[Naked Crook]

Barrabus: My orders? Barrabus paused. He took a breath. Barrabus: My first order is to prepare for battle. I want all equipment and weapons gathered up and brought to my ship, that is currently in orbit. One of the Brutes spoke up. Obsidian Hierarchy Stalker: Chieftain...may I ask why? Barrabus: The Elites have sized a tactically advantageous military outpost. They are in control of a Forerunner military installation. I plan on removing them from this installation. The leader of this group of Elites is no doubt planning our destruction. If he goes unchallenged...many will perish... The Brutes began to snarl. Obsidian Hierarchy Stalker: Why would the Covenant want to destroy us? This should be used as a rallying call... Barrabus: These Elites are not with the Covenant. The Covenant has proven beyond useless in stopping these Elites...which is why I have turned my back on the Covenant...and turn to the Obsidian Hierarchy. We are the only ones who can stop these Elites. We are the only ones who have the resolve to deal with them. Barrabus paused. Barrabus: Now...gather up all of the equipment...and prepare to have it shipped to my ship in orbit... All of the Brutes nodded. They immediately got to work. Brutus watched as the Brutes did as Barrabus told. He was impressed. He had never seen a Brute invoke such authority so quickly. Brutus approached Barrabus and grinned. Brutus: I am impressed...you rallied them quickly. I always knew you would be a forceful leader Barrabus. I saw it in you on day one. Barrabus: Well...it isn't smart to screw around with someone as big as I am. I have never met someone I could not walk all over. Dancar approached Barrabus. Dancar: For a moment there...I thought you were going to kill that field operative.... Barrabus: I do not kill my own kind...unless I absolutely need to. TO date, I have yet to kill another Brute. I have never had to kill a Brute to command my ship... Brutus: Speaking of your ship...what are we going to do about the Brutes on your ship? There is no way we can sneak the entire Hierarchy onboard without arousing suspicion. Barrabus: I have been thinking about that. I actually have an idea. Brutus: You do? Barrabus: Yes... Barrabus paused. Barrabus: I think my crew has earned some rest and relaxation...would you not agree? Brutus grinned. Brutus: I would say so... Brutus: I plan on ordering all of my Brutes down to Doisac. I am simply going to tell them that I am undertaking a mission vital to the survival of the Covenant. They do not need any details beyond that...they will listen...and if they don't, I will simply beat obedience into them as needed. Brutus: Assuming that works...what then? Barrabus: I will crew the ship with the Obsidian Hierarchy...and we will take the ship back to where Quinn has consolidated his power...and we will stomp a hole in his ass for what he has done. Quinn is going to learn never to cross the Brutes. Dancar: Quinn still has ships under his command...we are going to need to fight past them. Barrabus: We will not only fight past them...we will destroy them. Brutus and Dancar nodded. Barrabus: I will see to it that the Devotion is cleared of my crew. After that...we can begin to transfer this equipment to the Devotion. Dancar...see to it that this equipment is ready to go at a moment's notice! Dancar: Right away Barrabus... Barrabus: Brutus...I want you to take every piece of information we known on Quinn and his cohorts, cross reference with what we know about that installation he has occupied...and I need a battle plan ready to go by the time we get back there. I need the specifications on all of his ships, and the service profiles of his top associates. Brutus: Right away! Brutus and Dancar walked off. Barrabus watched as the Obsidian Hierarchy Brutes carried out his orders. He folded his arms, with a clear sign of superiority on his face. =============================================================== Construct Assembly Line Security Bravo - Main Chamber - 8 Days Later =============================================================== Quinn and Xyrho were all in the main chamber. Vanguard was in the center of the room. His eye was completely dim, but he was hovering above the ground. Quinn: Xyrho...what exactly is Vanguard doing? Xyrho: Well...I have been working non-stop...but I was finally able to interface Vanguard with the Matrix Core in this installation. For the past few hours...he has been doing something he calls..."personality dissemination". This is basically his way of saying that he is taking control of every system in this installation. If he is successful...he can rewrite the security in this installation to respond to our input...and our commands. Quinn: Giving us full control? Xyrho: Yes... Quinn nodded in approval. Quinn then saw Voro, along with several other spec-op Elites enter the main chamber. Voro walked up to Quinn and saluted Voro: Shipmaster... Quinn looked at Voro. Quinn: Speak... Voro: We have made all possible preparations for any possible incursion from the Brutes. We have heavy plasma turrets and anti-air plasma turrets stationed all around the installation to counter air assaults and landings, while our ground troops are in place to stop and possible ground assault. We have deployed Wraith Tanks and banshees as well. Quinn: Excellent...well done Voro. Voro: Furthermore...our battle group remains in orbit...awaiting their Assault Carrier. Bael, as you know, is in command of your flagship. Malak, Rha, and Jaero have assumed command of their respective cruisers. Quinn: Very well done. What about any other Covenant ships? Voro: None in range. I do not believe the Covenant knows of anything that has happened here. We were fortunate that the Minister of Abbadon made this mission so secretive...otherwise, it is possible we would have an entire fleet after us by now. Quinn: I guess he was useful for something after all. Voro: The Minister of Abbadon was a fraud...nothing more. Quinn was about to speak, but he stopped when he saw Vanguard illuminate to his red hue. Quinn turned and stepped towards Vanguard. Quinn: Vanguard? Vanguard: Personality dissemination...complete. Quinn: Is that so? What do you have access to? Vanguard was silent for a moment. Vanguard: Full access has been granted to all major systems. Minor systems are currently propagating...estimated time to completion...2059 seconds... Quinn was silent. Xyrho: 34 Minutes...19 Seconds... Quinn: I know that! Quinn looked at Vanguard. Quinn: Do you have control over the other constructs? Vanguard: Yes... Quinn: What about the forge that lay beyond the main door? Vanguard: Yes... Quinn: What about the door controls themselves! My Elites need full access to this facility... Vanguard: Security measures have been completely rewritten...you, and the rest of your soldiers, have full access to this facility...only so long as I remain interfaced with the main system. Quinn: What? Why? Vanguard: In order to overwrite the security that has been built into our technology...I need to constantly fight the re-encryption protocols. If I stop...even for a moment...the security will reinitialize...and you will be locked out of the main controls. Quinn: Can you not defeat the encryption protocols completely? Vanguard: No. Quinn sighed. He was not happy about this. Quinn: So long as we have access to this installation...it will be good enough. Quinn turned away from Vanguard and approached the large doors that the Minister of Abbadon was trying to get passed before he was killed. Quinn looked down at the control panel and touched it. The controls flashed blue, to signify access. The large doors opened, to reveal a pitch black room. Voro and Xyrho walked behind Quinn. As the trio entered this large room, it slowly began to illuminate. They soon realized that this entire room was empty, save for a few terminals that had no apparent input capabilities, but were only equipped with display consoles. There was, however, a single consol used for input. Quinn: This...is an assembly line? This...is a forge? This is what our gods used? Vanguard