Chapters Halo: Into the Howling Dark
Prologue - The Journey Begins
Equestria, Canterlot
Around Midday
It was a typical day in the Capital City of Equestria. Ponies went about their daily routines, such as shopping or catching up with friends. The midday sun painted an idyllic scene, and everything seemed to be perfect.
That wasn't the case for long as a slight tremor shook the ground. It wasn't unnoticeable, but quiet enough that most didn't notice it. Then, a second tremor, this one a fair bit stronger, shook chairs and toppled a few unsteady patrons at the various taverns.
Then, it settled for a slight moment as the ponies in the city looked at each other in confusion. Earthquakes weren't unheard of in Canterlot, as the city was built into a mountain, but they were few and far between.
Then, all hell broke loose as a massive quake struck the city, causing everything to go everywhere. Ponies everywhere sought shelter as the massive tremor tore apart the streets, making fissures in the cobblestone paths.
It lasted for a little under two minutes, until all was silent once again. As the residents of Canterlot emerged from their homes and hiding places, they came out to a sight of destruction. Buildings all around were damaged, and rubble filled the streets.
It wasn't long before Solar and Lunar Guard chariots began to descend, and the initial panic and chaos was contained by their presence.
However, in the cacophony that ensued, nopony noticed a crack in the base of the Canterlot Plaza Sundial. Below the stone slab that supported the instrument was a sheet of gleaming white metal, inscribed with a strange symbol. The symbol glowed green for a few moments, and then faded.
====
Later, as Princesses Celestia and Luna began their survey of the damage, the Solar Princess used her magic to lift a portion of a shop out from under itself. Solar Guardsponies filed in and quickly retrieved the patrons who were trapped inside.
"What a mess." Princess Luna said, kicking a rock aside. "We haven't had an earthquake here in Canterlot for hundreds of years."
"But they can always happen, sister." Celestia replied. "I am glad that so far, nopony was hurt."
"Indeed." Luna said. "Should we prepare for an aftershock?"
"Maybe." Celestia said as the two of them and their retinue entered the plaza. "Though it is curious why one has not occured yet."
As they walked past the base of the sundial, Luna stumbled and fell over. As her sister helped her up, Luna saw what had made her trip.
"Sister?" she asked. "Why is there metal right here?"
"I don't know." Celestia said. "It's not a sewer pipe, that's for certain."
As they stared at the metal sheet, the symbol glowed three times again before fading once more.
"And I don't think our sewers do that." Luna said.
"They certainly don't." Celestia said. As she reached down and touched the symbol, there was a sudden shift in the terrain beneath them. Then, green lights formed around the plaza, spiraling around each other.
As Celestia and Luna watched along with their awestruck retinue, the plaza grounds transformed into a spiral staircase, leading underground.
"Stay here." Celestia ordered her Guards. "My sister and I will investigate this...turn of events."
The Guards looked at each other, uncertain of the command, but they heeded it nonetheless. As Celestia and Luna descended the stairs, the sun and later their magic illuminating their steps, they both shuddered as if it was winter.
====
After a few minutes of descending, the two Alicorns found themselves inside a hallway adorned with white, carved metal. As they passed, they realized the carvings were laced together seamlessly, like one giant tapestry along the wall.
"Who could've done this?" Luna asked, tracing her hoof along the wall carvings.
"I think the better question is where did all this come from?" Celestia replied. "None of this is Equestrian in origin, I'm certain of that."
"A brilliant deduction." Luna rolled her eyes. "I could've guessed that about ten minutes ago, sister."
Celestia rolled her own eyes at her sister's remark while they progressed forward. Then, they reached a sealed door.
"Well, shall we turn back?" Luna asked.
"Not yet. Sometimes when you see a door, you knock." Celestia said as she rapped her hoof against it. The door soundlessly opened upwards, revealing a massive cylindrical chamber. Tubes full of magma lined the walls, and at the middle of the chamber was an altar of some kind. As the two sisters approached, it showed a symbol, which to the sisters seemed like an orb with two bull's horns.
"Well, here goes." Luna said, tapping it. The orb faded, and a bright green light appeared in front of them. As the sisters shielded their eyes, a voice spoke. It reminded Celestia of a wise yet old stallion with a gentle yet firm voice.
"Who are you, and what are you doing in this Control Room?"
"A Control Room for what?" Celestia asked. "Identify yourself!"
"I am 3116 Astute Sigil, the Forerunner Monitor of Shield World Tranquility." the voice replied. "You are in the Control Room of this Installation. I will ask again who you are."
"I am Princess Celestia, Ruler of the Sun." Celestia said. "My Sister is Princess Luna, Ruler of the Moon. We come in peace, Astute Sigil."
There was silence throughout the room. Then, Sigil spoke again.
"Understood. Forgive my initial hostility."
The green light faded, and the two sisters got their first look at the Monitor. It was orb-shaped, with a single green eye. Carvings and engravings lined his body, and as it approached them, Luna raised an eyebrow.
"What are you doing here, Astute Sigil?" she asked.
"I could ask you the same thing." Sigil replied. "This installation has been active for quite some time. I have no records in my database of a species like your own. But I digress. Come, I must enlighten you."
"Enlighten us about what?" Celestia requested.
"Enlighten you about my creators, the Forerunners." Sigil said. "This way."
As the two sisters and Sigil were floated into the air by a gravity lift, Sigil gave a few artificial chuckles at the sister's surprised reactions.
"What is this contraption?" Luna asked, spinning around.
"An artificial gravity lift." Sigil said. "One of many Forerunner creations that I currently have archived in my database."
As they floated to a stop in the upper control room, Celestia and Luna stepped forward to face the Monitor.
"What can you tell us of these Forerunners?" Celestia asked. "We wish to know everything you can tell us."
"As you wish." Sigil said. "My story begins countless centuries ago, in the Ecumene of the Forerunners that spanned the stars..."
====
Author's Note
Hope you enjoyed!
Halo: Into the Howling Dark
As Celestia and Luna sat dumbstruck while Astute Sigil told them of the Forerunners and their Ecumene, the Monitor seemed to be growing in pride with each statement he spoke.
"So, where are these Forerunners now?" Celestia asked. "Is there any way we can contact them?"
"That, I regret to inform you, is impossible." Sigil said with a hint of sadness. "The Forerunner Ecumene ceased to exist with the activation of the Halo Array as a last resort against the Flood onslaught."
"What is this Halo Array? And what is the Flood?" Luna asked.
"I will explain both." Sigil said. "The Flood is a parasitic species whose ultimate goal is the annihilation and consumption of all sentient life, which they viewed as nourishment to spread their species further. It is stated that a single Flood infection form could wipe a species out if not contained. And the Forerunners, for all their might and progress, couldn't stop the Flood's rampage across the Ecumene."
"As such, the Halo Array was constructed." Sigil continued. "A vast array of Ring-Worlds were created as weapons powerful enough to erase all sentient life capable of sustaining the Flood within three radii of the Galactic Center."
Celestia and Luna paled, white as marble.
"This horrible weapon was used?" Luna asked, fearful.
"Yes." Sigil said. "The Array was fired, killing the Forerunners and all life capable of sustaining the Flood. However, a Forerunner known as the Librarian and her Lifeworkers indexed the DNA of all known species for repopulation. From their efforts, the galaxy was returned to its former state. But the Forerunners were gone, sacrificed to save the universe. Without an ample source of life to feed on, the Flood decayed and retreated. That was over 1,000 centuries ago, if my records are correct."
Celestia gasped, horrified that such a device was used.
"What else can you tell us?" she asked after a few moments of silence.
"I can tell of you the Reclaimers, if you wish." Sigil said.
"Reclaimers?" Luna asked.
"A species that once waged war with the Forerunners, now destined to inherit their glory." Sigil said proudly.
"What is this species?" Celestia asked.
"Humanity." Sigil said, with a nod of affirmation.
"That's impossible." Celestia said. "Humanity is a myth, mere legend. Our most renowned scholars haven't uncovered any reasonable proof to their existence."
Sigil gave a laugh of amusement.
"They are not myth or legend, Princess." Sigil replied. "From their homeworld of Erde-Tyrene, or Earth, they have spread through the stars and currently stand posed to learn the greatest of the Forerunners' secrets. I've recently been meaning to send out a beacon to them, to alert them of my activation. Would you like me to include a diplomatic overture from your own kind in this beacon?"
"We would be honored, Sigil." Celestia said. "How long will this take to reach them?"
