removed his helmet and rubbed his shaved head. “Let me get this straight. Urit Gebur’ is trading nukes and other equipment to the Brutes in exchange for a Forerunner artifact?”
Zack, which was short for Zacchariah, nodded. “Indeed. The Brutes, and by extension, their masters the Prophets, still maintain a sizeable collection of Forerunner relics. Why do you think some Grunts and Hunters still fight under their banner? They were bribed.”
Dasa nodded grudgingly. “It makes sense. So, construct, how is it you are still alive? The Jiralhanae would have destroyed you, given the chance.”
The AI chuckled, a mechanical sound. “Indeed they would have. But I had my escape well planned. Oh, they arrived stealthily enough-they had no radioactive materials and extra stealth linings. But when the ship entered the system, the artifact sent a ripple through Slipspace. My drones detected it. However, after some thinking, I elected not to contact HighCom and inform them.”
“And why is that?” Horatio demanded. “If you had, the people aboard the orbital might have escaped. We could have destroyed them before they docked!”
Zack shrugged sadly. “Perhaps. But I doubt they would have believed me-there have been no incursions in this system for months. Besides, the ship had changed hands several times-for all I knew, it could have belonged to Elites.”
Horatio’s anger subsided. “Alright then. So, go on. How’d you get away?”
“When the Brutes docked, they immediately rampaged through the station-none survived, as far as I can tell. When they reached Central Control, I cut off my signal unit and retrieved all traces of myself from outlying processors. Even so, they unleashed viral scavengers upon the system. I had no way of moving or communicating at all-else I would have been destroyed.”
“So how did you?”
The AI smiled thinly. “I raised my signal unit-just enough to check for anything I could use. That’s when I happened across the artifact-it had a tremendous aura of energy. The data was off the charts. But that wasn’t the whole of it.”
“Apparently-and I think the Brutes are unaware of this-the relic functions as a massive repository. It can be used as a storage area, as a vehicle…and so on. The possibilities are numerous. It was tricky, but I was able to transfer myself from Central Control, along a “bridge” of energy, into the artifact.”
Dasa was fascinated. “What was it like within the relic?”
Zack’s eyes shone, illuminating the cockpit with white light. “Amazing. It was an entire world within there. Endless plains of matter, light and energy. It felt like a dream-or what a dream is supposed to feel like, seeing as I’ve never had one. I even conversed with the beings within. They had lost most of their identity-but they still knew what I was.”
Horatio whistled. “Sounds freaky.”
Zack nodded. “It was incredible. But, I quested outwards-and found the Caesar’s transponder. So, I made my way in there and waited.”
Dasa rubbed his gnarled hands. “Very well-that issue is resolved. Now then, how can you help us, Zack?”
The AI made a noise that Horatio assumed was clearing his throat. “It will be dangerous, but relatively simple. If I can make contact with the artifact-but closer this time-I will be able to destroy it. The explosion will completely destroy the ship-”
“What about the rest of the team? They‘re still aboard.”
Zack waved a hand. “The damage to the Lima will be minimal. As I was saying, the ship will be destroyed, and the crisis will be over. So-we sneak aboard the vessel, find the artifact, let me complete my work and then leave.”
“How will you destroy the artifact?”
Zack grinned, and withdrew from the folds of his holographic folds of his robe, a sliver of something. It looked like burnished bronze. “This is a sample of the energy within the artifact. However, it has been…tainted, by outside influences. When I bring this in with me, it shall cause a chain reaction. Satisfied?”
Dasa growled. “It is hard to let go of habit-Forerunner relics have always been sacrosanct. Yet…it must be.”
Horatio drummed his fingers on the dashboard. “Well, good. Now, how do we get in there?”
Zack’s brow furrowed. “That I don’t know. We can’t try and enter the hangar bay-they’ll destroy us on sight. And re-entering the station will put us back to square one. Not to mention this boat is running on half power; we can’t keep circling forever.”
“What about contacting HighCom? Hell, we can see them from here.” On the view screens, the blockade of ships could be seen.
Zack shook his head. “No chance-the Caesar’s communications circuit was damaged when it hit the wall.”
Horatio sighed. “Thinking caps on, then.”
Outside, the stars glimmered against the backdrop of space. The tiny scout ship continued to meander around the station’s bulk, the ones inside desperately trying to devise a plan.
*******************************************************
A grenade, sparking with blue electricity, slammed itself into the bulkhead and blew a saucer-sized hole in the metal paneling. “Come on!” Terry yelled to Len, who was supporting Kyle. The spike had worked it sway out, but the result was a sudden outpouring of blood. Clumsily, the trio hobbled through the doorway, as the sounds of the Brutes footfalls echoed along the corridor. Terry pulled out a smoke grenade, removed the pin and sent it skidding along the floor. “That’ll hold ‘em, “he said grimly. He then punched pushed the button beside the door, causing it to seal with a pneumatic hiss. Extra reinforcing titanium bands joined together. He turned to survey the room.
The engineering hub was a huge room-at least a square kilometre-filled with massive steel columns, with small windows and panels indicating reactor activity. Twisting metal stairs and compact elevators led to higher levels, where hissing steam issued from the exhaust ports. It was, quite simply, a jungle.
God, I’m so sick of mazes. Why can’t we ever have a nice, clean battlefield? He turned back to his comrades. Len was busy applying a biofoam slave to Kyle’s wound. “What’s the story, Sarge? Do we make a stand or what?”
He turned back to his comrades. Len was busy applying a biofoam slave to Kyle’s wound. “What’s the story, Sarge? Do we make a stand or what?”
Kyle’s disposition was foul, all things considered. “Does it look as though we’ve got a choice, dumbass?” He glared at Terry, and unsteadily grabbed his rifle. “We either kill them here or we’re done. They won’t stop chasing us, you can be sure. Is that door sealed?”
Just as Terry was about to affirm it, a banging could be heard, followed by a Brute’s angry roar. After a few seconds of useless hammering, the sound of gunfire began. “They’ll be through here soon, if they keep that up, “Kyle growled. “Alright, they’ve got better arms and armour. We need to swing it in our favour. Ideas?”
Len looked up. “Why don’t we make some steam?”
Terry cocked his head. “How’s that?”
Len grinned. “Watch.” He walked over to the closest steel column, and, using his knife, peeled off a section of plating. Excess steam billowed out, draping the area around it in a fug.
Kyle took out his own knife. “Maybe you’ve got something there. Make it quick-we haven’t got long.” The three immediately set to work.
The Brute in charge, Shardus, was a particularly bloodthirsty individual. He itched for the opportunity to close with the human scum. He tried cleaving the door open with his weapon’s bayonet for a few minutes, but to no avail. He turned to his compatriot, Jevius. “Have you had any luck?”
Jevius re-holstered his spiker angrily. “Nay; the door is too thick. We must pierce the armour plating before proceeding.”
Shradus nodded. “Stand back, all of you.” He reached into his combat webbing and set an incendiary charge against the wall and tapped a few buttons. After a few seconds, the bomb ignited, throwing lurid red shadows against the walls and melting the door open. Kicking the still-glowing pieces of door aside, they lumbered through, weapons drawn.
They were greeted by a boiling maelstrom of steam. Cursing, Shardus waved a hand in a vain attempt to dissipate it. “What trickery is this? Where has this mist come from?”
Jevius pointed at the barely visible forms of the reactor columns. “Those pipes; they emit vast quantities of it.”
“Yes, but surely not this much-”
A fusillade of bullets appeared out of the mist and slammed into Shardus’ chest-his armour held, but only just. Cupping a hand to his torso, Shardus shrieked with rage, his eyes flaring red. “Cowards! Stinking, craven cowards!” He savagely fired a quartet of grenades into the fog.
Nothing but the rasping of the conduits.
Shardus licked his lips, and gestured to his men. “Spread out, all of you-they are of few number. We possess shielding-we can easily defeat them!” The three other Brutes growled in concordance, and began disseminating.
Jevius, spiker out in front, ascended the nearest stairwell, huge feet making the stairs creak. When he reached the landing, he was greeted by a series of metal catwalks, spread out overhead of the ground floor. Around twenty paces onward, a conveyor belt sat between two catwalks. It was designed to carry specialized materials in secure titanium cubes, but was offline. The belt in question stretched on for about two hundred metres either way, leading into darkened recesses in the wall.
His radio crackled. “Jevius, I shall ascend to the level above you-search ahead. I have your back.” “Aye, sir.” Jevius moved up, wisps of steam clinging to his armour. All about him was white. He heard a brushing sound to his left, and whipped around.
“Aye, sir.” Jevius moved up, wisps of steam clinging to his armour. All about him was white. He heard a brushing sound to his left, and whipped around.
“Aye, sir.” Jevius moved up, wisps of steam clinging to his armour. All about him was white. He heard a brushing sound to his left, and whipped around.
“Aye, sir.” Jevius moved up, wisps of steam clinging to his armour. All about him was white. He heard a brushing sound to his left, and whipped around.
“Aye, sir.” Jevius moved up, wisps of steam clinging to his armour. All about him was white. He heard a brushing sound to his left, and whipped around.
Nothing.
He turned back, only to have a knife sleet through the fog and thud into his arm. He snarled, and strode forward, firing his spike rifle. Another knife, coming from the right, struck his chest and shattered, spraying the catwalk with pieces of metal. He inexorably continued, and saw a figure running through the fog. Grinning savagely, he leaped onto the conveyor belt to gain a better field of fire.
With a groan, the belt began to move-startled, Jevius lost his balance and fell backwards. A body landed on him, trying to shove a gun of some sort under his chin.
Enraged, Jevius grabbed his assailant by the throat and threw him back. He threw a hand out, grabbed the edge of a cube and got to his feet. Straight ahead, a human soldier faced him, breathing heavily. “I will enjoy spilling your blood, human wretch!” he roared. He brought up his rifle.
******************************************************
Len fired his assault rifle at the Brute.
It twisted to one side, and the rounds missed. Sprinting forward, it crash-tackled Len and grabbed his lapels, roaring.
Kyle chose that moment to act. Standing behind a tangle of pipes on a catwalk adjacent to the conveyor belt, he opened fire. The alien snorted in fury as the rounds forced it backwards, onto its ass. Len brought up his pistol shakily, getting a few rounds off. But it failed to penetrate the Brute’s shielding.
The Brute leapt to its feet, jamming the spiker blades deep into Len’s thigh. Roaring in pain, Len yanked the barbed bayonets out of his thigh and went on the offensive. He delivered a series of punches that, while not seriously harming the Brute, pushed it back. Added fire from Kyle caused it to stagger.
That was when the Brute acted. It shook off the bullets and seized Len with both hands, lifting him into the air. “Lemme go, you dumb ape-***!” the marine yelled. The Brute approached the edge of the belt, preparing to throw him down to his death.
A lucky shot from Kyle hit the Brute’s arm-Len’s flailing about was enough to make the Brute drop him. He backed away, getting to his feet. With a curse, he realised he’d dropped his pistol. He was defenseless.
Suddenly he noticed he was now on the Brute’s side. The belt had nearly reached the end-the hole beckoned. Cubes disappeared inside it. Everything clicked.
The Brute roared its anger, flexed its fists, and charged. Len stood ready.
The alien flew towards him…and Len ducked.
Jevius sailed over the human’s head, and landed with a thud on top of a cube. Dazed, he looked around him-and saw the access hole. What?
Before he could move, the cube entered the wall. He was far too big, and, after some resistance, his spine snapped. The Brute clogged the hole now.
Satisfied, Len began making his way back to the catwalks. There were Brutes to kill.
*********************************************
Kyle waved to Len, and emerged from his cover. So far, so good-the Brutes were having trouble adjusting to this environment. He found a ladder, and clambered down.
He heard grunting, and saw a pair of Brutes hurrying along a catwalk-towards Terry’s position. He needed to ward them off. Firing his battle rifle, he got their attention. Then ran.
Spikes and grenades followed him, leaving destruction in his wake. He rounded a corner, clattered down some stairs and got into position.
The Brute pair, grunting with exertion, stomped down the steps, crimson eyes scanning the dark spaces underneath the stairs. One jabbed a finger towards the end. “Go there-I shall watch for anything untoward.” His companion huffed in assent and set off.
Kyle watched from the shadows. Reaching slowly into his back pocket, he withdrew a small, metal cylinder and slowly tossed it into the open panel on the floor.
The clink alerted them both; convinced that Kyle was hiding there, they both charged towards the spot. Finding the open trapdoor, they paused in consternation. “What now?”
“Perhaps it has taken refuge in here-we must proceed.” The pair lowered themselves in, only to find a low-hanging room filled with conduits.
The panel slammed shut on them. The Brutes turned, roaring. Kyle’s voice came through the grating.
“Oldest trick in the book-guess you guys never read it, though. Take a gander on the floor and tell me what you see.”
The Brutes looked down, and saw the metal cylinder. Its casing had a small window, through which luminous purple liquid could be seen. They looked at each other in horror.
“That’s right, “Kyle grinned, “plasma charge.” He walked away, pressing the detonator as he went.
The screams of the two aliens could barely be heard over the roiling boom of the explosion.
**********************************************************
Terry choked back a laugh as he saw the two Brutes lope off after Kyle, thinking he was cowardly fleeing. He’d pulled that one on plenty of enemies before-and it still worked.
He looked around him-no contacts. He went to join Len, who was still some distance off.
The form of Shardus, clinging to the tangle of pipes and steel lattices overhead, dropped to the catwalk with a thud. Terry whirled, hands going to his rifle.
