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Project-Halo by SpikeDaDragon
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Project-Halo Chapter One: Halo-Omega
Date: 20 May 2002, 7:08 pm
Fragments of the destruction float among the strands of space, as Masterchief and Cortona escape in the Longsword. Just moments earlier, Master Chief was swamped with Flood and the Covenant to deal with. And now, he was safely on his way away from the Halo. Or so he was he thought.
"Master Chief, there's still one thing that is bothering me, Sir." Beeps in Cortona
"Cortona, what?" asks MC.
"Sir, I got a dozen pulsing green array of dots on the data-pannel. The dots are evacuating from the Halo. There Covenant, Chief" replies Cortona.
"Agh, it can't be. We are the only ones whom escaped," states a disgruntled Chief.
"Sorry chief, looks as if the Covenant have found away to escape as well. But by the looks of the scanner's readings, the Flood were held at bay on Halo."
"Heh Great. So much for good news, what about the Covenant? Where are they heading?" asks Master Chief.
Cortona is silent for a while, then beeps in. "Seems that they are all headed to one Alpha cordinents. I'll see if I can get a lock on them. In the meantime, get us near the debris, I think that Tower off of Halo can help us."
"Sure, piece of cake."
With that said, Chief turns the control console, and pilots his way to the Beacon on the starboard side. Parking it to the side, he places the landing feet on the sides, and use's the magnetic force-lock to sustain to the surface.
"Well, Cortona, locked and ready," states Chief.
"All right, I think I've got the Cordinents. See those two green dots flashing on your HUD. Those are Covenant Space Cruisers. What they are doing here, is beyond me. My guess, they are the second wave of Covenant forces, before you blew up Halo."
"Well, just more Covenant B*stards I have to wipe from the galactic space."
"Chief, you don't seem to understand. Life scans are picking up multiple amounts of DNA, Human DNA."
"The flood I take it," replies Chief.
"No, there are no Flood on board. No Elites, Grunts, Jackals, Hunters, no Covenant we have encountered. It's something else. And I'm afraid its worse."
"The Prophets? Cortona, answer me."
"Chief. I don't know. But looks like we're about to find out, two of the cruisers just made our location. Their headed right at us." replies Cortona
"Not good"
"Brace for Impact, Chief"
"Cortona, get me a readout on that ship. I want to know who is aboard it, and what type of weaponry it carries. Got it?" questioned Master Chief.
"Chief, it carries Seven Prophets, would be my guess. The ship is capable of firing twenty Plasma Torpedo's per minute. Twice what we can do with our MAC guns." Cortona replied.
"So, any suggestions?"
"I recommend evasive maneuvers sir. We don't know what we're up against. Our Longsword wouldn't last a millisecond in a battle with those Cruisers."
"Very well. Cortona, get me the Cordinents for Earth Forces Station: Outlook."
"Are you sure that is wise? Cole-Protocol would have you stay away from any Earth activity operated areas. Outlook is one of those."
"Trust me Cortona, I have a plan. With Outlook's arsenal of Mac cannons, and their disrupter beams, I figure that we can use one of the tractor beams to pull the cruisers in, and there we can find out who and what they are. Give me a life scan on Outlook."
"Already completed, Chief. There are 600 Marines some 200 or so scientist. And zero civilians as far as I can see. And, Chief, there's something else."
"What" asked Chief curiously.
"Dr. Haisley. She's alive, and on the Outlook. It also appears that a dozen Spartan-II's or III's are stationed there as well. Sir, we're picking up a beacon reading. Outlook has noticed our arrival, and are sending in a salvage crew."
"Warn them. Let them know at least two Covenant Cruisers are following us. Assure them that Outlook would be in a great danger."
"They've been notified. Chief, by the sounds of it, their glad to have you back, and in one piece. Someone is on the Intercom, demanding your attention."
"Put them through," quotes Chief.
A bit of buzzing is heard, as the unmistakable voice of Mendez booms through."John, it's good to see you back in one piece, and with our AI program intact. We've seen the damage at Halo. Scout teams have picked up numerous life pods that ejected into space from the Instillation. Most are human, although we have found a few Covenant vessels as well. Salvage crews are headed over there now to tow them back to Outlook. As soon as you get to the docking bay, come up to the command room, for a debriefing, along one at that."