"It might take a while, seeing as I must prepare and activate several crucial systems, but I will send it as soon as I can." the Monitor said. "In the meantime, I will activate the full extent of my systems to aid in the reconstruction of your city. It was my Installation's activation that caused the earthquake, after all."
"Thank you." Luna said.
"My pleasure, Princesses." Sigil said. "Would you be so kind as to take this?"
A small object floated down, and Celestia took it in her hoof.
"What is it?" she asked.
"A Communicator." Sigil replied. "When the beacon is prepared, I will speak to you through that device. Until then, I request that this Installation be left alone so I may prepare the beacon in peace."
"As you wish." Celestia said. "Shall we be off?"
"Indeed." Sigil nodded. "I will open a transit portal to the city plaza. Farewell for now, Princesses."
As the portal opened in front of them, Celestia and Luna bowed to the Monitor before entering it. As they disappeared, Sigil began to access the Installation's Superluminal Beacon.
====
The Guards stationed above the Facility were debating entering the complex to locate the Princesses when Celestia and Luna appeared out of the Forerunner portal, right in front of them.
"Princesses, are you alright?" one asked. "It's been two hours, we were growing concerned."
"We are fine, Sergeant." Celestia said. "And we have learned so much in those two hours. I ask that this plaza be cordoned off until explicit further notice from myself or my sister. We have a guest below ground, and he wishes to be left alone for the time being."
The guards looked at each other, uncertain of what was going on, but they nodded and took defensive positions around the site. As Celestia and Luna watched, Forerunner Constructors and Sentinels began appearing in the air, and began repairing the damage from the earthquake.
"It seems our new ally works quickly." Luna said, impressed by the speed and ease that the Forerunner constructs worked to rebuild the city. "Imagine the possibilities, sister."
"I am." Celestia replied. "Come, I think we should tell the citizens what's going on, and bring the Element Bearers here. They'll want to know about this."
As the two Princesses headed for the palace, their minds swirled with wonder.
====
Bridge of the UNSC Infinity
"Captain Lasky? I think you'll want to see this."
Thomas Lasky turned from the command console to see the Infinity's Shipboard AI, Roland, motioning him over to the central holotable. As Lasky approached, Roland gave a salute.
"What is it, Roland?" Lasky asked, standing near the table and leaning on it.
"We've just received a beacon from an unknown location, sent directly at us." Roland said. "It's Forerunner in origin."
Lasky raised his eyebrows as Roland displayed several holographic readouts on the table for the captain to look at.
"What does this mean?" Lasky asked the AI, who frowned as he moved his hands, changing the visible readouts.
"I'm not sure yet, sir." Roland replied. "This message is partially made in a written language I don't understand. It's not anything I've seen before, or probably the UNSC for that matter."
"Show me." Lasky nodded. Roland moved his hands, showing a readout of a blocky language that seemed to resemble a combination of English and Forerunner Glyphs.
"Can you decode it?" Lasky asked the AI, who nodded.
"I can try, but it's proving difficult." Roland said. "I have a feeling we've only got part of the puzzle with us, and we need the whole thing. I'll get to work on it right away once we reach Earth for resupply."
"Good work, Roland." the Captain said. "I'll speak to the Brass about this. Keep me posted once you make progress."
"Yes, sir. Once I know the source location or have a translation ready, I'll contact you."
As Roland saluted and blinked out, Lasky gave the order for a slipspace jump to Earth.
Author's Note
Update! (Finally.)
Yeah, the UNSC's coming to Equestria, in the foreseeable future.
Next time - Roland decrypts the message, and the UNSC weighs its options. And in Equestria, the Element Bearers arrive in Canterlot.
Halo: Into the Howling Dark
Chapter 2 - Imminent Arrival
Slipspace, UNSC Infinity, Officers' Barracks
Captain's Office
Thomas Lasky wiped some sweat from his forehead as the various screens flickered off, as his briefing of UNSC Fleetcom had just finished. After sending the message (reluctantly) to ONI for additional analysis, Fleetcom had given the Infinity its newest mission.
Resupply at Earth, then uncover the source of the beacon and investigate possible first contact.
Lasky sighed as Roland appeared on his desk, with a cocked holographic eyebrow.
"How'd it go, sir?" the AI asked. "Fleetcom took it well?"
"As well as they could." Lasky said with some weak humor in his voice. "The Office of Naval Intelligence requested a copy of the beacon for further analysis. Plus, we might have first contact on our hands."
"As much as I'm thrilled to hear that…" Roland said. "I'm kind of worried...well, as worried as an AI can be."
"What's your feeling?" Lasky asked.
"I understand that we're under Contact Foxtrot protocols, but who's to say they're not going to have another war with whoever sent this?" Roland mused. "I mean, there's always a possibility they won't be friendly to the UNSC."
"That is true." the Captain replied. "Anything else to report?"
"Well, I do have good news." Roland smiled. "Palmer's favorite Spartans are waiting for us at Detroit Station. They've finished their R and R and additional training, and from what Crimson told me, they're ready to go when we are."
"I'm glad to hear it." Lasky said. "And also, Roland? It's Fireteam Crimson and Spartan McCord, but I understand where you got it from."
"Well, Spartan McCord does prefer that nickname." Roland smiled. "Anyway, resupply ships are waiting for us when we arrive at Earth."
"Good work, Roland." Lasky nodded. "I'll take it from here."
Roland gave a thumbs-up, and faded out. As Lasky felt the ship shudder from exiting Slipspace, he exited his office and headed to the bridge.
UNSC Infinity
Several Hours Later, Detroit Station
As several ships docked with the Infinity, carrying supplies and gear, a Pelican entered the hangar and set itself down. Four Spartan-IVs disembarked, each already wearing their armor and equipped with their weapons of choice.
"Is it great to be back, or what?" David Cross asked, gesturing at the hangar deck.
"You know it, David." Emily Hall replied, smiling. "I've always preferred being here."
"Why's that?" Laura Raines asked.
"I can't stand being out of the fight." Emily replied. "Feels like we're wasting time."
"Well, I see your point, Emm." Chris McCord replied, the leader of Fireteam Crimson. "Roland, you miss us at all?"
"As much as I could." Roland smiled, appearing on a terminal. "Captain Lasky's expecting you four on the bridge. We've got a mission from Fleetcom waiting as soon as we're resupplied."
"Good to hear." Chris smiled. "See you around, Roland."
As the AI nodded and faded out, the four Spartans headed to the elevator. Just as the doors were about to close, a hand stopped them from shutting.
"Good to see you all." Commander Sarah Palmer said, entering the elevator. "How was R and R?"
"Detroit's as fine as ever." David replied. "We did a little community outreach while off-duty."
"Define that for me." Palmer raised a suspecting eyebrow. "That term usually comes from Majestic, and not in a good way."
"We did a little Q and A about our time on Requiem at Detroit University with a bunch of students considering joining up." Chris replied. "Nothing major, stayed with the things we could say freely. Nothing classified was given out."
"Good." Palmer replied. "So, you guys know what's going on?"
"Not a clue, just that Fleetcom has an assignment for us." Laura replied.
"That's right." Palmer said. "We received a Forerunner beacon sent directly at us about a day ago, while we were anchored on Titan. Problem is, the message was made from a mix of Forerunner Glyphs and what looked like primitive English. We're going to go find whoever sent it to us."
"Brilliant." Chris smiled. "I take it the brass wants us to be careful?"
"They made it clear that a second war is a no-go." Roland chimed in over the speakers. "Plus the ONI people that were decoding the message finally sent it back to us, only it's legible this time."
"What's it say?" Palmer asked.
"You'll like this." Roland replied. "It's a diplomatic overture from the inhabitants of a Forerunner Shield World. They've apparently been speaking with a Forerunner Monitor, and they'd very much like to meet us."
"Well, that's good news." Palmer said as the five of them entered the Bridge. "We all set, Captain?"
"All set on our end." Lasky said. "Spartan McCord, is your team prepared?"
"We're set." Chris replied.
"Good, because you'll be the tip of the spear. Once we arrive, you'll be inserting with ODSTs and marking a landing zone. Then, you find whoever sent that beacon to us and initiate first contact." Lasky spoke.
"Rules of engagement?" Chris asked.
"Weapons low and tight." Palmer replied. "We don't want any misunderstandings, if you get my meaning."
"We do." Chris replied, his fireteam nodding. As Lasky gave the order for a Slipspace jump, the Infinity launched into the blue vortex, disappearing without a trace.
====
Forerunner Control Room
As Astute Sigil worked to direct the Sentinels and Monitors still at work in the city, he noticed a peculiar icon appear on a readout near him.