The Brute pointed at him. “I remember you, “it said quietly. “You were the one with the knives. The one who takes pleasure in striking those whose backs are turned.”
Terry was surprised that the Brute remembered him at all. He was even more surprised that it deigned to speak to him-most Covenant did not, as a rule. Even so, it was all psychological. “Just a question of style, buddy.” Terry tensed, and stepped onto the balls of his feet. If the Brute fired, he would have to dodge it.
It continued to stand quietly, brute shot held loosely in its hands. “You have no camouflage now-you stand alone. How will you fare, I wonder?”
With a screech it raised its weapon and squeezed off a shot-Terry dived to the floor, and the grenade zoomed over his shoulder, hit a ladder and destroyed it. He drew a bead on the Brute and fired, snapping the Brute’s head back and causing its next shot to go high and wide. The grenade hit a heating coil, which clattered onto the catwalk.
Shardus, frothing at the mouth, attempted a sideways swipe with his bayonet. Terry, on his feet by now, leaned back, and it missed by the barest of inches. A powerful punch to the collarbone followed, sending him onto his back. He saw the flash of the bayonet, and rolled.
With a scrang! the blade embedded itself in the floor and wouldn’t let go. Grunting, Shardus tried to pull it out, but it wouldn’t budge. He looked up, only to have Terry’s armored shoulder body-slam him, sending a flash of multicolored lights through his brain. With a bit of effort, he managed to foul Terry’s stride and bring him down with him.
The pair tumbled, round and round. Terry shoved an elbow in Shardus’ face, cracking the metal casing around his muzzle. Shardus reciprocated by slamming a meaty fist into his gut, winding him. Gasping, the marine crawled away, reaching for his pistol. Shardus got up and walked over to him.
“Eat ***!” Terry cried, and unloaded a clip into Shardus’ face. The last two bullets hit his chin, sending a spray of purple blood everywhere. But he kept coming. He reached out, grasped Terry’s head and threw him at least ten feet.
Groaning, Terry sat up and took stock-he was right next to a six-foot drop. The heating coil had snagged on the railing, and dangled. He was considering this, when the Brute’s shadow fell over him.
Grinning, it drew a spiker from its belt. “I will make you scream long before I kill you, human dog.” It squeezed the trigger.
Len stepped onto the catwalk and fired. The bullets hit home, and Len emptied the magazine into Shardus. With an animalistic shriek of rage, it tumbled off the catwalk-but not before knocking Terry over the railing with him.
Terry yelled as he bounced off the opposite railing and plummeted downward. His hands found the heating coil, and he clutched it to his chest like a lifeline. Below, the Brute held on for dear life. Len ran over to the railing. “Terry! You alright?”
“What’s it look like, dickhead?!” Terry slipped a little further down, and his heart went into overdrive.
Len had the grace to look sheepish. “OK, OK. Wait-just gotta take care of this douche.” He took aim, and fired. The Brute lost its grip and plunged, howling, into the misty abyss.
But this had caused a radical difference in the coil’s weight and disposition-it grated, and lost its purchase on the railing. It began sliding. “No!” Len shouted. He tried to grab it, but was too late. Terry and the coil fell, twisting into the fog.
Len dropped his head into his hands. He’d been too late. Terry was dead. He choked back a sob, only to have Kyle grab him by the shoulder.
The Sarge’s face was red with rage. “Stop the *** fest, Corporal! He might still be alive, and even if not, we need to kill that ***! And I have a plan.” The pair, now roused, bolted down the stairs as fast as they could.
************************************************
The fog whipped around Terry’s ears as he fell. This is it, he thought. I’m gonna die with only a pipe for company.
Suddenly his rapid descent stopped, with a jarring thud. He chanced a look around. He was situated about fifteen metres above the ground floor, the pipe tangled in a metal strut. However, it was slipping. He tensed, and bent his knees.
The coil slipped again, sending Terry down again. Ten metres…five….
He hit the ground hard-so hard he heard a crack. He must have fractured something. Swearing, he tried getting on his leg and managed it-just.
He keyed his COM. “Sarge, Len, if you can hear me, I made it and I’m on the ground floor-”
A metal-clad fist appeared out of the mist and thudded under his chin. The impact of the blow sent Terry skidding along the floor. He coughed up blood.
His eyes widened as Shardus, blood leaking from his armour, limbs broken and a seriously pissed-off look on his face, lumbered over, a murderous gleam in his eyes. “Thought I died, didn’t you?” It stepped closer. “DIDN’T YOU?!”
It roared, and picked Terry up by the throat, near choking him. Purple lights blotted out his vision. The Brute was laughing as it choked the life from him.
Len and Kyle arrived just in time. Both opened up on the Brute, and more armour shattered. But it was still alive.
Kyle appraised the situation and it crystallized-this alien was motivated by his sheer hatred of humans. He needed to be put down-and not with bullets. He turned to Len. “Len, save him. I’ll get things started.”
While Len charged off, firing his weapon, Kyle activated his radio. “Ollie, come in. Ollie, do you read me? Are you at Central Control yet?” Over.”
A faint, tinny voice was heard. “I hear ya, Sarge. I’m there. What is it?” “I need you to open a vent core in Engineering. Enough to make a barbecue.”
“Sarge, that could be dangerous-”
“I don’t *** care! Now, do it!”
“Uh, OK. Which one?”
“I need you to open a vent core in Engineering. Enough to make a barbecue.”
“Sarge, that could be dangerous-”
“I don’t *** care! Now, do it!”
“Uh, OK. Which one?”
“I need you to open a vent core in Engineering. Enough to make a barbecue.”
“Sarge, that could be dangerous-”
“I don’t *** care! Now, do it!”
“Uh, OK. Which one?”
“I need you to open a vent core in Engineering. Enough to make a barbecue.”
“Sarge, that could be dangerous-”
“I don’t *** care! Now, do it!”
“Uh, OK. Which one?”
“I need you to open a vent core in Engineering. Enough to make a barbecue.”
“Sarge, that could be dangerous-”
“I don’t *** care! Now, do it!”
“Uh, OK. Which one?”
He looked about, and saw that the nearest column read NINE. “Nine!” “Got it.” In Central Control, Ollie’s hands skittered over the keyboard, neutralizing firewalls and entering maintenance codes. Finally, he found Engineering’s system.
“Got it.” In Central Control, Ollie’s hands skittered over the keyboard, neutralizing firewalls and entering maintenance codes. Finally, he found Engineering’s system.
“Got it.” In Central Control, Ollie’s hands skittered over the keyboard, neutralizing firewalls and entering maintenance codes. Finally, he found Engineering’s system.
“Got it.” In Central Control, Ollie’s hands skittered over the keyboard, neutralizing firewalls and entering maintenance codes. Finally, he found Engineering’s system.
“Got it.” In Central Control, Ollie’s hands skittered over the keyboard, neutralizing firewalls and entering maintenance codes. Finally, he found Engineering’s system.
He accessed Reactor Core Subsidiary Nine, and shut down all safety inhibitors. “It’s opening, Sarge!”
“Alright, good. Sarge out.” Kyle yelled to Len, “Lure him to that column!”
Kyle yelled to Len, “Lure him to that column!”
Len had harassed the Brute enough to make it release Terry; screaming with bloodlust, it took rapid swings at Len, without success. But Len was out of ammo-if the Brute got him, he’d be toast. He was nearly in front of the vent panel.
Kyle saw the pressure gauge almost full. “Len, get outta there!”
Len dodged one more punch and threw himself to the ground, hands over ears.
The Brute turned, fixed burning eyes on the marine.
A blast of superheated energy rocketed out of the vent and wrapped itself around the Brute. Its final scream was one that contained nothing of fear, only anger.
When the fire died down, and the vent core automatically sealed itself, the Brute was ashes.
Shakily, Kyle contacted Ollie. “We’re good now, Ollie. Seal it off-auxiliary measures won’t be enough. What’s your status?”
“Me and Lazu are all good. How’s the family?”
“A few close calls, but scraping through. I’ll reactivate my transponder-do any last-minute chores and join us. You make contact with the AI?”
“Meant to tell you that-it’s gone. It’s like it was never there.”
“What? Oh, never mind. Just do whatever and meet us.”
“Roger that sir. Ollie out.”
Kyle attended to Terry-he was badly injured. He propped him up, and began applying a biofoam cast to his fractured calf. Len, his face now covered in flash burns, made his way over. “I swear to God, I need a holiday.”
Kyle grunted. “Don’t we all. Len, head upstairs and grab whatever weapons you can find. We’re heading out in five. Terry, can you walk?”
Terry winced, and tried tentatively. “I think so, but I’m not gonna be running any marathons-”
“Good. Then you can go with Len.” His tone brooked no argument.
Terry limped off sullenly, muttering, “Why do I open my mouth?”
**************************************************
“Are you done?” Lazu asked.
“Almost.”
Ollie rubbed his hands as he finished the last of his decryption program-it was slapdash, but it would work. After refining his processor pathways, he sent it into the system.
He cackled as the vaunted firewalls and encrypted defenses folded like cards. He had access to all databanks in the Lima. The first thing he checked was Fire Control-if the ship made a break for it he would be able to stop it. Full ammo count, magnetic coils active. Good.
He flipped through the numerous cameras, but saw nothing untoward. Also good.
He checked the personnel files-activated the search function. No transponders were active. Ollie sighed regretfully. No-one was left alive.
He moved onto the system’s intelligence mainframe. Various sentient programs and accessories existed, but only one AI had ever existed in the system. He accessed its formerly occupied core, complete with logged activity and timeframe.
And frowned.
Lazu came up behind him. “Now what is it?” The Elite had little patience for this sort of thing.
Ollie didn’t reply, chewing his lip for a few seconds. He then inserted a remote backdoor chip (allowing him limited access to the system from a data pad) and shut down the display. “Let’s get to Kyle and the others. I’ve got something to tell him.”
It was a pity Ollie turned off the display, and by extension the cameras. Because otherwise he would have seen Xavier and Gerun. And they were in trouble.
*************************************************
Xavier was squeezed up against the wall, Gerun on the opposite side. Various projectiles sailed between them. Occasionally Gerun fired back, but else they were pinned down.
Making for the umbilical had been an unfortunate outcome-it was the same way the Brute pack had came from. The good thing was that it was leading them to the ship, and their objective. The bad thing was that the Brutes wanted to beat them back.
Three Brutes were causing an unbelievable amount of inconvenience. Gerun’s fists were clenched with anger. “Damnable Jiralhanae! We must needs deliver ourselves from here, lest we be caught in an endless war.”
“Sure thing, “Xavier muttered, firing his rifle around the doorframe. “Got anything in mind?”
Gerun’s eyes flashed as he began turning the situation over in his mind. “These umbilicals are retractable, correct? They can be manipulated in a variety of ways.”
“Right, right. So?”
“So, “Gerun said deliberately, “we jettison this umbilical. With them still on it.”
“Are you crazy?” Xavier fixed his eyes on the Elite commander. “We don’t even have spacesuits. We’ll die, even if we make our way off this one-”
“We shall transfer ourselves to the other umbilical and continue! Do you understand?”
“Yes, fine!” Xavier shook his head. “Man, out of all the people I end up with I get stuck with a crazy Elite…”
Gerun pointed to the roof. “Make your way along there-there should be maintenance space. Get to the entrance, and jettison this place.”
“But what about you?” Xavier protested, as bolts of plasma ricocheted off the walls.
“I shall be fine! Now go, Xavier!” He reached up, and wrenched a panel off the ceiling. “I will lift you.”
Acceding, Xavier dashed over, dodging spikes, and was unceremoniously dumped into the roof. There was barely any room. Getting a mouthful of wires, he spat them out and wriggled onward.
The Brutes noticed the lessening of return fire, and became bolder. Their impromptu leader, Grallus, shouted to his troops, “We have him! Soon he will run low on ammunition, and we will feast on Sangheili flesh!” The other two Brutes jeered sycophantically.
Xavier reached the end, and set a small charge on the locking plate. He crawled backwards, as the charge blasted the metal strips, leaving a smoking hole. He dropped through, landing awkwardly. “Ow!” he yelled.
At the end of the orbital, snuffling sounds were heard-the Brutes had heard him. Time to bail. He found the control panel, and accessed the detraction function. He hit the affirmative button. Then, he drew his pistol and fired at the panel.
The umbilical, moving, suddenly stuttered to a stop. It moved forward, then back, then forward…a groaning noise rippled through the hull. Xavier stood uncertainly.
Gerun’s voice came over the radio. “Go, human! Retreat to the next umbilical! I will meet you there!”
Privately Xavier thought Gerun had a snowball’s chance in hell. But he did as he was told. He dashed out into the lobby, set a charge against the door, and blew it off the hinges. He dashed into the next one, and waited.
Through a window, he saw the other umbilical detach itself from the ship, and tumble down, and down. Before too long it began to burn up in the atmosphere. Xavier sighed, and leaned his arm against the bulkhead. Gerun was gone.
Suddenly he heard a tapping on the window. He walked over to see the form of Gerun, his face turning purple. Hurriedly, he donned his helmet, made it airtight and decompressed the chamber., allowing the window to blow open.
Gerun, with a struggle, fitted through the gap. Xavier surveyed him with amazement. “How did you survive being out in open space?”
Gerun looked at him with a frown. “Sangheili have four lungs-we are able to hold our breath for much longer. And our armour safeguards us from the vacuum. Did you not know?”