"Sir, yes sir" replies Chief with a smile.
"Chief, we lost him. Not much of a talker is he? " questions Cortona.
"Nope."
With that all said and done, Chief stretches out as he watches Outlook become larger and larger, until they finally dock.
"It's good to be home." States an overwhelmed Master Chief.
"We're approaching the docking bay, Chief," toss's in Cortona.
"Good, Outlook should serve as a good fortification against the Covenant, at least for a while," replied Chief.
The Longsword slowly descends down on to the locking platform, where two maintience crew are awaiting. With the waving of their flags, they direct the ship down safely. As the steam from the haul burst out, Master Chief steps out. With a little side to side turning action, he stands viewing the deep reaches of space.
"Do you suppose that we should go visit our good commander, Cortona?" question's Master Chief.
"Yes," replies Cortona, just as eager as Chief is to see him.
Chief turns tail, and walks towards the entrance to the alcove. As they stroll on down the rotating hallways, Chief indulges in an intense conversation with Cortona.
"Cortona, what do you suppose they've actually found from Halo?"
"Could be Flood spores. I don't know. My data bank only show's us that escaped. But as we can tell, lots more survived. As far as we know, Chief, the marines could've sent themselves from the Pillar or Autumn, and just never landed on Halo,"
"Great. Hopefully none of those are true, and they are just drifters. Or God help us all."
Suddenly a sturdy built man comes walking up to Chief, approaching Chief he smiles, recognizing John.
"Good to see you again, John." Comments Mendez.
"Well, it is good. But you have no idea what hell we've been through on Halo" replies John.
"I've been notified. But what I haven't been told, is what happened to the rest of the marines. And what is this Flood I hear about so often?"
"Mendez, Sir. Nothing that you would like to encounter. Because of their involvement, the Pillar was destroyed, in order to destroy Halo. "
"So, the Instillation is destroyed? Are you positive. You know that our researchers and scientist would like to verify that Flood species."
"No offense Mendez, but the Flood are not something to mess with. Live or Dead, they are a threat. They attach to anything living, and basically they form themselves to that body structure."
"All as well that they were destroyed in the blast."
"Well, I wouldn't be so sure of that. Cortona and I were discussing the facts, and if what you said was true earlier about finding Marines drifting through space. Then we fear the recourse."
"Wouldn't the flood be detectable, though?"
"According to Cortona, they are not carbon based. Nor Plasma. We can't accurately track them, at least not with our technology."
"I'll inform the specialist in charge. I hope your wrong, Chief. For the sake of Humanity, I hope you are wrong."
"I hope so to, Mendez," replies a stubborn answer from Chief.
"Just make sure, when you are debriefed, you explain it all. Including Captain Keyes unfortunate demise."
"If only he knew the truth," was the thoughts pouring through John's head.
"I will. Now let's go see those Spartan Soldiers" says Master Chief demandingly.
"Sure thing, but first. I've got a surprise for you somewhat. Dr. Haisley, someone you know quite well. I'm sure that Cortona would also be interested in seeing her as well."
"Would I ever!" exaggerates Cortona through John's Vocal outlet.
"Sir," questions Cortona. "We're receiving a distress call. From, what appears to be a Covenant Ship."
"Covenant, those B*stards can suffer for all I care," replied Chief.
"Hold on a second, John. It's evident that the hatred of the Covie's for you have risen, but maybe they aren't hostile," butts in Mendez.
"Hostile, Hostile... The Covenant are never going to be peaceful."
"Chief, I think Mendez has a point. By the sounds of the transmission, it looks as if they are being attacked. I think it's one of the Prophets ships, Sir."
"Great. Tell the Command Deck to fire the MAC guns."
"John, you will not issue that command," orders Mendez.
"I regret to question you Sir, but what authority do you hold over me?" questions Master Chief.
"First off, I am the replacement for Captain Keyes, and secondly I am asking you this as a friend," replies Keyes.
