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  • Subject: [Story] The Parasite (Part Four Is Ready!)
Subject: [Story] The Parasite (Part Four Is Ready!)
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No matter how many seals are killed by sharks a year, it never seems to be enough :D

Prologue

James Miller sat on the couch in his living room alone. In his olive hands he held a draft card. His grey eyes stared at the words from behind dark brown hair that fell just below his ears and to the bridge of his nose. His jaw muscles clenched on and off in fear. This was it, he was a dead man.

Everything he had worked for was in vain. His study in Bio-chemistry was for nothing. Now he was nothing but another faceless grunt waiting to blown apart by a hail of plasma fire. It wasn't fair. He wasn't supposed to be drafted. He studied, but they needed infantry.

Feeling inside his shirt he rubbed his sterling silver cross. All he could do was pray, and closing his eyes, that's exactly what he did. He knew god wouldn't help him. Nobody would. He decided to call his father, to say his final goodbyes.

James slid to the right end of his couch, and reaching over to a table stand he grabbed a phone. He slowly dilled his father's number, and waited. After three rings, someone picked up. "James, how are you."

"Good, dad." James' voice was bland, it was dead.

"You don't sound it. What's wrong buddy?"

There was silence on the line, then an answer. "I got drafted dad."

"O-okay. We can deal with this," Sheer terror was on the father's end of the line, "We'll find somewhere for you to hide."

"Are you suggesting I dodge the draft?"

"James you studied a very specific branch of science. You are worth more outside of the field. You aren't going anywhere near the military."

"Can't I just get a job as a scientist?"

"Not in your field. Listen James, I have somewhere for us to go."

"Are you talking about the ship you work on?" James asked.

"Yes," The father replied quickly, "I'm sure there's a space for you. After all it is a research center."

"You never told me why it isn't on a planet."

"Because I can't, not yet. It's secretive, so it's a perfect place for you to hide."

Hide, that was what his father wanted him to do. He wanted him to be a coward. "You're going to make a coward of me?"

"No! James you'll do more good for the UNSC here. I lost your mother James, I can't lose you."

James put his feet up on the table in front of the couch, and closed his eyes. "She didn't hide. She stepped forward, she called upon herself."

"James, do this for me."

James thought. His father was right about him doing more good on the ship, but was that the right thing to do? To run from his duty? To cower in fear of serving humanity? Taking a deep breath, he made his decision.


Part One: Fork In The Road.

Part Two: Old Times.

Part Three: A Sealed Fate.

Part Four: The Phoenix.


[Edited on 09.03.2010 11:14 AM PDT]

  • 08.21.2010 8:37 AM PDT
Subject: [Story] The Infestation (Prologue]

nice :)

Can't wait for the rest

P.S. there is an unnecessary quotation at the end of 'decision'

  • 08.22.2010 2:47 PM PDT

An assassin will always carry on, even after death.

Good Story. I hope to see more.

*thread saved*

  • 08.22.2010 3:56 PM PDT
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No matter how many seals are killed by sharks a year, it never seems to be enough :D

Part.1

"Okay." James said quietly. He hung up the phone and walked into his bedroom. He looked at his king sized mattress. It had white sheets and pillows, and two oak posts at the head of it. He had a nightstand on each side of his bed. On each was a lamp, but the right had a phone, and the left had a picture of him and Kate, his girlfriend. If James was going to run, he would have to leave her behind.

The young man sat down on the right edge of his bed and wrapped his fingers around the phone. He dialed in a number, and stared at the dresser in front of him. "Hey honey." A soft voice eminated.

"Hey," James replied, trying to mask what he was soon to do, "Are you almost home?"

"I'm pulling into the driveway right now." Kate said in delight. She loved him, and he loved her too. That would make this all the more painful.

"Alright, see you in a few seconds."

"Are you alright?" The girl's voice was filled with concern, "You sound a little down."