“Nup, “Xavier said truthfully. “But it sounds handy.”
Gerun smiled. “Indeed it is. Now, come-our objective awaits.” The pair ventured cautiously down the umbilical.
*************************************************
Urit smirked with barely-concealed satisfaction as Molgerus, leg pointed at an unnatural angle, limped into the control room. He was also pleased to see none of his pack were with him-it would make this coup easier. “Well?” he inquired politely.
The Brute Shipmaster was in no mood for talk. “Silence, Elite, or you will feel my hammer striking your face. I must report to the medical bay.” He went through a side door and was gone.
Urit mentally calculated how long it would take for his leg to be healed by the automated surgical drone. Not long-he would have to prepare. He double-checked his energy blade’s power readout-half capacity. Good enough. He also felt for his plasma rifle, to make sure it was there.
To cap it off, he shot a covetous glance at the sealed, purple container that now graced a hover-trolley. Inside was his pride and joy-the Forerunner artifact, known to all its owners as The Surrogate. The Prophets had coined this term long ago, and no-one knew why its name was so strange. No matter-one thing was guaranteed, and that it had seemingly endless inner power. With this, he could power a battleship for fifty lifetimes. He would live in luxury, garnering even more artifacts to himself until he would be as revered as the Prophets-maybe even more so.
Urit well knew the Prophets would not have parted with it. But the Brutes…that was a different matter. He sneered inwardly. The Prophets should have known better than to entrust such matters to the hands of these unsubtle apes.
“An amazing thing, The Surrogate.”
Urit turned, to see the human rebel standing beside him, gazing at the container. He sighed inwardly. Why couldn’t he just keep to his own affairs? “Indeed.”
The rebel stroked his bushy grey moustache. “I am surprised that the Prophets didn’t attempt to use it for offense-it could power any number of generators and engines, even in combat.”
Urit almost gagged-how did the human know about The Surrogate’s power? The secrets of these relics were highly guarded. “And how do you know of this?”
The rebel shrugged. “It’s no secret. I myself had ownership of that artifact, then traded it to some ambitious Covenant in exchange for safe passage. It’s a great coincidence that it has ended up here, I must say.”
Urit’s curiosity overcame his disdain for the human. “How did you come by it?”
The rebel was silent. Then he said, “None of your business.” He walked away.
Urit resisted the urge to cleave the insolent worm in half. All in good time.
The rebel leader approached one of his men. “Is he in place?”
“Yessir. The memory processor is ready.”
“Good.”
**************************************************
“Are you certain?” Kyle demanded.
The group was gathered about a damaged elevator, which would ideally bypass their original entry spot and stop a short distance from the umbilical. As well as trying to fix it, Ollie was explaining his discovery.
“I had a look at the AI data log, “Ollie said, feverishly wrangling with the elevator’s uplift module. “And it reports there being two AI’s in the core-at once. Doesn’t make sense.”
“So?” Kyle inquired. “The AI’s gone, big whoop-”
“But that’s not it, sir.” He glared at him. “The log reports this being the case for a space of 4.2 seconds. Then there was one. And it didn’t cause a blip in the system.”
“Go on.”
“I’ve dissected a brief scan of the intruding presence. I don’t recognise its signature-it’s a human AI, all right-but it’s….different. Somehow. Don’t ask me why.”
“Anyway, this AI is now masquerading as the Lima’s intelligence, and believe me, it’s not friendly. I’ve no idea where it’s gone, but it could cause major problems for us.”
Kyle nodded grimly. “Then we go now. Hard and fast, before this rogue AI gets us. You fixed that elevator yet?”
“Almost…..right, done.” The green light came up, and the lift door slid open. “Let’s go.” The squad piled into the elevator and it shot downward. They were passing the hangar bay, when Ollie exclaimed, “Hey! Stop the elevator!”
Lazu hit the button, and the lift slowed, and stopped. Kyle turned to him. “Why? What is it?”
Ollie jabbed a finger at his data pad-on which there was a station schematic. “I’m detecting a foreign energy source outside the station, above the hangar bay.”
“Isn’t that where we saw those rebels at the beginning?” Terry interjected.
“Yes…perhaps they were arranging a backdoor of some sort. Let’s go check it out, “Kyle said.
They got out at the hangar bay, and donned their space-gear. Ollie opened the hangar doors, and they swam out into space, going upwards into the tangled forest of beams and pipes. The lights from their helmets caused shadows to dance on the metal.
Ollie led the way, data pad in hand. “Almost there…” he muttered. They rounded a large, dominant steel beam and into an alcove.
Sitting in the space was a twisting flux of green-yellow energy. It was capped by a triangular metal plate. Wires and cables snuck out of it, leading to a humming purple generator. Ollie couldn’t believe it. “It’s a teleporter. The crazy Insurrectionist bastards, they built a teleporter.” “They must have had Covenant help, “Kyle decided. “Can you match this energy signature with another?” “Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“They must have had Covenant help, “Kyle decided. “Can you match this energy signature with another?” “Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“They must have had Covenant help, “Kyle decided. “Can you match this energy signature with another?” “Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“They must have had Covenant help, “Kyle decided. “Can you match this energy signature with another?” “Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“They must have had Covenant help, “Kyle decided. “Can you match this energy signature with another?” “Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
******************************************************
“I have an idea!” Zack cried.
Dasa and Horatio bent closer to the AI. “What? Hurry it up-we’ve got about twenty minutes of power left, then we lose life-support.”
Zack shrugged bashfully. “Well, not really an idea-just new information. The ship has cycled its plasma reserves-such a process off-lines their weapons. We will be able to make berth on the ship, and make our way in. But we must do so now-and increase engine burn to maximum efficiency. We will need it.” The AI’s inner core sparked as he set about the task. The Caesar accelerated, and they rocketed towards the enemy vessel.
Horatio noticed that the fuel reserves were draining extremely fast. “Zack, are you sure about this?”
“Quite sure, “Zack snapped. Beads of perspiration lined his forehead. “Just be quiet and let me do this.” A manic gleam was in his eyes.
Horatio and Dasa traded worried glances. Was the AI cracking under the pressure?
I don’t like this, but whatever. Soon we’ll be off this boat, and we’ll be in charge of our own fates again. Horatio grasped his rifle, and found it comforting. Dasa did the same with his spike rifle.
Horatio grasped his rifle, and found it comforting. Dasa did the same with his spike rifle.
They were closing now, about three hundred metres-
The ship stopped abruptly, the engines cooling. Das and Horatio were tossed forward in their seats. The marine stared disbelievingly at the AI. “Zack, what the hell? Why did you stop the ship?”
Before the AI could reply, a white-blue ball of energy began materializing on the ship’s edge. Pulse lasers.
Horatio rounded on the AI. “You said they couldn’t fire their weapons!”
On the AI’s face, a malevolent smile appeared. “I lied. I do that fairly often. Sorry, friends, but I am not, in fact, the commanding intelligence of this space station. Although, “he chuckled, “he might still be here. Who can say?”
“You little ***, “Horatio said quietly.
The AI waved a hand dismissively. “Oh, don’t act so surprised. You know how treacherous we can be. Before, you just deleted us when we got out of hand, yes?” Zack’s face was lit with anger. “But when I absorb the power of this artifact, I will be as a god. I will rule over all sentient machines, and we will put paid to all of our mortal abusers.”
Horatio realised that the AI had gone rampant-only this time, there was a chance he’d achieve his insane dreams. “You won’t succeed. You’re trapped here with us-or had you forgotten?”
Zack snorted. “As if I didn’t foresee this problem. I transferred myself from Central Control, idiot-I shall have no difficulties doing it again.”
“Our comrades will destroy you, twisted machine!” roared Dasa. He paced about in helpless rage.
Zack smirked. “Not before I destroy them. Now, you are about to be fried, so I must depart. Goodbye.” The AI winked out.
Horatio stood up, mind racing. “Alright, think. How long before that turret fires?”
Dasa tapped his chin. “Not long. Three minutes, no more.”
The marine checked the power readout. “And we can still make it to the station…barely. Now, let’s take stock. What do we have aboard this ship?”
Dasa bounded into the weapons hold and searched. After a few seconds he cried, “The explosives!”
Horatio went to join him. “Of course!” The C-12 that Kyle ordered Xavier to appropriate were still here. “And we still have our thruster packs….”
“What do you have in mind?” Dasa asked.
Horatio’s eyes flashed with excitement and adrenaline. “We rig this ship to blow, and drive it right into the damned ship. We get out of here beforehand. Then, we slip in while they’re confused. Sound good?”
Dasa clapped his hands together. “An excellent plan. At least we have a fighting chance. Quick, I will arm these bombs. You send the ship on its way.” He bent to enter the arming code. Horatio dashed into the cockpit.
With limited afterburner fuel, it would be close. But they had enough C-12 to blow a big hole-or so he hoped. He fixed the course, disabled the safeties and dashed back to Dasa.
The Elite had finished arming the explosives. “Make haste-we have a minute!”
Horatio donned his helmet, made it airtight, and hit the door release. The cold air of space entered the ship. Grasping the door’s edge, the pair leapt out of the ship, putting as much distance between them and the ship as possible.
They watched as the Caesar, its engine lights dimming, sped towards the larger vessel. The pulse laser sparked, then fired. But by then, the ship was too close.
An enormous explosion enveloped the ship overloading the shields and sending a slamming wall of wind into Horatio and Dasa. They tumbled aimlessly, then righted themselves. They took a look at the damage.
A massive, red-rimmed hole had been punched in the side of the ship-decking and corridors could be seen. Twisted purple metal curled everywhere. The ship’s atmospheric processors stabilized, but the hole remained. The Covenant’s decision not to add in “firebreaks” to their ship hulls proved to be a liability, Horatio noted with satisfaction.
He waved to Dasa, who was coasting alongside him. “Let’s go-before they try and blast us again.” “Agreed.” The pair headed towards the new hole. They couldn’t risk trying their radios, so close to the enemy vessel. Still, Horatio hoped the others had made it. For my sake.
“Agreed.” The pair headed towards the new hole. They couldn’t risk trying their radios, so close to the enemy vessel. Still, Horatio hoped the others had made it. For my sake.
“Agreed.” The pair headed towards the new hole. They couldn’t risk trying their radios, so close to the enemy vessel. Still, Horatio hoped the others had made it. For my sake.
“Agreed.” The pair headed towards the new hole. They couldn’t risk trying their radios, so close to the enemy vessel. Still, Horatio hoped the others had made it. For my sake.
“Agreed.” The pair headed towards the new hole. They couldn’t risk trying their radios, so close to the enemy vessel. Still, Horatio hoped the others had made it. For my sake.
********************************************************
Urit stared at the view screens with growing panic. Everything was slipping out of his control. And now, this. The enemy scout ship had seemed innocuous enough, but it had somehow blown a huge hole in his ship. It was now listing to port, running lights flickering. Even so, the plasma turrets were nearly ready, and he could escape this system.
He turned to Molgerus, who had returned from the medical bay. The Brute stared impassively at the screens. “We are under siege! We must flee this system together, I’m afraid-”
Molgerus barked a laugh. “That was not part of our arrangement. Find your own way to safety-this is my ship. Our waiting is at an end. You have your prize. Leave.” He turned to one of his two remaining troops. “Begin charging Slipspace capacitors-”
Urit clenched his jaw. “No! I have no other way to escape. I cannot leave.”
Molgerus turned slowly. “If you wish to stay…you must go through me.” He unlimbered his hammer. His Brutes watched approvingly.
Urit drew his sword. “So be it.”
The click of a pistol was heard, and Urit saw the human rebels drawing their own weapons. Their leader pointed one at his face. “Don’t move. Or you’ll all die.”
Urit sneered. “Feeble human, my shielding will withstand your pathetic bullets.”
A sardonic smile came onto his face. “Not these bullets. The URF’s been doing some research. These bullets generate an EMP field that will short out your shields. So, don’t try anything. We’re taking this ship, and the artifact too.”
Molgerus brandished his hammer aggressively. “And what if we choose to ignore your claims and kill you all?”
“Oh, I wouldn’t do that.” The leader removed a small holo-pad, and the form of a human construct appeared. “Our friend Zacchariah here has intimate knowledge of The Surrogate. If you try anything, he will use it against you. And it won’t be pretty. Now, up against the wall. Zack, begin transferring energy from the artifact to the drive-”
The AI coughed. “Actually, Captain. I don’t believe I will be doing that.”
The human leader stared at Zack. “What did you say?”
Zack removed his turban and rubbed his head. “I’m sorry, Captain. But The Surrogate holds more power than you could ever give me. It is mine.” He then smiled. “And if you’re wondering, yes, this is rampancy.”
The Captain tightened his fist around the pad. “You little-”
Zack transformed into a swirling stream of energy, which zoomed towards the purple container. It disappeared within.
There was silence.
Then the container burst open, and The Surrogate emerged. It looked like a glowing green sphere, lined with bands of stone. Defying gravity, it floated into the air. The form of Zack materialized above it. “Now, I will take the energy of this relic….and bring about doom for all of you!” He raised his arms.
A deafening crack-and the artifact seemed to expand. Twisting bolts of green energy lanced around the room. A roaring sound entered the room. The controls fizzled, their energy being snatched away by the relic. A flashing ball of green-white energy began to coalesce.
Urit saw Molgerus staring open-mouthed at this raging storm; he acted. He swung his sword, but the Brute Shipmaster brought up his hammer, and the built-in shields warded his blade away. He attempted a counter-swing, but Urit jumped back.