"Well, good news." he said to himself. "It seems the Reclaimers are on their way. They should arrive in about twelve hours…"
Then, a second icon appeared.
"Strange, very strange…" Sigil said with some surprise. "I didn't send the beacon to you, yet you are still entering Slipspace to this installation? Hmm...Alright. The more the merrier, as they say."
Sigil activated a few pieces of Forerunner technology in order to bring the unknown vessel towards the Shield World. Sigil made a few adjustments to the ship's Slipspace course, and nodded with approval.
"So, what next?" he asked himself. "How's the construction going on the southern side of the city?"
As Sigil continued to work and communicate with the dispatched Forerunner constructs, meanwhile and above ground, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were speaking with the press about the Constructs in the city.
"I will say again, these machines were activated to help rebuild our city from the earthquake." Celestia said. "They are controlled by a guest below ground, who has wished to remain in peace and undisturbed until a later time."
"We have met with this guest, and he is a being of peace." Luna continued. "The activation of his facility below Canterlot started the earthquake, and he is also sorry for any damage that occured."
"Does it have a name?" a voice asked.
"His name is Astute Sigil." Celestia said. "And he is quite knowledgeable about lands beyond Equestria and marvels that we could only dream of in many, many lifetimes. I again implore you to not disturb him while he prepares for an upcoming task of great importance. I now conclude this session of Court. Please depart when you are ready."
As the reporters left one by one, Luna frowned slightly.
"What is it?" Celestia asked.
"I wonder if there are any other species out there besides the Reclaimers that Sigil spoke of." the Lunar Princess replied. "There must be, right?"
"That could be possible." Celestia said as they returned to the Palace. "However, I have something that concerns me."
"And that is?"
"How will our allies take this discovery?" Celestia thought out loud. "The Dragons, Minotaurs, Griffons, Yaks, Crystal Ponies...even the Changelings, they will want to know what's going on when the Reclaimers arrive. We don't know how they'll react."
"True." Luna said. "Should I send a missive out to each species' representative here in Canterlot?"
"I think that's a good idea." Celestia nodded. "Let's do it late tonight so we don't arouse further suspicion among the citizens. And while we're at it, I will alert the Element Bearers to come as soon as possible. This will be a good learning experience for them, I believe."
As the two rulers went to their chambers to prepare, Celestia bid the sun to set over Equestria. The horizon turned into shades of red and then to darkness, as the moon began to rise at the request of Princess Luna.
Author's Note
Update!
And yes, another species from Equis is going to mean trouble for the Equestrians, Sigil, and the UNSC.
Halo: Into the Howling Dark
Chapter 3 - A Slight Change of Plans
As the sun began to set at the call of Celestia, and the moon began to rise in its place, the Solar Princess was relieved to see that Astute Sigil's constructs had finally finished repairing the damage done by the Earthquake. A few Constructors and Sentinels had even gone beyond their purpose, such as repairing even the slightest signs of age or damage in any building they could find before they were recalled underground to recharge.
Celestia took off her crown and set it on a pedestal before collapsing in her bed and closing her eyes to sleep. Though the castle staff learned this particular fact well, few other ponies knew that Celestia was a heavy sleeper, almost too heavy. A rumor around the palace was that she once slept for two consecutive days and nights in a row following a crucial diplomatic summit in the Griffon lands.
It wouldn't have been a problem until it became clear that Celestia wasn't waking up for Day Court at any time those two days, and Princess Luna had to cover both Courts on both days.
Suffice to say, Celestia never repeated that feat again, but she had come close to it on multiple occasions. And it was also common knowledge among the staff that once Celestia was asleep, nothing short of her sister or a Doomsday Scenario like Tirek or Sombra would wake her up.
Celestia, once she put her head on the pillow, was out like a light. However, had she stayed up a few minutes later, she would have noticed the Forerunner Communicator Sigil had given her begin to glow green.
====
Sigil looked at his readouts in surprise and curiosity. The Reclaimer Vessel he had hailed with the Beacon was in the middle of changing course in their Slipspace jump. Sigil had already confirmed their trajected destination was The Ark, and it would add an additional two hours in local time to the schedule.
Sigil wasn't worried about the Reclaimers not making it to his Installation, he was cautioned against what he referred to as the "Interlopers", or in human terms, the Covenant Remnants that liked to scavenge through Forerunner worlds like Requiem.
Sigil gave a quiet murmur and browsed through his terminal, nodding in approval at reports that all the damage Canterlot sustained was repaired. Then, he remembered what he had to do regarding the new development.
"Ah, Princess Celestia, if you can receive this…" Sigil spoke through the Communicator. "The Reclaimers seem to have made a quick detour from their course here. I estimate we have an additional two to three hours before they arrive. I would recommend preparing a diplomatic party in the meantime."
As Sigil sent the message and continued to browse, he sighed, envying how he could never truly sleep like other living beings could. As a Monitor, he was never truly at rest, for there was always some subsystem or program that he needed to keep online at all times. Thus, AIs could never truly fall asleep like the Reclaimers, who had records of its refreshing, relieving effect on the human body and psyche.
Sigil then decided to do the next best thing, which was enter standby mode until the Reclaimers arrived.
====
As the Infinity exited Slipspace in orbit near the Ark, Captain Lasky called out to Roland with a raised eyebrow.
"Why'd we exit slipspace, Roland? I thought we were heading to the origin coordinates of that beacon."
"We are, I just needed to make a pit-stop." Roland replied.
"Why?"
"Because while we were on our way, I picked up a UNSC-broadcasted comms beacon, specifically an SOS." Roland said. "There's one catch. The beacon's completely out of date in terms of security and programming. Obsolete for at most thirty years."
Captain Lasky raised his other eyebrow.
"That'd put the beacon being sent out during the Human-Covenant War, a while after the Invasion of Arcadia if I'm not wrong." he mused. "There's no way any ship could survive twenty-eight years adrift in space without someone finding them."
"Well, whatever ship this is did." Roland said. "Huh, that's odd."
"What's the matter?"
"The beacon's coming right at us, directly out of Slipspace off the starboard bow." Roland said. "I'm preparing countermeasures in case of impact."
As the Infinity's bridge crew stood spellbound, a Slipspace rupture appeared right alongside the supercarrier and expelled a UNSC vessel. Though the vessel had definitely seen better days and likely combat with the Covenant, it had an air around it like an unearthed time capsule.
A time capsule in the form of a warship lost for twenty-eight years. As the light of the Infinity's form partially illuminated the ship's bow, battle-scarred white text could be read clearly on the side, proclaimed clearly once again.
UNSC Spirit of Fire
"Captain?" Roland gaped, as surprised as he could be. "Isn't that…"
"It is." Lasky replied. "Prep boarding teams for search and rescue, medical and supply bays on alert for an influx of crew. Roland, is there anyone alive on that ship?'
Roland began to scan the once-lost warship, and turned back to Captain Lasky when he had finished.
"I'm reading lifesigns, Captain Lasky. I'd say around 71 percent of the Spirit of Fire's original crew, all in cryo."Roland said. "I had no idea a person could stay in cryo for that long and not expire."
"Good to hear." Lasky said. "Comms, get Fleetcom and ONI on the line. Palmer, find Fireteam Crimson and have them meet us in the hangar. Roland, prep a Pelican and docking bays to receive any casualties."
"Yes, sir!" Roland nodded as he began to relay the Captain's orders throughout the Infinity.
====
As the Infinity moved alongside the Spirit of Fire, a single Pelican flew into and landed inside the Spirit's main hangar. Fireteam Crimson, Commander Palmer, Dr. Glassman, and Captain Lasky entered the deserted hangar. Old-model UNSC vehicles such as Hornets and Wolverines, along with Warthogs and Pelicans, were strewn about, gathering dust.
"AI Terminal up ahead." Spartan Laura Raines said, pressing a switch to power up the pedestal. A hologram appeared, representing a voice recording and a holographic switch, alongside the form of the ship's AI, Serina.
"Captain, it's time to wake up. Something has happened." Serina spoke. "The Spirit of Fire is in a situation I could not anticipate. I'm certain Professor Anders would enjoy that admission, so let's keep that between us, shall we? We've been adrift for just over twenty-eight years. I've made quite a few repairs while you were asleep, so ship systems are 100 percent. Cryo worked well, and medstats on all remaining crew are green."
"As for me, well…" Serina continued, the others realizing it was a voice recording. "UNSC regulations are clear about final dispensation at the end of an AI's seven-year lifespan. I took care of my own…arrangements, rather than wake you. I didn't want to...well, I hope you can forgive this final breach of protocol."
