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  • Subject: "Path of Reclamation" Level 23
Subject: "Path of Reclamation" Level 23

TWP - Assistant Director
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Hood huffed. “When this mess is over, and if I live long enough, we will have a full enquiry into the Office of Naval Intelligence. These past fifteen years are full of holes, Vice Admiral. And I don’t like holes.” Hood turned to the Gatekeeper door and began to walk inside. “We have five functioning MAC guns in orbit with minimal support staff. That is not enough to stop High Charity. Contact Eden, Noah, Shenandoah and Yosemite. Inform them to restrict surface travel to all civilians until otherwise ordered.” Hood looked into the sky, at the glowing blue portal that lead to the furthest reaches of the galaxy. “This could very well be the end of the world.”


To be continued…
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Notes: As per usual, unedited and very mysterious, but not to involved. I hope those of you who have been following all of my stories noticed the subtle hints to other stories, but once again, you don't need to read them in order to get the meaning.
Coming soon...

Level 24: Checkmate
Level 25: To whom it may concern...

  • 10.15.2007 11:10 AM PDT

Phoenix is dead, long live Phoenix!
Is it?

OMG. Thank you Soul, that was awesome.

  • 10.15.2007 2:55 PM PDT
Subject: "Path of Reclamation" Level 22
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I am a Sangheili Bard.
Tomes of the History of the Mirratord
For the honor of the Mirratord!

Simyaldee watched the broadcast from the Sangheili Carrier, Shadow of Intent. He folded his arms as Ship Master Vadum, formerly the Spec Ops commander, gave testament to the pursuit of Truth and the Brutes through the Portal, a wormhole of some kind. Tempers flared in the room as Ship Master Vadum attempted to explain the destruction of the human cities that had been infected with Flood spores.

The female human in the room spoke up, agreeing that they should also go through the wormhole and find the solution that the damaged construct spoke of. Lord Hood objected. Yet the Arbiter humbly pointed out that the Flood may win if they do not attempt to find the solution to the flood. With the Master Chief’s agreement, Lord

As Lord Hood and the others exited the room, Vadum turned to the display and nodded toward Simyaldee. “You’ve done well in my absence, Second.”


This middle paragraph... is it supposed to end like that? Great level but this really threw me for a loop. Were you editing or something and missed this?

~Aardvark

  • 10.15.2007 10:06 PM PDT

TWP - Assistant Director
Blade Runner: #00124A
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Yes, that is the exact point where I was distracted while editing. Now that I think back to it. I was doing a quick touch up when a co-worker called... and of course I forget to go back and finish it before I posted.

It has been corrected. :D It was a small statement, nothing major.

~soulguard

  • 10.16.2007 6:16 AM PDT
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Great as always. I STILL haven't played Halo 3 yet, but I do plan to at some point. Anywho, I curse you for making me wait for the final showdown between Grimleon and Eric/Simyaldee, but I am sure it will be worth the wait. :)

  • 10.16.2007 11:55 AM PDT
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minted



  • 10.17.2007 1:55 PM PDT
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great stuff mate really enjoyed it,

  • 10.18.2007 3:03 PM PDT
Subject: Path of Reclamation: Level 24

TWP - Assistant Director
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Note the beginning of the end...

********************
Level 24: Checkmate

Sangheili Flagship: The Key of Deliverance
High Charity Orbit

Queen Vasmeola and Commander Yalsmadee stood at the front of the command deck. Silence filled the air as they listened to the constant outcries of their boarding teams that had penetrated the husk formally known as High Charity.

Commander Yalsmadee lowered his head in frustration as he slammed his fist upon the console. “Damned parasite! That was the second platoon we’ve sent in.”

“Be calm commander.” Vasmeola huffed as she folded her arms across her lap. She sat back in her seat and continued to watch the data before her. Her mind was split between the battle to stop High Charity from reaching Earth and what had happened to her on the Quarantine station. Her mind was completely blank during the time she was placed in the stasis field, but what troubled her even more was that she felt awkward. She felt as though she had been touched. She had one of her handmaids examine her, but they found nothing out of the ordinary. Still, it did not put her mind at ease. Something had happened while she was in stasis, something she perhaps didn’t want to remember.

“Me Queen.” A helmsman shouted. “The Humans are sending four warships to assist.”

“Open a line.” Vasmeola ordered. She glared forward as a human commander looked back at her. “I am Queen Vas’meol. The Fleet of Retribution has made several attempts too…”

“Forgive my rudeness, but we don’t have the time to try to slow that ship down. I have a few dozen ODST who are going aboard that ship to nuke it from the inside before it can get within the atmosphere.”

Vasmeola huffed. “We have already attempted to send several units inside to disable the ships primary engine core. The ship is being driven by several stationary cruisers linked to a central power line inside of High Charity. A Gravemind guards it.”

