Chapters Equestria Near Whitetail Mountain
11:00 PM There was silence on the mountain. There was nothing to be seen nor heard. As it was nighttime, no pony would dare disturb this halcyon scene.
Except for Twilight Sparkle, the Elements of Harmony, three platoons of Solar Guards, and Princess Celestia. Their hoofsteps echoed through the night, towards a fissure in the mountainside.
"Celestia, I understand that we need to survey the mountain…" Twilight sighed. "...But frankly, could it have possibly waited until morning?"
"I don't think so." Celestia replied. "If the mountain erupts again, we must be ready and heed all the warnings."
"I see…" Twilight said, failing to stifle a yawn. "What time is it?"
"About 11:39, Twilight!" Pinkie Pie said, still hyperactive as ever. "And my Pinkie Sense is telling me something BIG is going to happen!"
"Like what?" Rainbow Dash yawned. "There's nothing to see here except trees, trees, and more trees."
Twilight was about to scold the Rainbow-colored pegasus when Celestia suddenly stopped.
"Did you feel that?" she asked. "That movement."
"What movement?" Twilight asked. Then she felt it. A shockwave or some kind of seismic activity was visibly pulsing beneath the ground.
And it was originating from the mountain. Celestia waited for the pulses to cease before they moved forward.
====
By the time they reached the fissure in the mountainside, it was nearly midnight. Now, the pulses were audible, and rocks were shaking, in-time with the waves. Twilight and Celestia moved towards the crevice, and to their surprise, inside the fissure was darkness.
"It's hollow." Twilight said. "Something must've burrowed into the mountain and be causing those pulses."
"Then let us investigate." Celestia said, melting the rocks with her magic. As the group entered, Celestia stationed a platoon of guards outside as protection.
====
"It's so dark in here." Rarity complained. "And the ground is cold."
"Rarity, we're inside a mountain. It's supposed to be cold and dark." Fluttershy said.
"Wait, cold?" Twilight said, coming over to Rarity. She illuminated the ground, and to everypony's surprise, instead of granite beneath their hooves…
It was gleaming, shimmering metal.
"Who could've done this?" Twilight said.
"Or what?" a Guard said.
"Let us press onward." Celestia said. 'I reckon we shall find out soon enough."
As they pressed deeper, the ground slanted downwards, and was eventually illuminated by eerie green lights. Then, a burning neon green light appeared at the end of the tunnel. As the ponies approached, a door opened in front of them, as if it was expecting them.
What was on the other side, was certainly unexpected.
A large, circular room lay inside the mountain. And at the end of a long walk, studded with ornate pillars, was a altar or terminal of some kind. The ponies took a few steps, and Twilight approached the altar. The others were gaping at the veins of magma flowing through tubes around them. Twilight tapped it with her hoof, and a glowing signal appeared. It was like two bull's horns below an orb. Then, it glowed green, and vanished.
Twilight was about to turn, when everypony froze at an odd sound.
Singing.
"Pinkie, is that you?" Twilight asked.
"Nope." Pinkie said, somehow zipping her mouth shut. Still, the humming continued. Then, some sort of elevator appeared before the altar. A green light appeared, and a small, floating orb inscribed with the same symbol appeared before the object.
"Strange." the orb said in fluent Equish. "Very strange indeed...I was summoned here, but by whom...very odd…"
The orb turned and looked Twilight Sparkle in the eye. Both did a double take, and Twilight began to scream.
And the orb began to laugh. Twilight's yelling died down as she realized the orb was chortling.
"Silly, silly me!" the orb cried. "I should've known the Further Ones would make it here sooner or later!"
The orb composed itself before continuing.
"Allow me to introduce myself. I am 3116 Astute Sigil. I am the Forerunner Monitor of Shield World Tranquility. Do you have any questions?"
Celestia walked forward.
"We do, Astute Sigil." she said.
"Ah, an alicorn!" Sigil said. "By my readings, you are the subject known as Celestia, am I correct?"
"Yes, but I am a Princess and Ruler of Equestria, not a "subject" as you say I am." Celestia said.
"Ah, you misunderstand." Sigil said. "You are Forerunner Subject Solus, codenamed Celestia. Do you not have any knowledge of your kind's creators, the Forerunners?"
"No." Celestia said. "Who are these Forerunners?"
"The Forerunners are the creators of everything you see here." Sigil said. "They are also responsible for the creation of your kind. Their last contact with me was over 1000 centuries ago. I have been in stasis and minimal operations mode since then. But if you wish to know more, come with me. I will gladly tell you what I know of my creators."
====
Sigil teleported the ponies to the Control Room Surveillance Area in a flash of green light. Celestia stood up and saw something that froze her in her tracks.
A globe, showing Equestria and the other realms of Equis.
"Ah, you have found the Codex." Sigil said. "This particular construct shows me the real-time state of the world. From planetary weather phenomenons to habitation of different species. But do sit down and be comfortable. We have much to discuss, Further Ones."
The ponies were beckoned to chairs and couches made of Hard light, and Sigil nodded as they all sat down.
"Shall we begin from the history of the Forerunners?" he asked.
"Go right ahead." Twilight said, getting out a notebook and pencil. "May I take notes?"
"Certainly." Sigil said. "Let's begin. Many millions of years ago, the Forerunners rule over the Ecumene, and our history begins…"
====Slipspace Aboard the UNSC Infinity
Captain's Dorm "Captain Lasky?"
Thomas Lasky, Captain of the Infinity, looked up from his bunk at Roland, the Infinity's shipboard AI looking at him
"I just wanted to alert you that we successfully retrieved the Arbiter, Dr. Halsey, Commander Palmer, and both Spartan teams from Sanghelios while you were asleep, sir."
