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This topic has moved here: Subject: [Story] Halo 3: Insurrection (Part Twenty out) - Halo 3 Epilogue
  • Subject: [Story] Halo 3: Insurrection (Part Twenty out) - Halo 3 Epilogue
Subject: [Story] Halo 3: Insurrection (Part Twenty out) - Halo 3 Epilogue

wow

  • 08.24.2009 1:21 PM PDT

What a waste....

Wolvie!

  • 08.24.2009 3:26 PM PDT

Posted by: Dropship dude
No, acnboy. Spartain Ken 15 is a lesser being. Much like the bacteria that lives in your shi­t.
Posted by: mike120593
My shi­t bacteria takes offense to that comparison.

Don't make me lel. You won't like me when I lel.

Need.. part... 23.... (gasp)

  • 08.26.2009 11:40 PM PDT

By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

I must say, I picture the Didact's voice to be rather British ;)
Great chapter there, keep it up!

  • 08.27.2009 3:56 PM PDT

Arb1ter haz copied my gamertag, sorta.

I do! High Five!

  • 08.28.2009 9:30 PM PDT

Part Twenty Three - Rampant

"Forerunners above, how has this happened? Sangheilios, dear, dear Sangheilios." R'tas wailed, as he beheld his Flood infested home world from the observation deck of Shadow of Intent.

The planet looked as if it were alive, a writhing mass of tentacles and biomass. Everywhere was infected, the Flood had left no where untarnished. Just above the planet, Flood ships patrolled the area. R'tas was glad they were on the dark side of the planet.

"Bad luck Fleet master." Captain Daniels spoke, with no real sympathy in his voice. R'tas turned upon the manacled human in sudden anger.

"Bad luck? This is a catastrophe! This is our homeworld human, infested by the Parasite! A little more than bad luck."

"How the tables have turned eh Elite? It wasn't too long ago that Earth was infested by the Flood too, and sure, you guys helped. Helped by ravaging half a continent, and then buggering off to the Ark whilst we nervously awaited the arrival of a Flood army, knowing that there was no way we could hold them off. It's just lucky that High Charity passed straight through the portal when it arrived at Earth. One small ship, and we would have been screwed. I'll quote what you said when we asked for your help shall I? 'Your world is doomed'." Daniels replied just as angrily, and the rage present upon R'tas' features subsided, to be replaced by shame.

"I'm. . . sorry for that human, but the bastard Truth was a far greater threat at the time."

"You could have left a ship or two at Earth R'tas, don't lie. From what I hear, the Master Chief did most of the work at the Ark anyway."

"You hear wrong then human, our ships were engaged with those of Truth's. Without our support at the Ark, the Spartan would have been wiped out."

"Don't dig yourself any deeper R'tas, you could have sent your ships back through the portal after the fleet had been dealt with. But you didn't, you still held a grudge against us humans didn't you? And you have the gall to say we triggered this recent war. We watched, R'tas. Watched as High Charity entered Earth's atmosphere. And all the time, we were cursing the Elites, thinking we were all dead. We easily could have been," the captain replied, and R'tas growled, even though deep down he knew the human was right.

"Let us not dwell on past incidents. I have not the fire-power to halt this infestation, the scout ship I sent down but an hour ago was shot down instantly by the potent Sangheilios planetary defences., which the Flood has activated. The Parasite has already begun to infect the other worlds in this system, and soon they shall branch out sooner. We must contain them. It is time for our war to end, captain. We shall retreat for now, and go to Earth. I will use you and your crew as hostages, guaranteeing us safe passage. Then I shall attempt to form another treaty, in light of the recent events here." R'tas explained, and Daniels shook his head with a sad smile.

"Don't count on our help R'tas. Humanity isn't all that forgiving."

*************

"No." Lord Eden told R'tas Vadum', a lazy smile upon his lips.

"No? Are you insane human, this is the parasite we are talking about here! We must wipe them out before--"

"We've defeated the Flood before Elite, and we did it with little assistance from you. Now tuck your tail between your legs and get the hell out of this solar system, you bastard. You're on your own." Eden replied to the Elite Fleet master's protesting, and the men around him cheered. The Elite's eyes went livid, and R'tas clenched his fist.

"I must press upon you the seriousness of this situation human, the parasite--"

Lord Eden had heard enough of the Elite's drivel, and clicked his fingers. The ODSTs around him instantly snapped to attention, and over thirty laser sights suddenly appeared upon R'tas's chest.

"Are you deaf as well as idiotic Elite? I told you to leave, now. And don't think about gutting me like you did with that fool Hood. If you so much as sneeze in my direction, these men will pump you full of lead faster than the mucus from your nose touches me," not a very pleasant analogy, but it was brutal, and so Eden liked it.

Tears welled up in R'tas's eyes, he needed the human's help. He couldn't abandon Sangheilios to the Flood.

"Please Lord Eden, I beg you! Help us, please!" the Fleet master pleaded, and the Sangheili around him looked at each other uncertainly. There was no honour to be found in begging.

"Men, kill his right hand man please," Eden ordered dispassionately, "maybe that will show this disgrace of a leader that when I say something, I mean it."

The hell jumpers nodded, switching their weapon sights to Sub-Commander Kadavr'. The surprised Kavadr's jaw dropped in horror.

"Wait, no!" R'tas shouted out, but his voice was drowned out by the surge of gunfire that suddenly rained upon the Sub-Commander. The Elite's shields held for a few moments, before they dropped. Kadavr' dropped to the deck of the human ship, dead.

"I hope you understand the message I'm trying to give you now. Leave, before I decide to have you all massacred."

"You cold blooded killer! You will pay for that human!" R'tas growled, indicating for the Honour Guards behind him to gather Kadavr's corpse. He wouldn't be left here. "I should have killed your men rather than save them!"