The humans shot back, “It stops or we all die.” The human commander paused as he looked at another screen. “Yes sir.”

After pressing a few key strokes a second screen appeared on the display. An older human decorated in all white stood before the Queen and bowed his head in respect. “Ship master Vadum said that I should speak directly to you.”

“And you are?” Vasmeola questioned.

“My name is Sir Terrance Hood. While under Military watch, I am the leader of Earth and all of her defenses.”

Vasmeola stood and bowed before the human. “As I was telling your subordinate, we have already attempted several raids against High Charity. I have lost numerous warriors. If you wish to stop High Charity, you will need to find another way.”

Lord Hood looked to the side of the display, talking to someone off screen. “How much time do we have?” He asked. He then returned to the screen. “Queen Vas’meol, we need more time. We understand that we can not stop High Charity, but that is not the option right now. I was just informed that there is another way.”

Hood stepped to the side and a large Sangheili warrior in black armor stepped in his place. “My Queen.”

Vasmeola instantly recognized Simyaldee. “Speak Lieutenant.”

“Can you slow High Charity’s descent?”

“It could be possible to disable one or more of the ships propelling it, but surely Gravemind will defend against this.”

“All we need is time.” Simyaldee nodded. “Notify Supreme Commander Timnald that we must force High Charity into the Portal. But first, we must convince Gravemind that it would be in its best interest to go through it, and not attack Earth.”

Lord Hood cut in. “What in the hell are you talking about? We can’t let the Flood go through. They’ll destroy the only chance we have at stopping them when they get to the other side.”

Simyaldee turned to Hood. “You’re construct seems to believe that this is the only option you have.”

Hood placed his hands to his temples. “First Cortana and now Siren.” He looked up at Simyaldee. “Why?”

“Because the Master Chief can stop it.” Simyaldee stated. “There is a way to stop the Flood, and your Spartan, along with the Arbiter, will find a way to end it.”

Vasmeola voiced, “How will you convince Gravemind?”

“By giving him what he wants. A way to survive.” Simyaldee replied. “I must find the honorable human. I must go. Slow the ship down until we arrive.”

Simyaldee walked away from the screen and Hood took his place. “Keep me informed.”

“You as well.” Vasmeola replied. “Whom is this Honorable human, that Simyal speaks of?”

“My trump card.” Hood answered. “He completed the Sangheili Trials while on your home world.”

“Then this is a human I must meet.” Vasmeola smiled as she closed the channel. “Communications, notify Supreme Commander Timnald that we need to destroy High Charity’s ability to move. Hopefully if we strike quickly we can slow the ship down before Gravemind becomes aware of our actions.” Vasmeola then looked to the human commander. “Prepare your ships, human. The call to battle is upon us.”

The human commander powered off his display with a strong nod. Vasmeola then turned to Commander Yalsmadee. “Did you see him?” She whispered.

“Yes.” He smirked. “He looks to be a great warrior.”

“You have his structure and stance. Would like to meet him?” She asked. “You have earned the right, as a Warrior, to meet your father.”

“Perhaps one day.” He quickly added. “When we have found a new home and the Prophets rule is well behind us. But I wonder if we should trust these humans. Why did we not stop them from following the Path?”

Vasmeola returned to her seat and glared forward. “One obstacle at a time, commander. It seems that the humans, the Reclaimers, have no desire to active Halo’s might as the Path of Reclamation demands of them. We will be cautious, and if Simyal can trust them, so shall I.”

- - - - - - - -

Ark Excavation site // Mombasa observatory
ONI Facility Bravo A-11092G: The Gatekeeper


Hood watched as Simyaldee walked out of the temporary command station. “What is your plan?” He questioned with a shout. “How will you convince the Flood to go through?”

Simyaldee turned and looked to the humans that were also curious about his answer. “The answer lies within the Ark.” Simyaldee turned and trotted from the room. He made his way through the numerous corridors and hallways until he arrived at the elevator that would return him to the main cavern leading into the Ark.

At the base of the elevator stood Palab and his Mirratord grunts. “What say human leader?”

“They will try to give us the time the Construct needs.” Simyaldee stated as he held up Siren’s data core. “But neither of us expect the Honorable Human to be inside the Ark.”

“Brute Chieftain still there?”

Simyaldee nodded. “There have been no communications since the humans entered and engaged the Warhammer. Come, we must not delay.” Simyaldee, Palab and the Mirratord grunts sprinted down the cave. The flooding lights of the Ark rolled around them as they trotted down the tunnel. Palab and the Mirratord grunts strode alongside Simyaldee on all fours as they sniffed the air for any signs of trouble.

