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  • Subject: Halo Fanfic: The End of a War
Subject: Halo Fanfic: The End of a War
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Well, after a total of around maybe 12 hours of 2 days, i've finally read all the chapters and all I have to say is WOW, the story is good and well excuted. But that would of been longer if I had read every single word you typed. Anyways great story in my opinion it's a day out of ten.

Also you know, you get this feeling from reading it, like it just feels like a read novel, you feel that the plot and story is so realistic to the game, that this is the story Halo 3 is gonna follow.

  • 02.13.2006 5:20 PM PDT
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...need...chapter...(plops on ground).........................................

  • 02.13.2006 5:48 PM PDT
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Can't way till the next chapter comes out, hope it comes out soon. Hmmm i wonder if Bungie is reading this stuff too.

[Edited on 2/13/2006]

  • 02.13.2006 9:13 PM PDT

Phoenix is dead, long live Phoenix!
Is it?

Lethal dose of caffine eh?
So we are to expect this week a chapter with the first parragraph full of half sentances from many people and the other chapther describing there death and the dead bodies...


no wait I think you're trying to trick us it will be a near lethal dose of caffine.
oooots cant wait for the chapter ooots this week yayay

  • 02.13.2006 11:27 PM PDT

Posted by: MLG Cheehwawa
Posted by: A Fatal Sock
PPL DONT DRIVE TANKS
What do we do? Hump them?


You can believe anything you want. The universe is not obliged to keep a straight face

Posted by: Master Kim
I'd love harming my enemies to death with butt strokes. XD

YEAH! I know people on debate teams......dear lord...i'd kill them if they had that much caffiene....I guess we are masachists(sp?) for wanting to read your novel sized fanfiction-that-really-should-be-part-of-the-games-plot...plu s i want a excuse to not go to school :). well, take your time (even if we dont want you to cause the anxiety is killing us), we wait for the next masterpiece of a chapter.

  • 02.14.2006 2:37 PM PDT
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no one can wait for the new chap to come out but remember don't rush him or he may just cut us all off till he gets it entirely finished. O man that would suck!

edit-you make good points xcaliber

[Edited on 2/14/2006]

  • 02.14.2006 2:39 PM PDT

Official Town Drunk of Sandwichia. Nation of the Flood.
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we can wait. We have waited. We shall wait some more.

  • 02.15.2006 7:41 AM PDT
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remember waiting for clark to come back from whatever and konoka post the aim chats, good times, good times but the new chap will be better

  • 02.15.2006 3:38 PM PDT
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Are you kiddin' me that you have to point those to crumby points out to him.
You aughta try writing ANYTHING

  • 02.15.2006 4:57 PM PDT
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SUPER-SECRET-CHAPTER ATTACK!!!!

I told you guys this week would be the week but, heheh, I did a little stretching of the truth, as I've had to rethink certain things, so this chapter looks a bit different than I made it out to sound.

100% definitely read the Author's Notes at the end of the chapter. If I get one question asking something explained in them, I swear I'll delete all my posts and disappear forever.

Author’s Notes: I’m back, and here’s a chapter for you. Its got a lot of talking, so put your dialogue-loving caps on. I’ve got a lot to say at the end of the chapter too, so MAKE SURE YOU READ THE AUTHOR’S NOTES DOWN THERE!!!!

Oh right, also, I’ve started a forum in the Halo Forum section called “The End of a War: Questions and Answers” where everyone can get all those pesky questions you guys are asking that I always forget to answer, actually answered for once. So head on over and ask away, and I promise I’ll answer them all. I’m guessing I’ll be getting lots of “Why do you suck so much?” types of questions after this chapter though…



The End of a War

Chapter 23

History

There was quite a large difference between where the Prophet of Truth was now heading and where he had once thought he might end up. After the retrieval of the Forerunner vessel from High Charity, he believed at the time that his destination would be the human world. There the Ark would open up to him, granting access to the Pure Blood’s most sacred weapon, and the device that would give the Prophets unrivaled power throughout the universe.

Because of the Demon however, everything had gone awry. The crystal, a device used to give it’s owner power over time itself, was destroyed. The Forerunner vessel was then locked down, and activated a protocol Truth had never known existed. From there, after several long days of transit, he and his following of Covenant forces emerged beside a planet that Truth wished he would never live to see. The birthing place of the Prophets, and the resting place of a race that would destroy the universe.

Everything that could go wrong, had, and now Truth was forced to realize that perhaps his fate was tied to this Half-Breed, this creature that granted his continued existence.

Understanding this, and accepting it were two separate things however. The thought that he was to be a captive by this creature was insulting, and shameful. He was a hierarch of the Covenant, an organization that would prove to be deadlier than the Forerunners and the Half-Breeds.