There was a sniff of regret, and Serina spoke again, the others now recognizing what had happened.
"It was a pleasure and an honor to serve with you, sir. Do look after everyone for me, would you?"
"...Goodbye, Captain…Serina out."
The recording ended, and Spartan Chris McCord turned to Captain Lasky.
"Would you like to do the honors, sir?" he asked.
Lasky nodded and interfaced with the ship's console, finding only one activatable option, and flipped the reactivation switch. As the ship's nuclear engines spun to life and the Spirit of Fire's lights turned back on, Lasky motioned his crew to the Elevator for the bridge.
"What's the plan, sir?" Spartan David Cross asked.
"I think we'll have a little time before the crew gets out of Cryo. Let's give Captain Cutter a warm welcome." Lasky said. "The Forerunner beacon can wait a while."
====
About ten minutes later, the Cryopods containing the remaining crew of the Spirit of Fire began to vent and awaken their occupants. As the crew began to resume their duties, Captain James Cutter and Professor Ellen Anders walked towards the bridge. Upon awakening, the hangar crew reported a strange Pelican in the hangar, and an active terminal, indicating they had been rescued.
As the bridge door opened, Cutter and Anders stopped in their tracks. Five Spartans, a man in a lab coat, and another man in a UNSC Captain's uniform were waiting for them.
The Captain approached Cutter and offered his hand.
"Hello, Captain Cutter. I'm Thomas Lasky, Captain, UNSC Infinity. Welcome back." he said warmly.
Cutter laughed, and shook the offered hand.
"James Cutter, Captain, UNSC Spirit of Fire. It's good to be back" he replied. "How long have we been gone?"
"Twenty-eight years, give or take." Lasky said. "There's a lot you need to catch up on."
"I agree." Cutter said, as he and Lasky headed to the viewport. "Any chance you might have a briefing package available?"
"I'll have Roland put one together ASAP." Palmer said. "Commander Sarah Palmer. I lead the Spartan fireteams on the Infinity." she added at Cutter's confused look.
"I see, and well met." Cutter nodded. "Where to now, Captain Lasky?"
"We were heading to the source of a Forerunner Beacon when we stopped to retrieve you." Lasky said. "Care to join us?"
"Certainly." Cutter said. "Also, any chance you might have an AI you could lend us?"
"I can help with that." Roland said over the radio. "When we were at dry-dock on Titan, we picked up an AI for logistics duties, by the name of Isabel. I'll send her data over now."
"Thank you, Roland, I presume?" Cutter smiled. "Well, Captain Lasky, shall we be off?"
"Certainly."
As Isabel appeared on the command table, her form similar to a mechanic or machine worker, Lasky and the Infinity crewmembers departed for their vessel as the Spirit of Fire returned to operational status.
====
It took about another hour for the briefing package to be assembled and distributed by Roland to the Spirit of Fire's surviving crew, along with the necessary security and software upgrades and supply distributions to the Spirit's production facilities. However, thanks to Roland and Isabel, the procedure went off without a hitch. As both ships docked together and jumped to Slipspace, Lasky worked on a report to Fleetcom in his office.
"Sir?"
Roland appeared on the Captain's desk and saluted.
"The Spirit of Fire is up-to-date. We're clear to move out."
"Good work." Lasky said. "ETA to our objective?"
"One more hour, sir." Roland said. "I'll alert Captain Cutter."
====
Back In Equestria, Princess Luna entered her sister's room to find the communicator beeping and glowing brightly.
"Yes?" she asked.
"Ah, Princess Luna!" Sigil's voice cried. "I haven't been able to reach Princess Celestia!"
"She is asleep." Luna said. "What is the matter?"
"The Reclaimers will arrive in one hour at the most!" Sigil said. "I would advise preparing a diplomatic reception!"
"Ah!" Luna gasped. "We will start immediately! Thank you for alerting us!"
"My pleasure. Once the Reclaimers arrive, I will signal them to land." Sigil said. "But do make haste!"
"We will!" Luna said as the communicator went silent. As she roused her sister, which took some difficulty, the two of them hurriedly began preparing for the arrival of their guests.
====
Around Eleven PM
Once Spike the Dragon received Celestia's letter and read it, he gasped and frantically began to rouse Twilight Sparkle, who had also learned from her mentor how to sleep for long periods of time without being woken up.
However, once he did manage to wake her, it didn't take long to assemble the Elements from their residences and head to Ponyville Station, where Luna's personal train waited for them.
"Wow." Rainbow Dash said, impressed. "Princess Luna pulled out all the stops."
"She did." Twilight said. "Apparently we're getting some really important diplomats in about an hour, so we need to be in Canterlot right now to help."
"Then what are we waiting for?" Pinkie smiled, opening the train door. "Let's get a move on!"
As the Elements boarded and the train began to race towards Canterlot at full speed, a set of Slipspace ruptures could be seen appearing in the night sky, faint but clear.
Author's Note
Update!
Halo: Into the Howling Dark
As the Infinity and Spirit of Fire exited Slipspace above the Shield World, Lasky began sorting through whatever data the surface scans had managed to collect. From what the Infinity could tell, the planet was similar to Earth, with various biomes and seasonal areas akin to a habitable planet.
What concerned Captain Lasky, however, was the possibility of contact with Prometheans like on Requiem. The Forerunner's Warrior-Servants had once managed to board the Infinity and kidnap Dr. Halsey, and Lasky still had bad memories of the incident.
"Captain?"
He turned to see Roland appear with a data report at the ready.
"We're ready to land on your word." the AI reported. "Captain Cutter's also been speaking with Fleetcom and ONI, and he'll follow when they're all set to go."
"Good work." Lasky said. "I've already selected our team for First Contact."
"May I ask who it is?" Roland smirked.
"Myself, Commander Palmer, Fireteams Crimson and Icebreaker, and Dr. Glassman." Lasky said. "Captain Cutter and Spartan Red Team will represent the Spirit of Fire."
"I'd say you chose well, sir." Roland said. "I'll have Pelicans ready in a few moments."
Roland saluted and blinked out. As Lasky handed the Conn to Spartan Jared Miller and the XO, he departed for the Hangar and the waiting Pelicans.
====
As The Lunar Express reached Canterlot and stopped at the station, the Elements disembarked to greet a waiting Princess Luna.
"Princess Luna?" Twilight asked as they proceeded to the Castle. "What kind of diplomats are we receiving? Are they this important?'
"They are far more important than you think, Princess Twilight." Luna replied. "We must make haste to the Palace. We don't have much time."
As they proceeded into the main road that led to the Castle, a trio of large objects began to appear in the distance.
"Uh, Princess Luna?" Applejack asked as the objects began to move closer. "What are those things?"
Luna turned and sighed.
"Those would be the diplomats we are to receive." she sighed. "It seems they are landing at the plaza."
As they sprinted off and entered the Plaza, the three UNSC Pelicans set themselves down in a rough triangle.
Twilight was astounded at the objects, which were revealed to be flying machines or airships of some unknown kind. They were roughly bird-shaped, marked with bold white text, consisting of two with "UNSC INFINITY" and one with "UNSC SPIRIT OF FIRE", and a seemingly mixed combo of letters and numbers. They all bore a crest or emblem of an eagle clutching a globe and arrows.
As the ponies approached, the spiral staircase leading to Sigil's facility appeared, and the Monitor approached Princess Luna.
"Princess, your timing is perfect." the Monitor said, ignoring the speechless Element Bearers. "Those are three Reclaimer transport airships. And it seems they are disembarking."
As the ponies stood spellbound, a multitude of figures exited the airships and stood before them. About eight of them wore white, green, and gray armor, fitted to their shape. They carried angular metal objects in their hands, like a crossbow.
Four others were taller, with more ornate, bulky, and colorful armor. One was gray and pale red, with flame patterns and a skull on the helmet. The next was brown and blue, with a prow-like visor on the forehead. Another wore more shaped and angular armor, colored black and green. The last seemed more like a soldier's armor, with pouches on his chest. This one's armor was silver and yellow.
Three more had the same kind of armor, with different numbers on their right breast and one had a red phoenix on his left.
There was a man in a lab coat with glasses, and another armored figure with a sharp-looking visored helmet.
The last two men, who the ponies assumed were the leaders of the group, wore attire that reminded the ponies of a ship's captain. One was more modern and gray, while the other was more militaristic and green. The first was younger, with a rounded yet keen face and brown hair. The other had gray hair with a stubble beard and piercing eyes.
The Monitor was the first to speak.