"Yeah, yeah I'm alright." James hung up, and waited. He swallowed as he heard the door open, wincing as it shut. He stood up to meet Kate as she entered the bedroom. She was a pretty girl, with green eyes and light brown hair. Her face was slim, and she possessed a beautiful bow lip. Her waist was curved, and she had an admirable pair of legs.

Kate hugged her lover, letting out a long "Mmmmm."

"Kate?"

"Yes?"

"I'm leaving."

James' girlfriend stepped back, confusion in her eyes. "What do you mean?"

"I mean I'm going away, for a long time."

"Like, how long?" The girl's lips were ever so slightly parted as she waited for an answer.

"Months, years, I don't know."

"I'll wait."

"No," James shook his head, "I can't let you do that."

"Why not?" Kate asked as her eyes became teary.

"It wouldn't be fair."

"But why are you doing this?"

"That's not important."

Kate followed James out of the bedroom and to the front door. "Where are you going?"

James took his brown coat off of the hanger, and slipped his arms through its sleeves. "I don't know. Anywhere, I just can't stay here." Kate stood still in shock as James put on a pair of boots, opened the door, and stepped out into the cold winter air.

James shut the door behind him, it's bells jingling as he did so. He looked at the naked trees of his neighborhood. Odds were he would never see this place again. What he could see was his own breath as it raised towards the sky, dissipating quickly.

It was a clear morning, the sky blue above him. Looking back down, he walked towards the street. The gravel of his driveway crunched below his feet. He always loved that sound, but it seemed like he was def to it now. He just wanted to get on that ship and leave this place as fast as he could. He wanted to run.

The words, "You're going to make a coward of me?" echoed in James' head, the words he had said to his father. It felt as if they had been branded into him permanently. Why was he worried about being a coward if he already was one? That was what was in his head.

What James needed now was a place to stay. He didn't know how long it was until he would leave on the ship, and he left his wallet inside. He couldn't bare to look at Kate's face again. James and Kate had shared a car, so all he could do was walk.

Sticking his hands into his jean pockets, he walked down his driveway and across the street. He reached the sidewalk, and looked back at his house. His chest sank. No matter what decision he had made he still would have felt this.

The cold made his nose runny, and he sniffled as he went on. Maybe he would go to his father. He was only forty minutes away. After all, James had bought a house here to be close to all of his familly. He had plenty of places to go, but nowhere he wanted to go.

He walked on, and soon found himself running. He ran across the next road, and onto the sidewalk. He became winded, and stopped with one hand against a tree as he coughed. Cold and alone he slumped down against the tree. He started to laugh at himself in misery.


Cont...

  • 08.23.2010 11:14 AM PDT
Subject: [Story] The Parasite (Part One Is Up!)
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No matter how many seals are killed by sharks a year, it never seems to be enough :D

Cont...


A car slowed down as it moved towards him. The window rolled down, revealing Chris Silvers, a long time friend of James. "Uh, James? What the hell are you doing?"

"Sitting under a tree." James answered, looking up at Chris. He squinted as the sun shined into his eyes, making him look all the more pathetic.

"Wanna get in the car?"

"Depends where you're going."

"Well I was going to go home for the evening, but from the looks of it you could use a trip to the bar," Chris dropped one arm out of the window and leaned his head out, "Come on." He said, hitting an open palm on his door.

James shook his head and tucked his arms in for warmth. "I don't drink my sorrows away." He said, looking at his boots.

"I'm talking about a man to man conversation over a couple beers." Chris said, shrugging.

"I guess I could go for that." James got up and headed for the passenger door. Chris had an unusual knack for convincing people to go almost anywhere with him.

"So what's up buddy?" Chris asked as James got into the car.

"Roll up your damn window and I'll tell you. It's freezing in here."

Chris complied. "Don't expect it to get any better. My heater's broken."

"Great." James leaned back in the seat, and exhaled.

"Alright, fess up." Chris took a quick glance at James, then pressed his foot on the pedal.