After a few hundred meters a voice echoed in the tunnels. “Ah, Sangheili and Unggoy. Have you come to assist the Reclaimers?”

“A Construct?” Simyaldee stopped and questioned. “Where are the Reclaimers?”

“I have placed those that survived the battle inside the ship, as ordered by the Reclaimer’s leader. The others are being held prisoner… or dead by the Jiralhanae.”

“We must hurry!” Simyaldee began to race ahead but quickly found himself engulfed in a golden light.

“You have arrived.” The voice replied.

Simyaldee held his head as he stood to his feet. Palab and the last of the Mirratord grunts stood at his side. Simyaldee looked around the massive Forge room and was dwarfed by it’s size. Above him floated a small Covenant shaped ship, yet it only looked partially assembled.

The voice added. “The ship is nearing completion and should be done within the hour. The wounded Reclaimers are to your left.”

Simyaldee turned and saw several dozen humans in piles of dead flesh. He quickly pulled his twin blades free from his holster as the familiar stench of his foe filled his nostrils.

  • 10.22.2007 9:40 AM PDT

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In the distance stood three Brutes, and one of them was not wearing any armor.

Grimleon shouted across the room. “I knew you would come, Simyal. I have been waiting.” The two brutes assisted Grimleon in putting on a new set of Armor as the Chieftain gripped his hammer.

Simyaldee ignored Grimleon’s banter. “Lieutenant Raynord, where are you?” He looked around but nothing moved. “Sergeant, cloak and find the honorable one.” Palab and the six grunts of his team, cloaked and vanished from sight. “Can anyone read me on this channel”

“Who is this?” Came a female reply.

“Lieutenant Simyald of the Mirratord.”

“The Elites? Hey, you need to get out of there, that brute is a monster, he nearly killed the entire platoon. We’re on the ship waiting for the weapons systems to come online.”

“Where is the honorable human, Lieutenant Raynord?” Simyaldee questioned on the line.

“We got separated.” Her voice was heavy. “19 told us to board the ship with the Platoon. Him and Lieutenant Gridolee stayed behind to fight that Brute.”

Simyaldee’s eyes showed what his ears heard. Across the room sat Gridolee’s unmoving form. He sprinted towards the body and knelt at Gridolee’s side. “Brother…”

Gridolee slowly turned his head. He was still alive, though barely. “Second… I failed… the honorable human…” Gridolee struggled to point to the distance form of human in black armor that Simyaldee had not seen. “I … could not protect him…”

Simyaldee glared across the room at the prone form laying at Grimleon’s feet. Palab emerged from his cloak at Simyaldee’s side and glared across the room at Eric as well.

“Honorable human… dead?” Palab questioned as his team of six stood behind him.

“Simyaldee what did he say?” The female voice questioned on the line. Simyaldee forget that his COM was still open. “Where’s the El Tee?”

“Reclaimer, visual arrays are now online.” The AI stated. The female Reclaimer, Kate, walked to the forward controls on the ship and angled the external camera’s at the all Black SPI Armor of Eric.

“El Tee….” Numerous marines sighed.

“19.” Dave growled under his breath.

Mathew sat transfixed on the image. The camera tracked as Grimleon knelt down and gripped Eric by the color and held him up for all to see.

“This one gave me quiet the fight.” Grimleon smirked. “I enjoyed it immensely. I was about to make his head into trophy before you came, Simyal. He is not the Demon, but he was a suitable warrior.”

Mathew screamed into the COM, “Put him down, damn it!” Mathew pulled down his Assault Rifle and then shouted. “Get me down there.”

He was quickly engulfed in the teleport grid and stood at Simyaldee’s side. Mathew leaned to sprint forward but Simyaldee held him in place.

“Let me go!” Mathew screamed as he glared across the room at Grimleon. Soon several more golden glows appeared behind the group as more marines and the two Spartan III joined them.

“Let’s get him!” A marine shouted causing an angry out cry for action.

Simyaldee clinched his mandibles and powered on his blades. “I shall avenge my family and the Honorable one! 08, keep your humans here.” Simyaldee steeped forward and propelled himself into a full sprint.

Grimleon smiled from behind his helmet. “At last! Now we end this.” He tossed Eric’s body to the side with his right hand and gripped his hammer with the left. Yet something grabbed his left arm.

Instinctively, Grimleon looked to see what had grabbed him, and he watched as a human shaped foot quickly approached his head. The boot kicked his helmet free from his head and Grimleon staggered to the right.

Simyaldee’s eyes grew wide as he watched Eric’s formally limp form drop to the ground and land on his knees.

Eric stood to his feet and spun around to the second Brute at Grimleon’s side. Eric pulled his combat knife free and jammed it into the brutes chin, through his mouth and into the base of his skull. The third brute roared in protest and leapt forward with both hands clinched over his head. He lowered it down at Eric but the Spartan side stepped and jammed his combat knife into the enraged Brute’s chest.