There was little he could do, for resistance would mean his death. The Half-Breed knew of the Prophets betrayal from the past, and the creature would quite easily end his life if Truth proved to be cumbersome.

From his seat at one of the navigation stations aboard the Forerunner bridge, the Prophet of Truth cast a wary glance at his captor. The Half-Breed was seated motionless in the commander’s chair, it’s large body fitting uncomfortably within the small confines. The creature was nearly half-again as tall as the Demon, and looked a great deal more powerful. Judging from the Half-Breed’s dispatch of the other Covenant members, it’s strength had dwindled not an ounce during his hibernation.

Truth attempted to read the Half-Breed’s expression, but the twisted flesh gave nothing away. It’s eyes were closed in contemplation, or perhaps rest, while the rest of it’s face was blotted and scarred, showing the terrible results of the procedure that created it.

The horrific appearance undoubtedly did not bother the Half-Breed. No, they were unconcerned with such things. They did not gaze upon brightened glass or mirrors, to stare longingly at their own vanity. Becoming a Half-Breed resulted in the destruction of those concerns, and replaced them with the unending urge to feed and consume.

The Grand Prophet of Law already explained many of the Half-Breed’s origins to the Prophet of Truth during his enlightenment. Their war with the Pure Bloods, and the battles against the Reclaimers of old, everything was unfurled before his mind during the Prophet of Law’s enlightenment period. Truth was the recipient of so much information, enough that the origins of the universe itself were within his grasp.

During the period, Truth knew that the Prophet of Law kept information from him, but just why that was, he couldn’t say. Truth was to be Law’s successor once his body wore out completely. There was talk of turning him into an A.I program, but Law had refused to even consider it. Information that he possessed would go to his grave, and nothing would change that.

Or perhaps something will, Truth thought to himself as he turned away from the Half-Breed. Whatever the creature’s intention, it was certain that the Prophet of Law was involved somehow. If he stayed on the Half-Breed’s side at least for the time being, than he might be given a glimpse of those items that were withheld from him during the enlightenment.

Truth felt no compassion for his fellow Prophets, not even the Prophet of Law. Power struggles had existed within the Covenant for millennia’s in the past, but Truth would become the first Prophet since their creation to become the Grand Hierarch. If the Half-Breed killed the Prophet of Law, that simply meant he would ascend to the title sooner than anticipated. Once the Prophet of Law was gone, it would be a simple matter of using the legions of loyal Covenant to wear down the Half-Breed until it’s power waned to the point where it needed sustenance.

“How much further must we traverse?” the Half-Breed spoke, shattering the illuminating thoughts coursing through Truth’s mind. A quick consultation with the navigation equipment in front of him showed Truth that they were only a few hours from reaching Danrun.

“We shall arrive shortly,” Truth responded, hoping his tone was even and lax. The slightest hint of betrayal could set the Half-Breed off, and judging from it’s course breathing and snarls, the creature was suffering from it’s lack of feeding. Whatever sustenance he received from devouring Truth’s troops was wearing off quickly.

We must reach Danrun soon, otherwise I will become food for this creature, Truth thought.

“Good,” the Half-Breed said. “I desire to hear your Prophet of Law’s words.”

As do I.

-----------------------------------

There was much commotion and eagerness as the small human vessel arrived inside the northern docking bay of the Honor Without Mercy. Word of it’s occupants had spread from the bridge to the southernmost tips of the engineering rooms, and many Sangheili, Lekgolo, and Unggoy had briefly left their posts to catch a glimpse of the ship. With the Covenant fleet retreating to the western planes of Danrun, they were free of worry for the moment, but had the Arbiter learned of this mass abandonment, he would have been annoyed to a great degree.

Aonlum sent down a convoy of Sangheili to escort the occupants of the ship from the docking bay. For the first time in nearly two days, Aonlum left the bridge and awaited the arrival of the others inside the officer’s chambers. There he sat at the head of a great table, where many months ago the Prophet of Mercy had spoken of war plans with other Sangheili Generals.

As he waited, questions filtered through his mind, unnerving him. Reports from Gestahl spoke of a great change in their fortune. The Covenant army had been routed, by a lone soldier of whom only the humans knew the identity of. Granted only a small fraction of the army the Covenant brought to Gestahl had been eliminated, but the sudden destruction of so many troops was sufficient in bringing them pause, and then the desire to flee, retreating to the Covenant-held portions of the planet. That question alone carried the greatest weight within him, and Aonlum troubled himself for a long time over what could have possibly occurred to wipe out so strong a force that the Covenant had employed in order to recapture Gestahl.

With a flourish, the doors facing Aonlum opened without delay, and in walked the convoy of Sangheili. One of the warriors stood aside, and bowed low to Aonlum as he spoke.

“Grand Arbiter, I bring before you by your orders those who dwelt within the human vessel. I requested of them their names, and in return I received cold looks of steel. The only one who gave his name freely was the one named Fasul, a creature that is aged beyond time itself.”

