Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

She felt it upon waking, a cool breeze blowing gently on her face. This was new, different. It wasn't dry like the world outside the city or stale like the air recirculated within The Bunker. It almost reminded 2B of the way the forest looked and smelled when it rained, a time she would never forget no matter what fate may befall her. The sound of Pod's gentle thrum as it floated above her caused 2B to reluctantly open her eyes. Fluttering behind her visor, they struggled to adjust to the bright sun.

Her hand trembled as it touched her forehead, the rest of her body slowly regaining sensation after what seemed like eons of slumber. For just a moment she let herself revel in the fact that it felt good to be awake again and nothing was hurting, but something was nagging at her subconscious...

"YoRHa unit, 2B, fully operational after one hour and eight minutes of suspended activity," she heard the monotonous tone of Pod 042, "All movement and reaction systems are running smoothly."

Gripping the grass around her with her fingertips, she noted how green everything was. Shades and hues of the most vibrant tones covered the expansive grassy fields that surrounded her. It was a much-appreciated sight compared to all of the rust and red hues of the ruins she often fought in. Laying among the wildflowers, 2B shook her head as she realized she should not be admiring such simple things right now. How foolish, she scolded herself, that the mission could be in jeopardy if her systems were damaged from such a long period of suspension, and she was off evaluating the color of flora.

Rubbing her hands over her face and through her hair, she thought to herself that surely her logical side would not falter like this under normal circumstances. If 9S is somewhere nearby she would never hear the end of it. Speaking of which...

"Pod, what's 9S' current position?" She asked.

"....No data received," it chimed.

Sitting up and holding her legs in her arms, her brow furrowed as she turned to the floating object, "What? Haven't you connected with Pod 153?"

"Negative. All transmissions between units 9S and 153, as well as all communication frequencies, are out of range of the current pod's transmission capabilities."

Looking forward 2B paused. Her mouth opened as if to say something, but quickly shut as she tried to piece together her thoughts.

"All attempts to contact YoRHa units around the area have been unsuccessful, all data transfer lines connecting this pod to The Bunker are inactive, and the satellites orbiting the Earth show no signal from nearby androids that are not in YoRHa possession."

Standing abruptly, 2B was sure something was wrong, but why wasn't she receiving a call to HQ for further instruction? Surely an operator would be present at Command to help her process whatever situation was going on.

"Try to contact Operator 6O and the Commander."

"No connections found for both parties," it said, a little too unemotionally for 2B's liking at the moment, "I repeat, No connections found for either party. Multiple attempts were made prior to your reactivation."

"That can't be right," her thoughts became more jumbled by the second. Something, no...everything was wrong, so very wrong.

"Maybe-," her words faltered as she gazed up into the sky, the sight catching her off guard and taking the breath straight out of her lungs.

A curve? The sky curved into a ring? she wondered as she backed away from the sight before her. Never before had she seen anything like this. Never once did she even think to question if this was something even possible, the curve of a ring, the entire ground beneath her feet seemingly inside...this...object.

It made her feel small. Helpless. No. She wasn't supposed to feel any of those things. Feelings weren't an option. It was forbidden for an android to experience any emotion. Yet the panic welling in her chest betrayed her current train of thought.

Turning around, she paced across the field back and forth as her mind raced."P-Pod. Where is this place?"

"Unknown location."

"Unknown!?"

"Yes. Unknown."

She stopped dead in her tracks, her lips parted to speak but nothing came out. No...that...no, no, no! It had to be somewhere, had to be a mistake. "Take a guess!" 2B exclaimed, her hands balling up tightly into fists, eyes wide. "You're a tactical support module, damn it!"

She could hear the low, static hum from her Pod as it considered her words, its processes audibly ticking away until it could respond again. "Proposal: It is possible to assume, based on visual analysis, that this is an artificial structure somewhere beyond human control. Judging by its immense scale, I surmise it is possibly constructed and or supported by forces that are not presently on the current Pod's hard drive."

2B rubbed a hand across her eyes. There was a lingering tightness to her throat, like something was pushing down against her vocal box, something that made each subsequent swallow that much rougher, that much harder to breathe.

She hated this, this awful, crushing uncertainty. An android was only supposed to feel what they were programmed to, and certainly, uncertainty didn't come standard. If a situation wasn't predefined by her programs, or by mission orders from Command, then how was she supposed to handle it? What was she supposed to do with it? How was she supposed to make it go away?

Her breath quickening, she forced a sigh from her chest. She didn't like this...not at all. "Check for 9S’ signal again, maybe you overlooked something," she barked.

"That action has already been done on previous attempts. Asking a redundant question will not provide any change to the current status."

"Just do it!"

"..."

"..."

The Pod tilted back and forth gently, processing her request as it scanned. And scanned, and scanned. Seconds passed, turning into minutes. Finally, just as 2B thought her circuits would fry, Pod spoke.

"Confirmed. No data available. Unit 9S cannot be located."

Straightening her stance and rolling her shoulders back, 2B bit her lip in annoyance. This couldn't be right. Eyes squeezing shut, her mind wandered to what had last transpired prior to her suspension.

Hacking. An underground base. There was some kind of signal,machine life forms were overtaking it...then, what? Everything went white. The whole place was illuminated in a brilliant white. That light engulfed everything and then...nothingness. What happened to her and 9S? Why had they awoken in a completely new area? Why was she, her alone, on an alien terrain orbiting a large alien planet?

"This must be a joke." Her voice sounded dull in the absence of any other life besides her own, and she found she did not care for it at all. "Continue trying to reach someone, and update me of any new developments. I'll...look around." She said to the silent Pod, almost mouthing the words rather than saying them.

2B's long boots tramped down the field of flowers with purpose, her eyes darting around in search of any clue that might tell her where she was. Perhaps this was some cruel ruse played by an infected machine life form, and this was just a dream. As long as the enemy was busy playing this game with her, perhaps 9S was safe. Maybe he's just elsewhere, also looking for the others and the Pods. Maybe if he called her, 2B would be able to find him if she tried just a little harder, and looked just a little longer.

And it was those thoughts, and that hope, that kept her moving, as she headed to the horizon, where the flower fields abruptly gave way to deep forests.

Beasts and plants alike were unfamiliar to her, none were present in the archives for the records of their previous earth explorations. Of course, it made sense, to a point, that there would be wildlife no YoRHa android ever encountered, because...it appeared they were indeed on a...well, 2B didn't exactly want to think about it, much less accept it.

Eventually, she found a cliff that overlooked a valley below, a metal structure of unknown nature looming in the distance. What it was made of, and what its purpose could possibly be, were questions she wanted to avoid contemplating for the moment.

A blue ball of...light, shot into the sky from the platform, seemingly traveling to the other side of the ring world. 2B would have questioned how it traveled through the vacuum of space like that if only she still had the capacity to care.

"Is there even a way off this damned place?" Her brow pinched together as she continued staring straight into the sky, "If only I can find a way back to YoRHa, and Earth."

It felt impossible. Who could do that, when she didn't even know what all the possible pieces on the board were? She breathed out, trying her best to put that doubt and insecurities out of her head. It didn't matter. Whatever the case may be, 2B would not yield. She would always come up with a plan, and would never run from a fight. They've made it past death countless times before; what could a weird, ring-shaped world really throw at her?

"Attention."

2B sighed. What now? "Yeah?"

"Multiple anomalies are detected entering the ring's atmosphere," the monotonous drone of 042 announced, "Estimated to land approximately 4828 meters east from the current coordinates."

"Huh?" looking up into the sky again, her eyes followed what were clearly multiple blazing orange trails leading from somewhere outside the ring's atmosphere, inside...towards where she and Pod happened to awake.

"Pod, what could they be? Do we know their origin?"

The pod clicked and whirred, "We do not. Proposal: Determine the origin, and possible threats that may occur after, during, or before the objects land."

"...Fine. Where did you say they would fall from again? East from here?..." 2B picked up her pace once again and started heading down into the thick forestry below her.

Whatever was happening right now, and wherever she was... she would find a way. She'd find 9S, and she'd get back to YoRHa and Earth. Maybe then, things would make sense again.

"Whatever it takes," she muttered.

"Repeat?" The Pod said as it tried to catch up to her, but the sound of its engine drowned under the crunch of the dead leaves beneath her feet.

"Nothing." She had started jogging now. Nothing was making sense, but at the least, a distraction would serve her better right now. And something about these anomalous falling...whatever they felt important. Maybe not Earth-important, but worth checking out nonetheless.

She heard the crash before anything, a low rumble akin to thunder that rattled the trees. Finding a few large rocks in front of the grove of trees, 2B easily climbed up the stonework until she was perched on the tallest one.

Looking towards the direction of the noise, there seemed to be some smoke billowing up in the air.

"Any details or information regarding whatever landed there, Pod?"

"Scanning complete, readings confirm multiple objects landed here approximately ten seconds ago, although I cannot establish their origin."

2B pondered that, stepping away from the rock and entering a small thicket of bushes and fallen branches.

"Answers aren't as easy as you thought it'd be, huh?" She remarked dryly, thinking of her current circumstance, though the words were more so for her own benefit rather than Pod's, and were of course only answered with silence.

Stuck wandering in the darkness, with no goal in sight. 2B let her gaze linger across the expanse of open fields and dark mountains beyond. Is 9S somewhere out here? Maybe he's already gotten himself into trouble, knowing him.

Her gaze fell back on the small plume of black smoke. A gray cocoon structure was half-buried in the earth, cracks, and scorch marks littering the surface, while wisps of flame continued to lap around its base. She hadn't seen anything like it.

"Proposal: We should investigate the fallen object and the environment surrounding it." The Pod's voice stirred her to attention.

"Shh, it's opening," she said, quickly pulling back the leaves to see better.

Metal hatch-like panels began to pry open, clamping down against the sides of the structure, revealing...

It was a person. A normal, bipedal person, an android maybe. She was not sure of the proper words to describe exactly who they were, as she stared with baited breath. Her chest constricted at the sight and her arms trembled and the strangest, unfamiliar feeling surged through her at the sight of him, of this stranger, standing there, blinking up into the sky, perfectly awake.

With gray fatigues and brownish armor plating his body, and a strange rifle gripped tight to his chest, this 'person' or alien, or whatever...secured the area in a tense standoff for a moment, before waving his hand at the hatch behind him. Three other beings, of different body types and colors, emerged, climbing free from the shell with an astounding amount of caution.

2B leaned forward, keeping herself well covered in the bushes. Could this person, alien, or thing be an enemy? They were obviously capable of space travel, not an android at least...so their allegiance could easily be uncertain. Two other beings jumped out from the ship, walking about the wreckage and observing the surrounding environment. These two wore jumpsuits one red and the other blue, while the first four looked like soldiers of a sort. These two must be technicians, judging from their appearance 2B deduced to herself.

Watching for any sudden movements, the strange group of beings stood atop the landing site surveying everything, speaking, almost in an arguing manner back and forth in hushed tones to each other, until one of the jumpsuits pointed at the metal structure a few meters away.

Their leader gave a curt nod and motioned for the group to proceed in formation. 2B watched as they kept a solid guard around the blue and red jumpsuits as they went to inspect the structure, the four armored troops sweeping the surrounding area.

Crouching forward she maneuvered her way down the side of her observation, clinging low to the earth to avoid being spotted, "Pod." She whispered, "What about the other objects that fell from the sky?"

"The nearest object that has landed is approximately fifteen meters in the opposite direction of the party of lifeforms in front of us. It's possible they too will be investigating that structure, depending on the target's intentions on the current site."

2B surveyed the area around her, wondering if it was a good idea to follow the group to the metal structure and learn more about what was happening. "Did you manage to scan them or gather any information on their origins?" She asked the machine.

"...Processing..." Pod replied, its voice carrying a strange note to it that she couldn't quite discern.

"Barely? Even with our limited technological resources, surely this should've been easy enough for you Pod."

"Multiple attempts have already been made in this Pod's process," 042 whizzed up the machine hovering closer to 2B who kept her gaze still on the party of beings before her, "However findings seem to be... inconclusive. Information and data gathered has led to illogical errors."

"What are you talking about?" She said under her breath.

"The beings we have located, the lifeforms standing a mere two-hundred and three meters, eighty-eight point nine centimeters in front of the both of us right now, share ninety-nine percent similarity to humans."

"...That...can't be...humanity is on the moon, Earth is..."

The small hovering Pod made a strange noise. A low thrum of mechanics clicking and a hard drive spinning, as the tiny mechanical voice echoed through the silence around them.

"To provide more reliable support, further scanning will be necessary. "

"Are you sure they aren't just an Android variant?" 2B knew that even with what they had experienced together over the time she had been alive, she and her Pod still had so much to learn. Especially of what lay beyond Earth and their planet's Moon. There was no saying what might lay dormant beyond even that.

"Unknown. Would unit 2B like me to establish communication with the lifeforms ahead?" Pod asked.

"Absolutely not," 2B glanced back towards the six people making their way away from the damaged object that lay burning in the distance, "We'll follow them. Seems the structure emitting that blue energy is their next location."

"Affirmative."

Slowly following after the group, she crept over the rocks, ducking low in the underbrush to keep from attracting the attention of her targets. Humans? She had never actually seen one up close in person before. Hadn't even considered such a possibility before today. How many had there been on the moon again?...How many were left alive, anyway?

Keeping an adequate, but not conspicuously distant, tail, 2B did her best to keep an eye on the humans. It wasn't long until they arrived, their commander placing a fist in his opposite palm to show authority. A gesture 2B often saw in YoRHa command, and 9S himself whenever the boy had a suggestion he wanted to make heard. She wondered if this man's posture mimicked theirs, or vice versa.

From a small mound of soil a bit a ways away from the structure, another group emerged. Seven more... humans, a mix of soldiers and technicians by the looks of it, clambered out to meet with their fellow soldiers, voices chattering off with no clear, unified direction.

"Hey!" one voice, presumably from a darker-skinned member of the newly formed group, called out to the newcomers, "Stop acting like you all don't know how to set up a fucking perimeter. This isn't a goddamn orientation."

"R-Right sarge," the higher-pitched voice from one of the soldiers quivered, "Sorry about that. Things just... didn't go smoothly on the way down, you know? "

"Oh, well let me get you some tea and crumpets and put a medal on your chest, since that shit must've been tough for you."

2B leaned forward. So they are all part of an army, by the sound of it. A good number of them, by the looks of their formation and their uniforms. If only 9S we're here to analyze them properly. She could get by if pressed, but 9S was the true analyst in her eyes. A good thing, too; as the soldiers kept talking, she wasn't sure she even knew where to start.

"Alert. Incoming transmissions intercepted," Pod announced, causing 2B to start. "Highlighting multiple unknown transmission sources around the current vicinity."

"More 'Humans'?" 2B muttered.

Pod made a noise like a hrm, deep in its gears and processors. It took a few seconds before it could respond."Negative. The signal is not human, nor are they machines. This signal frequency is...different. Irregular."

Just as 2B was about to inquire more, one of the 'Humans' shouted as he pointed upwards into the sky. "Covenant dropships coming in hot! Six o'clock, Sarge!"

Covenant? 2B's brows pinched together, looking up from her cover into the air. Three purple tuning fork-shaped vessels were fastly descending in formation, two of them veering left towards the hillsides, while one flew straight at the humans.

As the strange ships opened fire, the humans took cover around the metal structure, returning fire and setting up defensive formations. What ensued was the sound of rapid gunfire and laser blasts, filling the once-silent hillsides with an array of destruction as the fight broke loose.

"What the hell," she muttered, hiding behind the safety of the rocks.

"Proper analysis suggests these unidentified aircraft do not belong to any known military division nor affiliation of humanity," said Pod, "There is a fifty-three point twelve percent chance of a non-terrestrial faction, perhaps some form of alien lifeform, in possession of those crafts."

"Those...ships," she managed, trying to remember something, anything, from her previous engagements on the battlefield. But there was no entry, nothing like this on record anywhere in her database, not even when 9S spoke endlessly of Earth history, or any other similar facts or trivias that he could recall. These ships and this technology were completely unknown to her. Nothing like she or any Android had ever encountered.

Ending its descent a few hundred meters away from the hillside, one of the strange dropships kicked up the debris around it as its side hatch slid down, releasing a whole party of strange-looking creatures. These aliens were armored and unlike anything 2B had ever encountered before, bipedal, varying sizes and colors. All of them were armed.

A large alien in blue armor shouted something, its distorted voice deep and guttural. The strange group ran past her, moving with purpose as they made their way towards the metal platform the humans had set their attention to.

As the other drop ships also discharged their passengers, the group of 'Humans' found themselves surrounded by the swarm of creatures, 2B taking note that they must outnumber their opposition three-to-one or more.This was war, 2B thought to herself as the group of aliens opened fire upon the 'Humans' hidden behind the structures.

"Unit 2B, should this unit engage the opposing hostile lifeforms ?" Pod inquired, the whirling gears in its mainframe softly humming in anticipation.

"No," 2B held a hand out to the floating object, watching in wonder as the humans were forced out of their positions behind the pillars, "We're not doing anything, we aren't even supposed to be here. This has nothing to do with the Bunker. ...Or us," she finished, feeling the word trail from her lips like lead.

The two groups traded volleys back and forth, the strange-looking beings using a form of weapons, unlike anything 2B or The Bunker knew of. Those she assumed were technicians were left dead on the ground as one of the blue aliens barreled right at their positions, blasting them away and using his shoulder as a weapon against their frames.

Another alien, this one stubby with a large pack on its back, and some type of mask on its face, unleashed some type of blue explosives in the air which landed not too far from an unsuspecting member of the 'Humans 'who had taken to reloading his weapon. In a brilliant blue and white light, 2B witnessed as the force of the explosion sent the poor man hurtling through the air a great distance away from his position, crashing near her position into the ground with a bone-crunching sound.

Stunned, 2B stepped back. Her eyes darted across the body to see his legs, or whatever was left, contorted, one ankle dislocated. His skin was still burning, the smoke that billowed up from his legs mixed with the sickening smell of charred flesh.

Pod didn't hesitate, scanning him quickly. As it processed his anatomy, the sounds of the battle continued around them. 2B crouched, half listening to the analysis, and half attentively surveying her surroundings.

"Conclusion reached: ninety-nine percent possibility of this lifeform being a human, is now one hundred percent certain."

Flying directly in front of 2B, 042 spun itself to meet its android eye to eye, its servos letting out a high-pitched whine as it changed its configuration."Unit 2B, the next course of action is clear. Without direct orders from YoRHa Command, this unit's current logical procedure would be to assist the humans on the battlefield."

"The next logical course of action, huh?" 2B grumbled.

"It is this unit's primary objective to aid any humans with their endeavors, however futile or meaningless."

2B rose. Pod was right, YoRHa's ultimate goal had always been to preserve humanity and assist them at any opportunity. She didn't know how the humans ended up so far from their origin planet, Earth, and what these things attacking them were. The fact of the matter remained, however, that they were still humans and they needed her help.

As 2B stood, readjusting the visor above her eyes, she felt her senses sharpen. There was a numb feeling running through her legs as her pulse quickened. A feeling of helplessness, no, anxiousness, crawled its way through her throat as she grabbed her Virtuous Contract off her back and positioned her stance, staring off into the fighting occurring a mere seventy meters from her, with the Pod already picking the closest hostile life-sign, waiting for its execution order.

"Very well," her monotonous tone lingered for a moment as her fingers danced across the weapon, "Initiate target elimination."

With a burst of motion Android and Pod lunged forwards through the bushes, vaulting over rocks and under deadfall, closing in on the target 2B had mentally picked out. In the corner of her vision, her pod let out a stream of information, ranging from air temperature, trajectory, and the distance and size of the hostile body, everything calculated and broken down for her convenience in real-time.

Blade raised high, her mission to save and preserve humans became her primary function. All else would have to come later.

Chapter Text

Fists smashing into the control panels, 9S began pacing, throwing up his arms, turning, stomping, doing anything his body felt compelled to do. Where!? Where had 2B gone?! How the HELL had she gotten teleported to-

"Unit 9S."

"GAHH! YEAH, what is it, Pod."

"It is illogical to allow a reasonable amount of emotion to influence your actions and judgment-”

"Please don't even go there, please," he breathed, "Don't- Don't give me the damn lecture. I know," and he did. 2B always told him. ‘9S, you need to calm down. There's no room for emotional distractions.' That's how it goes, right? He began marching up and down the length of the wall again.

Destroyed machine life forms were strewn about the floor below, motionless. His blade still lay plunged into one's chest, at first he thought 2B was vaporized. Destroyed utterly and completely in an instant, no trace left. Like a glitch in the simulation, she could simply be purged. So, he may have lost it a little, destroying anything and everything within the vicinity, a burning hate threatening to overcome him, despite the empty feeling he already felt from her absence.

Pod however filled him in that maybe, maybe just maybe, 2B still existed out there, somewhere. Maybe, just maybe, he could find her. If they could not however... He didn't want to even think of it.

Taking a deep breath and steadying himself, his eyes took note of the damage he'd done around him. The wreckage he left was somewhat impressive, machines torn in pieces strewn haphazardly across the small room. "Pod, repeat what you told me about this place."

"...Affirmative." Pod scanned the surrounding area again, its scanner relaying what it could learn, "After a thorough evaluation, this underground facility appears to be a Human research bunker, circa the year 2028, location is an unknown anomaly,"

"And the purpose of said bunker?"

"Further readings confirm a high probability, ninety-seven percent, the facility was used in some form of preservation of humans or human nature. Specifically, genetics and cloning," its mechanical hum emanating around the hollow, rusted, and derelict walls around him. "Multiple theories are currently forming."

"Right but this room here doesn't deal with any of that," said 9S as his eyes swept across the room.

"Correct, the surroundings show extensive evidence of some sort of high energy particle acceleration and electromagnetic radiation emitter, suggesting some kind of radiation research facility."

"Hmph," 9S folded his arms, nodding his head to the empty space where 2B once stood. "Okay, okay, but how does that lead to humanity's preservation? If anything, all it seems to me is that this is a weapon of some sort."

"Records and research suggest Humanity once considered such research as a means of finding a method of transportation faster than that of conventional speeds through the known universe. Additionally, this information would lead to the assumption that Earth once tried exploration beyond its planetary range," Pod 153 slowly rotated around the room taking in its environment, "But that's just speculation."

"But they stopped because something bad happened. Then everything just went downhill after that for Earth. Aliens, machines, whatever..." said 9S.

The silence lingered, Pod floating in the center of the room while 9S placed a hand on the railing, staring into the space where 2B once stood only a minute ago. His body stiffened. He still remembered it, when he grabbed her arm to try and pull her along, his hand phasing straight through her.

"If humans failed to create the technology necessary for traveling through time and space, how'd 2B get transported then?" 9S ran his hands through his hair. None of it was making sense.

"Uncertain, but logical deduction would dictate that the machine presence in the area were working on completing what the humans had started with."

"Why would the machines go out of their way, after centuries since the facility was sealed off and abandoned, to revive this old bunker." 9S lifted his head as he spoke, "What were they trying to accomplish?"

"Uncertain, insufficient data regarding current happenings. Proposal: Conduct more investigations and research regarding current happenings, if more available."

Eyeing the control panel once again 9S made his way towards the single computer sitting off to the corner of the room, "Can we even get 2B back through whatever's in these computers?"

"...Insufficient data-"

"Yeah yeah, I get the picture, never mind," 9S cut Pod off, sitting down at the lone chair that sat before the console.

"We just have to keep doing what we are good at," 9S mumbled to himself, though that seemed a daunting task right now. Nothing made sense anymore. Figuring out how this happened in the first place was already too much work, and how to even get 2B back seemed an even more far-fetched goal, "...Alright Pod, see what you can do here, I'm going to go investigate those schematics, I guess."

With the scanner's order in its program, Pod set itself to task, working with the various functions of the machine. While 9S activated a few of his hacking programs, working out whatever was needed. The truth had to lie hidden within the lab. It just had to.

No matter what, he would bring 2B back. That was all that mattered.

Blade swinging, 2B charged ahead. Leaping, and ducking as she swirled through the field, moving in calculated, fluid movements as she approached a group of small creatures that stood together firing green shots of energy from their strange, oval-shaped guns, her sword raised to strike, she leaped high through the air, bringing her weapon down with great force slicing the first target cleanly in two as blue bright liquid spewed from the creature.

Closing the distance between her and the remaining small enemy, 2B gracefully struck them down in the next breath, the bodies flying in twos, fours, and ones on the ground as she marched forward with intent, looking over the fallen victims she took no pleasure or interest in what they were or who they were, just another objective, another foe for her to fell in a list that seems never-ending, not once hesitating as she came upon three larger opponents wielding large shields which guarded most of their frames, a tall, avian build, yelling some foreign language and raising the same oval gun into the air.

"Alert," cried Pod, "Weapons seem to emit plasma, an extreme risk for damage, proceeding with caution is suggested."

Plasma. So that's what they've been firing. Never had she encountered any such projectiles from machines or androids before, they must truly be alien. However, these things had to hit before it became dangerous, right? Just dodge until it's safe. With that knowledge 2B made sure to stand her ground against the new oncoming assault, avoiding the balls of energy coming from the firearms the creatures carried, with ease 2B managed to close in on the beasts quickly.

Swinging her blade diagonally, the creature was keen enough to guard, shield taking the full brunt of 2B's strike, but the force behind her attack was enough to cause the energy shield to fizzle and distort as blue sparks of electricity ignited the surface. 2B swiftly regained her stance after the deflection, cutting the now unguarded alien's shoulder open as it held its smoking shield up, giving a bestial cry of pain the creature fell to the ground dead, purple liquid squirting out from the wound.

The remaining two continued to shoot at the agile warrior as 2B twisted and dodged their onslaught, as Pod maneuvered closer to their position with a defensive volley of energy to deflect and deter their continued shots. As 2B slipped inside their guards, slicing one creature on the side while landing a vertical blow, splitting another one open. Their purple blood staining the soil below.

"Defensive pattern Epsilon implemented. Current hostile enemies reduced, remaining seven confirmed.”

2B stood unmoving and undeterred as Pod opened fire at the rest of the small cluster of enemies. Firing off another two rounds, it brought one of the smaller enemies down. Causing the other shorter ones to scatter in different directions. The other avian soldiers however were wise enough to be patient, holding their shields high while maintaining the integrity and solidarity of the group's formations.

And then there were the larger armored creatures. Two blue and one red armored. Different from the rest, these three stood together barking orders and getting the smaller ones back on track. What are those, some form of captains? 2B wondered.

A barrage of blue shots soared through the air headed straight towards her, and 2B reacted with speed and grace, dancing around each of the blasts while readying herself to counterattack.

"Proposal: Eliminating the larger targets may cause smaller hostiles to disperse," 042 proposed in an effort to provide her with some form of advice to complete her goal of keeping the humans safe.

Taking Pod's assessment into consideration, 2B narrowed her eyes, watching as the three taller enemies kept close quarters to each other as they tried to suppress her attack, their movements oddly in unison to that of a tactical and well-versed fighting strategy. She knew not the creature's name, or what language they spoke or of their allegiance.

But at that moment, it mattered not. 2B had to finish the job. Whatever she needed to do to protect and help humanity, would be done. Dodging another volley of plasma fire she closed in on the three tall enemies, "Don't need you telling me that," she sneered under her breath.

Twirling, side-stepping, and twisting around the alien attack 2B leaped straight through their line of fire, sailing overhead and flipping through the air, Pod engaged with her as she flew through the sky sheathing her blade, she switched to her Type-3 Fists and landed in the center of the three tallest creatures, one was forced backward away from the fighting from Pod's onslaught of bullets but the remaining two, the blue armored aliens, now pressed 2B from two different directions with their large rifles in her face, quickly bring her fist around and landing a solid blow to the face of the alien closing in on her right flank, 2B noted how a flicker of electricity danced on the surface of its body after contact had been made, it seemed the larger ones had personal energy shields of their own, but the force of her attack was enough to not only shatter the energy field around its frame but caused the being’s head to cave inwards, breaking and rupturing on contact.

Swerving around she kneed the second target square in its torso, a sharp crack emanating through the air as she brought her fist down onto its helmet cracking the metal piece and causing the large beast's brains to spill onto the dirt below as it collapsed.

Backstepping, the third red creature roared. Ignoring Pod's barrage and allowing its shields to take the hit, it thrust forward, lunging and bringing down its blue plasma rifle with the intent of crushing 2B's body. With agility and reaction times like lightning, she shoved forward, bringing her right gauntlet up and smashing through the creature's defenses, driving her fist through the shields and chest plate.

Fist buried into the alien's body and appearing on the other end, the creature held onto her shoulders before gasping and gurgling, its voice ragged and strained from the pressure. Pulling back and breaking free 2B stared as the creature fell, its plasma rifle dropped and rolled away from the struggle.

Purple blood covering 2B's arm, the smaller and shield-welding enemies scattered across the battleground in terror now, screaming a shrill sound similar to some sort of bird, a few taking potshots here and there but failing to get anywhere close. Switching from her gauntlets to her Virtuous Contract, 2B launched herself in an intricate display of motions and slashes, tearing through the small beasts without giving any chance to return fire in kind.

On the metal structure peering over their cover, the Humans watched the short skirmish in awe, looking out onto the carnage and destruction the nimble being had caused before taking the fight onto their assailants, seemingly cutting, slashing, and tearing through the last remaining foes on the battlegrounds.

"Wow... Martinez, you have any idea who that is or even what the hell she is?" the young soldier spoke, staring intently at the android destroying the opposing force.

Martinez scoffed, reloading his assault rifle, "The hell should I know."

"It's a Spartan, Davis that's the most obvious fucking thing," a shorter man hollered over the sounds of battle and screams of the creatures dying around them.

"A Spartan! Get real, Billings, Did you see how she fought?! This chick's like, like a damn ninja," Davis muttered, unable to stop smiling under his visor at the display in front of him.

"Well, I wasn't looking at how she did it. I was busy admiring the assets," Billings added while chewing on his rations, letting loose a chuckle as he readjusted himself behind cover, the others rolling their eyes. "You were all looking, though."

"If you all wouldn't mind," Sergeant Johnson sneered, glaring down at the men as his finger grazed the trigger, "How about we leave the gazing till after we've cleared the area of those fuckin' Covenant, huh?

"Right sarge," Martinez clicked the safety off on his rifle, aiming to help pick off what was remaining.

Johnson however raised a fist into the air, indicating everyone to stop, as a whole new wave of Spirit drop ships could be seen incoming. "Shit, hold that fire boys and girl," Johnson snapped as the wave came down into the distant area not too far away from where they all currently were positioned, the sergeant growled, "Take some cover and get ready for another round!"

Plunging her sword straight through the head of the last standing alien, Pod flew up to 2B, scanning and gathering more information regarding the things 2B had been destroying the entire time they had been in the facility.

"Recommendation, enemy reinforcements have dropped off on the other end of the platform. if unit 2B wishes to engage with further hostile units in the surrounding vicinity it's suggested we regroup with the human forces, to make further progress into achieving mission parameters."

2B pulled her Virtuous Contract up and out from the corpse's head as she surveyed the area. Just how many of these aliens, this, Covenant, as the humans called them, were there? "Good, we have to hurry," 2B wiped the blood splatter off her visor with the sleeve of her uniform, "Keep your readings on the humans, I don't want anyone getting killed on my watch."

"That may prove difficult to the task in mind, unit 2B,"

"Huh, and why is that Pod," 2B turned her heel to face the structure the human forces had taken position on. The Covenant reinforcements were already getting to work on sending down even more waves.

"The Humans are a rather rambunctious group, actively engaging a large body count of Covenant combatant forces without support from this unit and yourself. Despite showing their combat experience and resourcefulness, it's logical to suggest not all the humans will survive this battle."

2B shook her head at the pod's matter-of-fact remark, running forward at full speed toward the platform. "So, they're that stubborn huh, humans are more complicated than we'd ever thought, that's for sure."

Jumping up onto the platform and running up to the humans as they peeked out of their cover opening fire towards the Covenant's direction, 2B couldn't help but note their formations and execution were impressive. Resilience as well, she shouldn't have expected less, they were human after all.

Ducking a plasma charge the dark-skinned soldier caught sight of the white-haired woman approaching from the distance. Her eyes scanned him once, taking in his features. A black, male with a more lean, muscular build, dressed in the same gray and brown uniform as his companions, and judging from the patch and insignia on his shoulder and collar, a highly decorated soldier or possibly, some type of commander.

"Shit! Lady, the hell you doin', get yourself some damn cover," He shouted. 2B slid next to him, crouching just as a round of Covenant plasma shot past her head and hit the wall of the structure behind them.

