Spartans Never Die, They're Just Missing in Action

Prologue

"Spartans Never Die, They're Just Missing in Action"

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Forerunner Structure, Onyx

“Kelly, Linda, this is it. The Forerunner structure Halsey told us to document.” Fredric stated as he pointed towards the large metallic structure, which easily stuck out from the surrounding plant growth. “Let’s move.” The three SPARTAN-IIs continued wordlessly towards the structure and out of the thick forest. Their half-ton MJOLNIR Mark VI Armor clanking against the ground.

Despite being so similar to each other, they were very different, even in the way their suit looked. continuing variations for different situation had made all three look distinctly different. Kelly’s light blue armor and EVA helmet were all suited to be light and agile, the EVA helmet even having a visor that stretched across her entire face and over her forehead, giving it a sleek rounded look. Fred, on the other hand, was outfitted for more strenuous operations, his navy-blue armor and thick helmet providing stronger protection.  Linda, perhaps the least noticeable of the three, was wearing the trademark SPARTAN Mark VI armor in the battle-faded olive green texture.

Since they were soon being brought back from Onyx by Admiral Parangosky-along with being told news of the end of the Brutal Human-Covenant war, Doctor Halsey decided to gather with as much information about the shield world that was Onyx, and on the ancient, extinct race of the Forerunners, as possible.

“It’s getting dark, let’s finish up and get back to Mendez and Halsey soon.” Kelly commented.

“Duly noted.” replied Fred. Linda chose to remain silent, as she usually did. They approached the entrance to the structure. Despite nearly 100 thousand years of time passing, the facility was not only in good shape, but was powered on as well.  Its gray metal providing a stark contrast with the bright lines of neon-blue lights running all along the edges and surfaces of the metal in smooth, elegant patterns. The three stepped inside, keeping their weapons at the ready. A they paused at the front of the structure, the entrance opened up, allowing them to head inside. Continuing on, they reached a large hall-like room with a few floating, small winged machines that had a small red light emitting from them. They appeared to be scanning different surfaces throughout the complex.

“Sentinels!” Fred shouted through the comms. The team quickly raised their weapons at the drones, which they knew from experience could fire lasers at them during combat. Surprisingly, the Sentinels went about their own business. Then suddenly, a small, floating metal orb appeared. It approached them and ran a red scanner across the three. The SPARTANs quickly held their weapons at it, waiting for the slightest threatening action.

“Reclaimer status recognized. Welcome to facility A32-B. It has been 84,652 cycles since the last check-up. All systems are running at optimal capacity. Please feel free to explore.” And with that, the small sphere left them to their own devices. They had, of course, left their helmet’s cameras online for documentation.

They headed over towards the nearest console and examined it. Kelly reached out to touch the holographic orb on the console, that had symbols running across it. Fred quickly grabbed her hand. “We won’t find anything for the good doctor just standing around. Huh… nothing ventured, nothing gained.” Sighing, he released her, and she pressed her armored fingers upon the surface, each hexagon-outlined symbol glowing at the touch. Suddenly, the entire complex shuddered violently.

“I sure hope you meant to do that.” Commented Fred behind his golden, MJOLNIR face-plate.

“I do too.” Kelly replied. Then, from the building came a message.

“WARNING. SELF DESTRUCT SEQUENCE INITIALIZED. SYSTEM SHUTDOWN….COMMENCING.” It boomed vigorously. The SPARTANs quickly looked around. The main entryway was sealed and the passageways started to fall out of their gravity locks, falling to unknown depths. The only remaining pathway was the one still powered light-bridges, which only led further into the facility.

“Blue Leader to squad, continue on central pathway. Let’s move.” Fred’s voice commanded. Instincts kicking in, their acknowledgment lights winked green. Sprinting forward, they covered distance quickly. Kelly, with her near-invisible speed, taking the lead. Soon enough they were in another huge room, each platform shaking unsteadily. Fred quickly motioned to go right, and the trio quickly sped towards another corridor.

The team quickly arrived at a small, white computer terminal. The ceiling started to fall, as did the platforms around them. Thinking quickly, Fred decided to do the stupidest, or perhaps the smartest thing he had ever done in his life. He decided to place his hand on the console. It flashed brightly, having activated.

“Sir?” Linda inquired, still saying little. Fred didn’t answer. Suddenly, a black and purple dot appeared next to the three. With speed, it tore open, revealing a black, swirling portal.

“Blue Two, any more options?” Fred asked.

“No sir. Waiting on your go.” Kelly replied.

“Well then. Let’s sure hope this doesn’t screw us over. Blue Team, through the portal. Move!” The SPARTANs proceeded to jump through the portal.

Right before she jumped, Kelly looked back and saw something strange. there was one pillar which was not shaking, and on it stood a strange robot like figure. It's head and torso were much bigger than the rest of it's body, and on one arm it had a holographic sword-like appendage. Then as she headed into the portal, she saw the being's face-plate slide off, and a glowing skull stared at her as she jumped through the portal-narrowly escaping the collapsing structure. The SPARTANs looked behind them to see the portal close in on itself and disappear, ruining any last chances and hopes of returning. The three looked at each other. Then turning around, noticed they were in what looked to be a grand hall. In front of them, was what looked to be a winged, horned horse, sitting next to a six other horses, of(strangely) varying colors, and some had wings and horns. Surrounding the SPARTANs were even more horses in gold armor, all of which somehow held and pointed spears at the SPARTANs.

“Am I the only one seeing this?” Fredric inquired through private comms, not moving a muscle.

“No sir.” Kelly slowly replied, which was strange for her, since nothing she ever did was slow.

“Great.”