Doc_R

yeah, some of them do end up like that lol

I haven't played 5 yet.

Thanks. Nice to be welcomed back.

Hey, people. Doc_R here. I've been away for a while, due to some computer troubles. But I'm back. And I've completed my fanfic. It's in the Halo Universe forums under a new topic post. http://www.343industries.org/forum/topic/11763-halo-project-umbra-complete-fanfic-and-links-to-go-read-it/ I'd love to hear what you guys would think of it. Anyways, If anyone wants to play a game of Halo 3, ODST, or Reach, just pm me or look up my gamertag: AlphaUmbra001

Anyone ever hear or remember this game series? It started on the PlayStation 1, evolved on the PS2, and made it all the way to current gen consoles. It's a mecha combat game (giant robots with guns). The mechs have full customization with different parts you can buy throughout the games. The Customization is literally unlimited. The Pilots are referred to as "Ravens" (In the Next-Gen games, they're referred to as "Lynx") The only thing I could think they could have made better was the controls here's the list of titles (And the intro to the first game. They have the rest of the intros on YouTube) PS1 Armored Core 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N52hbx7Ia6E Armored Core: Project Phantasma Armored Core: Master of Arena PS2 Armored Core 2 Armored Core 2 another age Armored Core 3 Armored Core Silent Line Armored Core Nexus Armored Core Last Raven PS3/Xbox360 Armored Core 4 Armored Core For Answer Armored Core 5

I finally finished the whole thing. I took out the Reploids (Mega Man X) To make it as canon as possible. You can read the whole thing at fanfiction.net or download the pdf I've included in the post. It's 107 pages. http://www.fanfiction.net/s/8050917/1/bHalo_b_bProject_b_bUmbra_b Also included an updated promo video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhWq33GfHdI&feature=youtu.be Halo Project Umbra (Complete).pdf