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“Bring them before me,” said Aonlum. “I have little patience for pleasantries at the moment.”

Righting himself quickly the Sangheili who had spoken, quickly beckoned for his entourage to enter the room.

Aonlum rose from his seat as the group entered. A human female, clad in the clothing of a civilian came first. In her hand she carried a small tablet, and projected was the figure of Cortana, the Construct he had spent many days conversing with before the Demon’s departure. Following the two was another Demon, one who wore the armor that he had seen the Master Chief wear on the first Halo Installation. This Demon seemed unquestionably strong, as it’s gaze reflected not a single concern over her situation, surrounded by those that once were her enemy.

Finally in walked the creature that Aonlum most desired to see. The Forerunner that he had spoken with before. Fasul. The creature’s gait was of confidence and unconcern, as if he owned the ship he now walked upon, and no creature would dare question his presence. Despite his earlier discovery that Fasul was nothing but a hologram, he found it hard to discern as the creature stepped forward, looking all the while as one that was alive, made of flesh and bone.

“It has been some time since a human last stood inside this room,” Aonlum said at length, his eyes settling on the two humans, primarily the other Demon. “He was your brother I would say.”

“If you speak of the Master Chief, then I must correct you,” the Demon spoke, and Aonlum was taken aback to hear the feminine tone. “He is not my brother, but is instead my Commander.”

“I see,” Aonlum replied, and then his gaze moved to the civilian human. “You I have spoken before. Catherine Halsey is your name?”

“Yes,” the human remarked. “I am the creator of the project that gave birth to these soldiers you Covenant refer to as Demons.”

“Do not refer to my people with such a name,” Aonlum replied, his tone grave. “We are no longer shared of the doom that the Covenant bring upon themselves. The Sangheili and our comrades share the plight of humanity, bearing the full truth of the Great Journey.”

“I apologize,” Halsey said. “It has been only a short while since I learned of the events that took place on the other Halo Installation. My escort and I have busied ourselves elsewhere in the universe.”

“So you have,” Aonlum spoke, once again looking at the Forerunner. To his surprise he found the Construct staring back at him with it’s wizened eyes. At once Aonlum felt himself pierced by an unseen force, and his body was stripped bare of clothing. He stood naked before the Forerunner as the creature stared through him, breaking his form and composure. No longer was he Gann Aonlum, Arbiter of the Sangheili. At that moment he had become nothing more than a child, a beggar on the streets that held his hands cupped forth.

As quickly as he was ensnared, Aonlum found himself freed of the Forerunner’s gaze. His breathing was haggard and thin rivulets of sweat traced down his thick neck. The darkness peeled away, revealing once again the commander’s room of Honor Without Mercy.

“I have heard of you,” Fasul spoke, using the tongue of the Sangheili, “Arbiter of the tamed dogs. You met the one of whom darkness cannot keep hidden. The prisoner of time and malice, one that fate has deemed to play out a part in this act, that has yet to be seen or realized.”

“You speak of the Flood leader?” Aonlum said, his words forced from his mouth. A bitter laugh arose from Fasul as it’s hood was cast back, revealing to him the features of it’s face.

“It is not their leader. No, this one you call Gravemind, he is perhaps the greatest tool of the Flood but he is not their leader. No form other than a Half Breed could accept such a title. The creation was a result of our foolishness, our desire to fight our enemy on their own terms. We delved too deep into the abyss that is the Flood genetic code, and we extracted and combined it with our own, sacrificing innocence for our success. In the end we created our downfall, as ‘Gravemind‘ became a tool of the Half-Breeds.”

“You spoke of these ‘Half Breeds’ before, what are they?” Aonlum asked.

“There is much that must be said, and during that time I shall answer all of your questions. For even though time has begun to run out for this universe, all will be revealed before you, but first I ask that you gather all those that must hear my words. As well I desire to know the fate of the one you call a ‘Demon’. Grant me that wish, and I shall give you everything that you desire to understand.”


And so a call was sent throughout the entire fleet of ships and ground forces that surrounded Danrun. Commanders and political leaders loyal to the Sangheili and the destruction of the Covenant were called to the Honor Without Mercy. All who would hear the words of one that once lived so many years ago were asked to proceed to the flagship at their most urgent speed. They came, and at once they were ushered into the room that soon became full.