"Perhaps you should have. But you didn't, because you, and the rest of your kind, are weak. And war, Elite, has no place for weakness. Good day sir." Eden smiled lazily, taking another sip from his glass. R'tas opened his two remaining mandibles wide, smacking them together as they closed. A profound insult amongst his kind. He then signalled to his Elites, and as one the group left, carrying to still bleeding corpse of the Sub-Commander. One of the Honour Guard sidled next to him, whispering as they walked back to the Phantom docked in the human ship's bay.

"Noble one, we cannot fight the Flood alone! We need help, perhaps another human Admiral might--"

"Nay," R'tas cut in, holding up a clenched hand, "that Lord Eden's name is law amongst the humans, we will find no sympathy here. Fear not brother, we shall get help."

"Oh? From who, if you permit me to say R'tas. You know as well as I do that the colonies will do little to strengthen our Fleet." The Honour Guard replied. R'tas could hear the anguish in his voice, Kadavr' had been his brother.

"We will go to the colonies, but you are right, they will help little. If we are to defeat the Flood, we will need allies. We will go to the Covenant, what remains of it. The Prophets and Brutes will have to understand our plight."

Lord Eden watched the Elites board their landing craft through narrowed eyes, and grimaced. Things were becoming dire.

"Sir," one of his Ensigns told him quietly, "MAC guns are charged and ready, we can shoot that flagship out of the sky if you wish it."

Eden's brow furrowed, and his knuckles turned white as he grasped the glass he held ever tighter, so much so that a tiny crack appeared down the side.

"Why ever would I do that Ensign Hartridge? No, I promised them safe passage in return for their prisoners," he replied, rubbing his temples, "I stick by my promises. Let them leave. Once every last one of their ships has departed, prepare the Fleets. All of them."

The officers on the deck of the Soul of ice stared at Eden in perplexity. Captain Daniels, who was standing next to the UNSC leader, cleared his throat and spoke.

"All of them sir? Whatever for?"

Eden stared at Daniels like he'd gone mad.

"Did you not hear R'tas captain? The Flood have returned."

"I know that sir, I saw it. But with all due respect, you told the Elites, rather forcefully I might add--"

"I know what I said!" Eden barked, and Daniels flinched, "we're going to Sangheilios, and we're going to wipe out everything there, the Flood, and the Elites. We leave in two weeks, it will take that long to recall all the ships from the colonies. And then we will strike. Once again, humanity shall be the rulers of the stars, and this time, nothing shall get in our way."

  • 08.29.2009 2:25 AM PDT

***********************

"Dead? All of them? How?" John asked of the Didact, who was looking around the room with narrowed eyes.

"Perhaps dead isn't the apt word, although they may as well be," the Didact replied, facing John once again. "This room is a safe house, nestled in slip space. When I...when I fired Halo, at the fourth Installation, the Flood were all around us. It was all I could do to activate it before we were overwhelmed. I managed to do so, and the emergency protocol was activated."

"I was sealed within slip space, to safe me from Halo's fire, and mine, and the thousands of other loyal soldiers buying me time, had our bodies sealed in these pods. Alas, it was too late for them, the infection of the vile Flood had already begun to take hold. All that reside in these pods are no longer Forerunner; they belong to the Gravemind now."

"So you are the last of your kind?" John asked. The Forerunner sighed, and removed his helmet, nodding. John gasped.

The Didact looked human, nearly. There were subtle differences, but none that would be noticed outright. There was a certain noble look to his brow, his face looked timeless, pure almost. The Forerunner's eyes were elongated like a cat's, and had a certain weariness about them.

"We...look like you?" The Spartan asked, drawing closer to the alien, yet familiar looking being. The Didact's ears were tapered, and smooth. He looked very much like a fantastical elf, which baffled John.

"Perhaps it is we that look like you Reclaimer." The Forerunner replied ambiguously, smiling.

John was about to reply with another question, when the air in front of him shimmered. Suddenly, a being who looked not unlike Mendicant Bias appeared between him and the Didact, although John instantly knew it was not him.

"And here was me thinking I'd lost him..." Cortana whispered out loud, and the Artificial Intelligence swivelled towards John. It's lens was a bright red, which unnerved John. The last monitor to have a red lens had shot him with a laser.

"You should not be here Reclaimer. This is my domain, and I would not have you disturb it." The monitor spoke in a gravelly voice, and it seemed to grow in size as it did so.

"Fear not Offensive Bias, all is well." the Didact spoke to the AI, a smile gracing his lips, yet Offensive Bias did not turn around.

"You, and your AI companion are a security breach, no doubt sent by the Flood." Offensive accused, and all around the Master Chief lights tinkled as Sentinels descended from the ceiling, forming a circle around him. He grew uneasy, and drew out his rifle, assessing the danger.

"Uh, Didact?" John asked, surprised to hear his voice quaver nervously.

"Bias, what is the meaning of this? Stand down at once!" The Forerunner barked, and John heard uncertainty in his voice too. This did little to alleviate his fears. Offensive Bias slowly turned around, and faced the Didact.

"I shall not, creator of mine. This sphere, and all who reside within it, belongs to me. You era passed the moment you touched Installation 04's control panel, Didact.

The Sentinels drew closer, their own lenses red too.

"Chief, I think we should leave. Now." Cortana ordered him, and John slowly back towards the wall he had walked through to enter the room. His back felt solid resistance though, rather than the empty feeling he had experienced before.

"Not good. Didact! How do we get out of here?" the Master Chief shouted over at the Didact, who was still barking override commands to no effect. The Forerunner had drawn his own weapon now, and had it aimed squarely at the monitor. He didn't reply.

"Leave? Nay Reclaimer, you shall die." Offensive Bias called over, although the call seemed to originate from John's mind.

The Sentinels converged on him, the tips of them glowing white as they prepared to fire their weapons. There was no way John's shields could withstand so many blasts. He turned around in despair, and punched the wall behind him, hoping his hand would pass through as it did before. But all he encountered was stiff, unforgiving metal.