Chapter 17 A blade of heaven “Master Chief!” Massey barked. “Go after Alpha, make sure he stays out of any trouble!” Chief immediately took off on foot, since all the vehicles were being used for recon to find the Battle Halo's control room. Not knowing entirely what happened on Hero's Blade, he chased Alpha for what seemed like a mile before Alpha collapsed on one knee and he projectile vomited. “Kid?” Chief asked. Alpha was silent. Then he said five words: “How do you do it?” “Do what?” “Deal with the fact that you are a weapon. Seth just unlocked a partition of my memory drives containing all my blueprints and available upgrades, after he tried to remove my humanity chip.” He explained. “Chief... I'm scared. Of myself. Of everyone in the camp...” “Even me?” Chief knelt down next to Alpha. Alpha nodded. “I can understand that the new-covenant has to be stopped, but I also now see why they fought so hard to retrieve me on the planet. If I were to be captured, it would shift the tide inevitably. It makes me nauseated just thinking about it. Why are men so cruel?” “Not all of them are.” Chief answered. “But sometimes, men have little choice but to be cruel, if it's the price to keep others safe. I know that, and Blackhawk knows that for a fact.” “It's not my brother I'm concerned about...” “Seth's a good person, he just has it in that tritanisteel skull of his that everything has to be perfect.” A voice said. Chief and Alpha looked up to see what appeared to be an anthromorphic cat. Her fur was colored white and brown, her figure like that of a ballerina, and she had a long, rough ponytail out of the back of her head. She also wore Armor in a similar style to Seth's. “Forgive me for not introducing myself.” She continued. “I am Nefertiti Arkimane. Seth's... Consort, if you will. I am Canosian, a race allied with the Saurgonan Empire. Seth's just put a lot of work into you Alpha, and he doesn't want to see it wasted. He can be a bit crazy, I know. He's just had a rough life too. He's lost his whole family. It's taken a toll on him. He watched his own father murdered in front of his eyes by someone he was starting to trust. That's why he doesn't allow himself to have many... friends.” “But how will I trust him again?” Alpha asked. “He tried to **** up my brain! Why would he do something like that if he cares so much?!” “Okay, I'll make a deal: I'll go back to camp with you two, and keep an eye on ol' Sawtooth Seth, as long as you agree to do your best, Alpha.” She said. “I can be very persuasive with him. It's still you're choice, but choose wisely. You may not know it, but the people back there are counting on you, human or not...” Alpha gave it some thought. He figured it was worth one more shot. “Never heard of him being referred to as 'ol sawtooth... It's a deal.” Alpha, Chief, and Nefertiti waked back into camp to find Seth once again, on the verge of live fire with Massey. “Sawtooth Seth, you never can keep out of trouble, can you?” Nefertiti laughed, turning all the attention towards Her, Chief, and Alpha. “Nefertiti?!” Seth exclaimed. “How did you find me here?!” “A little birdie told me...” “How many 'birdies' are there to tell us about these things?” Creed muttered. “Seriously...” “But Nefertiti, I told you to stay with the ship...” “Oh, don't start that with me, Seth Zatorak!” She walked up to him, waving a finger. “I knew you'd get yourself in trouble if I wasn't here! You've unnerved your little cyborg with you're little 'inspection' he told me about. Is that how you really want to be viewed by others?” Seth was without a doubt, defeated in this conversation. “Now, since you haven't gotten over your 'perfectionist' streak, I'm going to stay here and make sure you play by the rules.” She finished. “What?! But...” Nefertiti made a loud hiss, cutting him off, and ending it. Massey was clamping down his laughter as best he could. The lizard, bested by a kitten! And a feisty one at that! “...Fine. You win.” “Always do.” She winked. “Sawtooth.” “Please don't flaunt my nickname in public...” “This counts as public?!” Massey laughed. “Massey...” Cortana warned. “Don't make me flaunt some of yours...” Hawk was quiet. But the silence was broken by a loud bang. Suddenly, a large needle of bromide was sticking through Seth's chest! “SETH!” Nefertiti exclaimed, catching him as he fell over. Dark green blood flowed from the wound. “Well, isn't this a humble gathering?” A voice said. Then, an elite de-cloaked on a ledge in the cave, wearing armor similar the Arbiter's only it was covered in dark puple and red smears of blood, wielding a needle rifle! “The Bloodletter...” Alpha breathed. “Just how long have you been up there?” “Long enough, Dark one.” He replied. “Long enough to know just how attached you've grown to this group.” He fired again, hitting Rookie, Creed and Kekarr this time! But not before Alpha popped off a few shots from his lasers, one going straight up the barrel of the Bloodletter's rifle! It exploded in his face. But it didn't phase him. “So you destroyed my rifle. That's not going to help things at all...” He then drew a crimson-energy sword! “Where did you get that?!” The Arbiter demanded. He was clearly surprised. “That's for me to know, heretic. Beware, Dark one. My sword outclasses even the heretic's sword.” He then activated sonic-emitters on his belt. “Dammit, not again...” Hawk grabbed his head. “You have no chance against me, Dark one! Give yourself up!” The Bloodletter demanded. “Alpha...:” Seth thew him an energy saber. “This is... one of Freidman's weapons. It's your only chance... Use it...” Alpha caught it. He then turned it on, and it revealed a golden blade! The Bloodletter's confidence faded. “By the prophets! That's powered by...” “Gold plasma bromide crystals!” Shadow finished. “Those outclass even the power sources of the crimson-energy swords!” “Looks like I have the weapon advantage...” Alpha glared. He stood in combat stance. “Bring it on, Bloodletter.” “Just because you have a powerful weapon doesn't mean you know how to use it properly!” The Bloodletter charged, and Alpha deadlocked with him. Alpha then shoved him away, and retaliated with some hiten-mitsurugi strikes. When the deadlocked again, Alpha used the same technique he used on Omega. He went for the sword's gap, and cut off the bloodletter's arm. “SHOOT HIM!” Alpha yelled, his jets thrusting him out of the line of fire. The field was then engulfed in weapons fire from the marines. The bullets and rockets flew. A Thick cloud of smoke ensued. But when it cleared, the Bloodletter was gone! All that remained was his broken energy sword, and severed arm. “You okay?” Alpha went over to Seth. “Don't worry... My Automated-Medical implant will heal me. What about the others?” “Admiral!” A Marine yelled. “Medic! Medic!” Like Seth, Creed had taken a shot to the chest. He wasn't in good shape. He was out cold. Kekarr took some in the shoulder, so he wouldn't be holding his hammer for a while, And Rookie took one in his lower leg. “What about the Bloodletter?” He finally asked. “He'll be back.” Arbiter answered, taking the broken energy sword from the severed arm. “They won't rest until you're either captured or dead. You'd be wise not to run off again.” “...Noted.” Alpha answered. He looked over the golden blade of his new saber once again before shutting it off.