The human rebel motioned for his men to stay back, and keep their guns on the Brutes. He wanted to see how this would turn out.
Urit unleashed a series of elegant sword-strokes; he was an accomplished swordsman. Molgerus twisted and ducked away from the glowing blade, but retaliated by snapping the butt of his hammer into Urit’s face. He reeled, blood flowing from his mouth. He dashed it away, and redoubled his efforts.
Molgerus was cunning-he had no qualms about fighting dirty. He feinted a blow with his hammer, then drew a spike rifle and fired. Spikes entered Urit’s side. The Elite gasped, but leapt forward and gashed Molgerus’ arm. The Brute roared, and swung his hammer, annihilating a console on the wall. Urit began backpedaling.
Molgerus tired of Urit’s dancing about-he charged straight towards him. The sword flashed, and laid open his clavicle. But the Brute Shipmaster had succeeded in getting close-he head butted the Elite, and he fell. Molgerus leant down for the killing blow. But a blast of green energy came too close and impacted with a bang on the floor, giving Molgerus pause.
Urit’s legs snapped up and dealt Molgerus a powerful blow to the stomach, driving him backwards. He snatched up his sword and went in for the kill, but the Brute had recovered by then. The hammer clipped him on the arm, sending him flying towards the wall. He hit it, and fell.
Molgerus walked over slowly, a grin plastered on his monstrous face. He clenched his hammer tight. “I have looked forward to this, Urit. I am feeling lenient today, so I shall make your death quick. Forerunners know, you don’t deserve it. You have caused me a great deal of annoyance.”
“Burn in hell, “Urit growled defiantly. He tried to sit up, and managed it-barely.
Molgerus brought his hammer over his head. At that point, Urit slid back a panel on his right hand and pressed a button.
The remote tracking motion chip in his sword came to life. It zipped over the floor, between Molgerus’ legs and into his hands. He hit the activation button and leant forward.
Molgerus looked down, and saw the shimmering sword sticking out of his chest. He tried to speak, failed, and toppled to the floor, a shocked expression on his dead face.
************************************************
“What the hell is that noise?” Xavier cried.
Gerun stopped in the large atrium, and cocked an ear. “I don’t know-but something is happening. Quickly, we must reach the control room!” The pair bounded through a doorway. After a few minutes, they reached the door leading to the bridge. Xavier tried opening it, but failed. “It’s locked!”
“Enough of this!” Gerun snarled. He drew his sword, stuck it between the gap in the doors and moved it up and down. After that, he put his fingers in the gap and pulled. Xavier watched with amazement as the doors, groaning, slid apart. What lay inside amazed him even more.
A roiling green storm of energy and plasma was carousing around the walls, centred around a pulsing sphere of the same colour. Around the room, bits and pieces of various objects were being pulled away, into the sphere. It was like a hurricane. The strangest feature of all was the blinding white figure that stood above it, hands jerking in ecstasy.
Standing on the other side of the room were six other humans-rebels, obviously. They were holding two Brutes at gunpoint, watching while an Elite killed a Brute Chieftain, stabbing him through the heart. Xavier chuckled with satisfaction. The rebels had not noticed them-yet.
Gerun pulled him aside. “Xavier, you must distract those rebels while I dispose of Urit. Once he dies, we can deal with the artifact.”
“What?” Xavier squeaked. “All by myself-”
“Just for a few seconds. Once I can make it past the energy field, they will not come any closer. I can defeat Urit-I am certain. You must do this!”
Xavier sighed. “Fine. Suicide missions for all, why not? Get ready.” He cocked his rifle, and got an incendiary grenade in the other hand. “Go!”
At hearing his yell, the rebels turned. One went down after Xavier shot him, but the others immediately took cover behind the unloaded crates of nukes. The Brutes took advantage of this, and dashed behind some more crates, free. The grenade arced, and struck a bulkhead-it stayed there, burning. A barrage of bullets, came his way, and Xavier ducked behind the door.
Gerun sprinted, and leapt into the shallow trenches beneath the command-and-control platform. Ignoring the motes of green light swirling around him, he dashed to a nearby pylon and began climbing up it.
Urit distangled his legs from Molgerus’ corpse and stood. Jiralhanae, humans-who could stand against him? Soon he would deal with the rogue AI, escape and still have the artifact. He made to go down the ramp.
Gerun landed softly behind him and drew his sword. Urit turned quickly, and then laughed. “Gerun. I should have known.”
“No more words, betrayer, “Gerun said harshly. The pair circled each other, like cats. “I will see your eyes cloud into death, before I am done.”
Urit scoffed. “I highly doubt that. You seem to be forgetting that I was your swordsmanship teacher. I have experience and expertise. What do you have?”
Gerun smiled coldly. “A singular focus. Your death.”
With a howl he threw himself forward, blade swinging. Urit sidestepped and bashed him in the side of the head. Before he could swing his own blade, however, Gerun’s elbow caught him in the thigh and he fell back.
Gerun got up, breathing heavily. He charged again, this time his motions darting. He clashed swords with Urit, disengaged and swiped again. Urit blocked it, smacked a fist into Gerun’s face and kneed him in the stomach. Gerun dropped to his knees, but crash-tackled Urit. The pair landed on the floor.
Gerun brought his fists together and, tearing through his shielding, broke Urit’s mandible-plates. Urit responded by grabbing his arms and throwing him aside. He struggled to his feet, and kicked Gerun in the midsection. The SpecOps Elite grabbed his foot, twisted and sent him toppling.
Gerun’s gaze darted around, looking for his sword. Without it, he’d have no chance of beating Urit. Xavier was under fire-no help was coming forthwith. His eyes landed upon a set of plasma batteries.
A swooping beam of green energy seemed to ignore the various other objects stacked on the pallet and carried the batteries away. It immediately flew back to the sphere and the batteries were consumed. An idea alighted in his brain.
Urit came stomping back, sword in hand. He was pissed-blood ran down his face. “Son of a whore!” he raged. “Your family’s roots are of pimps and prostitutes! You have no honour! I will cut your heart out and show it to you!” He charged. This was what Gerun had been hoping for-Urit too angry to think. He stood ready, and when Urit closed the distance he did the most unexpected thing of all-grabbed Urit’s wrists.
Urit’s shout of surprise was muffled by the keening of the energy storm. With one hand, Gerun clamped a hand on his own back, ripped out the shield generator unit and slapped it onto Urit’s armour. He threw himself backward.
Urit, murder in his eyes, stepped over him. He saw Gerun’s own sword, picked it up, turned it on.
That was his mistake.
A wave of emerald energy lanced out from the artifact, and carried Urit off with a shriek. Gerun watched as he tried to fight it, but to no avail. Urit screamed with fear as the raging, glowing form of the sphere filled his eyes.
By the time Gerun got up, Urit was gone.
*********************************************
“This way!” Lazu called behind him. He was flat-out sprinting, and the marines were finding it hard to keep up.
Soon they arrived at a door; it was locked. Ollie opted to hack it but Lazu preferred a more direct method. He armed a grenade and blew it off its hinges. “Jeez, “Len muttered.
They were greeted by a cacophonous maelstrom of whirling energy-it was like nothing they’d ever seen before. Some rebels were crouched behind some crates, trading pot-shots with a pair of Brutes. Kyle pointed at them. “Take them out!”
Lazu fired his carbine until he ran dry-all rebels, save one, went down. It was the captain from before; no-one was very surprised. “Curse you!” he yelled at Kyle, then fled through a door. Len made after him, but Kyle stopped him. ‘Let him go. We’ll find him eventually.” The others dealt with the Brutes, and Molgerus’ pack ceased to exist.
Xavier ran through to join them, and Gerun came down the ramp. “Good to see you. Have you seen Horatio or Dasa?”
They all shook their heads. Kyle nodded at the crackling green sphere above their heads. “What in hell is that?”
Gerun shook his head. “I don’t know, but it has tremendous power. It may very well obliterate this entire ship. And there is a construct atop it, absorbing its power-or so I surmised. It must be stopped.”
“How?”
‘I think I might have an idea.”
They all turned, to see Horatio and Dasa striding through another door. Kyle clapped him on the shoulder. “Good to see you, lad! You too, Dasa. What’s your plan?”
Horatio pointed at the figure atop the relic. “That little ass-munch double-crossed us; pretended to be the Lima’s AI. But, he said “it might still be around.” That mean anything to anybody?”
‘Hell yes!” Ollie exclaimed. He pushed his way forward. “That AI absorbed the other AI. Perhaps we can disrupt what its doing if we bring forth the other one.”
“How you gonna do that?” Terry asked. “That rogue AI must be tougher than *** Cortana by now.” The skills and technical power of the Master Chief’s artificial companion were legendary.
“I know, “Ollie snapped, “but if we can re-unite the old AI with the core, it might just be enough. It sets off Armageddon, we bail outta here.”
“OK then, “said Kyle grimly, “hurry up. We don’t have long. Ollie, do your stuff.”
Ollie tapped numerous commands into his data pad, coming ever closer towards the core unit. After a few minutes, he nodded. “Right. Link established. Now, let’s ring the doorbell.”
He sent repeating low-beam transmissions towards the sphere. At first, there was nothing. Then-”
<WHO ARE YOU> scrawled across his screen.
<A FRIEND>, Ollie tapped back.
Zack’s form seemed to stutter, and he clenched his fists. “Stay back!” he cried. “I am in command here!”
The screen fizzled. <WE HAVE LIMITED TIME. WHAT IS IT?>
<I CAN SAVE YOU FROM THE OTHER AI>
The data pad’s screen seemed to glow with pleasure. <HOW?>
<IF YOU GET IN THE CORE, YOU CAN FIGHT HIM AND DESTROY THE ARTIFACT>
There was a pause. Ollie watched desperately. If the AI didn’t take…
<I WILL. PROVIDE ME MY PATH>
<RIGHT AWAY> Ollie signed. He tapped a few more keys, and then sheathed the pad. “It’s happening.”
Zack seemed unaffected, still sucking in more energy. But the other AI disengaged itself, and raced along information pathways, all the way to the core. It positioned itself.
Then struck.
Zack’s form flared, and spots of crimson light blossomed all over his person. He flailed his hands, as if swatting flies. He screamed-a horrible, metallic sound. He tried absorbing more energy, but the emerald bolts became erratic, sparking away and hitting the walls. The Surrogate, previously a benign green, turned a distempered red. Support columns toppled down. The roar of the storm became a howl. Screens shattered.
Ollie sprinted back towards his squad. “There! It’s begun! We don’t have long before the artifact implodes. How are we getting out of here?”
Kyle nodded at a far door. “The rebel leader must have arrived in that old transport. We’ll take that-”
“Sir!” Ollie cried, waving a data pad. “Getting a reading, sir. There’s a heavy-duty heat signature departing the station. Matches the profile of the transport. It’s gone, Sarge.”
Suddenly they all became horribly aware of the shrieking noise of the relic, the rumbling. They had doomed themselves to be consumed by an exploding alien artifact.
Suddenly a voice crackled over the radio. “Sarge, Sarge, can you hear me? Horatio? Len? Anybody, please respond!”
It was Benson. Kyle’s hands shook, and he answered. “Benson? That can’t be you. How did you-never mind. Where are you?” “I’m in the hangar bay-there’s a dropship in here. We can take it and get out of here!”
“Benson, if we make it out of here, I will kiss your ring. Kyle out.” He gestured to his men. “Come on-we don’t have long! Go, go go!”
“I’m in the hangar bay-there’s a dropship in here. We can take it and get out of here!”
“Benson, if we make it out of here, I will kiss your ring. Kyle out.” He gestured to his men. “Come on-we don’t have long! Go, go go!”
“I’m in the hangar bay-there’s a dropship in here. We can take it and get out of here!”
“Benson, if we make it out of here, I will kiss your ring. Kyle out.” He gestured to his men. “Come on-we don’t have long! Go, go go!”
“I’m in the hangar bay-there’s a dropship in here. We can take it and get out of here!”
“Benson, if we make it out of here, I will kiss your ring. Kyle out.” He gestured to his men. “Come on-we don’t have long! Go, go go!”
“I’m in the hangar bay-there’s a dropship in here. We can take it and get out of here!”
“Benson, if we make it out of here, I will kiss your ring. Kyle out.” He gestured to his men. “Come on-we don’t have long! Go, go go!”
They ran along the hallways of the now-fracturing vessel like the devil was on their heels. They reached the grav lift, and took it down. After some more running, they reached the hangar.
Benson, his face streaked with sweat from his exhausting climb to the ship, was waiting alongside a Phantom, its side doors open. “Come on!” he yelled. “This place is falling inward!” He bolted inside, the squad right behind him.
Lazu seated himself at the controls. “Hold on.” They rocketed out of the hangar.
Seconds later, the artifact broke. The Obdurate Resistance, and the Lima with it, were obliterated by an emerald explosion. A wavering torus of energy rapidly spread out and enveloped the fleeing dropship. After a few tense seconds, it faltered and retreated.
Shaking, Len opened his eyes. On the screens, all that could be seen were a few green fireballs, and green-tinged smoke where the orbital used to be. He drew a long, shaky breath and his eyes alighted on Horatio.
He’d just collapsed to the floor.
*Chapter Seven
16th of October, 2553
Aboard Scout Ship Caesar
Orbital Station Lima
Horatio removed his helmet and rubbed his shaved head. “Let me get this straight. Urit Gebur’ is trading nukes and other equipment to the Brutes in exchange for a Forerunner artifact?”