Seated amongst the table was the human commander, Captain Miranda Keyes, and her escort, Sergeant Avery J. Johnson. They sat to the left of the Arbiter, close at hand, for even though hostilities between humanity was ended, still the others looked upon the humans with suspicious eyes. Close to the Arbiter on the right was seated High Councilor Pondomee, and with him as an escort had come Lan ‘Eranumee. The latter of which had been requested to come by Councilor Pondomee, as he had grown fond of the Seraph Pilot in the short time they spoke since the hostilities had ended briefly over Danrun. Several other Sangheili Commanders came as well, intent on being included within the Arbiter’s council. Aside from the humans and Sangheili, several Unggoy had been asked to attend as well. Their stature outside of the Covenant seemed to have remained the same, as they were still looked down upon by the Sangheili, but the Arbiter was intent on having equality amongst their army, and by extending a welcome hand to the Unggoy, it would soon be spread throughout the fleet that the Unggoy were included within the council. Finally several Lekgolo did come, and despite the creature’s assurances that they had no interest in politics outside of directives towards whom they were supposed to maim and kill, the Arbiter brought them in regardless.

In total, two humans, seven Sangheili, seven Unggoy, and four Lekgolo were brought into the council. Including the two other humans and the Arbiter, twenty three had gathered to question and listen to Fasul’s words.


Opposite to where Aonlum sat, Fasul had taken a seat at the opposing head of the table, where it would be simple for all eyes to see him. The Lekgolo were seated around him, straining the chairs on which their heavy bodies sat.

“You said that this is as many that will come, so I shall begin my story, but first I ask that you tell me of the information I requested,” spoke Fasul. “Tell me of the condition that the one you call “Demon” is currently in.”

“Pelicans carrying several of the wounded from the opening skirmish at Gestahl docked with the Lewis Puller just as I prepared to debark. Sergeant Johnson informed me that the Master Chief is unconscious, but in stable condition,” Captain Miranda Keyes said. Fasul momentarily appeared worried, but the look faded quickly.

“Perhaps that is where we should begin,” Aonlum said. “I wish to know what has happened to the Demon, and why he has become as powerful as he has.”

“Powerful?” Fasul echoed softly. “I suppose that is one way of looking at the situation. If this is the place you wish to start, than I shall begin here.

“The warrior that you call the Demon is no more. Whatever consisted of his being has been pushed into remission, and in place has surfaced the one whom slept within the suit of the First Reclaimer for thousands of years. Cyriacus is now in control of the body that belonged to this ‘Demon’.”

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“How is that possible?” Aonlum asked, genuinely interested. “I would not think to alter one’s state of mind could be such a simple task.”

“It certainly is not,” Fasul nodded. “The technology involved surpasses my own understanding of Majal advancements in that area. Unfortunately my own expertise was focused on the political spectrum throughout the war with the Half-Breeds.”

“Do you mean to say that you do not understand how the Demon’s suit works?”

“Regrettably so,” Fasul replied. “I have existed for over one hundred thousand years as an A.I program within the confines of the Halo network. Over that great span of years, I have lost much when it comes to the information accessible to me. The Majal were technically advanced, but we still face problems with recreating complex A.I programs that are modeled after previously existing entities, much like the humans do today.”

Aonlum’s eyes strayed to the Construct, Cortana, and he watched her form flicker momentarily along the data panel that the human civilian had brought. His mandibles clicked thoughtfully as he prepared to respond.

“I would ask the question of why you have altered the Demon’s mind, but I fear that it shall lead us off track. You speak words that I do not fully comprehend. ‘Majal’, ‘Half-Breed’, ‘Cyriacus’? Perhaps if you would start over at the beginning. What prompted the construction of the Halo Installations? You mentioned a war with another species, was it the Flood?”

“Not entirely,” said Fasul. “The Flood were employed and used as ‘Harvesters of the Dead’ by the creatures that my people fought against. Had the war been simply staged against the Flood, there would be no need for the Halo Installations. The Flood were a nuisance at best.”

“Surely you speak lightly. The Flood are a terrible creation, they nearly decimated my entire fleet when I first stumbled upon them.”

“I do not mean to make light of your loss to the Flood, Arbiter of the Fallen, but keep in mind that the Majal are far more advanced in terms of weaponry. We did not have to rely on our own soldiers to fight the Flood. Artificial Sentinels could do the job more efficiently and at a much smaller loss to us. You have seen them before correct, on the Halo Installations?”

Aonlum nodded slowly in return.

“Then you are aware that they are more than capable of handling the Flood without our interference. The war that I speak of put the Flood to a greater task, consumed of evil incarnate. They became the ‘Harvesters of Flesh’, rending bone and sinew, twisting what once was alive into a malformation of flesh. A task is not given without reason, and the Half-Breeds ordered this to be done, as they are much like the Flood. The continuous urge and need to feed consumes their dark souls, creating a never-ending spiral of death and destruction. But they cannot obtain the sustenance their deformed bodies yearn for by themselves, the Flood are used to that end. They release spores within a captive host, mutating the flesh and blood, creating lesser beings that can be used both for battle, and for consumption. We studied for some time the act that the Half-Breeds use to extract the necessary food from the harvested bodies of the Flood’s victims, but even to this day I cannot say for certain what particular mutation is necessary for the Half-Breed’s to feed.”