Eyes scanning her attire, the older-looking gentleman took her in. Before chuckling and shaking his head in disbelief. "Not a Spartan, huh? I mean, shit, it's not every damn day you find a good-lookin’ gal fighting with you, but hell." He shifted in the makeshift cover, tightening his grip around his assault rifle before firing off a few volleys towards the advancing alien troops.

"Spartan?" 2B questioned, shifting her to Pod as it floated into view.

"An ancient and legendary race of warriors originating from a pre-historic planetary formation known as Greece. The soldiers were said to be selected during childhood for physical, mental, and tactical advantages among other superior aspects."

"What does that have to do with anything happening today?" 2B mused as she prepared a response, not understanding any reference that was just thrown her way.

Ignoring her, the older, dark-skinned gentleman spat to his left, reloading his rifle. He rubbed his chin a moment, sighing loudly as if he was contemplating."Listen, I wasn't aware of every little thing we took on the Pillar of Autumn. But shit girl, from what I've seen out there," he pointed off towards the rocky cliffs where she came from, then toward the hills ahead, "I'm glad whatever the hell you are, or the organization you're from are on our side, fighting along with us, because in all honestly we aren't as prepared or equipped for this battle like we hoped to be."

"Unit 2B there-" Pod chirped again to the two crouched individuals as it rotated, aiming the large hovering craft before them.

"Another Spirit. We're about to get swarmed." the dark-skinned human let out a heavy growl, ducking lower in his cover as the enemy bullets and plasma charges exploded closer and closer around him and the android next to him, taking potshots at the ground troops coming in, "Oh, and I'm Johnson. Sergeant Avery J. Johnson. You know, just in case you wanna call my name out, sweetie."

Before 2B could question his proposition or attempt an introduction herself, Johnson took a chance and popped up from cover and opened fire on an enemy, managing to hit one of the strange alien's legs, tripping the bastard up before re-hunkering back into his shelter.

"Sergeant," 2B growled as a large explosion erupted from where the group was crouched and taking cover, as the barrages of incoming plasma rounds singed the edge of the structure. 2B and Johnson held strong, not flinching at the explosion. "You and your people should fall back now."

Johnson laughed in disbelief at the notion. His teeth flashing, the laughter audible over the explosions and fire from their rifles."I wouldn't give these alien bastards the damn honor. We're Human MARINE FORCES, trained killers and elite fighting force on behalf of UNSC military," he barked as a swarm of plasma began focusing in their general direction, "And I have a boot that would like to bury itself so damn far up these ugly Covie bastards' asses that their fuckin' alien ancestors would feel a slight chill," he shifted in place again, loading a fresh clip, and releasing the handle. 2B, deciding whether she found Johnson's anecdote disgusting or humorous, huffed as the man continued speaking, "No, we'll stay right fuckin' here, smiling and looking pretty, firing their asses to high hell! And that's an order, darling."

"You're crazy!" 2B exclaimed, having heard humans to be resilient against their odds, but Johnson was insane.

"Crazy ain't the worst thing a Marine has been called before!"

As if mentally connected, the marines cried out a collective 'HOO-RAH,' which their sergeant grinned and agreed with, nodding his head with them before his expression grew grim. He leaned to his left and locked eyes with 2B, an intense look in his eye, "Listen, girl. You want to help?"

2B blinked her eyes at his change of demeanor, "Yeah...I- I want to do what I can."

Johnson nodded toward battle, "Then deal with the Elites!"

Elites? Tilting her head at the odd name, 2B focused a second time on the cluster of enemy combatants making their approach in large numbers and slowly gaining ground, no doubt wanting to surround the human resistance.

"Elites?" She echoed.

Stopping a laugh, Johnson barked out as the firefight intensified, "Suppressing fire! Rough the Covies up!

The marines let out a primal battle cry, in near unison, and leaning out from behind cover, all unleashed a hailstorm of bullets towards the incoming force of Covenant that stormed in their direction.

Gesturing for her to peek over his cover, he pointed into the sea of enemies, "Those small goofy guys, Grunts, no sweat, we'll take care of them. Shitty shots and light troopers. Their best bet is to try and take you down with numbers. Forget them."

"Over here," 2B saw that from the Sergeant's guidance was pointing at one of the bird-like creatures that used shields for protection, who was leading a few of the smaller creatures around. "Those," he gritted out, "are Jackals. Those shields will protect from bullets and plasma. They have great eyes and situational awareness, they could be a problem. But don't let them be," 2B took it all in, remembering each creature type with the given name.

Johnson gazed into her visor, watching for signs of approval, before pointing to one final target, "Those big bastards, are Elites. Mean sons-a-bitches, those."

Looking beyond the makeshift cover, she could see four Elites clad in bright blue armor and brandishing plasma rifles, all heading directly for their positions. "You had the right idea earlier, take them out and the smaller guys are no threat. Eliminate the leaders, and the rest scatter, run and shit themselves. Easy."

"Simple enough," 2B kept eye contact with the sergeant as the Marines fired off everything they had, emptying their magazines into the enemy.

2B steadied herself, pushing herself into a sprinter's position, "I'll hold the Covenant's attention," she spoke in an authoritative tone, "While I'm taking on their commanders. Make the most of my attack, don't shoot me by accident, you got it."

"What's your name," Johnson mumbled under a curse as some Grunts began hobbling towards them, plasma pistols drawn, their strange yelping and hollering cries echoing across the battlefield. 2B stood, unrelenting to the rounds fired her way.

"2B." Vaulting from her cover, sailing straight overhead the marines. Twisting in the air like some sort of angelic dancer, the android gracefully made a rough landing. Dropping and rolling on the floor, and immediately darted to the closest hostile target, sliding forward on her knee as her sword cut through the body of the first alien she came into contact with, slicing it clean in half.

"2B... Definitely not a Spartan," muttered Johnson as he and his company of soldiers drew from cover picking off any grunt or jackal in their sight range, with 2B dancing through the group with blinding speeds.

Raising her weapon, 2B tore a Jackal's arm clean off and plunged her sword into its chest before shoving the dying beast aside. With one swift movement, she quickly threw her blade and severed another Grunt in half that was charging forward to join the fray, swooping in, Pod grabbed the blade and flew it back towards her, allowing her to dispatch another Jackal.

An Elite thinking distance was the key, threw a plasma grenade in her direction. Cartwheel dodging to the left, Pod flew in front and changed its configuration, activating its A090: Wire and firing in the direction of the large alien, wire wrapping around the blue beast's neck. Taking hold of Pod 042, 2B zipped across the field in the blink of an eye. Just as the plasma grenade exploded behind her.

2B and the Elites collided, her sword ripping out the throat of its neck and drawing blood from its chest as it clawed and gasped trying to stifle the wounds and retain any semblance of breathing, but to no avail as it collapsed, lifeless and bleeding, Pod released its tethering to the fallen, floating beside it's master.

Already spinning in her fluid motion, 2B kicked a grunt that tried to sneak up behind her, shattering the small creature's skull and dropping it dead immediately.

A pair of Elites seeing their brother down roared in retaliation, firing and charging towards the android, dodging, and side-stepping the multiple bolts, 2B sighed, in anticipation of their futile actions, these were just larger targets after all.

Plasma grenades landed around her in quick succession, Pod shifted the power for its M shield to maximum as it created an orb around 2B in an attempt to protect her as the rounds detonated around the android, shattering and tearing apart the ground where she once stood.

Smoke and debris engulfed her form. Believing her demise likely, the Elites lowered their weapons, a small breath of laughter emanating from their hidden mandibles as they exchanged their triumph. 2B shot forward from the smokescreen, dive kicking and knocking one of the Elites straight in the chest, over three hundred pounds of android shoving the massive beast to the ground, wind knocking from their chest and forcing the armor on their torso to decompress a little bit.

From their crumpled position, the Elite could see 2B raise her heel and slam down, stomping their face with extreme force and destroying its skull. As its life ceased, 2B spun on the spot. Slashing the other Elite before it could raise its rifle towards the android.

Opening fire on a few grunts Pod hovered over 2B's shoulder, "Alert," as a few Jackals tried surrounding the lone Android, their plasma bolts flying past her and singing the edges of the clothes, "Additional Spirit crafts deploying ground forces."

With an upward slash, 2B decapitates a Jackal. The final remaining Elite let out a bestial scream, shouting and raising its rifle high, yelling and roaring orders to the others, commanding them to surround the small figure.

Standing in the center of the mob, 2B flipped her white hair to her right."The sergeant and his troops have engaged the reinforcements on the other side of the platform," Pod stated in its typical flat monotone voice as 2B assumed a combat stance.

"Why isn't he waiting for us," 2B asked as she sliced open a grunt that ventured to close in on her position, its screams only being muted by its suit's helmet.

Pod shifted around, before firing another spray of energy shots at the other aliens attempting to swarm 2B's position, "Unknown: However, per the sergeant's attitude towards the battle situation, this seems normal behavior," it proposed, noting how the human warrior didn't hesitate a moment before engaging the enemy.

Grinding her teeth as she slew another Jackal, she huffed, "Damn humans, are they all like this."

"Likely."

"Driving me nuts is what they are..."

"It would seem a strong sense of team morale exists among their squad," Pod countered, "Is there an issue, unit 2B.?"

She sighed and twirled her sword, bringing it down and slicing it into the stomach of another Grunt, twisting her body and arcing out her weapon with precision, dispatching another Jackal that was closing in on her. Its corpse falling at her feet."No. But they act like they're the ones doing the rescuing, here!"

The Elites pushed forward, unloading volleys of blue energy towards the two. Hearing the multiple rounds from the aliens' rifles, Pod hovered up to draw their fire away as 2B dashed forward and swung upwards, disarming the Elite of its gun, before swiveling and kicking it in the chest and sending it into a boulder, the shockwaves cracking the rock apart.

Bodies littered around 2B as Pod 042 spun in the air, surveying and analyzing, as the sound of battle raged on the other side of the structure the humans took up position at.

"Mission Successful, remaining enemy activity in the vicinity eliminated," it replied before shooting down to float next to its operator, "Recommendation: rendezvous with the Human Forces. Engage and eliminate remaining hostiles, continuing with the original objective," it added.

Sounds of grenades and heavy gunfire rang through the air. Bullets ricocheted off surfaces around the battlefield and enemy screeching could be heard emanating throughout the war-torn environment, "Huh. They seem like they're handling themselves," she turned around and smirked at Pod 042, "but," the android continued to muse, "let's go and make sure they don't get themselves killed."

"Unit 2B, Humans seem more resourceful than you give credit."

"Aren't you the one who's worried about their safety," 2B jested while rushing towards the opposite side of the structure where the humans took cover. Her pace was fast and steady, her strides graceful as her heels clicked off the grassy hills. "I still want them safe too," 2B called, reaching up and grappling with the edge of the building and vaulting herself onto it.

"Affirmative," it chimed, floating closer to its assigned operator.

"I just think their ability to take care of themselves is... questionable."

"Opinions, noted."

"Course they are," 2B chirped.

As she reached the ledge of the alien structure, Pod began to speak but halted its report, stopping in its tracks, "Unknown entity, Identify yourself," It exclaimed, hovering in place to 2B's flank.

…

2B stood with caution, looking around for a moment for whoever or whatever it was Pod had detected."...Pod?"

…

"...An exchange of information?," it chirped, scanning through its functions, "Are necessary actions within your jurisdiction?" 042’s one-sided conversation continued. "Cause? Unknown. What is the reasoning, justification, and motive?"

…

"What are you going on about, Pod?" 2B called from the ledge as the fighting continued behind her.

"Non-classified, and limited knowledge can be provided." It responded.

…

…

The conversation Pod was conducting went quiet. "Any attempt to enter this unit shall be met with, non-lethal, forceful removal."

2B hearing 042's threat aimed at whoever or whatever had attracted its attention caused her to raise an eyebrow in confusion, what was going on?"I can go out and ask those soldiers about some new hostile-"

"Negative," 042 warned, "Entering an exchange with the Humans is not necessary."

"...Then who are you speaking with," 2B countered.

042 froze momentarily, before replying."Another Unit."

"That so?," 2B retorted, watching it rotate and circle to her flank.

"A face-to-face interaction? Illogical. Query: Why would we choose that course of action." It rotated its frame around in the air before coming to a standstill.

…

"A more human approach?" Pod spun on the spot and directed itself to 2B. "Unit 2B, sensors indicate the battle is nearing its conclusion," it reported.

"Pod," 2B questioned in confusion to its lack of answers, "Who is out there. Tell me. We can't have them attacking us or the humans out here. Now tell me what's going on!" she hollered in a frustrated tone, this sudden exchange was quite infuriating and odd.

042 paused, a few lights blinked rapidly, and a whirring noise echoed within its metal frame, "Current objective: rendezvous with and assist the Human Resistance," it demanded, repeating her objectives.

"Don't worry about that right now," 2B ignored his order.

"Negative. Rendezvous must happen."

Flying off without a second thought, 042 ignored 2B's orders as she chased after him, before seeing where it was headed, "What the hell?" jumping off the top of the structure after her pod, sailing through the air, and landed in the middle of the Marine forces, despite the fight ending before she could assist the Humans, most of them looked like they didn't even break a sweat.

Which was strange as the fighting sounded brutal, if not more brutal than the conflict she had been involved with, no doubt from the sheer lack of firepower. They had very little, if any chance to kill these enemies. Yet, none of them are wounded, aside from a few cuts and grazes to the flesh from stray plasma fire here and there. But again, as 2B surveyed, no bullet wounds, or gaping holes.

All around her dead enemies covered the battlefield, yet the humans didn't appear outmatched, or to be hurting for survivors. Perhaps she undervalued their strength?

Shaking her head, 2B gathered her thoughts. She wasn't wrong, before she joined the Humans were barely holding their own in the first wave of the alien army, yet after that? There was some kind of an uneven and illogical turnabout.

How are they not more fatigued? Why do they not look as though they've been fighting for the better half of an hour, without proper supplies and ammunition? These humans don't seem tired, worn, or strained. Not a single ounce. 2B had so many questions running through her head, so many questions on what happened to the rest of this Covenant, and why did she not hear the Marines calling out for backup, or try to contact support? So much had occurred so quickly and in a single span of a few minutes.

She gazed up the slope in front of her, bodies of dead covenant soldiers were scattered up the small hill, some looked like they had been beaten, thrown, or punched to death by something heavy. Others looked like they had been killed with their own plasma weaponry, their guts strewn across the field and faces mutilated, only identifiable by the size and shape of their armor.

Treading up the grassy field, A strange sight stood at the crest, Sergeant Johnson and Pod 042 were speaking with someone, and upon getting closer, 2B finally laid her eyes on it.

An absolutely massive individual, green armor clad their body, and a golden visor peered down at the sergeant as she approached. Standing on the small hill, towering at least a foot taller than Johnson, the bulky armor making this thing appear even larger, its shoulder pad the size of 2B's own head. Was it Human? Preposterous as it might be, the idea that what stood before her was a Machine Lifeform entered the Android's mind.

Looking between her pod and Johnson as they talked, 2B felt a shift in the atmosphere, as it went deadly serious. Golden visor locked onto her the second she appeared, as 2B held its gaze. Her reflection gazing back.

"So she was just flipping around on the battlefield, Sword in hand, killing everything in sight, including their Elites," Johnson gave her the side eye, shifting his rifle between her and the colossus.

"Hold on," The giant's gruff and deep voice barked over Johnson's words, Pod and he turning in her direction.

2B stared, glancing at the golden visor before shifting her attention to his armored hand that began raising itself, palm open, toward her. His movements were slow, but she remained tense, his figure exuding strength and power, towering over everything and everyone.

The being said nothing to her, standing there in his metal plates as a purple light began shining in his outstretched hand. 2B's muscles tensing, eyes widening a bit, her breath caught in her throat. An attack. This massive armored being was about to attack. She was right, after all, he was a machine!

Preparing herself, 2B widened her stance and reached for her sheathed blade. This would end in seconds. This thing would be scrap metal. 2B felt her fingers clutch the hilt of her sword as the mysterious figure's light grew brighter taking shape and...

"Hi there," a small digital image of a... woman? Some humanoid-like strange, tiny, hologram stood there and waved with a soft smile on her features. What the hell...?

"...I'm a- uh... A-" 2B's form dropped slightly in its tensing position. Confused as to what this thing was doing, but kept her hand on her sword nonetheless. "What!?" she managed to exclaim.

The holographic figure's brows raised for a moment, before smiling and looking at Pod 042 in wonder, "You're right Pod 042, your friend here is very-" the woman cut her comment short before starting back up, "Well, it doesn't matter, anyway. Hi there, it's a pleasure to meet you, I'm Cortana!"

"Cortana...? This is-" 2B murmured, standing and lowering her weapon, gazing at Pod, Johnson, and the large, green-armored figure in confusion. "Who... the hell... are you?"

Chapter Text

The engines of the UNSC dropship hissed as it hovered over the battlefield, dust being picked up around the drop area as the thrusts of the aircraft mixed with the gusts of the wild plains below. A Pelican, that's what the marines had called it. Pod informed her that a pelican was a type of bird. Why a bird? What does that have to do with ships, vehicles, or dropships? She pondered it but shrugged the odd naming to the side. Humans were peculiar like that it seemed.

Dropping its cargo, a four-wheeled vehicle known to 2B now as a Warthog. The armored figure she had been acquainted with, who identified himself as a Spartan, made his way from behind her as the massive vehicle landed in front of them. She almost didn't hear him walk behind her, and his pace was quiet despite his size, a testament to his abilities.

Turning to face the giant man, she lowered her head a bit. Maybe a bow? She thought it seemed appropriate. After all, he was an elite soldier and human-

"Please, don't do that."

"Oh, I didn't-" 2B straightened, apologizing, the deep, and monotonous tone in his voice conveying no annoyance, just pure monotony and professionalism, it was comfortable, familiar almost.

Hovering to their flank, her Pod chirped into existence, circling the odd pair of large Spartan and small Android, its fans working overtime, the flying metal can emitted a buzz, "Human Spartan. The odds of finding other survivors are unlikely at this point, and further travel would only provide an unnecessary risk to yourselves. please allow unit 2B to scout forward and clear a path, eliminating hostile-"

"There's no need to baby him like that," the purple holographic girl scolded, the voice ringing from the speaker systems inside the Spartan's suit, "We have to do our job," the woman added, opening his palm as she materialized out, waving her finger in disapproval at 2B's pod, the tiny figure's motions reminding 2B that an AI was housed inside the green armored suit, her pod floating closer as Cortana crossed her arms in annoyance, "Chief is fully capable, he's got me."

Flying in front of the holographic AI, Pod 042 showed little regard as it was directly in her projection, not bothered a bit by the personal space issue.

"Query: Unit CTN 0452-9, why do you continue to project a holographic interface? Such use seems insignificant and potentially distracting during combat. Even with advanced shielding, isn't there a danger in compromising Human Spartan effectiveness?"

"Pod." 2B groaned. The attitude. Of her machine... It wasn't good.

Hands on her hips the petite AI's eyes glanced from 2B to the Pod, to the Spartan standing before her, "First off, sheesh, such cold behavior to a lady. Second," in her best robotic voice she added, "Pod 042," before switching back to her normal, female tone. "It's Cortana, and like I told you before it's for a more human approach, my choice really, but I have to say," the AI shook her head, "you're a real bore."

2B couldn't help but smirk, raising a brow, "His programming is naturally rather blunt, but his comments aren't unfounded, aren't they?" 2B chimed, playing devil's advocate with her AI companion.

"Chief can handle himself, and I help, lots actually," Cortana remarked, scowling, "Just so you know, 2B, I can help the Chief much better than your machine. No disrespect. But I'm fully capable of helping him navigate difficult terrain, detecting hostiles, and reporting activity from faraway distances, you get it. We've got a ton of intel, and analysis running all day, he'll be just fine."

The Spartan just listened, hearing everything as the AIs went back and forth, discussing his battle prowess and the usefulness of Cortana's aid. "This one's a fighter too," Cortana continued to add as a finishing retort to Pods's warnings earlier and their remarks about the Spartans’ competence.

Just as Pod was about to try again to persuade the Master Chief of its logically sound argument on how he shouldn't put his life on the line, Johnson made his way down the ramp of the dropship.

"If you guys are done going around in circles here," he whistled, gesturing with a thumb towards the Warthog behind him, "my boy Martinez will be your gunner for the time being, just took off his training wheels this mornin', so forgive the kid if he acts a bit on the clueless side, alright?" He teased.

Martinez gestured an obscenity toward the sergeant, and grumbled an incoherent complaint as 2B couldn't help but exhale and smirk, shaking her head, Humans were indeed a curious bunch.

Nodding his head Chief replied, "Affirmative. Let's go," with no delay in his tone, as 2B stood before them.

Dematerializing and fading in an explosion of bright lights and wisps, Cortana's voice could be heard inside his helmet. "We'll gather up any survivors and wait for extraction, Sergeant."

Eyeing both the Android and Master Chief, a grin and shake of the head crossed his face. Shifting the rifle in his hand and pivoting to join his men. Johnson couldn't help but exhale and leave a remark to no one in particular, "I almost feel sorry for any damn Covenant bastards dumb enough to get in your way," 2B turned her gaze toward the Spartan, watching his body move, not even flinching at the others comments, a stone and marble structure who appeared to have a mission and was set on accomplishing it.

Taking control of the Warthog, Chief shifted his attention to the Android as he watched 2B clamber in next to him and bring her pod along. The armored driver started up the engine and placed his foot down, giving them their course. "Let's go. Fast and hard," Cortana spoke, the AI knowing her soldier well.

"Of course," was all the Master Chief had responded with as they rolled out. Ignoring the bumpy terrain as the grass fields gave way to rocky outcrops, he glanced at his companion. She, for all her human-like characteristics, was no doubt mechanical in nature. Flesh-like material was plated with cybernetics, not exactly like an augmented human, more like...

"Are all android's designed like you?" He inquired, steering the warthog in the direction Cortana dictated.

"No," 2B replied curtly, bringing her attention from the scenery around her to the armored individual driving their vehicle. "Well they look human-like... but I'm a combat unit designed with battle in mind, that's the basics," 2B nodded her head, looking ahead.

Seemingly content with her response the Spartan pressed onward and forward, giving her time to digest all the things she had just recently learned.

She was a bit surprised by Cortana when she first encountered the AI and spoke to the Android with an animated character. Almost humanlike. Cortana was quick to establish communication with Pod when she picked up his transmissions and thought it had been a hostile unit. Despite this miscommunication and the unexpected meeting. The pair were quick to exchange intel, nothing confidential, no mention of technology or equipment but rather objectives, and common ground to be established between one another.

All though both seemed to try to get the other to divulge more secretive information. Each more cunning, smart, and tactfully able to skirt around specific subject matters. They were cautious of one another, yet respectfully so.

Then there was the Master Chief, a Spartan. A warrior the marines had mistakenly thought 2B as being one due to her own abilities and feats. This Spartan wasn't a machine or an android, he was a human. But this man was an elite fighter, the pinnacle of humanity's military, an incredible soldier. The way he carried himself and the calm way he handled his duties, perhaps this was what YoRHa tried to instill in her fellow androids, the perfection, and devotion towards their goals. The lack of hesitation or emotion in the situation? 2B thought as she turned and looked him up and down, eyes settling on the golden visor hiding the human beneath the green armor.

"Looking for something," The Master Chief, prompted breaking his silence as the wheels of the Warthog drove them over the land.

"No, nothing," she admitted and turned her vision from him as she looked off the side, scanning the environment in a failed effort to take her focus off him. She wasn't intimidated by him, not at all, but there was something strange about her interaction with the Spartan like she couldn't read him and therefore couldn't read their situation or future actions. Humans were new to her; they felt alien, different, and weird.

But not him, he was just too familiar. It felt strangely wrong. 2B couldn't explain it, as if something within told her a Human shouldn't have been as stoic and efficient as the Master Chief. Less machine and more like the marines they had saved, more life in them, right? They were alive and breathing, each had emotions and expressions and body language... yet the Spartan, The Master Chief, seemed... hollow. Something didn't fit and 2B was grasping at straws and grasping at ways to try to identify this feeling of something amiss in her senses.

Perhaps her mind was just reeling from the other major realization she had when Pod and Cortana shared information. Data and dates didn't line up with what she and Pod knew. Events happened on Earth that were either altered or, as her pod suggested, could be a completely alternate timeline altogether, which had thrown a monkey wrench into 2B's system of keeping a clear and level head on the situation.

These weren't her Humans, not by a long shot, and yet the call to help and defend the species she knew rang deep in her code, and an oath had to be upheld. They were still humans and would need protection and aid from the alien threat.

It seemed however the Humans were open to the idea of an Android fighting alongside them too. Could it be they were just trying to learn more about her through this joint op, was there a darker intent with this partnership, or was it desperation fueling their acceptance of her? This Covenant appeared to have humanity on the ropes, and the extra firepower wasn't likely something they were going to begrudge.

What a bizarre and abnormal world she had stumbled onto. Cortana's sudden comments about an underground structure they were entering not being a natural formation snapped 2B out of her rambling thoughts.

"An obvious observation," Pod hummed, floating over 2B's lap, "The Human Spartan would surely struggle without an AI to assist his simple task of navigation, and identification of environmental structure."

"Seriously," the holographic projection of Cortana chastised, "Are you programmed to insult others or are you just trying to stir the pot a bit? Cause, no offense. but-" the AI huffed, holding back a sarcastic comment, her voice almost growing annoyed. "Chief, we should turn Pod into scrap metal when this mission is over. I think we could use the parts. How about it?" 2B could hear the grin in Cortana's voice, knowing fully well it was just another harmless retort.

Pod however didn't take the joke lightly, "Unit 2B. Insistence of targeting this pod is unwise, and inadvisable. Our company is undeserving of its assistance, and continued guidance-"

"Play nice," 2B patted the pod as they continued to drive, "We're stuck here, let's just work together," turning and raising her brow 2B looked the Spartan up and down, "And we're both professionals, we can play well together, right?"

A nod was the only thing he responded with.

"I still think we should melt him down," the purple woman's small voice murmured from Chief speakers, as the Warthog entered the massive tunnel, darkness beginning to swallow the vehicle and its occupants.

Pod, seemingly feeling cornered floated closer to its operator, hovering above her shoulder, "Query: Unit 2B should also request deactivation of AI unit, a preventative measure is advised for its erratic behavior, and actions.-"

"Error: The same can be said for you," Cortana mimicked the pod as best as she could, a very exaggerated, electronic, robotic voice attempting to match the machine in its efforts.

"Alright, stop," 2B countered, crossing her arms and scowling at the pod and AI who continued their back and forth. "That's enough," she frowned as the group rolled on into the darkness. "Cortana, how about you tell us more about this ring or maybe the Covenant?" 2B prodded to disengage the two.

"Fine," the AI chirped and her demeanor changed. Gone was her annoyed tone, and hostile voice, now replaced by a more informative and confident pitch. "When it comes to the ring your guess is as good as mine, this is all new to the both of us, really," the AI admitted, "As for the Covenant. We've been fighting them for the last twenty-seven years."

The Master Chief twisted the wheel of the Warthog as they drove through the pitch-black tunnels. The sounds of the vehicle bounced around the space, the echoing of the heavy engines revving up as it hit an incline and the hum of the tires spinning across the rough road.

"With over twenty-three billion human casualties, and humanity scattered across space, these creatures will hunt each of us down to the edge of existence unless we do something, " she hissed in her harsh tone."A plan and a course of action need to happen. But first, we have to get off this ring. We are far outnumbered and outgunned here. We need time."

"Grunts, Jackals, and Elites," 2B chimed, recalling her encounter. "Each had different characteristics and fighting capabilities, we've had our own alien threats, but records don't show multiple races all working together."

"In terms of numbers and size, the Covenant outnumber humanity twelve-to-one in infantry," Cortana explained, "And you haven't even seen a Brute or Hunter. There's so much you haven't seen," she trailed off.

"Even more than just the three we've come across?" 2B asked as the dark corridor began to lighten and the area opened up.

"Affirmative." Cortana asserted, "It's more than a bit overwhelming when you think about it."

Jumping across a gap as they took the vehicles up another path, and weaving through the structure, 2B couldn't help but muse with a smirk."Then you two are very lucky we ended up here," 2B quipped, turning and glancing at Chief.

He kept his helmet fixed forward, as he drove the warthog through another tunnel of the maze. "Lucky..." he mused, turning and meeting 2B's gaze, "That is certainly one way to put it."

"Traveling from potentially another timeline certainly complicates things," Cortana added before trailing off, leaving a long pause hanging in the air. "Your arrival only adds more questions to this mystery. One that we certainly can't afford at the moment." Cortana grumbled.

"That troubles you," 2B guessed.

"...Not exactly. I like puzzles," Cortana chirped, a cocky tone returning. "But with all that's going on right now," Cortana expressed, growing serious. "These secrets are just not ones I can dig into," Cortana added.

2B threw an apologetic frown. The idea of a being from a different timeline right in front of you yet unable to delve deeper was probably a letdown and a tease for the AI, if the roles were reversed she could see 9S acting in the same manner. "Sorry to make things difficult, it was out of our hands. I don't know how we got here."

"Alert: Scans show a larger chamber approaching, in the distance. Multiple life forms detected ahead."

Pod 042 initiated, hovering high above 2B's shoulder, his robotic voice calling through the enclosed space. "Varied heat signatures detected, designations: Grunts, Jackals, and Elites."

Cortana echoed the pod's assessment as the green armored man accelerated, the hog picking up speed and accelerating into the darkness of the room. Rounding the corner 2B's hand touched her sword's grip. Tightening and easing into a fighting position.

"Marine get that gun turret online!"

"Yes, Ma'am!" Martinez responded, grasping the handles of the gun in excitement, giving Chief and 2B a glance as he followed Cortana's commands.

Entering the chamber the aliens noticed their advance, scurrying into defensive positions as they unleashed fire on the warthog. The headlights illuminated the distance to the creatures in a splash of white. Bright green bolts of plasma zoomed past the speeding hog. A stray round impacted its hood, the alien energy searing a deep gash through the metallic exterior.

The sound of rounds buzzing, sizzling in the air around them. Echoing throughout the massive cavernous opening. Chief drove through the sea of flying projectiles, ducking and veering as necessary. He handled the wheel of the hog like a pro, with no hesitation as the gun turret on the back barked, launching the shells from its chamber and cutting through the room.

Hitting the brake he swung the vehicle around in a one hundred and eighty-degree turn. Tires squealed on the hard metal ground, sparks erupted as rubber hit metal. Sliding into the middle of the pack of Jackals. Squeals and high-pitched calls filled the air, their bodies flying through the space as the Hog made contact.

Skidding to a stop, 2B launched herself, sailing out of her seat and through the air, somersaulting, and landing atop a pair of stunned Jackals. Her sword quickly sliced through, and smeared their insides on the floor.

Launching towards the other group of Covenant, the gunfire from the turret echoed behind her as it kept the enemy's heads down. Reaching the first alien, it gazed at the charging Android, its little mouth dropping in fear and shock at the sight. Stumbling back the jackal attempted to shoot the angry Android that came barrelling down on it. With a swing of her blade and a sweep of her legs, the jackal found its rifle sent soaring across the room, clattering on the metal surface, and was then subsequently swept clean off its feet.

Ducking low 2B stepped over the jackal and jammed her blade into the middle of its back. An ear-splitting shriek left the dying creature as it writhed in agony before kicking its final death throws. Wrenching her weapon out, 2B charged and lunged at another one.

Watching another Jackal be cleaved into pieces. The little gas-masked grunts looked at 2B in horror, shrinking in fear at their endangered state and scrambling blindly into a panicked retreat. 2B readied to attack when precise shots rang through the air. Their cries of fear were snuffed out along with their lives, their bodies slumping and collapsing to the ground, magnum in hand the Master Chief stepped to her side.

With deadly efficiency, the green armored man picked off the Grunts and Jackals with clean, and quick shots. Machine-like precision and efficiency with a single bullet per head. Each of the enemies hit the floor, his hand moved smoothly from each target. Finger on the trigger, finding, firing, and taking out the hostiles. If she was a monster with the blade then he was a demon with the gun. 2B was starting to understand the comparisons that were given when the Marines spoke of the Spartan. The results were just as gruesome.

One single Jackal, frozen with terror, stood there unable to move. Chief aimed with practiced ease and killed the dumbfounded alien in an instant as if shooting a fish in a barrel. Probably the team leader for its pack.

"The bridge ahead is obstructed," Pod 042 flew in low next to 2B, analyzing the situation.

"No doubt theirs a control panel nearby, let's find it. and then be on our way." Cortana's voice drifted from his external speakers as his visor swept over the bodies, searching.