"Greetings, Reclaimers!" Sigil spoke. "I am 3116 Astute Sigil, Monitor of this Installation. Welcome to Shield World Tranquility."
"We thank you for the welcome." said the younger leader. "I'm Thomas Lasky, Captain of the UNSC Infinity. This is James Cutter, Captain of the UNSC Spirit of Fire."
Cutter gave a nod and a smile.
"Doctor Henry Glassman…"
Glassman gave a wave.
"Spartan Commander Sarah Palmer…"
One of the armored figures took off her helmet, which revealed her toned female face and brown hair. She gave a curt nod.
"Spartan Red Team, from the Spirit of Fire…"
The three similar armored figures saluted as one.
"Spartan Fireteam Crimson, from the Infinity…"
The four other Spartans saluted as well.
"And UNSC Marine fireteam Icebreaker."
The Marines also saluted, ending their introductions. At that, Princess Celestia appeared next to Princess Luna.
"Welcome to Equestria." she said. "And well met, Captains. I am Princess Celestia, Alicorn of the Sun. My sister, Princess Luna, and Princess Twilight Sparkle, accompanied by the Bearers of the Elements of Harmony. It is our pleasure and honor to meet you. Shall we take this to a more comfortable location?"
"As you wish, and the pleasure's all ours, Princess." Lasky said. "Icebreaker, stay with the Pelicans. Spartans, with us."
"If I may interrupt, Captain Lasky…" Sigil said. "I can place a protective shield around the Pelicans, and your Marines would be able to come with you without fear of sabotage or unwelcome visitors."
"Go ahead." Cutter said. Sigil produced a Hardlight shield of green energy around the Pelicans, and followed the Equestrians and Reclaimers to the Palace.
====
As the UNSC Captains sat down at a large conference table, the ponies followed suit, and Sigil hovered in the middle.
"So, where do we start?" Twilight asked as she produced a notepad.
"We have no preference." Cutter said. "Where would you like to begin?
"I suppose we could start with the beginnings of Equestria…" Celestia said, the UNSC Captains nodding. "One thousand years ago, I banished Nightmare Moon…"
Author's Note
Update!
Halo: Into the Howling Dark
Chapter 5 - Extended Negotiations
As Celestia, Luna, and the Element Bearers told the UNSC personnel of Equestria's history and recent events, Lasky found himself fascinated by their stories, along with a quite attentive James Cutter. Glassman had already begun recording the entire session. The Spartans and Commander Palmer, merely listened, and asked no questions.
"Well, that's everything for now." Celestia said after she and Twilight told them of Tirek's defeat. "In the meantime, may I know more about Humanity?"
"Sure." Lasky said. "But you should know that this won't entirely be pleasant."
As the two Captains told the ponies of the rise of the UNSC, the Insurrection, the Human-Covenant War, and the two battles on Requiem. The ponies, though shocked by the casualty count and the war's devastation, listened with bated breath. Eventually, the conversations were finished, and both sides stood up.
"That was a stirring testimony, Captains." Princess Luna said. "To endure so much death and yet keep going to eventual victory...it moved me."
"Thank you, Princess." Lasky said. "It was stirring. Not just for us, but for all humanity."
Luna nodded at his words as they exited the castle, the night sky turning to light.
"Ah, pardon me." Celestia said. "I must raise the sun."
"Raise it?" Cutter asked. "It doesn't move on its own?"
Celestia smirked and summoned her magic. As the sun rose into the sky, it spun in a circle for good measure. As Glassman began furiously scribbling notes on his datapad, Cutter gave an impressed chuckle.
"Apparently it doesn't." he laughed. "Most impressive, Princess."
"My thanks, Captain Cutter." Celestia replied. "Well, now that we're all acquainted...Sigil? May I ask something of you?"
"Certainly, Princess." the Monitor replied.
"Would you mind if the humans surveyed your installation beneath the city?" she asked.
"Certainly, Princess." Sigil said. "This way."
As the two groups entered the spiral staircase, Glassman was a dynamo of activity, taking scans and notes on everything he could see.
"You seem quite avid, Mr. Glassman." Twilight noted.
"I certainly am." Glassman smiled. "This installation is one of the few that I've seen up close and personal. Though I have had a few close calls with Forerunner installations like these, this one is fascinating! And so is your world, might I add."
"Professor Anders would like you, Doctor." Cutter chimed in. "The Spirit of Fire's resident Science officer." he added, at Twilight's look of confusion. She nodded and moved to speak with the Captain.
"Mr. Cutter?" she asked. "How long did you serve during the war?"
"Quite a while." Cutter replied. "Since the first battle of Harvest, the invasion of Arcadia, and the Shield World…we were actually drifting while in Cryo-sleep since that last one for about twenty-one years, give or take."
"Cryo-sleep?" Twilight asked.
"Well, cryo is our method of keeping us alive during FTL travel." Cutter said. "Essentially, we put ourselves into a state of stasis where we don't need to eat, sleep, or breathe. FTL travel can take days or weeks, depending on the distance, and keeping everyone ready would take up too much of a ship's resources."
"That makes sense." Twilight said. "Fascinating!"
"Professor Anders would like you." Cutter smiled as the group entered Sigil's control room. "She's the Spirit of Fire's expert on the Forerunners, and she got us out of quite a few close calls during our time in the war."
As Sigil interfaced with the Installation's control console, Spartan McCord looked around the area at the pristine Forerunner architecture. The metal was gleaming white with green highlights, and there wasn't a speck of dust anywhere.
To some, it would be quite impressive and beautiful. To the Spartan, it was unnerving. His time on Requiem had been filled with sudden attacks by Prometheans, and seeing as the AI combatants could appear practically any-and-everywhere in a second...
Well, Chris had his Battle Rifle ready in case that happened.
"Is something wrong, Spartan?"
He turned to see Princess Luna approach with a raised eyebrow.
"I'm fine, ma'am." Chris replied. "This place brought back some memories...and some of them weren't good, if you understand."
"How so?"
"During the Infinity's deployment on Requiem, these installations were often full of hostile Forerunner units called Prometheans." Chris said. "They could pop out of nowhere and attack you at any given time on that planet. We lost good soldiers, even a few Spartans, because of them. Gives me a bad feeling about this place because of it."
"I see." Luna said. "Couldn't you communicate with them such as you can with Astute Sigil?"
"Not really. They were hostile ever since we landed there six months before the Second Battle of Requiem, when we first found the planet itself." Chris replied, watching Sigil show readouts to both UNSC Captains. "Even if we could, they weren't interested in talking, and more in shooting at us on sight."
Luna raised an eyebrow at the Spartan.
"Why is that?"
"Don't know." Chris shrugged. "I do know that Prometheans have some relation with humans, due to an incident on the Infinity during the Second Battle, but whatever it is, I'd prefer not to know. Leave it to the scientists that actually know how to deal with it."
"And you can't learn those things yourself?"
"We're supersoldiers, not scientists." Chris chuckled weakly. "Most of the operations we did were military-related. Requiem was a long fight, and most people were happy to see it be incinerated."
"How can you incinerate an entire planet?" Luna asked, confused.
"We can't." Chris said. "Covenant Remnants under Jul M'dama locked us in place using three Forerunner artifacts, then programmed Requiem to move into its nearby star. It would've killed everyone on the ship, except my Fireteam, Fireteam Majestic, and Commander Palmer managed to disable them. We made it out alive with all hands, but Requiem wasn't as lucky.'
Luna gave a quiet murmur of thought.
"I see." she replied. "I enjoyed our conversation, Spartan...I'm sorry, I don't think I caught your name."
"Christopher McCord." he replied. "Most call me Chris, or Crimson."
"Well then, Chris, I do hope we speak again." Luna said, as the two of them rejoined the group. Chris nodded and stood with his fireteam as they departed for the surface once more.
"So, what else needs to be done?" Cutter asked.
"I believe that is everything for now." Celestia said. "I will need time to prepare a statement of your arrival for the public and the press, as well as the other races of Equestria. Until then, you may do as you wish. You can stay here, or you can return to your ships."
"Thank you, Princess." Lasky said. "We'll head back to the Infinity and Spirit of Fire to report our successful first contact to the UNSC and Fleetcom. We'll contact the Monitor when we're ready to return."
"As you wish." Celestia replied as they entered the plaza where the Pelicans waited. As the groups exchanged goodbyes and the UNSC personnel entered their respective vehicles, the three Pelicans took off and began the return flight home.
Author's Note
Update!