"Oh, I see. Well, then I hope you don't relinquish this thought, but you should hear me out. The Covenant have done terrible things sir. The civilization of Halo were destroyed by the Covenant Carriers. The Marines that escaped the Pillar of Autumn were slaughtered by the Covenant, and sir, they released the Flood. "
"All of that taken into consideration, but Chief. If I may speak frank,"
"Go ahead sir."
"The Covenant are a formable opponent, but they could even be a more reliable ally. That's why I propose a rescue mission to the distress ships. We will attempt a peace treaty with them. Earth and the Allied, cannot risk another battle with the Covenant, their technology is far superior. We have to-do this, for humanities sake."
"Sir, if I may. I would like to lead this rescue mission."
"John, I figured you would. That's why I had Dr. Haisley prep the Spartan soldiers, and even add a few upgrades to their armor, which you are due to achieve after this little chat."
"Mendez, I hope you know what you're getting into. Because, Cortona even agrees with me, there is no way in hell's pit of doom, are the covenant going to join forces with Earth."
"Point made. John, I recommend you going to Haisley's lab now."
"Sir!"
With a salute, John turns aside and walks down the hallway. Arriving at the medical bay, where an older, yet still attractive woman stands near a steel bed. She shouts in glee as she turns around and sees John in the doorway.
"John. It is true. You survived!" remarks Dr. Haisley gleefully.
"Yeah. We've been through hell, since the time the Pillar left Earth's space," replies Chief.
"What of Sam? Kelly? And the rest of the crew?"
"Dead"
"Oh. That's a shame. Well, John, I was informed by Captain Mendez that you are to be fitted with a new MJOLNIR armor. So let's get this started. Just walks on over here and lay back against the steel bed."
John walks over, and leans against it. The bed then straps him down and tilts up vertical. Cortona attaches a cord to his suit, which is connected to a computer terminal. Pushing a few buttons, the suit emits steam as it is cracked open.
"John, you can step out now."
"OK." replies John as he slides out of the suit and stands up to Dr. Haisley, wearing his gray sweatpants as he once did when he entered the suit for the first time.
"You appear to be taller, John. I'm gonna have a DNA scan on you, later though. Right now I'm gonna fit this suit with the new modifications. In the meantime, why don't you go remmenis with the Spartan soldiers."
"Miss,"" replies John.
John walks over to the counter, and picks up a pass-code card. So that he can of course enter the areas, that are authorized only. Then with a salute good-bye, John walks out the door and down the hall.
What a day he has had. Nothing more than extrodinary. As John walks down the coridor, attempting to get his limbs back to regconizing his actions without his suit. Being stuck in that suit for little more than a year in his mind, he wasn't sure how long. But the ends justified the means, as he was able to talk to his long time friend Dr. Haisley.
His concentration was soon interupted as an nagging voice let out a hollar. "Master Chief, Sir."
Searching, looking to his left and right he realized he had arrived in the training area of the Spartan II's soilders. In fact, he was standing dead center of a loyal Spartan crouched down on one knee, holding an extrodinaryly large missle launcher. "Sir," the Spartan shouted once again.
"Aye, get out of the way." Listening at once, John backed off towards the commanding sargent in charge there.
"Sir, you can't just barge into the training facilities and expect to walk in front of armed weapons. Do you understand me, Sir," barks the Drill Sargent.
"Cortona, why is it that everytime I see one of them, I get the urge to rip their heads off?" questions Chief.
"Annalizing... It seems that its part of your genetic structure. Human Beings, no matter how suped up, always have a fear of authority," replies Cortona.
"Hmm, makes sense. Well then, let's go see who that is."
It's funny, a couple years back, and John wouldn't of even thought that he was going to be a Galactic soilder of space, defending the Earth, let alone being the Master Chief. Augumenation, is only something that he was starting to learn in his school, he had no idea that he would be part of an expirement involving such.
"John... John, is that really you?" snapping back to reality, John notices an Spartan Trainee waiving his arms at him. Looking him over, tall, with wavy auburn hair, slick crew cut, John realizes who it is.
"Sam?"
"It is you, John. How great to see you again,"
"But, but I thought you were dead. We all saw you get blown up in that Covenant Ship. Even you, with our augumented speed, couldn't survive that blast."