The entire fight took a solid twenty seconds of effort from each of them, a mere blink in time. 2B surveyed the massacred group with a smug sense of pride as the last Jackal's eyes and limbs twitched before growing lifeless, her black boots smearing their internal fluids across the metal ground beneath her.

With a roar a blue Elite with a standard squad of three Grunts and two Jackals in the lead exited a narrow pathway, blocking what was most likely the location of the control panel. "Human filth." it snarled as its brown eyes narrowed, and focused onto 2B's small frame. Pointing at her, "Kill."

2B stood ready and twirled her sword in an offensive posture while Chief backed her up with his magnum aimed forward.

The sound of the Chief’s weapon going off was like a starting pistol, a round slamming into the lead Jackal, splitting its mask as the blood and brain splattered the two jackals next to it. Thighs bulging, 2B thrust her leg forward. Exploding like a coil spring into the fray.

Chief dispatching the support, 2B caught the eye of the blue soldier and was on it before it knew what to do.

With an unnatural, uncanny swiftness 2B had her blade buried in the midriff of the Elite. The massive soldier gargled on its blood. His stomach opened and gushing from her strike, 2B freed her blade.

Sidestepping a messy slash from its rifle, 2B pushed away from the thrashing, wounded creature. Falling to its knees, grasping at its gaping wound, its squad had died already, and the fight had already been decided. 2B simply acted like a mercy and severed its neck with a backhanded swing.

Making her way to the narrow pathway. Chief joined her, reloading his magnum, nodding, satisfied. Following her into the tunnel. Both combatants stopped just before it turned. Back pressed against the wall, the Master Chief pulled the pins to a pair of grenades, tossing them around the bend, a satisfying BOOM emanated from around the corner, an Elite sailed over their heads and slammed into a wall, the dead alien dropping its weapons before hitting the floor.

A groan emitted from around the corner. Bingo. Chief swung around the corner, pistol at the ready, and lined up the Elite who kneeled using its hand to grip where the other hand used to be. A red disoriented Elite was further back the narrow passageway, dizzy and hurt from the detonation.

Running past Chief, 2B ignored the handless Elite who was put down with a tap of the trigger from the Spartan's pistol as she reached the end she kicked off against the wall giving the red alien a roundhouse to the skull. Its neck snapped and its body went rigid. Dead before it hit the ground.

"Area clear." Chief and her voice in unison.

Hovering into the narrow and cluttered hallway, Pod scanned the alien's body, examining what little tech they had, nothing but personal data storage, "nothing of note." Pod stated as the last of his scans concluded.

Walking ahead of 2B. Chief found the floating holographic terminal tied to the main console. A digital keypad and strange symbols. Placing a hand on it the interface glowed, the controls activating, as the pod hummed, “Power source detected." 

A bridge seemingly made of light sprung from nothing and extended across the divide. "This technology... This ring... Just what created such a thing?" 2B marveled, eyes scanning the glowing light that stretched from their path across the Abyss.

"Who knows?" Cortana's voice rang out of the helmet once more. Chief already making his way out to their exit and waiting in the mouth of the entryway, 2B gave one last glance at the technology around them, not knowing the true depths and intricacies of the structure they resided in before running out.

"Aren't you curious Master Chief?" The Android chimed as she pulled next to him. Her legs were able to keep up as he strode to the warthog's driver seat.

"Curious?" he inquired.

"Yeah. Everything around us, what the Covenant are up to, who built this place? Doesn't your mind wander? I know mine would..."

"Finding survivors, getting off this Ring, that's my only objective. Maybe once this is done I can worry about it." he rationalized, mounting the warthog once more.

2B clambered into the warthog beside him, a frown spreading across her features. Was this how 9S felt when she would downplay his own intellectual curiosities about the areas they investigated? Or maybe the Humans weren't interested in things, not when they were so focused on fighting to survive. Perhaps curiosity and zeal for knowledge were something only truly found in Androids...

Driving onto the bridge. She gazed down at the emptiness beneath. "We don't have a choice. So, we push forward," Cortana pointed out as Chief, without hesitation. Accelerated the hog, sending them into motion. Crossing the endless void in no time.

Exiting the tunnel and back onto the rolling grass field. Cortana marked the three locations where the escape pods had landed on Chief's HUD. Picking one at random, the warthog pushed into the woods once again.

Protect Humanity. Survive. Those were their goals at this moment. 2B thought. Chief was right, all other details of the unknown world they now inhabited could be considered later when the Human race wasn't threatened and she and her pod had an opportunity to process more than a fleeting mission.

A faint glow began to radiate from her and Pods' bodies. Brighter and brighter with each passing second.

"Mind turning off your flashlight? Oh, would you rather let the Covenant see you from space? Cuz we could do that too if that's what gets you off," Cortana's sarcasm dripped in her words, echoing off Chief's external speaker. 2B looked down as her body glowed, the shimmering effect radiating from her clothing and the pod itself.

"It... it's not me!"

"Alert: Unit 2B, electro-magnetic radiation detected." 042 announced. "Warning. Bi-polarity and shifting electric charge detected. Unit 2B caution is advised."

"Is she gonna blow!?" Martinez cried out. His worried eyes darted from 2B and the Master Chief.

Bringing the hog to a sliding halt, Chief and the marine watched as 2B and Pod shone. White and silver electrical currents and surges zapped through the area, illuminating and engulfing the pair.

Reaching its crescendo, an explosion of light and energy detonated from their being, Martinez and Chief shielding their eyes as the illumination overpowered their surroundings.

Slowly dimming, the light had abated, fading away. Blinking the harsh white haze from their vision, both the marine and the Master Chief readjusted and took in the view of an empty passenger seat. Gone was the android who once occupied it, and the odd floating box next to her, both gone, vanished into the atmosphere around them.

Stumped and confused, Cortana emerged, materializing at Chief's side, taking the vacated space. Hands on her hip and looking around. "Well, that's one way to make an exit," she humored as the soldiers in the vehicle sat stupefied and confused.

"What happened?" The armored man inquired, his question ringing with a hint of worry.

Cortana shook her head, running over the event that had unfolded, "Not exactly sure. But I suspect this had something to do with the circumstances that brought her and the pod here," the AI said, replaying the scenario back and watching the bright flash of light engulf the android, "Just give me a minute and I should have something. So sit-"

Gunfire from where the survivors were located, and screams cut into her sentence, "Well... that's not a good sign," the AI said. "They won't last long, best speed Chief. Double time." She waved and disappeared in an instant.

"We'll worry about them later," the Spartan grunted, getting the hog moving, slamming down his foot on the accelerator pedal. "Gotta get to the others. Alive" He added with determination.

Humming to herself, the AI was running the data and numbers from their encounter. Sifting through and searching her extensive memory banks, perhaps there was something that could be of some insight into what happened. Whatever the case this just added to

Cortana's growing list of questions, and at least right now it couldn't be answered, as much as the AI was not satisfied with it. She just didn't have the answers.

This ring was just filled with the unexpected.

"Warning: Chamber is reaching cataclysmic temperatures-"

A ball of white light erupted in the center of the room, a loud pulse of sound resonating through the chamber as 153 gauged the systems and area's functionality. The pulsating, ever-growing, sphere in the middle. And the sizzling noise coming from every electronic console and system. "More power! We're close!" 9S urged the pod, increasing the flow of energy and adding more voltage to the core.

"Power. Strain... Insufficient," Pod 153 grunted and shifted from one position to another as 9S eyed the light as it began to take form, the figures' shape and silhouette appearing. He just needed a few more volts...

It had taken him a few hours to reconnect all the cables and wires from the ruined panels, and much longer to sort out the data, and figure out what systems controlled what, or how all the different power generators were interfacing with the mainframe. But everything was laid before them, and the progress they were making was palpable. Now came the hard part, and their largest obstacle. Tapping into the chamber's capabilities.

Whatever system the humans had made, whatever upgrades the machines had implemented, was now at work as the device attempted to pull 2B from time and space and back here.

"Pod, at my command I want you to jump to my signal. Direct all excess power towards the device. You ready?" He spoke, twisting and altering his last control panel, turning towards the pod, 9S activated the activation sequence with his personal interface. "Here it goes, Pod! In three, two-"

9S slapped a red button with all the might his palm could muster as the light grew too intense to bear, covering and blocking his eyes, the vast chamber erupted and exploded with pure concentrated white light. With his body momentarily blinded and his sensors distorted the YoRHa Android stood before the machine which would bring 2B back.

A white silhouette in the center of the burning blaze appeared, growing in detail as her figure solidified.

"Alert: Gravitational anomalies are forming, imbalance is imminent, alert: Anti-Gravitational displacement imminent," Pod 153 sounded and bobbed into a steady hover.

"Wait! Pod, wait, wait. We've almost got her!"

"Problem: Voltage drop detected." Pod countered. "Displacement imminent. Must separate, caution, gravitational fields, have reached a critical level, they must not collide with one another. Shut off imminent. Shut off imminent."

"Not yet... 2B-" he watched as her body shimmered and materialized. Her shape and form started to materialize before the burning white hot center that swirled with massive amounts of energy, the humming sound reverberating through the cavernous room and shaking it with each beat. 2B seemed a figment, her shape appearing like a ghost, flickering in the middle of a violent whirlwind.

Running toward her, arms outstretched, "2B..." 9S began, extending his fingers, ready to reach her...

Then it all came to a complete, utter stop. All in an instant. Every system froze, stalled, or turned offline. Every terminal sparked, sizzled, and died as the whirring from the generators halted their spinning blades. The silhouette of his friend dissipated before his very eyes as the world around him was doused into blackness.

Falling to his knees, his arms dropped as his legs caved and collapsed. Looking at the darkened console he grasped onto the machine, shaking with confusion and anger, 9S slammed his fist down on the hard surface, "No, no... we were so close..."

Activating its light, his pod floated to its operator’s side, beaming the dull room with its bright luminous hue. The young android ran a hand through his silvery, blonde hair and shook his head, resting it against the console he stared at the ground, clenching his hands."Unit 9S..." Pod 153 hummed.

"Yeah," 9S choked, struggling to calm the fury coursing through his body as he grimaced, breathing heavily through his nose, forcing the emotions down.

"Shall we abandon this chamber and head for the surface?"

He said nothing, the young Operator pondering Pod's suggestion. Abandon. The thought left a bad taste in his mouth, he was so close to 2B. So close to finding the answer, to bringing her home... But abandoning it felt like surrender.

"Negative," he answered, eyes lingering on the pod's illuminating frame. "We figure out what went wrong here. Then go through this piece by piece," He ordered with a new resolve, placing his hands firmly on the dark consoles and booting it back to life with a few minor repairs and restarts. "We fix what is broken, and then try again," he growled under his breath. "We'll get her back."

"Affirmative:" The small robot hummed before joining the operator's side, surveying the damage with its sensors.

Wherever 2B was stuck. He would do whatever he could to bring her home. Whatever it took, whatever sacrifices were necessary, 2B would come back.

Chapter Text

A large, dim room appeared to be illuminated by nothing but faint blue hues, and glowing machinery. It seemed like the room itself, although grand and vast, was deserted. It was clear nobody had been inside the abandoned structure for eons, despite this, in one particular location a bright light manifested. Illuminating the area more so than even the hum from the various technical systems. The light took shape and in no time the shapes of 2B and her pod were fully restored.

Eyes opening behind her visor she gasped, looking around as Pod righted itself in the air, correcting its flight pattern after the mysterious surge had knocked the floating machine off kilter.

The realization that she was floating upside down registered in 2B's processors. Before she was pulled downward with a heavy force. As gravity exerted its influence, 2B flailed back hitting the solid metallic flooring beneath, her senses now registering the strong feeling of pressure and pain. 2B groaned as a wave of discomfort flowed through her body, blinking as her vision slowly recovered, "Good... to... be. Un- back. Where-" Her voice rasped. "Where, are...we?" she finally got the words to come.

"Data: Unknown." Pod 042 offered, slowly floating down to the prone Operator and the alien, dreary room. "A quick check of local structures suggests we are still on the alien installation, however, unknown readings are coming from all directions."

Wobbling forward and tripping into a staggering mess, 2B reached out a hand grasping at the darkness only to have her fingers push through thin air. "What, a peculiar... sensation-" she shivered at the coldness she felt. "That light it was like..."

"The same phenomenon that transported us to this ring," Pod explained, helping 2B sit, she leaned against a structure, gazing around. The place was deserted. Nobody was there to greet or provide answers. Nothing and no one in sight but her pod.

"Hypothesis: Operator 9S most likely initiated the teleportation." Pod theorized, scanning their surroundings with its external lights.

"That does seem likely. 9S..." 2B slowly, and steadily rose to her feet, surveying the area and determining the source of this transportation and their location, "Where did you send me... This area-" the sounds of faraway screams broke the silence. Horrific guttural howls and painful calls echoed through the metal chamber.

Snapping from her dazed stupor, caused by the flash and shift from their transportation, 2B realized the center of the room seemed to hum and pulse with an immense blue beam that ran through the ceiling and deep within the complex.

"Unit 2B," Pod hummed, shifting its flight path and its scans in a particular direction, the hum from its scanner pulsed, revealing more and more, of the darkness of the surrounding area, Pod zoomed outwards, "Multiple signatures of marine and what appears to be Covenant forces can be detected," Pod reported, adding data into their collective display. "Other unknowns can be identified, but they do not match the life forms identified previously on the ring."

"Maybe it's those other species Cortana mentioned," 2B supplied, reaching and pulling her weapon from its sheath, readying herself in the darkness. "Get ready, we are in the wild," she advised, readying herself as a powerful scream reverberated in the distance, getting closer and closer.

"Anomaly: Human and Covenant signatures are moving in unison to converge on our position. Unknown entities can also be identified in a defensive formation," Pod began, hovering closer to 2B.

Gunfire and flashes of light in the far distance echoed throughout the darkness, and sounds of a battle raging reached both the pod and the android, "Guess we've arrived at a very crucial point," 2B mused, tightening her grip as the blue pillar of light from behind lit them, revealing their outline.

Closer and closer the fighting and scuffling echoed, screams of horror were followed by sounds of ripping flesh. Gunfire was more sporadic and irregular the closer their visitors were, accompanied by the yelling, screaming, and shouts.

A metal floating ball-shaped machine came careening into the chamber. A single blue eye was illuminated on its metallic body. Behind it the familiar large, green armored form, fired a barrage at its back, pushing further into the chamber.

"Master Chief?" 2B made to step forward and make her presence known to the man, "what are-"

From the darkness, strange humanoid-shaped enemies revealed themselves. Limbs made from barbed thorns or bones, their bodies coated and dripping with oozing ooze and viscera, jagged and sharp claws formed on each appendage.

What was once Covenant foot soldiers accompanied the twisted and altered corpses. Also changed, in various states, and in various stages. From Grunts, Jackals, and even Elites, their bodies had been ripped and mangled, torn into new grotesque and unnatural shapes. The half-mangled bodies of their enemies' corpses held together by sinew and viscera, chunks of flesh, or torn bone.

Not paying her any mind, The Master Chief pulled a strange large double-barrel weapon. Leveling its barrel, a rocket screamed towards a humanoid. Blowing it and several other Covenant to bits, and showering the other grotesque, alien, nightmarish creatures with their bodily fluids.

Barrel rotating, another rocket launched. The organic abominations were ripped into pieces. Their inner masses ooze and seep out like pus. Screeches left their broken maws as they continued to claw towards the lone man. Sprinting to 2B's position, strange drone-like machines hovered over the attackers, letting off blasts of concentrated light, searing chunks off the monstrous horde.

Running past, a single command echoed through his external speaker, "Go." his gravelly, deep voice thundered out into the open air and cut through the noise, drowning out everything.

Nodding, 2B's heels pivoted, following him. Bolting behind the large man as he continued to the center of the room and its glowing column. Rounds flew and landed where they stood moments ago, pinging and glancing off the hard floor, some just missing the Master Chief.

Keeping pace to the rear of the large armored man, 2B looked behind. Seeing the figures of those grotesque abominations approaching in greater numbers, shrieking as they scuttled and sprinted to them in their pursuit.

The floor suddenly rumbled and shook as the beam's power and brightness increased, illuminating the whole space. The bottom lurched revealing it to be an elevator as it slowly fell, descending the group.

"The energy barrier surrounding the Index will deactivate when we reach the ground floor." The unknown metallic ball's high-pitched voice buzzed as it joined Master Chief's side, before gazing at the new addition to their party.

"Another Reclaimer? Splendid." It beamed, circling the android. "Greetings. I am the Monitor of Installation 04. I am 343 Guilty Spark."

2B opened her mouth to speak but a scan from the now named Guilty Spark drowned her attempt. Covering herself as if the AI's probing scan could peer beneath her clothing.

"Ah... Not one of my Reclaimers. How fascinating! A synthetic. And what a strange power source, unlike anything on record. Incredible" it gushed in awe. "Oh, it would be most agreeable if you came with us."

"Alert: Foreign AI may prove to be a hazard to our mission and-" Pod was cut off by Spark hovering between it and 2B's faces.

"What a peculiar construct. Perhaps later I can examine your compatriot. There would be much to learn." 2B flinched at the word, her posture becoming rigid and hostile.

"Spark." the deep tone of the green-armored man spoke. Bringing the attention to him.

"Ah my apologies, yes. Of course." Turning toward the lone armored warrior. "My curiosity can wait once we've dealt with the local infestation." Guilty Spark exclaimed cheerfully. The Master Chief grunted.

Gripping tighter on her weapon she gazed at Master Chief and then Spark. Guilty Spark. What was this 'index,' they spoke about, and why hadn't Cortana made herself know? Her brows scrunched beneath her visor in confusion.

The elevator sunk farther into the dark chasm. Lights from their surroundings barely kept them from falling into darkness, the Spartan standing beside 2B was silent before his visor shifted, his gaze now locked with her own, his hands clenching before relaxing. "It's been two days, what happened?" his deep tone hummed as his stare locked on hers.

Two days!? 2B's face contorted and turned, unable to hide the shock from her voice and actions. She stared down at the floor. Body slumping, and arm grasping at the elbow, "I'm still figuring out the answer..." She shook her head. "All I remember is a flash of light and here we were."

Chief stared at her, nodding and seemingly satisfied at least with a brief outline of the happenings, his frame tensed and became rigid, turning from 2B, as the platform drew closer and closer to the bottom.

"Master Chief, those things what were they?" She asked, noting how tense and aware he was, the pistol in his hand now poised and ready for action.

"The Covenant accidentally unleashed an unknown Infestation onto the ring," he responded curtly.

"And what are these things to you? In your vocabulary," the android pressed him.

"Hostiles. Difficult, extremely aggressive, and lethal," He spoke. 2B looked up at where they last saw the organic grotesque nightmares. Wondering about their threat and capabilities.

"The Flood will stop at nothing, not till the universe is devoured," the blue-colored sphere hovered next to Chief, informing 2B with an upbeat tone.

The Flood? 2B tried to absorb and process this. An unknown creature and species. One that ate, altered, and corrupted other living and sentient beings? It all seemed ludicrous. And the casual mention of eating a whole universe also seemed so unlikely. Just what was she thrown into the middle of, and could she and her pod return to her proper timeline?

"Once we've gotten the Index we'll activate the rings defenses, wipe this place clean from their presence, and leave." the Spartan told 2B. His plan to end this conflict seemed rather simple.

With the Master Chief being more talkative than normal 2B realised Cortana hadn't yet emerged or even acknowledged her. Just what was the AI working on? Could she even hear their discussion, or was she devoting her full attention to a project, with a high priority?

"Is Cortana-"

The elevator lurched as the platform reached the ground floor. A heavy clanking sound rang around as its components engaged once again and halted their descent.

The blue beam in the center flickered, and the power faltered, dimming in intensity and shine.

A small floating device materialized before the beam of light, shifting and spinning, the mechanisms inside humming with power.

"You may now retrieve the Index." the Monitor cheered, excitedly, hovering above 2B's head.

Reaching his arm out, The Master Chief raised his hand. Pod shifted forward blocking his grasp from reaching the item. The armored man tensed. Stopping his arm and curling it into a fist.

"Pod? Wha-"

"Human Spartan, it is unwise to trust the alien intelligence," it responded. 2B raised an eyebrow, understanding its hesitation as an unidentified unknown force. However, it seemed they didn't have much of an option right now, if they wanted to end this 'infestation' they were going to need the 'index.'

The Master Chief brushed his knuckle against Pod moving the hovering machine out of the way, "Your concern is noted." his calm, stoic, yet threatening voice rumbled, glaring down at the floating, armed, pod.

Snaking his fingers into the object, he grasped it. Pulling the small, Index from its sheath, he brought it close examining, and scanning the object.

A blue beam from Spark shot out, taking the Index from his grip, "Protocol requires that I take possession of the Index for transport. Your organic form renders you... vulnerable to infection. The Index must not fall into the hands of the Flood before we reach the Control Room and activate the installation."

As it finished, 343 Guilty Spark sounded somewhat, frantic at the thought. Or was 2B simply reading into things and reading too far into it all?

A golden light began to surround each of them. An unseen power wrapping, and folding around the bodies, 2B made a motion to step backward but her leg wasn't able to retreat, as their bodies were all suddenly teleported to somewhere else within the ring.

---

Materializing into another room, Guilty Spark's voice bounced off the walls as 2B's sight focused. The construct was nice enough to answer questions Pod 042 posed.

"...which means that any organism of sufficient mass and cognitive capability is a potential vector."

As he droned on and on. 2B eyed the Spartan in front of her. Gazing around the room as if he were scanning, or expecting someone to be there. But not reacting at all to 343's words.

Also catching his lack of reaction Spark turned, "Is something wrong?"

"No... Nothing." Chief deadpanned.

"Splendid. Shall we?" 343 asked as he led the trio deeper into the strange location.

In the center of the room, a large control console rested and protruded upwards. A holographic display of the whole ring was presented, shining above it. Spark slowly floated toward the terminal, positioning itself, hovering just before the control panel.

"This way please."

The next few moments were all a blur. Moving forward 2B took her post next to the man dressed in armor and the construct known as 343.

The Spartan inserted the 'Index' into the waiting slot. Cortana appeared, the usual blue tint present, as her appearance appeared larger, much larger.

Much to the anger of Spark who proceeded to argue with her, and her back, with equal fire, venom, and determination.

Refusing to let the Master Chief activate the ring's defense system, Cortana insisted and explained that this ring, this Halo was a weapon used to wipe out and eradicate all life. And would eliminate the sentient species across the cosmos. Including humanity, earth, and other sentient beings.

This infestation, the Flood needed food. And what better way to stop and sustain the life form, than to destroy the food source, all life?

It made sense, in an odd twisted, mad sort of way. But was this infestation really that big of a threat?

Retrieving Cortana and inserting her back into his helmet. Guilty Spark ranted on and on. Multiple sentinels soon surrounded the party, all their weapons pointed at 2B, Pod 042, and Master Chief.

Giving the order to save the Master Chief's severed head and not to damage Pod or 2B too severely, Guilty Spark teleported away, the machines surged, their weapons ready to unleash.

Cartwheeling to dodge a barrage of laser shots, 2B made her way for the nearest sentinel, the Master Chief's assault rifle barked loudly overhead, mowing down a sentinel that closed in.

Reaching out, her sword found purchase. Buried into the machine. Another spun, hitting her square in her abdomen. It stung but otherwise, 2B shrugged it off. With her heels spinning around, 2B struck and sliced the flying machine into pieces.

Zooming across and ducking beneath an errant shot Pod 042 avoided the two sentinels that gave chase, seemingly trying to capture the pod, not kill.

Dashing low to the ground, 2B lunged, somersaulting into the air, landing on one of the pursuing flying drones, her weight forcing it downward, planting both her heels onto its metal chassis and propelling herself upwards, the force of her jump sending the machine spiraling downward.

Shields tanking a hit, The Master Chief gunned down a sentinel from point-blank range. With the sentinel 2B had used as a launch pad, crashed down and exploded behind him, as another smashed against the wall.

Slicing the last machine into tiny, fragmented, pieces, 2B hurried towards the armored human. Sheathing her blade as she got closer.

"We can't let the monitor activate Halo."Cortana's voice could be heard through his speakers, as the armored behemoth pressed a button on a nearby control panel opening the doors that led to their exit.

"I have a- Oh 2B it's good to see you, "Cortana finally spoke to the android. "...Pod, not you, you weird hunk of junk." the AI added.

"Construct Cortana, I see you're the same as usual. A tactless personality. Insulting me again. Is this another human trait, or did the individual that programmed you to possess an innate cruelty? Must investigate. To determine the cause."

2B chuckled. At least things between Pod and Cortana seemed intact. That's good, some semblance of normality remained amid the insanity around them.

"Save it for later." Chief bellowed to the two, exiting through the large doors.

Down the massive hall, a pack of Grunts and Elite troops waited, all positioned to attack, barking their orders and sending out an all-out assault against them.

Plasma shots zipped past them. Ducking and moving aside 2B rolled, stopping next to a cover. The Master Chief barreled past, running headlong into the mix, his heavy steps shaking the ground beneath them.

The messy fight only grew in scale and ferocity as more sentinels descended from above. Opening fire on both sides. Their combatants dodged and strafed the laser fire from above.

Grabbing a plasma grenade in its four-fingered claw. A Grunt threw it against 2B, or what the aliens believed was 2B's direction. She was moving so quickly it missed and flew past.

"Victory will be ours!" A charging Elite, howled, plasma rifle spitting as it advanced.

"Nya Nya Nya!" Shouting like spoiled children the grunts, danced, and sprayed anything and anyone within their grasp.

Ripped to shreds by plasma fire a sentinel burst into several different directions. 2B backflipped, arcing past a sentinel that swooped in close to get a lock on the android.

"An explosion of sufficient size should help destabilize the ring and stop its ability to fire," Cortana suggested to Chief, who proceeded to pull a sticky grenade from his inventory.

Lobbing it near the feet of a pair of Grunts. They erupted in a shower of flesh and goo. Body parts and a blue mist settled.

Flipping behind a sentinel, 2B punched her hand into its backside. Forcefully tearing and pulling the flying mechanical robot apart, using her legs and pushing off with force, she flew high in the air, gravity claiming its share as 2B plummeted down, landing and burying her weapon into the skull of the Elites helmet, cutting and carving him in two.

With a savaged sentinel beam the Master Chief downed the remaining Grunts that attempted to flee.

With the area secure, the group took off towards their exit, pods engines revved with energy. Launching behind the running pair, following the familiar man clad in armor.

"Blowing up the ring doesn't sound like an easy task," 2B expressed concern, her heels continuing to pick up speed.

"It isn't, but a starship's fusion reactor should suffice," Cortana commented through the com system. "I'm navigating through the Covenant battlenet to see if I can locate the Pillar of Autumn."

"Pillar of Autumn... That's the ship you all came on? Right?" 2B inquired.

"Affirmative," she responded, then her voice drifted, distant, but still audible."It's pure chaos out here. From the battle reports...

the Flood are everywhere," her voice shifted. Cortana's concern clearly etched into her voice.

Exiting out of the control room, snow gently fell from above. It was a much more peaceful environment that betrayed what was actually happening on the ring, around them.

"Covenant, Flood, Spark's sentinels, and whatever Human stragglers remain, It looks like a battle royale." Cortana huffed, pausing her statement. Her voice clearly showing she didn't relish the idea of setting off a reaction inside the ring's structure while still on it. "I haven't located the Autumn yet but we need to buy time."

2B followed as Chief ran up the pathway.

"Query: If this structure is truly a weapon capable of wiping out all sentient life. Then there must be machinery that allows such a weapon to focus its energies, perhaps, if located we may be able to use it, to disable and depressurize the ring." Pod supplied to the trio, using its sensors to examine the region.

"Took the words right out of my mouth, pod. My analysis suggests we will have a greater chance of disabling the ring if we disable three-phase pulse generators that amplify Halo's signal," Cortana answered."They are close by, according to the ring's schematics."

The sound of distant gunfire both Covenant and Human mingled in the air. Along with the odd scream, or odd shouts. All calling for more blood, carnage, and murder.

"Pod, I'm sending you a data packet detailing the current state of the ring." Cortana instructed, a pause lingered, before she continued, "From Flood concentration, Sentinel locations, the enemy's current movements, as well as potential enemy reinforcement points."

"Acknowledged: Thank you construct Cortana, transferring data. Processing... Done. Such data shall assist, immensely in our task," Pod's voice crackled, its coms systems already in the process of sorting, and compiling the vast amount of information Cortana sent over.

"Look at that he does have some manners, "Cortana's mocking voice played in the group's head.

"Resignation: Construct Cortana's petty, snide remarks can be ignored. Proceeding forward. Once a primary generator has been disabled our systems can shift its focus, and work on finding the correct set of commands to halt this ring's pulse sequence." Pod told everyone, drifting backward, keeping his scanners alert and peeled for any type of danger.

Checking his ammo reserves, Chief clicked a button, pulling a new set of magazines, replacing and inserting the old set of ammo, before unclipping his Assault rifle and moving toward the railing that overlooked the snowy canyon, "Where's the nearest generator," Chief asked. His gruff, deep tone cut through the crisp cold air, as a heavy gust of wind blew past them.

2B walked beside him, holding onto her sheathed weapon, gazing at the whiteness and snowy surroundings. The polar opposite of where she'd woken when this whole mess began.

"Hmm... Marking the generator's location to the group."

Turning to 2B the Chief pointed to their objective, "Keep your eyes open, Halo has a tendency to throw unexpected problems our way,"

2B nodded, acknowledging and digesting this information.

"Assessment: Detection and analysis of sentinel movement patterns can be projected and anticipated. Perhaps, given enough information pod zero four two and unit 2B would be capable of easily predicting the enemy's behavior."

Taking a step toward their objectives, Chief remained silent, scanning his helmet, up the white mountain they would need to ascend. 2B jogged slightly to his left and behind him, staying at his side but also giving them room and a sense of being covered.

"That's certainly a possibility." Cortana humored the floating machine, "But first we- wait."

Their group halted abruptly. Alert and searching for the danger.

"Chief, I'm picking up UNSC transponder signals," Cortana announced.

"Flood?" he queried

"No. Friendlies," She informed, an extra beep coming from her systems." Radio chatter confirms it, let's see what I can find." she responded, tapping into the enemy and friendly forces data streams, pulling valuable info on the signal, in seconds.

"There." she paused, the Master Chief's heads up display zooming in on a remote area not far from the group. "Fireteam Raven," the AI replied, locating, and detecting multiple new allied signatures in their vicinity.

"ODSTs." The Spartan's voice called from the helmet.

"Sounds like they're in trouble," the AI sounded more upbeat than moments ago. "Think we can afford to do a little detouring?" She proposed as a group of sentinels flew overhead toward the marked generators.

"Maybe not," she confessed.

"Our priorities are stopping the Monitor from activating Halo," the Chief laid out for his companion.

Gazing between the Chief and their objective, 2B stepped forward a hand over her chest, "Then allow us to take on this duty, Pod and I will travel to aid the soldiers. Whilst you take care of those generators."

Chief turned to the android, visor staring and analyzing the being beside him. The android stared at the behemoth for a moment before the Spartan gave his approval to their suggestion. "Once we've accomplished our respective tasks we'll rendezvous, good luck."

"I'll let them know help is on the way," Cortana interjected, sending out a beacon and hailing their beleaguered forces.

2B's lips twisted slightly. As she stared up at the large, imposing human warrior, in front of her. Nodding his head, 2B spun and made her way, Pod leading and giving a status of the direction and the data collected on the fire team.

Chief, gripping his Assault Rifle, peered and gazed in the direction of the coordinates. Making his move in his task, hoping for his companions’ success in their efforts.

Chapter Text

As she skidded her heels onto the icy ground. 2B began to slide along the ice path, Pod adjusting its speed and velocity, following suit with 2B."Do be wary of Sentinels, Covenant, and potential Flood ambushes. Who knows what dangers await ahead? Preparing to provide support."

"Yes yes, pod. You don't have to state the obvious," she spoke curtly, snow crunching and rolling underneath her heels and body weight.

Stopping at the top of the hill, 2B leaped high in the air, spinning midair, to land on solid ground, pod slowing, hovering with ease before 2B's resting form.

Snow piled up, stacking higher and higher on both trees, ground, and foliage. Everything was coated in a glistening white, crystal-like shimmer. The sights were something 2B rarely if ever, experienced. But had long ago forgotten how calming and beautiful nature could be.

"How is the Master Chief progressing? Any updates?"

Pod hovered closer to the android. Reading out his data stream. "Status: Currently, the Human Spartan is nearing the first of the three pulse generators. 27073% odds of failure in accomplishing his mission." Pod computed.