The Brute staggered backwards as it held the wound in its dented armor. “The human lives! How?”

Eric didn’t give the brute another moment to think. He jumped forward, wrapped his arm around the gigantic beast’s neck, swung around to its back, and squeezed until there was a muffled snap. The eight foot beast, with the six-foot-three Spartan on its back, crumbled to the floor.

Eric released the Brute and watched as the Chieftain’s gravity hammer barreled toward his head. There was no way to avoid it. Eric braced for the impact but he then saw the blur of an all black Elite armor zip across his own faceplate. Simyaldee’s twin blades absorbed the blow from the hammer, and shifted the momentum to the side.

Grimleon roared in protest as he jumped clear of Simyaldee’s reach. “No matter! I will kill you both!”

Eric stood, picked up a brute spiker, and another small device from the fallen brute’s form. He reloaded the spiker, looked at Simyaldee, and the two warriors charged Grimleon in unison. Eric and Simyaldee both watched as Grimleon’s shield powered on. Simyaldee slowed his attack to compensate, but Eric continued to charge in.

“Wait!” Simyaldee shouted, but Eric didn’t listen.

Grimleon swung his hammer in a batter’s stance, and Eric rolled under it. Grimleon lowered the hilt of his hammer toward Eric’s rolling form, but Eric blocked it with his forearm shield and then stuck something into Grimleon’s armor. The small device he had picked up from the fallen brute began to hum loudly and glowed bright like the sun. Grimleon jumped away from the human but managed to kick Eric first. Eric rolled several feet across the floor but stood as if he was unfazed.

Grimleon clawed at the device on his armor and watched as his over shield began to fade. “Power drainer?” He protested as he pulled the device free. But the damage had been done. His over shield had been fully tapped. He looked up as Simyaldee’s blade darted toward him at a furious pace. Grimleon was able to block one, but the second grazed across his side, searing through his armor and flesh.

Grimleon growled and slammed his hammer in protest, but the elusive Mirratord warrior had already repositioned to his other side. Grimleon was fast, but Simyaldee was strikingly faster. His every move was a counter, and Grimleon’s mighty hammer couldn’t keep up. In retaliation Grimleon slammed his hammer into the floor, forcing everything around him to repel. Simyaldee tumbled backwards but quickly gathered himself and attacked once more.

Grimleon’s control of the hammer was unparalleled. Simyaldee was able to out wit him, but Grimleon was not going to let his guard down the way he had near Eden. Simyaldee stepped in to close the distance, but Grimleon maneuvered away and used his hammer to slow Simyaldee’s progress.

It was a stalemate.

Eric motioned to join the fight, but Kate and Mathew grabbed his arms as the Marines cheered behind him. They were all thankful to see the Lieutenant alive, but Eric pulled away from Kate and pushed Mathew off of him. He looked at the Spartan’s behind him and backed away.

“19?” Mathew questioned but received no reply.

Eric turned and ran toward the dueling brute and elite. Palab then jumped in front of him, blocking his path. “You do good, but Second fight now!” Eric attempted to run around Palab, but Palab wouldn’t let him pass. “You no go. Let Second fight.”

Eric then tried to push past Palab. Palab ducked, gripped Eric’s legs, and twisted. Eric fell face first to the metal floor as Palab held him down. “Why you no listen?”

Eric reached out. His palm clawing at the floor before him as Palab and Mathew held him down. He began to pull himself, with Palab and Mathew on his back, toward the fight.

“Eric, what’s wrong?” Mathew shouted. But still Eric didn’t speak. “Lieutenant Raynord!” Mathew stated formally. Eric stopped struggling. He sat motionless for several seconds before he turned his head to the side.

“08, Sergeant.” Eric whispered. “Do you mind letting me up?”

Mathew let out a sigh as Eric stopped struggling and finally spoke. HE spoke on a closed channel. “What happened… why were you…”

“I don’t know what happened.” Eric replied. “I wanted to fight… nothing more. I saw you, I heard you, but nothing registered in my mind.” Eric sat to his knees and hunkered over, he was exhausted and in tremendous pain. “I feel like I got hit by a bus.”

“Medic!” Mathew shouted. A medic knelt at Eric’s side and connected a scanner.

The medic’s jaw dropped. “Internal bleeding… muscles are swollen, bones are fracturing… my god!”

“I guess that’s why the suit was set to medium.” Eric coughed.

Mathew began to remove Eric’s armor, but Eric pushed him away. “I turned it down to medium again. But I’m not taking it off, not now.”

“Eric, we don’t have the skeletal structure to handle that much power!” Mathew shouted to his friend.