hovered behind the three Elites. Vanguard: Correct... Quinn: It does not look like much. Xyrho: No...it does not. Vanguard: Our technology is beyond yours. You rely on physical construction. The Forerunners had a different approach. They did not build...they imagined... Quinn: What? Vanguard: Behold... Vanguard hovered around the single input console. Vanguard: This is the Forge. This is where everything is made. This is the beginning of all things. The ones you call...Engineers...were created in this fashion. The technology used in their creation was a combination of technological blueprints and nano-technology, specifically designed to mimic biological appearance. This forge can create more...if so desired. Quinn: Can it create anything else? Vanguard: Yes...including the seeds and blueprints used in the creation of interstellar ships. Once the seed is created...this installation can be used to assemble the vessel. Large vessels require the exterior design platform...while smaller designs, such as combat skins or weapons, can be constructed in this room...and reconstituted immediately. Of course...raw material is needed to construct anything from the forge. Fortunately...this facility is still supplied with a vast amount of resources. Xyrho: Unbelievable... Vanguard: Observe... Vanguard hovered above the Forge terminal. A small blue light shot from his eye as he interfaced with the terminal. Has he worked, a platform on the far end of the room illuminated. Several pillars that surrounded the platform illuminated in a gold light as they began to work. The pillar began to rotate around the platform. Quinn watched as the pillars began to constitute a completely blank Sentinel Aggressor Construct from thin air. When the pillars stopped, the pillars shut down, and dimmed. Vanguard: Using a technology known as hard light...we are able to constitute any base material into any other or identical material and shape as we need. As you can see...I have used the forge to construct a single Construct. This construct can then be recycled...and broken down once again... Vanguard activated the Forge again. The pillar lit up and proceeded to deconstruct the Sentinel. Xyrho: What is powering this installation... Vanguard: The local star. Xyrho: This installation is powered by a star? Vanguard: Correct. This installation has been leeching the energy from the star for many years. This installation has never stopped...it has devoured the energy of this star...without mercy Quinn: That is why the star in this system is nearly dead. Vanguard: Correct. In the most basic terms...this star is nearly out of fuel. Xyrho: Quinn...if this is true...that star could collapse if put under enough stress. Quinn: That would be very bad. Ensure that does not happen. Quinn paused. Quinn: Xyrho...I want you to get started. I want you to utilize This Forge...construct the weapons needed to begin destroying all that is inferior. The sooner we are able to pulverize the Brutes into non-existence...the better. Xyrho: I will get started immediately. Quinn turned away and left Xyrho to his work. Voro followed behind Quinn. As Quinn returned to the main hall, he was approached by several Elites. One of the Elites was a Major. The Elites saluted Quinn. Elite Major: Shipmaster Quinn... Quinn looked at the Elite Major. Quinn: What is it? Elite Major: We have just detected a slip space rupture. We have identified the ship as the Brute Vessel that escaped. Quinn clenched his fists. Elite Major: They are presently holding position just outside the system. Should I send word to engage them? Quinn: Not yet...let them come to us. Inform our ships in orbit to maintain full combat alert status. Elite Major: Yes shipmaster. The Elites turned and walked off. Quinn knew that Barrabus was going to prove to be a serious problem. Quinn turned to look at Voro. Quinn: Voro...I want every Elite in this installation prepared for battle. We must be fully prepared for these Brutes. Voro: I will inform all positions to be fully combat alert. Voro walked off, leaving Quinn by himself. =============================================================== The Devotion - Main Bridge =============================================================== Barrabus was on the bridge of the Devotion. His bridge crew had been replaced entirely by Obsidian Hierarchy Brutes. Barrabus: What is our current position? Obsidian Hierarchy Stalker: We are currently outside of the system. Barrabus: Status of the enemy ships? Obsidian Hierarchy Stalker: Enemy ships have not moved from their position...they are in a defensive position around the planet. Barrabus drummed his fingers on his chair. Barrabus: Cowardly bastards...they are waiting for us to come to them. Barrabus turned to see Brutus enter the bridge. Brutus looked at Barrabus. Brutus: Barrabus... Barrabus: Brutus? What do you need? Brutus: I have finalized our attack plan for when we land on the planet. I feel that now is the best time to go over it. Of course...I will need your final approval. Barrabus: That will have to wait. As of right now...we are currently in a standoff with the Elites. They are simply guarding the planet...they are unwilling to move from their defensive stance. We may be in a situation where we will be forced to make the first move. Defiantly not ideal...considering we are currently unaware of what could be waiting for us. Brutus: If we approach the planet, we will be walking into their domain. We could very well be walking into a trap. Barrabus: I agree...but we may not have a choice. We may need to engage them in their domain. These Elites may very well be content to sit and guard that planet for as long as they need to. I am not prepared to sit here and let them dictate the terms of our next engagement. Brutus: In either event...I have spoken with Dancar...he has informed me that our ground forces are fully prepared for an assault. Whatever you choose to do...we will be ready for the ground assault. Barrabus nodded. Barrabus: Understood. Barrabus paused. He looked ahead to the Brute that was at the helm station. Barrabus: Helm...set a course for the planet. Obsidian Hierarchy Stalker: Yes Chieftain... Barrabus looked at a Brute that was sitting at the weapons station on the bridge. Barrabus: Bring weapons and shields to full power. Obsidian Hierarchy Brute: Weapons and shields are at full power. Ready to fire at your command Chieftain. The Devotion continued to move into the system. As the Devotion got closer to the planet, the Elite ships began to move into an offensive position. Obsidian Hierarchy Brute: Chieftain...enemy ships moving into attack position. There are 5 cruisers and 1 assault carrier. Barrabus: Where is the Chariot of 30 Silver Tongues Obsidian Hierarchy Brute: The Elite Assault Carrier is at the forefront of the enemy battle group. The smaller cruisers are in support positions. Barrabus: Target the smaller cruisers. Fire on all targets of opportunity. Obsidian Hierarchy Brute: Targeting smaller cruisers...firing plasma torpedoes. The Devotion flew right at the Elite battle group. The Devotion fired off a full barrage of plasma torpedoes, hitting all of the smaller cruisers in a dispersal patter, causing minor damage to each ship. Obsidian Hierarchy Brute: Minor damage to enemy ships...their shields are still holding. Plasma weapons and pulse lasers could be heard impacting the shields of the Devotion. Obsidian Hierarchy Brute: Enemy ships have returned fir. We have sustained damage to our forward shields. Barrabus: Break off our advance. Begin engagement with port side weapons. Obsidian Hierarchy Stalker: Altering course...breaking off and commencing full rotation to port. Obsidian Hierarchy Brute: Opening fire with port weapons. Pulse laser turrets firing on all targets. Barrabus: No...focus all firepower on a single cruiser. Target the closest cruiser and fire. There were more weapon impacts to the shields of the Devotion. Obsidian Hierarchy Brute: Target acquired. the Devotion fired a full barrage from its Pulse Laser Turrets and directed all output onto a single cruiser. One of the