“What are the Half-Breeds?” asked Aonlum. “They are related to the Flood I gather, but you speak of them as if you once knew them well.”

Fasul paused and sighed, his artificial body slumping slightly against his seat, an effect that was likely more for show than any actual sign of fatigue. The ancient being looked away from those that gazed at him in anticipation, his eyes gazing through the room and out, across time as he relived his own personal horrors.

“Yes, the Majal did know the Half-Breeds well, as they at one time were our brothers our sisters, our fathers and mothers, and our friends. A ‘Half-Breed’ as we came to call them, was nothing more than a Majal citizen in the past.”

Those gathered in the room listened intently as Fasul began to retell the origin of the Majal. The days past when the once mighty race observed and catalogued the universe, observing other planets, other species, watching and guarding over all life. He spoke of his ancestors with reverence, extolling the virtues of creatures so great that time could not erode their deeds for the universe. There were many things those in the room had heard of in some form or another, as they had all dwelled on planets that the Majal once observed, gazing upon their races when they existed in their infancy.

At length Fasul described a dark discovery the Majal made on an ancient planet, one that was soon to be destroyed, as it had come to the end of its life. The spark deep within its fiery depths would extinguish, and tear the planet apart. Before this event occurred the Majal came to walk upon it’s surface, observing the ancient cities and technology that once existed. Weeks were spent upon the planet, studying and dissecting all that they could, as time was beginning to run out. It was in the final days that the fateful discovery was made, an ancient tomb beneath the planet’s surface. Ancient traps and devices were laid in the hopes of warding off all intruders, but the Majal were not to be deterred, as they wished to catalogue all that once existed on this planet, so that it could never be forgotten. It was in that sacred tomb that the Majal and the Flood first met, the latter being set free for the first time in millennia’s.

There was insufficient time to study the Flood properly, and so a quick decision on the part of seven Majal scientists was made, and Flood specimens were taken into Majal captivity for further study, a decision that prove fatal for every living thing in the entire universe.

Once again Fasul paused, his eyes no longer looking into the past, but they now carried a deep sense of shame.

“I do not make apologies for what my people did at that time, but we were the ‘Overseers of the Universe’ and we took that title to heart. Had more time persisted, and a debate held on whether to remove the Flood from their tomb, I am certain the same decision would be made that those seven declared with only moments of discussion. We are inquisitive about all living things, and though the Flood was hostile my people would not allow such a rare chance to slip through their fingers.”

“But didn’t the Flood’s hostility make you pause?” Aonlum interjected. “Surely a creature so predisposed towards violence and consumption would make you weary of them.”

“The Flood slept for an incredible expanse of time prior to our discovery, and they had weakened during their hibernation. Though they appeared aggressive, at the time we did not believe them to be any serious threat to our safety. During the acquisition process no one was harmed or injured by the Flood specimens, and at the time we presumed they were simply of a lower life form, unable to form base thought or conjecture thus giving rise to the aggressiveness inherent within their mindset.

“With their home world destroyed, we began to study the Flood, and spent many resources attempting to understand everything about them. As time passed however, we hit many impasses with our research. The Flood’s genetic code was such an aggregation that we could not manage to even perceive whether they were a naturally occurring creature, or if it had been artificially constructed. For years we were trapped within a cycle of vain attempts at evading the obstruction, but to no avail. It wasn’t until an accidental detonation was triggered at a research facility on our home planet that we realized why perceiving the Flood’s origins was such a challenge. Everything within several thousand feet of the accident was destroyed, but upon investigation, we found that the Flood samples persisted. They had survived the blast, and even begun to multiply once they were freed of their containment. The Flood were self-replicating. Upon harm, spores and other toxic particles would be released, ensuring that even more of it’s kind would be produced. This likely allowed the species to continuously spread without any foreseeable method of halting the process.”

“May I ask what happened with the Flood that escaped?” Miranda Keyes spoke.

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“They were recaptured and contained, though now that we knew of their abilities, we allowed for the Flood to replicate within a controlled environment. The information gathered from watching this process was incredible, but like before, a new issue arose that halted our research. It was discovered that the Flood had a very limited life span. By your human measurements, left alone with no outside interference, the Flood could only replicate and survive for a few weeks before passing away. Examining the carcasses of the dead samples, we saw that in only a short period of time, the cells that made up the essence of the Flood’s core would simply burn out.”

“But you said that the Flood had slept for an immeasurable amount of time prior to your discovering them, surely if that was true, the Flood would be long dead before your people ever encountered them,” Miranda Keyes explained.

Drawing the eyes of all that were gathered, Dr. Halsey spoke before Fasul was able to offer his own explanation.