"Good job." Lasky said. "I'll be on the bridge."
Lasky left his office and headed for the bridge. Barely a few hours ago, a Guardian had attacked Earth and scattered the UNSC. And even now, Lasky still couldn't believe it.
"Captain on the bridge!" said Palmer as he entered. Lasky gave a sighed "at ease" before he stood at the holotable.
"What's new, Commander?" he groaned.
"Not much." Palmer replied. "I've got our production facilities up and running."
"Good." Lasky said.
"Captain, sir?" called an ensign from his station. "I've got something."
"We just picked up a UNSC distress call." he said. "But here's the thing, sir. It's from…"
"28 years ago." Lasky said, seeing on the screen. "This doesn't make any sense. Where's it coming from?"
"Right here, sir. Edge of the galaxy. From the Ark installation." the ensign replied.
"Take us there." Lasky said. "If there's still UNSC troops out there, we'll need all the help we can get."
"Aye, sir." said Lt. Jet. "Adjusting FTL course now."
As the Infinity turned and adjusted course, Lasky stared at the glowing blue of slipspace.
"May God help us all." he sighed before he left the bridge.
Author's Note
Yep, my new Halo story, and the successor to Equispartans.
Do you like it?
"Incredible." Celestia said, absolutely floored from the revelations told to her by Astute Sigil.
"Indeed." the Monitor said. "The Forerunners were one of the most technologically advanced civilizations in the galaxy. However, due to the firing of the Halo Array, they are all gone. However, there is still hope."
"How so?" Rarity asked.
"There is another species I must tell you of." Sigil said. "This species once faced extinction at the hands of a ruthless enemy, but they triumphed using the power of the Forerunner creations left to them. They are known as The Reclaimers."
"And who are these Reclaimers?" Celestia asked.
"Humanity, of course." Sigil said with pride.
At this, Celestia started to laugh.
"Impossible." she said. "Humans are but myth."
"They are no myth, Further One." Sigil said. "They are currently the most powerful species in the known Galaxy. They are the Heirs of the Forerunners, and with good reason. I know of records, stating of a Reclaimer in particular. This Reclaimer prevented the Halo array from firing, destroyed a massive enemy fleet on his own, and prevented the near-galactic genocide of his species. Twice."
Celestia dropped her jaw, along with everypony else in the room.
"Who is this one?" Celestia said.
"He is known as The Master Chief." Sigil said. "And he is, to my record, held by humanity as their savior from their foe's wrath. This Master Chief even killed the Ur-Didact, the Supreme Commander of the Forerunner Military when he threatened humanity's survival."
Celestia was floored. She regained her composure, and nodded.
"I take it back." she said.
"Good reasoning." Sigil said. "But there is still much to do, Further One."
"Why do you keep calling us that?" Rainbow asked.
"Because the Forerunners created you as such." Sigil said. "The Reclaimers would be first, all others further than them. You were to never match their glory, their status. I do apologize for seeming rude, but that is how it is. Reclaimers, and the Further Ones. That is how it will be."
Celestia frowned slightly.
"Will we ever match the Reclaimers of our own strength and progress?" she asked.
"Possibly." Sigil said. "But you are lesser-tier than the Reclaimers, as you have not developed significant technological prowess to advance. But it is possible."
"Where can we meet these Reclaimers?" Twilight asked.
"You are fortunate to ask that, Twilight Sparkle." Sigil said. "I have access to a Slipspace Portal below this control room. However, it can only connect, as of now, to one installation, where there is a likely chance you will meet the Reclaimers."
"What is this installation?" Rarity asked.
"Why, Installation 00, or the Ark of course." Sigil said. "The foundry of worlds and Throne of the Forerunners. However, I cannot advise you will be met peacefully. I have records that another species or group of species has engaged Reclaimers in battle on the Ark, at multiple locations. I cannot guarantee safe arrival and contact once you arrive."
"We shall deal with that later." Celestia said. "Can you prepare this portal?"
"I shall do so at once." Sigil said. "I would advise caution, however. There is no telling what will happen once you arrive on the Ark."
"We'll be fine, Sigil." Celestia said. "Twilight, as I must remain here to raise the sun, can I trust you with this task?"
"Of course!" Twilight said, her friends affirming that statement. "We'll do our best!"
"Then I shall commence preparations immediately." Sigil said. "Jump into the transit portal here when ready."
Twilight and her friends prepared themselves, and after saying goodbye to Celestia, they entered the Transit Portal.
====
"Are we ready?" Twilight asked as the Monitor activated the portal.
"Yes." Sigil said. "You may enter when ready."
The blue Slipspace vortex appeared, and Twilight and her friends entered with a ready smile.
====
The ponies fell out of the portal into a forested grassland.
"Everypony alright?" Twilight asked.
"Yep!" Pinkie said. "Strange, you think there'd be a welcoming party!"
"I don't think we'll be getting one, Pinkie." Rainbow said.
Then, Twilight heard a faint roar and loud booms coming from the distance.
"You hear that?" She asked.
"Yep." Applejack said. "It's cleaning out my eardrums, that's for darn sure."
"Let's see what's going on." Twilight said as she led the way into the foliage.
====
As the roars and booms came closer and closer, Twilight stopped at the edge of a cliff, just as the noise reached its climax. As she peered down the cliff face, she froze in place.
"What's going on?" Applejack asked. Then, her friends saw it.
In the valley below was the largest battle any of them had seen. Two armies, red and green in color, were engaged in warfare below them. Strange machines moved around on both sides, in both aerial and ground formations. Explosions and debris were erupting everywhere, and the scale of it froze the Ponies in their tracks.
"What ferocity!" Rarity cried. "What's going on here?"