cruisers took heavy damage from the pulse laser barrage, losing its shields and suffering severe hull damage. The Cruiser began to drift as it broke from formation and drifted away from the battle group. Obsidian Hierarchy Brute: One enemy target has been disabled. They have sustained heavy damage. The Elite battle group fired another barrage at the Devotion. Obsidian Hierarchy Brute: We have sustained a direct hit...our dorsal shields are beginning to buckle... Barrabus: Rotate to attack arc to ventral...focus all fire on the next target of opportunity. Obsidian Hierarchy Stalker: Commencing full rotation to ventral... The Cruisers continued to fire at the Devotion, trying desperately to break through the shields. Obsidian Hierarchy Brute: We have a target lock on the a second cruiser. Commencing full salvo... The Devotion fired off a second barrage of pulse lasers, crippling another one of the cruisers. It was at this point that the last three cruisers broke off from the assault carrier. Obsidian Hierarchy Brute: Chieftain...the cruisers have broken off...they are fleeing the battle. Barrabus: What about the Chariot of 30 Silver Tongues? the Devotion was struck with a barrage of pulse lasers and plasma torpedoes. Obsidian Hierarchy Brute: Still engaging us...it seems... Barrabus: Target all weapons on the Chariot of 30 Silver Tongues.. Target priority should be on their shield systems. Obsidian Hierarchy Brute: Targeting shield systems... =============================================================== Chariot of 30 Silver Tongues - Main Bridge =============================================================== Bael was in command of the Chariot of 30 Silver Tongues. Bael: What is the status of our cruisers? Elite Major: Two of our cruisers have been disabled. Bael: Which ones? Elite Major: The cruisers under the command of Shipmaster Jaero and Shipmaster Malak have been disabled. They are adrift...but salvageable... Bael: What about our other cruisers? Elite Major: They have broken formation...the Brutes have scattered them. Bael: Send a message to our cruisers...tell them to go back to the Planet...and await further instructions. Bael paused. He scoffed. Bael: We will defeat these Brutes ourselves...they are second rate shipmasters...no match for an Elite on even terms... Bael paused again. He looked at his tactical officer. Bael: Target the Brute ship...fire all available plasma torpedoes... The Chariot of 30 Silver Tongues changed its course and flew right at the Devotion, firing off all of its Plasma torpedoes as fast as the chambers could fire them. The Torpedoes began to impact the ventral section of the Devotion, damaging the shields on that arc, and forcing the Devotion to break off from its attack pattern. Elite Major: We have scored multiple direct hits...the Brute ship has broken off, they are altering course...and they have lost their weapons lock on us. Bael: Lock on all pulse laser turrets...and fire at will. Elite Major: Pulse lasers have been locked...firing... The Chariot of 30 Silver Tongues fired another barrage of pulse lasers at the Devotion, this time impacting the aft section of the ship, once again doing critical damage to the shield systems. Elite Major: Direct hit...the shield systems on enemy ship have begun to fail...their shields are beginning to fail. Bael: What is our status? Elite Major: We have sustained moderate damage...but our shields are holding strong. Bael: Prepare to fire again... =============================================================== the Devotion - Main Bridge =============================================================== Obsidian Hierarchy Brute: Chieftain...we are unable to break through their shields. Barrabus: It seems the Covenant has been equipping the Capital Ships belonging to the Elites with far more powerful defensive systems... Obsidian Hierarchy Brute: We are losing shields...any further hits will collapse our shield array...we will be defenseless... Barrabus: Move us away from the Elites...push the engines to max. Obsidian Hierarchy Stalker: Engines at full...plotting escape trajectory. Barrabus stood up and walked to the center of the bridge where the holotank was located. In the holotank was a holographic display of the solar system. Obsidian Hierarchy Stalker: We are moving away, but the Elites are in pursuit, and they are gaining on us. They will be back in firing range in 28 seconds. Chieftain...we need a course of action immediately. Barrabus winced. He looked at the holographic display of the solar system and saw that the Elites were getting closer. Barrabus then had an idea. He saw that the planet that was home to the Forerunner installation had several moons, and one of them was almost in the direct flight path of the Devotion. Barrabus: Adjust out heading 19 degrees to port... Obsidian Hierarchy Stalker: That heading will put us on a near collision with one of the moons... Barrabus: A near collision...yes. I want you to slingshot us around the moon...and turn us around. Take us right at the Elites. Obsidian Hierarchy Stalker: Chieftain? Barrabus: Do it! Obsidian Hierarchy Stalker: Yes...adjusting heading now... Barrabus looked at the Brute who was manning the ships weapons. Barrabus: I want all weapons ready to fire. As soon as we are in optimal firing arc of the Elites...fire everything we have. Hopefully, we will be able to break through their defenses...and perhaps scathe them with a near collision... the Devotion flew directly at the planet's moon and began to slingshot around it. The Devotion, using the slingshot effect around the moon, accelerated right at the Chariot of 30 Silver Tongues. Barrabus: Open fire! The Devotion began to fire its full complement of plasma torpedoes and pulse lasers at the Chariot of 30 Silver Tongues. This massive barrage of weaponry cause the shields on the Chariot of 30 Silver Tongues to become momentarily disrupted. The Chariot of 30 Silver Tongues attempted to break off and move out of the Devotion's current path, but the velocity of the Devotion proved too much. This resulted in a collision between the two ships. The port side of the main launch bay of the Devotion impacted right along the starboard side of forward section of the Chariot of 30 Silver Tongues. The end result was a massive hull breach on the Chariot of 30 Silver Tongues, running from the bow of the ship, right to where the forward section of the ship meets the main launch bay. The Chariot of 30 Silver Tongues took heavy damage as a result of this collision. Obsidian Hierarchy Brute: Chieftain...we have sustained heavy damage to our main launch bay. The collision has also caused damage to our power systems...we have instabilities in two of our reactors... Barrabus: Noted... Barrabus paused. Barrabus: Prepare all aft weapons...as soon as we have the ability...fire everything we have! Obsidian Hierarchy Brute: But Chieftain...if we fire...that reactor could overload and cause serious collateral damage. Barrabus: Understood! Fire! Obsidian Hierarchy Brute: Very well...we have target lock...firing... The Devotion began to fire off the rear plasma torpedoes and pulse lasers at the Chariot of 30 Silver Tongues. Each torpedo landed a direct hull impact. With each impact, the Hull of the Chariot of 30 Silver Tongues was ripped open. The Devotion did not fare well by this attack either. One of the damaged reactors went critical, resulting in an internal explosion in the ship. This resulted in heavy damage to both the engines and shield system. The resulting explosion fried the shield systems on the Devotion and destroyed one of the three main engines. Obsidian Hierarchy Brute: We have lost our shields...the entire array has been destroyed... Barrabus: Status of enemy ship? Obsidian Hierarchy Brute: They have taken heavy damage. They are having difficulty reassembling their shields. They have multiple hull breaches on their vessel...but they are coming about in an attack formation. They are trying to establish a firing lock on us. Barrabus: Let's not give them the chance. Bring us back around...fire everything we have...first