“The Flood exist and follow a very basic instinctual pattern of behavior, Captain,” the older woman replied. “You have personally witnessed their most prevalent behavioral instinct, and that is the desire to consume and spread. However, even the most basic of life forms carry at least a minute degree of self-preservation within their genetic makeup, and the Flood perhaps have the most advanced setup than any other creature in the universe. When entering a period of prolonged malnutrition, the Flood will slowly initiate a hibernate state, increasing the production of ‘spores’ that they release within their hosts, which will cause a suppression in their virulent need to consume and spread. Finally the Flood will stop it’s own internal organs, effectively causing it to ‘die’. The Flood however, do not decompose the same way all other organic creatures do, as their bodies never truly erode. Instead, the same ‘spores’ that are used to mutate others, are systematically released while it hibernates; slowing, and in some cases altogether stopping the erosion of its body. Given the limited time I’ve had to study this procedure, my guess as to how long they can sustain themselves is merely conjecture on my part, but from what I’ve gathered the Flood could last upwards to and perhaps exceeding several hundreds of thousands of years.”

“You are quite correct Catherine Halsey,” Fasul said, his tone belying his surprise for her knowledge. “We never discovered how the Flood were capable of ‘awakening’ after they entered their hibernate state, but we do know that given any small increment of time, they can reawaken in mere seconds, no matter how long they may have slept. The passage of time does little to affect their overall aggressive nature, as all of you have likely come to realize.”

“Returning to your recant, what did your people do with the Flood when you realized their insidious nature?” Aonlum asked.

The look of faraway longing returned to Fasul as he smiled somewhat remorsefully.

“The same thing all advanced life forms do when discovering an attribute within another organism that we found desirable. We set about extracting the desired genetics that gave the Flood their ability to reform and live for extended periods of time, within hibernation. The Majal desired to take that attribute and bestow it upon ourselves.”

“Surely you are mistaken!” Aonlum exclaimed audibly. “What madness overcame your race to let such stupidity take root?!”

A look of bemusement passed over Fasul as he calmly waited for Aonlum’s outburst to pass.

“You judge me do you? That is your right I suppose, as you were once mere lapdogs to the Prophets, bowing beneath them in the hopes of being passed scraps when you became lustful for attention. You looked at the Majal as Gods did you? I suppose it is always the deepest wound when one discovers that those they’ve placed upon an alter have feet of clay. Funny is it not, that you would presume that the error my people made was any less innocent than the one your own forefathers made when the Prophets first offered their hands to pull you from your barbaric ways, while fingering the blade at their side, imagining the moment when they would be given the chance to plunge it into your back. Shall I judge you then, Arbiter? You are a brave Sangheili, but your blind fanaticism led to the deaths of so many. How many times did you stand on the bridge of your ship, watching with malice as the Covenant fleets burned those human settlements, giving no care that innocent people dwelt there, and that their lives were being erased? It is easy to look down at my people, as we made mistakes greater than any that came before and afterwards, but you are not without sin.”

Those at the table tensed as Fasul’s calmly delivered insult rocked the Arbiter in his seat, and he dropped his eyes to the surface of the metallic table in shame. Fasul waited for a long moment before smiling once again, this time appearing more genuine than before.

“I understand your outrage, Arbiter, but believe me when I say that we knew very little about the Flood’s innate nature, despite how long we studied their habits. They are very much a mystery to me, even to this day. Where they came from, how they first arrived in this universe, it is all part of a story that I shall never come to know. The threads of this war lead on however, and perhaps as time passes, the story will be told to a future civilization.

“As for the Majal, we were kept in the dark for the most part, concerning the newly deigned experiments being conducted on the Flood specimens. In all cases however, keeping such a great secret proved impossible, and like a wildfire it spread through our society, reaching even those of us that were in other galaxies, observing planets and species. A great debate then began within the Majal, those who thought that using the Flood genetics to try and improve upon our own bodies was a transgression against the very code of the universe. They believed that all creatures were given life for the sole purpose of dying.

“In contrast to this group, there were those that believed our role as the ‘Overseers of the Universe’ granted our species a pardon from that one inevitability given to all life. Death caused a disturbance in our duties, and should we be exempt from it’s inescapable grip, then there would be no concerns that as time passed so would the desire to fulfill our role.”

Fasul stood from his seat and set about pacing slightly behind his seat.

“I cannot recount how long the debate carried on. Years we argued with one another, from political forums, to clashes between neighbors and families. This matter drove a wedge between our society, ending our once peaceful coexistence with one another. Children and parents, lovers, friends…all became caught within the snares of this debate, and in the end neither side was ever granted true benefit of knowing the other to be wrong.

“Time would prove however, that all of this debating would become a moot point. The procedure of implementing Flood genetics within a Majal body was perfected, and with no time to spare, it became open for all to partake in.”