"I could use a drink first."

"I thought you didn't drink your sorrow away."

"I don't, but I do drink before confessing things." James tapped the side door window with the tips of his fingers, the heat of his breath fogging the glass as he watched the row of trees on the sidewalk pass by.

Chris grinned. "Has it ever occurred to you that you should just man up?"

"Yes." James lowered his fingers, making lines on the foggy glass.

"Alright, here we are." Chris pulled into the bar's parking lot, and they got out. Entering the building the noise of conversing friends and strangers filled their ears. It was a shoddy place with circular tables around the wooden floor. The maple surface of the bar was worn, the finish coming off in multiple places.

The two friends sat down in bar stools and ordered two beers. "Now, tell me what's up." Chris persisted.

The two mugs made "clack!" noises as they hit the wood. James took drink of his beer, and looked into Chris's eyes. "I dodged the draft." He said, taking another drink directly. Voicing his deed sent a wave of guilt his way, causing him to let out a long breath, one that smelt of liquor.

"Good choice my friend." Chris raised his glass for a toast.

"What?" James narrowed his eyes, "You think this is a good thing?"

"Yes, yes I do," Chris set his beer down on the bar, and placing his forearm flat on the wood he leaned forward, "You're not a soldier; you're a scientist, a thinker not a shooter. Besides, your education was damn expensive. Wouldn't want a bullet to scramble those precious brains of yours would we?"

"You should join the Marines," James suggested, taking a drink, "I don't think any caliber of bullet could pierce that thick skull of yours." There was a disturbance in the back of the bar, and turning around James noticed a big man pushing a smaller one around.

James was no weakling. He was strong, but the aggressor at the other side of the bar looked like his life was body building. The large man slammed his fist into his victim, causing James to wince as he heard the crack of teeth all the way from his bar stool.

Chris got up to do something, but James put out his arm and stopped him. "I got this." He got off of his stool and approached the large man who was now raising his oponant into the air by the throat. The entire bar was silent as James walked by the pool table, grabbing a cue as he moved. "Why d-don't you put the guy down." James stuttered.

"Mind your own business punk." The man growled as he turned his head to James. A pang of fear hit him, and he dropped the pool cue. "Or I'll tear you in two." James quickly left the bar, not even thinking about his tab.

Chris was out moments later, looking at James' back. "So that's why you dodged the draft? Not because you were a scientist, but because you were scared?"

"Maybe we're not all cut out to be heroes!" James snapped, looking over his shoulder.

"Look, I understand."

"No you don't." James mumbled, looking down at the ground.

Chris put a hand on his friend's shoulder. "We all make our choices."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"I don't know man, but that's not the point."

"Then what is the point?!" James shouted as he turned to face Chris.

"Look, I just got this job that I'm leaving for tomorrow. It's on a science vessel, I think there's an empty slot for someone with your skill set. Come with me."

"For a secretive company?"

"Uh, yeah. How did you know that?"

"Because I'm going on it."

"Great! I think we're gonna go a long way with this company James." Chris gave his friend a pat on the shoulder and smiled.

"What gives you that idea?" James questioned.

"Just a hunch. Something tells me we're in for something awesome."

"Or horrible." James said as the two of them got back into the car.

"Where the hell is your optimism?"

"On hold until there's something to be optimistic about."

"You make zero sense." Chris said as he buckled.

"I could say the same for you." James retorted. There was something cold about it. His response didn't sound very much like a joke.

Chris took a sharp inhale of air and narrowed his eyes. "Are you and Kate alright?"

"No." James replied, buckling his seatbelt.

"That explains a lot. Look," Chris peered at his rear view mirror, his brown eyes reflecting back at him as he fixed his combed back jet black hair with the tips of his fingers, "Why don't you crash at my place tonight. We'll throw some comfy pillows on my couch and you can hit the hay. Unless you kicked Kate out."

"No, I didn't kick her out, but I want to be alone."