"Let's get a closer look." Twilight said, pulling out a telescope from her saddlebag. She scanned the battlefield below, and as she focused on a garrison of the green army, she recognized what species they were.
"They're human!" she cried.
"Which ones?" Fluttershy said.
"The ones in green." Twilight said. "The ones in red look like a mix of species.The leaders seem to be like giant simians."
"What?" Rainbow said.
"Gorillas." Twilight said, slightly irritated.
"Maybe we should go." Fluttershy whimpered. "It's really scary here."
"Fluttershy, what's the worst that'll…" Rainbow said.
She stopped when a round of metallic clicks came from behind them. The ponies turned to see humans wearing brown and green armor pointing what were most likely weapons at them. Twilight and the girls pushed together, and the humans advanced.
"Whatever you do, don't make any sudden moves." Twilight whispered.
"You got that right." Rainbow said, now thoroughly scared for her life. Then, one of the humans walked forward, and extended his hand.
"I don't know what or who you are, where you come from, or why you were spying on us, but come with us if you value your life."
Twilight extended her hoof, and she was pulled to her feet. The human then kneeled and got out a large black object.
"Spirit of Fire, do you read?" he spoke. "This is Jet Three-one."
"Cutter here." said a second voice, broad and experienced. "Status?"
"Captain, we've found the source of the anomalies." the human said. "First contact scenario. Requesting Pelican extraction on our location."
"Understood. Bring them aboard." said the one called Cutter. "Pelicans inbound."
"Roger that. Marking location. Jet Three-one out."
The human threw down a canister, and red smoke spewed out, confusing the Equestrians.
"What's going on?" she asked.
"We're taking you back to the Spirit of Fire." the human said. "Captain Cutter wants a word with you."
"And you are?" Twilight asked.
"1st Lt. Michael Armstrong." he said. "UNSC Marine Corps. The men with me are the UNSC Marines of platoon Jet Three-One."
"Lieutenant!" a Marine cried. "Pelicans are here!"
"Roger that, let's go, pack it up!" Armstrong said. Twilight and her friends then saw three large machines soar down towards them, marked with MARINES on the side. As they were ushered aboard by the Marines, Twilight took one last glimpse at the battle below before they flew away and the door closed.
====
As the Pelicans landed on the Spirit of Fire, James Cutter watched as the Marines disembarked and saluted.
"At ease." Cutter said. "Where's the contacts?"
"Here, sir." Armstrong said as the ponies reluctantly strode onto the hangar deck.
"Good job, Marine." Cutter said. "You six."
Twilight and her friends approached.
"I apologize for the...unusual introduction." he said. "I'm James Cutter, Captain of the Spirit of Fire. Welcome aboard."
"I'm Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Equestria."
"Rainbow Dash."
"Pinkie Pie!"
"Rarity."
"Applejack."
"...Fluttershy…"
"Nice to meet you all." Cutter said. "Let's take this to a more formal environment, shall we?"
The ponies followed Cutter to an elevator, and it headed towards the observation bay.
Author's Note
Update!
As the Elements followed Cutter to a private room, Twilight could sense a strange feeling coming from the Captain.
Uneasiness.
Tiredness.
Twilight shook her head and noticed her friends were sitting down around a conference table with the Captain. She followed, and Cutter wiped his brow.
"Well, Princess, welcome aboard." he sighed. "Allow me a few questions."
"Certainly." Twilight replied.
"How'd you get here?" Cutter asked. "And where are you from?"
Twilight told Cutter of Equestria, and her recent learning of the Forerunners from Astute Sigil. Cutter listened quietly through the whole of the lecture, occasionally asking a question or two.
"And so, that's it." Twilight said. "To be honest, I wasn't able to believe what Sigil told us at first. I mean, the species we've always considered myth are actually real, and advanced far beyond what we could ever do? I'm floored."
"So am I." Cutter said. "From what you've said, this Equestria sounds like paradise."
"Not exactly." Rainbow replied. "There's always some bad guy trying to take over. Usually we take care of it."
"I'm still surprised by that." Cutter laughed. "Well, I suppose I should tell you about us and what we're doing here."
This conversation took much longer than Twilight's. From the Human-Covenant War, to the battles against the Banished, to humanity's past before the war. All the while, Twilight eagerly took notes and her friends listened with bated breath.
"And now, since Professor Anders is currently no longer with us…" Cutter sighed. "We're trapped here, and also doing everything we can to stop the Banished."
Twilight was about to respond when a small human figure, glowing orange, appeared on the table.
"Captain, we've got a new development." the figure said.
"What is it, Isabel?" Cutter asked.
"A Slipspace Rupture on the other side of the Ark." Isabel said, bringing up a map. "I'm detecting UNSC signals as well. I can't respond, as our security protocols haven't updated yet to match those of whoever it is."
"Who are you?" Twilight asked. Isabel turned and frowned slightly.
"I'm Isabel, the Spirit of FIre's shipboard AI." she said. "We can talk later, though. The Banished are moving en masse towards our potential rescuers."
"Then we need to rescue our rescuers." Cutter said. "Reroute units to pursue them."
"Already on it, Captain." Isabel said, blinking out. Twilight raised an eyebrow at the Captain.
"I apologize." he said. "Isabel's still getting used to things aboard the Spirit of Fire. Come with me. Let's see who our guests are."
Twilight and her friends followed the Captain towards the bridge.
====
UNSC Infinity Bridge
"Captain, we've got contacts!" Roland cried, drawing Captain Lasky's attention.
"Who is it?" Lasky asked from the holotable.
"Unknown. They're Covenant, but they've engaged our recon forces en masse. They're being overrun." Roland replied. "Plus, they've got vehicles we've never seen before."