"Kill it." Bias ordered, and John braced for the end. The Didact was looking over helplessly. He may be as strong as a Spartan, but he certainly wasn't one. If it were Fred, Kelly, or Linda in his place, they would have acted as soon as the monitor had appeared.

As one, the Sentinels fired at John.

  • 08.29.2009 2:26 AM PDT
  •  | 
  • Exalted Legendary Member

SSO the best and most fun group around, join up now you know you want to!

i love the story, you on the other hand, I HATE!

:P

  • 08.29.2009 4:56 AM PDT

By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

Lololol.

Great part, the Didact is being fleshed out nicely.

  • 08.29.2009 10:46 AM PDT

Slipspace jump outta there?

  • 08.30.2009 3:20 PM PDT

Posted by: Dropship dude
No, acnboy. Spartain Ken 15 is a lesser being. Much like the bacteria that lives in your shi­t.
Posted by: mike120593
My shi­t bacteria takes offense to that comparison.

Don't make me lel. You won't like me when I lel.

Holy crap, humans are MEAN!

  • 08.31.2009 12:02 AM PDT

dang crazy story man congrats on the plot and its amazing how you turn the conflicts from one character to the other in such a good flowing manner cant wait till the next part more plz more

  • 09.03.2009 10:46 PM PDT

Good stuff, WF. Good stuff.

  • 09.04.2009 12:08 AM PDT
Subject: [Story] Halo 3: Insurrection (Part 23 is up as of 29th August!)

Acta Non Verba

DarkFus10nz

Check out www.nextgenwalkthroughs.com for the ultmate walkthrough experiace!

THIS IS AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! but i think the humans will get to the elite planet when the elites get there and they'll start fighting and the flood will get them both

[Edited on 09.05.2009 11:33 AM PDT]

  • 09.05.2009 11:21 AM PDT

Honor Light Your Way, Our Blood Shall Forge a Thousand Generations!

Very well written.

  • 09.05.2009 9:31 PM PDT

Here's the latest part, it took a while to write, so I hope you enjoy it.

Part 24 -- The Covenant

Erebus walked through the gilded corridors of Placid Enrichment, a nervous look upon his face. At his side walked two Bodyguards, young by his species' standards. The young Jirahanae had not yet learned to control the pheromones they naturally gave off, and so the Brute ship master could clearly smell the stench of fear upon them. And rightly so.

But a tenth of a unit ago, Elite ships had entered the last remnant of Covenant space. They had a small enough fleet, but it was in likelihood simply a scouting party, mere ants before the inevitable armada that would soon follow.

Erebus's ship, which was patrolling the rim of the small asteroid cluster the shattered remains of the Covenant now resided in, had identified the presence of the fleet immediately. Erebus had immediately departed for Placid Enrichment in his personal Seraph, where he now was obliged to inform the holy Prophets, and the Chieftain of the Brutes, Daedalus, of the nearby threat.

It was all trivial anyway, whilst it was true that the Covenant still possessed some ships, captained by those who had not been crazy enough to follow the zealot Truth on his suicidal mission to the Ark, the small fleet was no match for the might of the Elites, and their ships, which numbered in the hundreds. Not to mention the fact that the humans were in league with the Elites now, or so the Covenant's spies had reported some months ago, before retreating to the asteroid vale, where they hoped to remain undisturbed.

Evidently, the Elites had different ideas. You couldn't blame them really, not after the genocide the Brutes had been ordered to commit upon them, at the long dead Prophet of Truth's orders. They wanted vengeance, which was understandable. Erebus but hoped he would die honourably in combat, rather than as a result of a ship being blown up.

The Brute looked around the corridor of Placid Enrichment, sighing. Whilst not on the same scale as High Charity had been, the Covenant's second most holy city held a certain reverence to it. It was terrible that soon, it would all be but ashes and dust.

The Brute Honour Guard at the entrance to the Prophet's chambers stood aside as Erebus approached. They knew of him, and so had no need to ask for identification. He walked through the sliding doors, and entered the hall.

The Covenant was no longer ruled by just the Prophet's, however, Erebus reminded himself. Indeed, after the fall of Truth and his co-rulers, Regret and Mercy, the High Council had decided that it would be wise to have a Brute lead the Covenant, alongside two elderly, wise Prophets, the Prophet of Sanctity, and the Prophet of Equanimity.

And so Daedalus, the oddly intelligent Chieftain of the Brutes, ascended the throne along with Sanctity and Equanimity. It was these three Erebus stood before now. Whilst both Sanctity and Equanimity resided in gravity defying chairs, Daedalus opted to sit in a stone throne, claiming that the hard, straight rock, which was uncomfortable to both sit and rest upon, would remind him of his duty to the Covenant.

"Shipmaster, I hear that you have news for us." Daedalus rumbled, his braided beard bouncing up and down.

"Speak your mind dear child." the elderly Sanctity intoned, motioning with his hand in the manner of the Prophets.

"Noble ones," Erebus began, kneeling before the leaders, crossing an arm across his power armoured chest, "I have grave, disturbing news. The Sangheili have entered this asteroid belt. My ships saw them, and immediately I embarked for Placid Enrichment, to inform you personally. It won't be long now before they discover the location of this holy city. I fear the Covenant, shall be broken."

The news shocked both Daedalus and Sanctity, and the colour drained from their faces. Daedalus tightened his grip around the stone armrests of his chair, which cracked ever so slightly. Equanimity, however, merely nodded gravely, and then spoke,

"Long have we known this day would come, ever since Truth fell at the Ark. It has but been a matter of when. How many ships?" the noble Prophet asked, keeping his composture.

"My ships picked up but ten holy Prophets, a mere inclination of what is to come." Erebus replied stiffly, a sad look gracing his fur matted face.

"We should ready the defences." Daedalus spoke half heartedly, knowing deep down that nothing the Covenant possessed now would stand against the Elites. The fleet of Placid Enrichment had but forty ships, where the Elites likely numbered hundreds. Even were they to possess as many, or even more ships than the Elites, they would still lose to the far superior Elite Zealots who commanded the ships. The fact that at the Ark, R'tas Vadum's fleet had defeated Truth's, which possessed more than three times the ships his did, spoke measures.