Halo: Into the Howling Dark
Chapter 6 - Growing Shadows
As the UNSC Pelicans disappeared into the sky as they returned to their home ships, Celestia, Luna, and the Element Bearers turned to see the morning had come, and the citizens of Canterlot were waking up. Celestia bid the sun to rise as Twilight Sparkle put on a quizzical expression.
"So, what now?" Twilight asked. "Are we going to tell anypony else about this?"
"In time, yes." Luna replied. "We should head to the Palace before anyone notices our absence."
As the group of ponies headed past the castle gates and into the courtyard, Twilight kept pace with the group, but she was mulling over several persistent thoughts in her head.
"If the UNSC were able to reach us through Astute Sigil's beacon…" she mused. "Could some other race come here as well? A race that isn't friendly to us or the UNSC? What would happen if that occurred? When would it occur?"
"Twilight?"
She turned to see Fluttershy peer at her with a raised eyebrow.
"You okay? You...nearly walked into that column there."
Twilight's eyes then focused on the marble pillar that, if she continued with her absent-minded course, she would've walked straight into. Twilight cuffed her forehead in self-reprimanding and thanked Fluttershy.
"It's alright." she replied. "Come on, let's catch up with everypony else."
The two of them quickened their pace and made it to the dining room where everypony else was waiting for them. As they all took their seats, breakfast carts were wheeled in, along with an assortment of scrolls bearing different seals.
"Ah, good, they got our letters." Celestia said, unfurling each scroll and scanning through it. "And it appears we've got a full house of envoys coming."
"Envoys?" Rainbow asked, confused.
"We've had some...unpleasant interactions in the past with some of the other races in Equis, mostly due to late notice of important events." Luna clarified. "We sent letters out to the main diplomats of every race in Canterlot in order to alert them to the UNSC's arrival. From what I can read here, we should expect a representative of every race to arrive shortly. That does include Shining Armor and Cadance, and...the Changelings."
"Why?" Twilight asked, a bit angry. "May I remind you that Shining, Cadance and Queen Chrysalis aren't exactly on the best of terms, as in the whole Canterlot Wedding incident?"
"They are still diplomatically a nation of their own, and barring that, we don't want to cast anyone out due to a single event, despite our own or the Crystal Empire's feelings on the matter." Celestia replied. "Believe me, as much as I would rather not have the Changelings here again, there isn't much choice in the matter."
"And plus, even if we don't allow the Changelings to attend, Queen Chrysalis would certainly want something to assure her that we are not doing it because of spite or anger over a single event between us." Luna continued. "And we also have this."
Luna produced the Changeling Queen's letter, and read aloud a written section.
I would be honored to attend such an event, even if the Crystal Prince and Princess come. But let me be absolutely clear, Celestia.
I will come to this with an expectation that I be treated fairly and equally amongst everyone, even if the other representatives, in particular Prince Shining Armor and Princess Cadance, would have it otherwise.
I should arrive within a day's time from you receiving this letter. And even though I would rather not attend for the sake of angering the Crystal Prince and his wife, I've decided to swallow my pride on the matter to focus on what lies ahead of our world. It's my home too, you must realize. Even I have my priorities straight.
Besides, I have much more pressing matters with my brood to consider staging another...incident. Even my trusted advisers told me they wouldn't support my rule further if I did so .
With all due respect, Queen Chrysalis of the Changelings.
"Okay...that's good to hear?" Twilight asked, still quite unsure of the whole thing. "I guess I shouldn't let first interactions spoil future opportunities?"
"Well said." Celestia replied. "Anyway, we should eat. Our meals are getting cold."
====
Aboard the UNSC Infinity, Lasky exited his office, fresh from a third meeting with Fleetcom and ONI. Though the initial reactions were one of slight disbelief, Lasky quickly set the record straight with Dr. Glassman's notes and footage.
Suffice to say, the two groups quickly realized the value of having Equestria as an ally, and gave Lasky and Captain Cutter the green light to continue first contact.
However, the CINCONI did recommend that it be done carefully, as there were still other factors to consider, especially the other races of Equis.
Lasky had affirmed that he and Cutter would keep that in mind, and the meeting concluded shortly after.
"Captain Lasky?"
Lasky looked over at Roland's hologram, which appeared next to him.
"Anything new, Roland?" the Captain asked.
"Captain Cutter just reported that the Spirit of Fire's crew is green across the board. Ordinance control, production bays, and all systems are good to go should combat arise." the AI reported. "And Astute Sigil has confirmed two potential landing zones for us."
"Good work." Lasky replied. "Keep me updated."
Roland saluted and disappeared. As he entered the Infinity's bridge, he was greeted by Commander Palmer.
"All things considered, that went pretty well." Palmer smirked. "How'd your meeting go?"
"We're green to proceed further." Lasky replied. "As long as we don't run into trouble with any other of the natives here."
"Sounds good to me." she nodded, then she proceeded to the bridge viewport. "You know Thom, I've got a strange feeling."
"What about?"
"Something's making me feel like this is going too well for our sake." Palmer replied. "Remember Requiem? We almost got incinerated near the end."
"If it's any consolation, Commander…" Roland chimed in. "This planet's sun is a considerable distance away, and we should have room to maneuver if that happens again."
"Good." Palmer said as she left. "You know, I wonder what else Equestria has to offer. A tour might not be a bad idea."
"You know Commander Palmer, that might be a good idea." Roland added. "We'd familiarize ourselves with the environment, get on friendly terms with locals outside of the capital...it'd be good community outreach."
"I'll ask Princess Celestia, then." Lasky nodded. "Tell Spartan McCord and Fireteam Crimson they'll be escorting should we get permission."
"Yessir." Roland nodded and blinked out. Lasky accessed the Forerunner comms that Sigil had established and relayed his request to Princess Celestia.
====
As breakfast ran its course, Celestia was surprised to hear Astute Sigil's re-transmission of Captain Lasky's request.
"The UNSC is more than welcome to come down and explore, as long as we can supervise them." she told the Monitor. "Have them land near Ponyville and the Element Bearers can show them around. It should allow us the time we need to gather the ambassadors coming to Canterlot over the next few hours."
"We'll do our best!" Twilight said, the other Element Bearers nodding, though the sudden request didn't really concern her as much as it would have. "You can count on us, Celestia!"
"I'm glad to hear it." she replied. "Return to Ponyville and prepare. My sister and I will handle things here in Canterlot."
====
As Fireteam Crimson reported to a waiting Pelican at Roland's request, they were surprised to see Captain Lasky speaking with the pilot of their transport.
"You have the coordinates?" Lasky asked.
"Yes, sir. Navigation has them locked in." the pilot replied. "I'll get us spun up."
As the Spartans approached, Spartan McCord asked the Captain what was going on.
"We're taking a surface tour of a town with the Elements of Harmony." Lasky replied as they boarded the Pelican and took their seats. "Should be good outreach for the locals and a chance to see daily life here. Win-win scenario for both Equestria and Fleetcom."
"We're ready, sir." Emily Hall nodded. "This should be fun."
Hopefully, Lasky thought, we'll keep it that way.
"Captain, we're landing in three minutes!" the pilot reported. "Have a nice time!"
"Thank you, Pilot." Lasky said as Fireteam Crimson set their weapons to "safe" and placed their helmets on. "Commander Palmer, you copy?"
"Yep." Palmer replied over the radio.
"If anything happens up there, let me know right away. Also, make sure Captain Cutter knows we're down here." Lasky said.
"On it." Palmer said. "By the way, the Science bay picked up faint slipspace ruptures. They're pretty far from our position, but whatever's jumping out there could reach us."
"Keep an eye on it." Lasky ordered. "And if we come under fire, come get us as quickly as possible and confirm the threat before engaging."
"Copy." Roland added. "Spartans, Captain, have fun down there."
As the Pelican exited the atmosphere and headed to Ponyville's coordinates, the Element Bearers made ready to receive them.
====
Banished Flagship Enduring Conviction, Chieftain's chamber.
"Atriox, we have intercepted a signal you should listen to."
A massive Brute with a braided white beard, wearing heavily modified and altered Jiralhanae Chieftain's armor colored silver and blood red, equipped with some human additions, turned his gaze to the Elite who approached him.
"Speak." he said in a commanding tone.
"We have just finished decrypting a Forerunner beacon." the Elite said, showing the Brute a hologram of an unknown world. "It came from this planet here. It is not far from our position."
"Is it inhabited?" the Chieftain asked gravely.
"We believe it is. Our scout vessels just reported back. The natives have not developed the capability to travel between worlds. They have also confirmed that two human vessels are there as well."