Chapter 16 Strain and Lost Trust UNSC Camp 06:30 Hours Seargent Ferguson felt a combination of relief, but mostly worry as the pelican approached the cave with Blackhawk and the team. They had lost communication with them when they went into the library due to interference, and had not had the buzz on what was going on. He did feel, however, that something bad had happened. Something that reminded him of what happened to his blood-related spartan sibling: Noble Six. Six... Noble team... He'd never forgive what had been done to them, by covenant old or new. In fact, he also partly blamed the Arbiter for their deaths as well, since he commanded the fleet that destroyed Reach. Most of Six's record was classified, so no one except those close to him knew about their relation. The pelican landed through a hole in the cave roof. When the back opened, the sight wrenched Ferguson to the core. There, in Alpha's arms, lay one of the Reploids! Dead! It was Axl! “Holy hell, what happened?!” He blurted. “General Hawk, what the hell happened?!” “A casualty. He was caught off-guard.” Blackhawk said simply, taking his helmet off. “Off-guard?! OFF-GUARD?!” Creed's face turned from red to beetroot as he threw off his ODST Recon helmet. “YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO BE WATCHING EVERYONE ON THIS DAMN TEAM, SPARTAN!!” He jabbed his finger at Massey in rage. “THIS IS THE FIFTH TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED SINCE YOU WERE RE-ASSIGNED WITH ME!! WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU?!” “THIS WASN'T MY FAULT!!!” Massey roared back, just as angry. “THE ENEMY USED E.C.M.! NOT EVEN I COULD HAVE SEEN IT COMING!!” “I DON'T CARE!!!!” Creed turned purple from the rage. “THIS IS JUST LIKE WITH NOBLE TEAM'S DEATHS!! WITH SIX'S DEATH!!! I TELL YOU TO KEEP AN EYE ON THEM, AND YOU DO THE OPPOSI-” Massey grabbed Creed by the collar, losing his temper as he lifted him up to his face. He looked like he was ready to foam from the mouth. “Soldiers may die, and Spartans can go MIA! That's the cold truth, Admiral! Now deal with it!” He snarled. Creed leered him eye-to-eye, baring his teeth. “Massey you're releaved of duty until further notice! Now put me down, or I'll have you court-martialed!” “By who?” Massey challenged with a smirk. “There's no UNSC court for light-years...” Alpha then fired a softnose shot right between their noses with disturbing accuracy, ending the argument. “Stop it! Both of you!” He barked. “This is not the time to play the 'blame game!' Axl is dead, and we have a casualty, but we still have work we need to do!” And he holstered his pistol and walked off to an isolated part of the cave with Axl's body, along with X and Zero. Both Hawk and Creed were stunned, left confused. But not as confused as Seth. Since their first encounter on the planet, Alpha was displaying something he'd never seen him display in his training. Confidence, Fear, Sadness, Rage, Regret: Emotions. Something he couldn't possibly be able to do. Unless... No. Friedman didn't give him that chip, did he? He made a mental note to check Alpha's internal circuits later. Alpha, X, and Zero went over to a small section of the cave, near an overhang close to the hole in the roof, where the light shined. There, he lay Axl down, and got on his knees. Tears flowed from his eyes again, and he couldn't stop them. “I'm sorry. It should not have been you to die...” He said quietly. “He won't be forgotten, Alpha.” X said. “Once this is over, there will be a memorial here for him. I promise.” “We'll get those ******** yet!” Zero reassured, looking again at the battle overhead between the new-covenant, ORCA, and UNSC Fleets. “They'll regret ever coming to Replodia Prime!” Alpha then took Axl's limp arms, and crossed them over the dead Reploid's chest. He looked as if he was asleep, the way he lay. If only that were the truth, Alpha thought. If only he was just asleep. He held his hands together and made a small, silent prayer for his fallen friend whom helped him ever since he'd crashed on Replodia Prime that fateful day. When he finished, he got up, and turned around. Seth was standing there. “Alpha, I need to run a diagnostic.” He said flatly. “Now?” Alpha was clearly irritated. “Seth, this isn't...” “Now.” He growled. Alpha rolled his eyes, and went with Seth for the diagnostic. On Hero's blade... Seth hooked Alpha up to the scanning equipment as he lay on the exam table for the diagnostic. He then opened up the mechanical part of his head that slid open: The side with his cybernetic eye. Seth wore a sensor visor over his eyes, a scanner in one hand, a cybernetics probe in the other. “Is this really necessary?” Alpha asked. “I didn't take physical trauma...” “I'm aware of that.” Seth said flatly. He tripped a circuit in Alpha's brain with the probe, and he lost all feeling in his limbs! He couldn't move them! “This is no exam!” Alpha exclaimed in panic. “What are you doing to me?!” “Searching for a... questionable upgrade.” He said, disabling Alpha's vocal cords with another tripped circuit. He then turned pale as he found what he was looking for: Alpha's humanity chip, hard-wired to his brain! “Friedman, you slithering ****...” He breathed, enraged. “You ruined my perfect asassin...” “Consider it an upgrade, now drop the tools.” A voice said behind him. Seth looked to see Blackhawk with a shotgun, aimed right in his face. He was not happy. “Were you were aware of this 'upgrade'?” Seth asked. “One-Hundred percent. I ordered it.” He answered. “You... How dare you!” Seth snarled a primal snarl. “This contradicts everything I put into him! He's designed to kill and destroy, not to cry and sing songs!” “Deal with it.” Hawk said in his cruel, bone-chilling tone. “That's the way he is, that's the way he'll be. You'd be surprised at the power emotion can give someone. It makes them determined, reinforces them with each allied fall, makes them unpredictable to the enemy. This chip is capable of increasing and intensifying his abilities by a factor of ninety-nine-point-nine percent plus. So you'll leave that chip where it is, and if I even get the feeling you're trying to mess with it, you'll be dead. Now fix him so he can move and talk again, or I'll blow your damn brains out.” He smiled. Seth, considering the position he was in, had no choice but to comply. He re-activated Alpha's motor and vocal circuitry, and closed his head slot, but not before unlocking Alpha's hidden features. Alpha then jumped up from the table, and slowly backed away from Seth and Blachawk. Blueprints were reeling through his brain. Blueprints of weapons and upgrades beyond his wildest imaginings. He was now terrified of what he was: A weapon of mass destruction. Alpha then ran out of the room door. As fast as he could, he ran off the ship, and deep into the cave.