"Better hope Cortana doesn't hear you doubting his abilities." 2B reminded.

Pod remained silent for a few moments. Not rising to the bait 2B threw. "Worry: It's doubtful Construct Cortana or her touted counterpart have any sort of receptors to detect the signal that passes between Pod 042 and his Operator. Otherwise a-?"

A bolt of plasma shot out from between some trees, and the loud shriek of its passing resounded. 2B ducking under the blazing green shot. Pod swiftly adjusted itself, evading and maneuvering its small metallic frame out of harm's way.

The buzzing sound of an Elite was heard, yelling in its native tongue, as multiple Grunts and Jackals emerged from behind the foliage. Each one armed to the teeth and firing like there was no tomorrow.

Taking cover, 2B jumped out of the way of another plasma volley. Backflipping as two plasma shots passed over her landing site, as pod proceeded to draw the enemy's fire.

"Watch your footing," the small bot advised. Blasts whizzed and careened. The ground was already burned and charred. Wisps of steam rolled in the snow-strewn air.

Bark and burning branches collapsed. 2B, dashing and rotating in a semicircle. Avoiding and circling behind the forces of the aliens. Plunging her sword deep into the closest grunt's flesh, its comrades scrambling and raising their weapons, all missing, their shots going wide.

Her heel kicked the squishy alien corpse towards them. Its fellow grunts falling with him. Their shots piercing or igniting, his dead husk.

Curses and shrieks of outrage sounded as several elites leveled their weapons toward her. Charging forward, 2B slipped in between their ranged fire. Burrowing and plunging her heel into an Elites helmet. Shattering it, sending bone fragments and brain matter spraying outwards from the point of contact.

"Vermin. Prepare for elimination, by my hand." A Sangheili's voice boomed. His footsteps were heavier than the others who skittered about.

Dodging, sliding, and rolling, 2B watched the projectiles and fire pass her. Several were almost grazing and clipping the android's clothes. 2B, continuing to play and bait the Elites. Taking out the lesser threats with a few swipes.

Locking eyes with the charging elite. 2B gripped her blade. A cocky smirk gracing her soft pale face.

Back against a tree trunk, 2B narrowed her gaze and studied her attacker. Waiting till the Sangheili was upon her. This would be quick, swift, and easy. A simple, clean motion ended this fool with one decisive strike.

A loud roar and a sudden, large metal mass slammed behind the tree 2B had rested her frame against. The crash and snapping of bark exploded loudly, echoing as she rolled away from her former hiding spot.

A large, blue-armored being erupted from the splintered ruins of the massive tree. A massive metal shield with spikes erupted from their backside. A large, lumbering beast with an orange tint of color mixed throughout it.

Huge and possessing some sort of cannon, the juggernaut roared again, its terrifying form raising its weapon, 2B only having a split second to leap out of the way as it fired.

The blast impacting the ground where 2B formerly stood, sending ice and frozen dirt raining down on the area. "What the hell is that thing!?" she coughed, watching the juggernaut turn its armament toward her.

Gunning down a Grunt by her side, Pod took its spot on her left, joining its owner, hovering as the beast unleashed another volley of energy, "Identification: Covenant heavy assault unit, known to units of humanity as-"

"Cut the report." The android spat. "How do you destroy these things?" 2B's frustration leaked and rang from her tone, the volume only growing in strength and intensity as the beast raised its weapon once more.

"This creature is made up of a colony of Lekgolo, or worms. Though extremely tough. If enough of the colony is destroyed and severed from each other, the creature itself will become immobilized. However, Unit 2B, it should be mentioned that these Lekgolo or Hunters, as humans often term them, travel in pai-."

Pod was cut off. 2B, hearing all she needed, dashed out of the Hunter's range. Digging her heels, she used her speed and her small frame to her advantage as she approached the far slower-moving giant.

Ignoring the stray plasma blasts, as Jackals screamed and fired at the approaching android, she dipped, weaved, and twirled. Locking in close to the lumbering, blue behemoth, her blade flashed in the snowy atmosphere.

The Plasma assault cannon was charging; it made a groaning sound as a large burst of green plasma energy blasted outward. Leaping upwards, 2B arced her blade above her. The blast impacting the surrounding area as she soared high, spinning her body in midair, she sliced her blade downward, intent to cut off the cannon arm, her grip firm, the keen edge ready and eager to spill and tear as it reached its target.

Before metal hit metal another green ball of concentrated plasma rushed through the air, hitting the android square in her chest. Knocking her off-kilter and destroying her flight. 2B slammed through several trees and frozen foliage as her body rag-dolled around, crashing through them, making the environment shudder with every direct hit her body collided with.

Tumbling and losing count of how many times the small-framed woman smacked and bounced around the freezing environment, 2B finally, thankfully, stopped. Back hitting hard against one last tree, the final barrier that halted her progress as her vision swam and her vision blurred, 2B grasped the soil in her clenched palm, fingernails digging into the snow and dirt.

Her assailant, another Hunter. Its footsteps felt and shook the earth beneath her. Shambling slowly toward its bond brother.

Regrouping, the Covenant forces gave chase toward their injured and stunned opponent.

Taking deep, gasping breaths. 2B gritted her teeth. The smell of burnt cloth hit her nostrils. The worst of her pain was registered within the recesses of her processor and circuitry.

On her knees, 2B stared ahead, coughing harshly. That damn juggernaut hit harder than her system had expected. It was more of a surprise than anything. One that left her lying on the ground.

Using her sword as leverage, she began pushing herself up. Hearing the footsteps of a Grunt a bit too curious for his own good. Or too stupid to realize the threat present.

His mouth gaped open in curiosity, "Hi- yai," He exclaimed, holding and pointing his gun at the kneeling form of 2B.

A quick swipe to the throat of the foolish alien sent him tumbling over backward, wriggling, clawing, and flailing, grasping and sputtering his last breath as the ground below him became stained a dark, wet blue.

Standing once again, 2B observed the other foes coming in closer. All of them stuck close to the duo of Hunters, who, in their very slow and lumbering way, approached.

"Travel in pairs. Is what this unit was about to tell its operator." Pod chided, hovering beside her.

Rolling her head 2B huffed, "Enough of that. Let's take these bastards out. This time, you find a way to distract the juggernauts for me, whilst I," light enveloping her sword, the blade moved to her back as her Type-3 Fists came to her extended arms, "punch them until they drop, or go limp." 2B informed.

Said pod scanned the Hunters, checking and noting their battle readiness and state of mobility. "Be advised, unit 2B. After one of the Lekgolo pair is taken out, the other will enter a state of berserk. Be careful; their attacks will be significantly enhanced. As will their combat readiness, reflex, and maneuvering skills,"

Hitting her fists together sparks flying and cracking around the gloves. 2B sprinted ahead.

Stunned by the sudden charge. The first few Grunts barely had time to scream. As 2B smashed through their ranks, chunks of bodies, viscera, and gore painted the frosty terrain around the surrounding trees.

Sliding on her right heel, she shifted, allowing herself the space to escape the area as multiple Sentinel beams burned through the space she previously occupied.

Charging to the nearby rocks, 2B quickly dodged more Sentinel lasers. "Alert: Scanners indicate Sentinels and other contacts closing in," her Pod's warning could barely be heard in her ears as she swerved past a bolt of plasma that speared an unfortunate Jackal's skull, its body slumped, armor already starting to melt and bubble from the heated green orb.

While the warning of Sentinels was a bit late, the other signatures Pod spoke of caught her attention. Dashing as quickly as she could, 2B punched through the shield of a Jackal, embedding her fist right through its spine, and ripping it into three different parts.

Backhanding a Grunt she lifted the now dead creature overhead. Spinning around 2B hurled the body like a missile at the oncoming Sentinels, slamming and shattering a few, while others merely dove, avoiding the mass that sailed over their heads.

Skipping left and then backflipping a couple of steps backward as more enemy fire came, 2B ducked behind a rock, peaking out, "More contacts... Like what?" She asked Pod, her tone drifting off into a mutter at the end.

"Statement: Numbers and signals, seem to indicate those life forms are of both Covenant and UNSC. Due to previous encounters, 32024.5% certainty that incoming foes are-"

Guttural screeches erupted and tore throughout the area, some more manic sounding than others. Shots of ballistic and plasma followed, barking and rattling from their firearms. The abominations this ring was created to contain. Had reached their current location.

"Flood," 2B finished.

Rampaging through the foliage were many of the vile creatures. Roars, grunts, snarls, and screeches of many voices and tones filled the frigid air. Some were on the ground, lumbering with their limbs or crawling on their hands and feet. Some leaping from tree to tree. More primitive, like mindless animals, that were hell-bent on reaching and tearing 2B to shreds.

With the presence of the infection, the Sentinels shifted their targeting to the oncoming horrors, a few of the Covenant forces also diverting their sights and attacks. Giving 2B and Pod a reprieve, for the moment.

"Objective: Priority is given to eliminating Flood before dealing with the surrounding Covenant forces."

A twisted body of what appeared to be a Sangheili jumped high above 2B, and a fleshy appendage-like whip flew free, attempting to slash, tear into, and pull 2B. With an agile flip, 2B was under the strange creature, burying her fists into the chest of the mutated Elite. Splitting the torso into two halves, the infected body was thrown across the floor as another swarm of monsters advanced.

Shrieking inhuman roars bounced off the ice walls. Bolts of bright plasma shot out, nearly hitting and singeing 2B. Grappling a nearby tree, she pulled and threw herself higher, barely dodging the flurry of shots.

Jumping once again 2B dove straight for a Jackal. A grunt at its side spun, screaming as the android crashed into the duo, bone, and metal shattered with ease as 2B's weight collided with them, turning her body. 2B landed and tumbled forward. Bouncing to her feet, several more of the twisted abominations encroached on her, lumbering closer.

A large green splash of energy crashed to the ground, melting a good portion of the creatures to mush. Ground shaking and wobbling with every slow, plodding step, the Hunters marched out from between a couple of trees.

Heading directly toward 2B, ignoring the parasite to focus solely on her. A plan and strategy beginning to form, 2B eyed her foes and leaped sideways, barreling a fist into a Jackal's midsection. Dodging the pair of blasts the Hunters fired.

Quickly closing the distance, 2B rocketed upwards her booted heels connecting hard with the behemoth's metal face. Losing balance, the giant rocked back and forth trying to steady its footing as its companion bought its brother time by swatting its heavy shield into the side of the android, blocking with her fists the metal clanged and hit, sliding her along the snowy and slippery floor.

Digging her heels, 2B held strong pushing the immense mass back, opening its guard and leaving it open as the smaller, quicker frame of 2B dodged a swing and charged, hitting the unguarded and unprotected flesh underneath its chest. Her gauntlet sank deep, gouging into the thick mass of worms, as the Hunter roared out, bisected in half by 2B's violent blow, as blood and worms flopped, spilling out, seeping onto the snow-covered earth.

Anguish and a ferocious guttural snarl could be heard from the remaining Juggernaut, berserking at the loss of its other half. Sensing its brother's death, its mighty armored back rose, spikes protruding from it in rage. Charging towards its slayer, the earth quaked, with each giant lumbering step.

With barely enough time to lift her gauntlets the small lithe frame of 2B met with its colossal assault. Her arms and Type-3s met its shield. Slamming, and knocking 2B high and backwards.

Righting herself in the air the remaining Hunter bellowed its cry and fired. Beams of bright hot energy sliced through the atmosphere toward the plummeting figure of 2B, barely giving her time to shift her frame and dodge the balls of lethal plasma, 2B tumbled her legs twirling her form as she gracefully fell, landing just behind her pod who had begun to fire its armaments, catching the foe off guard.

Pod was right about this thing entering a berserk mode. Its firing rate and speed had drastically increased since 2B killed its brother.

Shrugging Pod's attack aside. It roared and grunted, dashing and barrelling, 2B's way. Sending snow flying in its wake, shield held up as the furious giant bore down, ready to smother and crush the puny creature beneath him, not even the Hunter's smaller allies could deter him, nor escape the crosshairs of the rampaging brute.

Unleashing its full might the Lekgolo pushed, squashing a Grunt or two, only missing, 2B as she nimbly slid and weaved past each reckless, wide swing it launched.

Gaining some distance 2B readied herself, an idea formulating in her mind. Waiting till her foe lunged its shield downward, aiming to finish her with a smash to the ground, 2B made to dodge but the sudden weight of multiple infected elites tackling her, stalled and hindered her planned escape.

It would seem the Flood cared not for the small squabble between two hostile forces. Shoving her elbow backward 2B smashed into the body of an infected Elite, making the parasite spasm and convulse from the unexpected hit. Rolling and kicking 2B tried to shake free and scatter her entrapments. But the voracious nature of the parasite seemed more intent, focused, and eager for her body. Clearly unaware of her android nature, or if it knew, just did not care.

Peering up at the juggernaut's impending form, 2B flexed, it be close but she'd be able to shake off the infected and dodge its attack, that much was guaranteed. She just had to-

The bark of ballistic weapon fire resounded, and rapid cracks filled the atmosphere. Bullets tore into the juggernaut's back, piercing and wounding the hive-minded worms.

Passing the trees four black-armored figures, clad in helmets, emerged, running and rushing, aiming and unloading their guns upon the berserking juggernaut.

With the Hunter rearing its head, attempting to protect itself. The nimble android dislodged herself, squirming out of the clutches of the parasites, who screeched, growled, and thrashed trying to cling to her android body. Punching and kneeing an Infected Jackal who latched onto her waist, she rammed a fist into an infected face as another parasite wrapped its arms, trying to crush and constrict her midsection.

Reaching down 2B buried her hands and Type-3's, deep into its bony arms. Pulling them away from her and smacking the beast with its own arms, smashing and crushing any parasite that happened to be too near, before the heavy thud of the Hunter's dead, broken, form shook, and slumped, lifeless onto the floor, joining its fallen comrade in the afterlife

Two of the black armored men ran forward, their helmets, eyes scanning, observing the rest of the area taking cover behind a large stump as a third brought their arm back, flinging and letting go of a grenade.

A burst of yellow light was followed by an explosive pop. And the high-pitched noise of the detonation device sent the mutated and infected creatures flying. Their dismembered and blown apart bodies tumbling and wriggling helplessly.

Shuffling through the snow the final member of this strange team emerged, weapon raised, eye locked, and zeroed onto the small target that was 2B.

"2B? You the friendly?" The helmeted man called out, pausing in his tracks, weapon still up, yet not directly aimed at her, giving her a window to call back, without being shot.

The smell of cooked flesh filled her sensors. "I take it you're the group of soldiers who were hailing us earlier... Raven unit, correct?" She responded, looking around, as the hodgepodge of armies fought one another, their weapons singing the tune of death and murder.

"Affirmative. Cortana mentioned an asset would meet up with our asses, when you didn't show we figured something went sideways." the armored man responded, shouldering his firearm. "Not what I had expected."

A stray plasma grenade detonated a few feet behind her, kicking up snow. Her face was unmoving as she gazed back, observing the chaos all around them. This ring, no not just Halo but the whole universe seemed to be filled to the brim, with such violent hostiles. All wanting to eradicate each other.

Turning back 2B narrowed her gaze at the leader of Fireteam Raven, "What's your objective, why are you here?"

Cupping his weapon he ducked below some low-hanging branches. "We had come, originally to investigate whatever the Covenant had discovered, seems they found this... Flood infestation. Other than that, now we're just trying to get the hell out of Dodge." He pointed toward a distant hill.

"Our Falcon is supposed to pick us up a couple of clicks that way, got a bit of a run." he looked around the group as several rounds of Sentinel fire whizzed by, with no immediate threat, his crew continued to open fire and strike back. "Would appreciate the extra firepower."

Stepping closer 2B assessed each of the four soldiers. Their armor, although similar, had noticeable differences from each other. Hints of a signature color on their shoulder pads and visors, whilst their primary was black. "Understood, let's make haste then,"

"Aye, lets." the apparent leader responded, shouldering his weapon. Turning toward the rest of his companions, he shouted, "Everyone on me, Raven let's go!"

Checking his left and right, the commander of the unit brought his hand down, the gesture being acknowledged and understood by all, as the four ODSTs took off, darting as best they could over, around, and between the mess and melee the hostile groups had become.

Following their lead 2B ran alongside the leader of the Fire team. Dodging several blistering streaks of Sentinel fire, the man gestured to the two ODSTs in front of them, "That's Hudson and Ramos, on your six, is Lang, and I'm Graves, good to meet ya."

The sudden announcement caught 2B off guard for a moment, "I'm, uhm," the Android hesitated, keeping her jog steady and smooth as they crossed a frozen pond, with multiple Elites, Grunts, and Sentinels firing their deadly payload. "I'm 2B, Android," she answered, not sure what else she really could call herself.

The unit halted, crouching beside a boulder as Graves observed their surroundings and enemy positions, his teammates providing cover as needed with short, quick bursts.

"Android..., oh Silva's gonna love this," Graves chuckled. "Alright boys looks like the whole damn neighborhood's come to play." Graves observed aloud. Gesturing, or rather, drawing 2B and Pod's attention to the mix and mash of foes all pouring toward the group of six.

Lifting his Assault Rifle. The rest of the squadron did the same. Their weapons spitting rounds.

The deafening cracks of the bullet's pinged off rocks, sentinel metal, and flesh, the alien voices wailed and growled as a mixture of colors erupted, spread amongst the tree branches and vegetation.

"Cover the Asset," Graves directed his fellow ODSTs. "Lang, take the lead. Hudson, I want you and Ramos laying down cover fire, while me and our new friend give the enemy something to think about."

"Alert: it is unwise for humans to draw so near and expose themselves, especially with no clear defensive structure. It would be recommended that Unit 2B handle dispatching the hostiles." Pod's voice registered clearly despite the noise, his warning directed towards their small squad and to 2B.

The armored troops looked amongst themselves, with one even giving a dry, hearty chuckle at Pod's words, "Ya hear that Lang?"

Lang turned back and smiled behind his visor, the thin blue tint adding another layer of mystery and intrigue to the human inside. "Trying to hold our hands here, robot." His voice rang through their heads, teasing as a few rounds of machine gun fire found their mark, "I've seen worse." he paused, adding emphasis.

"Missy, you and that little robot are about to get a firsthand taste of some ODST action." Ramos chimed with confidence and a hint of pride.

Before 2B could question them, or make any reply back. The soldiers were off, sprinting from their cover, yelling their battle cries and letting loose. A volley of plasma sailed past. Splattering and searing against a tree.

2B sighed and ran after them. “Humans are always this reckless, aren't they?"

"It would appear to be an inherent trait of humanity, yes." 042 noted.

Moving quickly, she focused her attack, first ramming her boot into a charging Elite, sending it airborne, she swiftly spun and slammed a left fist into the skull of the Grunt that had tagged along, his tiny body sent hurling past Ramos and Graves, its squeaks, and shrieks being cut off instantly as the grunts frame tumbled over a group of rocks.

Wasting no time, she continued, throwing her left arm, shielding a Jackal shot with her gauntlet, the beam ricocheting and destroying a nearby sentinel.

Graves fired, dropping three grunts in succession. Ramos and Lang dove into cover, with Hudson covering them as their rifle sparked, and spat as bullets punched and drilled the faces of another trio of Grunts.

"Concentrate on the ones up in the tree line, their not gonna stop shooting when those infected fuckers get on us!" Hudson called, rolling aside. He opened fire with his assault rifle, pouring a hail of bullets onto the advancing alien horde.

"Roger that," Ramos called, peeking around a rock. A series of rounds sailed in, tearing a Grunt up.

Focusing on the largest concentration, 2B moved with practiced efficiency, taking out the major targets. Bouncing the arm of an elite upwards. A swift upper hook. Crunching into the underside of his mandibles, his body flopping helplessly, in the air, blood drooling and spraying through his busted helmet.

Kneeling and hunching her form, 2B sent a savage heel spinning into another elite's chest. Its ribcage audibly snapped and broke underneath her strike, a fine mist of purple spilling outward as its corpse bounced and flopped in the icy terrain.

Landing gracefully, her shoulder dunked a Jackal square in the chest, sending its armored body, crumbling down a small mound. Leaving a trail of blood behind it as the rest of its body, sprawled lifeless in the dirt, coating the snow lavender.

Springing out of cover the group of ODSTs made haste, jogging, hopping, and sliding as they could. Firing shots all the while, picking, and targeting the aliens, a few mutilated corpses flying over their heads as 2B onslaught continued to make short work of any that got too close to her.

"She's pretty light on her feet, this android’s got some cool moves, aye," Ramos said, leaning up against a rock to pop a Jackal in its soft unguarded lower torso.

Hearing his teammate's praise, Hudson shrugged, firing a quick burst at two Elites he saw darting to take cover. "Eh, if I wanted to watch ballet, I'd have stayed home. Besides it's kinda disturbing to see a little frilly fairy, pummeling and bashing aliens to death." He grumbled.

Lang chuckles, as the squad ducks for cover again, and returns fire. "What's the matter Huds," she teased, "Your balls can't handle a girl kicking more alien ass than you can?"

Hudson scoffed and rolled his eyes behind his visor, saying nothing more, only choosing to aim and unload, spraying down a small cluster of grunts and jackals who were grouping, trying to get a fix on their position.

The squad pressed forward, picking a good route. Graves pointed at his HUD display on his shoulder, the rest nodding and taking position. "Look alive, almost there. Lang and Hudson take rearguard. Ram-"

Graves was cut off, mid-order by an orb projected by Pod surrounding the group.

"W-what the!?" Lang exclaimed.

A torrent of plasma fire soared, dissipating harmlessly on contact with Pod's barriers.

"Probability: Calculations showed a 2439.5% chance this particular situation would occur," Pod replied, its orb vanishing from sight. "Lacking the appropriate vocal volume. Pod could not inform the humans." Pod defended.

Grave shook his head. His heavy caliber rounds burst a Jackal's head open, an eruption of skull fragments, brain, and blood splashing onto the nearby foliage. "Eh... No worries little dude. We appreciate the save."

Getting back onto the route, they pressed on. Pod hovered close, offering support and assistance whenever it could, its shields protecting the group's rears and flank.

2B landed in front of the group before jumping again, her form soaring to the side as a group of infected chased and hunted after. Using the tree trunks and the thick of the vegetation to slow their movement.

"Huh, those things aren't paying us much mind," Hudson remarked, moving further away from the dense forest.

Ramos and Lang stepped ahead, leading the rest of Fireteam Raven out of the choke point and forestry.

"You got a point, before we got here it seemed like this... infected, parasites, or whatever. Were hell-bent on taking down every living creature on Halo."Graves's voice filtered over the COMs as the soldiers maneuvered their frames through the snow. "But now..." He looked up, witnessing as a horde of the infected rampaged after and harried 2B.

"Maybe she did something... something that set 'em off," Hudson remarked. His gaze going from his teammate to the leaping android. Who flipped her form with ease over a mutated Jackal. Stomping its frame to mush under her bootheels, she quickly dashed off again, sending another jackal's skull shattering beneath the force of her blow.

The sound of a chopper's blades whirred, and echoed over the battlefield, from a distance a dark speck became visible.

"Our bird’s almost here," Graves shouted over the muddled roar.

Grabbing onto a branch, 2B vaulted her body, high over her enemies. Her mind assessing their formation and strength. The Covenant was scattered and mixed up in the ensuing chaos of the infection and their own firefights. Sentinels seemed to merely follow protocol, or whatever coding or programming they held, and were attempting to wipe clean the hostile elements. Losing many to all groups of fighters in their endless march toward their targets, be they humans, Covenant, or Flood.

Landing on a lower branch, her hand grabbing and clamping to the bark, her lithe frame balanced and ready, 2B crouched, watching as Pod supported the ODSTs’ retreat with his many different weapon systems and applications, tagging and sowing seeds of chaos wherever and whenever it could.

"Status: Estimated 408.272 seconds before retrieval and pickup of Raven Squad," Pod reported. Its scanners followed and observed the distant Falcon as it drew ever closer, its position within a clearing, making the area a prime target for all sides.

Needing to regroup with Graves, and the rest of his men to prepare an evac strategy, 2B readied to leap into action once more. Only to hesitate, as several distorted screams from below her tree alerted the small woman.

Below her was a jumbled and ravaged corpse. A giant spider-like shape. Skin, bones, and various body parts were twisted. Combining to create an ungodly monstrosity. Climbing the trees, stalking its way upward, and leading a group of infected ground forces.

She wasn't flesh and blood like the others, so there was nothing it would want to infect and control. Yet this whole time she noted how the infected would go out of their way, to try and bring down, and swarm her. More so then, what would be logically acceptable?

Moving quickly, 2B shot off the branch and onto another, quickly making her escape, she glanced back and studied its progress, leaping faster than the normal combat forms from branch to branch, she increased her speed. The mindless groans and cries of the monsters still tracking.

Maybe they'd get distracted by whatever Covenant was on the same path, 2B just had to get lost in the madness for long enough to put some distance and lose it.

Barke broke, limbs and foliage snapped, and the sharp shrill of another spidery being crashed into her side mid-air. Driving 2B's lithe body into the snow. 2B turned her fall, tucking and rolling, forcing the infected off of her. Her body was covered by snow, matching her hair color as the android brushed a strand away, and rose, assessing the current situation she found herself in.

Its wide range of long, gangly arms twitched. Like it had too many, and did not know where, how, or which limbs were supposed to operate the creatures. With the speed these things had, they were not an obstacle to be treated lightly.

Switching from her fists to her standard sword. 2B was surprised as the monster began twitching and flailing, its body convulsed, jerking violently around as though it were in pain.

Eyes widening behind her visor, the arachnid spidery thing grew larger. Expanding, its limbs squirming and growing. Limbs connecting into the others. Molding and changing. Turning the creature from a spider to that of an enormous walking heap.

Standing at the same size as the juggernaut Hunters, the flood pile lurched forward. Letting forth a deep, reverberating hiss of air.

Narrowing her gaze at the mutated creature. 2B held a calculating stare, sizing it up and gauging just how tough it'd be, it seemed this thing's new form had traded any quick agility for brute strength and a much larger hitbox, one 2B would be more than happy to oblige and utilize against it.

Bullets from above caused her to flinch. Darting backward, 2B stumbled and twisted out of the way.

Clinging to the trees with their barbed hands, the combat forms made sure she kept her distance. Smart.

Landing by its brethren’s side the original spider monster took a stance, its body quickly mimicking that of its partner. Twisting and curling up into a giant ball, fleshy flaps opened, revealing many sharp and jagged spikes.

There was barely a shift in its posture, no muscle movement that 2B could tell. Yet in the blink of an eye, the beast fired a barrage of spikes her way.

Jumping right, the airborne thorns only narrowly missing.

The hive-minded combat forms followed suit and opened fire on their exposed prey. 2B diving to dodge the oncoming streams, using her smaller frame and agility to avoid their shots.

The giant tank, now used the cover fire of its brethren, with a four-point gait, the parasitic monstrosity dashed, or as best it could.

Hopping up and over a few more trees, 2B twirled her sword in her fingers, blocking a few sharp projectiles from the now-ranged form. She wondered just what other abilities these creatures had. It'd already thrown her for a loop.

Lifting itself back, and lining its remaining spikes, the behemoth, sent another round her way. Several bounced off trees and buried themselves in the ground.

Rolling past the hailstorm. 2B, suddenly spun to her left, dodging the jarring bone tendril one of the combat forms tried to sneak past. Her body zig-zagged from right and left, as multiple, simultaneous, attacks came her way, barbed tentacles trying their best to catch her off guard, the tank form nearing closer and closer to the android’s position.

Slicing and dicing at the barbed limbs as fast as she could manage. 2B severed, and danced her way through the mob of infected. Until one tendril managed to catch her from behind. Attempting to drag her foot from under her, 2B grunted. Pulling her leg causing the infected to fly to her location, before her sword ended its struggle.

Hearing the shift of wood and bark, 2B whirled to face the gigantic Tank. One limb was raised to deal with what would have been a deadly, decisive strike. 2B growled this thing had certainly become a real hassle, she should have taken care of this immediately, it was beginning to interfere, annoy, and hinder her primary objective.

Charging, 2B dug and sunk her heels into the soil. Batting her sword into the thick flesh and boss mass, cleaving a clean vertical slit into the juggernaut's torso. Rotten blood spilled free and coated 2B’s blade, staining the white ice and snow beneath in sickly green.

Tilting her head to the side, the ranged variant stood motionless a few feet away. With a lurching quiver, it rearranged its body, taking up its spider form once more. The odd bunch of shapes, and sizes seeming to huddle close together, reforming and recreating itself into its agile, former self.

Screeching into the cool crisp air the monstrous abomination was soon joined by similar sounds, the grunts, and groans of more spidery entities were joining. Creating an entire unit. Their number more than 2B could count.

As more and more, spiders leaped from tree to tree, hopping, leaping, and flinging their forms in her general direction. Their numbers and coordination alone were a cause for concern. The ability to transform, the sheer, unending amounts of them that arrived. They made this particular breed of infected all the more dangerous.

The distinct sound of propellers filled the air, the small, lone Falcon was coming into the valley, making for pickup.

"Evac: Unit 2B has three hundred seventy-six seconds till evac is no longer an option," Pod informed, scanning and taking shots to deter the Flood and Covenant forces that neared their landing zone.

Running, with the growing swarm of spooky, spider parasites chasing after. 2B eyed up the distance from her present spot, to the evac.

A crowd of Covenant was charging and shooting toward the Falcon. Raven and Pod were grouped and positioned tight together. Staying close to protect each other, taking up their defenses as more enemies closed in on their flanks.

Crouching to gain power and momentum. 2B pushed forward and propelled herself in the air. Arcing over the mob of aliens. Sword extended and primed 2B landed a few feet in front of Raven, her back facing their visors. "I've got it," she whispered. Her blade quickly dealt with the oncoming enemy infantry. Slicing through multiple.

From the back of their line, Grunts screamed, flung upwards, crashing hard into the floor below, their forms squashed, blood flying and spraying upward in small, vibrant eruptions.

Whipping her gaze passed the crowd of Covenant. 2B sighed, watching as a few of the spiders had taken their tank forms again. And were tearing through the army of aliens, and were quickly barreling their way toward the ODSTs and 2B.

"Great, looks like you brought some friends. Anything else we should be worried about?" Hudson spat, shouldering his assault rifle, his weapon fired with the familiar rapid clapping noise as the rest of his squad were firing, covering the other's backs, holding their line firm, Raven was ready for anything, and everything.

"Hudson, shut it and keep your head on the swivel." Grave's voice scolded, The chaos of combatants grew and intensified, the soldiers taking steady measured breaths as the fighting raged. Spreading out in an attempt to stop the Flood, the Sentinels, and the Covenant from reaching them and their evac point.

Slicing an Elite, and driving her elbow into another. 2B took stock and assessed her chances, their position, and her current surroundings. She'd have to take the brunt of it. Fight and keep these things away until Raven was all safe on board that bird.

"Alert: Unit 2B, electromagnetic radiation detected. Similar to both instances that have caused us to travel to this realm."

Light began to shimmer across her pale skin. Her fingertips, hands, and feet all bathed in the beautiful aura.

"No." She whispered, feeling her limbs tingle, feeling them freeze. These humans were tough and capable, but if she'd vanished, and reappeared someplace, the swarm would overwhelm, and destroy them. Right?

Seeing the same shimmering glow, washing across her pod. The android panicked. "Damnit,"

Working faster to cut down the enemy. 2B tried desperately to slash them down to a more manageable, more conquerable level.

Grave's pulled up his assault rifle, punching holes, in the frontline of Covenant. "What's with the light show lady?" his voice yelled over the cacophony and din.

Pushing down an Elite as it attempted to blindside and gut her. 2B frantically moved to her next target, "It's my... Damn!" her eyes darted, watching as another pair of the infected tank forms were fast approaching.

Propellers whirring, the Falcon began to lower. The soldiers grouped around in a circle, with the chopper at the center, the blades caused the snow to stir, and kick up, creating a wall of ice and wind. A much-needed cover for Raven squad as 2B fought off wave upon wave.

Body growing brighter 2B fought harder, hacking, chopping, and slashing at her foes. Sliding, and ducking, slipping and sliding between their ranks and twisting forms. Blood dripping, and coating her body with its slimy wet mess. "No, no, no... they need more time." 2B rushed, gritting her teeth, spinning around as she swept her sword in a full arc, decapitating three Elites in rapid succession, the grunts and jackals watching on in horror, stepping and staggering back a bit in caution at their comrades' deaths. "More time," 2B murmured, as Pod blasted and fired one combat form, before eviscerating its frame apart with multiple micro explosions.