"I see." Atriox waved his hand. "Prepare to travel to this planet, but keep us hidden. We will not attack until it is certain we have the upper hand. Once we arrive, deploy a scout team to ascertain the strength of the locals, and then report back."
"By your command, Chieftain."
The red-armored Elite bowed his head and left the chamber. Atriox turned to the viewport on his left and eyed the stars with a grim expression. Ever since the fall of the Covenant, his Banished had resorted to keeping themselves hidden, occasionally raiding a base or supply convoy belonging to Jul 'Mdama's Covenant.
Now, it seemed that fate had swung to them. A planet such as this one would be quite the take for the Banished. Anyone presented with such a tempting offer would likely be gripped with reckless fervor for such treasures.
But this did not describe Atriox, the High Chieftain of the Banished. He had fought long and hard to forge the Banished from mere raiders to a powerful, massive force to be reckoned with, against both the Covenant and Humanity should the need arise. As Atriox sent his orders out to his lieutenants and the Shipmaster in command of the Enduring Conviction, the carrier prepared to jump into slipspace.
Author's Note
A long-awaited update has arrived!
Thank Halo: MCC for this. I've been playing a lot more of it, particularly the Spartan Ops campaign, and this was the result. I know it's been a while since this updated, but this will change.
Expect this story to receive more attention and more updates in the future.
Next time - Lasky and Fireteam Crimson tour Ponyville, and the ambassadors from across Equestria convene in Canterlot. And meanwhile, the Banished recon team prepares to depart...
Halo: Into the Howling Dark
Slipspace, en route to Equis
Main Hangar
As the Banished Recon Teams, consisting of three Brute Packs, their subordinate Grunts and Jackals, and a duo of Mgalekgolo Goliaths prepared themselves for landing, their leader, Pavium, looked up from sharpening his Gravity Hammer's blade with a whetstone to a datapad nearby. The pad contained Atriox's explicit orders for the Banisheds' expedition teams.
Recon the planet. Evaluate the locals and only if needed, the UNSC's presence. Report back once completed. Leave no trace behind.
Pavium gave a gruff sigh as he strode over to a Banished Phantom, currently being boarded by the first recon team, led by his pack-brother, Voridus. Pavium knew that his brother was rather...lax when it came to following orders, but Pavium trusted him, and Atriox had assigned Voridus to this task as a test of loyalty. A test that he would hopefully pass, Pavium thought, or he'll most likely meet the force of Chainbreaker's maul.
"Brother?"
Pavium turned to Voridus, who approached with a small smile.
"All teams are ready. We will arrive soon."
"Good. Do you know your orders?" Pavium questioned.
"Recon, evaluate, report. Leave no trace." Voridus replied. "And the humans only if necessary."
"Good, brother. You're learning after all." Pavium nodded. "What's our transportation?"
"Ttwo Ghosts and a Marauder." Voridus replied. "We're moving quickly, but quietly. Not sure why we need the Marauder, though. It's built for combat."
"I see your point." Pavium shrugged as they walked to the bridge. "It pays to be prepared, Voridus. We might need it in case we are detected. Which will not happen...am I clear?"
Voridus was silent, only giving a curt nod. The two Brutes entered the bridge and watched the stars fly past as the Corvette proceeded through slipspace.
====
Ponyville, outside Sweet Apple Acres
As the UNSC Pelican carrying Captain Lasky and Fireteam Crimson set itself down on the grassy terrain outside Ponyville, the Element Bearers approached to receive them.
"Hey, Rainbow Dash?" Twilight turned to her pegasus friend. "You okay? You seem tense."
"I'm fine." Rainbow replied quickly, almost too quickly. "Just a little nervous, on edge maybe."
"What about?" Fluttershy queried.
"Just thinking about stupid things." Rainbow muttered. "Nothing to worry about."
"Well, if you're worrying, it is something to think about." Applejack put a hoof on Rainbow's shoulder as a supportive gesture.
"Thanks, AJ." Rainbow nodded. "Well, guess it's time."
As the Pelican bay doors opened, Lasky and the Spartans disembarked. Chris, upon seeing the natural landscape, gave a whistle of appreciation.
"What's got you so happy?" Pinkie asked.
"This place reminds me a lot of my home." Chris replied. "So, where to?"
"Would you care for breakfast?" Twilight asked.
"We'd be honored." Lasky replied. "Lead the way."
As the eleven of them returned to Ponyville, Twilight could see the other residents waking up, and a few colts from the schoolhouse passing out newspapers. As they passed, a colt offered one to Captain Lasky.
"Thank you." Lasky replied, peering at the title on the front page.
"Earthquake strikes Canterlot, alien visitors arrive soon after." he said. "Straight journalism I suppose."
As Twilight paid three bits for the paper, they returned to their walk. Chris gave a smile under his Mjolnir Recruit: Charred-Class helmet as he looked around. The town was peaceful, and in his opinion, idyllic in most terms. For the first time in a while, the Spartan-IV relaxed, exhaling a breath he didn't know he was holding.
"Chris?"
He turned to Laura, who moved up next to him.
"You good?"
"Yeah, just feeling good about being here." Chris replied. "It's nice, you know? Not having someone shooting at you on a constant basis."
"I agree, it's...refreshing." Laura admitted. "Come on, we'll get left behind."
====
As the two lagging Spartans rejoined the group, they entered Sugarcube Corner and sat down. Pinkie darted into the back to prepare a breakfast platter, while the Spartans removed their helmets.
"I must say, that helmet seems a little...scary in nature." Rarity said as he eyed Chris's helmet, which was painted in the Charred-Permutation, featuring a skull and flame patterns. "You certainly have a taste for fire."
"It's how I got my nickname." Chris replied. "You know, I've been thinking of changing it to blue at some point."
"Why blue?" Rarity asked again.
"Flame that burns blue has more heat than a red-colored flame." Chris replied. "Saw that at a university lab back on Earth when we were doing some community outreach. Unlike Majestic."
"Who's Majestic?" Twilight asked.
"Fireteam Majestic's another Spartan fireteam." Emily supplied. "They're rather...flamboyant about the role. Think of it this way. They went to Rio de Janeiro for their shore leave back before the Requiem campaign. We went to Detroit for some peace and quiet."
"I take it this Rio place is pretty lively?" Twilight asked.
"Putting it lightly, yes." David smirked. "Full of nightclubs, bars, and other nightly attractions. Detroit was more like what we wanted, as it's a quieter city."
"Wow." Applejack replied. "Since you're all soldiers, I would've reckoned that you'd like being in the action and all that."
"We do. Just not all the time." Chris smirked. Lasky merely nodded from where he was reading the newspaper he had received. Then, he raised his eyebrows.
"Something wrong, sir?" Laura asked.
"Take a look at this." Lasky replied, setting the paper down, revealing the story that had caught Lasky's attention.
"More mysterious disappearances in the northern mountains."
Another expedition to summit Mount Cleargem, north of the Crystal Empire, has gone missing. Two other teams attempting to recover rare minerals from the mountain's peak have also vanished in the same circumstances, for the third loss this month. A heavily armed Crystal Guard team reported that though the campsites of all three teams and their supplies and instruments were accounted for, the ponies in each team were all gone, with no trace left behind for the first two sites.
The Guards did manage to recover an Academy Journal from the third campsite that detailed "Strange flashes of orange" and "Glowing eyes in the dark, watching us from afar". The other pages of the journal were blurred and illegible. The Crystal Prince, Shining Armor, has promised to investigate personally should the need arise. The only evidence the ponies were even there, he continued, were piles of superheated ash found in several sleeping bags. The ash has been stored at the Empire's Archives under heavy guard for the foreseeable future.
Anypony who may be of assistance is asked to come forward to the Crystal Empire Archives.
Lasky frowned as he turned to the Spartans.
"Sound familiar?" he asked.
"It certainly does." Chris scowled. "Prometheans."
"What are those?" Pinkie asked as she returned with a piled-high platter of breakfast food.
"They're Forerunner AI specifically made for battle." Chris replied. "They were one of the hostile units on Requiem, along with Jul 'Mdama's Covenant. They could appear whenever and wherever they wanted at any time on that planet."
"Furthermore, the UNSC believes that they were once ancient and modern-day humans turned into Promethean forms using a weapon called the Composer." Laura replied. "Six months before our second campaign on Requiem, a Forerunner called the Didact attacked Earth using the Composer, turning every life-form in the city of New Phoenix into more Prometheans. The Didact was later killed by Spartan 117."
"Plus, the Promtheans use Hardlight weaponry that completely disintegrates its targets." David replied. "I'm pretty sure we know what's going on in those mountains, at least for the most part. Is there any way we can contact the rulers of this Crystal Empire?"