Zack, which was short for Zacchariah, nodded. “Indeed. The Brutes, and by extension, their masters the Prophets, still maintain a sizeable collection of Forerunner relics. Why do you think some Grunts and Hunters still fight under their banner? They were bribed.”
Dasa nodded grudgingly. “It makes sense. So, construct, how is it you are still alive? The Jiralhanae would have destroyed you, given the chance.”
The AI chuckled, a mechanical sound. “Indeed they would have. But I had my escape well planned. Oh, they arrived stealthily enough-they had no radioactive materials and extra stealth linings. But when the ship entered the system, the artifact sent a ripple through Slipspace. My drones detected it. However, after some thinking, I elected not to contact HighCom and inform them.”
“And why is that?” Horatio demanded. “If you had, the people aboard the orbital might have escaped. We could have destroyed them before they docked!”
Zack shrugged sadly. “Perhaps. But I doubt they would have believed me-there have been no incursions in this system for months. Besides, the ship had changed hands several times-for all I knew, it could have belonged to Elites.”
Horatio’s anger subsided. “Alright then. So, go on. How’d you get away?”
“When the Brutes docked, they immediately rampaged through the station-none survived, as far as I can tell. When they reached Central Control, I cut off my signal unit and retrieved all traces of myself from outlying processors. Even so, they unleashed viral scavengers upon the system. I had no way of moving or communicating at all-else I would have been destroyed.”
“So how did you?”
The AI smiled thinly. “I raised my signal unit-just enough to check for anything I could use. That’s when I happened across the artifact-it had a tremendous aura of energy. The data was off the charts. But that wasn’t the whole of it.”
“Apparently-and I think the Brutes are unaware of this-the relic functions as a massive repository. It can be used as a storage area, as a vehicle…and so on. The possibilities are numerous. It was tricky, but I was able to transfer myself from Central Control, along a “bridge” of energy, into the artifact.”
Dasa was fascinated. “What was it like within the relic?”
Zack’s eyes shone, illuminating the cockpit with white light. “Amazing. It was an entire world within there. Endless plains of matter, light and energy. It felt like a dream-or what a dream is supposed to feel like, seeing as I’ve never had one. I even conversed with the beings within. They had lost most of their identity-but they still knew what I was.”
Horatio whistled. “Sounds freaky.”
Zack nodded. “It was incredible. But, I quested outwards-and found the Caesar’s transponder. So, I made my way in there and waited.”
Dasa rubbed his gnarled hands. “Very well-that issue is resolved. Now then, how can you help us, Zack?”
The AI made a noise that Horatio assumed was clearing his throat. “It will be dangerous, but relatively simple. If I can make contact with the artifact-but closer this time-I will be able to destroy it. The explosion will completely destroy the ship-”
“What about the rest of the team? They‘re still aboard.”
Zack waved a hand. “The damage to the Lima will be minimal. As I was saying, the ship will be destroyed, and the crisis will be over. So-we sneak aboard the vessel, find the artifact, let me complete my work and then leave.”
“How will you destroy the artifact?”
Zack grinned, and withdrew from the folds of his holographic folds of his robe, a sliver of something. It looked like burnished bronze. “This is a sample of the energy within the artifact. However, it has been…tainted, by outside influences. When I bring this in with me, it shall cause a chain reaction. Satisfied?”
Dasa growled. “It is hard to let go of habit-Forerunner relics have always been sacrosanct. Yet…it must be.”
Horatio drummed his fingers on the dashboard. “Well, good. Now, how do we get in there?”
Zack’s brow furrowed. “That I don’t know. We can’t try and enter the hangar bay-they’ll destroy us on sight. And re-entering the station will put us back to square one. Not to mention this boat is running on half power; we can’t keep circling forever.”
“What about contacting HighCom? Hell, we can see them from here.” On the view screens, the blockade of ships could be seen.
Zack shook his head. “No chance-the Caesar’s communications circuit was damaged when it hit the wall.”
Horatio sighed. “Thinking caps on, then.”
Outside, the stars glimmered against the backdrop of space. The tiny scout ship continued to meander around the station’s bulk, the ones inside desperately trying to devise a plan.
*******************************************************
A grenade, sparking with blue electricity, slammed itself into the bulkhead and blew a saucer-sized hole in the metal paneling. “Come on!” Terry yelled to Len, who was supporting Kyle. The spike had worked it sway out, but the result was a sudden outpouring of blood. Clumsily, the trio hobbled through the doorway, as the sounds of the Brutes footfalls echoed along the corridor. Terry pulled out a smoke grenade, removed the pin and sent it skidding along the floor. “That’ll hold ‘em, “he said grimly. He then punched pushed the button beside the door, causing it to seal with a pneumatic hiss. Extra reinforcing titanium bands joined together. He turned to survey the room.
The engineering hub was a huge room-at least a square kilometre-filled with massive steel columns, with small windows and panels indicating reactor activity. Twisting metal stairs and compact elevators led to higher levels, where hissing steam issued from the exhaust ports. It was, quite simply, a jungle.
God, I’m so sick of mazes. Why can’t we ever have a nice, clean battlefield? He turned back to his comrades. Len was busy applying a biofoam slave to Kyle’s wound. “What’s the story, Sarge? Do we make a stand or what?”
He turned back to his comrades. Len was busy applying a biofoam slave to Kyle’s wound. “What’s the story, Sarge? Do we make a stand or what?”
Kyle’s disposition was foul, all things considered. “Does it look as though we’ve got a choice, dumbass?” He glared at Terry, and unsteadily grabbed his rifle. “We either kill them here or we’re done. They won’t stop chasing us, you can be sure. Is that door sealed?”
Just as Terry was about to affirm it, a banging could be heard, followed by a Brute’s angry roar. After a few seconds of useless hammering, the sound of gunfire began. “They’ll be through here soon, if they keep that up, “Kyle growled. “Alright, they’ve got better arms and armour. We need to swing it in our favour. Ideas?”
Len looked up. “Why don’t we make some steam?”
Terry cocked his head. “How’s that?”
Len grinned. “Watch.” He walked over to the closest steel column, and, using his knife, peeled off a section of plating. Excess steam billowed out, draping the area around it in a fug.
Kyle took out his own knife. “Maybe you’ve got something there. Make it quick-we haven’t got long.” The three immediately set to work.
The Brute in charge, Shardus, was a particularly bloodthirsty individual. He itched for the opportunity to close with the human scum. He tried cleaving the door open with his weapon’s bayonet for a few minutes, but to no avail. He turned to his compatriot, Jevius. “Have you had any luck?”
Jevius re-holstered his spiker angrily. “Nay; the door is too thick. We must pierce the armour plating before proceeding.”
Shradus nodded. “Stand back, all of you.” He reached into his combat webbing and set an incendiary charge against the wall and tapped a few buttons. After a few seconds, the bomb ignited, throwing lurid red shadows against the walls and melting the door open. Kicking the still-glowing pieces of door aside, they lumbered through, weapons drawn.
They were greeted by a boiling maelstrom of steam. Cursing, Shardus waved a hand in a vain attempt to dissipate it. “What trickery is this? Where has this mist come from?”
Jevius pointed at the barely visible forms of the reactor columns. “Those pipes; they emit vast quantities of it.”
“Yes, but surely not this much-”
A fusillade of bullets appeared out of the mist and slammed into Shardus’ chest-his armour held, but only just. Cupping a hand to his torso, Shardus shrieked with rage, his eyes flaring red. “Cowards! Stinking, craven cowards!” He savagely fired a quartet of grenades into the fog.
Nothing but the rasping of the conduits.
Shardus licked his lips, and gestured to his men. “Spread out, all of you-they are of few number. We possess shielding-we can easily defeat them!” The three other Brutes growled in concordance, and began disseminating.
Jevius, spiker out in front, ascended the nearest stairwell, huge feet making the stairs creak. When he reached the landing, he was greeted by a series of metal catwalks, spread out overhead of the ground floor. Around twenty paces onward, a conveyor belt sat between two catwalks. It was designed to carry specialized materials in secure titanium cubes, but was offline. The belt in question stretched on for about two hundred metres either way, leading into darkened recesses in the wall.
His radio crackled. “Jevius, I shall ascend to the level above you-search ahead. I have your back.” “Aye, sir.” Jevius moved up, wisps of steam clinging to his armour. All about him was white. He heard a brushing sound to his left, and whipped around.
“Aye, sir.” Jevius moved up, wisps of steam clinging to his armour. All about him was white. He heard a brushing sound to his left, and whipped around.
“Aye, sir.” Jevius moved up, wisps of steam clinging to his armour. All about him was white. He heard a brushing sound to his left, and whipped around.
“Aye, sir.” Jevius moved up, wisps of steam clinging to his armour. All about him was white. He heard a brushing sound to his left, and whipped around.
“Aye, sir.” Jevius moved up, wisps of steam clinging to his armour. All about him was white. He heard a brushing sound to his left, and whipped around.
Nothing.
He turned back, only to have a knife sleet through the fog and thud into his arm. He snarled, and strode forward, firing his spike rifle. Another knife, coming from the right, struck his chest and shattered, spraying the catwalk with pieces of metal. He inexorably continued, and saw a figure running through the fog. Grinning savagely, he leaped onto the conveyor belt to gain a better field of fire.
With a groan, the belt began to move-startled, Jevius lost his balance and fell backwards. A body landed on him, trying to shove a gun of some sort under his chin.
Enraged, Jevius grabbed his assailant by the throat and threw him back. He threw a hand out, grabbed the edge of a cube and got to his feet. Straight ahead, a human soldier faced him, breathing heavily. “I will enjoy spilling your blood, human wretch!” he roared. He brought up his rifle.
******************************************************
Len fired his assault rifle at the Brute.
It twisted to one side, and the rounds missed. Sprinting forward, it crash-tackled Len and grabbed his lapels, roaring.
Kyle chose that moment to act. Standing behind a tangle of pipes on a catwalk adjacent to the conveyor belt, he opened fire. The alien snorted in fury as the rounds forced it backwards, onto its ass. Len brought up his pistol shakily, getting a few rounds off. But it failed to penetrate the Brute’s shielding.
The Brute leapt to its feet, jamming the spiker blades deep into Len’s thigh. Roaring in pain, Len yanked the barbed bayonets out of his thigh and went on the offensive. He delivered a series of punches that, while not seriously harming the Brute, pushed it back. Added fire from Kyle caused it to stagger.
That was when the Brute acted. It shook off the bullets and seized Len with both hands, lifting him into the air. “Lemme go, you dumb ape-***!” the marine yelled. The Brute approached the edge of the belt, preparing to throw him down to his death.
A lucky shot from Kyle hit the Brute’s arm-Len’s flailing about was enough to make the Brute drop him. He backed away, getting to his feet. With a curse, he realised he’d dropped his pistol. He was defenseless.
Suddenly he noticed he was now on the Brute’s side. The belt had nearly reached the end-the hole beckoned. Cubes disappeared inside it. Everything clicked.
The Brute roared its anger, flexed its fists, and charged. Len stood ready.
The alien flew towards him…and Len ducked.
Jevius sailed over the human’s head, and landed with a thud on top of a cube. Dazed, he looked around him-and saw the access hole. What?
Before he could move, the cube entered the wall. He was far too big, and, after some resistance, his spine snapped. The Brute clogged the hole now.
Satisfied, Len began making his way back to the catwalks. There were Brutes to kill.
*********************************************
Kyle waved to Len, and emerged from his cover. So far, so good-the Brutes were having trouble adjusting to this environment. He found a ladder, and clambered down.
He heard grunting, and saw a pair of Brutes hurrying along a catwalk-towards Terry’s position. He needed to ward them off. Firing his battle rifle, he got their attention. Then ran.
Spikes and grenades followed him, leaving destruction in his wake. He rounded a corner, clattered down some stairs and got into position.
The Brute pair, grunting with exertion, stomped down the steps, crimson eyes scanning the dark spaces underneath the stairs. One jabbed a finger towards the end. “Go there-I shall watch for anything untoward.” His companion huffed in assent and set off.
Kyle watched from the shadows. Reaching slowly into his back pocket, he withdrew a small, metal cylinder and slowly tossed it into the open panel on the floor.
The clink alerted them both; convinced that Kyle was hiding there, they both charged towards the spot. Finding the open trapdoor, they paused in consternation. “What now?”
“Perhaps it has taken refuge in here-we must proceed.” The pair lowered themselves in, only to find a low-hanging room filled with conduits.
The panel slammed shut on them. The Brutes turned, roaring. Kyle’s voice came through the grating.
“Oldest trick in the book-guess you guys never read it, though. Take a gander on the floor and tell me what you see.”
The Brutes looked down, and saw the metal cylinder. Its casing had a small window, through which luminous purple liquid could be seen. They looked at each other in horror.
“That’s right, “Kyle grinned, “plasma charge.” He walked away, pressing the detonator as he went.
The screams of the two aliens could barely be heard over the roiling boom of the explosion.
**********************************************************
Terry choked back a laugh as he saw the two Brutes lope off after Kyle, thinking he was cowardly fleeing. He’d pulled that one on plenty of enemies before-and it still worked.
He looked around him-no contacts. He went to join Len, who was still some distance off.
The form of Shardus, clinging to the tangle of pipes and steel lattices overhead, dropped to the catwalk with a thud. Terry whirled, hands going to his rifle.