Dashing toward a tank, it reared its massive limb back. The nimble android was ready to break and dice the huge appendage despite the growing light that was bathing across her entire frame. "I'm needed here-"

Sparking electricity shot across her body. 2B's lithe form disappeared before her sword could hit. Vanished. The android and pod were gone without a trace.

Leaving the aliens and infected alike, staring around the empty spot. Then quickly shifted their sights, gazing directly at a Raven, whose own members froze and stared as the sparkle died away.

As if snapping from some trance, the infected all began to renew their attack, some screaming, squealing, roaring, with the android no longer here, the need to consume and spread had returned to the forefront of their minds. The instinct and drive, burning deep into their rotten bodies, unbridled and without restraint.

Reloading his weapon Grave swore, pointing his assault rifle forward. "Alright ladies," he warned the squad. As the flood broke, rushing all forward. "Let's give these bastards a grade A, good old-fashioned ODST ass-kicking," he added, nodding to his teammates.

"Raven, Light it up!" Ramos yelled, charging his weapon to open fire, their voices soon drowned out with the howling wind, and screams of alien aggression, their bullets and weapons unleashing hell onto those who thought they could stop or hunt Raven down.

"2B..."

"...."

"2B?"

A voice... Whose voice was that?

"2B."

Why was someone calling her? Who called for her? Where was she, even?

Opening her eyelids, a haze filled her mind. Mixed messages, nothing made sense, her optical and audio sensors felt numb and muted. The sound was static, muffled. Like someone had draped a blanket, over her processors.

Blurry images and fuzziness filled the frames. Bright light blinding her. White hair and a black visor so much like hers was staring, right back at her.

That face, those lips.

"9S." 2B murmured. Her hand reached forward, as the muddled world became clearer, sharper. 9S's figure solidified in her mind's eye. The slight smile that played at his lips as he grabbed 2B's extended arm, and gently sat her up. His hands firmly resting around her shoulders and back.

"Take it easy, slow." his calming, reassuring tone greeted her senses. "You're safe, it's... over," he added, almost uncertainly. His voice was... shaking. Like he couldn't believe the sight of 2B, sitting, moving, awake. Alive, and well.

The realization struck her like a ton of bricks. She was back... Home? It was real, they were back in their realm. Not the mysterious, bizarre, alternate reality, where the Covenant fought, the Flood spread, and the humans tried to survive it.

Humans... Raven squad, Cortana, and the Master Chief... They'd be alright. Right? They would have survived? Wasn't that their specialty? Survival?

Looking at 9S, 2B sighed. An overwhelming amount of anger and frustration flowed into her systems, coursing through her whole chassis. Anger at the fact she could do nothing but let the humans face the threat alone, even with her help... the odds had looked bleak, insurmountable.

They weren't her humanity but they were a representation. They were there, alive, and needed support and the proper tools, a better edge, and the right warriors to fight the Covenant and contain the Flood. To aid the people of earth, the soldiers. And now she was here, powerless to assist anymore, away and separated from the raging fight.

She wanted to be mad at 9S, scream, and demand why he and his Pod couldn't wait. Just, just a second longer, so that she could have made sure she wasn't leaving her newfound charges to die alone, in the frozen, desolate landscape of a far, and distant ring?

"9S... Why? Did you have to... Pull me away? I needed-" her words, hung, stalled on her tongue, a small, waver to her voice. "I could have done more,"

"Huh? More?" his mouth curled downward, the male android staring down at his partner, confusion, evident in his facial expression.

"I… Never mind," 2B stopped, turning her head aside, she stared off into the distance, gazing up into the dark metal, steel walls. "Thank you." She muttered. The thought, the gratitude to her friend for getting her out of there shouldn't have been pushed and muddled aside. She'd let her anger, and disappointment mar her train of thought, it wasn't like he knew exactly what she was doing there.

"Oh, uh, it's no problem." He shuffled awkwardly, sitting back and forth.

They stayed quiet. Shuffling in place as they stared off at the steel, grey walls and panels.

"Um, well," 9S coughed and began, "Where exactly were you? You and Pod both disappeared... Poof. Just like that, when we tried to establish a connection to you two it showed you, vanished, like... Gone... Lost." He took a shaky breath and added. "When I figured out this base had some kind of teleportation module I went straight away to bring you back."

Her lips remained a firm line. "I see."

2B had no real desire, energy, or care to explain this to 9S. But she supposed, it would probably do her mind and memory file, some good. Some tidbits, and details she had picked up, she and Pod did gather quite a large amount of valuable data from all the alien species they saw.

"Humans..." 2B began.

"Humans?" Nines parroted back, 9S's brows furrowing in concentration. "What... do you mean?

Looking at her fellow Android. "I saw them... Not the ones on the moon, this was another bunch, from an alternate... world, universe, perhaps?" she hummed, watching as his expression twisted, changing from confused to puzzled in a mere second. "They all looked different from one another, had... Different attitudes." She sighed out, standing on wobbly, trembling feet, a hand trailing the walls. "Brave, courageous, yet reckless," her mouth curving upward, just a smidge, "Mental." she finished.

Standing up beside her companion 9S remained speechless, and for once had no ready comment or quip. Only standing by his partner's side, a thin frown stretching across his visage.

"Humans... Are you sure, what you saw, was humans ?" he murmured.

"9S I am certain." She answered, turning to gaze at her friend, giving him a blank, flat stare.

A silent pause was shared between the duo.

"You don't believe me?" she asked.

Shaking his head. 9S snapped his view to meet her eyes. "N-No... Not that... I'm sure you saw what you think were Humans 2B. That's not the issue, " he stated, placing his hand on her shoulder, "Just..." He halted. Looking up toward the ceiling in contemplation, how could he phrase this? "Are you sure you feel, okay 2B?"

Hands on her hips she frowned, staring him straight on, her icy blue eyes behind her visor burrowed into his very core. "What do you mean 9S, I have all of my components, my weapons. My data files are fine, I was not damaged."

Raising his hands he flinched, holding the palm outward, trying to calm the woman, before any wrong words or phrases left his mouth, "I'm just making sure your mind and memories aren't compromised 2B, or anything," 9S suggested gently.

Huffing the woman held herself high, shaking her head. "My processor and memory data are not faulty or broken." She crossed her arms, her hips twisting as her leg stuck out, "We saw, and interacted with them."

We. Pod 042 would have everything logged, wouldn't it? Their excursion, everything, and everyone, she and the floating robot saw and met should still be registered in the pod's memory system.

Looking around the dark room, 2B tried to spot the oddly-shaped thing, only just realizing that he wasn't hovering around her. His oddly soothing, monotone voice was nowhere to be found.

"Pod." She whispered, noticing that 9S' pod was also gone. "9S," her voice was more stern and serious. "9S, where are the Pods ?" her mind flooded with reasons why her own would not be with her.

Shrugging, 9S scratched the back of his head. "Dunno... Kinda disappeared shortly after they scanned and tested you to see if anything was off, said you were stable and that everything else was normal, and proceeded to do who knows what." he sighed, "I was a bit too worried to really notice, or stop them." He offered, looking back toward the hallway, where their units might have wandered off too.

Crossing her arms over her chest 2B nodded, staring off toward where 9S had gazed, "Great." her tone held none of its usual, professional, and controlled calmness, this time, there was clear aggravation, stress, and nervousness in its undertone.

She was curious, intrigued, and concerned at why and how her pod, 042 would have just run off, without her command or prompt. That was something her pod would never do. Not without first voicing or explaining what was going on.

In one of the many dark corridors and hallways that lead deeper, within the inner and forgotten areas, within the abandoned Human bunker. A light, a dim flickering bulb illuminated, washed a faint bit of its warm glow over the vast, dark, dusty, and rundown room, many boxes, metal bins, and storage containers lay strewn about, and littered across the floor, broken glass, old electronics and remnants from humans' forgotten past lay among, scattered, broken and discarded.

"This is Tactical Support Unit Pod 042, assigned to 2B."

"This is Tactical Support Unit Pod 153, assigned to 9S."

Pods 042 and 153 each floated above the metal crates, their units optic scanning, observing their environment and surroundings. The dim light, creating small eerie shadows around and on their units, giving the orbs an ominous, scary appearance.

"Pod 153 to Pod 042. Was it necessary to find an area, far away from both of our assigned androids?" its monotone, feminine, robotic voice spoke through its vocal module. The voice sounded more cautious and hesitant than usual, due to being separated from their assigned Units.

Hesitating as their processors and coding caught up, and assessed their current predicament. Pod 042 bobbed in mid-air, its focus and attention shifting to the other, "Affirmative: Important matters need to be discussed. Proposal: Data transfer should commence immediately."

"Analysis: Could we have not done this while at our androids’ sides, Pod 042?" 153 inquired, tilting its body, “Through a wireless transmission, over an open radio frequency would have sufficed?"

"Pod 042 to Pod 153. Negative... I concluded, in light of the circumstances, it was best, and advised to venture, and journey into a separate room, away from our respective Units." 042 stated, drifting closer to 153 as he finished. "A more human approach."

"Human Approach?" Pod 153 wondered, seeming puzzled by its partner. "Analysis: Very well, data will begin uploading and transmission momentarily." 153 voiced, beginning the necessary transfer and swap, between both units. "Records shall now be backed up and saved."

"Transferring records... Transferring... Complete."

Pod 153 chirped, as it shifted through the data Pod 042 uploaded. Processing and analyzing the events and missions, floating in silence with its cohort as it absorbed all it could and needed.

"Human records compiled and organized: Analysis of information and recorded material processed," Pod 153 recounted. Turning to address Pod 042.

"Pod 042 to Pod 153. This...changes things. Doesn't it?" it hummed, waiting, and hovering before its floating unit ally.

"Pod 153 to Pod 042. Our mission is to oversee Project YoRHa, to prevent the truth from being revealed to the rest of the members, correct?" its optical display was facing 042 now, awaiting its response.

"Confirmation: We are to act accordingly to protect the existence of Project YoRHa," he repeated, slowly beginning to bob, float, and sway back and forth in his typical fashion, the slow back and forth, acting more like an instinct, rather than actual need. "Is what is ordered and intended from us. However... Are we prepared to fulfill our mission parameters...in light of the most recent developments, with what was gained from my visit and exploration with 2B to the Alternate Reality." 042 asked, an unseen brow rising, in concern and slight curiosity.

His statement given 153 stilled its bobbing. As it thought over the scenario, assessing possible actions, responses, and counter-responses with their current information and data, concerning its fellow floating aid.

"Proposal: It would be unwise for me to respond with any haste or an answer right away. Due to the immense amount of information, and scenarios this new knowledge may bring upon us, and the Project, it's best if we return to our partners, assess and wait before a decision, and a course of action can be concluded upon."

"...." 042 muted, seemingly unhappy, the internal mechanics working and clicking together as it continued to bob and flicker.

"Pod 042 to Pod 153. Counter Proposal: Perhaps if Pod 153 visited the Alternate reality and performed her observations, would a final decision, and solution be more apt for the two of us?"

Tilting slightly forward, it bobbed and floated silently beside its sibling companion. Pod 153 quietly churned and simulated various programs, queries, and answers as it came to its decision. "Conclusion: Travel to, and study the other reality, with an in-person investigation, then the two of us can better discuss and prepare, on how, and if we proceed to maintain our mission, or if the information should be kept classified. This option seems prudent, for our current situation."

Silently the two pods stared at each other for a moment, thinking over the decisions, the courses of action that they could or should take.

"So this room was a 'bridge', a way of transporting people from one place to another?" 2B looked around the spacious room, at the metallic floors, and high ceiling, her hands trailing and brushing against a large boxy structure with nozzles that protruded from the top.

"Yeah..." 9S agreed, tracing a finger along some, half-hidden computer console that was protected under dust and spider webs, a thick sheet covering, what would have been a complicated keyboard and screen, an operator's panel, or a workstation. "Though I think the multiversal part was an unforeseen thing?" he shrugged and tapped the keyboard under his digits.

"Did you contact any of the operators while I was absent 9S?" 2B enquired, looking back toward her partner as her foot dug out an overturned seat.

Shuffling around the scattered cables. 9S frowned, stopping his motions mid-step, 9S gazed around the empty control room," Uhh... I kinda didn't want to risk the chance they'd order me to leave, so uh...." 9S nervously rubbed the back of his neck, while fumbling the strands of frayed wiring from under his shoe. "Nope, not really." He answered with a quick pop.

Letting out a breath she was holding inside 2B sighed. Well, she couldn't entirely blame 9S for doing such a thing, he was much more open with his emotions, it wasn't hard to believe how frightened the Scanner had probably been to see his comrade vanishing, gone, without so much a trace or warning.

"Well, we better make contact. This information could be vital, useful, perhaps-"

Floating into the room Pod 153 interrupted, gliding through and hovering beside 9S, who looked as startled as 2B, as his head quickly whipped towards his pod. "Pod, where did you go?" his voice almost shouted, eyeing his floating aid.

Chirping it adjusted its body angle, but kept silent.

"And where's Pod 042?" 2B asked. Walking over to stand beside the male android, her expression carrying the same level of worry as him.

More beeps, and whirs, and the pod did a flip in the air, bouncing once it stopped right in front of the white-haired woman.

"Proposal: 2B and 9S should keep arms and limbs down, and avoid unnecessary movements." 153 commanded.

"... Why is that? Has something happened?" 2B asked, unsure, and baffled with the pod's strange instructions.

"Traversal between dimensions is a very dangerous, and risky thing to perform, often not giving a proper time, date or location on when one arrives, how long and even on where." 042 voice uttered and broadcasted from behind the duo.

"Huh?"

"What!?"

The confused look they both sported was the last thing 042 noticed before the pair of androids and 153 were bathed in the brilliant radiance of white energy. A deafening screech, mixed with a painful roar echoed as the old teleporter sprang to life, crackling, hissing, and humming with power and energy as the small group was sent to an unknown, far-off land.

"Dang, that flash... Ringing, in my ears still." 9S groaned, leaning onto the flat of the metal wall, his other hand shielding his visor.

Shakily pushing her body upright 2B shuffled and coughed, rubbing the side of her head as her world spun, and twirled around her.

Gunshots far off rang in the distance, and the sound of screams and yelling filtered through the buzzing pain and loud noise still causing issues in her processors.

Shaking off his dizziness 9S observed their new surroundings. They were outside... The sun hung high, brightly illuminating, and providing heat and warmth. Skyscrapers rose and touched the heavens, most of them fully intact unlike those they had back home. Their sleek metal frame, windows, and paint glinted and sparkled under the glow.

"Wh-Where... Where are we?" he questioned, the blaring sun was so intense, that the reflection of the large buildings had his head spinning.

"Trilateration from nearby satellites, and known landmarks. Our current location is the UNSC-controlled world, Earth, in the City of New Mombasa." Pod 153’s voice blared from behind the two.

Eyes snapping wide and mouth hanging open 9S fumbled for his words. "W-What!?"

"Explanation: In short, 9S. We have arrived in the alternate realm 2B and Pod 042 visited together."

Twitching and jerking, 2B felt her arms fly in the air, grabbing Pod 153 by the top of its hull. Her icy glare, boring into its hull, "You mean... That was intentional? Pod 153." Her voice rising in frustration and confusion," Why the hell did Pod do that?!"

Stoic as ever the little machine replied, unfazed by its charges’ anger and seething rage. "It was imperative, and necessary that the proper steps were undertaken, to allow further investigations, and explanations of this world, its contents, and the beings that reside in it. It was determined that you should be present." It said, continuing, "Data gathered here may prove advantageous in future battles and operations."

Growling, 9S shared the same frustrations, as he went to lay a comforting, and steady hand on his partner's shoulder.

"And how are we getting back!" 9S interjected, shooting a dirty look at the small pod that floated and hovered in front of him.

"Solution: Pod 042 will reactivate the teleporter within a specific amount of time."

"You're putting a lot of faith into some old faulty junk! It could decide it doesn't feel like working, and leave us stranded here!" 9S yelled, gesturing around the large city, and tall buildings.

"Clarification: No. The necessary calculations were conducted, and the chance of successful transportation is at 99.355% accuracy. Analysis: this unit has 93.45 % total confidence that the teleporter will reactivate and operate, perfectly in a timely, and orderly manner." It answered, unphased by either of their reactions, as it took note of the war-torn environment, and signs of conflict around the city.

9S let out a grumble, a visible frown plastered on his face, and not much else to say to his unit.

Letting out another, almost annoyed breath. 2B tried to shake the slight buzz, from her ears and mind. The only real option right now would be, to explore and get a general feel for the layout of the city, and find a better position, somewhere not so exposed.

More gunfire and sounds of fighting drew 2B’s eyes upward, as the crackling sounds echoed over their position, high up against one of the towering buildings.

"2B, what's going on, are machines invading?" 9S wondered, gripping his sword with anticipation.

Shaking her head 2B stared ahead, watching the shape and figure of a large alien ship, descending towards the city below. Its shadow looming over and darkening everything below and around it.

Massive would have been an understatement for such a hulking ship. Stretching the length of the city skyline itself. The leviathan was slowly, yet methodically moving and cruising down to the human city below.

9S held himself tense. Shoulders stiff, legs locked, and eyes fixed upon the gargantuan structure of metal. Its odd curved architecture and geometric design was something he would be more inquisitive about, were the current circumstances not the way they were. "Aliens?" he whispered, voice sounding lost and afraid.

A breeze flew past them all, as 2B gripped her hilt tight, "Yeah, The Covenant," she murmured, as a torrent of alien ships flew out of its bay, dropping thousands, countless swarms of alien forces, ready, prepared, and eager, to kill, maim, and slaughter the city below.

Chapter Text

Wing-clipped, purple smoke wafting in the air, The Banshee swayed violently, its course uneven and veering. Turbulence jerked its occupant before it crashed straight into the wall of a small building.

Below, crowds of citizens ran and pushed each other out of their way, rushing past, screaming, shrieking, trying their best to flee and save themselves from the attack that descended upon them from the skies.

Stumbling as the banshee impacted. 9S followed after 2B, who shifted through the mass of people, gracefully, skillfully flowing around, and sidestepping the civilians like an artist painting upon a canvas.

Her eyes quickly scanned her immediate area, 2B quickly tried her best to maintain her composure. The massive ship in the sky was alarming enough, but knowing the massive and deadly force that waited inside its hold, had 2B on high alert.

Clearing the wave of evacuating humans. 2B was joined by 9S and Pod 153. The Scanner unit's mouth was parted. His words seemed stuck, his throat not wanting to cooperate with the task of making his voice known. 2B was content to stand, take note of her immediate vicinity, and watch as more ships continued to fill the blue atmosphere above them.

"2B..." 9S pointed at the crowd they had passed; the hundreds, maybe thousands of humans were still rushing and stampeding down, away from the warzone and the city's center. "T-Those were people, right?" He couldn't take his focus off the throng that fled.

"I told you I saw, and met humans 9S," 2B stated, the light breeze, lightly blowing her soft, fluffy, snow-like hair back, "Did you not believe me?" her words came out, a touch softer, curious almost, at why her partner didn't listen, and comprehend her account of meeting humanity.

"N-No...I mean, Yes?" 9S spat out. Watching the humans in utter wonderment, not taking his gaze off the teeming masses of humans, fleeing the aliens, "Y-Yes... I-It's just... It's surreal that I'm actually…that they exist. So many, a-and right there!"

There it was again, the gawking, the staring. He couldn't, his body desperately wanted to follow after the crowd, maybe talk to one, try to establish some kind of communication with them, maybe he could finally-

"9S." 2B grabbed his shoulder, whirling the android to look at her. "Not now," she cautioned, giving him a cold look behind her visor, one he knew not to push, test, or mess with when it came from his partner, "We'll study and explore this place later, right now..." looking off at the large carrier as a flock of Banshees, swooped overhead and out of sight. "Right now, we need to focus on the fight that's coming our way," she ordered, pulling him along, with the two trotting at a faster clip, avoiding any possible waves or crowds of humans that still darted past.

Ducking and weaving away. The android duo exited the row of structures, leaving the protective cover of their overhanging roofs.

A large door separating one district of the city from another blocked their path, caution lights, and turn-around signs flashing their warning to would-be intruders.

"Guess they want to avoid anyone going further into the war zone?" 9S remarked, observing the thick heavy metal barrier that loomed before them.

Nodding. 2B took point, "Then we'll find another path, pod 153: Is there any entrance nearby? Or are we cut off from further progress?"

"Searching." 153 chimed and bobbed in mid-air.

"Hold on, 2B, I'm sure I can hack this terminal and lower the gate," 9S noted, running a finger over the built-in keypad on the large and complex structure.

The sounds of explosions and lasers blared beyond the shutter doors. Cries of combat, mixed with the deep echoing voices of the Covenant.

"Warning: Enemy presence confirmed." 153 relayed and scanned from behind, as it pointed to the east. "Multiple energy signatures confirmed, readout indicates movement is not friendly or UNSC affiliated. Advise caution, and approach with the utmost vigilance, caution."

"Yeah, yeah, give me a sec and I'll-" the android suddenly flinched and recoiled, pulling his arm away.

A small trickle of static traveled along his form, shocking and tingling him.

"H-Hey," 9S murmured. Touching the buttons, and touch-sensitive areas, but was met with the same, brief pulse. "Ow..."

Walking to him 2B and Pod stood at his side. "Having trouble 9S? What seems to be the problem? Can't hack it?"

As the small group chatted away, a camera from one of the nearby traffic lamps rotated its lens, honing its position, its electronic optics trained in on the small cluster of Androids. Zooming and focusing on the two white-haired entities that conversed with the small floating box.

"Of course I can do it," 9S pouted, before shaking his head, dismissing his partner's assumption, "That's not the issue... I... Something's interfering."

The same camera pulled its view, zooming to and focusing on the weapons they each held. Switching and concentrating its image and line of sight, as it monitored 2B's and 9S's hands. A finger and thumb caressing her sheathed weapon, the small lens recording the motions, and aiding a microscopic scanner in mapping out the length and make of 2B's sword.

"Something's interfering?"

"Yeah," 9S confirmed. Gazing up at the sleek, grey, and metallic slab that blocked their path. He stood back up, eyeing the keypad, "Get this, the city is controlled by an artificial intelligence; they have access and full control over all aspects of their city. Including the electricity, systems, computers, etc."

"So... Is this AI protecting their system from foreign infection and infiltration?" 2B mused. Rubbing her chin and resting her hands on her waist, she looked at the still-locked gate, the hum, and the sounds of distant fighting filling the air.

Gazing between the door and her, 9S bit his lower lip, "Oh, but don't worry I'll try to access them myself, bypass that pesky security measure, and—"

A low, whirring buzz, stopped 9S's sentence.

All three of the companions looked up. Their attention grabbed onto the sounds and faint claps of the lock, the automatic and programmed bolts opening the large doors, with the thick panels slowly sliding outward and exposing the wide expanse beyond that awaited them.

"—deal with the door... Okay, okay, cool," the male android uttered, turning to face his ally, "Guess this AI decided to help; no hacking needed," he quipped, smiling and flashing a smirk 2B's way.

Scoffing, 2B's mouth turned upward, just a touch. "Less talking, more walking, 9S, we've got company waiting on us," she commanded, wasting no time to walk forward, motioning and bidding for 9S and Pod 153 to follow, which they did without question.

LED signs that once read caution and stop had now been changed; the color of the lettering was now an ocean blue, and the words 'Keep right’ replaced the previous instructions, giving the small group direction.

Motion lights along the walls, flickering, flashing as the AI sent its subtle message to the androids, ushering them towards the far end of the street.

Chirping and beeping 153 followed next to 9S. "Attention: Local artificial intelligence has sent this unit a data package pertaining to the events currently unfolding. The AI has agreed to direct and aid the androids in fighting and destroying the invading force of the Covenant," 153 spoke.

"Woah, really?" 9S commented, gazing at the pod beside him, “It's not angry or suspicious or questioning what, who we are? That's interesting,"

2B took point as they rounded another corner. Her feet skidded and halted as a covenant ship slowly descended in the middle of the city street; unlike the tuning fork design of the ones found on Halo, this ship seemed more bulbous.

"Worry about that later, 9S," She said, watching as the loading ramp of the Covenant ship dropped and unleashed its occupants to the surface below.

"Wow, 2B... Look at them,"

All Grunts, they mingled and clumped together, hurrying and trotting across the ground. Elites and Jackals fell behind. Snarling and pushing and arguing as the mass of smaller ones began setting up turrets and stations.

"I know I should have expected grotesque, bizarre beings. But talk about expectations being met and exceeded," 9S shuddered and took his stance next to his partner, as the opposing side now seemed to have taken notice, and the little ones had spotted and raised their weapons to aim and fire. "Uhh... I guess those little guys really, REALLY hate us 2B," he voiced.

"Those weapons pack quite a punch, try and limit contact," 2B recommended and spun her blade out, "their weak bodies and slow reaction times make them vulnerable; a slash here or there is an easy win."

Nodding 9S took her words to heart, dashing off as his sword jumped to his fingers.

Letting the smaller units and their guns fill the street with fire. The Elites ordered and directed, standing tall, watching as their grunts aimed, the little gray and brown piggish monsters firing at the androids who sprinted, zigzagged their way through the road, avoiding and narrowly missing the glowing green fire.

"This plasma fire is intense!" 9S ducked, dodging two shots.

"Mounted plasma turrets are being deployed, Unit 9S," 153 relaid to her Android.

"Lovely... Just lovely," he replied sarcastically, sliding over the hood of a derelict and abandoned vehicle, the alien ordnance peppering the metal skin, scorching holes, and burning away at the paint.

"Cut the chatter 9S, focus on cutting the enemy!" 2B barked. Feinting right, 2B evaded a cluster of needles. Kicking a Jackal back, she gripped his ankle, slamming and cracking its head across the pavement.

"One of the big ones is charging," 9S muttered and saw an Elite Major. His red armor and intimidating design sent a shiver down 9S's synthetic spine.

"Strike when ready, 9S, you are faster; take the offensive!" 2B commanded, ramming and side-kicking one Grunt as his grenade detonated, creating a cluster of fireworks and screams.

Nodding, 9S clicked his tongue, charging at the towering enemy and spinning, his feet light and agile. His blade flashed and lashed out in a blur. Cutting and hacking away at the Elite's thick skin.

Feeling and registering the new sensation and impact upon its front, the Elite twisted, letting out an angry holler.

His sword flashed in the sunlight. Readjusting, 9S spun and went low. Bringing his hilt forward to slice into the Elite's ankle tendons, a large spurt of bright, warm liquid, gushed out. Staining his blade with the vivid, purple substance.

Collapsing onto its knee, the Elite screeched, swiping out with its hands, hoping and praying, to inflict some damage upon the android, but its target was far too agile and elusive.

Bringing his blade high 9S finished the job. Ending its suffering as its body collapsed and hit the concrete hard.

Turning, 9S could hear his companion's exertion as she thrust her blade into every Jackal, Grunt, and Elite who dared come close. Blood stained her lithe and lean frame, and purple spots and patches lined her pristine white and black ensemble. "You uh, don't need my help, do you?"

Punting a Jackal into the Grunt manning the turret. 2B leaped, her left leg thrusting straight through the neck and shoulders of an Elite minor, killing the large brute instantly, his neck cracking and bones popping as the android finished her destruction. Landing, a soft puff of dust formed under her heel as she righted herself and her sword, facing her comrade. "Perhaps, you need mine?" she proposed, nodding to him with a tilt of her head.

Smirking, 9S walked past a dead, mangled grunt's corpse and made his way toward her, his footsteps echoing and clapping across the deserted street. "Can't lie," his blade dropped low and came across his chest in a resting manner. "You certainly look like you're having a bit of fun 2B." He voiced with a hint of amusement.

"This isn't a vacation, 9S," she reprimanded, her head angling, looking off at the downed jackals, "seems like they were trying to set up defensive emplacements."

Nodding, the android duo shifted around the disabled defenses and gazed up, finding anti-air rounds painting the sky with bright streaks of fire, illuminating their surroundings. "No doubt the Covenant are landing throughout the whole city." 9S conjectured, observing and watching the sky as more ships roared overhead, and more turrets spat and peppered their way toward the enemy aircraft.

"Then we better hurry along and rendezvous with other friendly forces." 2B spoke firmly, "We'll take out any defensive setups along the way," her head nodding, turning to face 9S, "sticking together is the most effective way for the two of us to clear the area," 2B advised, starting and running past her friend, toward the next intersection that lay ahead.

Keeping up with the powerful stride of his superior 9S trudged alongside her, keeping a steady pace and lookout on both their sixes. "Sounds good, 2B," he remarked, slowing as his attention was grabbed, distracted, as more billboards and electronic messages flashed across the skyscraper walls, a flood of English text and symbols, replacing and overriding whatever commercial advertisement once had been displayed.

"Keep right."

The repeating flashing words beckoned, the many lines of bright, bold letters and characters, "Guess the city AI wants us to go that way?" 2B wondered.

Shrugging 9S held a lax expression. "It hasn't steered us wrong yet, we should follow its advice."

Agreeing with his proposition. 2B sidled up with him and began strutting, her legs pushing onward with the directions displayed. "Then we go right, stay with me," she said, and in a brisk run, the trio, led by the small holographic instructions and phrases, headed deeper into the sprawling urban landscape.

The New Mombasa AI had proven to be very helpful in their fight against the Covenant invasion. In no less than an hour, the AI had assisted them greatly in uncovering numerous hostile encampments. Using the thousands of cameras around the city and communicating its findings to 2B and 9S through 153, who would pass on the information for them to pursue, investigate, and eliminate.

Putting his boot on a large, dead, charred Elite Minor 9S yanked his stuck sword free, a small wet squelch sounding as he stumbled back and caught himself.

2B flicked her blade, watching as blood, purple blood flew in several directions before spattering across the ground. "Looks like we are done with this group," 2B claimed, watching 9S wipe and clean his weapon, ridding the stained steel of the liquids that marred it.

"Yeesh..." he sighed, his eyes fixed upon the many bodies, and bodies of the Covenant aliens that littered their surroundings, "These numbers make me think we're dealing with machines and not aliens, they're throwing wave after wave into our faces," he complained.

Having been led to the city's docks and waterfront, 2B surveyed the scene. Water separated New Mombasa and the older sections of the city, with a large bridge connecting the two. Large amounts of destroyed UNSC Pelican dropships lay scattered, strewn, and cast upon the bay and boardwalks. The huge hulking Covenant carrier hung in the skyline next to the towering orbital elevator that reached towards the heavens and sky.

"Man... We've been gazing at that all day, but it's hard not to keep staring at that huge thing." 9S pointed out, eyeing the lift in wonder, "To think humans had the capabilities to make such a structure, the talent, and power. Incredible," he commented, walking through a pile of bodies.

Grunting, 2B swept the bay one last time, satisfied when no other threats popped out or jumped their location, she started after her android partner, who had gotten farther and farther away from her position."Humanity is full of surprises," she quipped, staying with 9S, close in range to cover for his shortcomings should anything pop out and ambush him.

"That's an understatement..." 9S brushed a hand through his hair, feeling the frills, and silky, soft strands of white caress his skin. "These humans... I always knew their intellect and knowledge were leagues above machines but... Seeing their architecture, buildings, ships, and transports... I was not expecting the kind of wonders humanity has brought forth, and just how much effort, passion, and... drive, and force, is packed behind each item, each wonder created."

Crossing her arms, 2B sighed at 9S's enthusiasm, she kept listening, though the explanations were tiring and repetitive at times when dealing with her Scanner, "Don't you think you're laying it on a tad thick 9S," her foot skidding, and shifting her weight so her momentum brought her to stand at the end of the broken, battered and beaten-down boardwalk.

"Sorry," he bashfully apologized, rubbing and scratching his neck, his eyes trailing across the broken Pelican that had been torn and ripped apart. "Just think about it! What more can they accomplish, what our Humanity can do once we've reclaimed our Earth, and repaired the damage, the fighting done!" He turned and stopped, glancing toward her, "Things will be fantastic, can you imagine 2B!" he cheered.

Standing tall 2B felt her mouth frown, looking toward the bridge miles ahead, "Yeah... Our Humanity..." 2B murmured, her mind clouding over, drifting off as thoughts and possibilities flickered.

The more 2B thought about the two different realities, the two distinct groups of Humanity that lived their own lives, and experienced so many differences. The more 2B wondered just how similar or different both groups truly were. 

A thudding crash, a sudden but loud sound of metal clanking, echoed, drawing both androids and Pod 153's focus onto the bridge as a large four-legged armored walking mech stomped across.

"What the...?" 9S pointed, gawking at the new foe; its strange, unique body, design, and purpose had 9S at a loss, "is- is that a transport mech, a military mech, or what?"