"Get reinforcements down there, now!" Lasky said.
"Roger that." Roland said. "I'll scramble Gypsy Company and as many Marines as I can get. We lost quite a bit of crew back on Earth."
"I understand, Roland." Lasky said. "Let's get to work."
Roland saluted before blinking out. Lasky turned back to the holotable, which was currently showing the meager UNSC forces in green, under siege from a large Covenant army, shown in red. Lasky, however, did not notice the large gray mass approaching the enemy's rear line.
====
UNSC Landing Site Alpha
To say that the UNSC Infinity's ground troops were outmatched was an understatement.
They were thoroughly outmatched. The Banished quickly gained control of the skies using Blisterbacks and Reavers, while Wraiths pounded the Marines on the ground.
"Infinity Actual, this is Lance Company!" a Marine yelled into the radio. "We're being torn apart down here! Get us reinforcements ASAP!"
"We're trying." Lasky replied. "The skies are completely hostile. Hold the line."
"Yessir!" the Marine said. "Goddamnit! Hold the line, Marines! Nothing gets past!"
Though the Marines shouted in reply, there was not much they could do. The Banished advanced closer and closer, as the UNSC's dwindling air forces were shot down by anti-air missiles.
"Incoming!" a Marine cried, seeing three Wraiths approach with mortars ready. The humans braced for impact...
====
Only for a series of blasts to destroy the Banished vehicles. The Marines looked up as three squads of UNSC Hornets entered the field.
"Unknown UNSC troops, do you copy?" the radio blared. "Do you copy?"
"Who the hell is this?" the radioman replied.
"This is Trapper 2-3." was the reply. "Our Hornets are on station, ready to assist."
"Roger that!" the radioman replied. "Do what you can, and do it fast!"
"Understood, engaging now!"
====
"Captain Lasky!" Roland said. "We've got friendly reinforcements on the ground!"
"I thought the skies weren't clear." Lasky said to the AI. "They can't be ours."
"That's the thing, Captain." Roland replied.
"They're not ours. They're UNSC but they're not from the Infinity."
Lasky turned to the holotable, which zoomed in on a massive spearhead of UNSC forces heading right towards the rear of the Covenant line. Warthogs, Scorpions, and a few vehicle varieties Lasky didn't recognize were heading in, en masse.
"Who are they?" Lasky asked.
"No clue." was the reply. Roland then raised his eyebrows.
"What's up, Roland?" Lasky asked.
"I'm getting a comms beacon." the AI replied. "It's the same signature as the signal from earlier."
"Put it through!" Lasky ordered.
"Aye, sir." the AI smiled. "Already on it."
====
"Captain Cutter!" Isabel said as he and the Equestrians entered the Bridge. "I've got it! There's another UNSC ship near the LZ."
"Get them on the line!" Cutter said.
"Roger that." Isabel replied. "Got it!"
"Unknown UNSC ship, do you copy?" Cutter asked.
"Identify yourself immediately!" said a voice.
"This is James Cutter, Captain, UNSC Spirit of Fire." Cutter said. "And to whom am I speaking?"
There was silence for a few moments..
"This is Thomas Lasky, Captain of the UNSC Infinity." came the weary reply. "Captain Cutter, we'll save the reintroductions for later. Our ground forces are almost overrun!"
"Not for long." Cutter replied. "I've got a reaction force inbound fast. ETA is two minutes."
"Thank god." Lasky replied. "We've moving to an intercept course with you. Send coordinates for link-up."
"Coordinates sent." Cutter said. "Good luck, Captain Lasky."
"Same to you, Captain Cutter." Lasky replied. "Infinity out."
The connection ended, and Cutter smiled.
"Captain?" Twilight asked. "What's up?"
"What's up...is that we've been found." Cutter said with pride. "Deploy all forces to the Infinity's landing zone. Let's show them what we're capable of."
"Yessir." Isabel said with a smile. "Forces are en route now."
Author's Note
Update!
Next time-The UNSC forces have a long fight ahead to repel the Banished.
Aboard the UNSC Infinity
Deployment Bay
As the Marines and Spartans aboard the Infinity rushed to their stations, one Spartan Fireteam headed for the Hangar deck. Spartan Chris, leader of Fireteam Crimson, hurried his Spartans towards a waiting Pelican.
"Double-time!" he urged, starting to run. "We've gotta get down there!"
"Roger that!" said Spartan David. "You heard the man!"
Laura and Emily merely nodded. Their waiting Pelican greeted them, and as they boarded, the comms table floated down.
"Fireteam Crimson." Palmer said over the comms. "You've been selected to help break the enemy line. Friendly forces from both Infinity and Spirit of Fire are ready to assist. Be advised, our foes have vehicles previously unknown. Gather intel if possible."
"Understood, Commander." Chris said, loading his Battle Rifle. "We'll make it count."
As the Pelican soared down towards the Ark, it was immediately beset upon by the Banished AA defenses.
"Palmer, this is Crimson." Chris said as the Pelican shook from several near-misses. "We're getting torn up down here, any way to take out those guns?"
"We're trying." Palmer replied. "Stay the course, Fireteam."
"Roger." Chris said, standing up and heading for the Pilot's compartment. "Pilot, floor it!"
"Yessir!" the Pilot replied. The Pelican got closer to the ground, and the AA fire intensified. Then a mighty crash shook the Pelican and it began to spin out of control.
"We're hit!" the pilot yelled. "I'm losing her!"
"Palmer, this is Crimson! We're going down!" Chris yelled. "All UNSC forces this is Fireteam Crimson, going down! Coordinates to follow!"
As the Pelican slammed into the ground, tumbling and coming to a stop, a voice came over the Pilot's radio.