"I don't think so. I can't have you jumping off a bridge now can I?"

"If I wanted to die I wouldn't be dodging the draft now would I?"

"Hey man," Chris started, pointing a finger at James, "Just because you're in a sh1tty mood doesn't mean you can be a total dick to me."

James lowered his eyes in shame. Chris was trying to do something nice, and he was taking it for granted. "Sorry." He said at an inaudible volume.

"Alright, let's go." Chris turned on the car, and headed home. Whatever this trip would bring, James decided he would face it head on, he would be brave. Carrying out his promise to himself would prove harder then he thought.


[Edited on 08.24.2010 7:31 AM PDT]

  • 08.23.2010 11:20 AM PDT
Subject: [Story] The Infestation (Prologue]

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.

Good to see you back man. Thread Saved.

  • 08.24.2010 12:38 AM PDT

How'd you find me?

I liked it. I'm very interested in finding out why it's called "The Parasite." Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get off my lazy ass and work on my fan fics.

  • 08.26.2010 3:48 PM PDT

I'm kinda confused, did he accept the job his father offered him or not? And if not, then why?

Also, great story man! I'm saving this!

  • 08.26.2010 4:21 PM PDT
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No matter how many seals are killed by sharks a year, it never seems to be enough :D


Posted by: vI RaGeZ Iv
I'm kinda confused, did he accept the job his father offered him or not? And if not, then why?

Also, great story man! I'm saving this!


Yes he did accept the job. One reason is do dodge the draft, and the other was for his father. Mostly to dodge the draft.

  • 08.27.2010 10:38 AM PDT
Subject: [Story] The Parasite (Part Two Is Ready!)
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No matter how many seals are killed by sharks a year, it never seems to be enough :D

Part. 2



When Chris pulled into his garage, he turned off the car and sat in silence. "You know," He broke out, "You're a good man. Don't let anything or anyone tell you otherwise."

"Thanks Chris, really." A smile flashed across James' face, and he unbuckled his seatbelt. Chris followed suit, and the two of them entered the house through a side door in the garage.

Chris walked into the kitchen and started opening cupboards. "I haven't stocked up on food in a while. After I got the job I figured hey, what I've got should last me until I'm outa' here."

"So what do we have?" James asked, folding his arms behind Chris.

"Processed mac and cheese and some warm water. We could drink it cold from the tap though."

"I might just call my dad and hit the hay."

"Yet another good call my friend."

James sat down on Chris's couch, and took the phone off of the stand to his left. He dialed in the number, then stared at the empty fire place behind the table before him.

"Hello?" His father responded to the ring.

"Hey, it's James."

"Thank god," The man sighed in relief, "Kate said you had just left out of the blue. I was afraid you were going to do something drastic."

"I'm not that far gone," James clenched his jaw at the suggestion, "Look, just tell me when we leave and if I have to check in or something."

"I set everything up for you, and we leave tomorrow. Where are you? I'll come pick you up."

"That isn't necessary. You remember Chris Silver right?"

"Yes I do."

"Well I think he's going on the same vessel. What's its name?" James hunched over and removed his shoes."

"The Revolution."

"Alright," James brought his feet up onto the couch and layed down, "I'll see you tomorrow." He hung up without thinking of a goodbye from the other end, and closed his eyes. "Chris?" He called out.

"Yeah?" Chris said as he approached the couch with a blanket under his arm.

James opened his eyes and looked up at his friend. "The ship is called The Revolution, right?"

"Yes it is. Now tomorrow is gonna be a big day. We should get some sleep," He tossed the blanket to James with a whistle, "Good night buddy."

James woke up to Chris hitting his cheek with an open palm. "Wake up, it's time to go."

James let out an, "Ugh" and got off of the couch. He put his shoes and jacket on, and wearily followed Chris into the car. "Do we have time to stop and get something to eat?"

"No." Chris replied quickly as he pulled out of his driveway, looking both ways as his car got onto the street.