"Yes, yes we should. Daedalus, would you take charge of the defence of this city, and her fleet?" Sanctity breathed, looking sadly at the Chieftain of the Brutes, who nodded.

"It would be an honour." Daedalus replied to the two Prophets, who smiled emptily. The Brute stood up, towering over Erebus, at nearly ten feet tall. Intelligent, powerful, and compassionate. As brilliant a leader as the Covenant could ever have hoped for. Yet it was all irrelevant.

The Chieftain of the Brutes reached for the ancient, divine weapon of the Brutes, the Fist of Rukt, passed down by generations of Brute clans. After Daedalus and his Brutes had recovered the large hammer from Halo whilst the Elites and humans had been occupied at the Ark, battling through waves of Flood to reach it, Daedalus had taken the Rukt as his own, rightly so, seeing as how Tartarus had been his cousin.

"Ship master," Daedalus spoke to Erebus, lifting the Fist of Rukt with one, gargantuan hand, "come with me, you shall assist me in co-ordinating this last stand."

"The Jiralhanae will not go down without a fight."

*********************

Time slowed for John. Everything went quiet, and out of focus. As a Spartan, he had always remarked that sometimes, in events of extreme stress, time itself seemed to slow down, so much so that he could pluck a bullet out of the air as it moved towards him.

This feeling was...similar, but not quite the same. He saw the lasers fire from the Sentinel weapons, but the beams of light moved slowly. Not wasting any time, John side stepped out of the way, aware that he had just moved faster than the speed of light. Perhaps the fact that this room was in slip space attributed to that.

He un-shouldered his own rifle, and aimed it at the Sentinels flying above. Time quickened again, and the lasers fired moments before blasted harmlessly against the wall. The Sentinels drew back , confused, wondering how the target could have evaded them.

They didn't have much time to process this anomaly though, for John immediately retaliated with a volley of his own fire, which smashed into the drones, destroying them. The AI named Offensive Bias turned around, the light in it's lens widening in shock.

"How very interesting Reclaimer, it would seem there is more to you than I originally thought. But mark my words, you will die today. Farewell."

And with that, the monitor vanished, leaving John and the Didact to stand in the room surrounded by broken machines.

"What was that?" John asked of the Didact, who was stood in shock. The Forerunner quickly regained his composure though, and turned towards John.

"Offensive Bias, one of my creations. It would seem he has fallen into rampancy, a side effect from the aggression I built into him. This is a problem."

"Why did it leave though?" John replied.

"Perhaps he thought we would be able to overcome him together. Perhaps he--hold on, what's that noise?" the Didact suddenly questioned; John heard it too. A hissing sound, like pressure being released. The noise echoed around the room, and John realised it was the sound of the pods being unsealed.

"Didact, that Offensive Bias unsealed those pods." John warned, backing against the wall. The pod doors were sliding away now.

"This isn't good. All the residents within the pods have been infected by the Flood."

Mottled hands reached flew out of the tubes, and groans began to fill the room, screaming, shouting. John felt uneasiness began to creep upon him; he was, deep down, afraid of the Flood. Terrified of them.

As one, the army of Flood dropped to the floor; thousands of them. They shook their gruesome heads, moving their misshapen mouths around, flexing their decayed arms. Thankfully, none of them had weapons upon them, otherwise John and the Didact would have been in real trouble.

The infected Forerunners looked around the room, and their eyes snapped upon before he and the Didact. They began to shuffle forward slowly. Strange, John had seen how fast the Flood could run, and jump. Each one was nearly, athletically, like a Spartan.

"Technically, the infection forms within the hosts haven't had long to assimilate with the new bodies; and being kept in stasis for this long will have weakened the infection cell. They are but a fraction of what they could be." the Didact explained, backing towards John. It did little to alleviate the Spartan's fears; Flood were Flood.

"Consume...all...ravage...devoured...I...planet...fall.. .before us..." the Flood crowd rumbled in their gravelly voices. Wait, they were speaking?

"I thought the Flood couldn't speak unless they were connected to a Gravemind." John phrased to the Didact, who stiffened.

"They can't. Are you sure you killed the central intelligence Reclaimer?" the Forerunner replied, loosing off a shot at a Flood form. The beam of energy impacted upon the body, spraying bio-mass over it's brethren, who continued moving on regardless.

[Edited on 09.08.2009 9:05 AM PDT]

  • 09.08.2009 9:01 AM PDT

"Positive." John confirmed, firing his own weapon. It was no good, where he killed one, another would take it's place. Eventually, they would be forced into a corner and be overwhelmed by the horde of Flood.

"Then perhaps events have transpired since you have entered this last haven of mine..."

"Talk later, shoot now." John ordered, and the Didact nodded.

Combat form after combat form fell, yet the Flood pressed on, relentless. They were moving a little faster now, as the infection forms within grew used to their new bodies.

"Damn it, what do we do?" John asked the Didact.

"Have faith my son, we shall prevail."

Another religious zealot! John thought in desperation. Faith wouldn't get them through this, the only thing John believed in was the gun in his hands, his own body, and Cortana. Speaking of which...

"Cortana, any thoughts?" the Spartan directed to her.

"I'm working on it Chief. Offensive Bias has sealed this room, otherwise I'd access the teleportation grid and get us out of here. Like on Halo."

Well work faster, John thought, sweat pouring down his brow. One Flood form seemed to have full control of it's body now, as it suddenly launched itself through the air, a long, powerful arm raised. John dove out of the way of the infected, and rose, meeting the combat form with a kick through it's stomach.

The Flood humanoid staggered back, before surging forward and retaliating with a thwack of it's arm, taking John's shields down by half. The Spartan smashed a hand through the beast's fleshy stomach, feeling sick, felt the bubble like body of the Infection Form within, and squeezed, popping it. The Combat Form instantly collapsed, dead.