“Did you not think to use physical force to stop them?” asked Aonlum.

“What would that have accomplished?” Fasul responded, gravely. “Since time began we were a peaceful race and aside from rare moments, there was never bloodshed between Majal. Our respect for life was absolute. Should we have attacked our brethren, we would have become hypocrites. Our protest over the implementation of Flood genetics was that it altered and strayed from the course our ancestors had laid out. Spilling their blood would be the same sin, and so we merely sat in silence, watching our children, our friends, our mothers and fathers. We watched as they took part in that which doomed the universe. The procedure was shrouded in secrecy, but it was well known that it involved more complex work than simply introducing the Flood genes into a Majal body. A stimulant was needed, a reaction of some kind within our own genetic code that could allow them to mend and form with one another, and produce that which we scathingly came to call, ‘Half-Breed‘. Over the years, scanning and digesting the expanse of information available to me from the information available to me, I’ve discovered another smaller portion of the procedure. It involved the introduction of the Flood genes in the same vein that the Flood would force a connection with a host body. During the connection attempt, a varying factor would be introduced, that would harden and cut off any degree of linking with the central nervous system, which would then cause the Flood genes to go dormant. From there they were awakened in some manner, causing the mingling and mutation within the blood stream, forcing a connection to some degree.”

  • 02.15.2006 5:17 PM PDT
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Unnoticed by all except Aonlum and Fasul the human, Johnson, began to look somewhat panicked during the A.I’s recount of the Flood procedure. A sheen of sweat passed over his face, and his breathing became irregular. The Sangheili stared at the human in concern, while Fasul simply gazed knowingly, sympathy playing across his features as he resumed his story.

“Time passed, and for many years all was well within in our society. There appeared to be no adverse effects from the procedure, and with no reason to protest we came to accept this inevitable change within our culture. Those that went under the procedure emerged no different than what they once were. Many of my friends and those I knew well decided to undergo the experiment. Soon those that were against the procedure were in the minority.

“But like all sudden changes, the decision of the ‘Half-Breeds’ came at a terrible price. The mutations came with no preemptive notice. I know not what caused the change, but it occurred in an instant. At once, those that we walked and dwelt with were no more.”

Dr. Halsey cleared her throat, garnering the attention of the Majal A.I.

“You mean to say that there were no warning signs?” she asked disbelievingly.

“I do not mince words, Catherine Halsey,” Fasul responded darkly. “The Half-Breeds became what they were with no warning, and we were as surprised at this change as they were.”

“How did this change occur? Was the transformation quick, or did it require time to alter the appearance like when the Flood force a connection with a host?” the doctor pressed.

For the first time Fasul’s face became twisted with rage. His countenance, which before had exuded calmness and peace, altered as if he were enveloped within a cloak of darkness. Those at the table felt the tension and shifted uncomfortably, the A.I’s growing rage a reminder that the creature was far and above their comprehension. He was perhaps the oldest living mind in the universe. Speaking with him for several hours did not reveal to them even a fraction of his true character.

“There are some things that no one should bear witness to,” Fasul spoke, his voice becoming a deep and foreboding growl, “and I will not speak of the terror that my people experienced. No, there are things that shall never be repeated again. I have lived for many years, and time has not lessened the wound given to me, it has only been deepened. Look into the darkness that surrounds this universe you piteous creatures, this is but a glimpse at the ancient evil.

“I have answered enough questions; now you shall be silent and allow me to finish this account on the end of the Majal, and the rise of deception you have all fallen victim to.”

The rage left the ancient being, and his eyes became clear, yet they were unfocused even whilst he began to speak. He was living in his memories, and for all the sadness and terror that they gave him, his duty was to bear it all for the sake of atonement. The Majal were as guilty as the Half-Breeds, their sins no less grievous in the genocide that resulted from the war, and the condemnation of a race to become the vanguards of a legacy that should be forgotten by all.

--------------------------------

Time was running out for the universe, and far below the Covenant vessel, underneath the hardened surface of Danrun, a deep network of catacombs existed within the planet. Their presence was a secret to all except a select few, and soon the power that nestled within it’s darkness would awaken. It held allegiance with no one, and was constructed with the purpose of ending all life.

--------------------------------

Author’s Notes: Short chapter! Oh no! What does it mean!?

Yes, yes indeed. This is a short chapter. The reason? I’m sure some of you have figured it out. I’m a dirty, dirty liar.

I can’t recall if I said this or not at some point in time, but I know I told some people. In my original plans, I had wanted to do 6 or 7 Forerunner History chapters, but scrapped the idea because it would’ve taken too long. But as we can see, I don’t have any other reason to give as to why I’m cutting this chapter off so terribly short.