"Fireteam Crimson, this is Red Team. Standby, we're on our way."
====
"Chris, can you hear me?" Laura said, shaking her fellow Spartan awake. Chris groaned and retrieved his Battle Rifle, standing up.
"What's our status?" he groaned.
"We've got hostiles all over us!" David said, unloading his SAW into a group of Brutes. "And we're low on ammo!"
"Right." Chris swore as he levelled his weapon and began firing. "Hold out until reinforcements arrive!"
"Whenever that happens!" Emily replied as her SMG buzzed, cutting down a few Grunts. Suddenly, the roar of two Warthogs became clear, and the pair smashed into view and trampled quite a few hostiles. Three Spartans in Mjolnir Mk. V Armor disembarked and began shooting alongside a three-man Marine Squad.
"Spartans, assist!" Chris said.
"Roger that!" said the leader, whose shoulder plate was marked with the Spirit of Fire logo. "I'm Jerome, leader of Red Team. That's Douglas and Alice."
"Chris leader of Fireteam Crimson. That's David, Laura, and Emily." Chris replied, blasting a Jackal with his Shotgun. "You got room for four more?"
"You bet!" Douglas replied as he filled the skull of a few Brutes with 8-Gauge Buckshot. "Climb on!"
The three Spartan-IIs took their positions at driver, gunner, and passenger on the first, while the other Spartans took the second Warthog. The Marines held on as best they could. On Douglas's signal, the two Warthogs gunned off towards the UNSC line, with the Marines holding onto the side for dear life.
====
As the two Warthogs approached the line, they could see the tide was turning. The Spirit of Fire's ground troops had reached the Infinity's line. The skies had been cleared by Wolverines and Hornets, and Pelicans were taking off and landing with no interruptions. Fresh Marines had reinforced the line, and several Scorpions had been deployed.
"Spartans, over here!" a Marine cried as the group disembarked. "We've got more incoming!"
"Roger that." Jerome said, pumping his Shotgun. "We'll hold them here."
"Understood." Chris said, loading his Battle Rifle. "Make your shots count, Marines! Next wave incoming!"
As the Spartans took up positions behind an entrenched Scorpion, the Banished troops came into view, supported by Wraiths.
"Take 'em out!" Chris yelled as the UNSC forces opened fire. The Banished shrugged through the hail of lead and returned fire, plasma shots arcing across the battlefield.
"Incoming!" Chris said as two Wraiths moved to firing positions, and opened up. The Scorpions quickly adjusted their aim and destroyed them. However, the Banished seemed undeterred, and they advanced.
"Get ready, Marines!" Douglas yelled as he reloaded. "Prep for CQC!"
"Roger that!" Laura said as she emptied her SMG before switching to her dual Magnums. The Banished approached the front of the line, and soon the UNSC were not only shooting forward, but to the sides as well.
"Brute on your left!" Alice yelled to David, who filled the encroaching attacker with holes before dropping three Grunts in succession with his Magnum.
"Nice catch!" David replied. The other Spartans kept shooting, and the Banished started to pull back.
"What's going on?" an Infinity Marine asked. "Did we win?"
"No." a Spirit of Fire Marine replied. "They're regrouping."
"Confirmed." Jerome said. "Expect a third wave, Marines. Check your ammo and get ready."
Then, the ground began to shake. A massive and heavily armored, four-legged machine lumbered into view, supported by Blisterbacks.
"SCARAB!" the Spirit Marines yelled. "Focus fire now!"
The Infinity Marines didn't need to be told twice. The Scorpions immediately focused their attention on the Blisterbacks, while the Hornets in the sky engaged the Scarab.
"We've got hostile infantry!" Jerome yelled. "We need more firepower!"
"Amen to that!" Alice said as her Chaingun Turret cut down a squad of Jackals. "Marine! Radio for fire support!'
"Right away!"
The Marine rushed to the radio and relayed Alice's request to Captain Cutter.
"Understood." Cutter replied. "Archer missiles away."
====
Bridge
The ponies watched in fascination, shock, and bewilderment at the holotable, which displayed live feed from the engagement below.
"Archer missiles away." Cutter said, nodding to an ensign, who hit several switches and buttons on his console.
"Captain?" Twilight asked.
"Yes, Twilight?" Cutter replied.
"What's that?" she asked, pointing to a yellow mass approaching the Banished and UNSC lines. Cutter took one look and swore loudly.
"Isabel?" he asked. "Is that what I think it is?"
"Yessir." Isabel replied. "Apparently both us and the Banished stirred up the Forerunner defenses. Sentinels are on the way towards our line, and I doubt they're friendly."
"We've got to get moving before those Sentinels hit us." Cutter said. "Captain Lasky?"
"What is it?" said Lasky's voice over the radio.
"Forerunner Sentinels are closing in on our position." Cutter replied. "I've seen what they're capable of. We need to pull out before we get hit."
"Understood, but where?" Lasky replied. "There's no suitable evac zones near here."
"I've found a small valley that should serve nicely, Captain Lasky." Isabel cut in. "We move our troops there, we'll have our evac zone."
"Roger that, Isabel." Lasky said. "I'll radio our forces on the ground to get moving."
"We'll do the same." Cutter replied. "Good luck."
"Same to you." Lasky said as the line ended.
"What if you don't make it out in time?" Rarity asked. "What happens then?"
"I don't know." Cutter said. "And I'm praying we don't find out.
Author's Note
Next time-The two UNSC forces evacuate, and the three sides meet. Meanwhile, the Warden Eternal intercepts Ellen Ander's Halo Ring...
As the four Spartans, accompanied by Justice, proceeded through the halls towards the surface, Chris checked his helmet's Motion Tracker with a sigh.