lol desperate definately

And here's a couple more pics lol Comments still wanted.

Here's some pics to go with the story, and to give some info on the characters. Post what you think of thease, and the story thus far..

We may have not started out on the best of terms, but I'll miss you. I hope you return soon. Stuff happens, we all have our ways of dealing with it... Don't really know what else to say.

guess some questions I shouldn't ask. Sorry.

agreeed... (Shivers)

??? Just who is this directed at? ????

Chapter 15 The Death of a reploid The group then followed the monitors through many halls and tunnels, as they were led to the Dictonary, Blackhawk explaining the past decade or so of history with the covies. “So if the unworthies pose such a threat, why have several of them with you?” Paranoia Deceptor eyed Shadow, Telek, Arbiter, and Kekarr with said paranoia. “You really trust them?” “Yes, we do. They're not like the others.” Blackhawk answered for the fifth time, annoyed, wanting to re-wire the monitor without the use of his hands. “Well, here we are.” Merciful Salvator said as he opened a door. It was an Index roon, with the dictionary key in the center. “Alright! That was easy...” Axl walked up and grabbed the key, but then Omega came out of nowhere, lunging forward and stabbing Axl in the back with his sword. He hung off of it like a kebab! “AAAAXXXXLLL!!!!!” Alpha screamed, bursting forward, shooting his softnose lasers. Several shots hit him, but he dodged the rest by jumping up to a higher platform in the room, Axl still hanging off his sword. Pain was written all over his face. “Hahahahaha!” Omega cackled. “Even the Oracles were ever so predictable...” He held the Dictonary in his free hand. “Now, after all these years of waiting, despite your interference, the great journey shall finally be able to commence!” The Dictonary then de-materialzed out of his hand, switching to a needler! Seth's eyes widened in surprise. “You have an AVISS system!” He exclaimed. “Of course I do.” Omega said slyly, shooting the monitors down. “I never did trust my other half to give us all the blueprints on the Dark One, so I hacked his files and gave them to the high council myself. Your secrets are no longer secret any more, Shadow. The Dark One's workings are exposed for all of us to see...” Alpha took aim with his softnose pistols, rage in his eyes. “Ah ah ah!” Omega held up Axl like a shield. “You wouldn't want to injure your comrade further now, would you, Alpha? After all, you care so deeply for him.” He then hit a button on his belt, and Blackhawk fell to the ground, grimacing in pain as he held his head. “Sonic emitters... My only venerability... You *******...” He clenched his teeth. “You won't be much help to your brother today, Hellhound.” Omega smiled. “I know how forerunner technologies respond to certain sonic signal bands, and right now, your head probably feels like it's going to explode.” Chief and Telek had their guns out, looking for a shot, but couldn't find any. Omega was crouched down low, so Axl covered most of his target areas. “COWARD!” Arbiter roared. “Call me what you will, Heretic, it won't matter. I have the upper hand, and soon, I shall be the one to finally start the great journey...” “NOT IF I CAN HELP IT!!” Alpha then grabbed Zero's Saber out of his hand, and charged up at Omega, forcing him to drop Axl to the ground, and engage his opponent in blade combat. He was clearly surprised by Alpha's superb blade skills, as he slashed, stabbed, and parried with him as Alpha used a combined fashion of fencing, hiten-mitsurigi ryu, kamiya-kashin, and an unknown style. Alpha's strikes had such agility and speed, Omega was starting to have trouble keeping up! “Not bad for a human!” He smiled