It wouldn't be long before the rest of the horde gained full manoeuvrability now, and overwhelmed the two defenders.

"Hurry up Cortana..." John pressed, firing off ever more shorts.

"I'm trying Chief! This encryption, it's like nothing I've seen before. Give me ten minutes."

"Ten minutes?!? Cortana, we don't even have thirty seconds. Hurry up."

They were doomed, John knew it. Emotion was spilling from Cortana, grief as she realised that she couldn't save him in time. She was failing in her duty, and it hit her hard.

Just before all hope was lost, a shimmer of golden light flashed in front of John. His heart sunk, thinking it to be Offensive Bias, come to gloat. Instead, he got an odd surprise.

"Ah, Reclaimer! I have been searching all over this facility's matrices for you. And creator, how excellent to see you alive and well." 343 Guilty Spark cried at John and the Didact, humming happily.

"Spark?" John asked, flabbergasted. The Didact glanced over with some surprise, and returned to keeping the Flood at bay with his weapon.

"Yes, it is me. I apologise for my rampant behaviour upon Installation 04 II Reclaimer, but I was in dire need of repair. Fortunately, all my subroutines are now fixed, and I live only to serve."

The Monitor had all it's attention focused upon John, and so was oblivious to the roaring Flood armour behind him.

"Spark! Cut the chatter, look behind you." John ordered, and the Monitor of Installation 04 complied.

"Oh my." Guilty Spark stated bluntly, it's light dimming slightly as it beheld the sheer number of Flood forms pressing.

"Yes, 'oh my'. Can you get us out of here?"

"Analysis indicates that this room has been shut off by a hostile, possibly rampant entity. However, with the help of your construct, I can, in all probability, override it. Ho hum."

How did the monitor know that John had Cortana upon his person? It was a question that would have to wait for later however, right now they had more pressing matters.

"Do it Cortana." John ordered the AI, and he felt reluctance from her. Fair enough, considering all Spark had done, but right now survival was the priority, "Now!"

"Yes sir Master Chief." she complied sadly, linking her presence with that of the Monitor's. John felt a sudden icy shiver, and realised that Spark had just entered his mind, in the same way Cortana did.

"Your architecture is incredibly strange Reclaimer." Spark spoke from within, in his annoying, chirpy voice.

"Don't get any funny ideas. Just get us out of here."

"At once Reclaimer. Please, grab the arm of my creator, and hold on tight." the Monitor told him, and John grabbed the Didact's arm, who looked faintly surprised.

All the Flood forms were running now, in mere seconds they would reach them. They raised their arms, preparing to strike...

...and swiped empty air. Their prey had disappeared.

***************************

"Hail, Brutes and Prophets! This is the Elite carrier Shadow of Intent. We do not come with hostile intentions. You have my word as a warrior upon that."

"Does he speak the truth?" Erebus asked of Daedalus as they both stood by a communications dock, receiving the Elite message. Daedalus folded his broad arms thoughtfully.

"Elites do not lie, ship master. It speaks the truth. Allow it to dock at Placid Enrichment, but only that ship. The rest must remain out of their weapon range." the Chieftain of the Brutes ordered, a thoughtful look upon his furred face. Erebus nodded, and bent down to send a reply.

"You may dock in this holy city Intent, but the remaining ships you have in your convoy must hold fast."

"My thanks to you, Brute. Prepare to accept us, we are approaching."


Daedalus had recognised the voice as belonging to R'tas Vadum'ee, leader of the Elite Separatists. That the Elites had come with peaceful intentions had startled him, and left him suspicious. Regardless, this was fortuitous, and he would be a fool to deny the Elites access. He hefted the Fist of Rukt, and marched down to the docking level of the city, where he would meet the Elites in person.

"Noble Prophets," he growled into his mouthpiece, communicating Sanctity and Equanimity, "the Elites, it seems, have not come to destroy us after all. Indeed, one of their carriers is now approaching the docking bay with peaceful intent. Your presence shall be required."

"Of course Chieftain, this is indeed an interesting turn of events. We shall meet you there." Sanctity replied with curiosity.

"By the Covenant's will." Daedalus spoke, signing off.

One sixth of a unit later, Daedalus had arrived at the docking bay. According to the Honour Guards there, the Shadow of Intent had docked by a minute ago, and the Elites had yet to leave their ship. The Chieftain of the Brutes signalled for the guards to accompany him, and walked down a flight of stairs to the exit of the ship. A moment later, the huge door cracked open, and a convoy of five Sangheili walked down. Daedalus heard a hovering noise behind him, as Sanctity and Equanimity joined him.

"Hail!" R'tas Vadum'ee cried, raising his hand solemnly.

"Hail." Daedalus replied along with Sanctity and Equanimity. None of them raised their own hands. R'tas and his four Honour Guards met the Covenant leaders, and R'tas looked up at the towering Daedalus with thinly disguised amusement. He then turned to both Sanctity and Equanimity, speaking.

"Do only two Hierarchs rule the Covenant now?" R'tas asked, breaking the ice. Daedalus frowned.

"Nay, Elite. I am the third Hierarch." the Chieftain of the Brutes rumbled, drawing himself up to full height. R'tas noticed the sharp glint of intelligence within his eye.

"Truly? Were it that the old Covenant had such a diversity of race as Hierarchs, perhaps the schism could then have been avoided." R'tas commented, "you look well Sanctity."

"Then my looks must be deceiving, for I am rattled with great strife, former Honour Guard of mine. I never did truly understand why you left my service to join the special operations unit R'tas, I had thought us friends." the elderly Prophet replied to the Elite Fleetmaster's pleasantries.

"We were friends, Prophet. And perhaps we can be once again. Is there anywhere more private we can go? I dislike talking amongst all these onlookers." R'tas questioned, indicating the numerous Brutes and minor Prophets, as well as the various 'loyalist' Jackals, Grunts and Hunters, all who were surveying the interesting scene before them.