"Multiple hostiles." he groaned. "And I bet they won't be happy to see us."
"Are they ever?" Laura said. "Justice, can't you teleport us out?"
"Unfortunately, I cannot." Justice replied. "My functions as Keeper of the Ark are great, but many are still offline. The Domain has touched many of them."
"What can you do?" Chris asked.
"I can attempt to take control of the Sentinels currently encroaching upon us." Justice said. "However, I will be defenseless."
"We'll handle the Banished, you handle the Sentinels." David smiled, loading his SAW. "Lead the way."
Justice nodded, and brought the Spartans to a large room, stocked with weapon caches. At the center was a glowing Forerunner interface.
"I shall interface with the Ark's systems." Justice said, stretching out his hand. "Protect me, Reclaimers."
"You got it!" Chris said, loading his Shotgun. "Banished, outside! Eyes up, Spartans!"
True to his word, howls of anger and the pounding of metal could be heard from the door. As the Spartans trained their weapons on the entrance, it burst open and revealed the forms of two Brute packs, supported by Grunts and Jackals.
"Open fire!" Chris said, hurling a Frag Grenade. The grenade detonated amongst the Grunts, killing a few of them. The Spartans unloaded their weapons, taking out a handful of Brutes. The lucky ones moved into cover, and returned fire with Spikers and Brute Plasma Rifles.
"Cover me!" David said, hefting another drum magazine into his SAW. As he unloaded, a few more Brutes and Jackals fell to the ground, only for a third pack to replace the dead.
"How many of these guys are there?" Chris growled as he fired again, only to hear the "click!" of an empty magazine. He reached for his reserves, only to grasp empty air instead of bullets.
"Out of ammo!" he said.
"Here, Lightrifle!" Emily said, tossing him the Promethean weapon. Chris zoomed in and opened up, dropping three Brutes with headshots in quick succession.
"They're falling back!" Laura said, as her dual Magnums forced a Chieftain into cover. "Grenade out!"
Laura hurled a Promethean Splinter Grenade, and it detonated amongst the Banished. Though the blast only killed two, the resulting energy field wounded more. As the Brutes started to pull back, Chris kept his Lightrifle trained on the door.
"Clear!" David said, picking up a Suppressor. "I'm clean on Ammo."
"Same." Laura said, ejecting two empty magazines from her Magnums.
"Use these Promethean weapons." Chris said, tossing Laura a Binary Rifle. "They work, don't they?"
As the Spartans regrouped, Justice returned to life.
"I have ordered the Sentinels to retreat for now." he said. "However, we must leave. More of the Scavengers are coming."
"And I bet they're pissed that we killed their buddies." David said. "Our Warthog is out front."
"And most likely surrounded by Banished." Chris said. "If they haven't blown it up already. Justice, do you have transport here?"
"You are fortunate to ask." Justice said. "I have a Chariot available, ready to deploy."
"Chariot?" Chris asked.
====
As it turned out, a Chariot was a Promethean tank. Suspended in the air by four Phaeton engines, the body was similar to a UNSC Scorpion. Not only that, it featured a cannon like a supercharged Binary Rifle.
"Holy shit." Chris said as he took the Pilot's seat, which molded to his form. "Why haven't we seen these before?"
"Chariots were used to counter the Flood and their combat forms." Justice said. "Since the Forerunners fired the rings, they have grown obsolete."
"We'll see about that." Laura said, taking the gunner's position, and a hard-light turret formed in her hands. "Ready."
"All set." David and Emily said as they mounted up with Incineration Cannons ready. Justice latched onto the Chariot using a rear mount, and Chris thrust the controls forward. The tank lurched forward, and as a hardlight barrier dissipated, it revealed the forms of a Banished company, backed up by Marauders and a Wraith.
"Here we go!" Chris said as he fired. The Chariot's blast tore through the Wraith, turning it into little more than scrap metal. As the Banished opened fire, Chris primed the cannon for another shot.
Author's Note
I know it's short, but I've been busy. Longer ones coming soon.
As the UNSC Forces hustled throughout the base, Twilight and her friends were caught in the middle of the chaos. Even though Red Team was with them, they still felt overwhelmed at the recent series of events. Even Rainbow Dash was exhausted.
"Hey, you all okay?" a voice asked.
Twilight nodded to Alice, who nodded and sat down.
"We're fine." Twilight said. "What can we do?"
"You've done enough for now." Jerome said. "Rest up. We don't know when the Banished will return."
"Right." Twilight said. Then, an audible buzzing could be heard, and it was getting louder by the second.
"What's that?" Pinkie asked. "Are there bees here?"
"No, it's the Sentinels!' Douglas said. "Isabel?"
"Already on it." the AI replied. "We've got two flights of Sentinels incoming. Whatever the Banished are doing has stirred up the Forerunner defenses. We need to pack it up while we can, or our base is going down in flames."
"We won't have time." Douglas replied. "What's their ETA?"
"Two minutes, thirty seconds." Isabel replied. "Pull everyone back."
"Wait." Twilight said. "I have an idea. If I can harness enough magical energy, I can teleport the base to a safe location. There's a catch, though. I'll need time to prepare the spell and gather the energy, and there's no telling where we'll end up. But it can be done."
"Then do it." Cutter said. "We'll keep you covered as long as we can."
"Right." Twilight said. "I need everyone within a ten foot radius of the base. I don't want to leave anypony behind."
"Roger that." Roland said, coming in. "I'll relay the necessary orders. I've also identified a hilltop mesa near Fireteam Crimson's position. It'll serve as a good end point."
"Okay. Here goes." Twilight said, as she closed her eyes and began to focus. Arcane energy swirled through her horn, and it began to coalesce into a giant purple orb.