opportunity. Target any exposed system. Obsidian Hierarchy Stalker: Bringing us back around... =============================================================== Chariot of 30 Silver Tongues - Main Bridge =============================================================== Bael slammed his fist on the arm rest of his chair. Bael: How is this possible!? How are we having any difficulty with a Brute!? Elite Major: Shipmaster...the mongrels are making another offensive run at us! Bael: Well...we will make an offensive run at them! From what I can see...they have no shields. We still have them out gunned. Bael paused. Bael: Target their main weapon systems...whatever we have left...throw it at the Brutes. We are not going to stand down...and we are not going to fall back. These Brutes are about to find out just how much perseverance a battle-hardened Elite has. Bael paused again. Bael: Bring us about...establish a counter-movement firing pattern. Counter their advances with distance...do not let them get close If they get too close, they will try another suicide run. Elite Minor: We have an attack pattern locked in... Bael: Fire! The Chariot of 30 Silver Tongues and the Devotion continued to exchange fire. Both ships were throwing everything they had at each other. Elite Major: Shipmaster...we have multiple hull fractures along the superstructure...we have hull breaches forming. We have sustained heavy damage...we cannot take much more of this! Bael: We won't have too! the Brute ship is far more damaged than we are. A few more well placed shots will bring them to a halt! Bael was about to give to order to resume firing, but the Chariot of 30 Silver Tongues was hit by another barrage. This last barrage crippled the Chariot of 30 Silver Tongues, and the entire ship was dead in the water. Elite Major: Shipmaster...we have taken heavy damage. We have lost weapons and engines. We are adrift... Bael: Do what you must to get those systems back online! =============================================================== the Devotion - Main Bridge =============================================================== Barrabus stood near the holotank, looking at the blinking indicator that was the Chariot of 30 Silver Tongues. He stared right at the Chariot of 30 Silver Tongues. Obsidian Hierarchy Brute: Chieftain...why do we delay? We have the power to destroy them...here and now! Barrabus: I have an idea...begin transmitting...I wish to speak to the Elite... Obsidian Hierarchy Brute: Yes Chieftain...transmission established... There was a paused. Obsidian Hierarchy Brute: Channel open...audio only. Barrabus took a breath. Barrabus: Elite vessel...this is Chieftain Barrabus...I will willing to hear your surrender... Barrabus said this with a smirk. Barrabus then listened to Bael's words over the comm. Bael: Mongrel...you will never get the satisfaction of hearing me surrender to YOU... Barrabus: A shame. Are you so proud that you would rather die than preserve your own life with two difficult words? Bael: I would rather die... Barrabus: Very well...Elite... Barrabus looked at his tactical officer and nodded. The Devotion fired one more barrage of plasma torpedoes. As the torpedoes hit the Chariot of 30 Silver Tongues, the communications channel began to muffle. Bael: Mongrel...I will be avenged...do not count this as a victory... The sounds of explosions could be heard over the comm, as the Chariot of 30 Silver Tongues was ripped apart by the plasma torpedoes. As the last torpedo hit, the Chariot of 30 Silver Tongues broke into several pieces and began to explode as the charred remains of the ship drifted off into different directions. What was left of the ship was burning in space. Obsidian Hierarchy Brute: For what it is worth...enemy ship has been destroyed. No life signs detected. There are still three smaller cruisers on sensors...but they are too far away to be a threat. Barrabus: Keep an eye on those Cruisers. Only engage them if absolutely necessary. This ship is not in the best condition...and another confrontation would be ill-advised. Barrabus sighed. Barrabus: Round two begins now. Inform all designated ground troops to meet me in the hanger bay. Barrabus turned and walked to the exit of the bridge, grabbing his hammer was he left. Barrabus walked down the damaged corridors of his ship as he made his way to the hanger bay. Upon arriving in the hanger bay, Barrabus was met by Brutus, Dancar, and a legion of Obsidian Hierarchy Brutes. Some of the Brutes were Stalkers, while others were in typical combat armor. Dancar: Barrabus...very impressive. You outmatched an Elite battle group! Elites are considered formidable strategic opponents...not to mention their superior ships... Barrabus: I was just better...always have been, always will be.. Brutus: Arrogant, hard-headed, and ruthlessly cunning...you are a perfect example of what every Brute should be. Our defeat of an Elite battle group is a great victory. Barrabus: There is no victory yet Brutus. Quinn is still on the planet...surrounded by his minions...and his constructs. Brutus: Speaking of which...I believe I have an effective course of action against Quinn. Barrabus: An attack plan? Brutus: Exactly. Barrabus nodded. Barrabus: Let's hear it. Brutus reach to his side and pulled out a small Holodrone. He activated and the small drone began to levitate as it lit up. The drone flashed as it displayed a map of the area surrounding the installation. the holographic map had several red markers indicating defensive placements. Brutus: Now...before I get into any details...it should be noted that Quinn has established heavy anti-air and anti-armor defenses around this installation. He is prepared for almost anything we can throw at him. Barrabus: Well...then what's the plan? Brutus: Like I said...almost anything... Barrabus was silent as he waited for Brutus to continue. Brutus: This ship is equipped with Scarabs. Barrabus: You want to deploy all of my Scarabs...and just punch through his defenses... Brutus: That is the first part...yes. Dancar: There will be three phases to this assault. Even with the Scarabs...they are going to use the heavy plasma turrets to try and bring them down. It is possible that the Scarabs would sustain too much damage before making their way to Quinn's fortification. Brutus: The only region big enough to deploy all of the Scarabs is roughly 12 Km away from where Quinn is. He would be able to spot us, prepare his defenses, and be able to fire at us the moment we were within 3 Km. The Scarabs would need to be within 2 Km to be within effective firing range. Dancar: Which is why we are going to deploy Stalkers. The Stalkers will go, under cloak, get behind enemy lines, and begin a preemptive strike against the anti-air defenses. Brutus: After we offline roughly half of the heavy anti-air turrets, we are going to deploy a squadron of Banshees to attack the heavy plasma turrets. Barrabus: Let me guess...by the time al this is done, the Scarabs will be able to walk in, almost unopposed, and lay siege to the installation. Brutus: Exactly. Barrabus: There is one weakness though... Brutus: There is? Barrabus: How many Elites are going to be there? Brutus: Many... Barrabus: And...how many of these constructs will Quinn have at his disposal? Brutus: Many more... Barrabus: Exactly...we are sending Brutes to die for an objective that, if ends in failure, cripples the rest of our attack plan...and we will have lost many good Brutes for nothing. I am not willing to risk that Brutus. Brutus: There is no other alternative... Barrabus: There is always an alternative Brutus. We just need to find it. Brutus: Barrabus...we are going to lose Brutes either way... Barrabus: I know this...but I would rather not lose more than I have to. Barrabus paced around and began to think. He walked around the holographic map. Brutus: Barrabus...with every minute we waste...Quinn further prepares for us. We cannot wait any longer. Barrabus continued to pace around. Brutus: There is no other way we can get down there. Barrabus: Wrong. Brutus: What do you mean? Barrabus: Take