There was more written, another fifteen pages, plus ten more in the works, as Fasul would go on to explain the downfall of the Majal at the hands of the Half-Breeds. But I was exhausted from having to write the story as such. Too much dialogue, not enough acting things out. So, I did what I always do when faced with a conundrum. I simply tore up those pages, or in reality, cut them out and ended the chapter early. This is because my original idea has resurfaced, and for the next while we get to see the downfall of the most powerful race in the universe. Or should that be races?

This is likely going to piss people off, but seriously, as much as I didn’t want to be writing another 35 pages of page-long paragraphs of nothing more than talk, I’m sure you guys would want to read it even less. So lets meet each other in the middle all right?

I’ll promise no more than 2 to 3 chapters exploring the Forerunner history, so instead of 6 to 7, which would mean months and months of waiting, we’ll get it out of the way surely and quickly. This way I can give people the gist of things, but also get deep into the Majal culture without having to write thirteen paragraphs explaining Fasul’s love of the Majal home world. Well all right, I’ll probably do that anyway, but it’ll make more sense this way.

Once again I remind you all, I’ve started a forum for everyone to ask those questions you all seem to have, seeing as how I’m incapable of actually remembering all your questions in your reviews, so I never respond, and you all hate me. It’s called “The End of a War: Questions and Answers”, so if you have something on your mind, scoot on over and ask away. I promise I’ll leave no question unanswered, unless it’s a spoiler, and then I’ll just say, “No Comment.”







-----




So that's the end, like I said, read the Author's Notes. For you guys that like a chapter to not be so confined:

HERE'S THE LINK TO READ THE STORY ON FANFICTION.NET

There. No swearing or nothing here though, so don't worry, all it means is you'll be getting a slightly easier read.


[Edited on 2/15/2006]

  • 02.15.2006 5:20 PM PDT
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~I was born for the storm, and a calm does not suit me~

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מִכְמַן

Um, WOW.
Wonderful.
Amazing.
Just... That was a good chapter...

  • 02.15.2006 6:40 PM PDT
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...and so it seems that Johnson is going to become a Half-Breed, and Fasul knows it, maybe Halsey too but i couldnt figure that out. Also why can't they just take off the Reclaimer Armor and have John reemerge from Cyriacus? It was very interesting though, especially that last bit about under the surface of danrun those catacombs. It probably means that Danrun is the birthplace of the Flood. hehehe :)

  • 02.15.2006 7:33 PM PDT

Phoenix is dead, long live Phoenix!
Is it?

I read Soulguards amazing chapter and was like wow and then a chapter from Mr_Clark



wow
I'm like wow.

  • 02.15.2006 8:01 PM PDT
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Great Great chapter, It's cool and we probably all know who that new race they gave birth to is........ upon hearing the method used to created, the so called half breeds i knew that Johnson is going to have really REALLY hard times ahead. Can't wait for the new chapter, man don't we all want this stuff to be offical, the amount of forerunner history created with such little info is azaming and is also very realistic, this could possible be true.

  • 02.15.2006 8:14 PM PDT
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wow ok to be honest i kind of thought you story was a little wierd, now its starting to make sense and that makes it all the better. 10/10 hands down

  • 02.15.2006 8:19 PM PDT
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You know what Mr. Clark? Your -blam!-. I mean who does this, ahhhhhhh. The suspense is killing me. I want another chapter now. But everything aside that was a great chapter.

When will the next chapter come out?

  • 02.15.2006 9:55 PM PDT

Phoenix is dead, long live Phoenix!
Is it?

Just out of interest could you put the other 25 pages of how the majal were wiped out, activation of the Halo's etc in another side story.
Mabey you could even do a Sargent Johnson type thing except in the view of Fasul

[Edited on 2/15/2006]

  • 02.15.2006 10:58 PM PDT
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Posted by: x Lai Tasha x
Just out of interest could you put the other 25 pages of how the majal were wiped out, activation of the Halo's etc in another side story.
Mabey you could even do a Sargent Johnson type thing except in the view of Fasul


Oh don't worry, I'll be including that in the history chapters I'm doing next. I would have originally done it in a simple dialogue form, but creatively, that just stunk, so instead I'm essentially taking what I did with the Covenant History Chapters, and replacing the word 'Covenant' with 'Forerunner'.

We'll get to hear everything that I would have originally included, plus a lot more this way. Benefits everyone, except those that hate the history stuff, and just want me to write about killing.

  • 02.16.2006 4:13 AM PDT
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Posted by: Mr_Clark
[quote]Posted by: x Lai Tasha x
, except those that hate the history stuff, and just want me to write about killing.



hehe, that would be me

  • 02.16.2006 11:03 AM PDT
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i love the history stuff it seems official and also gives you a better understading, what a great chapter, i praise you

  • 02.16.2006 1:46 PM PDT

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excellent stuff once again mr clark

  • 02.16.2006 3:26 PM PDT