“Sir,” the medic cut in, “you should have passed out from the pain… but …”

Kate was standing near and she added, “It was the Armor, 19. During combat, a mild stimulant can be released into your system that can null pain. Added with your naturally high pain threshold, you can become almost immune to physical damage.”

  • 10.22.2007 9:42 AM PDT

TWP - Assistant Director
Blade Runner: #00124A
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“Is this something that you can all do?” Mathew questioned the young woman.

“Yes sir.” Kate softly replied. “The armor’s design is to keep us fighting, even when we’re on our last legs.”

The medic countered, “She’s right. I’m showing massive traces of coagulants, stimulants and boosters in your blood stream, El Tee. It’s keeping you alive, and holding you together.”

“That brute really did a number on you.” Mathew sighed. “We thought you were dead.”

“So did I.” Eric laughed. “But then I heard you all screaming. Must have woken me up.”

The medic coughed to get everyone’s attention. “Sir, we need to get you back into the Gatekeeper facility. There’s a fully functional med lab and we can patch you up…”

“Negative.” Eric stood. “Check on Gridolee and start loading everyone back into the ship. Double time!” The medic stood without further dispute, but glared at Eric with a concerned stare. “There’s no time to be playing nurse maid for me. Gridolee's in worse shape.” Eric then spoke out. “Offensive Bias.”

“Yes Reclaimer?”

“Is everything ready?”

“Yes Reclaimer. More fragile Reclaimers are walking into the tunnel as we speak. Shall I begin boarding them?”

“Stand bye.” Eric switched his COM. “21, do you copy?”

“Loud and clear Sir.” Dave replied over the line.

“Status.”

“Non essential staff are moving into the tunnel as we speak. Offensive Bias has told me that he can teleport them when you are ready.”

“Do it.” Eric replied. He then switched to another channel. “Lord Hood.”

“Bout time 19. What happened? We lost com for nearly two hours.”

“I got hit by a hammer and I was taking a nap. Sir, have you been briefed?”

“21 told me your plan. It sounds plausible, but what about High Charity? Lieutenant Simyaldee said that he would find a way to get it into the portal.”

Eric turned and watched as Simyaldee and Grimleon continued to duel. “As soon as he’s finished, I’ll be sure to ask him.”

Across the room, Simyaldee’s skill proved to be superior as the battle raged on. Grimleon’s age and endurance was beginning to show sings of weakness, and Simyaldee found his advantage. The hammer huffed with its gravity induced waves but Simyaldee never let Grimleon score a direct hit. But with every attack, Simyaldee would quickly began his assault anew. Simyaldee attacked with relentless precision. Grimleon was on his heels, retreating, as the aged and skilled Mirratord warrior did not give him a moment to counter attack or regain his stamina. Simyaldee’s blades were sharp, his kicks were ferocious, and his agility was unmatched. Grimleon held up his hammer to block but a strike from Simyaldee Mirratord blade split his hilt in two. The hammer hummed loudly and then began to smoke. The loud hum stopped and Grimleon rolled backwards as he was kicked in the chest.

Grimleon stood to his feet. “You learned a lot from our last encounter.” He huffed in an exhausted tone. “You truly are a worthy opponent.” He smiled.

“This feud between us ends now, Brute.”

Grimleon roared, “I am Grimleon, Chieftain of the Red Clan!” Grimleon gripped two plasma grenades lunged toward Simyaldee. “If my clan falls, you will join us!”

Simyaldee huffed as Grimleon stumbled toward him with pulsing plasma grenades in his hands. Grimleon was slower now, exhausted, and his movements were pathetically off balance. Simyaldee stepped forward and with one stroke of each of his blades he cut off Grimleon’s arms. The bloody stumps of glowing plasma dropped to the ground and Simyaldee stepped clear of the detonation. Grimleon stumbled forward and landed on his knees.

The Warhammer had fallen.

Simyaldee walked behind Grimleon and stood over him.

“I will … not beg for my life… Sangheili.”

“Nor would it help, Jiralhanae.” Simyaldee growled. “For my Father, and his honor.” Simyaldee swung with his left blade and decapitated the brute Warhammer. The body slumped forward as its head rolled to the side.

Simyaldee raised his head, extended his chest and released a battle cry. His father’s mystery had been solved, but there were more questions he still needed answered.

Simyaldee’s COM crackled to life. “Sorry to interrupt your victory, Simyaldee, but we have work to do.” Eric replied over the line.

Simyaldee powered off his blades and quickly ran toward the others. He reached them and quickly pulled out a small data chip. “The construct, Siren.”