another look at your map Brutus...you made one small oversight. Direct your attention to the front of the installation. If you remember...the LZ that was established...had a gravity elevator. All we need to do is establish position over the lift, and establish a link. We can simply jump right down. Brutus: That will be dangerous. Barrabus: Dangerous...but not a gamble. We will fight, and die, together. I would prefer this over sending a group of our brothers to die alone...and for no good reason. Brutus: Very well Barrabus...the decision is yours. Dancar: I will ensure that all of our ground forces are geared up and ready to go. Dancar walked away. Brutus looked at Barrabus. They both exchanged a single look. Brutus: I hope you are right Barrabus... =============================================================== Construct Assembly Line Security Bravo - Main Chamber =============================================================== Quinn was pacing back and forth. He was furious. Vanguard, Voro, and Xyrho watched Quinn pace back and forth. Voro: Shipmaster...I am sure Bael did everything he could... Quinn: Bael sucks! He was defeated by narrow minded animals. Xyrho: Jaero and Malak must also suck then... Quinn: Yes...they also suck! They were also defeated by a narrow minded animal! Xyrho: From what I understand...they are still alive. They managed to abandon their ship with some survivors... Voro: Rha still has a ship. We also have two other cruisers that could extract us if need be. Quinn: What is that supposed to mean? Voro: It means...that we should know when to quit Shipmaster. Brutes are not stupid, they are not as useless as you make them out to be. They are dangerous foes. We may be fighting a losing battle... Quinn: Voro...normally I appreciate your tactical advice...but the day you advise me that I am unable to defeat a filthy, disgusting, narrow minded, primitive animal in battle...is the day I tell you to keep your advice to yourself! Quinn shook his head. Quinn: I don't care what it takes...kill these Brutes and bring me the Chieftain's head! Quinn turned away. Voro: Right away Shipmaster! It will be done! Quinn turned back, and saw an Elite Minor running up to the group. Elite Minor: Shipmaster! Quinn rolled his eyes. Quinn: What is it!? Elite Minor: The Brutes are on their way...but... Quinn: But what? Elite Minor: Their assault carrier...it is in extreme low orbit...they are heading this way at tremendous speeds! Quinn looked at Xyrho. Xyrho: The gravity elevator! It is still operational! Quinn: Shut it down! Do not allow the Brutes to establish a connection with it! They will be able to get past every single one of our defenses...and land right in the heart of this installation if we do not stop them! Quinn was clearly irritated. He contacted the Elites that were guarding the gravity elevator via his comm system. One of the Elites responded. Spec Op Elite: Shipmaster...what do you need? Quinn: Listen to me very carefully...I don't care who does it, and I don't care how it is done...but someone shut that damn gravity elevator down! Now! Spec Op Elite: Right away... The Spec Op Elite fell silent. Spec Op Elite: By the gods... Quinn: What is it!? Spec Op Elite: The Brute ship is right on top of us! Quinn: Shut the elevator down! A loud noise was heard over the comm. Quinn knew what the sound was. He knew that the gravity elevator had been activated and a lift had been established. Spec Op Elite: The Brutes have established a lift...they are deploying ground soldiers! Quinn rolled his eyes as he closed the comm. He looked at Voro. Quinn: Voro...I want those Brutes dead...I want them dead now! Do it NOW! Voro nodded. he turned and left the main chamber. Xyrho stood by. Xyrho: What would you need me to do? Quinn: Be prepared to fight. Xyrho: I will join the Spec Op Elites guarding this room. The Brutes will not get past us. Xyrho then turned and walked away. Quinn was left alone with Vanguard. Vanguard: You speak in a very disparaging tone about your adversaries. Quinn: Brutes do not deserve respect. Vanguard: Is this so? How is this tactic working for you thus far? At every point you have insulted their capabilities, their resolve, their intelligence, their ferocity...and they have thus far, gone unchecked and unstopped. I see arrogance in you... Quinn: I am not interested in what you see in me. You are not here to tell me about myself. Vanguard: A narrow vision. I have come to respect these...Brutes...they are worthy adversaries. It would be best not to underestimate them. Quinn did not reply. Vanguard; My creators died because they were of narrow vision. They were arrogant...believed they could not be beaten. A foe, many times their inferior, destroyed them...not through warfare, not through attrition, but through fear. My creators surrendered to their own fear. It was a fear brought on by the shattering of their arrogant belief that they were superior. They destroyed themselves because of this. Everything that they were...only lives on in machinery and relics of a lost era. Vanguard hovered around Quinn. Vanguard: My creators made many mistakes in their arrogance. In their arrogance, they allowed a deceptively inferior enemy to flourish to unmanageable numbers. Had they of believed that their enemy was truly a threat from the first moments...they might of survived. However, they did not, thus, they died. Quinn: I am not your creators. Your creators are pathetic compared to me. Your creators surrendered when things got difficult. I will not surrender...I will be victorious. Vanguard: You better be Quinn. If you are unable to defeat these so called...Brutes...they I will be forced to re-evaluate your claim that YOU are the superior race. You will no longer be superior if they defeat you. Vanguard turned away. He hovered away. Vanguard: I recommend you fight them as equals...you will fare better! Quinn was silent, as he reflected on what Vanguard said. =============================================================== the Devotion - Main Hanger Bay =============================================================== Barrabus watched his Brutes jump down the gravity lift to the combat zone below. Brutus: Once we secure the immediate area...we will inform you. Barrabus: That won't be necessary. I'm going now. Brutus: ON the first effort? Barrabus...are you insane!? This is when their defenses will be the strongest! Barrabus: Brutus...I have never considered myself less expendable than the Brutes I command. I expect no less of myself than I do of the Brutes that I fight alongside with. Barrabus walked past Brutus, right towards the opening in the floor of the hanger bay where the gravity lift was. Barrabus jumped into the gravity lift and he lowered down to the ground. Barrabus went down about 100 yards before his feet hit the ground. As he went down, he could see the fighting. Barrabus then looked up and saw the under belly of his ship. He could see the battle damage caused by the engagement with the Chariot of 30 Silver Tongues. Barrabus looked back down and pinned his eyes on the fighting. The moment his feet touched the ground, Barrabus ran into battle. There were already several dozen Brutes on the battle ground. They had taken up cover as they fired at the Elites. Barrabus ran right passed his Brutes and jumped right into the enemy line, slamming his hammer into the ground, scattering several Elites. Some of the Elites were disorientated by this impact. Spec Op Elite: Kill the hammer wielding mongrel! Barrabus turned his head to face the Elite that said this. Barrabus raised his hammer and struck the Elite that said this. The impact killed the Elite immediately. The Elite's body was flung to the side. The Obsidian Hierarchy Brutes pushed forward, providing cover for Barrabus. Obsidian Hierarchy Stalker: Push forward brothers! Several of the Stalkers threw incendiary grenades, hitting a few of the Elites. Other Stalkers utilized Spikers and long range Covenant Carbines to lay down suppressive fire, and even kill some of the Elites staying at long range. Voro watched from a distance as