"They should be coming to the summit in a few days, you could ask them then." Twilight suggested.
"We'll do just that, then." Lasky nodded. "Alright, is there anything else you wished to show us?"
As the group finished up at Sugarcube Corner and exited the bakery, heading to the other side of town, Chris's brow furrowed at the thought of hostile Prometheans on Equis.
====
At the same time, the Banished Corvette exited Slipspace behind Equestria's moon, and deployed the three Phantoms carrying the Banished's recon team to the surface. As they flew towards the northern part of the Everfree, the Carrier held its position as to not alert the UNSC.
Author's Note
Update!
Next time - the UNSC and the races of Equis meet at the summit, and the Banished make landfall at the same time.
Halo: Into the Howling Dark
Chapter 8 - The Great Summit, Part One
As the day passed and night fell, Fireteam Crimson and Captain Lasky, accompanied by the Element Bearers and Spike, boarded the waiting Pelican and set off for Canterlot at a modest speed. Earlier, Princess Celestia had notified them that the emissaries from the other races on Equis had arrived and were settling in, waiting for the summit to begin. Lasky and the Spartans then received their orders and Lasky's impromptu speech from the Infinity, relayed to the ship from Fleetcom and ONI.
Now, as the Spartans checked over their gear and armor, Captain Lasky straightened his uniform out and did some last-minute touch-ups with Rarity's help. In the meantime, the other Elements waited in their seats for the Pelican to land.
"So, what can we expect?" Rainbow Dash asked Twilight. "What's going to happen when we get there?"
"Probably a lot of talking and not much action." Twilight replied. "It's mostly a ceremonial summit, but it's an important one nonetheless."
"Agreed." Lasky nodded as he and Rarity finished up their work. "If you're worried about how things will go, Rainbow Dash, we'll be fine. Commander Palmer's going to be present, along with two Marine squads and Fireteam Crimson. If security becomes a problem, we can handle it."
The ponies and Spike nodded gratefully, except for Rainbow, who gave a more subdued nod, as she didn't seem as reassured as she could've been by the Captain's statement. As the Pelican turned to the right and approached Canterlot, the Spartans finished their gear check and took escort positions near the door.
"Pilot! Are we good to land?" Chris called out over the radio.
"We're all clear, Spartan!" the dropship pilot replied. "Landing in twenty seconds!"
As the Pelican set itself down inside a large area inside the Solar Gardens, the occupants disembarked to see Commander Palmer and her accompanying Marines in security positions around an outside speaking platform.
"We're all set." Palmer said as Lasky approached the podium, while the emissaries came into the gardens and took their seats, accompanied by Celestia, Luna, and another female alicorn accompanied by a stallion that Lasky assumed was her husband, from the wedding rings present on their horns. "Crimson? You good?"
"Yes, ma'am." Chris replied as the Spartans took two-and-two posts next to either side of Lasky. As the ambassadors entered the room, Chris identified a dragon, two Griffons and two minotaurs, a trio of deer, and a pair of zebras. A set of Middle-eastern inspired ponies then entered, followed by the married couple. Then, an insectoid pony entered, and giving a small sigh at the married couple, sat as far away from them as she could. Chris recorded the interaction via his VISR camera, and then turned to Lasky.
"Captain, you are clear to proceed."
As the noise quieted, Lasky took the podium and began to speak.
"Greetings to you all, my name is Thomas Lasky, Captain of the UNSC Infinity. My escort includes Commander Sarah Palmer, leader of the UNSC Spartan fireteams aboard Infinity, Spartan Fireteam Crimson, and UNSC Marine squads Diamondback and Cobra."
"We come to this world in peace, as our original mission was to investigate a beacon sent to us from a race we know as the Forerunners. I'm not exactly up to speed on everything the UNSC knows about the Forerunners, and there are many things that are classified and I cannot publicly reveal them to you. But for now, I will do my best to tell you of human history."
"Our homeworld of Earth, in the Milky Way Galaxy, Sol System, Orion Arm cluster, for most of human existence, was the only planet we knew of that could support life. For generations, we looked to the stars to expand our kind."
"With the discovery of Slipspace and the resulting development of faster-than-light travel, the UNSC was able to colonize about eight hundred extraterrestrial worlds capable of supporting life. Though this period of time was troubled primarily by the Insurrection, a terrorist group that opposed the UNSC's rule in the colonies, it was one of relative peace."
"That was the case until the Covenant came."
As Lasky told the emissaries of the major points of the Human-Covenant War, the delegates listened intently, including the insectoid pony who seemed to want to keep her distance from the married couple. Then, Chris noticed the two Griffon ambassadors were being a little too...antsy for his tastes. They were talking to each other, while being quiet enough that no one else would hear them.
"Laura?" Chris asked over the comms.
"Yeah?" the female Spartan replied.
"Keep an eye on those Griffons. I think they're up to something."
"Copy."
As time passed and Lasky neared the end of his speech, the Spartans were given the signal to return to their Pelicans. As Chris passed by the Griffons, he glanced at them, looking them over. At first, nothing seemed to be out of the ordinary, until he saw a small cable running behind their ears, then what it was connected to.
"A radio?" he thought. "They're spying on us...why? What are they after?"
Thinking quickly, he contacted Roland to request a radio tap from Infinity's comm systems.
"I copy, Spartan." Roland replied. "Sending tap to your feed now, with translation included."
As Chris moved to sit down, keeping each of the Griffons in his line of sight, the tap began broadcasting what they were saying.
"So...they seem ignorant enough."
"I wouldn't be so sure. Whatever brought these humans here has to be inside the city. When all our preparations are complete, tomorrow evening, we will proceed."
"Of course, Griese…"
As the griffons flew off as one, the radio tap went quiet. Chris gave a sigh and opened a comms feed to Roland.
"What'd you find, Spartan?"
"Those two Griffons are planning something, and they mentioned finding whatever it is that brought us here. They might be going after Astute Sigil's Control Room."
"Check, I'll forward that to Captain Lasky as soon as you're back on Infinity." Roland replied. "I'll also notify Astute Sigil to lock down all Forerunner tech under his control."
"Thanks, Roland. Keep us posted."
====
At the same time in Ponyville, the Red-colored Phantom carrying the Banished recon team flew silently over the town, searching for an isolated place to land. The Grunts, Jackals, Brutes, and Goliaths aboard were all quiet in anticipation of what was to come.
Pavium, accompanied by Voridus, strode to the cockpit and ordered a report.
"I've got a potential landing site at this forested area here." the Pilot replied. "Prepare yourselves to drop in via the Grav-lift."
"Understood." Pavium replied, attaching his mask to his helmet, which folded over to connect with the face shield, and Voridus did the same. As the Phantom came to a halt, the Marauder is carried was set down, and the Ghost bikes soon followed. Two Grunts mounted up, and Pavium and Voridus led the way into a nearby fruit orchard.
"I'll say one thing about this place, brother…" Voridus whispered. "It is well kept."
"I agree." Pavium replied. "But be careful. We do not know if there are locals out at this time."
"I doubt there are." a nearby Brute shrugged.
"Doubt can be misleading, brother." Pavium growled quietly. "Keep your thoughts to yourself. And be quiet. We cannot risk detection here."
The Brute nodded and motioned for the two Ghosts to move forward. As they approached the edge of their part of the orchard, Pavium sniffed the air and motioned for everyone to take cover. As they watched quietly, one of the locals, a youth by the looks of it, along with a larger one wearing a yoke and carrying a lantern came into view.
"I know I saw something come this way, Big Mac." the youth said. "And it was really stinking big."
"Maybe." the big one replied.
"Don't you believe me?"
"Maybe."
The little one sighed and they both looked up at the sky for a few moments, before the large one spoke.
"Let's head back home, Applebloom. We'll tell Applejack about it in the morning."
"Alright, alright...but I know I saw something."
"Not saying you didn't."
As they departed, Pavium gave a small frown and motioned for the Banished to return to the landing zone. After a few more minutes of walking, they brought down the Phantom and boarded the Grav lift. Pavium placed a small tracking and scanning device into the ground, and then covered it with a nearby wooden bucket. Once all hands were accounted for, the Phantom flew off towards the sky, back to the waiting stealth cruiser.
Author's Note
UPDATE!
Yeah, this really needed to be finished. I forgot I had as much progress as I did for this story. Rest assured it'll receive more updates shortly.
Next time - A diplomatic breakfast with Captain Lasky, the Griffons make plans for a heist, and the Banished watch from the shadows...