"I'm hoping the ship has nice food."

"Oh, they do my friend, they do." Chris smiled as he drove down the street and turned at an intersection. "Okay so you might see some weird and disturbing sights on the ship. Whatever you do, stay the hell calm."

"Will do." James said, leaning his head against the window.

"And be careful. Accidents are not uncommon." The rest of the car ride was filled with meaningless chatter and laughter. By the time they arrived at the space port they were both in high spirits.

"Damn," James said with a grin on his face, "It's been a while since I've had that much fun."

"Yeah man. Hey, remember that time in college when you were walking across the campus really pissed off so you kicked that ball people were playing with as hard as you could and it nailed Jaimy Aliminakas in the face? What luck."

"Oh god," James shook his head, "Don't remind me."

"The funniest part about it was that she was madly in love with you. We had some good times back then," Chris said, smiling as he pulled into the special lot for The Revolution crew, "Remember the Zella sisters?"

"They were crazy!" James shouted, quickly shifting in his chair to face Chris."

"Yeah, and I think I remember their brother catching you with both of them in be-"

"Hey, we agreed never to mention that again!" James laughed.

"I recall you 'accidentally' hitting him over the head with a chair." Chris said, raising one eyebrow.

"He came at me with a knife!" James justified.

"Yeah, a butter knife in the cafeteria. You were a wild man back then." Getting out of the car and showing the guard a pass, the two friends headed towards the elevator that would bring them into the space port's terminal.

"What was that, six years ago?"

"Yeah, something like that." The elevator pressurized, and rocketed up towards the terminal.

Chris nodded, "Now here we go on another great adventure."

[Edited on 08.27.2010 3:49 PM PDT]

  • 08.27.2010 10:50 AM PDT
Subject: [Story] The Infestation (Prologue]
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No matter how many seals are killed by sharks a year, it never seems to be enough :D

Well the story is at the top of the list at the moment, so I suppose this isn't bumping. I would just like to say I am glad you guys are enjoying this, and I thank you for your support :)

  • 08.27.2010 11:40 AM PDT

How'd you find me?

Uh oh, I think I know the biological weapon that might be on the ship. Flood!*cough cough*

  • 08.27.2010 1:43 PM PDT
Subject: [Story] The Parasite (Part Three Is Available!)
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No matter how many seals are killed by sharks a year, it never seems to be enough :D

Part. 3


When the elevator doors opened, the two stepped out into the space port's terminal. The crowd was something that could get one lost in with ease. Most people were quiet as they headed for their gates, most of the noise coming from the AI announcing departures.. "I've never been off of Earth." James said.

"Are you serious?" Chris asked, wide eyed.

"Yeah." Upon seeing the terminal James remembered what he had done. This caused him to drift back into his previous gloomy mood. The two made their way through the crowd, and upon emerging on the other side saw that their gate had a long line to it, and they in fact had plenty of time.

"Alright, I'm going to grab us some grub," Chris said, patting James on the shoulder, "Get on that line and hold us a spot." Chris's pat irritated James. He didn't want anyone coming to close to him right now. As a result, the terminal was making him extremely uncomfortable.

James took a glance at Chris as he headed for the food court, and then took a position on the line next to a woman In a light blue sweater and kaki pants, and a pair of black rimmed glasses. She immediately straightened out her posture, but James failed to notice her presence.

The woman wasn't particularly attractive, but she was by no means repulsive. She was just short of eye catching. She was tapping her foot nervously, taking short glances at James with her eyes. Now James was a jaw dropper, which he was totally unaware of. Even if he had it wouldn't have phased him.

Eventually James noticed the rapid tapping of the woman next to him's foot. He turned to her with narrowed eyes. "Are you alright?" He asked, masking annoyance with concern."

The woman had a quick look of panic on her face, then smiled. "Yes, I'm just dandy." James nodded, and as soon as he looked away his new friend cursed herself for saying 'dandy'. She quickly thought of something to say. "I haven't seen you around here before."