"Keep it up." Isabel said. "Wait...Banished incoming! A whole battalion!"
"We'll keep them at bay." Alice said, grabbing two SMGs and clipping them to her thigh holsters. "Red Team, on me!"
As the Marines and Spartans headed back to the line to face the Banished, Twilight could feel the energy burning inside her, searing through her. Though it hurt like tartarus, and Twilight had never teleported anything of this scale before, she knew she had to succeed.
"Almost there!" she moaned, the spell pushing the boundaries of the base. "Almost...there…"
As the Banished emerged from the woods, ready to open fire, they stopped dumbstruck at the massive orb enveloping the human base. As it collapsed and a pulsewave shredded the area with a gust of wind, the UNSC base and all of the forces with it vanished in an instant.
====
As the base reappeared atop the Mesa, Twilight collapsed to the floor, unconscious. As her friends rushed over, Red Team took positions next to them.
"Is she alive?" Alice asked.
"She's barely breathing, but yes." Rarity said. "Are we safe?"
"For the moment." Douglas said. "Isabel just reported that the Banished are fighting the Sentinels, and we're clear for now."
Before anyone else could speak, a Spirit of Fire Marine rushed inside.
"Spartans, outside! You need to see this!"
"What is it?" Alice asked.
"There's some kind of massive object outside! It's shielded!" the Marine said. As Red Team headed out, the ponies rested Twilight on a stretcher before following.
The ponies looked outside, and promptly gasped. A massive blue dome surrounded a mushroom-like object, half-sunken in the ground. The strange thing was that Forerunner Sentinels were flying through the sky around it, as it patrolling it.
"What is that?" Fluttershy asked.
"That...is High Charity." Roland said. "The former Covenant Capital, and presumed destroyed during the Human-Covenant War. If it's still intact, we could search it and see what we find."
"I don't think that's a good idea." Isabel said. "About three weeks ago, the Banished made it there to loot what remained of the city. I was analyzing their battle-net when I found this. It's a message from Atriox himself, to a pair of his lieutenants. I'll play it now."
"Pavium! Voridus!" the harsh, guttural voice of the Banished' leader echoed. "Do you know what your actions have cost me? I spent weeks fortifying our positions to continue the fight against the humans! Now i have to abandon them because of you!"
"We will fix this, Atriox." another voice said. "We thought it wise to inform you of the threat."
"You thought it wise?" Atriox said, dripping with sarcasm. "The Flood was the very thing this installation was created to destroy! You have no idea what you have unleashed! If we don't send every soldier we have right now to stop its spread, everything we've worked for will be consumed!"
"We've already reactivated the Sentinels!" said a third voice. "We will help them fix this! You have our word!"
"I want actions, not words! I'm on my way." Atriox said angrily as the message ended. As the Ponies looked at each other, confused, Alice gave a sigh of thought.
"The Flood." she said. "Where have I heard that name before? It sounds familiar."
"It should be." Isabel said. "My records state the Spirit of Fire engaged The Flood on the Shield World 0459, shortly before they disappeared. The world itself was later destroyed as the Spirit of Fire escaped and began to drift. As for the Flood, they're a parasitic species that aims to consume all sentient life."
"I remember them now!" Jerome said. "Captain, we've seen those things in action. Should we make our way in to take out the source?"
"Negative." Isabel said. "The Banished did it for us. They already released it once, and they barely contained the ensuing outbreak. That's when the shield was reactivated. Captain, we do not want to go in there, under any circumstances."
"I agree." Cutter said. "All UNSC Forces, hold position and do not move into High Charity. We don't want to make the same mistake the Banished did by opening that shield."
"Roger that." Douglas said. "Red Team out."
Author's Note
Update!
Next time- Anders meets the Warden aboard the Guardian, Celestia speaks with Astute Sigil, and Master Chief enters the fray.
Chapter 4-Keeper of the Archive
As the Elements watched Cutter direct his troops via the holotable, Twilight could feel fascination rise in her. Cutter moved his troops like figures in an Ogres and Oubliettes game, but she knew they represented humans fighting for the UNSC.
"Twilight?"
She turned to see Isabel looking at her with a curious face.
"Are you alright?" the AI asked. "You spaced out."
"Yeah, I'm fine." Twilight replied. "Captain Cutter?"
"What is it?" Cutter replied, not looking up from the table.
"Is there any way we can help?"
Cutter frowned slightly as he turned to them.
"I'm not sure." he said. "Are you capable of handling yourselves in combat?"
"We've fought plenty of bad guys!" Rainbow boasted. "Bring it on!"
"I admire your eagerness, but a word of advice." Cutter said. "These bad guys, the Banished, will not hesitate to kill you. So, do the same to them. Lt. Armstrong?"
"Yes, captain?" the Marine Lieutenant replied over the radio.
"Take our guests down to the battlefield. They've volunteered to assist us." Cutter replied.
"Yessir. On my way."
As the Marines escorted the six of them out, Twilight gave a wave goodbye to Isabel. But if Twilight looked behind her again, she would've seen the AI wave back.
====
As the Ponies entered the Hangar Deck, Isabel finished speaking with Lt. Armstrong.
"Make sure they stay alive." she said, sighing.
"Understood." the Marine replied. "Load up, let's go!"
As the Ponies strapped themselves in, the two Pelicans took off towards the ground.
====
The two Pelicans landed, and as the passengers disembarked, Twilight saw that the UNSC had established a combat outpost at their landing zone. The tense atmosphere was electric, and the ponies knew it.
"So, you're the Captain's new friends."
The ponies turned to see three colossal humans approach, wearing green armor with red designs.