"Alert: the superintendent has given us coordinates to our next objective," 153 relayed, its synthetic voice pulling both 9S and 2B away from gazing and looking at the Covenant vehicle.

Gesturing over the body of water, 2B waved, pointing a finger at the imposing armored machine, its stride strong, its steps controlled and steady. "I think I can guess where our friend wants us."

Stepping next to 2B, 9S nodded, keeping his mouth in a flat line, lips downturned, "Right." he spoke curtly, his jaw rigid and locked, his stance serious.

Without another word, they followed Pod out of the small bay, across the cracked and damaged roads, as the four-legged monstrosity trudged onward. Its steps and motions leaving 9S silent, in awe of such a crafty and articulate piece of engineering.

"If it follows the bridge and doesn't detour, we'll probably meet it somewhere deeper in the city," 2B explained.

Following his partner, 9S sighed, "Well, if we're fast enough, maybe we can cut it off before it reaches whatever target it's after."

Sprinting down an alleyway. 2B gazed ahead, past the interconnecting roads, past the sea of craters, potholes, and destruction caused by the massive invasion force, her eyes picking out a gleam of metal, moving in the distance. Ducking back into cover 2B grabbed the scuff of 9S' collar, tugging him just as he exited out of the alleyway.

"Umph!" 9S grunted. Tripping and smashing into the alley wall just as a purple beam flew past where he had just been standing only a moment prior.

"Snipers. Two of them," 2B whispered to him, "On the balcony to our right." She quietly relayed.

Cringing at his stumble, and his cheeks gaining color, 9S huffed, his irritation dwindling quickly as he cleared his throat," Well uh," he tapped the concrete floor, "Good thing I have you 2B." He murmured, holding a soft smile to his companion.

Smiling, if ever so slightly, 2B pulled her blade out, preparing for an assault, “You should learn to focus and not be so absentminded; you'll live longer 9S, try and remember that."

Holding a sheepish grin, 9S lowered his head," Yeeaaahh, sorry sorry," he smiled again before quickly shifting his mood back to focus. "So... Do we find a different route or...?"

Taking a runner's stance, 2B felt her smirk appear," I prefer the direct approach. Just focus, and don't lose track of your surroundings," she finished, before shooting out into the open.

Two purple beams crackled and fired as 2B weaved through the intense crossfire. Jumping and sliding toward an overturned car. Landing behind the derelict husk, a clanging of metal rang, a hissing, and splintering of glass as one beam grazed overhead.

Resting her head back on the broken frame. 2B exhaled a breath, looking back over the alley's exit, finding 9S waiting next to the wall’s cover, awaiting orders.

Halting him with a raised palm 2B's eyes roamed, analyzing, watching, and carefully observing the surroundings and structures that littered her immediate vicinity. These snipers... she gritted her teeth, they were highly skilled. They had already adapted and noticed her presence in only a matter of seconds.

Squawks and clicks sounded across the other buildings. The two sharpshooters called out to each other and communicated. The sound of smaller marching footsteps was heard.

Grunts. Many Grunts had been dispatched and sent towards her position. 2B gripped her blade tight, trying to flush her out with numbers, she understood their logic, even approved, but she would not lose.

Knowing the snipers were zeroed in on her. 2B waited, hearing the grunts close in. Their high-pitched chattering and murmuring echoed through the rubble.

Looking over at 9S's spot, their gazes met. His face was stern, set, and determined. He nodded, stepping out, and running forward.

Hearing the surprised yelps from the Grunts. 2B darted from behind her cover. Narrowly dodging the first beam. Twisting her body, ducking and sliding across the ruined roads, she gripped one Grunt from its face, its body unable to scream, and beg for mercy as she blocked the second beam with its body and hurled the small corpse right at the Jackal, throwing the sniper off balance, 2B bolted, hurling herself forward.

Tensing the alien warrior spun and reared back, firing from its waist.

Beam zooming by. 2B somersaulted into the air, the gap between her and the jackal, now nonexistent. Swooping her blade, with the downward strike, slicing the sniper down the center and creating a shower of purple.

With no time to spare, 2B turned, the other sniper already aimed at 9S, who was in the middle of dispatching its small squad of subordinate grunts.

There wasn't enough time for her to intercept and catch 9S; no amount of speed would see her blade reach the Jackal before the trigger was pulled.

That fact didn't stop her from trying. Legs propelling, she was off. Blade tightly in her hand as she willed the cold steel to reach, reach far enough to be in time.

She wouldn't lose. Not like this, not now.

Beam rifle aimed squarely at 9S chest, the Jackal steadied his arm. Just a slight adjustment and his target would be dead, all he needed was to complete the task and pull the—

An echoing bang echoed. The Jackal's head exploded.

For a split second, it was still upright. Then gravity took hold, and it dropped lifelessly from the balcony, with the rifle crashing down as the Jackal's body hit the road.

Landing on a ruined balcony, her feet touching the concrete. 2B looked up, a bullet trail leading to a familiar dropship that floated high above.

Finishing up with the grunts and unaware of what had just transpired 9S pivoted, holding his sword out, at his side, but still poised, his defensive stance at the ready for anything," Yo 2B." he huffed, panting for a bit, "all clear," he held a lopsided smile before taking in the dropship above them,” oh! Huh?" 9S was surprised, then just curious, as the vessel slowly descended, the sound of engines whining, before coming to a gentle touchdown on the empty side street.

Jumping down from her perch 2B holstered her blade and stood next to the other android, both the pod and 9S directing their full focus on the recently landed ship.

Disembarking from its rear doors. Combat boots stomping and clomping against the street. Sniper rifle in hand. Sgt Sergeant Major Avery Johnson stood tall. Taking note of the bodies, the destroyed road, and the colorful scene in front of him.

"You know when Cortana sent me on a wild goose chase looking for you two, I wasn't buying what she was selling, but damned if that ain't what we got," he proclaimed, strolling across the debris, passing the blood pools and corpses. "You still kick ass, as good as I remember," Johnson commented, coming to a stop near them.

"Nice to see you haven't forgotten me, Sargent." 2B chipped in.

"You're not easy to forget girlie." He remarked, rubbing the side of his tired, stubble face, "trust me,"

"It's... been some time," 2B admitted. Although it was more of a question, than a statement.

Lowering his hand, the Marine ran a gaze up and down her frame. His head tilted a little, and his mouth screwed a bit before opening, "About a month or so?" the human commented, glancing down at 9S for a moment. "...It's felt longer with everything we got goin' on here..." he droned out the last bit. Shifting and adjusting the long barrel of his rifle, holding it and letting its butt rest on the ground.

Watching the exchange, 9S gathered himself, taking note, and finally comprehending that someone was, in fact, conversing with the white-haired woman, 9S stepped next to 2B. His expression was flabbergasted, almost confused, and stunned, looking as if the Sgt were some sort of movie star.

Up until now, he'd only seen panicked humans or dead ones. Seeing a soldier talking to 2B with no hostility or sense of fear in his voice and gaze, it was shocking, and totally out of 9S' comprehension."I- Uh-ummm..."

"You mentioned Cortana, so I assume others made it off the Halo and safely evacuated?" 2B enquired. Gazing behind Johnson she scanned around the empty area, noting the Covenant was quiet. No ships or large movement, most likely licking their wounds and making plans to regroup for a larger offensive strike.

Mulling over the events for a moment. The older man simply shook his head. "Yeah." nodding to her, "We weren't the only ones. A few others got their ticket off of Halo too." He answered, gruffly, his eyes moving to the shorter companion next to her.

"Who's this scrawny guy?" the Marine asked, pointing a free finger at the smaller, shorter Android. "Your brother or something?"

"Hey, I take offense to that." 9S swiftly added, puffing his cheek out, in annoyance. "Who are you calling scrawny?"

Avery just raised an eyebrow, a ghost of a smile lingering on the old warrior's mouth."Don't sweat the small stuff kid, I didn't mean nothing personal," he casually tossed a small grin, the older man having noticed the sass and pomp the white-haired Android held, "You just need to pack on a couple of pounds, get that growth spurt," the man went on.

Huffing, a bit annoyed, and still not convinced that he should brush off what the soldier said. 9S relented. Poking his chin out and defiantly crossed his arms, not realizing that, to someone as battle-hardened and experienced as Johnson, it looked like a toddler stomping their foot because they had to share with their sibling.

"I'm 9S, and no, 2B isn't my sibling, we're... Friends, Partners!"

Rolling his shoulders, a small laugh came from Johnson, "Yeah, yeah, okay, kid," he went on. "You as good at killing covie bastards like 2B over there?"

"Definitely!" 9S spat out immediately.

"He can hold his own, for the most part," 2B injected, drawing the small, albeit minuscule attention of 9S, as he grumbled under his breath, before making himself straight again, looking ready, serious.

Snorting and turning on his heel, Johnson began walking back to his transport, waving them to follow along, "Well, get in, boys and girls, we've got aliens to kill, and you're joining in the fun," he grinned.

Boots crunching against the gravel. 2B fell into step right at the man's back. "We were planning on intercepting that armored vehicle that was heading deeper into the city. Any word on its whereabouts Sargeant?"

Entering his bird, the Sergeant grabbed onto the machine gun mounted on the back. His hand checked its chamber and ammo before he answered."The Scarab? Well, it just so happens your mission overlaps with mine."

"Oh?" 2B wondered as Pod 153 flew inside.

Patting his gun lovingly Johnson flashed an excited toothy smirk her way, his eyes moving on 9S's form, who had already entered the ship.

Twirling around in the ship's troop bay, 9S marveled at the interior and space. A man-made construct, a transport built with Humanity in mind. Everything was different, everything from the designs to the arrangement. Even down to the minute things that could easily be overlooked or ignored, it all made him want to investigate and dig deeper into everything and find out how and why everything was the way they were.

Foot bumping into the boot of a marine, 9S had realized his constant twirling, and excited gazing had moved him toward the middle of the bay. "Oops. Sorry about that!" 9S spouted, rubbing his hair, the other marines not giving him a second thought as he awkwardly stepped back, next to 2B, with Johnson near the gunner stand, at the back ramp.

"Corporal, get this bird up, and move us after those Covvies," he barked.

The sensation of excitement and dizziness swarmed and clouded 9S's thoughts. An uncontrollable emotion and a sudden euphoria as the hum of the engine blared through the interior, the ship swaying, rising, and shifting as it propelled, its hull swooping up and gaining height.

Despite large areas of the city up in flames and shambles, the sight of the various bridges and skyscrapers was a delight, with their tall and mighty spires piercing through the clouds. And the aerial views, the feel, and the sway of the craft, flying and cruising over the various winding streets, 9S realized he had a large, contagious smile plastered to his face.

"Ow." 9S winced, his mouth crinkling a touch as a swift, and sharp jab dug into his ribs.

"Quit your gawking," 2B ordered, holding a flat frown at him. Her head directed to Johnson who was preoccupied, watching the view of the city fly past.

Puffing his cheeks out in annoyance, 9S sighed. Wiping his face, his smile disappearing in an instant," How am I supposed to calm down 2B? Everything, literally everything I look at, has the power and capability of capturing my full attention!" 9S reasoned, his palms gesturing toward the view, his smile finding itself back on his mouth."Can you honestly blame me?!"

Glancing at him and then at the sights. 2B acknowledged that the city was interesting, the towering, mostly pristine buildings and the neatly paved and constructed roads. The waterway, and canals of New Mombasa. The subtle beauty, the stark contrasts to her world, was indeed an entertaining diversion, an experience to behold. "Perhaps," was all she replied, leaving him grumbling and quietly standing next to her.

Turbulence, most likely caused by enemy ordinance, jarred and shook the interior. 2B managed to stay balanced as the small ship rocked.

"We're right above the Scarab Sarge!" the pilot's voice relayed to the troops on board.

Pulling back the bolt handle of the machine gun. Johnson growled, looking down at the hulking behemoth trudging its way past and along a water canal below.

"Sargent, 9S and I can drop and board the enemy walker. This will allow us to destroy the turrets and weaponry from the inside." 2B advised, her body readying as the transport hovered and slowed, giving Johnson a wide view of the target.

Averting his gaze from the enemy machine, and to the duo. He shook his head. "We're Plan B," the marine explained, reaching and gripping a cigar stuck in his pocket."Plan A is already deployed and giving that metal heap a piece of his mind," a flick of the lighter, his cigar glowed a dim orange. "Corporal! Make sure that Covvie piece of shit doesn't shoot us down!"

The pilot shouted an affirmative and pulled their ship off, further to the side, keeping a wide berth but making sure their transport could make use of its turrets.

"Plan A?" 2B queried, raising her head, "Who is this unit?"

Inhaling his stogie. The Sargent gestured forward. Pulling the cigar out, and spitting to his left, "Who do you think?"

At his words, the Scarab abruptly came to a complete standstill. Explosions erupted along its chassis, bright blue bursts of light flickering across its structure, lighting it up in a fiery mess. Its heavy limbs shifted, the mechanical joints dropped, its form shaking the earth around it.

"Showoff.." Johnson grumbled, his comment ignored by 2B and 9S, their attention completely on the gigantic enemy machine, as it staggered. Flailing and collapsing. With its limbs falling, and jutting in different directions.

"Take us down for extraction." The sergeant ordered, breathing smoke, watching his cigar burn before shifting, and catching 9S eye, who didn't tear his gaze from the walking alien fortress that had collapsed in the canal, "Tough bastards on the outside but they're all squishy on the inside, especially the control bridge. Just find one of them hatches, pop 'em open, and bam. Boom, done deal."

"Sir, contacts are retreating to the Carrier," the pilot warned,

Nodding, Sergeant Johnson moved up to the cockpit. Leaving 9S and 2B to their own devices as the craft quickly flew down to the Scarabs wreckage. A familiar green armored figure stepped out of the burning mass.

"...Chief."

2B murmured. 9S eyes quickly found the huge human. Walking away from the destroyed Scarabs' ruins the Master Chief watched the remaining Covenant ships fly off, returning to their command vessel.

Alarms within the Pelican suddenly blared, echoing through the cabin. The pair of Androids turning. They moved to join Sergeant Johnson up front.

"Johnson what's going on!?" 2B shouted, her arm shooting out to balance and steady as the bird lowered faster than normal and hurriedly.

"That Covenant carrier is going to jump inside the city." The man spoke. His palm motioned toward the Covenant ship in the distance as it moved, purple energy gathering and coursing along its length, the air rippling as a warping static buildup, illuminated and flaked. "Chief, get on board. Now!" Johnson shouted through the comms."

Looking between each other then down towards the Chief. 9S observed as the titan of a human jumped, landing on the boarding ramp, just as it closed.

Swaying from his weight the dropship shuddered. Its engines hummed and screeched with effort as the pilot adjusted the course of the aircraft and took off, ascending to the hangar bay of the In Amber Clad.

"Jump? What's he mean jump?" 9S added as he gazed through the front window. Eyeing the Covenant capital ship as it prepared to leave.

Adjusting to his full height the Spartan scanned over the Androids before setting his golden visor on 2B's form.

The bubbly, if not a bit sassy, tone from Cortana picked up through the helmet's external microphone. "Slipspace ruptures. That's their ride out." She reported the blue image of the AI suddenly appearing on Chief's outstretched hand, as her projection solidified, now sporting a different look than the last time 2B saw her, "Did you miss me? Ah, who cares," She joked. Her attention was solely on 2B; the friendly, chipper AI almost looked a bit excited, "You just keep popping up at the best possible times; nice to see you, 2B," she smiled, giggling a touch.

Smirking slightly 2B leaned down a little, her eyes softening underneath her visor, almost warming as they both spoke,

"Glad to see you made it out unharmed, Cortana," she murmured, her lips tugging a tiny bit. Taking note of the Master Chief's new armor and helmet, he looked completely different, compared to before, although his overall demeanor remained unchanged. "You as well," she added.

Grinning and placing her hands on her hip Cortana gazed at the other android and pod, "And you've brought friends with you this time, 2B; hopefully, they're not like Pod 042, who's more of a party pooper than anything."

With a million questions flooding his mind, 9S's focus went from Cortana to the Chief and then to the Pelicans' pilot who maneuvered their vessel to the hangar door of the In Amber Clad, "T-This is all so-"

"I hate to break the chatter, but we've got to move fast, people." Johnson injected, "We've been given the green light to jump after them."

No sooner had the words left the man's mouth when a sickening lurch was felt throughout the In Amber Clad, the light frigate surging forward to join the Covenant carrier inside the Slipspace rupture.

"Guess we're continuing to help the humans again..." 9S spoke, not hiding his interest or his curious excitement. His mind was already churning out possibilities and plans as 2B sighed and shook her head a bit.

"We don't really have a choice," She looked over her shoulder where Pod 153 bobbed and floated, its optical focusing and honing on her frame, "Isn't that right 153?"

"...."

The small, rectangular device continued in its quietness. Although its camera shifted, glancing toward 9S and then the Master Chief, who both regarded the Pod in turn.

Pondering over the silence 2B tried again.

"153?" she called.

Cortana's image blinked and flickered, a slight frown forming, her hand going over her ear pantomiming someone talking to her. "Wait." She stopped 2B's next comment, "My sensors are picking up an energy spike."

"The slipspace?" Chief asked.

"Yeah," She said before gasping a tad, “Wait no. I've picked up this signature before, electromagnetic radiation." flashing through her matrix as she rapidly searched,

"On Halo, whenever 2B would transpo-"

"Attention:" Pod 153 interrupted.

Everyone, even the Chief, looked at the floating synthetic companion as she floated in place, staring ahead.

"Allotted time for data collection complete, transportation to original dimension in process, ETA unknown, bracing for transport,"

The second those words were uttered. A white light began to envelop the pair of androids and Pod.

"Transport commencing-"

"Hold up!" the sarge stepped in, pointing and shouting, but 2B couldn't hear him. Their surroundings blurred as the sound was snuffed out by the buzzing white glow.

A path was set. Two universes had their story written long ago. However, It only takes one misplaced stone to turn an avalanche, one deviated outcome to open a new line of probability.

Perhaps if two androids never found the long-forgotten research lab. Perhaps if their pods hadn't gathered the necessary data to attempt something that seemed utterly and truly insane.

If those events never came to pass. Everything and everyone would be continuing on their set paths of life. Nothing out of the ordinary would occur. The wheels of fate would continue to grind onward.

But alas, that is not the case.

The slip space rupture flashed, and its endpoint changed. One which none had the foresight to comprehend.

Not Cortana.

Not the crew of In Amber Clad.

Not even the Prophet of Regret and those on board the Solemn Penance had any idea as their ship vanished through the anomaly of space and time.

In a world where lies and machines hold power. Gods long thought dead have returned, to a world not their own.

Destiny and reality twist and mingle in ways beyond anyone's understanding. And those on their proper paths had now found themselves lost...

Chapter Text

The Bunker

Hands behind her back, Commander White observed the large monitor in front of her. Eyes studying the map as reports scrolled across its screen.

Her brow raised at a few of them.

"Commander. I apologize for the interruption." a voice broke through the woman's thoughts.

Looking to her right, White noticed an Operator model at her side, data pad clutched tightly.

"Continue," she ordered, waving a hand to encourage the other android, who glanced over her pad, trying not to fidget, and getting her words straight.

"Odd anomalies of radiation spikes have been detected throughout the planet; though their origin cannot be determined, scans are continuing." the Operator detailed, watching White closely as she absorbed the information, "It's steadily growing higher in intensity, and in the recent five minutes, the intensity has doubled, with no end in sight."

"Says here it's occurring in the Asia-Pacific region as well." The commander commented.

"Correct, Ma'am."

Tilting her head, White wondered, what was causing such odd energy readings to flare up out of nowhere. It couldn't have just come from nowhere.

A handful of androids were stationed within those locations. Notable ones were Anemone's Resistance, Devola and Popola, and lastly... 2B and 9S, last she remembered.

"Try to locate the origin, and gather as much detail on it. Contact our personnel and have them keep a watch out." White instructed, her mouth frowning a bit, and a tinge of uneasiness settling inside her chest.

"Yes commander, I will have everything compiled by—"

Sirens blared throughout the command room, causing several androids and staff to look up from their posts and computers.

"Commander!" an android yelled, waving her hands, trying to get her leader's attention. "Radiation spikes just jumped, ten-fold!"

Pivoting to the large map of the world. Her eyes widened at what she was witnessing.

"Just... what the hell is happening." Commander White exclaimed, as multiple red-colored alert notifications lit up across their global map, a wave of unease spread among those witnessing the display.

UNSC In Amber Clad

Alerts flashing, Inertia rocking all those on the ship's bridge. In Amber Clad barreled forward. Bulkhead's shook and trembled, strained beyond capacity. Engines faltering.

Engaging auxiliary power. Commander Keys shook her head, a headache and ringing had formed. "What happened!?" the commander cried out, rubbing her temples."We had slipstream, then-" she frowned, struggling to remember.

Looking toward her ship's navigator, Remi. "One of our engine cores has lost propulsion." He stated, running another diagnostic, "Slipspace drive is completely offline. Possibly damaged, can't confirm at the moment, ma'am,"

"Scans show we're orbiting Mars, ma'am." Another officer inputted, adding to the conversation. "Still some unknown disturbances, not sure what's caused the systems to fail like this."

"Get our engines back online," The commander barked. Watching as her bridge crew followed and began obeying her orders. "Communications and sensors as well!"

"Ma'am. No sign of the Solemn Penance." An ensign murmured. Fingers working fast, relaying and accessing the available, viable information from their systems.

Banging on her console, the screen flashed and distorted a few times, images scrambled and cut off.

"Dammit... Cortana, what the hell is going on?" she growled.

Silence filled the empty air. Not a sound or notification answered the woman, just a dead and hollow void.

"Cortana? Status report! now!"

More quiet greeted her.

"Ma'am head count shows Sergeant Johnson's bird is not docked." Her lieutenant commander spoke, filling the awkward silence, as everyone kept at their jobs.

"Acknowledged, we'll rendezvous with them once we regain engines." Commander Keys bit her tongue as another headache surged. Shifting in her chair, and glancing over the bridge, the Commander sighed. "Have engineering look at everything." she waved her hand towards their view screen and sensors, "Figure out why our equipment is screwing up. Work out why our ship dropped in the middle of our solar system."

"I want this fixed now!"

Nodding and barking orders and demands. Her crew scurried about, gathering and focusing on the task at hand.

Lapsing into silence Commander Keys watched her men and women do their duties, the siren alarms turned off, lights restored. Although the calm and still state didn't help soothe the worrisome thoughts or put her at ease.

Unknown Forest

Muffled voices stirred, and the edges and layers of disorientation faded away as The Master Chief struggled to move his form as he roused from unconsciousness.

Trees and overgrowth stood tall. Blocking out the sunlight that tried to filter through the dense canopy that swayed overhead.

Slowly his view of the greenery changed and shifted as something dragged him through the dirt and bushes. The voices and words grew in volume and clarity, but the Chief could not distinguish or register whose they were.

Not too many things could drag the hulking bulk of him anywhere. But whatever he was being hauled by possessed great strength and momentum as they kept up a decent pace.

With a firm grip on his ankle, the figure hauled him along, focusing on its conversation and not on the individual who had gained awareness.

Assuming hostile intent, Chief fought off the dizziness that assaulted him. Flexing and struggling, his boot suddenly gained a bit of leeway from the vice hold; quickly taking advantage of the chance, Chief kip upped into a crouch, reaching his Battle Rifle in seconds and aiming it squarely at his supposed assailant.

A large brown rusted robot. A model and design he wasn't familiar with. The giant mechanical hand that once grasped him was frozen, held up with a curled grip. Its eyes glowed a vibrant green in the dusky forest. The trees around them suddenly went still and eerily silent.

Cowering, the machine shielded itself with its arms, a robotic cry leaving the hunk of junk. "Please don't shoot!" it begged, their voice quivering and frightened.

"Easy cowboy. "Cortana's voice suddenly popped through his helmet," You don't wanna scare this poor tin can too much."

Realizing the voices he had heard conversing had belonged to Cortana and this odd and bulky automaton, the Chief glanced at the frightened, shivering bot.

Slowly standing, he reeled back, confused but allowing his weapon to rest in his hands. His muscles uncoiled a tad but stayed battle-ready as he processed her statement. "Explain." He ordered.

Shimmering into his sight, her figure stood on top of his open palm, leaning back in an overdramatic, seductive manner. The AI smirked, as usual."Ah, the old masterful communication skills, gotta love it." she laughed as his gaze went down and stayed fixed on her digital frame, "Chief, meet Pascal," she gestured over her shoulder with an outstretched arm," Pascal. Meet Chief."

Slowly unfolding and revealing their optics. The rusty robot finally looked up as the Spartan stood silently."U-umm..." it trailed off, blinking, and processing the large figure before him," Yes, Hello." they nervously tittered, rising to their full height, a foot taller than Chief." You, uh," clearing their throat with a series of robotic crackles, "Must be, err, confused right now."

Standing calmly the Chief looked at the strange being as it kept talking.

"Yes... Well... "they shuffled in place, kicking a small stone out from under their feet and averting their gaze, looking unsure, as their head twisted in several directions.

Rolling her eyes and smiling at the behavior. Cortana looked back at the silent chief, " What Pascal is trying, very badly at, might I add." The robot drooped and looked away." There was a bright light, he went to investigate, and then boom, there we were." she paused a moment, and shrugged, "Kidnapping ensued."

"Wha? n- no...no!" the robot stuttered," Well, yes, in a way. You were out cold, and I thought my village would help you," he waved an arm at their surrounding, "They're nice like that, a bit afraid, but kind and accommodating..."

"Your village," Chief voiced.

Gleaming a touch and regaining their composure. Pascal bobbed their heads in agreement. "Why yes! You'll see in a moment. It's not far," he nodded down the path." Oh! Come and visit, but uhh," they tapped their digits together, "M-maybe make yourself, err- appear a bit smaller," he quietly suggested.

Cortana smirked. "Don't worry, Chief here is just a big cuddle bear, he'd never hurt any of his friends."

Bolstered, and gaining confidence, Pascal beamed at the other AI," Very good, excellent. " the machine turned, leading the duo deeper through the brush."A friendly YoRHa android like you is always welcome in the village!"

"YoRHa..." the Chief voiced quietly, as he glanced down, meeting Cortana's eye, disappearing back into his chip.

"That's the group 2B, and that other android are in."

Following the large robot down the beaten road Chief and Cortana engaged in quiet conversation.

"What happened back in New Mombasa?" Chief pondered, his stride uninterrupted and without hesitation.

Humming thoughtfully. Cortana's voice slowly filled the interior of the Master Chief's helmet, "I have my theories." she simply voiced," Data is limited, and even I need some time to work and run calculations."

"Where exactly are we?"

"That I can answer." She quipped," This is Earth. Well, not the same one as home, but an Earth. Japan to be exact."

"...Japan." Chief parroted, unsure.

"I connected to the nearest satellite, and using its trajectory, and location, I confirmed what country we're in." her words had a touch of her sass, "Although the geographical terrain and weather are drastically different," she went on.

Filing away the info, the Chief asked another question, "Johnson, In Amber Clad?"

"Not present,” Cortana bluntly explained, her voice pensive,” Although I've picked up faint IFF signals," she added.

Gazing at the clunky back of their robot guide. Chief examined the chassis and materials they were composed of. Their shell was layered with paint chips and chunks of rust. Its movements were somewhat stiff and infrequent. With a lumbering gait, the machine plowed along, at least having the courtesy to stay on the worn path.

"And this thing...Pascal?

"From what I gathered, "Cortana shifted a bit, "Pascal is friendly, maybe a bit jumpy. I was worried when he found you knocked out, but surprisingly, he didn't raise a fist or shoot; we chatted a bit and said he'd take us somewhere safe."

Taking in her words. The Spartan followed and watched the robotic machine with mild interest."Keep your guard up." He warned, receiving a small laugh from Cortana.

"As always, Chief," She reassured.

Grunting in reply, the Chief fell quiet, taking in their environment, observing. His surroundings weren't entirely alien, just different and not too dissimilar to what would be found on Earth and her colonies.

The sounds of the forest, the soft crackling leaves. The smell of morning dew, the cool gentle wind, brushing and blowing.

"I should also mention YoRHa forces are on high alert." Cortana warned, breaking his quiet moment, "Radar is lit up, signals and coms are bursting. Reports are going in all directions."

"They know we're here?"

"Maybe." the AI speculated, "I think it has something to do with our Slipspace trip." she admitted, " They have unknown, unidentifiable readings popping up across their network."

"You haven't confirmed what they know?" Chief asked, eyeing Pascal, who talked and mumbled to himself.

"As much as I would love to dig into their systems," Cortana murmured, and Chief knew she was giving him a sweet and suggestive smile, "I didn't want to poke and prod just yet and cause unwanted attention."

"Rare self-restraint."

"Hey now! Don't you start." Cortana shot back, although there was no real bite to her voice.

With no follow-up comment, Cortana changed the subject and began rambling on about more facts, their location, and possible objectives.

Eventually, the trio breached the woods and approached a large tree with small metal houses built around it. A rather curious sight if one hadn't come across Pascal first.

Small mechanical figures that were similar to their guide stood, sat, and walked among the village's wooden structures and walkways. Some stared or gazed in the direction of the stranger, but for the most part, none seemed to regard him or his presence.

"Welcome to Machine Village." Pascal welcomed, sweeping and presenting the area for his new companion, "What do you think?" he queried, expecting praise or amazement as Chief had taken a cursory sweep.

Cortana's voice coming over the suit speaker answered for the Chief, "It's nice, peaceful," she remarked, genuinely interested in the small area.

"Thank you! Yes, we tend and keep to ourselves. So nothing too flashy and bright is here. We wish to live in the quiet. Away from the constant strife,"

Nodding silently the Chief still gazed around. Bits and pieces of conversation carried up toward the group as they entered further into the town. Pascal gave a few waves toward the machines who would politely wave or greet back.

Machine Village wasn't much, but it did have a rather nostalgic feeling, a comfortable vibe, as Pascal described its architecture and how it was constructed.

Sensing Chief's thoughts and his lack of response. Cortana cut in with a few compliments as the trio stopped in the center of town, near a makeshift platform.

"I'll introduce you to everyone." Pascal motioned over his shoulder and towards the trunk of the colossal tree." We don't get many guests!"

"Cortana..." Chief's low tone filtered inside his helmet so that only his AI could hear him as their robot friend faced them both.

"Uhh... Pascal, while we'd love to see and meet everyone..." she sheepishly replied.

"Oh?" he looked, perplexed. His optics blinking rapidly at the reluctance of his new visitor,

"We would. Honestly! But," she sounded apologetic, "We need to locate some friends first. "If it's not too much trouble."She hastily added, "Do you think you could point us in the general direction of, say, other androids?"

Shuffling in place. Pascal waved their hands a little.

"A-ahh well," he began nervously," “Well... Yes," Pascal nodded, gazing out of the corner of his optic, "That I can do. But I was hoping your, err- friend, could help us?

"Hmm?"

"Just a small favor, really!" he sputtered, stepping in closer, "It's...kind of the reason I brought you here." he fidgeted with his fingers, clanging a touch, "You look so capable! and tough," he praised.

Falling quiet the Master Chief looked into the distance of their surroundings. "Favor." he gruffly stated." What favor,”

Looking him up and down. Pascal nodded once, "You see one of our own has gone missing," He shared, "She's a curious girl, loves to explore," he waved a hand dismissively, "This happens often."

"Oh no," Cortana frowned, her voice carrying a deep sadness, "Can you describe what this child looks like."

Turning off his audio input. Chief spoke with his suit's AI, "What are you doing, Cortana?"

"Come on. We can see a bit more of the surroundings. Learn about these machines,” she proposed, her tone convincing, "Plus, if you help out, there's a good chance, we'll earn some favors from a potential new ally."

Pausing to think on the options at hand, the Chief eyed the town and machines, as some stared his way."Alright," he consented, "But once the job is finished-"

"We'll look for any signs of In Amber Clad."She cut off. Already aware of and expecting his demand.

"-And she has a pink bow," he heard Pascal say, Cortana returning and picking up their conversation as if the silent exchange with Chief hadn't happened, "she might be deeper in the forest, so that's where you should start."

Nodding at the taller robot, Chief departed from the small village and set off into the thick woodland, back along the beaten path they'd used.

Solemn Penance - Pacific Ocean

"These inactions speak of heretical cowardice and apostasy, Shipmaster." The High Prophet of Regret scolded.

Inside the bridge of the Solemn Penance, Rhul 'Salmutee clenched his lower mandibles. Seething and silently cursing as Regret continued his admonishment, uninterrupted and at his leisure. "Shipmaster, answer me." the regal, spiritual leader urged.