"Yes, my quarters should do fine." Equanimity agreed, and then turned to Daedalus, "would you be so kind as to lead the way Chieftain? I would myself, but I fear the rush of questioners may overwhelm me. They would not dare, I think, with one such as yourself leading the way."

The Brute Chieftain nodded wisely, turning his back reluctantly upon the Elites and marching towards the Prophet of Equanimity's quarters. As he marched up the stairs with the two Prophets, and Elites behind him, he was instantly met with a rush of chatter from the common members of the Covenant, who Daedalus silenced with an authoritative bark.

"I have nothing to say to you all as of now. Please, move aside before I make you."

The crowd instantly baulked, drawing back. R'tas raised his eyebrows at the authority a Brute commanded, over even the Minor, and Major Prophets. The Covenant had indeed changed.

Placid Enrichment, however, was just as R'tas remembered from his childhood. He had walked these very corridors hundreds of times in his youth. It felt good to be home.

  • 09.08.2009 9:01 AM PDT

do i smell another covenant human war...hmm?

  • 09.09.2009 12:19 PM PDT

Posted by: Dropship dude
No, acnboy. Spartain Ken 15 is a lesser being. Much like the bacteria that lives in your shi­t.
Posted by: mike120593
My shi­t bacteria takes offense to that comparison.

Don't make me lel. You won't like me when I lel.

Here we go again...

  • 09.10.2009 4:24 AM PDT

Here's the latest part of Insurrection, I hope the few who read it enjoy, and comment. If you have any questions about what's going on, just ask, and I'll answer ASAP. Thanks.

Part 25 - Challenged

The air around John shimmered, as he re-materialised after the teleportation. Something about the room that seemed to be around him seemed strange though...

Uh oh, he was standing on the ceiling...where had that happened before? The re-materialisation completed, and gravity took hold. John fell sprawling to the floor some metres below, with a grunt. A similar noise from beside him told him the same thing had happened to the Didact.

"Oh dear. I apologise Reclaimer, creator of mine, I am unfamiliar with this installation's grid system, and your construct's aid, Reclaimer, slightly confused the process. Are you hurt?" Guilty Spark apologised, floating up to John's face as he rose off the floor. The Spartan staggered back a little as a result of the close contact , and fell onto a table behind. He cursed for the second time.

"No, I'm fine. Didact?" John asked of the Forerunner beside him, whose helmet had been left behind in the stasis room. Oh well, they weren't going back for it.

"I am well. So, 343 Guilty Spark, how are you?" the Didact replied, then proceeding to direct a question at the Monitor, who looked taken aback.

"Me? I'm running at peak capacity, creator of mine. And I finally have an answer for the question you poised to me long ago." Spark chirped back, zooming around the room.

"Do you now? Just how long has it been since I asked that question?" the Forerunner questioned, dusting himself off.

"Some 101, 218 local years, creator of mine. I am surprised to see you survived all this time, to be frank." the monitor replied.

"Over 100,000 years? Incredible. So much must have changed." the Didact whispered to himself. Spark mistook it as a question.

"You could say that," the monitor chirped, "but all in all, organic behaviour is still very much the same. They build empires, wage war, and then fall. Although, on the bright side, I managed to discover the Reclaimers!"

"More like we discovered you..." John muttered bitterly, remembering the atrocity back on Alpha Halo.

"Quite so Reclaimer. I am pleased to see you have finally taken my advice and upgraded to a Class Twelve combat skin. All the more efficient, for fighting the Flood. I do hope there are no hard feelings between us after the last time we parted. I've always thought we had a certain bond, don't you agree?"

John ignored the Monitor's comment for the moment, looking around the room he was in. He was definitely still in the sphere, the aesthetics were definitely Forerunner.

"Speaking of that event, Spark, how the hell are you still alive?" John questioned, and the monitor laughed.

"Technically Reclaimer, I am not alive. Machines, after all, can never truly become like organic life," Spark lectured infuriatingly. As he said this, John felt a slight pang of envy radiate from Cortana,"but yes, I am once again fully functional, despite the high powered energy blasts you destroyed me with on Halo; rightly so, may I add. I was well beyond rampancy."

"Answer the man's question Tinkerbell," a familiar voice at the doorway called out. Sergeant Johnson walked up, and rapped the monitor on the lens reproachingly, "or you'll have me to answer for. I'm still pretty pissed that you shot me with a laser."

"Johnson? I'd be wondering where you'd got to." John commented dryly, trying to mask his surprise. It seemed all that happened to him these days was surprise after surprise.

"It ain't our fault we were blasted on the other side of this god-damn...thing." the Sergeant replied, lighting a cigar.

"Where did you get the cigar?" John asked curiously, remembering that before they had been sent into this strange world, Johnson had practically been out.

"CPO Mendez had a stash of Sweet Williams. I knew him back from Project ORION, we were good friends. It was a big surprise to learn he'd trained ya' Chief."

"Whoa, slow down. Mendez was in Project Orion too? Is he a Spartan I?" the Spartan questioned.

"Hell yeah. You didn't think they'd let any old soldier train you and the other IIs did you Chief? I knew one of the survivors of the first Spartan project was training you, they actually had asked me to do it first. But I said no, so it looks like they picked Mendez."

Revelation after revelation...

"So everyone's here then? My-- Fred's Spartans, the Arbiter, Halsey, Mendicant Bias, everyone?" John queried. The Sergeant puffed out a cloud of smoke, and nodded.

"Yep. Oh, and that Mendicant Bias and those Engineers built a new body for that chirping whistle in the corner, unfortunately," Johnson informed him, pointing at Spark, and then looking at John and the Didact. "Still, he found you and your uh...friend, finally, so I guess he ain't all that bad. I'm still gonna make him pay for nearly killing me though. When we're out of this place and back home safe and sound, I'll use him as a paperweight or something."

"I beg your pardon?" Spark exclaimed indignantly, "I am 343 Guilty Spark, --"

"--Monitor of Installation 04, yeah yeah, I've heard it all before."