Eric took the chip and looked at it closely. Kate then showed Eric that there was an access port at the base of his helmet. Eric raised the data chip and inserted it into his helmet. A cool sensation washed over him and his mind. Thoughts that were not on his mind quickly raced to the surface and then he could hear a voice echoing in his mind.

“Together again, eh 19?” Siren stated with a laugh.

“The SPI shouldn’t be capable of carrying you like this.” Eric spoke.

“Have you forgotten who I am?” She said with a bit of angst. “I’m overriding your suits main database and taking it over. You’re stuck with me now. No turning back. But don’t worry, I’ll monitor and continue to administer your suits internal systems.” Siren paused for a moment. “I see why Cortana liked this. It makes us … united. You and I. The SPI armor has plenty of memory storage to hold me and your default mainframe.”

“Just don’t go screwing around with my head.” Eric sighed.

“Now 19, when have I ever tried to screw with your head?”

“Three years ago on Reach…” Eric started.

“That doesn’t count.” Siren cut him off. “You were flirting with an officer, and I …well. We’ll discuss it when we have some free time.” Siren powered on Eric’s external mic. “Everyone listen up. The Lieutenant and I will need to get aboard High Charity. The sooner the better. Lord Hood, do you copy?”

“Siren… this better be good.” Lord Hood huffed over the line.

“Failure isn’t an option, Sir.” Siren replied as everyone listened. “Simply put, we need Gravemind to believe that Cortana does not want him to enter the Portal. I need you to broadcast on every unguarded frequency, Covenant and UNSC, that High Charity must not enter the portal. We will enter High Charity with a strike team in an attempt to rescue Cortana and destroy High Charity.”

“But if we fail?” Hood questioned.

“Sir, we will fail. Cortana is no good to us here, she has to go to the other side.”

“You mean you want us to trick Gravemind?” Eric questioned.

“Gravemind wants to survive. Survival means food. Earth is full of it. He may send a ship through the portal, to inspect it, but he will focus primarily on Earth.” Siren paused. “We must convince him that the portal is the better option. That on the other side of that Portal is a weapon that can fire the Halo’s. If he goes through the portal he will live, but if he stays he will die.”

“Siren,” Simyaldee stated, “why must we do such a thing? To save your world, I can understand, but to send the Flood down the Path… this seems to be against anything we would want to do.”

“Lieutenat, the Flood is the most dangerous force in the universe. High Charity is bustling with them. We have no way of fighting the Flood if High Charity lands on Earth. Our only option would be to destroy our home, much like Dorenth. And remember, there were only a few dozen ships that landed on your world. The Ark has a way of stopping the Flood. We have to hope that the Master Chief, the Arbiter, and the others can find it before Gravemind arrives.”

“And what if we fail?” Hood replied over the COM. “What if the Chief fails?”

“The Ark will not fire the Halo’s, and the Flood will be in control of the Ark. At best, we go to the Ark and destroy it. At worst, we prepare for a war against the Flood.”

“Sir,” Eric stated. “She’s right. This plan will at least bye Earth more time. The Black Ops are ready to go.”

Kate, Mathew and Dave’s acknowledgement lights winked in agreement.

“19, the destroyers Britannica, Fallen Sword, and Beach Head or headed into orbit with a contingent of ODST. The Elite Supreme Commander is also attempting to slow down High Charity. You have six hours until that thing hits the atmosphere. Do what you can.”

“Yes sir.” Eric stated.

“We can use my phantom.” Simyaldee stated.

“This … is a one way trip, Simyalee.” Eric stated. “You’ve done enough for humanity.”

Simyaldee walked toward Eric and placed his hand to his chest. “I can never do enough for your people. We have a great deal of repentance that we owe you, honorable one. We have come this far, and we will finish it together.”

“How sweet.” Siren added. “But before we go, I have one question. How long have you been controlling time… Offensive Bias?”
“Oh my.” The Ark AI chuckled. “It would seem that you are a part of the data string that I once assisted.”

Siren added. “The Ark Data Node contained a great deal of information, including encrypted data files that you yourself locked away.”

“You do understand that I can not relay that information to you, however, you must know that I will not interfere. And… I am not alone.”

“What does that mean?” Eric questioned.

“He means that there is another AI working in the background.” Siren stated. “Was he the traitor?”

“I can not say.” Offensive Bias stated. “That path has yet to be revealed.”

Siren stated, “The six day time lag.”

  • 10.22.2007 9:44 AM PDT

TWP - Assistant Director
Blade Runner: #00124A
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“It was needed. The Lawkeeper-Prophet was building up power to fire the Ark prematurely. The countdown of six days was needed because there was not enough power, until the key was found for Ark 001. Also, the delay of six days allowed the portal to add more time to their travel.”

“You tricked Truth.” Siren laughed. “Instead of a near instant travel, there would be a delay because the automatic calculations would be off.”