the Obsidian Hierarchy Brutes pushed forward. Voro knew that the Brutes were ruthlessly pushing forward and that he was not able to counter their sheer numbers with any tactic. He was left with only one option. Voro: Fall back! We must regroup! Fall back into the installation! Voro, and a dozen of the Spec Op Elites retreated into the main installation. A few of the Elite Major's and Minors were unable to retreat due to the amount of fire they were under. Voro knew he was going to be unable to help these Elites, so he utilized them as a distraction so the rest of his team could retreat back inside the installation. As Voro and his Spec Ops entered the installation, they raised a shield wall to keep the Brutes out. This shield wall prevented the Brutes from pressing any further into the installation. Barrabus charged a two Elites, a Minor and a Major. Barrabus slammed his shoulder into the Minor while running at full speed. The Minor was pushed backwards, landing on his stomach. The Major looked at Barrabus and raised his Plasma File to strike Barrabus. The Major hit Barrabus across the face with the Plasma Rifle. Barrabus grunted as his head went to the side. However, Barrabus shrugged the hit off and head butted the Major. The Major fell to the ground. Barrabus raised his hammer and slammed the sledge into the Majors gut, killing him. After killing the Major, Barrabus walked over to the Minor, who was trying to get to his feet. Barrabus slammed his foot on the Minor's back, pushing him back to the ground. Barrabus: Did I say you could get up? The Minor grunted. One of the Obsidian Hierarchy Stalkers walked up to the shield that had been activated and punched it. Obsidian Hierarchy Stalker: Chieftain...the Elites are cowering behind this barrier! Barrabus looked at the Stalker. Barrabus: Use the Plasma weapons...bring that barrier down! Several Stalkers lined up, all armed with Brute Plasma Rifles. They took aim at the shield barrier and began to fire. The Plasma weaponry was having no effect on the shield barrier. The Brutes overheated their plasma weapons trying to bring the barrier down. After letting the Plasma Rifles cool down, they tried again. The second effort was no different than the first. Obsidian Hierarchy Stalker: This barrier is too powerful...our weapons are having no effect. Barrabus: It is possible that this shield barrier has a tremendous power supply! Conventional weapons may be useless! Barrabus looked down at the Minor on the ground. He lifted his foot, stepped to the side, and kicked the Minor in the ribs. The force of the kick flipped the Minor onto his back. Barrabus looked down at the Minor. The Minor tried to reach for his side arm, but Barrabus stomped down on the Minor's gut. Barrabus: Keep your hands away from your weapons if you know what is good for you. The Minor was breathing heavily. Barrabus: I want to know EVERYTHING that Quinn is planning... Elite Minor: Quinn...Quinn is loyal to the Covenant...you killed the Minister of Abbadon! Barrabus looked confused. Barrabus: I did no such thing...I tried to save him from Quinn. Elite Minor: Quinn told us everything. He told us how you assassinated the Minister of Abbadon...how the Minister's last will and testament was for us to maintain control of this installation and protect it from your retched kind... Barrabus winced. Brutus and Dancar, seeing Barrabus, walked up behind him. They heard everything that the Minor had said. Brutus: Barrabus...it seems Quinn has framed you for the Murder of the Minister of Abbadon. He has lied to these Elites. They are following Quinn because they think they are out to avenge the Minister. Dancar: Why would Quinn lie to his own Elites? Brutus: Quinn did not believe he could convince all of these Elites to follow him on his true intentions. Barrabus: So he lied...and he deceived them all...so he could control them. Barrabus shook his head. Barrabus: I always knew Quinn was charismatic...but a lie of this magnitude...against his own kind. That is repulsive. As an Elite...he spoke of honor...but what honor is there in mass deception? The Minor looked up at Barrabus. Elite Minor: What is it that you are saying Brute? Quinn...lid to us? Why would he do this? Barrabus looked at the Elite Minor. Barrabus: Shut up...I'm talking... Barrabus looked back at Brutus and Dancar. Barrabus: Most of these Elites are under deception. They do not know Quinn's true intentions... Dancar: Who cares? I say we kill all these Elites. I am not going to start pitying them for being stupid and gullible. Brutus: I agree with Dancar. No Elite deserves mercy! Barrabus paused. He then looked down at the Elite Minor. Barrabus: Listen to me very carefully Elite, for I will only ask this once; how many Elites does Quinn have under his authority? Elite Minor: He commands many...three battalions of Elites call him Shipmaster... Dancar: 3000 Thousand Elites... Elite Minor: You forget...many were killed in the engagement over the planet. Two battalions were lost when the Chariot of 30 Silver Tongues was destroyed. What is left of the last battalion is divided between this location, and the remaining three cruisers in orbit. Very few survived the two cruisers that were heavily damaged. Our numbers in this installation fall below 400... Dancar: 2 to 1 odds... Barrabus nodded. Barrabus lifted his foot of the Elite Minor's chest. Barrabus looked at the Minor. Barrabus: Elite...I am left with two choices as to what to do with you. I can either bring you back to the Covenant to be judged for your crimes here today, resulting in your to a public execution that will be devoid of any dignity or respect; or I can give you the chance to die in battle against me...right here, right now. You will die with dignity, and self-respect. It is your choice. the Elite Minor stood up and looked at Barrabus. Elite Minor: I choose to die in Battle...I refuse to die the death of an honorless warrior... Barrabus: Very well... Barrabus raised his hand and motioned his fingers, telling the Elite to attack him. The Elite Minor drew his energy dagger and ran at Barrabus. The Minor thrusted the energy dagger at Barrabus, but Barrabus moved to the side, dodging the attack. Barrabus punched the Minor in the side of the head. The Minor stumbled as he lost his balance. Barrabus: Is that all you have? The Minor steadied himself. He charged at Barrabus again. This time, Barrabus grabbed the Minor's arm and twisted it behind the Minor's back. The Minor roared in pain as Barrabus drew his own blade and slit the Minor's throat. The Minor fell to the ground, as he bled out. Barrabus drew his Spiker and pointed it at the Minor's head. The Minor turned over and looked up the barrel of the Spiker. The Minor muttered two final words. Elite Minor: Thank...you... Barrabus winced as he pulled the trigger, shooting the Minor in the head and killing him. Barrabus holstered his Spiker. Brutus chuckled as he mocked the Minor. Brutus: Thanks for killing me and making look bad at the same time... Barrabus looked at Brutus. Barrabus: Brutus...in the end of the day...That Elite had more..."honor" than Quinn will ever have. That single Minor did not ask for mercy, but instead chose to accept death for what he did. In a way...I gave that Elite mercy. It was better that I killed him quickly, in battle, than let the Covenant torture him in a small cell for the rest of his days. Dancar: Why would you show any type of compassion or concern for that Elite? Barrabus: Because...That Elite was deceived by his leader, by Quinn. That Minor was mislead into doing something by a deceptive leader. Is it not true that you believe that many of our brothers are being deceived by the Hierarchs? Do our brothers just deserve to die...or should they be given a chance at some sort of redemption...the same chance I gave that Elite? Brutus and Dancar were both silent. Barrabus: Being a leader is more than just killing things, it more than just bossing others around, more than just reaping the rewards of being the biggest and the strongest. Being a leader means setting an example...leading by