"Hold on a sec? What do you mean they made you a new body?" John directed at Spark.

"Ah, I'd be happy to edify you in this matter Reclaimer. You see, I am constantly broadcasting information to a data centre upon this construct, I have recently learned. My personality, memory, emotions, all are stored within a backup file here. Thus, 032 Mendicant Bias extracted these files, and, with the help of the Huragok, assembled a new chassis for me."

"So...you're not the same Guilty Spark?" John questioned.

"Why must you organics always complicate what need not be complicated? I am, down to every last fibre of my mechanical being, 343 Guilty Spark, Monitor of Installation 04. Do not try and attribute human boundaries to me Reclaimer, it shall not yield any progress."

"Where is Mendicant Bias? I wish to have a talk with him." the Didact whispered in a deadly tone, which confused Sergeant Johnson.

"Just who is this character? He looks like an Elf with attitude."

"Elf? Is that the name your ancestors gave us? How quaint. I am the Didact, dear Reclaimer. I am the last of the Forerunner race." the Didact replied to the Sergeant's question, with a completely normal tone.

"Is this guy serious?" Johnson asked of the Master Chief, who nodded mutely, "well I'll be damned. You've got a lot to answer for Elf boy, that Halo system you built has caused me, and the rest of humanity a helluva lot of trouble."

  • 09.10.2009 3:46 PM PDT

"I apologise for that, Reclaimer. But we can deal with this matter later. Right now I must speak to Mendicant," the Forerunner replied softly.

"All right then, follow me. You better come too Chief, everyone will be glad to know you've finally arrived."

"Finally? Just how long have we been gone?" John asked, puzzled.

"I'd say around a week. Mendicant Bias has had Spark and that crazy 2401 Pendant Tangerine--"

"Penitent Tangent, Reclaimer." the Monitor corrected absently.

"-- that Tangerine guy looking zooming around slip space like crazy looking for you." the Sergeant replied. Penitent Tangent? John remembered the slightly eccentric Monitor of Installation 05 well. He'd assumed he'd been destroyed with the Gravemind.

"Did you say a week? That's impossible, I can't have been gone for more than an hour, if that."

"Time passes strangely when encased in slip space. That specific area you were in was chosen for just that reason Reclaimer, it runs slower than most, aiding the way the Stasis Pods function." the Didact explained as the small group walked, Guilty Spark humming alongside them.

"So how come you weren't surprised to see me pop out of the blue if I was gone for a whole week?" the Spartan questioned.

"Oh, that. Spark sent a message to Mendicant Bias a few days ago saying he had found you." Johnson replied jovially.

"A few days? Spark turned up around five minutes ago--ah, that whole slip space thing. I get it. So, where exactly are we?"

"We're in an outpost on the far western side of the Micro Dyson Sphere's north equator." the Didact suddenly chipped in, "I remember designing it. If I remember correctly, there is an Apex nearby."

"An Apex?" John questioned.

"It's essentially a shipyard, Reclaimer. Sadly, the Apex in this installation contains but one Dreadnought. It, however, is the only way to leave once you are inside." the Forerunner clarified.

"Then we should get to it straight away, and leave."

"Alas, I fear that shall not be possible currently. Offensive Bias has complete control of this Installation's technological systems, and will do his best to prevent us from reaching the Dreadnought. The energy shielding around it is too powerful for him to destroy, but he can prevent us from reaching it." spoke the Didact.

"Why is he doing this?" Johnson asked, joining in the conversation.

"He is rampant, Reclaimer," explained the Forerunner, "and rampant machines do many illogical things."

"Such as when I attempted to kill you all!" Spark chipped in a little too happily.

"Yeah, good times." the Sergeant growled back, munching on his cigar.

The outpost looked completely natural, unlike the usual Forerunner aesthetics, the buildings seemed to be carved straight from the trunks of trees, it was a peaceful glade.

"However, we must find a way to overcome Offensive Bias, and quickly. No doubt he has lowered the barrier around the stasis room, and even as we speak, Flood may be exiting into the Citadel. He draws most of his power from a data centre nearby, if we destroy it, then we can weaken him." the Didact urged.

The long conversation was cut off as Johnson reached a tall building, which looked to be carved out of the purest oak. It was beautiful. The went to a nearby door, which was, unlike the rest of the residence, electronic. It opened at his approach. John felt Deja Vu, hadn't he done this thing a few days before hand when first entering the sphere?

"Party's in here Chief. Come on, let's go inside."

******************************

"The Parasite you say? Upon Sangheilios? How has this come to pass?" Equanimity questioned, leaning forward ever so slightly in his chair.

"I know not, Prophets, Chieftain," R'tas replied, in his most humble tone. It was extremely hard for him to resist the urge to bow down to the Prophets: old habits die slow. The presence of the Brute made it easier to resist, however. He would never bow down to a Brute, "save that when I returned, the system of Helios, was infected."

Daedalus made a thoughtful growl deep within his throat, then spoke.

"And what of the mighty fleet of the Sangheili? Did it escape unscathed?"

R'tas hesitated. If he confessed that the ships he had brought with him were all that remained, the Covenant might just decide to have the Elites wiped out. Of course, there were the colonies in other systems, full to the brim with citizens, but that's all they were: citizens; most religious zealots who refused to fight, whatever the need. R'tas would perhaps be able to gather up a dozen or so ships from the colonies, but precious little else.

The Elite could just lie, and tell the Chieftain of the Brutes that he still possessed his fleet of hundreds. Yet, later on, when they learned of the false promise, they may back out. Nay, honesty was the best policy.

"Alas, nay. The ships I have brought with me, and those precious few of the colonies, are all that remains." R'tas admitted, and the Covenant Hierarchs exchanged a quick glance.

  • 09.10.2009 3:47 PM PDT

"And what of the humans? Why come to us when you have their considerable might upon your side?" Sanctity questioned of R'tas, who looked startled. The Covenant really were ignorant of current events.