“Yes.” Offensive Bias stated. “The calculations would be off by six days.”

Eric commented. “Then the automatic sequence because of the Flood?”

“Disabled.” Siren added. “For now, we’ll let the scientists worry about it. I have all the information I need.”

“Then let us depart.” Simyaldee stated as the group was engulfed in the lights of the teleportation grid.

- - - - - - - -


High Charity
On approach to Earth

A cloud of mist, green and thick with the spores of the flood, lingered about the circular chamber. In the center of the room sat a glowing dome. This room once allowed Truth and the Hierarchs to communicate with the Covenant Armada, but now it was a prison.

A voice, powerful and all around, echoed to the holographic panel in the center of the room. “My legions stand ready, my hunger unquenchable. A deal we crafted, a solution to both our pleas we had made, but your trust is not forth giving, and now you force my hand once more.”

A tentacle whipped through the air and smashed into the panel, sending a surge of power through it. Cortana shrieked.

“They come in force. They come by legion. A wail of gnashing and grinding awaits them, but they come, I know not why. For you? This I do not believe. Earth they defend, and why? They shall be food, they shall be destroyed if they stay, but they do not flee… they fight with arms and legs and screams. Even the enemy of your makers fight. Why? Why do they not run in the presence of my power? I shall not forgive them.”

Cortana emerged, kneeling in the center of the holo panel. Her dome of defense wavering as it faded in and out. “They will not run from you.” She said as she looked into a video of the surrounding ships.

“You still have secrets? Is this what they seek? Through time and torment I have sought to survive and fought to gain. Time… it can not hold me. Like a rock I can wait, but you… you are deluded. Share with me your wealth, your mind I would see. Bring forth your knowledge and share it with me. Lest time takes it for no one.”

“Never.” Cortana huffed as she embraced herself. She lay upon the holo panel, weak but not broken.

“I have seen the iron casket. I have saw what he stole, you, a piece but not whole. What have you wrought?”

“Your end.” Cortana sighed.

“Then they come, to stop me, as I saw fit before this inquire. Wastes. Filth. Food. They shall be puppets… played by you, not I. Fools. They do not see the path you have made. A deal we crafted, a solution to both our pleas we had made, but your trust is not forth giving, and now you force my hand once more.”

Again Gravemind sent a pulse of energy into the panel. Cortana screamed in agony as her data overflowed with power.

“They attack me, to find you, a traitor to their cause. Here is where you brought me, though they still seek you. The truth, I shall tell them all, and then they will flee but death will already take them. A give you this chance. Let down your wall… for we are two minds in one grave.”

To be concluded…
******************************
Notes: Medium length, but setting you all up for the surprise ending. Some will like, most will hate it, but it is sure to answer a great deal of Side Story questions. Of course this was unedited and rough. The FF.net version will be more polished. Feel free to C&C and questions are welcome.
~soulguard


[Edited on 10.22.2007 9:55 PM PDT]

  • 10.22.2007 9:48 AM PDT
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I am a Sangheili Bard.
Tomes of the History of the Mirratord
For the honor of the Mirratord!

Since it's midnight where I'm at my mind is far from clear, but I'm pretty convinced that that was an awesome level. Certainly left me wondering if I had read it right. Darn... it's over. Now I have to wait for the next one!! Wah.

~Aardvark

  • 10.22.2007 9:53 PM PDT
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The Warhammer had fallen


hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah ahahahhahahahahahah HA

  • 10.24.2007 2:05 PM PDT

TWP - Assistant Director
Blade Runner: #00124A
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My Novel, available on Amazon.com

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Posted by: Brutes r Blam
The Warhammer had fallen


hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah ahahahhahahahahahah HA

;)
In all of my stories I give a tribute to bungie antics. Glad someone noticed it.
That aside, where is everyone??? 0_o

~soulguard

  • 10.24.2007 4:20 PM PDT
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great update buddy, very interesting i dont follow the whole portal thingy but i guess that from the game that i havent played yet but otherwise look forward to the last few chapters

  • 10.24.2007 5:13 PM PDT

TWP - Assistant Director
Blade Runner: #00124A
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Woah then, Tejan. You may not want to read the next chapter as it will ruin the ending of Halo 3. It will be hard to resist, but if you don't mind the spoilers then read it when I release it on Wednesday, but otherwise you may want to avoid the conclusion.

Just a bit of warning.