"Flash cloned. The UNSC thought that I was a liability and decided to flash clone me before we left for that mission. So, I am Sam, only not the one that you saw blown to smithereens." replied Sam.
"Oh, well it's great to see you, nonetheless. And I see that you have the ranking of commanding officer. Correct?" ask's John.
"Yeah, well after you left, they notched the next one up, which was me. Anyways, there will be time for remenis later on, right now we have to get to the Command Room."
"Yes, well, lead way. I told Mendez, that there was no way anyone survived on Halo. They should of listened to me." was the last reply from John.
"John, if it means anything... we're glad to have you back."
"We?" questioned John.
"Kelly and I. Like I said, we will talk about what you have missed and what you have seen, but first things first. Now come on, lets go." ends Sam.
Sam heads off down the left coridor, with John slowly following him from behind. Wondering just what was on course for the Space Station, and what, if anything at all, could have survived that explosion on Halo Instulation IV.
"Sam, something that has been nagging me for awhile," states John through the admist silence walking down the coridor.
"Yeah, what is it?" questions Sam.
"Well, I know that you're a flash clone, but what about Kelly. Is she, alive and well... or just flash clone?"
"According to the Millitary records she survived the encounter with the Covenant on Reach. So as far as I have been told, I am not really at liberty to be given that answer," replies Sam.
Approaching the Command Center room, John scans his surroundings. A lifescan in the room would identify over 100 personel including John, Sam, and the Captain of this ship.
"Commander Walsh," states Sam to John, as an introduction.
"Sir, good to see another familar face here," replies John.
"Yeah, to you too John. But formalities will have to come at a later time. Right now we have a urgent mission for you and the other Spartan's, if you're willing," says Commander Walsh.
"Well, I don't have my MJOLNIR suit at the moment, Dr. Haisley is upgrading it as we speak. But if it's against the Covenant and Flood, I'd be more than willing to battle," says John.
"Good. Sam has already been prepped. And the other Spartan's are at your command, so we recomend that you take no more than 5 other Spartan Soilders, aside from yourself and Sam. Understood?"
"Understood. We'll go take a look at the condition of the Soilders, and see just who should come with us," replies John.
"Great, then you're dismissed," says Commander Walsh.
With that all said and done, John steps about on his heels, and turns around. Heading back down the coridor to the Weapons locker room, Sam leads the way. Approaching a few revolving doors, John takes notice of the Spartan's training. Not sure what Spartan is good at what skill, they continue on down the coridor. Finally arriving at the Weapons Locker, John and Sam greet Dr. Haisley once more, and with Sam's help the Doctor suits John back up in his armor.
"Ok John, same as before. I need to get a slight diagnostic check. So just move your arms up and down in a flapping motion." Doing so, Haisley types a few things down. "Ok now move your head around in a circular motion," which he does again, "Good, now just jump." John jumps, and nearly pokes his helmet through the ceiling above him.
"Damn, Haisley. This Suit is much better than before." says John.
"That i s the whole idea. Ok, well the checks are complete. Commander Walsh said that the Spartan's Sam had chosen for you, are ready and loaded in the docking bay. One special ship has been prepped for launch," says Dr. Haisley.
"Alright, then Sam let's get going," says John.
John steps down from the platform and walks towards the revolving door, as Sam gets suited back up again. Turning around out the door, John smiles and nods his head at the doctor. As he walks down the hallway, he wonders, just what is awaiting him and the other Spartan's on the plannet. And what is so damn important, that the entire Outlook Station is in a frenzy. Those words, will be in his head for along time.
Project-Halo Chapter Two: Infiltration
Date: 14 September 2002, 11:16 pm
John couldn't help but think of all the lives lost, on Halo. So many, for a truly justified cause... Earth's Survival, along with all Humanity. But was that all? Was that the only thing that kept Earth's forces on the move, ready for an invassion from the Covenant? He knew that there was something not right about the whole situation.
As John continued to ponder the means, Cortana interupts. "Masterchief, Sir. We've entered the Naquadrian Solar system. Estimated rendevous in fifteen minutes."
Naquadrian, a place know to the Earth as Utopia. Free of plunder and crime, nearly a safe haven for all that is good. Until the other night, his memories of the distress call fatigue his every will to move on. But yet, he keeps steady, knowing the consequences for his hinderance.