"The Huragok's are hard at work," 'Salmutee responded, "but the anomaly caused significant damage," He re-explained, "The ship's engines were overwhelmed and disabled by the sheer energy force unleashed from the disruption, which took us on a tangential path through slipspace."

Sighing, and adjusting his robe. Regret pondered and wondered, "These events should never have transpired. Your lack of foresight and obvious weakness led to our ship being subjected to unknown powers." the prophet looked down upon his Shipmaster, gazing and scowling as if they were dirt upon the ground.

Giving the spiritual ruler no acknowledgment. 'Salmutee only gritted his jaw tight, trying to keep his rising rage contained and under wraps, "We will assess the damages and make the necessary repairs to the engines as soon as possible, esteemed one." he bowed low, making his submission known.

Nodding at him in contempt. The prophet gave the lowly Sangheili a command, "As we're stranded on this parallel realm. Prepare scouting parties," Regret held out an open palm, "No doubt that human ship has been misplaced alongside ours."

"As the holy one decrees." 'Salmutee muttered.

Shifting in his floating throne, and setting himself in a comfortable pose. Regret waved his hand, ushering his honor guard to escort him out of the bridge; his duty now was to maintain his pious image and act as a bastion of hope and salvation to his warriors.

Watching their exiting forms. 'Salmutee let his eyes linger and roam over his command and crew.

"Varu," he called, making one white armored Sangheili, a Commander, step forth, breaking and leaving the small huddle at his side.

"Shipmaster?"

"How many Brutes do we still have onboard?"

Bowing his head slightly, the Sangheili thought on his feet, running numbers, and recounting. "No more than a few dozen, Shipmaster. Many stayed in the human city when we abandoned their world," he replied.

Humming thoughtfully, 'Salmutee studied the display screen. Taking in the topological views of their surrounding planet, scanning and observing their hostile terrain.

"The remaining Jiralhanae will now serve under your command. Ready Phantoms and strike teams and send them out." He began, turning his sights to Varu who stiffened at the gaze, "The closest land mass should be within a tolerable distance."

"It will be done, Shipmaster."

Waving off his underling. Rhul stood at his post, studying the topographical map. Thoughts lingering on the truth.

Their holy war and crusade had met an obstacle and unseen problem, a massive issue. One which he'd need to remedy quickly if his honor were to be upheld.

Unknown Desert

Nose buried into the desert sand, wing clipped and destroyed beyond repair. The Pelican was rendered immobile and stranded.

Two marines carried a few crates full of ammunition and supplies. The pilot and copilot were busy adjusting a radio antenna in their hopes of getting a signal and transmission out.

Cigar in his mouth, Johnson swirled the stogie around, eyeing the downed Pelican. He sighed deeply, smoke slowly billowing from his mouth. Turning around, the Sergeant spotted his other men over the crest of a sandy dune.

"What'd you find?" He asked, meeting the weary group that had returned from scouting.

The group of four, looking beat, hot, and irritated, shared and huddled in together. One spoke, leading his small group. "Sand, sir. Sand, lots and lots of damn sand." he pointed a thumb over his shoulder, indicating and motioning at the massive desert that they currently resided and occupied.

"And city ruins, but those are miles away," another marine inputted.

Johnson gave a small groan as he tapped his foot, looking displeased. "Shit." was his response. "Fucking sand."

"Ain't it nice, Sarge?" the first grunt scoffed.

Scoffing a little the Marine nodded, giving his attention back to the pilots," You got anything to say!?"He hollered.

Shaking his head the pilot stepped up," No contact, no relay or signal, not a goddam thing." He wiped his brow, "Those androids weren't lying, everything is fucked. This planet's satellite network is utter shit."

Hands on his hips. Johnson frowned, the cigar moving about from his fidgeting. He turned to face his soldiers before noticing the pair of androids and their pods exiting the entrance hatch of the underground bunker.

"About time you came out."

Taking note of the humans. 2B dipped her chin in the slightest notion. "Have you been able to contact your allies?" She enquired.

"So far, no dice," he relayed, taking his cigar and pointing it at the floating device following her, "Your floating shoe boxes sure mucked things up for all of us."

With the human's eyes on him, the smaller pod came forward, its optical lens studying the sarge and the other two androids."Apology: It was not this unit's intent to cause such an accident to occur; this pod simply followed the agreed-upon instructions it had been given." Pod 042 confessed, its electronic, almost bland voice relaying.

Snorting and blowing smoke Johnson scoffed, "Why do I not buy that," he droned, "I don't like coincidences." he was giving both units a hard look now.

Crossing her arms, 2B hummed in thought," If it would clear your minds. Ask any questions, we have nothing to hide,"

Pursing his lips. Johnson stood silently. Gaze holding an accusing glare directed at 2B and 9S, "...I'm not worried about you two; I'm more concerned about those two there." he gestured with his chin towards Pod 042, and 153, "My gut tells me they're hiding something, and we don't know if that something is good or bad."

2B watched the two pods for a moment. Pod 042 tilts its frame downwards in a cowed posture. It did not attempt to comment or move away, "Pod 042? Anything more you can share that can explain our situation." the woman inquired.

Pivoting its frame. Pod 042 searched and gave a negative response, "Analyzing: Conclusion: There is nothing to offer or say regarding this debacle," it announced, "The current predicament we now find ourselves in was due to unforeseen and unexplained events."

"And I thought O.N.I were bad liars," Johnson remarked.

Gathering his rifle closer. A marine sighed. "Then we're stuck on some fucked up Earth in the middle of fuck nowhere."

"Great! How did we-"

"Cut the chatter," the sergeant cut the whining and groaning man short. Pointing his cigar at the underground bunker, "That's where whatever caused this mess started, right?" He quizzed the two.

"Affirmative." 042 nodded."There is an underground facility built into this world, an ancient research center. Where the transfer between dimensions took place."

"Hell then fire it back up!" A marine quipped, stepping forward," Can't it be used to get us back home."

With 2B shaking her head, 9S gazed off in the distance at the sun rising over the vast flat horizon.

"The blowback from our entrance caused its own backlash." 042 started. "Its core and engines were crippled. Power supplies are drained and beyond use. Any attempt to reactivate it is pointless."

"Crippled not completely busted?" Johnson questioned.

With an affirmative hum, Pod 153 acknowledged the marine. "It is merely nonoperational, due to lack of sufficient power."

Gripping his firearm. The older man rested his weapon at his waist and scanned his small squad of marines. Their faces held looks of doubt, and in his long tenure in the military, the veteran knew what needed to happen.

"Alright listen up, kiddos." The Marines watched and waited for his words to take the field and grow their interest. "We're a long way from Kansas. At least, the one I know of," he tapped the sand underfoot, as his eyes drifted. "We've got our ruby shoes and yellow brick road," gesturing to the abandoned research complex behind him."But we're short a Good Witch, and our Tin Man's missing."

9S frowned a bit, not knowing or comprehending any references Johnson used. 2B just raised an eyebrow, as even some marines were in the same state of confusion." Sir, is there a point to this story you're telling," the girl questioned.

"Can it Dorothy," he growled.

Raising a hand and gently touching 2B's arm. 9S softly uttered, "Best let him talk, 2B."

Looking over her shoulder at her shorter partner. 2B tilted her chin to the side before deciding to leave matters as they were. "Very well," was her response as she turned and eyed their surroundings.

Focusing on the two pilots. Johnson grunted."Doyle, Aguilar. Gather most of our supplies and head into the complex," he motioned his arm towards the entrance, "Go down, find a secure room or area, then fortify. Keep trying to contact Commander Keyes,"

"Yes, sir." Doyle and Aguilar moved past Johnson. Their boots sank against the sand as they opened the heavy door and slipped past and inside the research compound.

Eyeing the other six marines, Johnson cocked his head towards the desert."The rest of you pack light and with plenty of water. We're heading to those ruins to scope out the area. I wanna know what exactly we're dealing with," he finished.

Giving their orders, the small team set about the task at hand. Making quick work of removing any unnecessary and cumbersome pieces of gear and replacing them with water canisters.

Taking one last hit from his cigar and exhaling a grey puff. Sergeant Johnson threw the stogie down, crushing it beneath his boot.

His hand raised to his brow, shielding and squinting as he gazed into the open sandy wastelands, "You androids receive any word from your higher-ups?"

"Negative." 9S frowned, "We received a short alert indicating strange events, but after a few minutes, our long-distance radios went silent. I think our arrival is disrupting communications."

"Figures." Johnson gruffed.

"There's a camp past the city ruins," 2B advised the sarge, his men looking to her, "Friendlies reside there, they may hold the information and insight that we require."

"All right, Marines," he spoke as his squad regrouped, "It looks like we're walking," the sarge took point. Steadily trudging across and up a large dune, "9S, fill me in on what to expect," he ordered.

Smiling the young android looked eager to answer the human, running to catch up and meet his pace, "W-well, sir. The location is held by androids from the resistance, so I'd say expect a warm welcome. It's the machines you have to..."

Watching them, 2B looked at her pod who hovered beside her, its frame level and unmoving."Pod you didn't intend this to happen, did you?"

042 shook and swayed slightly."...Negative: This is a result of unforeseen events and calculation errors on my part: Therefore, no action or event can be held accountable."

Hesitating at his statement, she glanced over to the humans, who steadily made progress, and 9S chatting and talking at length to the men. Deciding to press onwards, she dropped the matter and followed them across the hot sand.” Let's get moving, Pod," she commanded.

"Of course." It bobbed. Floating after 2B the android quickly caught up to the marines.

Unknown Forest 

Clutching an exposed tree root tightly. The Master Chief pulled himself up and over a ravine, leaping forward and onto an elevated ledge.

Coming to a stand, he shifted, standing on a rock slab protruding and resting in the middle of the woods.

Birds squawking and flying off at his sudden arrival and disturbance. The canopy above them shook and shuddered. Damp fog, cloudy and rolling along the forest floor. A thick morning mist crawled about his armored boots.

"You know Pascal and his machine friends have some interesting files. They're quite the observers and documenters."

Ignoring his helmet's built-in voice comm, the Chief surveyed, looking through the dense trees. Eyes studying the dimness of the forest. "What happened to that earlier self-restraint" he uttered back.

"Yeah well, they didn't notice." Her voice seemed to smile and hint, as his audio picked up a bit of playful, subtle seduction,” Besides, they aren't human affiliated, I wanted to be ready in case they acted aggressively."

Moving through the greenery. His movements were quiet and gentle. The Chief adjusted his grip on his rifle. Eyes scanning, darting, taking in their surroundings, and checking the dirt floor, "And? Anything useful."

"Definitely," her tone shifted a touch. Curious and interested, "For starters, despite their appearance, their firewalls and cyber defenses are pretty up to date. Nothing too difficult but certainly not what I was expecting,"

Taking a moment. Chief moved and followed an unusual and trampled pathway of upturned soil and grass. "The machines from Pascal's village seem to be a splinter faction, wanting peace with androids and humanity alike if what 2B said on the ring was accurate these machines go against their natural programming,"

Filing that info away for later, he shifted, ducking underneath an overhang of bushes. His weight barely disturbed the dried leaves or moss as he traveled deeper into the heart of the woods, "So are their other splintered factions," he murmured, spotting a bush rustling.

Looks like," she agreed, and an uneasy feeling brewed in his gut, "Pascal has on record two known groups, one located in an amusement park, and another here in this forest."

A moose startled and charged out of the bush, taking off, bounding away. "Hostile?"Chief inquired.

"Hmm. Looks like it varies per group; the Forest Kingdom Machines, as they've dubbed themselves, seem to not like outsiders."

Not commenting or adding. Chief rounded a massive tree. Approaching an old stone brick path, decrepit and falling apart from lack of maintenance and usage, his steps ceased.

"What caused these machines to split from their main faction," Chief asked, reaching for a piece of wall, which crumbled apart under his touch, he pushed further, observing the way and manner the stone collapsed.

"Hard to tell, with data only from Pascal's pacifist group. But," his companion hummed as he crouched and touched the remnants of the collapsed wall, studying its fragility, "It's almost like one day they awoke, realized their way of thinking was different, and left to find other similar units to form a society with."

Standing, Chief began following the broken, ancient path. Ignoring the dead silence around them. Listening and picking up his companion's continued discussion.

"Something tells me the other Machines here have similar origins to Pascal's little band of misfits," she stated, his HUD flickered as movement from a nearby bush caught his eye.

Glancing sideways, Chief readied his weapon and lowered himself a touch. "Contact," he voiced.

Quiet and shy, a pink ribbon bounced and moved. Out of the thick foliage. Emerging in a low posture, with a curious gaze came the strange, hulking form of a machine.

Similar in height to the Spartan, the female Machine stood there, gazing at them. Eyes of soft green twinkled and flashed as it took them in.

"Well, that was easy."Cortana voiced, "Hello Miss. Are you lost?"

Straightening the giant robot looked a tad taken aback at Cortana addressing her. Stammering a bit, robotic sniffles and twitches filled the air. Her entire being shaking, rattled, "Um.. y-yes.." she spoke, voice sounding gentle, young, and innocent.

"I'll let you handle this, Cortana." Chief relaxed, shifting in his posture, returning his rifle to his back.

Stepping forward, Chief let his AI speak through his suit's external speaker system. "We were sent from your village. They want to ensure you're safe and sound," she told the frightened and dazed child.

"O-oh! The others!" she clapped her hands, "Sister!" her voice grew more eager and excited, "Home!" she nearly shouted, "I want to go home!"

"You should come with us then," Cortana replied, seeing the odd behavior from this machine. It appeared confused and disoriented."Easy. Your village is not far, and we don't want any harm to come to you." she was trying to be a bit reassuring and calming.

Nodding furiously the machine stood taller, appearing a few inches smaller than the master Chief.

Cautiously coming forward. The child-like machine approached, her legs were clumsy and a bit shaky. Looking more like a child learning to walk on their feet.

A bird cawed and swooped low overhead, startling the odd and bashful giant as she stumbled back and stared at it, frozen.

"That's nothing to be afraid of," Cortana reassured.

Nodding again, the machine continued forward, a bit more sure in her steps, finally approaching and nearing the Chief, the childish robot paused, gazing into his visor. "Will...you," the machine reached out tentatively, hand opening as if offering something."E- escort me?"

Nudging his head in the direction they were going. The Spartan suddenly tensed a touch. The hairs on the back of his neck rose.

Branches splintered, leaves scattered and rustled. He heard the faint footsteps before his motion tracker pinged.

Sensors highlighting a target rapidly approaching. Chief reached out, pushing the giant robot back, who stumbled. Its voice squeaked, confused at the sudden rush and motion.

Without a second thought, the Chief brought his arms up blocking a blade as it slashed downward.

Armor deflecting and preventing the cut, the power behind the blow was mighty. Its sheer ferocity makes Chief's feet dig into the earth.

Visor gazing upward at his attacker. He looked past the blade locked against his armored forearms and took note of his attacker.

Long white hair, intense and steely grey-blue eyes, narrowed, her stance was of a warrior. Dirt, dust, and traces of oil were sprayed across her lithe, muscled form. Clothes were ripped and torn. Robotic joints etched within synthetic skin.

Gripping her blade the female android sneered, applying and pressing more force. "Machines." the unknown android scoffed. Her voice was hard and cold, lips twisted into a grimace of anger.

Ruined City

On top of an old decrepit building, two individuals sat across a long dining table, one looking and turning over book pages, studying, flipping, and reading while the other lazed, leaning their body back in a chair.

"...Brother?"

Sighing softly Adam gazed over to the machine on the opposite end of him. "Eve, yes." his voice was patient as he allowed the younger his question.

Eve squirmed in place, rolling in his chair and bouncing his leg. Adam slowly flipped a page of the old and fragile book."I'm bored." he complained, drawing his older brother's attention for a moment before looking back at the book.

Humming. Adam pondered his request. Finger holding his place and staying on the aged paper. With Eve sighing in exasperation, the man chuckled and quipped, "Read, you will need and benefit from the knowledge inside those books."

Groaning at his sibling's suggestion. Eve crossed his arms and sulked."Read. But I want to play instead." his voice slightly childish and whiny.

Adam smirked and looked up. Shaking his head, his twin smiled."We've already played all day. Do as you're told." the sternness in his voice lessened, and knowing his brother's bratty and whiny nature, he returned his sight to his books and papers.

Turning in his chair and laying on its side, his back hitting and pressed to the cushioned seat. Eve began humming a familiar tune. Swaying his leg back and forth, growing restless, Eve's fingers twitched.

"Humans wouldn't spend all their time playing." Adam voiced, flipping another page.

With a dramatic sigh, Eve tossed an arm over his face, shielding his vision. "But I can't stand doing the same thing all the time." he groaned loudly.

"Except if it was playing." Adam pointed out.

Grumbling, his voice still a little pouty, the machine shook his head, "No. That's different. I meant doing this!" he waved his free hand in the air, gesturing at their roof, the furniture, and the sky, "Literally every single day it's the exact same thing!" his tone rose.

"Shh." Adam shushed, not even glancing at his sibling, "Be thankful, brother." he warned, holding a finger to his lips, his tone soft, but words demanding.

Taking a few moments and huffs, Eve forced down his complaint. Closing his eyes and breathing a bit faster.

Silence fell as Adam's finger traced the page. Digit scanning the paragraphs and entries within.

"For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ - John 1:17”

Eyes scanning, absorbing the written words and ink upon the pages. Adam held a serene and focused look on his face, unmoving, unmovable.

Reading, pondering. Then suddenly stopping, and in an instant. His eyes flicked upwards. An expression of quiet contentment faded to confusion, to shock, then settled on understanding, his jaw clenched.

With a heavy thump. The book slammed closed. Causing the twin machine across the table to jump, and shift, moving to peer and catch his brother's eye. "Huh?" he grunted, confused by the odd action and movement.

"Eve."

Jumping a little. The youth tilted his head, gaze now curious and fully aware."Yeah, brother..." Eve's words slowed down as Adam's eyes suddenly locked onto him. Gaze unfathomably firm, penetrating, and watching. Eve's frame straightened. His stomach did flips.

Slowly Adam's gaze drifted to the corner of their rooftop. "Good news, we get to play after all.”

"Ha! Really, did something happen!?" Jumping to his feet, Eve's chest rose in anticipation as his boots touched the stone flooring, and he rushed around, "Catch, tag, chase!" his head was full of plans, "Let's have some fun!" he declared, hopping about in excitement.

"I wouldn't want to ruin the surprise."

Stilling in his small victory lap. Eve peered and eyed his brother, gaze unreadable and devoid of emotion. "Huh, huh. Fun!" he squealed, hands and feet scrambling as he came to his sibling's side, gazing and trying to read the blank canvas that was his expression.

Shaking his head and ignoring the rambunctious machine, Adam adjusted himself before sliding his chair in and standing up, book forgotten on the table.

A feeling stirred inside, he couldn't quiet place. Walking away from Eve and heading to the stairwell, his steps felt light. A slight glee filled his being, and without reason, he found his mouth tugging upwards into a smirk.

Chapter Text

Flooded City

Varu ignored the rain and gazed upon his surroundings; the city ruins and decrepit buildings were a sorry sight to behold, their walls crumbling, windows shattered, and glass littered the streets. The roads were cracked and damaged. Pieces and chunks of concrete were missing, and holes riddled the pavement. In some areas, the water reached his knees. The sangheili shook his head. It was a despicable sight. Pathetic. These humans couldn't even care for their world, their cities. Even their most grand and glorious achievements were nothing more than rubble and ruins, now. Abandoned and left to decay.

Phantom engines roared in the distance, hissing and thrusters burning, as the dropship lowered the final piece of an anti-aircraft battery. The large and cumbersome piece of equipment was carefully positioned and placed upon the side of a building. "Hurry up, you pathetic slugs!" Varu shouted to the unggoy below him, who struggled and cursed as they pushed other equipment like methane tanks, boxes of supplies, and power generators into place.

"Yes, leader!" they shouted back. Their voices were strained as they worked and moved the heavy objects into position, but they obeyed his command, and worked faster, moving with more urgency and haste to his orders. He smirked and nodded his approval.

With the final piece in place, the Phantom's engines fired once more, lifting off and leaving them behind; the sound of the ship's engines faded and grew quiet before eventually disappearing altogether. With the dropship gone. Varu gazed upon a Jiralhanae approaching him, his face a hard mask of indifference. "Finished scouting the perimeter?" He asked the brute, who nodded, crossing his massive arms. The jiralhanae looked displeased and uninterested as if this entire affair bored him.

"The scent of humans wasn't found, but oil and rust are heavy in the air," his deep voice growled, a frown appearing on his features, "Although some game does roam nearby, with your permission, I'd like to take my pack to hunt."

Brutes. The thought of their kind filled him with annoyance. But he was smart enough to keep his mouth shut. Besides, keeping jiralhanae busy and occupied, away from the other species and himself, was for the best. "Fine, but return within the hour." he waved a hand dismissively.

Without a word or second glance, the large jiralhanae walked off, motioning and calling for his brothers to his side, their hulking forms leaving and disappearing behind a ruined building. With that matter out of the way, Varu began walking, his steps taking him toward the newly placed AA battery.

The temporary outpost on this alternate Earth was coming together nicely. Varu had decided to establish the site here within the city ruins due to its proximity to the ocean. Which would allow Solemn Penance to drop in additional supplies or reinforcements as needed.

It was a strange place, however. The planet was a near mirror image of its counterpart. The one that the sangheili had come to know so well. The same continents, some city locations, and land masses were all the same. But, it was different in other ways. For instance, there were no humans, no ships, no aircraft, and buildings with rather primitive designs.

The sangheili found that perplexing. He wondered if perhaps the humans had all died off or moved on to a different world. It was strange. And Varu couldn't help but wonder about the mystery and unknowns of this place. He shook his head. It mattered not. He was here for one purpose and one purpose alone, to create a foothold and hold this location.

As he approached the newly erected anti-aircraft battery. He saw a pair of sangheili in blue armor standing and watching over unggoy as they worked. One was leaning against the battery, his arms crossed. A plasma rifle was attached to his thigh, and he wore a bored expression.

Seeing the Commander approaching, the other minor tapped the first on the shoulder, making him stand straight. "Commander!" the first shouted, snapping a salute and bowing their heads in respect.

Nodding, Varu glanced at the two before looking to the unggoy, who was still fumbling and trying to get the power generator attached and set up, "How soon until we have the AA operational?" he asked, his voice sounding annoyed.

"A-as soon as possible, sir." one of the Unggoy replied, "The generator is tricky, and-"

"Do not make excuses, you pathetic worm!" Varu snapped, glaring down at the unggoy, his voice a sharp hiss.

"Y-yes! Sorry, leader!"

"Sorry, leader!" the other grunts echoed, their voices sounding terrified as they worked and pushed the massive power generator into its slot and position, the machine humming and whirring to life.

Smirking, Varu nodded. He was pleased at the fear in the unggoy's voices. Good. They needed to learn their place and their role. "Excellent, I want this outpost operational by the time the Sun sets," he ordered. He then turned to the two sangheili. "I want patrols around the area and a watch on the skies, if even one human, or any creature, approaches the perimeter, you kill it."

"Yes, Commander!"

"A few Jha'kaar are with us. Have them stationed in the nearby skyscrapers and rooftops. I want their snipers active and ready." He added, turning his back to the group as he began to walk off. "Alert me of any developments," he commanded.

"By your word."

Varu walked away, leaving them to their duties, and began to move towards the center of the camp. Passing a pair of kig'yar who were setting up a turret. He gave them a passing glance, before heading to his tent. It was a spacious shelter made of purple-colored tarp and alien metal. Entering, the sangheili moved past a table and chair, and towards a small pedestal. Reaching, he grasped and picked up a holographic projector.

Activating the device. A glowing blue image of his shipmaster appeared. The large sangheili's face was neutral, his features betraying nothing as he spoke. "Report," he ordered, his voice deep.

"Construction of the outpost is almost complete; the anti-aircraft is operational, along with a few other defenses. My sangheili are scouting the perimeter and establishing a basic security patrol." Varu said, his mandibles flexing. "If the Gods will it, we may have this camp fully operational within the hour."

The holographic Rhul 'Salmutee nodded, his voice calm and steady, "Excellent. With your outpost in place, the prophet will be pleased," the sangheili stated. "He has been most...vexed lately, with his plans and schemes being delayed and interrupted."

Varu nodded, "Of course. But what of the Solemn Penance? How are the repairs?"

Shaking his head, the hologram frowned, "The huragoks are slow in their efforts," he began, "But we are making progress, at the very least." Rhul's voice held a trace of annoyance as he mentioned the huragoks, but the emotion disappeared quickly, as the holographic figure cleared his throat. "It appears the damage to the engines was greater than I anticipated. But it should be nothing our huragok cannot handle. I expect the ship should be repaired within the next three days." He finished.

"By the will of the gods," Varu added, nodding in approval. "What are your orders until then?"

"Remain vigilant. We still know little of this world and its inhabitants. If there are humans or any hostile species in the area. Deal with them. And report back immediately." The shipmaster ordered, his holographic form turning its head for a moment, his attention on something the sangheili commander couldn't see. "I must go now," Rhul uttered, looking back to Varu, "Do not fail in your duties." the shipmaster warned.

With a wave of his hand, the holograph vanished. The machine powering off. Placing the device back down on the pedestal, Varu let out a soft sigh, his mandibles pressing and closing, as the sangheili thought to himself, a faint scratching and clawing sound made him pause. Turning, he was surprised to see a small rodent near his feet. Its beady eyes are staring up at him, its nose twitching.

Grunting, the sangheili kicked at the creature. His foot struck the small animal and sent it flying and out of his tent. The tiny rodent squeaked and scurried away in a hurry. Shaking his head. Varu sighed. "Filthy thing..." he grunted.

The sangheili peered outside his tent, the rain had lightened up a bit, but not by much. He could hear and see the unggoy and other species milling about. Their bodies were moving to and fro, as they worked to finish the outpost. Things were going smoothly and as planned. But still, there was an unease that settled in his stomach, and he couldn't quite figure out the cause.

Perhaps it was this world? Its strange nature, the odd feeling in the air. The way it just felt so different, alien, and yet, the same. Varu growled. It was confusing and hard to explain. Shaking his head, the sangheili chided himself for his foolishness. This entire thing was pointless. A mere distraction, from the important task at hand. His mission, the Prophet, and the Covenant's will were of top priority, nothing more.

Peering through binoculars atop a high rise. Jackass watched the camp and Covenant outpost below. His binoculars focused on the large anti-aircraft battery in particular. She had intended to do some fishing in the ocean and was heading down the road when she saw the strange alien ships descending into the city ruins. Needless to say, the sight had disturbed her. She'd dropped everything she was doing and quickly ran and climbed the nearest skyscraper to see what the hell was going on.

At first, she thought it was a new machine model, or maybe some fancy new YoRHa weapon or equipment, but nope. It was not that at all. She wasn't even sure what to make of this. This was something else entirely. Aliens? The ones that started this war?

That couldn't be right. There was no way it was them. It just wasn't possible.

Jackass' thoughts were racing, her mind trying to process the different races she was seeing, and the advanced technology that they possessed. The large gorilla-looking ones, the ones in blue armor, and the short little creatures carrying the equipment. She wasn't sure what they were, or where they came from. But she knew one thing. They weren't from Earth. No, these were aliens, and they were ready for a fight.

Shaking her head, Jackass pulled the binoculars from her eyes. She couldn't linger here. Not for much longer. She needed to get back to the resistance camp and warn the others of the situation. They'd know what to do. And if they didn't, Anemone sure as hell would. That woman had been fighting this war for a long, long time. If there was anyone who knew how to deal with the aliens, it would be her.

Jackass wasn't sure what was going on, or why the aliens had decided to show up now. Maybe the machines had finally gotten so desperate they called them in. Or maybe these aliens were here to destroy the machines and take over the Earth. Jackass didn't know, nor did she care. All she knew was, that they weren't human, and that put them on the enemies list.

Unknown Forest

Thick forest trees snapped in half and scattered, a loud thunderous crack roared through the greenery as the armored frame of the Master Chief crashed and tore through. His impact created a small ditch as dust and debris blew up and away.

Getting up on one knee. The spartan shook his head as warnings blinked. Plastering over his hud and making his head ache. A red dot appearing near the edge of his motion tracker's radar range caught his attention.

In the misty cloud of dirt and grime. The pale android swiftly ran at him, lunging with blade in hand and poised to strike.

"Chief," the worried voice of Cortana pierced through his mind.

"I know," he uttered, rolling to the side as the android's blade was embedded into the soil.

Stepping to the side. The Master Chief sunk his digits into one of the nearby tree trunks he'd collided into and broke apart, his hands sinking and wrapping around the bark.

Pulling her blade from the dirt and spinning. A2's eyes widened in surprise as the spartan, in one swift and fluid movement, swung and smashed the tree into her.

Wood and splinters erupted. The android flew through the air like a baseball hit out of the park, spinning and flipping before colliding a few dozen yards away. A crash of metal, stone, and wood echoed as her body struck and plowed through the dense forest.

Standing, Master Chief tossed the now eviscerated, broken log. His hud marking where his discarded Battle Rifle landed."Cortana, she-"

“An android. Scans show she's similar to 2B and 9S. The readout isn't exactly a match, but they all have that same energy signature," She informed him, sounding perplexed as he picked up his weapon, "I think she's an older model, though," she muttered.

Checking his rifle. Chief gave it a once-over, "Why is she hostile?" he asked. Eyes moving to where he'd sent her flying.

Cortana hummed, and her voice dropped a tone. "Perhaps-"

Twig snapping behind him. The Chief swung around, rifle raised, and ready to fire.

"Sister..." the pink ribboned robot was standing at the end of the trail. Fear apparent and evident in her expression.

"The machine..." his companion commented.

"It needs to leave, now." the Chief voiced, keeping his back to her as he watched the treeline where he sent the android. "This isn't the place for an escort mission," he spoke, eyes narrowing as a figure moved along his radar's periphery.

The soft glow of her green eyes dimmed. Shoulders trembling in fright, "B-but, I'm s-scared. I want to return to my f-family." she uttered in a whimper.

An angered roar sounded as the white-haired android broke through the woods and sprinted at them, surging with intent to kill. It wouldn't be long before she was on their position.

Rushing the 'child', the Master Chief pushed and moved her forward. Cortana's voice coming across. "Now! Get moving! Just follow the path forward and you'll be safe!"

Without a word, the giant machine took off, lumbering off, leaving them behind. Her fearful cries echoed out and filled the forest.

Swiveling his rifle around. Chief positioned his firearm at the tree line. Finger poised and ready to take the android down.

Just like before a red dot appeared on his radar. Then, a white blur jumped out, rushing at him, a blade was swinging and aiming at him. With his gun raised. He pulled the trigger. The gun kicked as rounds fired from his rifle's chamber.

Bullets whizzed through the air, and streaks of lead soared at the attacking android. A2 ducked and weaved her body around them. Avoiding each projectile she closed the gap and swung her blade across in a sweeping arc across his armor.

Shrugging off her blow and staggering back a tad. Master Chief held his ground and was met with another passing swipe. This one aimed against the thick and reinforced armor of his thigh. The blow was enough to draw sparks as he stumbled backward a touch. Giving her just the advantage she needed as her attacks came in, harder and more frequent.

Using her small form. A2, like a blur, disappeared and appeared before him again, striking him every time she zipped and reappeared. Her speed was incredible and beyond what he was used to facing. Each strike was more powerful than the last, and her accuracy was spot on.

The Master Chief was practically being pushed backward with each blow, forced to give ground and yield his position. His motions were sluggish compared to hers. Shoulder out to absorb most of the damage and lessen her blows, the spartan was quickly realizing her battle experience, skill, and prowess were high. A deadly foe, indeed.

"Cortana," he warned, needing to act quickly. It was only a matter of time before his shields gave in and depleted.

"Working on it," She called back, voice clipped, and focused. "I'm just trying to locate her... Bingo! Her network system is odd, but this should buy us time to land a hit!" her voice cheered, confident as the android's body froze and seized up, shuddering and shaking; she dropped her sword.

Without hesitation, Master Chief spun his rifle and slammed it forward. Bringing the butt of the rifle and striking across her skull.

Yelling from the sting of the hit. The android jerked and stumbled back, as Chief continued his assault. Dropping his rifle to the ground, he delivered a series of quick jabs to the girl, striking hard at her abdomen and making her bend over in agony. A resounding crack of his fist smashed and connected with her jaw, knocking the android backward as she tripped.

With the tables turned. John took the advantage and moved to press forward. His body, much larger than hers, blocked the sun, looming and towering over her. His visor glared down at A2's smaller form, and his stance and weight shifted.