example. You two should start taking notes...learn something from me. Barrabus walked away from the dead Minor. He walked towards the door that lead the installation. He saw the shield that was blocking the door. Barrabus: We need a way passed this barrier... Dancar: I may have an idea Barrabus... Barrabus turned to face Dancar. Dancar: It stands to reason that there may be another entrance into this Installation. I do not see it being feasible to have only once entrance. Barrabus: Why do you say that? Dancar: When I was coming down the gravity elevator...I saw what appeared to be another landing pad, an LZ similar to the one we are currently at. I believe that may be a viable point of ingress simply because the original survey team that found this installation was able to gain access to the interior without any assistance from a construct. Barrabus: That is a good point. There may be multiple points of entry. Dancar: Based on the distance between this LZ and the other I saw, and based on the size of this installation...I would say there are 4 different landing zones...one of them being the one we are currently at. We can make out way around The perimeter of this installation and gain access to the interior. Barrabus: So...that means...three of us, three points of entry. Brutus: This is the part where we split up, take a team, and all attack at the same time, from three separate directions? Barrabus: Well played Brutus...and who says I need to be the Chieftain to figure this stuff out? Brutus: For what it is worth...splitting up would prove to be an effective tactic. e can divide their attention...increase the chances of getting inside...and getting to Quinn. Barrabus: Very well...there is consensus! We will split up into three teams. Brutus, Dancar...I want you two to each lead a team. I will lead the third. We will divide the soldiers equally. Dancar: Understood Chieftain... Barrabus: Our top priority will be the elimination of Quinn. We have no idea what the landscape inside will be, we have no idea what we are going to face. In every measurable sense...the Elites have the upper hand. They outnumber us, they know the terrain, and they have allies the likes of which we have never faced. Barrabus paused. Barrabus: None of that matters! Conflict and aggression flows in our blood...cowardice and fear flows in the blood of the Elites. These Elites know not what they face today...they have yet to bear witness to what The Obsidian Hierarchy is truly capable of. All of the Brutes began to howl and roar, as if they were cheering. Barrabus: I say with conviction...that if any Brute in my presence who has no stomach for the battle ahead...leave my sight, for such cowardice would weigh so heavy, it will have been better for that Brute to never of been born. But those who will stay...those who will spill their blood in the coming battle...we will be brothers from now to the end of all that is. Barrabus paused. Barrabus: I ask for not a single Brute more in the coming Battle. For the fewer there are of us...the greater the share of glory in our victory! The Brutes howled again. Barrabus: This coming battle will be one to live on. Our names will be that of legend...be that of reverence. Our names will be spoken by our offspring for generations to come. I say...that the Brutes who serve the Covenant...who sit on the home world...who do not reside in our company...will forever hold their manhood cheap because they were not here to witness this battle...to indulge in the victory. The Brutes howled again. Their howl was thunderous. There was an unforgiving and merciless cry too the howl. It was filled with a bloodthirsty rage, filled with a conviction and readiness the likes of which Barrabus had never heard. Barrabus: Go forth brothers! Ready yourselves...ready your blades...ready your weapons! All of the brutes dispersed, as they sorted themselves into teams. Brutus was busy coordinating the organization of the Brutes. Dancar approached Barrabus. Dancar: That was...thrilling... Barrabus: Nothing gets me pumped up for a fight like an exhilarating call to arms. Dancar: You have earned every bit of respect you have Barrabus. These Brutes are going to follow you to death... Barrabus: I will not lead them to death...but it is good to know. Dancar: If we had any other leader...I would doubt the promised outcome of victory...but you have made it certain in your words alone. Barrabus: What can I say. I am a natural born leader. Barrabus paused. Barrabus: You best get your team ready. I must do the same. Dancar nodded. Barrabus grabbed Dancar by the shoulders. Barrabus: Hunt well... Dancar: Hunt well... Barrabus released Dancar. Dancar turned and walked away from Barrabus. Barrabus took a deep breath. He exhaled and roared, getting himself battle ready. =============================================================== Construct Assembly Line Security Bravo - Main Chamber =============================================================== Quinn, Voro, Xyrho, Jaero, and Malak were in the main chamber. Rha was also present, but he was using a holodrone to communicate from his ship in orbit. Vanguard was hovering above Quinn. His eye was dimmed, as if he was busy elsewhere. Quinn: I am surrounded by failure! Voro: The Brutes hit us with vast numbers...and this took us by surprised. Now that we know they are here, we will be able to hold them back and wither their numbers! Quinn: I am tired of hearing excuses! I want to see these Brutes dead, but it seems that none of you are able to get the job done! Voro: Shipmaster...I assure you that we will eliminate these Brutes. Quinn: You better eliminate these Brutes. The incompetence of those around me is jeopardizing the future of our race! Xyrho: Quinn...I should inform you that I have been able to replicate construct to assist us in battle. Vanguard as provided me with blueprint to create many more of these "sentinel" constructs. We have 500 of them ready to be deployed. Quinn: Let's hope they live up to expectations...let's hope they are not another lesson in failure. All of the Elites sighed. Jaero: The Brute has been too fortunate up until this point. Sooner or later he will make a mistake...and we will capitalize. Malak: We have all the time we need to plan an offensive. I highly doubt the Brutes will be able to break the shield barrier protecting the entrance to this chamber. Quinn: The very fact that we must hide behind a shield against a pack of Brutes is insulting! These Brutes should have been killed long before they had a chance to land on the surface! Jaero: Our mistake was underestimating them... Quinn: Underestimate them? These are small minded savages. There is no such thing as underestimating a stupid animal! Voro: Quinn... Quinn: My mistake...was trusting all of you to deal with the Brutes...when I should have done it myself! I overestimated all of you! Xyrho: Quinn... Quinn: Be silent...all of you! Quinn paused. Quinn: Let me make this clear. I want all of you to go and find these Brutes and kill them. If any of you return to me, telling me that they are gaining ground...I will kill you myself! Jaero: Quinn...have you lost your mind!? Quinn: Quite the opposite Jaero. You have done nothing but fail me at every opportunity. All of you have done nothing but fail me! You are an insult to everything that our race stands for! The holographic construct of Rha scoffed as he stepped towards Quinn. Rha: At least I have actually had the metal to face our enemy in combat. You have sat in your chamber, under the protection of your honor guards, giving orders, but never proving you have earned the right to give them! I, for one, am getting tired of it. Quinn was silent. Rha: I think a change in leadership is necessary! I don't think you are fit to lead us Quinn. You have been a useless leader! Quinn winced. Quinn: Vanguard! Vanguard's eye lit up. Vanguard: Speak... Quinn: Shipmaster Rha believes I am no longer fit to lead... Quinn paused. Quinn: Bring him to me...now! Vanguard's eye lit up even more. A bright flash illuminated the room. Vanguard had used the teleportation