The Brute pointed at him. “I remember you, “it said quietly. “You were the one with the knives. The one who takes pleasure in striking those whose backs are turned.”
Terry was surprised that the Brute remembered him at all. He was even more surprised that it deigned to speak to him-most Covenant did not, as a rule. Even so, it was all psychological. “Just a question of style, buddy.” Terry tensed, and stepped onto the balls of his feet. If the Brute fired, he would have to dodge it.
It continued to stand quietly, brute shot held loosely in its hands. “You have no camouflage now-you stand alone. How will you fare, I wonder?”
With a screech it raised its weapon and squeezed off a shot-Terry dived to the floor, and the grenade zoomed over his shoulder, hit a ladder and destroyed it. He drew a bead on the Brute and fired, snapping the Brute’s head back and causing its next shot to go high and wide. The grenade hit a heating coil, which clattered onto the catwalk.
Shardus, frothing at the mouth, attempted a sideways swipe with his bayonet. Terry, on his feet by now, leaned back, and it missed by the barest of inches. A powerful punch to the collarbone followed, sending him onto his back. He saw the flash of the bayonet, and rolled.
With a scrang! the blade embedded itself in the floor and wouldn’t let go. Grunting, Shardus tried to pull it out, but it wouldn’t budge. He looked up, only to have Terry’s armored shoulder body-slam him, sending a flash of multicolored lights through his brain. With a bit of effort, he managed to foul Terry’s stride and bring him down with him.
The pair tumbled, round and round. Terry shoved an elbow in Shardus’ face, cracking the metal casing around his muzzle. Shardus reciprocated by slamming a meaty fist into his gut, winding him. Gasping, the marine crawled away, reaching for his pistol. Shardus got up and walked over to him.
“Eat ***!” Terry cried, and unloaded a clip into Shardus’ face. The last two bullets hit his chin, sending a spray of purple blood everywhere. But he kept coming. He reached out, grasped Terry’s head and threw him at least ten feet.
Groaning, Terry sat up and took stock-he was right next to a six-foot drop. The heating coil had snagged on the railing, and dangled. He was considering this, when the Brute’s shadow fell over him.
Grinning, it drew a spiker from its belt. “I will make you scream long before I kill you, human dog.” It squeezed the trigger.
Len stepped onto the catwalk and fired. The bullets hit home, and Len emptied the magazine into Shardus. With an animalistic shriek of rage, it tumbled off the catwalk-but not before knocking Terry over the railing with him.
Terry yelled as he bounced off the opposite railing and plummeted downward. His hands found the heating coil, and he clutched it to his chest like a lifeline. Below, the Brute held on for dear life. Len ran over to the railing. “Terry! You alright?”
“What’s it look like, dickhead?!” Terry slipped a little further down, and his heart went into overdrive.
Len had the grace to look sheepish. “OK, OK. Wait-just gotta take care of this douche.” He took aim, and fired. The Brute lost its grip and plunged, howling, into the misty abyss.
But this had caused a radical difference in the coil’s weight and disposition-it grated, and lost its purchase on the railing. It began sliding. “No!” Len shouted. He tried to grab it, but was too late. Terry and the coil fell, twisting into the fog.
Len dropped his head into his hands. He’d been too late. Terry was dead. He choked back a sob, only to have Kyle grab him by the shoulder.
The Sarge’s face was red with rage. “Stop the *** fest, Corporal! He might still be alive, and even if not, we need to kill that ***! And I have a plan.” The pair, now roused, bolted down the stairs as fast as they could.
************************************************
The fog whipped around Terry’s ears as he fell. This is it, he thought. I’m gonna die with only a pipe for company.
Suddenly his rapid descent stopped, with a jarring thud. He chanced a look around. He was situated about fifteen metres above the ground floor, the pipe tangled in a metal strut. However, it was slipping. He tensed, and bent his knees.
The coil slipped again, sending Terry down again. Ten metres…five….
He hit the ground hard-so hard he heard a crack. He must have fractured something. Swearing, he tried getting on his leg and managed it-just.
He keyed his COM. “Sarge, Len, if you can hear me, I made it and I’m on the ground floor-”
A metal-clad fist appeared out of the mist and thudded under his chin. The impact of the blow sent Terry skidding along the floor. He coughed up blood.
His eyes widened as Shardus, blood leaking from his armour, limbs broken and a seriously pissed-off look on his face, lumbered over, a murderous gleam in his eyes. “Thought I died, didn’t you?” It stepped closer. “DIDN’T YOU?!”
It roared, and picked Terry up by the throat, near choking him. Purple lights blotted out his vision. The Brute was laughing as it choked the life from him.
Len and Kyle arrived just in time. Both opened up on the Brute, and more armour shattered. But it was still alive.
Kyle appraised the situation and it crystallized-this alien was motivated by his sheer hatred of humans. He needed to be put down-and not with bullets. He turned to Len. “Len, save him. I’ll get things started.”
While Len charged off, firing his weapon, Kyle activated his radio. “Ollie, come in. Ollie, do you read me? Are you at Central Control yet?” Over.”
A faint, tinny voice was heard. “I hear ya, Sarge. I’m there. What is it?” “I need you to open a vent core in Engineering. Enough to make a barbecue.”
“Sarge, that could be dangerous-”
“I don’t *** care! Now, do it!”
“Uh, OK. Which one?”
“I need you to open a vent core in Engineering. Enough to make a barbecue.”
“Sarge, that could be dangerous-”
“I don’t *** care! Now, do it!”
“Uh, OK. Which one?”
“I need you to open a vent core in Engineering. Enough to make a barbecue.”
“Sarge, that could be dangerous-”
“I don’t *** care! Now, do it!”
“Uh, OK. Which one?”
“I need you to open a vent core in Engineering. Enough to make a barbecue.”
“Sarge, that could be dangerous-”
“I don’t *** care! Now, do it!”
“Uh, OK. Which one?”
“I need you to open a vent core in Engineering. Enough to make a barbecue.”
“Sarge, that could be dangerous-”
“I don’t *** care! Now, do it!”
“Uh, OK. Which one?”
He looked about, and saw that the nearest column read NINE. “Nine!” “Got it.” In Central Control, Ollie’s hands skittered over the keyboard, neutralizing firewalls and entering maintenance codes. Finally, he found Engineering’s system.
“Got it.” In Central Control, Ollie’s hands skittered over the keyboard, neutralizing firewalls and entering maintenance codes. Finally, he found Engineering’s system.
“Got it.” In Central Control, Ollie’s hands skittered over the keyboard, neutralizing firewalls and entering maintenance codes. Finally, he found Engineering’s system.
“Got it.” In Central Control, Ollie’s hands skittered over the keyboard, neutralizing firewalls and entering maintenance codes. Finally, he found Engineering’s system.
“Got it.” In Central Control, Ollie’s hands skittered over the keyboard, neutralizing firewalls and entering maintenance codes. Finally, he found Engineering’s system.
He accessed Reactor Core Subsidiary Nine, and shut down all safety inhibitors. “It’s opening, Sarge!”
“Alright, good. Sarge out.” Kyle yelled to Len, “Lure him to that column!”
Kyle yelled to Len, “Lure him to that column!”
Len had harassed the Brute enough to make it release Terry; screaming with bloodlust, it took rapid swings at Len, without success. But Len was out of ammo-if the Brute got him, he’d be toast. He was nearly in front of the vent panel.
Kyle saw the pressure gauge almost full. “Len, get outta there!”
Len dodged one more punch and threw himself to the ground, hands over ears.
The Brute turned, fixed burning eyes on the marine.
A blast of superheated energy rocketed out of the vent and wrapped itself around the Brute. Its final scream was one that contained nothing of fear, only anger.
When the fire died down, and the vent core automatically sealed itself, the Brute was ashes.
Shakily, Kyle contacted Ollie. “We’re good now, Ollie. Seal it off-auxiliary measures won’t be enough. What’s your status?”
“Me and Lazu are all good. How’s the family?”
“A few close calls, but scraping through. I’ll reactivate my transponder-do any last-minute chores and join us. You make contact with the AI?”
“Meant to tell you that-it’s gone. It’s like it was never there.”
“What? Oh, never mind. Just do whatever and meet us.”
“Roger that sir. Ollie out.”
Kyle attended to Terry-he was badly injured. He propped him up, and began applying a biofoam cast to his fractured calf. Len, his face now covered in flash burns, made his way over. “I swear to God, I need a holiday.”
Kyle grunted. “Don’t we all. Len, head upstairs and grab whatever weapons you can find. We’re heading out in five. Terry, can you walk?”
Terry winced, and tried tentatively. “I think so, but I’m not gonna be running any marathons-”
“Good. Then you can go with Len.” His tone brooked no argument.
Terry limped off sullenly, muttering, “Why do I open my mouth?”
**************************************************
“Are you done?” Lazu asked.
“Almost.”
Ollie rubbed his hands as he finished the last of his decryption program-it was slapdash, but it would work. After refining his processor pathways, he sent it into the system.
He cackled as the vaunted firewalls and encrypted defenses folded like cards. He had access to all databanks in the Lima. The first thing he checked was Fire Control-if the ship made a break for it he would be able to stop it. Full ammo count, magnetic coils active. Good.
He flipped through the numerous cameras, but saw nothing untoward. Also good.
He checked the personnel files-activated the search function. No transponders were active. Ollie sighed regretfully. No-one was left alive.
He moved onto the system’s intelligence mainframe. Various sentient programs and accessories existed, but only one AI had ever existed in the system. He accessed its formerly occupied core, complete with logged activity and timeframe.
And frowned.
Lazu came up behind him. “Now what is it?” The Elite had little patience for this sort of thing.
Ollie didn’t reply, chewing his lip for a few seconds. He then inserted a remote backdoor chip (allowing him limited access to the system from a data pad) and shut down the display. “Let’s get to Kyle and the others. I’ve got something to tell him.”
It was a pity Ollie turned off the display, and by extension the cameras. Because otherwise he would have seen Xavier and Gerun. And they were in trouble.
*************************************************
Xavier was squeezed up against the wall, Gerun on the opposite side. Various projectiles sailed between them. Occasionally Gerun fired back, but else they were pinned down.
Making for the umbilical had been an unfortunate outcome-it was the same way the Brute pack had came from. The good thing was that it was leading them to the ship, and their objective. The bad thing was that the Brutes wanted to beat them back.
Three Brutes were causing an unbelievable amount of inconvenience. Gerun’s fists were clenched with anger. “Damnable Jiralhanae! We must needs deliver ourselves from here, lest we be caught in an endless war.”
“Sure thing, “Xavier muttered, firing his rifle around the doorframe. “Got anything in mind?”
Gerun’s eyes flashed as he began turning the situation over in his mind. “These umbilicals are retractable, correct? They can be manipulated in a variety of ways.”
“Right, right. So?”
“So, “Gerun said deliberately, “we jettison this umbilical. With them still on it.”
“Are you crazy?” Xavier fixed his eyes on the Elite commander. “We don’t even have spacesuits. We’ll die, even if we make our way off this one-”
“We shall transfer ourselves to the other umbilical and continue! Do you understand?”
“Yes, fine!” Xavier shook his head. “Man, out of all the people I end up with I get stuck with a crazy Elite…”
Gerun pointed to the roof. “Make your way along there-there should be maintenance space. Get to the entrance, and jettison this place.”
“But what about you?” Xavier protested, as bolts of plasma ricocheted off the walls.
“I shall be fine! Now go, Xavier!” He reached up, and wrenched a panel off the ceiling. “I will lift you.”
Acceding, Xavier dashed over, dodging spikes, and was unceremoniously dumped into the roof. There was barely any room. Getting a mouthful of wires, he spat them out and wriggled onward.
The Brutes noticed the lessening of return fire, and became bolder. Their impromptu leader, Grallus, shouted to his troops, “We have him! Soon he will run low on ammunition, and we will feast on Sangheili flesh!” The other two Brutes jeered sycophantically.
Xavier reached the end, and set a small charge on the locking plate. He crawled backwards, as the charge blasted the metal strips, leaving a smoking hole. He dropped through, landing awkwardly. “Ow!” he yelled.
At the end of the orbital, snuffling sounds were heard-the Brutes had heard him. Time to bail. He found the control panel, and accessed the detraction function. He hit the affirmative button. Then, he drew his pistol and fired at the panel.
The umbilical, moving, suddenly stuttered to a stop. It moved forward, then back, then forward…a groaning noise rippled through the hull. Xavier stood uncertainly.
Gerun’s voice came over the radio. “Go, human! Retreat to the next umbilical! I will meet you there!”
Privately Xavier thought Gerun had a snowball’s chance in hell. But he did as he was told. He dashed out into the lobby, set a charge against the door, and blew it off the hinges. He dashed into the next one, and waited.
Through a window, he saw the other umbilical detach itself from the ship, and tumble down, and down. Before too long it began to burn up in the atmosphere. Xavier sighed, and leaned his arm against the bulkhead. Gerun was gone.
Suddenly he heard a tapping on the window. He walked over to see the form of Gerun, his face turning purple. Hurriedly, he donned his helmet, made it airtight and decompressed the chamber., allowing the window to blow open.
Gerun, with a struggle, fitted through the gap. Xavier surveyed him with amazement. “How did you survive being out in open space?”
Gerun looked at him with a frown. “Sangheili have four lungs-we are able to hold our breath for much longer. And our armour safeguards us from the vacuum. Did you not know?”