Grabbing her by the face. A2 struggled as the spartan kicked her leg and shoved her downward, slamming the android's head into the dirt. Cracks formed in the earth, spidering outward as he held her there.

He could hear Cortana's voice, sounding pleased," See? Easy," she said, the sound of a smirk on her face. "Now then, I have some questions to ask you-"She was cut off.

The android's flexible legs and thighs were suddenly wrapped around his arm, locking his limb in place. Pulling and yanking. A2 forced herself into a backward roll. Chief felt himself being dragged along and thrown overhead in a powerful flip.

His body soared and tumbled through the air. The wind howled, whipping past his frame. Landing with a loud thud. Dirt, grass, and leaves scattered. His suit's shields flickered and strained from the impact and strain.

Standing on her feet. A2's eyes narrowed, heels digging into the soil as she dashed at him. Her body was a blur as it sped and closed the distance.

Reflexes kicking in, Chief raised his forearms and blocked the oncoming dive kick as her heel struck his armor. Pushing himself back, his boots slid. Digging a small trench and kicking up gravel and dust. He grunted from the blow, feeling and hearing his shields weaken further and struggle from the force.

Dashing in, and following up with a jab to his gut. She then threw another blow, a right hook. Taking the hit like a champ, the spartan moved with a quick burst of speed. Pivoting his body, he shifted behind her. Armored gauntlets interlocked around her waist, squeezing and locking in place. Chief lifted. Picking the android up and over his head. Surprisingly heavy. The spartan thought as he slowly suplexed the android onto her neck and back, crashing her into the earth with a thunderous boom!

The earth groaned, cracking and splitting from the hit. Dirt upturned and sprayed out.

Rolling her off, and standing on his feet. The Master Chief knew that would be enough to disable most enemies. But his gut was telling him it wasn't the end. A2 was still in this fight, and the look in her eyes told him she wasn't giving up.

Sure enough, he watched as the android's fingers twitched, her legs shifting and pushing herself upright.

Standing on wobbly feet. A2 spat to the side. Rubbing her neck, her eyes glared and bore into him. Her features were twisted into a scowl. "You're no ordinary machine..."She growled.

Crouching low. She took off. Legs moving, and pumping, burning and pushing her to where her blade had fallen. Scooping the sword off the ground, she twirled and spun on her heel. Lunging, she slashed and swung, trying to cut him down.

Master Chief's reflexes and training kicked in as he leaned back, watching the tip of the blade nearly catch him on his visor. Ducking and weaving. He avoided another slash of her sword before blocking a few blows on his armored forearms, the sound of metal against metal clanging and reverberating in the air.

Their battle was a dance of movement and footwork, the spartan was being pushed and forced to give ground once more. A2's attacks were relentless, ruthless, and without mercy. The android was like a buzzsaw, cutting and slicing, attempting to draw blood.

"Cortana, another hack," he grunted. The sound of his armor's metal screeching and grinding as she scored a blow off his left pauldron.

"I know, I know! Just a second! Her network system is different, I need to locate a new access point." she spoke.

The UNSC AI went through and processed terabytes of information, combing through the endless sea of code and data; a simple hack would only give a brief window of a couple of seconds; she needed to find a way to completely disable or subdue the android.

Or else these two were going to be battling each other for hours. She thought, shaking her head as the Chief's right pauldron was cut; sparks flew as the blade's edge skidded off his armor. "Almost...there!" Cortana uttered, her voice strained. She just needed to break through this firewall. She was so close! Almost had it.

A full shutdown or perhaps a—

Information flooded Cortana's systems, one particular bit caught her eye. "Oh my! That's it!" She felt foolish, given what she knew about 2B and her pod, the answer was so obvious and staring right in front of her.

Blade swinging and poised to slice the Chief. Cortana spoke through Chief's helmet speaker system. "He's human!" she exclaimed, A2's eyes widened. The android froze, and her attack halted. Sword stopped short of his armor and body. The tip of the blade rested on the metal.

Warriors standing still, the noon wind blew and swept about, leaves rustled, and birds chirped in the distance. Silence filled the air as they stared and eyed one another, unmoving, and unblinking. Both were ready and waiting for the other to move, to strike, to act.

"Human..." the android parroted. Her tone was rough and low, her gaze searching his visor, "What?" she questioned, voice sounding doubtful. As if trying to process and comprehend what had been told. Head tilting to the side, she seemed confused and taken aback by this claim.

It couldn't be true, could it?

Stepping back, A2's hand holding her sword loosened. Her gaze darted back and forth. Searching and scanning over his form, her head turned as she studied and observed him, "Human." she repeated, as if trying to make sense of the claim, to understand the information given. "Human."

They were on the moon. She'd walked these lands. Scoured its surface. And found nothing of humanity. No trace of human life or sign. Nothing but a barren, hostile wasteland of only machines and the occasional animals, and she was to believe this large armored behemoth was a person. A living, breathing human being.

A2 looked at him, her gaze narrowing. Eyes hardening, jaw clenching, her sword hand shook. Her knuckles were white underneath her gloves, and the hilt of her blade creaked from the added pressure of her grasp. Teeth grinding, her voice rose, "How—"

Before she could continue. A horn blew through the forest. Breaking the tense air between the two combatants.

Head tilting to the side, both of their gazes moved in the direction the sound came from, passed the dense shrubbery and trees.

Cracking and breaking branches were followed by a rush of movement, and then suddenly, there appeared familiar machines like those found in Pascal's village. These, though, were bigger, stronger, and in metal armor. Each toting some manner of spear or sword.

"Engage battle mode! Now fight for your king!" the machines cried, rushing the battlefield, weapons held high.

"For the King!" another shouted, their metallic voices sounding aggressive and excited, eager for a fight.

Scoffing in pure and utter annoyance, the female android paused and withdrew her blade, taking a step back. Glaring, the android and spartan locked eyes for a moment. Her's furious while he stared back blankly through his visor.

Her curiosity was peaked. Something inside was eating away at her, gnawing and chewing, demanding she not only learn the truth but also if it were true. If this... thing before her was a human being. The first one she'd ever met. Well, a sense of protectiveness, duty, and responsibility began to fill her, flowing through and bubbling inside. Something besides vengeance. Something she hadn't felt in so long. A2 wanted to know, needed to know.

But first, she needed to deal with these machines. As always, their timing was terrible.

"I'm not done with you," she murmured, flicking a brow, studying him. Taking her gaze off the 'human'. She pointed a finger, her motion being clear, as her digit was aimed at the machine hordes. Tensing, the nameless android leaped away toward a pair of machines, easily smashing through them and cutting through several more as she carved a path through their forces.

Whistling through Chief's speakers. Cortana spoke. "Gotta admit, her skills are quite impressive when they aren't being directed towards us."

Chief didn't comment, watching the battle unfold before him. His hand grasped the fallen Battle Rifle, and he readied his weapon. He didn't have time to reload. Seeing a few machines charging his position, their weapons raised. Master Chief fired, letting loose a barrage of bullets. The rounds tore through their frames, scattering sparks, shrapnel, and debris. Their broken and mangled forms tumbled and fell, collapsing and skidding to his feet.

Reloading his weapon, Chief spoke through his continued bursts of fire. "Did you find out anything about her? Anything useful?" he questioned, as a few machine corpses littered the ground at his feet.

Cortana's voice sounded in thought, "Well, yeah. I got a name, A2; that's all I managed to get before the firewall shut me out again."

"For the kin-ack...Ahg..." A machine's words were cut short before they collapsed. Its comrades by their side toppled as well from the force of the Spartan's rifles.

The AI sighed, "She's differently a YoRHa combat unit. But she seems to be cut off from the larger YoRHa network," Cortana uttered," there's certainly a story to her, but from her attitude, I doubt she'll be the sharing and talking type," her words ending with a little scoff.

"Perhaps. But that's for later," Chief commented; a machine was rushing him, larger than the rest, arms raised to cover its head, as it blindly ran, barreling towards him. The spartan fired low, aiming for the machine's legs. It cried in pain before crashing and falling flat on its face.

A few meters away, a group of machines formed a crude phalanx formation. With their shields up, they marched towards the android female. A2's expression appeared bored and unimpressed.

Jumping to the base of a tree. She pushed off. Air whizzed past her, as the android drilled into the shield wall. Her feet struck, and her momentum sent the machines flying, scattering and tumbling about. Their formation breaking. She landed, and in one quick and fluid movement, she spun and sliced, cutting through the remaining few.

Not wanting to let her do all the work, the Chief glanced at his motion tracker. Sidestepping a thrusting spear, he gripped the handle of the machine's weapon and brought it up, smacking the machine with his rifle across its face.

Dented and caved in, the machine fell backward, and its grip faltered, allowing the spartan to take possession of its weapon.

"We've got more incoming." Cortana alerted, her voice sounding a tad exasperated, "They don't give up."

Looking to his left. John spotted a group of four machines charging. The group of machines was quickly approaching. Their forms rushing and dashing forward; they were coming fast.

Setting his stance, the armored man pitched, throwing the spear. It flew straight and true, puncturing the lead machine and embedding itself into the one behind it; both flew back, landing hard on the dirt, a cloud of dust forming around them.

The other two were upon him. Swinging their swords. They took wide arching slashes at him. The spartan backed up, avoiding the blows, as his rifle came to bear. Firing into their frames. Their bodies grew limp and flopped to the forest floor. Their weapons clanged against their bodies.

Soaring through the air. A few flying variants of the machine came at him. Their lower bodies were that of a saucer with a small head and torso attached to the top of the disk. A turret on the side of their body swiveled and fired at him. Strange red orbs of energy shot forth, racing at him. Dodging, the spartan leaped and rolled away.

Smashing into the ground where he had been standing, the red orbs of light and energy fizzled and popped, dissipating.

"Woah! What are those!" Cortana asked, her voice filled with surprise and curiosity, "I've never seen anything like that!"

"Does it matter?" the spartan asked, firing at one of the flying machines, his bullets tearing through the saucer and sending it crashing to the earth, its body smoking from its damaged components.

"It most certainly does! The readings from my scans are off the charts!" Cortana exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement, "The energy signatures are similar to that of pods that accompanied 2B and 9S, but there's something else; I can't quite put my finger on it yet."

Dodging another orb of red energy. Chief fired at the machine that shot him, his bullets tearing into the robot's body and sending it to the ground.

"Wonder what'll happen if you get hit by one of those." Cortana mused, her voice filled with curiosity and interest.

“I'd rather not find out," the spartan replied, firing at another sword-wielding machine.

"Come on, just take one hit, for science."

"No."

"Oh fine. Spoilsport."

Hopping to the side, the spartan dodged an attack, the blade of a sword skimming past his chest. Kicking the machine back, the armored man quickly dispatched it with a burst of fire to the face.

A moment of silence passed between the two, as a lull in combat took place, the Chief reloading his rifle, "I'm assuming these are the Forest Kingdom Machines." he stated, eyeing the destroyed husk of a dead machine.

"Yep. They've taken the kingdom part a bit literally," Cortana quipped, "shields, swords, and spears, talk about being outdated."

Shaking his head at her comment, the spartan gazed to his right, the sound of metal stomping and clanking was heard. From the treeline came two groups of machines in phalanx formations, their shields up and locked together, as they marched forward. Their steps were in perfect sync and line with one another.

Raising his rifle. The Master Chief aimed at the nearest formation; Cortana's voice came to him, "Save the ammo, Chief. We got a better option," she advised him; the spartan slowly lowered his rifle, eyes narrowing as he waited to see what she had in mind.

"For the kin-ack...Ahg..." A machine's words were cut short before they froze, their movements halted. The group of enemies had stopped dead in their tracks. Time had seemed to pause, as their frames seized and shook.

"There we go," Cortana's voice sounded pleased, "Their framework and network connections are similar to our friends from before, but their defenses are a tad trickier. Luckily, nothing I couldn't handle," she boasted. "Give them a warm hello for me." Cortana urged.

Nodding. Chief reached behind him, his hand grasping a frag grenade, throwing the small explosive in place between the two groups. It rolled and tumbled. Coming to a stop at the center of the two formations. Their bodies were still frozen and unmoving.

With a thunderous bang. The grenade exploded, sending a shower of dirt and debris up, a plume of smoke rising from the area. Pieces of metal and shrapnel flew. Scattering across the ground. The remains of the machines were eviscerated, and their broken and mangled corpses were sent flying as they flopped and fell, crashing back down to the ground, their bodies sizzling and sparking from the blast.

"Nice." Cortana chimed.

The Chief grunted, his gaze moving to the now empty battlefield. The sound of the wind blew and howled. Leaves rustled, and the trees groaned and swayed. All signs of combat were gone.

Scanning, his eyes searched for their temporary ally. A2 was no longer in sight, her presence gone, like a ghost or spirit. "And not a word of thanks," Cortana huffed in annoyance, "typical."

Motion tracker confirming his suspicions. Chief raised his gaze. Eyes narrowing, as his HUD focused and zoomed on a particular tree. His instincts screamed at him that something or someone was there. But then it passed, like a shadow in the night or the chill of the wind. It disappeared and vanished. The forest was still and calm, peaceful even, and once more he and Cortana were alone.

"I'm sure she'll turn up again," Cortana murmured, her tone a bit dry, as if the prospect was inevitable.

"Perhaps," he replied, his mind still on their fight. Cortana hadn't been kidding about the android's skills. A2 was an impressive warrior. Her speed, reflexes, and strength were all remarkable, and her battle experience only matched his own, if not surpassed it. He wondered just how long the android had been fighting, and how many battles she had lived through. There was a quiet sense of respect and admiration inside for the android.

"Come on, Chief, our business here is finished. We should return to the Pascale before any other machines show up," Cortana advised, the spartan nodding at her words. Turning and walking away, the spartan left the battlefield behind, the sound of his armor's metal fading and growing distant as he disappeared into the forest.

A figure watched from a nearby tree branch. Her white hair blew in the wind, sitting perched and hidden upon a tree. A2's gaze watched them, following their form until they disappeared behind the veil of green and brown.

"Human...?" She wondered, eyes narrowing, and a small frown appeared on her features.

Chapter Text

UNSC In Amber Clad

Aboard the frigate, Commander Miranda Keyes stood on the bridge, her gaze fixed on the main viewscreen. No Solemn Penance. No prophet of Regret, no sign of the Covenant fleet, and no sign of the Master Chief. Just endless blackness dotted with stars.

"Ma'am, our engines are still experiencing fluctuations," Ensign Lovell reported from her station. "Our speed is reduced by 30%."

Miranda frowned, her mind racing. "Weapons status?"

"All systems operational, Commander," another officer answered.

"Good," she nodded. "Maintain combat readiness. We don't know what's out there." She turned to the comms officer. "Any luck contacting Lord Hood or HIGHCOM?"

"Negative, ma'am. All attempts at long-range communication have been met with interference." The comms officer looked up from his console. "We're close enough to Earth for our signal to reach them, but we're not receiving any response. It's as if no one's home."

"Maybe the Covenant sent another fleet to attack Earth, and we're too late," whispered an ensign.

"Don't even joke about that," another officer snapped.

"Quiet on the bridge!" Miranda barked, her voice cutting through the murmurs. The room fell silent. "We need answers, not speculation. Run a full diagnostic on our communications systems. Check for damage or malfunction."

"Aye, Commander."

Resting her chin against her knuckles, Miranda pondered their situation. This was unprecedented. She had never heard of slipspace anomalies like this, not even in theoretical studies. Something was very, very wrong. And she was determined to find out what.

"When we get to Earth, Cairo station is our first stop. If anyone has answers, it's them," she declared. "Until then, stay vigilant. Keep trying to reestablish contact with HIGHCOM. We need to let them know we lost Regret."

"Yes, ma'am!" the bridge crew responded in unison, their voices filled with determination.

As the In Amber Clad hurtled through space, Miranda's thoughts drifted to the Master Chief and Cortana. She could only hope they were safe, wherever they were. She needed the Spartan's strength and Cortana's brilliance more than ever. The universe had become a more dangerous place, and they were the only ones who seemed to be able to keep up.

With a deep breath, Miranda straightened, her gaze returning to the viewscreen. The stars shone bright against the inky blackness, offering no answers, only more questions. She would find the truth, no matter what it took.

Unknown Desert

The sun hung heavy over the barren desert, a golden inferno beating down on the mismatched group trudging across the dunes. Sand stretched endlessly in all directions, broken only by the distant ruins of a once-great civilization. The landscape was eerily still, save for the mechanical hum of floating Pods and the occasional crackle of static from UNSC radios.

Sergeant Avery Johnson wiped the sweat from his brow, his battle-worn hat hanging from his belt rather than resting on his head. “Damn, this is some real hellhole of a world. Almost makes Reach look pleasant.”

“Oh, you wouldn’t believe how bad it actually is!” 9S piped up enthusiastically, his voice carrying far too much energy for someone who had been walking for hours. “I mean, sure, the sand and heat are rough, but that’s nothing compared to the machine lifeforms that infest this place!”

“Infest is one way to put it,” 2B interjected, her face hidden by her blindfold. “Though, in my experience, machines are more like...inconveniences.”

Behind them, the six marines shared skeptical glances. They had been briefed on the machine lifeforms, and it sounded like these things were more than mere nuisances. Still, they kept their doubts silent. Androids clearly had a different perspective on danger. And right now the heat was the real enemy. They could already feel the sand seeping into their boots, chafing and uncomfortable.

"This sucks" grumbled Private First Class Reynolds, adjusting his overheating armor "This officially sucks."

"I was supposed to be on shore leave," added Corporal Vasquez. "Had a date lined up and everything."

"At least you hada damn date," another marine griped. "We're stranded on a post-apocalyptic nightmare world, and you're complaining about your love life. Get some perspective."

The group came to a halt as Johnson raised a hand. "Alright, people, hydration break. If you pass out from heat stroke, I ain't carryin' your Sorry ass."

Canteens were eagerly unscrewed, and the marines took deep gulps of lukewarm water, savoring the brief respite. 2B, standing slightly apart, observed them with silent curiosity.

They were... drinking. It was a simple action, one she had never needed to perform. YoRHa units didn't require sustenance-no water, no food, nothing biological. And yet, as she watched the marines tilt their canteens back, sweat clinging to their dirt-streaked faces, she found herself wondering.

What did it taste like?

What did it feel like to be human?

Her grip tightened around the helm of her skirt. It was an idle thought. A meaningless observation.

Yet, for some reason, she couldn't look away.

"You alright there, 2B?" 9S asked, breaking her out of her reverie. "You're not getting overheated, are you?"

"I'm fine," she replied flatly. "Androids are immune to environmental conditions."

"Well, duh! I know that," 9S chuckled. "I was just...checking in."

"I appreciate the concern," 2B nodded curtly. "But I'm fine. Focus on reestablishing contact with the Bunker. We need to know what's happening on our front."

"Right! On it!"

2B watched as 9S resumed his attempts to contact their base. In the distance, the ruins of the city loomed, a stark reminder of the world's fate.

Compared to New Mombasa, the place was a husk. No bustling streets, no towering skyscrapers, no shimmering glass and chrome reflecting the sun. Just a silent graveyard of a forgotten civilization..

"Back on your feet!" Johnson barked, jolting the group back to reality. "We've got a long way to go. I don't wanna be out here when the sun goes down."

The marines groaned but dutifully stowed their canteens and resumed their march. 2B and 9S fell into step alongside them, Pods hovering quietly behind.

Sliding gracefully down the sandy dune, 2B glanced back, her gaze lingering on the marines. They weren't as graceful, stumbling and sliding as they descended. "Is it really that difficult to walk in this terrain?"

"It's all about shifting your weight and maintaining balance," 9S offered, moving with his usual android agility.

Falling onto his knees and cursing loudly, one of the marines gave a sharp retort, "Easy for you to say, tin can! You're not lugging around fifty pounds of gear!"

Glancing away from his holo screen. 9S regarded the human with a small smile. "I could carry you if you'd like?"

The marine's expression twisted with embarrassment, "I uh, I think I'll pass on that." he mumbled, getting back to his feet.

Shrugging, 9S was about to say something else, but was interrupted when a distorted voice cut in, "—S... this is... ator... —1O you rea—"

Snapping his head back around. 9S looked at his display, his expression brightening. "Yes, Operator!" he shouted into his comms, "This is 9S! You're breaking up, but I can hear you!"

The distorted voice crackled through again, "—9S... what... your loca—"

"We're heading for the Resistance Camp," 9S replied quickly, his fingers flying over the holographic screen. "There's something exciting to report, too!"

"—gnal too weak... multiple energy sig—... Commander wants... back to Bunk—"

"Say again, Operator! I didn't catch that!"

Static hissed through the line, cutting off the connection entirely.

2B observed 9S, her arms crossed as he struggled with his holo screen. The sound of shifting sands from underneath the gathered group of marines caught her attention.

Alerted, 2B drew her sword and lunged at the closest human. Grabbing Reynolds by the back of their collar, she hoisted them up and tossed them aside.

As the Marine flew, eight hooded machines burst from the sands.

"What the fuck!" A marine exclaimed, bringing their weapon up, firing at the machines.

Surrounding 2B and the others in a semi-circle. They watched with empty eyes, their bodies swaying and shifting from side to side, "Scared. S-Scary enemy." Their voices crackled and whispered from their hoods.

"Enemy... Kill enemy!"

"Stay a-away!"

The Marines stood in defensive positions as their Sergeant barked orders, "Marines form up! Weapons hot! Put a round between those tin cans' eyes!"

2B rushed forward, her sword slicing through the first machine with ease, sparks showering her as its chassis collapsed into the sand.

9S joined the fray, his shorter blade flashing as he darted around, striking at the machines' weak points. His Pod followed, firing its lasers at the surrounding foes, causing them to stagger and falter.

"Keep 'em suppressed, people!" Johnson shouted, firing his assault rifle in short, controlled bursts. "Don't let 'em close in!"

The air filled with the sound of gunfire, the acrid smell of spent munitions mixing with the scent of overheated metal. The marines, disciplined despite the chaos, kept a steady rate of fire, each soldier picking their targets methodically, their training taking over.

One of the machines lunged at a 2B as she finished off another, its claws extended, ready to tear into her. Before it could strike, however, a well-placed shot from a marine sent it sprawling to the ground.

Rising on one knee, the machine looked at the group of humans, a few rounds of bullets entering and exiting its metallic frame, keeping it grounded.

"Damn, these things are resilient!" a Marine called out, reloading his rifle. "How much punishment can they take?"

"Too much," 9S grunted as he hacked through another machine. "But we'll keep cutting them down until they stop moving!"

"Focus on the legs!" 2B instructed, her voice calm and collected even amid the skirmish. "Limit their mobility, then go for the vital components."

"Roger that!" Johnson acknowledged, aiming his next burst of fire at the leg joints of the nearest machine. The bullets found their mark, and the machine crumpled, its legs rendered useless.

"Nice shootin', Sarge!" a marine called out, as he and another marine quickly dispatched the now-immobile machine with a few well-placed shots to its core.

"Keep it up!" 2B yelled, slashing at a machine that had managed to get too close for comfort. The machine screeched as her blade sliced clean through its arm, sending sparks flying.

The marines continued their assault, their bullets ripping through the machines, slowly but surely dismantling them. The sand around them was littered with destroyed mechanical parts, the once-pristine dunes now stained with the oil and coolant of their fallen enemies.

One by one, the machines fell, their bodies twitching and sparking before finally going still. When the last machine lay in a heap of scrap metal, silence descended over the group, broken only by the sound of heavy breathing as the humans caught their breath.

"Well shit," Reynolds panted, surveying the carnage. "Is the desert filled with these things?"

2B, her sword dripping with machine fluids, turned to face the Marines, her expression grim beneath her blindfold. "Yes," she confirmed. "And these are some of the weakest ones."

"And I thought Covenant shield s ate up bullets," Vasquez muttered, wiping sweat and grime from his brow.

"At least they're not invisible," another Marine chimed in, managing a weary grin.

9S chuckled, his tone light despite the severity of their situation. "Oh, don't worry, there are plenty of other surprises where these came from."

"Fan-fucking-tastic," Johnson growled, his voice thick with sarcasm. "Let's get moving before another pack decides to drop in on the party, shall we?"

Moaning and complaining. The marines followed their sergeant, as they put more distance between them and the destroyed machine lifeforms.

2B sheathed her sword. Her attention focused on scanning and searching their surroundings. 9S stood nearby, his pod hovering silently by his side.

"That went well," he said cheerfully. "I think we work great together!"

2B didn't respond immediately. She reached up and adjusted her blindfold before fixing 9S with a neutral stare. "Stay alert, 9S. We can't have the humans die on us."

9S' face fell for a brief moment, his smile fading into a more serious expression. "Right... Yeah, you're right," he agreed, his usual optimism somewhat muted.

"Pods keep trying to establish long-range communication," she ordered, her voice firm. "I don't want us to be caught off guard again."

"Understood." Both Pods replied in unison.

Together, they set off after the Marines, their footsteps leaving deep imprints in the sand. 2B couldn't help but glance back at the fallen machines, their metal carcasses glinting ominously in the harsh desert sun.

The faster they got to that Resistance Camp, the better.

Flooded City

The sky hung heavy with gray clouds, the dull light filtering through the shattered skyline of the ruined city. Rain drizzled in thin sheets, pattering against the cracked pavement and pooling in uneven craters. A lone unggoy, its methane tank hissing softly with each breath, waddled forward, feet splashing through shallow puddles. It had lost track of its squad minutes ago. Maybe longer. Time felt strange in this place, where the only sound was the distant whisper of the wind through broken steel and the occasional drip of water from twisted girders above.

An abandoned bus lay suspended across the road ahead, its frame buckled and rusted. Ducking beneath it, the grunt moved carefully, its stubby fingers brushing against the wet metal as it passed. As it rounded a corner, it bumped into something solid, its wide, luminous eyes locked onto a small, round figure.

A squat, pear-shaped body with thin limbs, its glowing eyes widening as the two met. Both flinched, hands flying up in mirrored panic. The grunt let out a shrill squeak. The machine gave a startled beep. A tense silence settled between them, rain tapping steadily on their backs. Neither moved.

Seconds ticked by.

The grunt's shoulders eased. The machine’s rigid frame relaxed. Slowly, their hands lowered. Their gazes met again.

The grunt tilted its head.

The machine copied.

Blinking, the grunt shifted its weight to one foot. The machine wobbled slightly, then mimicked the movement with a soft whir. A low, thoughtful grunt escaped the alien’s throat. It lifted one clawed hand and scratched its head. The machine, after a brief delay, mirrored the action with its spindly fingers.

The grunt blinked. The machine blinked.

A hesitant chuckle bubbled from the Unggoy’s throat, short and snorting. The machine emitted a garbled, stuttering sound, its own attempt at laughter. The grunt clapped its hands together. The machine clanged its fingers against its metal shell.

For a long moment, the two simply stood there, rain trickling down their forms, mimicking each other in an odd little dance of curiosity. In this broken city, under a sky long abandoned by gods and masters, they found something strange. Something...fun.

They continued to mimic each other, their movements growing increasingly elaborate and absurd. The grunt squatted, wiggling its behind. The machine lowered itself onto the ground and attempted to shake its nonexistent rump, the motion awkward and jerky. The grunt gave another short, sharp chuckle, bouncing excitedly on the spot. The machine beeped and booped in response, spinning in place.

Raising his hand the grunt lightly slapped the stubby machine on the head in a playful manner. "Haha!" it exclaimed, letting out a short laugh while the small robot whirred and buzzed in a series of clicks and whistles, copying the gesture the machine slowly raised its arm and returned the smack on the unggoy's head, but unlike the grunt's light playful tap, the blow struck hard, the force and weight behind the attack was not only powerful enough to send the poor unggoy tumbling back and crashing to the wet pavement with a loud and painful thump. It was also enough to cut open a small gash on the grunt's forehead, a line of blue blood oozed from the wound and began to pour and seep down the his face.

Groaning, the small alien sat up, his vision blurry and hazy as he rubbed the throbbing pain on his skull. Blinking, spots filled his vision as he glanced at the machine. The round robot was staring at its hand, before glancing back at him. It gave a few beeps and clicks. Its tone sounded shocked.

 "Owwww..." The grunt moaned, wincing and whimpering, as he stood on his feet, his small frame shaking as it took a few steps, swaying slightly as he did so.

This thing might have been the same size as him, but it was much stronger, the small unggoy thought to himself, like when those stupid brutes would bully and push him around. This machine was the same. Anger and frustration began to fill him, and his face twisted into a snarl. "You! You hurt me!" the small creature yelled, pointing an accusing finger at the machine. “You're bad!"

The robot's form seemed to freeze and pause, its head tilting, “Bad?" it asked, its voice a bit garbled. "Bad? Bad?" It continued, beeping and booping, the machine's fingers rose and pointed back at the grunt, "Bad!" he yelled, his tone high-pitched.

"What?! No, I'm not bad, you are!" The small grunt retorted, stamping his foot in frustration. "And... And, you're dumb! You're a stupid, mean machine!"

Gripping his plasma pistol. The grunt drew his firearm and aimed at the robot, "I'm going to blast you for that!" He exclaimed, his words angry and filled with annoyance.

"Mean! Bad!" The robot yelled back, "Bad! Bad! Mean!" The machine continued. Its form spinning around and pointing at him before, "You die! You die!"

Growling, the unggoy charged his plasma pistol, the sound of the weapon powering up and whining as it reached full charge."Eat this, you big stupid jerk!" he yelled.

A blast of plasma flew from the pistol. Streaking through the air in a bright and burning ball of energy. Hitting dead center on the machine's body. A large gaping hole formed in its frame as smoke rose from the wound. The machine's form flew and tumbled back. Crashing through and falling to the ground, its body rolled a few yards before coming to a stop, its limbs twitching and jerking from the damage. It beeped weak and soft before exploding.

"Yeah!" the grunt cheered, his voice sounding proud, "That'll teach ya!" the small creature exclaimed, letting out another chuckle. "Hehehe," he spun in circles dancing around, his hands on his hips. Unaware of the multiple glowing eyes that began to appear in every ruined window and broken entrance along the street. As a swarm of stubby robots and other various machines began to pour out of the ruined buildings.

Hearing the rubble and the sound of shifting debris. The grunt stopped spinning and looked over his shoulder. His eyes widened. As a small army of robots appeared, all marching toward him, weapons in their hands. The alien let out a startled yelp. "O-Oh, no." he whimpered. Spinning on his heel. His little legs began to pump and move as fast as they could. The grunt ran, bolting down the street, trying to escape the horde of machines now chasing after him.

"Come back! Bad! You're bad! Meanie!" the automatons cried after him. "Kill him!"

The machines gave chase, following after the small creature. Their weapons ready and at their side, a few of them started to fire at the retreating unggoy, who cried in terror, running for his life, "Meanies! Big jerks!" He yelled back at them, continuing to run and putting distance between them. The grunt rounded a corner and dashed down the road, running and weaving through the scattered piles of rubble, cars, and other debris.

His squad and a few others appeared up ahead. They were standing in the middle of the street, talking amongst each other when they heard him shouting and yelling at the top of his lungs. "Hey! Hey! Guys, guys!" he shouted, pointing and gesturing behind him.

A red armored sangheili turned his head towards the oncoming grunt. His mandibles curled into a sneer as he raised his plasma rifle. "You, idiot. Where have you been?" he snarled, his voice gruff and filled with anger.

The grunt shook his head and pointed behind him, "No time! No, time!" he yelled, "Meanies! Lots of meanies! Angry and bad meanies are coming!" he exclaimed.

Grabbing him by the neck, the elite lifted him off the ground. "What are you babbling about now?!"

Wiggling and squirming. The unggoy pointed at the corner he just rounded, "Them, them!" he cried.

"Human?" the elite asked, his eyes narrowing.

"No! Machines! Lots and lots of them!"

"Machines?"

Metallic feet pounding and stomping on the pavement echoed off the ruined walls. As the swarm of machines rounded the corner. Their weapons were raised and aimed at the small group. "You die! You die!" the horde of machines yelled. Charging at the squads of the Covenant. 

Dropping and releasing his grip on the unggoy's neck, the grunt landed on his butt with a soft thud. "Kill them!" the elite shouted, raising his weapon. "Destroy them!" he ordered, his voice filled with anger.

Jackals, startled by this sudden turn of events activated their point-defense gauntlets as the sangheili and other unggoy fired their weapons. Plasma and bolts of energy streaked through the air, meeting the oncoming robotic horde. The machines fired back, unleashing a hailstorm of red orbs at the aliens. The two sides clashed, a new battleground erupting in the abandoned city streets.