"I'm new." James answered shortly, looking around the terminal.

"I'm Dr.Haliday, but you can call me Valery, or Val. That's what my friends call me, well, that's what they would call me if I had any." She laughed nervously, aware that she was digging her grave. Valery did, in fact, have friends. She just happened to make bad jokes when she was nervous.

"I'm sure you have friends." Giving the doctor a quick, fake smile.

"We'll, you could be my friend," She suggested, "Or more, not that I'm interested. I don't mean your ugly," She added in quickly, "The opposite actually. You know I figured I'd just talk to you because you're," Her eyes were wide in fear and despair as she continuously tripped over herself, "Gorgeous."

"Hot dogs!" Chris shouted as he jumped in between them, holding a hot dog out to James and saving Dr.Haliday. James took the food, and bit off a piece. "So I saw the intergalactic news channel in the food court, and they said that we just made an alliance with the Elites. How about that?!" Chris nodded his head in excitement.

James' hot dog slipped out of his hand onto the floor. "What?"

"Dammit James that was six credits." The word was quickly spreading from wherever there was a television, and the terminal became filled with confusion, excitement, and anger.

"But," James could barely speak in his state of shock, "How? Why would they-this can't be right."

"It's the truth! This is good, no it's great!"

"How is this great?!" James shouted, moving his arms outward for emphasis, "After all they've done to us? How the hell can we trust them?!"

Chris pointed at James with his hot dog and slightly leaned forward. "Look dude, we have a chance of winning now. Sure I hate them, but with the Elites we can do this."

"That or this could be a big trap." James said, crossing his arms.

"Look." A stranger bumped into Chris, causing him to lose his girp on his hot dog. He sighed, but went on. "Everyone knows we were slowly losing this war. With them, we have a chance."

Chris was right, and James knew it. Falling into silence he waited for his turn to board the ship. It took hours for them to get to the check in point, and by that time they had eaten both lunch and dinner, James holding their spot and Chris getting food. "Finally." James said as the two of them stepped up to the man checking to see if everyone was a valid crew member. He had dark rings under his eyes, and looked absolutely exhausted.

After checking to see if both Chris and James were crew members, he motioned for them to move on. They walked through the door to the boarding tube, and gravity immediately disappeared. Through the thick glass they could see the eternal void that was space.

"Beautfiul," Chris said, "Isn't it?"

James grabbed on to one of the metal caging bars that served as both a reinforcement for the tube and a handle for people to launch themselves forward from. Pushing himself forward, he propelled himself past Chris towards the gate that would lead into the interior of The Revolution. "A lot of people have died out there. It's more of a graveyard than anything else."

Chris blinked, "Space was our birth mother. Dying out here is like returning home."

"Since when did you become a philosopher?"

Chris pushed himself off of one of the metal caging, then slowed himself down on a second as soon as he was beside James. "I'm just thinking. Who says I can't think?"

"I never said that." James replied blandly, not even turning his head to look at his friend.

"You implied it."

"How the hell did I imply it?" James asked, his voice full of aggravation as he gazed forward at the air lock to The Revolution.

"Okay okay," Chris backed down, giving James a quick glance, "Forget I voiced my useless opinion."

James scoffed. "Excuse me if I don't share the same interest in literally nothing. That's all that space is, nothing. All I said was that I don't care for it, and you took that as a personal offense."

"No, you didn't say you weren't interested," Chris retorted angrily, "You mocked me. That's what you did."

"Look, if you're going to be such a little prick about this then just forget we ever had this conversation."

Chris pushed on the glass, turning his body sideways to face James. "What the hell is wrong with you? You want to push your friends away? So be it, because honestly I don't give a damn." The man pushed himself forward as hard as he could, leave James behind. Beyond that airlock was humanities most sinister nightmare.



[Edited on 08.30.2010 7:37 AM PDT]

  • 08.29.2010 11:30 AM PDT
Subject: [Story] The Infestation (Prologue]

Great job dude!