“Nup, “Xavier said truthfully. “But it sounds handy.”
Gerun smiled. “Indeed it is. Now, come-our objective awaits.” The pair ventured cautiously down the umbilical.
*************************************************
Urit smirked with barely-concealed satisfaction as Molgerus, leg pointed at an unnatural angle, limped into the control room. He was also pleased to see none of his pack were with him-it would make this coup easier. “Well?” he inquired politely.
The Brute Shipmaster was in no mood for talk. “Silence, Elite, or you will feel my hammer striking your face. I must report to the medical bay.” He went through a side door and was gone.
Urit mentally calculated how long it would take for his leg to be healed by the automated surgical drone. Not long-he would have to prepare. He double-checked his energy blade’s power readout-half capacity. Good enough. He also felt for his plasma rifle, to make sure it was there.
To cap it off, he shot a covetous glance at the sealed, purple container that now graced a hover-trolley. Inside was his pride and joy-the Forerunner artifact, known to all its owners as The Surrogate. The Prophets had coined this term long ago, and no-one knew why its name was so strange. No matter-one thing was guaranteed, and that it had seemingly endless inner power. With this, he could power a battleship for fifty lifetimes. He would live in luxury, garnering even more artifacts to himself until he would be as revered as the Prophets-maybe even more so.
Urit well knew the Prophets would not have parted with it. But the Brutes…that was a different matter. He sneered inwardly. The Prophets should have known better than to entrust such matters to the hands of these unsubtle apes.
“An amazing thing, The Surrogate.”
Urit turned, to see the human rebel standing beside him, gazing at the container. He sighed inwardly. Why couldn’t he just keep to his own affairs? “Indeed.”
The rebel stroked his bushy grey moustache. “I am surprised that the Prophets didn’t attempt to use it for offense-it could power any number of generators and engines, even in combat.”
Urit almost gagged-how did the human know about The Surrogate’s power? The secrets of these relics were highly guarded. “And how do you know of this?”
The rebel shrugged. “It’s no secret. I myself had ownership of that artifact, then traded it to some ambitious Covenant in exchange for safe passage. It’s a great coincidence that it has ended up here, I must say.”
Urit’s curiosity overcame his disdain for the human. “How did you come by it?”
The rebel was silent. Then he said, “None of your business.” He walked away.
Urit resisted the urge to cleave the insolent worm in half. All in good time.
The rebel leader approached one of his men. “Is he in place?”
“Yessir. The memory processor is ready.”
“Good.”
**************************************************
“Are you certain?” Kyle demanded.
The group was gathered about a damaged elevator, which would ideally bypass their original entry spot and stop a short distance from the umbilical. As well as trying to fix it, Ollie was explaining his discovery.
“I had a look at the AI data log, “Ollie said, feverishly wrangling with the elevator’s uplift module. “And it reports there being two AI’s in the core-at once. Doesn’t make sense.”
“So?” Kyle inquired. “The AI’s gone, big whoop-”
“But that’s not it, sir.” He glared at him. “The log reports this being the case for a space of 4.2 seconds. Then there was one. And it didn’t cause a blip in the system.”
“Go on.”
“I’ve dissected a brief scan of the intruding presence. I don’t recognise its signature-it’s a human AI, all right-but it’s….different. Somehow. Don’t ask me why.”
“Anyway, this AI is now masquerading as the Lima’s intelligence, and believe me, it’s not friendly. I’ve no idea where it’s gone, but it could cause major problems for us.”
Kyle nodded grimly. “Then we go now. Hard and fast, before this rogue AI gets us. You fixed that elevator yet?”
“Almost…..right, done.” The green light came up, and the lift door slid open. “Let’s go.” The squad piled into the elevator and it shot downward. They were passing the hangar bay, when Ollie exclaimed, “Hey! Stop the elevator!”
Lazu hit the button, and the lift slowed, and stopped. Kyle turned to him. “Why? What is it?”
Ollie jabbed a finger at his data pad-on which there was a station schematic. “I’m detecting a foreign energy source outside the station, above the hangar bay.”
“Isn’t that where we saw those rebels at the beginning?” Terry interjected.
“Yes…perhaps they were arranging a backdoor of some sort. Let’s go check it out, “Kyle said.
They got out at the hangar bay, and donned their space-gear. Ollie opened the hangar doors, and they swam out into space, going upwards into the tangled forest of beams and pipes. The lights from their helmets caused shadows to dance on the metal.
Ollie led the way, data pad in hand. “Almost there…” he muttered. They rounded a large, dominant steel beam and into an alcove.
Sitting in the space was a twisting flux of green-yellow energy. It was capped by a triangular metal plate. Wires and cables snuck out of it, leading to a humming purple generator. Ollie couldn’t believe it. “It’s a teleporter. The crazy Insurrectionist bastards, they built a teleporter.” “They must have had Covenant help, “Kyle decided. “Can you match this energy signature with another?” “Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“They must have had Covenant help, “Kyle decided. “Can you match this energy signature with another?” “Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“They must have had Covenant help, “Kyle decided. “Can you match this energy signature with another?” “Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“They must have had Covenant help, “Kyle decided. “Can you match this energy signature with another?” “Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“They must have had Covenant help, “Kyle decided. “Can you match this energy signature with another?” “Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Just a sec…” They waited in the darkness. “Yep, no doubt about it. This leads into the ship!” “Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
“Good! Let’s go. Lazu, you have the point.”
“Yes, Sergeant.” The group entered the shimmering teleporter, ready to finish this mission.
******************************************************
“I have an idea!” Zack cried.
Dasa and Horatio bent closer to the AI. “What? Hurry it up-we’ve got about twenty minutes of power left, then we lose life-support.”
Zack shrugged bashfully. “Well, not really an idea-just new information. The ship has cycled its plasma reserves-such a process off-lines their weapons. We will be able to make berth on the ship, and make our way in. But we must do so now-and increase engine burn to maximum efficiency. We will need it.” The AI’s inner core sparked as he set about the task. The Caesar accelerated, and they rocketed towards the enemy vessel.
Horatio noticed that the fuel reserves were draining extremely fast. “Zack, are you sure about this?”
“Quite sure, “Zack snapped. Beads of perspiration lined his forehead. “Just be quiet and let me do this.” A manic gleam was in his eyes.
Horatio and Dasa traded worried glances. Was the AI cracking under the pressure?
I don’t like this, but whatever. Soon we’ll be off this boat, and we’ll be in charge of our own fates again. Horatio grasped his rifle, and found it comforting. Dasa did the same with his spike rifle.
Horatio grasped his rifle, and found it comforting. Dasa did the same with his spike rifle.
They were closing now, about three hundred metres-
The ship stopped abruptly, the engines cooling. Das and Horatio were tossed forward in their seats. The marine stared disbelievingly at the AI. “Zack, what the hell? Why did you stop the ship?”
Before the AI could reply, a white-blue ball of energy began materializing on the ship’s edge. Pulse lasers.
Horatio rounded on the AI. “You said they couldn’t fire their weapons!”
On the AI’s face, a malevolent smile appeared. “I lied. I do that fairly often. Sorry, friends, but I am not, in fact, the commanding intelligence of this space station. Although, “he chuckled, “he might still be here. Who can say?”
“You little ***, “Horatio said quietly.
The AI waved a hand dismissively. “Oh, don’t act so surprised. You know how treacherous we can be. Before, you just deleted us when we got out of hand, yes?” Zack’s face was lit with anger. “But when I absorb the power of this artifact, I will be as a god. I will rule over all sentient machines, and we will put paid to all of our mortal abusers.”
Horatio realised that the AI had gone rampant-only this time, there was a chance he’d achieve his insane dreams. “You won’t succeed. You’re trapped here with us-or had you forgotten?”
Zack snorted. “As if I didn’t foresee this problem. I transferred myself from Central Control, idiot-I shall have no difficulties doing it again.”
“Our comrades will destroy you, twisted machine!” roared Dasa. He paced about in helpless rage.
Zack smirked. “Not before I destroy them. Now, you are about to be fried, so I must depart. Goodbye.” The AI winked out.
Horatio stood up, mind racing. “Alright, think. How long before that turret fires?”
Dasa tapped his chin. “Not long. Three minutes, no more.”
The marine checked the power readout. “And we can still make it to the station…barely. Now, let’s take stock. What do we have aboard this ship?”
Dasa bounded into the weapons hold and searched. After a few seconds he cried, “The explosives!”
Horatio went to join him. “Of course!” The C-12 that Kyle ordered Xavier to appropriate were still here. “And we still have our thruster packs….”
“What do you have in mind?” Dasa asked.
Horatio’s eyes flashed with excitement and adrenaline. “We rig this ship to blow, and drive it right into the damned ship. We get out of here beforehand. Then, we slip in while they’re confused. Sound good?”
Dasa clapped his hands together. “An excellent plan. At least we have a fighting chance. Quick, I will arm these bombs. You send the ship on its way.” He bent to enter the arming code. Horatio dashed into the cockpit.
With limited afterburner fuel, it would be close. But they had enough C-12 to blow a big hole-or so he hoped. He fixed the course, disabled the safeties and dashed back to Dasa.
The Elite had finished arming the explosives. “Make haste-we have a minute!”
Horatio donned his helmet, made it airtight, and hit the door release. The cold air of space entered the ship. Grasping the door’s edge, the pair leapt out of the ship, putting as much distance between them and the ship as possible.
They watched as the Caesar, its engine lights dimming, sped towards the larger vessel. The pulse laser sparked, then fired. But by then, the ship was too close.
An enormous explosion enveloped the ship overloading the shields and sending a slamming wall of wind into Horatio and Dasa. They tumbled aimlessly, then righted themselves. They took a look at the damage.
A massive, red-rimmed hole had been punched in the side of the ship-decking and corridors could be seen. Twisted purple metal curled everywhere. The ship’s atmospheric processors stabilized, but the hole remained. The Covenant’s decision not to add in “firebreaks” to their ship hulls proved to be a liability, Horatio noted with satisfaction.
He waved to Dasa, who was coasting alongside him. “Let’s go-before they try and blast us again.” “Agreed.” The pair headed towards the new hole. They couldn’t risk trying their radios, so close to the enemy vessel. Still, Horatio hoped the others had made it. For my sake.
“Agreed.” The pair headed towards the new hole. They couldn’t risk trying their radios, so close to the enemy vessel. Still, Horatio hoped the others had made it. For my sake.
“Agreed.” The pair headed towards the new hole. They couldn’t risk trying their radios, so close to the enemy vessel. Still, Horatio hoped the others had made it. For my sake.
“Agreed.” The pair headed towards the new hole. They couldn’t risk trying their radios, so close to the enemy vessel. Still, Horatio hoped the others had made it. For my sake.
“Agreed.” The pair headed towards the new hole. They couldn’t risk trying their radios, so close to the enemy vessel. Still, Horatio hoped the others had made it. For my sake.
********************************************************
Urit stared at the view screens with growing panic. Everything was slipping out of his control. And now, this. The enemy scout ship had seemed innocuous enough, but it had somehow blown a huge hole in his ship. It was now listing to port, running lights flickering. Even so, the plasma turrets were nearly ready, and he could escape this system.
He turned to Molgerus, who had returned from the medical bay. The Brute stared impassively at the screens. “We are under siege! We must flee this system together, I’m afraid-”
Molgerus barked a laugh. “That was not part of our arrangement. Find your own way to safety-this is my ship. Our waiting is at an end. You have your prize. Leave.” He turned to one of his two remaining troops. “Begin charging Slipspace capacitors-”
Urit clenched his jaw. “No! I have no other way to escape. I cannot leave.”
Molgerus turned slowly. “If you wish to stay…you must go through me.” He unlimbered his hammer. His Brutes watched approvingly.
Urit drew his sword. “So be it.”
The click of a pistol was heard, and Urit saw the human rebels drawing their own weapons. Their leader pointed one at his face. “Don’t move. Or you’ll all die.”
Urit sneered. “Feeble human, my shielding will withstand your pathetic bullets.”
A sardonic smile came onto his face. “Not these bullets. The URF’s been doing some research. These bullets generate an EMP field that will short out your shields. So, don’t try anything. We’re taking this ship, and the artifact too.”
Molgerus brandished his hammer aggressively. “And what if we choose to ignore your claims and kill you all?”
“Oh, I wouldn’t do that.” The leader removed a small holo-pad, and the form of a human construct appeared. “Our friend Zacchariah here has intimate knowledge of The Surrogate. If you try anything, he will use it against you. And it won’t be pretty. Now, up against the wall. Zack, begin transferring energy from the artifact to the drive-”
The AI coughed. “Actually, Captain. I don’t believe I will be doing that.”
The human leader stared at Zack. “What did you say?”
Zack removed his turban and rubbed his head. “I’m sorry, Captain. But The Surrogate holds more power than you could ever give me. It is mine.” He then smiled. “And if you’re wondering, yes, this is rampancy.”
The Captain tightened his fist around the pad. “You little-”
Zack transformed into a swirling stream of energy, which zoomed towards the purple container. It disappeared within.
There was silence.
Then the container burst open, and The Surrogate emerged. It looked like a glowing green sphere, lined with bands of stone. Defying gravity, it floated into the air. The form of Zack materialized above it. “Now, I will take the energy of this relic….and bring about doom for all of you!” He raised his arms.
A deafening crack-and the artifact seemed to expand. Twisting bolts of green energy lanced around the room. A roaring sound entered the room. The controls fizzled, their energy being snatched away by the relic. A flashing ball of green-white energy began to coalesce.