as they deadlocked. “No one's ever pushed me this far! I'm impressed!” “I'm not done yet!” Alpha snarled, and spun around, continuing his deadly dance of swords with Omega. Once again, they jabbed, slashed, and parried, the electrical buzz of the colliding swords filling the air, as they started to jump between levels! At points their blades collided while they were in mid-air! It was an amazing sight, the flashes of colliding swords, the buzzing of electricity, the movements of the combatants... “You're good!” Omega laughed. “Too bad we didn't get to you first. We could have used someone with your skill...” “ENOUGH TALK!”Alpha drove his saber in the gap between the two blades of Omega's sword, slicing his arm in half! He yelled out from the sudden pain. Alpha then spun around, and stabbed Omega right through the center of his chest, impaling him on his blade like he had done with Axl. It killed the sonic emitters as well. “You lose!” Alpha then plugged his bridge link into Omega's head, forcing him to materialize the Dictionary. “I... Don't think so...” Omega said with his dying words. “There is more than.... just one of us. The Bloodletter... will be after you next... Thank you... for the fight... It was... the best I've had...” He laughed a hollow laugh as he passed away. Alpha then pulled the saber out of Omega's chest, unplugged the link, and ran over to Axl, whom was bleeding oil and mechanical fluid on the ground. “Axl, say something!” Alpha scanned him, and his heart skipped several beats. Axl's damage was severe. The blade had pierced several vital systems, which they could not repair on site, inlcuding his power core. He was going to die. “Alpha... I'm sorry...” He breathed. “No! Axl, I can't lose you!” Alpha said in half-sobs. “The damage is done... Sorry. I should have been more careful...” Axl apologized. “You know that old video game... We played in our spare time? Skyrim...? The…. song that went with it? Could you... Sing it for me? Like we used to do?” Alpha knew he was passed the point of no return. He couldn't believe this was happening. But he didn't have a lot of time. So he softly started to sing the song. Dovakhinn: Our hero, our hero claims a warrior's heart I tell you, I tell you, the Dragonborn comes... With a voice-wielding power of the ancient Nord Art, Believe, Believe, the Dragonborn comes... At this point, X and Zero join in this symphony. Black Hawk took off his helmet and made a salute, and the Arbiter and Shadow held their hands in prayer. The knew this was Axl's end, and wished him well in the next life. It's and end to the evil of all Skyrim's foes, Beware, beware, the Dragonborn comes, For the darkness passed and the legend yet grows, You'll know you'll know the dragonborn's come.... Dovahkiin, Dovahkiin, Nall Ok Zin Los Vahrinn Wah Deh, Vokul Mahfaeraak Asht Vall Ahrk Fin Norok Pall Grann, Fod Nust Hon Zindro Zaan Dovahkiin, Fah Hin, Kogaan Mu Drall “Thank you...” Axl breathed. He then went limp in Alpha's arms. Alpha then broke down, screaming Axl's name. He cried, his body shaking. Axl was now gone.

re-direct for future posts: http://www.343industries.org/forum/topic/5066-fanfic-preview-video-halo-project-umbra/

Well, people, I'm back, got most of my problems sorted out. I've seen some of the comments on my fanfic by Fire and FIREN4. I've made a new thread in Halo universe dedicated to my fic, so you know where I'll add the new chapters. I look forward to having some fun!

I'm taking a leave of absence. A lot is going on in my life right now, and I'm not feeling very comfortable right now on the forums, or with myself for that matter. It'll probably be for a few weeks, maybe a month I don't know. I just need some time to sort things out in my personal life right now.