  • 08.30.2010 6:02 AM PDT

"The Internet is a hostile and unforgiving place. Avoiding a flame war is like trying to walk unscathed through a minefield with a blindfold on. Likely it isn't going to happen."

Good job! But its the flood I know it!

  • 08.30.2010 6:40 PM PDT
Subject: [Story] The Parasite (Part Three Is Available!)
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No matter how many seals are killed by sharks a year, it never seems to be enough :D

Part. 4


Phoenix leaned against the wall of one of the many entrance corridors of The Revolution, one foot planted on the ground and the other flat against the surface behind him, his two hundred pound rifle that fired full metal jacket fifty caliber rounds pointing downwards at an angle in the machine of death's robotic hands.

Phoenix was no human. He was far from it. In fact, the only reason people referred to Phoenix as a he was because of his voice. It was of a medium depth, but had a raspiness to it. It was disturbingly human.

The artificial soldier appeared to be nothing but a man in armor as he assessed the groups of people coming out of the air lock. His helmet was black with two glowing red circles that appeared to be something the man inside would see out of, but was in fact Phoenix's targeting system.

Phoenix's armor could only be removed by machine, and that was a rare occasion. Only for inspection was Phoenix stripped of his protective shell or if he had been heavily damaged, very heavily. The construct had hundreds of millions of tiny nanites inside of him that repaired damage. That, his armor, and the energy shield that it generated around him made Phoenix nearly indestructible.

The creation was stronger than any man, any machine, and any Spartan. This was due to him not being held back by the limits of human flesh. He was also just as fast, smarter, and an expert on everything that would be considered a specialty. However, his agility was less than that of a Spartan, but still surpassed that of a human.

Phoenix was invisible on radar, highly resistant to heat, shock trauma, and he had incredibly advanced heating and cooling systems in his inner works that kept him at a constant, stable temperature. Now he may have been resistant to heat, but plasma was a different story. That he was still vulnerable to, as his armor and chassis was made of reinforced Grade-A titanium. Bullets were borderline useless against him. The only things man made that was worth shooting at him was a Spartan laser or a tank shell.

The construct was basically an AI in a shell. He was something to be feared. If he were to go rampant without warning, which sometimes happened with faulty AIs, he would go on a psychotic killing spree. He had a longer lifespan than other AIs, but only because he wasn't quite as fast thinking and genius as other smart AIs.

Phoenix had a downside. He was unruly, rude, resistant to command, and reckless. That was why he was barred from the military. In the end, he was of little value to humanity, nothing but a furnace burning up money. "We ought to deactivate you." Michael Auburn stated matter of factly, keeping his eyes on the people entering the ship in groups from the airlock.

"I ought to tear your head off, but do I?" Phoenix retorted.

"All someone has to do is hit you with an EMP and you're fried," Michael crossed his arms, his blue dress shirt making a silent scratching noise, "We have a signal that will turn your nanites against you, causing them to tear you apart from the inside out, so get off your damn high horse."

"I'm not afraid of you." Phoenix growled.

Michael sighed. "And this is why the military doesn't use you."

Phoenix was checking his database of the ship's employees as they walked by. His targeting system beeped and presented a red square in his vision on the head of a brown haired man. "Freeze!" Phoenix shouted, lifting his massive rifle to the man's face, causing him to back up and flatten against the wall. The rest of the people of that group were frozen in fear.

The man against the wall was shaking in fear as he stared at the black hole that was the barrel of Phoenix's rifle. "Wh-what did I do?"

"You aren't an employee, what are you doing aboard my ship?"

"Your ship?" Michael intervened, stepping forward, "Are you an employee?" The gentleman asked the terrified victim.

"Y-yes," The man stuttered, "My name is James, James Miller."

"Well, according to my friend here you aren't on the database."

"I'm new, kind of a spontaneous contract."