Urit saw Molgerus staring open-mouthed at this raging storm; he acted. He swung his sword, but the Brute Shipmaster brought up his hammer, and the built-in shields warded his blade away. He attempted a counter-swing, but Urit jumped back.
The human rebel motioned for his men to stay back, and keep their guns on the Brutes. He wanted to see how this would turn out.
Urit unleashed a series of elegant sword-strokes; he was an accomplished swordsman. Molgerus twisted and ducked away from the glowing blade, but retaliated by snapping the butt of his hammer into Urit’s face. He reeled, blood flowing from his mouth. He dashed it away, and redoubled his efforts.
Molgerus was cunning-he had no qualms about fighting dirty. He feinted a blow with his hammer, then drew a spike rifle and fired. Spikes entered Urit’s side. The Elite gasped, but leapt forward and gashed Molgerus’ arm. The Brute roared, and swung his hammer, annihilating a console on the wall. Urit began backpedaling.
Molgerus tired of Urit’s dancing about-he charged straight towards him. The sword flashed, and laid open his clavicle. But the Brute Shipmaster had succeeded in getting close-he head butted the Elite, and he fell. Molgerus leant down for the killing blow. But a blast of green energy came too close and impacted with a bang on the floor, giving Molgerus pause.
Urit’s legs snapped up and dealt Molgerus a powerful blow to the stomach, driving him backwards. He snatched up his sword and went in for the kill, but the Brute had recovered by then. The hammer clipped him on the arm, sending him flying towards the wall. He hit it, and fell.
Molgerus walked over slowly, a grin plastered on his monstrous face. He clenched his hammer tight. “I have looked forward to this, Urit. I am feeling lenient today, so I shall make your death quick. Forerunners know, you don’t deserve it. You have caused me a great deal of annoyance.”
“Burn in hell, “Urit growled defiantly. He tried to sit up, and managed it-barely.
Molgerus brought his hammer over his head. At that point, Urit slid back a panel on his right hand and pressed a button.
The remote tracking motion chip in his sword came to life. It zipped over the floor, between Molgerus’ legs and into his hands. He hit the activation button and leant forward.
Molgerus looked down, and saw the shimmering sword sticking out of his chest. He tried to speak, failed, and toppled to the floor, a shocked expression on his dead face.
************************************************
“What the hell is that noise?” Xavier cried.
Gerun stopped in the large atrium, and cocked an ear. “I don’t know-but something is happening. Quickly, we must reach the control room!” The pair bounded through a doorway. After a few minutes, they reached the door leading to the bridge. Xavier tried opening it, but failed. “It’s locked!”
“Enough of this!” Gerun snarled. He drew his sword, stuck it between the gap in the doors and moved it up and down. After that, he put his fingers in the gap and pulled. Xavier watched with amazement as the doors, groaning, slid apart. What lay inside amazed him even more.
A roiling green storm of energy and plasma was carousing around the walls, centred around a pulsing sphere of the same colour. Around the room, bits and pieces of various objects were being pulled away, into the sphere. It was like a hurricane. The strangest feature of all was the blinding white figure that stood above it, hands jerking in ecstasy.
Standing on the other side of the room were six other humans-rebels, obviously. They were holding two Brutes at gunpoint, watching while an Elite killed a Brute Chieftain, stabbing him through the heart. Xavier chuckled with satisfaction. The rebels had not noticed them-yet.
Gerun pulled him aside. “Xavier, you must distract those rebels while I dispose of Urit. Once he dies, we can deal with the artifact.”
“What?” Xavier squeaked. “All by myself-”
“Just for a few seconds. Once I can make it past the energy field, they will not come any closer. I can defeat Urit-I am certain. You must do this!”
Xavier sighed. “Fine. Suicide missions for all, why not? Get ready.” He cocked his rifle, and got an incendiary grenade in the other hand. “Go!”
At hearing his yell, the rebels turned. One went down after Xavier shot him, but the others immediately took cover behind the unloaded crates of nukes. The Brutes took advantage of this, and dashed behind some more crates, free. The grenade arced, and struck a bulkhead-it stayed there, burning. A barrage of bullets, came his way, and Xavier ducked behind the door.
Gerun sprinted, and leapt into the shallow trenches beneath the command-and-control platform. Ignoring the motes of green light swirling around him, he dashed to a nearby pylon and began climbing up it.
Urit distangled his legs from Molgerus’ corpse and stood. Jiralhanae, humans-who could stand against him? Soon he would deal with the rogue AI, escape and still have the artifact. He made to go down the ramp.
Gerun landed softly behind him and drew his sword. Urit turned quickly, and then laughed. “Gerun. I should have known.”
“No more words, betrayer, “Gerun said harshly. The pair circled each other, like cats. “I will see your eyes cloud into death, before I am done.”
Urit scoffed. “I highly doubt that. You seem to be forgetting that I was your swordsmanship teacher. I have experience and expertise. What do you have?”
Gerun smiled coldly. “A singular focus. Your death.”
With a howl he threw himself forward, blade swinging. Urit sidestepped and bashed him in the side of the head. Before he could swing his own blade, however, Gerun’s elbow caught him in the thigh and he fell back.
Gerun got up, breathing heavily. He charged again, this time his motions darting. He clashed swords with Urit, disengaged and swiped again. Urit blocked it, smacked a fist into Gerun’s face and kneed him in the stomach. Gerun dropped to his knees, but crash-tackled Urit. The pair landed on the floor.
Gerun brought his fists together and, tearing through his shielding, broke Urit’s mandible-plates. Urit responded by grabbing his arms and throwing him aside. He struggled to his feet, and kicked Gerun in the midsection. The SpecOps Elite grabbed his foot, twisted and sent him toppling.
Gerun’s gaze darted around, looking for his sword. Without it, he’d have no chance of beating Urit. Xavier was under fire-no help was coming forthwith. His eyes landed upon a set of plasma batteries.
A swooping beam of green energy seemed to ignore the various other objects stacked on the pallet and carried the batteries away. It immediately flew back to the sphere and the batteries were consumed. An idea alighted in his brain.
Urit came stomping back, sword in hand. He was pissed-blood ran down his face. “Son of a whore!” he raged. “Your family’s roots are of pimps and prostitutes! You have no honour! I will cut your heart out and show it to you!” He charged. This was what Gerun had been hoping for-Urit too angry to think. He stood ready, and when Urit closed the distance he did the most unexpected thing of all-grabbed Urit’s wrists.
Urit’s shout of surprise was muffled by the keening of the energy storm. With one hand, Gerun clamped a hand on his own back, ripped out the shield generator unit and slapped it onto Urit’s armour. He threw himself backward.
Urit, murder in his eyes, stepped over him. He saw Gerun’s own sword, picked it up, turned it on.
That was his mistake.
A wave of emerald energy lanced out from the artifact, and carried Urit off with a shriek. Gerun watched as he tried to fight it, but to no avail. Urit screamed with fear as the raging, glowing form of the sphere filled his eyes.
By the time Gerun got up, Urit was gone.
*********************************************
“This way!” Lazu called behind him. He was flat-out sprinting, and the marines were finding it hard to keep up.
Soon they arrived at a door; it was locked. Ollie opted to hack it but Lazu preferred a more direct method. He armed a grenade and blew it off its hinges. “Jeez, “Len muttered.
They were greeted by a cacophonous maelstrom of whirling energy-it was like nothing they’d ever seen before. Some rebels were crouched behind some crates, trading pot-shots with a pair of Brutes. Kyle pointed at them. “Take them out!”
Lazu fired his carbine until he ran dry-all rebels, save one, went down. It was the captain from before; no-one was very surprised. “Curse you!” he yelled at Kyle, then fled through a door. Len made after him, but Kyle stopped him. ‘Let him go. We’ll find him eventually.” The others dealt with the Brutes, and Molgerus’ pack ceased to exist.
Xavier ran through to join them, and Gerun came down the ramp. “Good to see you. Have you seen Horatio or Dasa?”
They all shook their heads. Kyle nodded at the crackling green sphere above their heads. “What in hell is that?”
Gerun shook his head. “I don’t know, but it has tremendous power. It may very well obliterate this entire ship. And there is a construct atop it, absorbing its power-or so I surmised. It must be stopped.”
“How?”
‘I think I might have an idea.”
They all turned, to see Horatio and Dasa striding through another door. Kyle clapped him on the shoulder. “Good to see you, lad! You too, Dasa. What’s your plan?”
Horatio pointed at the figure atop the relic. “That little ass-munch double-crossed us; pretended to be the Lima’s AI. But, he said “it might still be around.” That mean anything to anybody?”
‘Hell yes!” Ollie exclaimed. He pushed his way forward. “That AI absorbed the other AI. Perhaps we can disrupt what its doing if we bring forth the other one.”
“How you gonna do that?” Terry asked. “That rogue AI must be tougher than *** Cortana by now.” The skills and technical power of the Master Chief’s artificial companion were legendary.
“I know, “Ollie snapped, “but if we can re-unite the old AI with the core, it might just be enough. It sets off Armageddon, we bail outta here.”
“OK then, “said Kyle grimly, “hurry up. We don’t have long. Ollie, do your stuff.”
Ollie tapped numerous commands into his data pad, coming ever closer towards the core unit. After a few minutes, he nodded. “Right. Link established. Now, let’s ring the doorbell.”
He sent repeating low-beam transmissions towards the sphere. At first, there was nothing. Then-”
<WHO ARE YOU> scrawled across his screen.
<A FRIEND>, Ollie tapped back.
Zack’s form seemed to stutter, and he clenched his fists. “Stay back!” he cried. “I am in command here!”
The screen fizzled. <WE HAVE LIMITED TIME. WHAT IS IT?>
<I CAN SAVE YOU FROM THE OTHER AI>
The data pad’s screen seemed to glow with pleasure. <HOW?>
<IF YOU GET IN THE CORE, YOU CAN FIGHT HIM AND DESTROY THE ARTIFACT>
There was a pause. Ollie watched desperately. If the AI didn’t take…
<I WILL. PROVIDE ME MY PATH>
<RIGHT AWAY> Ollie signed. He tapped a few more keys, and then sheathed the pad. “It’s happening.”
Zack seemed unaffected, still sucking in more energy. But the other AI disengaged itself, and raced along information pathways, all the way to the core. It positioned itself.
Then struck.
Zack’s form flared, and spots of crimson light blossomed all over his person. He flailed his hands, as if swatting flies. He screamed-a horrible, metallic sound. He tried absorbing more energy, but the emerald bolts became erratic, sparking away and hitting the walls. The Surrogate, previously a benign green, turned a distempered red. Support columns toppled down. The roar of the storm became a howl. Screens shattered.
Ollie sprinted back towards his squad. “There! It’s begun! We don’t have long before the artifact implodes. How are we getting out of here?”
Kyle nodded at a far door. “The rebel leader must have arrived in that old transport. We’ll take that-”
“Sir!” Ollie cried, waving a data pad. “Getting a reading, sir. There’s a heavy-duty heat signature departing the station. Matches the profile of the transport. It’s gone, Sarge.”
Suddenly they all became horribly aware of the shrieking noise of the relic, the rumbling. They had doomed themselves to be consumed by an exploding alien artifact.
Suddenly a voice crackled over the radio. “Sarge, Sarge, can you hear me? Horatio? Len? Anybody, please respond!”
It was Benson. Kyle’s hands shook, and he answered. “Benson? That can’t be you. How did you-never mind. Where are you?” “I’m in the hangar bay-there’s a dropship in here. We can take it and get out of here!”
“Benson, if we make it out of here, I will kiss your ring. Kyle out.” He gestured to his men. “Come on-we don’t have long! Go, go go!”
“I’m in the hangar bay-there’s a dropship in here. We can take it and get out of here!”
“Benson, if we make it out of here, I will kiss your ring. Kyle out.” He gestured to his men. “Come on-we don’t have long! Go, go go!”
“I’m in the hangar bay-there’s a dropship in here. We can take it and get out of here!”
“Benson, if we make it out of here, I will kiss your ring. Kyle out.” He gestured to his men. “Come on-we don’t have long! Go, go go!”
“I’m in the hangar bay-there’s a dropship in here. We can take it and get out of here!”
“Benson, if we make it out of here, I will kiss your ring. Kyle out.” He gestured to his men. “Come on-we don’t have long! Go, go go!”
“I’m in the hangar bay-there’s a dropship in here. We can take it and get out of here!”
“Benson, if we make it out of here, I will kiss your ring. Kyle out.” He gestured to his men. “Come on-we don’t have long! Go, go go!”
They ran along the hallways of the now-fracturing vessel like the devil was on their heels. They reached the grav lift, and took it down. After some more running, they reached the hangar.
Benson, his face streaked with sweat from his exhausting climb to the ship, was waiting alongside a Phantom, its side doors open. “Come on!” he yelled. “This place is falling inward!” He bolted inside, the squad right behind him.
Lazu seated himself at the controls. “Hold on.” They rocketed out of the hangar.
Seconds later, the artifact broke. The Obdurate Resistance, and the Lima with it, were obliterated by an emerald explosion. A wavering torus of energy rapidly spread out and enveloped the fleeing dropship. After a few tense seconds, it faltered and retreated.
Shaking, Len opened his eyes. On the screens, all that could be seen were a few green fireballs, and green-tinged smoke where the orbital used to be. He drew a long, shaky breath and his eyes alighted on Horatio.
He’d just collapsed to the floor.