Chapter 14 Bottom floor: Libraries, Keys, Psychotic monitors! Entrance to first library 04:45 hours “So here we are again.” Zero laughed. “Good thing they pulled back, even though they left us this extra lock. Makes it a whole lot easier, yet irritating. You done hacking that door, dino boy?” “Don't call me *dino boy*!” Seth said, irritated at the reference. “What? Can't take a little teasing....” “Okay, children: Concentrate.” Hawk reminded. “You don't want to rush this. Make sure you're ready.” This time however, the team was not limited to Alpha, X, Zero, Axl, Chief and the Arbiter. Telek, Shadow, Kekarr, Seth, Blackhawk, even Creed was there in blue, black, and red ODST armor! “Children? Speak for yourself, Massey!” Creed sneered. “I suppose you'll redact that too...” The doors then opened. “Here we go...” Telek sighed. “Wish I had my old gun...” “Oh, that reminds me...” Hawk then drew the Caster Magnum from one of his armor compartments, along with some ammo mags, and tossed them to Telek. “Here: good as new!” Telek smirked, and loaded a mag. “I owe you a beer, General.” “Lookin' forward to it.” Hawk laughed, readying his wrist cannon. “Great. They're now drinking buddies...” Creed rolled his eyes as he activated his helmet visor and laser sight on his DMR. As they stepped throughout the corridors of the library, Alpha was in awe. He could not believe anybody, not even the forerunners could build such a structure! It was huge! As they approached the elevator shaft, it seemed it went down into hell itself. “I don't like this....” Creed said as he held his gun. “There are no guards, no sentinels, nothing...” “I'm not even reading anything on my scanner.” Alpha said “Wait, stop . This is an electric floor.” He engaged his jets and started to hover as he looked for console. Ironically it was on an upper level without an elevator. Alpha spotted the panel, and started to hack it. It was fairly easy for Alpha to figure out the forerunners coding sequences thanks to access programs Seth and Blackhawk recently uploaded. The electrical floor was disabled in a snap. Alpha then the hovered back down to ground level using his jets. “It should be safe now to cross over the floor to the next area,” he said. “I'm not detecting any other obstacles ahead so far. Wait a minute...” That's when he saw the sentinels behind Telek. They were gathering behind them for a combined blast in a group of six. “GET DOWN!” Alpha tackled Telek to the ground just as the sentinels fired their beams. Blackhawk and Creed opened fire with their guns. Creed was very precise with his DMR. He took out just as many sentinels as Blackhawk. Unfortunately they did not have time to celebrate. Twelve more sentinels came along with two monitors. Both their lights were flashing red. “Who dares defile our creators!” The first monitor demanded. “More unworthy ones?” Then then the monitors turn to Blackhawk. Strangely the sentinels stood down, and the monitors lights changed to blue. “At last!” The first to monitor said its lights colored orange. “the reclaimers have come!” “Most excellent timing!” The second said, it's lights turning green. “We have had several intruders try to break in during the past couple hours! Thank goodness you're here! You'll have to excuse the sentinels, they are simply a security precaution...” “Security precaution my ass!” Admiral creed exclaimed. “They nearly killed us!” “That's what they're designed to do, reclaimer!” The orange monitor said. “Keep out intruders! Now allow us to introduce ourselves. I am Paranoia Deception 542 monitor of installation 06. This is the sub monitor of this installation Merciful Salvation 371.” “Welcome to our installation!” Merciful Salvatore chimed. “How may we help you?” There was an awkward silence. Then Blackhawk spoke up. “We're in one of the libraries, correct?” He asked. “Oh most definitely!” Merciful Salvator piped up. “This is the first of two vaults which contained the keys. Unfortunately, intruders broke into the first one and stole that key. However I see you have retaken it, Reclaimer. Most excellent!” “It appears you're just not any reclaimer...” Paranoia Deception spoke, as he hovered around Blackhawk. “You are a true reclaimer! You are one of our creators!” “Wait a minute, what?!” Creed exclaimed. “What is he talking about?” “He must be talking about his Forerunner implants,” Master Chief deduced. “Okay,” Blackhawk said. “Show us where this other key is, and disable all the other security measures except for other intruders besides those in my group.” “Done.” Paranoia said. “Anything else?” “Show us where the key is.” “Of course! Follow us!” Salvation chimed. “I... guess this means the other installations have failed...” His voice trailed off as they started to walk. “Why do you ask?” “Because of this one's purpose: Installation 06 is a Super Halo.” Paranoia Deception explained. “This ring holds the power of all the others combined into one! Working with the added power supply built under the crust of the planet, it can fire off a blast big enough to engulf the entire galaxy in one swift, artful strike, thus wiping out all potential flood hosts in one giant blaze of glory...” “I think I'm gonna be sick...” Creed muttered. “...In fact, this facility was deemed so powerful that it should only be used as an absolute last resort if the other rings failed, hence being pure from the flood. Seeing you here with other reclaimers tells me the former has happened, and not the latter.” “Acually, the unworthies want to use your halo because they just want to switch it on and see what happens.” Axl said. “WHAT?!” The monitors roared. “Yeah. Basically, that's what they want to do.” Creed answered. “Unacceptable!” Paranoia fumed, darting around. “This installation is not a toy! Ludicrous, I Say! The nerve of it I swear! This will not stand! Next time I see one of the unworthies I'll...” “Cool your circuits.” Salvation said flatly. “We have guests.” Paranoia Deception did exactly that, and calmed himself. “Well, they'll still have their hands full. The ring's security measures will be set at maximum. Let's see them try to get though the best we have...” Omega followed closely behind the Dark One's group, submerged in the shadows. The new ecm emitter along with his cloaking device were working well in concert, and he was just out of earshot of both the demons. He wasn't taking any chances this time. Now he really needed to capture the Dark One. The shape-shifting technologies would prove most valuable to the new-covenant's cause if he could get them. Plus, seeing as he was already inside the library, he wouldn't be counted as an “Intruder” to the oracles. Looks like their best wouldn't matter after all...