"Did you not know? The Sangheili have been engaged in a fresh, bloody war with the humans for nearly three months now."

"And in light of the current events, have the humans not cast aside their anger to unite against a greater threat?" Equanimity asked with disbelief.

"No, no, they have not." R'tas whispered sadly, a single tear running down his left cheek, before splashing to the floor.

"Snivelling cowards." Daedalus rumbled angrily, his voice like thunder. R'tas snapped out of his emotional lapse as the Brute spoke, not wanting to show any distress in front of the...barbarian.

"And so, Fleet master of the Sangheili," Sanctity cut in, holding up his frail hands for silence and moving his chair forward, "what exactly is it you are asking of the Covenant?"

"We wish to form an alliance with you once again, in order to halt the Flood in it's tracks, before the infection spreads throughout the Galaxy. They hold Sangheilios; the control everything. All the latest of our technology, Prophet. All our ships...everything. We cannot let them grow in power, even now they are probably forming a Gravemind." R'tas intoned, his voice resolute. The two Prophets nodded solemnly, but Daedalus merely growled angrily.

"You expect us to just join up with you Elite? I do not think you worthy to work alongside us." the Chieftain of the Brutes barked, throwing R'tas off stride.

"Not worthy? What is it you would have us do then, Jiralhanae?" the Elite challenged, anger rising unbidden.

"I challenge thee, R'tas Vadum'ee of the House Dum, to a public display of unarmed mortal combat, one day from now." Daedalus puffed proudly, drawing himself up to full height, "if you defeat and kill me, then my Brutes shall gladly accept your leadership, you shall become the new Chieftain of the Jirahanae, per say. If not, however, your Elites must leave, and solve their own problems."

R'tas was dumbstruck, and stood with his remaining jaw agape in shock. The Elite leader looked to the Prophets with a pleading expression.

"This is foolishness, Sanctity, Equanimity. Tell this Brute that what he suggests is impossible." R'tas demanded of the Prophets, who squirmed.

"We hold no jurisdiction over Daedalus, Vadum'ee," Equanimity intoned, "if he wishes to fight in order for you to win the Brute's allegiance, then you must comply with his wishes." Sanctity nodded along gravely.

"Nonsense! Do not be absurd, the Flood threatens to consume all, and you wish to duel to the death?" R'tas spluttered in disbelief. The Elite Honour Guards at his side tensed, anticipating combat.

"What is the matter Sangheili? Afraid you shall be bested, you pathetic worm?" Daedalus smirked. He may be intelligent for a Brute, but deep down, each and every one of the beasts possessed a primitive essence about them.

"Fleet-master, would you have us put down this filth for you?" the lead of the Elite Honour Guard, F'edri, questioned loud enough for the Chieftain of the Brute and his own Honour Guard to hear. The golden ordained Brutes growled warily, drawing out hammers and Brute shots whilst the Elites brought out Energy swords. Things were falling to pieces very quickly.

"Don't be absurd F'edri, we're trying to form an alliance here. Sheath your blade, and that goes for the rest of you." R'tas snapped, and the Honour Guards reluctantly holstered their weapons, as did the Brutes. Tension was still high in the room however.

"Do you accept the terms and conditions of the challenge Elite, or are you a coward?" Daedalus asked, oblivious to the atmosphere around him. The Prophets had drawn back from the near conflict, and were looking uneasy.

"I accept. Where shall we meet?"

A hushed silence filled the room, and all eyes turned to Daedalus.

"Where do you think? The combatant's arena of course. When this system's sun is highest in the sky over Placid Enrichment. Would you have me send a guide to show you where it is?"

"I know where it is Brute. I was an Honour Guard here whilst you were still a young ling. Do not presume to lecture me." R'tas replied in annoyance, and the Chieftain of the Brutes huffed in respect.

"Very well then. My Brutes shall show you to your allocated quarters, do not speak to anyone. I, and the other Hierarchs have enough trouble managing the Covenant as it is, without rumours flying around. I shall see you tomorrow, and for perhaps the final time." Daedalus spoke softly, instantly becoming warm again. Then again, R'tas reminded himself, challenge for leadership of the Brute packs were common, to die in mortal combat was considered a great honour for them. Fools.

The Brute Honour Guards grunted wearily, marching past the Elite convoy, beckoning them to follow. The Elite Honour Guard looked amongst each other, nodding, and formed a box around R'tas as they walked. F'edri fell in beside R'tas.

"Noble one, this is absurd. You are far too valuable to be killed in some petty brawl," the Honour Guard leader began, with anger in his voice, "allow me to take your place, my life is insignificant compared to yours."

"No, my dear F'edri, never think that. Your life is just as important to the Sangheili as mine. This is my chance to prove myself, to fight for my brethren. Indeed, it is a great honour." R'tas spoke back sharply, as much to convince himself as the Honour Guard.

"Would it be so easy, but that Daedalus is physically stronger than you Fleet-master, if I may say. How shall you kill such a foe?"

"Kill? I shan't kill him, he will be a great asset. Nay, brother, I shall merely best him, and force him to yield."

  • 09.10.2009 3:48 PM PDT
  • gamertag: [none]
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Do not waste your tears, I was not born to watch the world grow dim. Life is not measured in years, but by the deeds of men.

Posted by: goldhawk
We should know better, because we are better.

" Pendant Tangerine" LOLOLOLOLOL! :) Pendant Tangerine! Epic!

  • 09.10.2009 5:44 PM PDT

-eddy!
huh! What? It was the other guy, honest! ;)
'it was a sniper!' looks down at my sniper
uhh yeah? hes got one too. XD

thats alot to tke in from one part!
wicked i cant wait for the next part!!!

  • 09.11.2009 8:00 AM PDT

Acta Non Verba

DarkFus10nz

Check out www.nextgenwalkthroughs.com for the ultmate walkthrough experiace!

hurry up make more!!

  • 09.11.2009 2:02 PM PDT