The more he thought about it, the less confident he was becoming. Because of his error in judgement, the Covenant had located the peacefull planet, Naquadrian, and begain it's infiltration. John realized, as soon as he steps foot on the planet, all hell is going to break loose. His type of odd's.
"Sir, we have incoming star vessels. Their approaching us, they seem to be friendly," Cortana voiced over John's concious, audible to all those around him.
"Good, let them know of the conflict. And tell them to fall back, until I give the signal."
John unstrapped his belt, and rose up to his feet. Viewing forward, he glances at Naquadrian, as it is lit up in balls of fire and molten plasma. If he didn't act fast, the planet would cease to exist, and suffer as yet another glassed planet. He just couldn't allow that to happen again. Not with so much riding on this one mission alone. He had to make it fast, and he had to be accurate.
John strode forward towards the weapon locker, where he knocked he lock off, and grabbed an assult rifle, equally equipped with night vision and a lazer for pin point accuracy. There was nothing to chance. John grabbed his ammo clips, and straped on some grenades for a just in case measure.
Locked and Loaded, John grabbed the hatch of the Longsword, and turned the lever, sending a blast of pressurized air into the bay area. Turning his back for a second, John jumps out, aiming his body into the ocean.
With a resounding splash, John hits the icy waters of Naquadrian. Walking up to the shore, he immediately pulls out his Assult Rifle, and prepares for his first encounter on the planet. None to soon, the sound of squealin is heard, as a pair of Grunts walk along side the shoreline, spotting Chief standing there. Before a sound of warning could be called, Chief had them pumped full of lead, slunk down where they stood.
"Cortana, was it wise jumping out of the Longsword?"
"Sir, with all due respect, if we landed on the planet with the Longsword, the Covenant would of spotted our entry, and begun and assult on us. By abandoning our fighter jet, we have lost the Covenants eye for a brief time," replied Cortana, as she keyed in the map of Naquadrian to Chief's HUD.
Master Chief continued his treck up the beachy shores, towards the rocky slopes of the Naquadrian Hills. As he approached he recgonized the voice of an Elite commander, odviously ordering a pair of Covenant warriors.
Having had his own share of encounters with the Elite warriors, Cheif straffed alongside the hill, until he had a perfect view of the Elite and it's crew. To Chief's surprise, two red Elites stood in front of a herd of 10 grunts and 5 jackals. Those jackals would be tough to take out, unless he somehow was able to disable their arm devices.
"Cortana, I want a infared scan on the wrist devices used by the Jackals. Get me a squelch frequency."
"Sir?"
"I plan on sending a high pitch tone, to knock the circurt out of commishion."
"Understood sir," Cortona took a moment of silence, only to return with the information requested, "I've ran a through scan on the Jackals shield devices. It seems that they opperate at the pitch related to a dolphin squeal. Therefore, if you chance your silencer on the Assult Rifle, you should be able to cause a loud enough screech to disable the devices, and keep you hidden still."
Good, just what he needed. Chief prepped the gun, and fired a single shot, straigh at the nearest jackal. It paused, and turned it's body around, searching. Finding nothing, it slowly slunk back to it's position, as the head Elite starred down at him.
Chief was far from balked, he grabbed a grenade from his armor, and lobbed it straight at the Elite, sticking it to his plate of armor. The Chief just grinned, as the Elite rushed back and forth, attempting to get the grenade off, but to no prevail, as the astonishing sound of the grenade blasting the Elite to bits, filled the air. Master Chief quickly jumped the hill, and blasted the remaining Covenant scum into shribles.
The Master Chief then continued on down the path, searching out any survivers. If they were here, he would find them. He wasn't about to allow an incident such as the before one, occur once again.
His experiences on Halo had taught him much. He now realized that the Covenant can never be taken for granted. True, that they have superior firepower and numbers; but the forces of Earth had the intelect to take down the Covenant bastards once and for all. He would just have to wait until the discovery was made, and the Covenant's weakness would be revealed.
It would only be a matter of time, until all was discovered. His new mission would ensure the continueing safety of Earth and all of her children. But first, he had to save Naquadrian.