Chapter 13 Heavy hearts Alpha awoke later, not from a nightmare, but because he had woke and just couldn't get back to sleep. He sat up. He'd been worried about the injured. Arbiter was sedated via protocol for his injuries, and Telek was sound asleep, partially because of the alcohol he began to consume again. Shadow was the only one whom seemed to be awake. This was soon confirmed. “Umbra, is something troubling you?” He asked, sitting up partially. His side was still bandaged from the wound from the Caster Magum bullet Omega shot him with. Seth's re-generator hadn't been able to fully heal it, or Telek's for that matter. “...Yes.” He admitted, both of them getting to their feet. They both walked out of the cave. “I'm discouraged, Grelar. All of this fighting, over the Halo, over me... It costs too much for too many. It cost you your body, your home, it cost me my home, my father's life... When will it end?” Shadow sighed. “I doubt even the Arbiter has the answer. We just have to endure it. I know it can be difficult, but we have no choice but to bear the burden...” He then used his own ACS to show Alpha his winged form, unarmed. It was similar to his own, but the wing's feathers were not as curved and smooth. They were more sharp, jagged, and harsh-lined. “I didn't give them all the blueprints. I saved the best, including the ACS for myself, and never have used it. The other Nightshades don't have as advanced ACS. They don't have AVISS systems, or Doppelganger-tech either. Not even I have it.” “That doesn't mean they won't develop their own crap, or fall behind...” He engaged his own wing armor, no weapons. “We can at least be thankful they don't have this technology. Look, I know things are hard, and you harbor hate for me killing your father...” Shadow then stopped. He noticed tears running from Alpha's eyes. “Don't blame yourself for that...” He seized Shadow in an embrace, and started to sob silently. “It wasn't your fault. It wasn't...” At first, Shadow was dumbfounded by the gesture. Anyone else would have cooed or fussed over Alpha's weakness, like Black Hawk or the late Richard Friedman, but Shadow did what he felt was noble. What he felt was right. What needed to be done to bring the young human some comfort and closure. He wrapped his arms around him as gently as he could, and returned the embrace. Tears began to run from his eyes, too, as he knew Alpha was telling the truth, and now, it didn't matter who killed who anymore. All that mattered now, was that they set things right. For his friend, and for his father... They needed to end this madness.