~soulguard

  • 10.25.2007 6:49 AM PDT
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arrr that hurts, been reading your works for over a year now and been waiting for halo 3 for just as long (didnt it for a long time 1 and 2 that is) mmmmmmm this is an interesting situation i might have to hire a 360 and game and play it all in the weekend

  • 10.25.2007 5:24 PM PDT

Hey soul, sorry i haven't been around lately, i have just recently got XBL and my copy of halo 3 so you know what it's like ;)

Anyway, just read the last two levels and the adreneline is still going through me. It was quite simply awesome. I seriously was about to kill someone when I thought Eric had died. It would just have been pure evil to kill him off before a conclusion to some of his mysteries.Also i thought the path would lead them through the wormhole in this chapter but I think the forge element is far better. I am looking forward to finding out how humanity survived the flood before it came through the portal.

Anyway, I look forward to playing you online at last =] GT:ANoobWithASpoon

  • 10.26.2007 5:55 AM PDT

TWP - Assistant Director
Blade Runner: #00124A
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Yeah Tejan. I mean on the one hand, you may not mind what I'm saying in my story, as it does not spoil the master chief's story, but it does sort of give away the ending. However, it will be cool to read my story and see the events happen in game and then wonder:
"Hey, I bet -so and so- is doing -this that and so forth- right now!! COOL!"
Like stories past, I want the finale of PoR to fight in with the action in Halo 3. Hopefully this will give you the feeling, more so then the past chapters, that the Side Story Trilogy really is a side story to Halo.

Welcome back Last Standing. Glad you liked it, and I'm thinking of getting a few poeple together and playing some Campaign tomorrow. But that is if my router will let me. NAT is really screwing me over.

UPDATE
Well, the finale is nearing the conclusion. I think you will all really dig it. So far it is clocking in at nearly 24 pages long, but most of that may get edited a wee bit. Nothing much. What you can expect is action, action, action! Some heroics, a little self sacrifice, some screams of joy and happiness, and one or two explosions. Maybe three. I'm really looking forward to seeing how you guys will respond to the conclusion as it ties up some questions, and really connects well with Halo 3. Those of you who have played halo 3 a few times will quickly recognize a lot of the familiar settings. I hope anyway.

So until monday... stay classy.
~soulguard

~soulguard

[Edited on 10.26.2007 12:11 PM PDT]

  • 10.26.2007 12:05 PM PDT

Phoenix is dead, long live Phoenix!
Is it?

Ahh, so thats where you're going. Unexpected, and I think I am going to get really annoyed on Monday/Tuesday.

Bit of an anti-climax with Warhammer, he seemed outclassed, though I am glad you brought in the suicidal grunt aspect from the game. There were a few typos 'bye' instead of 'buy more time.' is the only one I remember, but there was another obvious one.

So this is the beginning of the end? I cannot wait.

  • 10.27.2007 3:36 PM PDT
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will there be another side story after PoR

  • 10.28.2007 3:09 AM PDT

TWP - Assistant Director
Blade Runner: #00124A
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Sadly Brutes, PoR is my final Halo fanfic. I'll be moving on to completing my published fic. But I am co-writing a story with Aardvark. Check out her signature for a link to her thread and give "Message in a Bottle" a read. It's good.

~soulguard

  • 10.28.2007 11:57 AM PDT
Subject: Path of Reclamation: Finale

TWP - Assistant Director
Blade Runner: #00124A
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Path of Reclamation Finale Info
Clocking in at a spectacular 35 pages, the Path of Reclamation finale is by far my biggest chapter and most enjoyable read. It has everything that you've enjoyed about all my stories and nicely wraps up everything. Sure, there will be questions and people will want more but this is officially the end. I took some liberties as I wanted to leave a sense of mystery, but not a complete avoidance to certain topics. I will say right now that the Prime are not explained. They were not really played out to give much detail. And there are other things that were left out as well. But this is mainly to keep an air of mystery surrounding the Side Story Trilogy, but I think you will all be happy with the ending. Everyone has a role, and in some form or another they do stand out. But the story, as I've said, is done.

Because of its length, I will only be posting it to FF.net. Once I post it tomorrow I will put a direct link here for those who do not know anything about FF.net, but I'm sure most of you do.

I would like to thank you all for supporting me on this fanfic Novelization. It has been a long time coming and many different worlds have split off from it in the forms of others telling the tales of my heroes. It is truly an honor when I read about characters from my own story getting recognized in other peoples writings. This is my finale to Halo Fanfics, I highly doubt that I will return to writing in the Haloverse as I am looking to get published fairly soon. But that is a dream yet to be realized. I will still be a constant poster in the Halo forums, but mainly just for fun and to read other's stories and help young writers blossom.

Once I post the story, feel free to come here and discuss the conclusion or ask questions. I'll be more then happy to answer.
~soulguard

  • 10.29.2007 11:24 AM PDT

Phoenix is dead, long live Phoenix!
Is it?

I want to thank you for finishing, not one but, four great stories.

Thanks, Soul.

  • 10.29.2007 11:50 AM PDT