"Cortana," Chief insisted to grab her attention, "what exactly is so special about this planet?"
A few moments passed, as Cortana finally replied. "The planet Naquadrian, resides on a global cashe of plasma energy. Presumably, the same energies that the Covenant have been using. Commander Walsh believes it possible, that if we save this outer colony, than we may be able to use the energies to our advantage".
Ah, so that is why he was sent here. But still, he could of used the help of the other Spartan Soilders. Why he was just sent, was beyond him. The truth was, that after his encounters with Covenant on Halo, he knew that they had to be stopped, before they somehow found another Halo. The first one was shear luck that he stopped it, but the next one wouldn't be as lucky.
The sound of plasma crackled, just to the left of Chief. A plasma bolt had just been shot, and impacted a rock, slowly difusing it. Chief adjusted his sights, as he swirved around, to face an annoying grunt, all by its lonesome, firing it's weapon. Just grinning, Chief cocked his head, and fired a armor piercing round straight through the grunt. Pathetic creatures.
The Covenant were beganing to get predictable, almost like they had a pattern to everything they did. If they did rely on a sole pattern, than perhaps the Covenant could be destroyed... they would just have to decipher the said pattern.
"Sir, we're closing in on the alpha-two-zero rally point. Get ready Chief, I am picking up multiple lifeforms, all Covenant."
"Good," Chief studdied his surroundings, searching out any possible ambushes, "we'll finally be able to end this mission".
Taking a few steps forward, Chief spotted to Grunts patrolling the area. Not really worried, Chief ran up behind the first Grunt, and wacked him with is assult rifle. The second Grunt was just as easy, a simple wack and it was down as well.
Chief strode on forward, where he spotted the Covenant army, lined up, preparing to assualt. Something, that Chief was not about to allow to expire. Not this time.
"Cortana, I need you to hack into SatCOM", Chief thought that if he could get SatCOM's data on Naquadrian, he could assure that nothing would cuase the plasma to blow up, "scratch that, Cortana. Get me a copy of the layout of the planet Naquadrian, patch it to my HUD".
"sir, patching the data in now". But that's all Cortana really needed to say. Chief was already going over the data, and planing out a plan of action.
Good, everything was matching up. Chief jumped up ontop of the steep rock surrounding the army. He quickly assembled his weapons. Taking a glimpse, he lobbed two grenades straight in the pile of Covie troops.
Quickly they scrambled as they realized a grenade had hit right next to them. Chief jumped off of his pedistal, and started to fire off his armor peircing rounds, straight through the incoming Jackals and Grunts. A few grunts fall, but even more head right at Chief.
"You know, Cortona", Chief said, "You'd think that after all the encounters I've had with these bastards, that this would get boring".
Chief just grinned to himself, as he blasted a few more Grunts, and lobbed another grenade right into an incoming pile of Jackals. Covenant guts splattered the rocks around him. "Tireing maybe, but boring? No, I hate to say it Cortana, but I enjoy this".
Eventualy Master Chief had gutted all the Covenant around, leaving him with just a Covenant Battle Cruiser and their illuminated devices.
"Cortana, radio Command HQ at OutLook. Tell them that the mission is accomplished, and the Covenant have been whipped out of this sector". Stated Chief in a clear archivement tone, "And also call for a scalvage crew, this Covenant Cruiser could be of some use."
Master Chief slunk back against a large pillar, as he briefed a sigh of relief. It was done, Naquadrian was rescued, and the plasma energy sources were going to be used to further Earth's forces.
Now with the mission complete, he could return to Outlook, and prepare the search party for Reach. He had no doubt in his mind, that Reach was still out there. It may of been glassed, but that didn't mean that his friends and allies had perished. It couldn't of happened. After everything that he'd been through in the past few years, he wouldn't allow it.
The fact was, the tide of war was changing. Humanity was prevailing, and Covenant were slowly being distinguished. If only it was so simple, that they would leave Earth alone. But he didn't trust them, he had never trusted the Covenant.
Truth is, Earth has never been alone in the universe. They only pretended to be, until it was to late to realize the peril they had put themselves in. Too late indeed.
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