"Who might you be?" Twilight asked.
"I'm Jerome, leader of Spartan Red Team. That's Douglas and Alice." Jerome said. "Nice to meet you."
They shook hands, and Jerome gave a nod to Twilight.
"What brings you down here?" Alice asked, holstering her Battle Rifle.
"We figured you needed help." Rainbow said. "And we're up to the task."
"Good to hear." Jerome said. "I like you already."
Rainbow grinned, and raised her hoof. Jerome obliged, giving her a fist bump.
"That's more like it!" Rainbow cheered. As the Spartans escorted the ponies to the base, the sun was shrouded by a few clouds.
====
"Spartans! We've got something!"
The Spartans and the Equestrians turned to see an Infinity Marine appear, out of breath.
"What've you got?" Douglas asked.
"There's a large energy signature coming from this Canyon here." the Marine said, handing Douglas a datapad. "It's Forerunner in origin, but it's not matching any of our known signatures."
"We'll check it out." said another Spartan. The ponies turned to see four more Spartans wearing differently colored and shaped armor approach. Their leader had 0438 on his chestplate.
The four Spartans mounted up on a Warthog, and drove off. Twilight watched them go, and it wasn't long before she and her friends followed Red Team to the main base.
====
"Captain Lasky?" Chris said into the radio.
"What is it, Crimson?" Lasky replied.
"We're at some kind of cavern entrance." the Spartan said as they disembarked from the Warthog. "No sign of hostile activity. Permission to search and investigate?"
"Granted, but be careful." Commander Palmer interrupted. "We've gotten reports of Forerunner activity in the area."
"Understood, ma'am." David said. "We'll be fine."
As Chris and the Spartans of Fireteam Crimson entered the cave, Chris took point as they descended into the dark.
====
"I'll tell you guys one thing." Laura said.
"What?" Emily asked, her SMG's flashlight searching the walls.
"It's too quiet down here." she said.
The other Spartans found they agreed with her. Then, Chris walked right into a door.
"Watch out." David said, helping him up. "I'll get this open."
As David tapped on the Forerunner Panel, the door opened, revealing a large room coursing with energy. It was larger than a football field, and the walls were carved with ornate writing. At the end of the room was a glowing blue orb.
"What is that?" Chris asked.
"I don't know, but some part of me wants us to leave, like right now." Emily said, covering the door. "This place gives me the creeps."
Chris lowered his Battle Rifle and approached the orb. As he came close to it, it glowed bright for a moment, showed the Reclaimer Symbol, then it faded. Then, the ground began to shake and move.
"What's going on?" David yelled as the floor opened like a pyramid, revealing a Forerunner Construct. It was kneeling, and devoid of light. Though shaped like the Warden, that was where the similarities ended. It was bulkier, and its head featured a split prow and a glowing orb.
"The hell?" Laura asked. "We came all this way for a construct?"
"Doesn't look active." David said. "Let's go."
As the Spartans turned to leave, the construct hummed to life, blue light flowing through it. As it stood up, it spoke.
"Peace unto you, Reclaimers."
The Spartans spun around and aimed their weapons at the now-active construct.
"Identify yourself." Chris ordered.
"As you wish." the Construct said. "I am Justice-unto-Peace, Monitor of the Ark Installation, Keeper of the Archive."
"What's that mean?" Chris asked. "In simple terms."
"The Archives are the counterpart of the Domain." Justice-Unto-Peace said. "While the Domain encompasses all artificial life such as the Warrior-Servants, the Archive accomplishes the same purpose for natural life, made not of metal, but flesh."
"The Domain?" Chris said. "Like the Warden?"
"Indeed." Justice-Unto-Peace replied. "However, there is work to be done, Reclaimer. I have obtained vita; knowledge of the Tamperer, the false ruler of the Domain."
"Cortana." Chris said. "We know."
"Do you?" Justice-Unto-Peace raised a metal eyebrow. "The Reclaimers, your kind, were meant to ascend to the likes of the Forerunners themselves. Now, you hide while your enemy encroaches on the galaxies left to you?"
"The Guardians." David said. "They're too powerful."
"Not so." Justice said. "Guardians are lesser ancilla, they are quite weak, if you only know how."
"Then show us." Chris demanded.
"As you wish."
Justice showed a holographic Guardian in all of its power.
"Guardians were never used on the Higher systems." Justice said. "They were engineered to be weak, no matter how strong they seem. A well-placed blow to the central core will destroy them cleanly. The attenuation pulse emitters her are the key to victory in this circumstance."
Justice showed two holographic projectiles hit the two rings on Guardian's middle chest. It's head them recoiled backwards, exposing the core. A third projectile struck the exposed core, and the holo-Guardian faded into fragments.
"I shall enlighten you further, at a later time." Justice said. "I am detecting intruders. The Scavengers, most likely."
At the same time, Chris's radio came to life.
"Crimson, this is Palmer." came a voice. "You've got Banished signatures closing in."
"We know." Chris said. "Send evac ASAP. We've got a goldmine of intel coming, and I sure as hell don't want to lose it."
"Understood." Palmer said. "There's another complication. There's a horde of Sentinels incoming. Once you get picked up, you need to move your asses back to base."
"Roger that." Chris said. "Send it!"
Chris turned to the massive construct.
"Can you fight?" he asked.
"I am capable of defending myself." Justice said, summoning a Hardlight Sword. "Come, let us take victory in hand and fly."
"Whatever you say." Laura said as the howls of Brutes came closer. "Let's hope we live to tell the story."
Author's Note
Yep, a new update. Took me long enough.
Next time-The UNSC races against the Sentinels and the Banished to escape to safety. Meanwhile, Anders takes control of a new toy...