Chapter 12 Uphold thy promise until death... UNSC Base Camp 22:20 Hours “Wow!” Zero gasped as he watched Bloodrain explode. “Those are some det packs!” “Blackhawk to nest: Mission complete. We have the first set of car keys and are en route back...” Hawk radioed. “Good. Operation: Pickpocket is a success...” Creed sighed in relief. “One less thing to worry about. Now, after the team gets some quick rest and recovery, we need to get into that library we found earlier and snag the other set of *keys* if the N-C's haven't got 'em yet...” “Agreed.” X said. “It's still not over, but we're one step closer to victory...” “I'm not going through with the surgery, I don't need it...” Arbiter weakly rapsed. “Yes, you do!” The human medic argued. “You have seven broken ribs, a crushed tibia, and a fractured femur! Not to mention one of your lungs is punctured, and you're bleeding internally! If you don't get it, you'll die!” “You obviously have no idea about our honor system...” “Look, would you rather be alive or dead?!” The medic snapped, losing his patience. “What do you think?” The arbiter coughed. “Never send a human to do a Saurgonan's job...” Seth grabbed a Saurgonan med-kit from his fighter. “Move over!” He shoved the medic aside. He then got a tool out of his bag that looked similar to a hand scanner. It emitted a blue light, with Seth slowly ran over the Arbiter's broken ribs, arm, and leg. It mended his broken bones, stopped the internal bleeding, and sealed his punctured lung! Arbiter began to breathe easier. “What is that cool toy?” Telek asked, in awe. “You'll have to send us a few hundred-dozen crates...” “Standard Field Medical Re-generator.” Seth answered, putting it away. “No surgery needed.” He shot a glare at Arbiter. “Just needs some rest and rejuvenation, with a good meal for nutritional purposes. And before you ask how I know all this, I was once a medic in the Saurgonian revolution, which is another story for another day. Right now, I need to put Alpha through some diagnostics. Otherwise, his next mission will be short, indeed...” “Is there any pleasing you?” Zero quipped. “He survived, right?” “He got lucky, and it takes more than luck to survive warfare!” Seth roared. “He wasn't fast enough, and next time, me and the Cerberus Spartan won't be around to bail him out!” “Okay, Seth, chill!” Blackhawk said, tossing Telek a bottle of water. “Just be glad he's alive, and don't get too enthusiastic with any modifications you're thinking about. But before you're diagnostics, we all need a few hours sleep.” He yawned. “At the minimum. So that's first...” “Seth, how could you let this happen?!” Doctor Richard Friedman cried, holding Alpha's blood-covered corpse in his arms. “Richard, it... It wasn't my fault...” Seth tried to explain, stumbling on his words. “He was ordered to go in alone, I-I couldn't...” “You promised me you wouldn't let them kill him!” Friedman yelled. “You promised me you'd protect him until he was ready!” “Richard, I...” “You promised my you'd keep him alive! YOU *******, YOU PROMISED ME THAT!! YOU PROMISED!!!” UNSC Camp 01:45 Hours July 7, 2561 Seth thrashed around on his sleeping mat, gripped in a powerful nightmare. He was dreaming about Alpha. About him dying, not being able to save him. About the promise he made to Richard Friedman before he died. Finally, he bolted upright, in a cold sweat. His breaths were quick and rapid. Where they were in the camp, he was the only one awake, lights dim. He then got up, and looked around for Alpha. He saw him, asleep, his power cells plugged into a mini-generator for recharge. Seth ran over and checked his pulse, still shaken by the nightmare. After he was sure Alpha was alive and well without waking him, he breathed a sigh of relief. “Trouble sleeping?” Blackhawk asked in a cold, crewel voice. A voice that sounded nothing like him. Seth turned around, and Hawk was leaning against the wall, mere feet away from him. Scorn was written on his face. “You do know what today is, right?” He asked in the same tone. “...The seventh of July.” Seth answered. “The day he first emerged from the tank eight years ago...” “Yep. He's nine now. And if you recall correctly, I was there. I know what you promised Friedman as well. Let's just say a little birdie told me.” Hawk's brow narrowed. “But that doesn't give you the right to think you can just monopolize his operations and take charge of my brother's well-being.” Seth's face expressed anger. “He's not your brother. Last time I checked, he didn't have your blood...” “There's a lot of stuff you don't know, Seth.” Hawk got right in his face, towering over the the Saurgonan. “Believe me, I had plenty of information on him redacted ever before you entered the fray. If you don't believe me, compare his blood to mine.” He got out a syringe, stuck it in his arm, and gave him a sample. Seth then got out his med-kit again and scanned the blood sample. Then he scanned Alpha. They matched! Right down to the DNA! “But... How?” Seth was left speechless. “Friedman knew no normal human being would be able to use the implants without being killed by them. That's where I enter the picture. My parts of the DNA is what keeps the implants from eating him alive, so to speak. And FYI, forget what that ****** Creed said yesterday about my record. He's just bitter because he didn't get the ONI Spec ops head rank. Noble team wasn't my fault, not even I could have foreseen the fall of Reach, and I've never compromised a mission. Not in my entire history of service...” “So the Admiral holds a grudge against you, I don't see how that will help keep Alexander safe...” Hawk displayed a hint of curiosity. Seth then turned around, eyes on Alpha again. His face now showed regret. “That's what Richard was going to name him. Before I started to work with him, I just saw this as any other weapon project. Just another gun that needed built. But as I worked more with him, we became closer, not just as scientists, but as friends. He told me how deeply he cared about him, that Alpha was the last of his legacy after his wife died on the In Amber Clad. She was a navigator for that ship. Friedman even said he got DNA from her personal items and incepted them into his development. Basically, he's Friedman's full-blooded son. He didn't want him to get killed until he knew how to use his weapons and components. We spent years teaching him that on Trice. Then, when the colony was attacked and he went MIA, I couldn't stop thinking about that promise I made him. I intend to keep that promise. No matter what it takes...” “You and me both, Zatorak.” Hawk put a hand on his sholder. “You and me both...”