"You still should be," Michael pulled the data pad out of his pocket, and opened it up to the employee roster. He tapped in James Miller, and a picture along with a position appeared, "Looks like someone forgot to update you Phoenix. My apologies Mr. Miller." Michael turned to Phoenix, who was still pointing his gun at James. "Phoenix, are you even supposed to be here?"

"Am I supposed to be anywhere?" Phoenix retorted disrespectfully.

"I swear I'm going to have you dismantled and thrown into the scrap metal pile. If you don't get out of here I'm going to have you removed from that shell you call your body for a month. You know I'm not bluffing." Michael won, and Phoenix strutted off in anger, slamming his fist against the titanium wall and denting as to show Michael that he didn't own him.

James examined Michael, who had maybe just saved his life. He short cut brown hair and the formal way he was dressed made him seem like a man who was responsible and together. He seemed like he would make a good friend. "Thanks. I thought I was dead for a moment. The way you talked to him, is he a robot?"

"Well, no. He's an AI in a combat chassis reinforced with armor plating and a shield system. He might sound valuable, but he's just a pile of junk. He's useless really, with that attitude of his. Again I do apologize," The last group of people walked by, "Please let me show you to your room." Michael proposed, taking a quick glance at his data pad.

"That would be great actually. I have no idea where I am meant to be." James just wanted to sleep. The long wait on the line and then the harassment by the AI made for a bad day.

"Alright then, follow me," James obliged, and as they walked his host began to dispense information about the ship and his new job, "This ship is incredible. It has a shielding system, and a hybrid weapon system of both human and Covenant technology. It's truly an honor to be aboard it, however unsafe."

"Why is this thing so secretive?"

"That question will be answered in time. For now I just have to tell you a few regulations," The two turned a corner, "You are not to discuss your work with anyone outside of your department. As there is no time in space, we have a shipboard clock. The curfew is twelve unless the head of your department tells you otherwise. Stay on your deck of the ship. This vessel has two thousand passengers. All the boarding's tubes in the terminal were hooked to this ship. We really need to keep everyone where they should be. Each deck has everything you will need. Now, as for sexua1 relationships, they are permitted among your collogues, but not your superiors. As for supplies for such excursions, you can find everything you need in the medical bay. Please, please be responsible."

The two stepped into a large grav-lift, something that James had never even seen. He stared upwards as it lifted him and his mentor to the deck James would be staying on. "Is that all?" He asked with less than half of his attention.

"Yes, except our defense protocol. In the event that our ship gets boarded, we do not destroy the information. If they die, the researchers take arms and do finish the job."

"And if we can't?" James asked, worry obvious in his voice.

"We self destruct. The ship has no escape pods, we can't risk anyone being caught and interrogated. Just so you know I didn't make these rules." Michael's final sentence hinted that he may as well have an interest in being friends with James.

"No escape pods?" James asked as his face went pale, suddenly regretting boarding the ship.

The grav-lift stopped, and the two stepped out. "Unfortunately n-"There was a loud clank, and Michael noticed the terrified look on James' face, "Don't worry, that was just the ship disconnecting from the boarding tubes." Michael slapped his hand on a metal door. "This is you."

James slowly pressed his hand against a greed panel, and with a beep the door slid open. "Thanks." He said quietly.

Michael patted James on the shoulder. "Sure thing. Work starts at seven. There's a data pad in there for you that will tell you where everything is. Work starts at seven, shipboard time." With a smile the man turned and walked away.

James stepped into his room, quickly turning his head back as the door slid shut. He looked around his room. It was very bland. A small metal framed bed with a nightstand on the right side, a dresser that was indented into the left wall, and a wooden desk on the opposite wall with a laptop and swivel chair.

James spotted the data pad on his desk, and picked it up. Flipping it open his job description appeared automatically. At the top was a heart sinking text.

Parasetic Research Department. Virus Q-34 [The Flood]

  • 09.03.2010 11:11 AM PDT