grid on the planet to snatch Rha right from his ship, and teleport him to the main chamber. The holodrone shut down as there was no longer someone transmitting on the other side. Quinn walked up to Rha. Without saying a word, Quinn drew both of his energy blades and stabbed Rha in the chest, impaling both lungs. Both of the blades pierced Rha's body. Quinn lifted Rha into the air and looked up at him. Quinn: Not fit to lead...am I? Rha was gasping for air. Quinn: Where are your objections now Rha? I can't hear you? Why am I not fit to lead? Answer me Rha! Quinn lifted Rha further up into the air. Quinn: I asked you a question Rha! Quinn roared as he then thrusted his arms forward, and Rha's body separated from the blades. Rha fell to the ground. Rha was trying to breath, but the injury to his lungs prevented him from being able to breathe. Rha was slowly suffocating on the ground. Quinn looked back at the other Elites. Quinn: Is anyone else ready to question my leadership? I would rather not have to draw my blades a second time... All of the Elites were silent. Quinn: Good...very good. Quinn sighed as he retracted his blades and put them at his side. Vanguard's eye lit up again. Vanguard: Quinn...we have a problem... Quinn: What is it now? Vanguard: The Brutes have entered the installation through the alternate points of ingress. The installation has been compromised from entry point 2, 3, and 4. Internal sensors detect as many as 188 Brutes now in the installation. Xyrho: How did they gain access? It was my understanding that the technology in this installation only responded to either Forerunners...or us. Vanguard: This is true...but only for security doors. Automated doors are not protected. I assumed you knew this. Your initial survey teams gained access through automated doors...namely... Vanguard turned to face the door that was being protected by the shield. Vanguard: That door...right there... Quinn: Of course... Quinn shook his head. Quinn: No matter...we will counter them. Vanguard...I want you to use the teleportation grid and start teleporting my Elites right to the Brutes. Vanguard: This can be done! Quinn: Good. Now, before anything is done...Vanguard...I want you to tell me which entry point has been compromised by The Brute Chieftain... Vanguard: Entry point 3... Quinn nodded. He looked at Malak. Quinn: Malak...you will be teleported to entry point 2. Quinn looked at Jaero. Quinn: Jaero...entry point 4. Quinn looked up at Vanguard. Quinn: And finally...I want you to bring the Brute Chieftain here... All of the Elites look at Quinn. Voro: What would be the point of that? Voro: I plan on ending this once and for all. That Chieftain is going to be the first one to die! I want to see how tough that Chieftain is when he faces insurmountable odds! Quinn paused. Quinn: Voro, Xyrho...you will remain here. Along with the honor guards in this room...we will slaughter that Chieftain and break the resolve of the Brutes! They will rue the day they crossed us! As Quinn was talking, groups of Elites were being teleported out of the room by Vanguard. Quinn: As soon as the last of the Elite are deployed...we are going to bring the Chieftain here. Be ready! Vanguard: Understood... Quinn looked at Xyrho and Voro, giving them a visual order to give him some privacy. Xyrho and walked off, leaving QUinn alone with Vanguard. Quinn: Vanguard...there is one other thing. If this plan backfires...and that Chieftain manages to subdue all of my subordinates, we will need a contingency plan. What I am proposing is that you teleport me onto the Brute Ship...so I can steal it. I will need a new Assault Carrier, and theirs will do nicely. Vanguard: What about The Chieftain? Quinn: Once I teleport away...I want you to finish off the Chieftain. As much as I know I could do it...my skills will be needed to capture the Brute Assault Carrier. I am sure you could destroy the Brute in quick order. Vanguard: Why must I destroy your enemy? Quinn: Because...that is the purpose I have given you. You said you wanted purpose, you wanted a direction...you now have it. You wanted someone to tell you what to destroy and what to defend...I am that someone. You will carry out what I desire. I want the Chieftain destroyed... Vanguard was silent. His eye dimmed. He took a moment to respond. Vanguard: Very well. If you are in need of a teleportation...simply call upon me... Vanguard then teleported himself away. =============================================================== Construct Assembly Line Security Bravo - Entry Point 3 =============================================================== Barrabus walked through a door, entering the installation. His team had secured the area. Barrabus: Move forward. The Brutes nodded and began to move through the corridors. Barrabus followed with his Spikers in hand. Barrabus stopped when he heard Brutus speak through an open comm. Line. Brutus: Barrabus…we have gained access to the installation. We are moving in now. Barrabus responded to Brutus over the comm. Barrabus: Understood Brutus…keep your eyes open…these Elites will no doubt be waiting for us. Do not let them get the jump on you. Barrabus then heard Dancar over the comm. Dancar: My team and I have just entered the installation. We are moving forward. Barrabus: Understood Dancar… Barrabus kept moving with his Brutes. Dancar: It is unusually quiet…one would think they would have patrols guarding this area. Barrabus spoke to both Dancar and Brutus over the comm. Barrabus: Agreed…we have yet to encounter any resistance. Barrabus then heard gunfire over the comm. Brutus: Speak for yourselves. We now have enemy engagement. Barrabus could hear Brutus snarl over the comm. Brutus: These damn Elites came out of nowhere…I could not even smell them! Dancar: Confirmed…we now have enemy contacts as well! Elites…lots of them! Barrabus could hear the sound of Plasma Rifles and Brute weapons being fired over the comm. Dancar: Barrabus…I suggest you keep moving towards Quinn. It looks as if we are dealing with the brunt of their forces. Be cautious…to think they Quinn does not oppose your advancement is concerning! Barrabus: I will keep that in mind. Barrabus started to hear static over the comm. He was getting a lot of interference. Barrabus: Damn it… The comm line cut out. There was only silence over the comm channel. Barrabus: Must be interference… Barrasbus’ train of thought was interrupted by a plasma bolt being fired in his direction. Barrabus jumped into cover. Barrabus: Elites! Ready weapons! The Obsidian Hierarchy Brutes that Barrabus was with began to exchange fire with the Elites. Barrabus jumped out of cover and began to fire his Spikers at the Elites. Barrabus fired until his clips ran dry. He quickly holstered his Spikers and ran at the Elites, grabbing his hammer off of his back. There were three Elites standing shoulder to shoulder, firing their Plasma Rifles at the Brutes. Barrabus ran right at these Elites and jumped in the air, ready to slam his hammer down. However, before Barrabus’ hammer hit the ground, he was enveloped by a bright light, and he was teleported away. All of the Obsidian Hierarchy Brutes saw this and were stunned at what they just saw. Obsidian Hierarchy Stalker: What happened to the Chieftain!? Obsidian Hierarchy Captain: I don’t know…we can figure that out when we kill these Elites. Keep your attention on the Elites! =============================================================== Construct Assembly Line Security Bravo – Main Chamber =============================================================== Vanguard had used the Teleportation gridf inside the facility to move Barrabus into the main chamber. A bright light filled the main chamber as Barrabus appeared. When Barrabus appeared, he fell to the ground, as he was teleported mid-jump. His vision was slightly blurry. Barrabus’ vision began to clear as he pushed himself up to one knee. He looked around and saw he was surrounded by Elites. One of these Elites was Quinn. Quinn: Chieftain Barrabus…my own perpetual annoyance. Welcome. Barrabus got back to his feet as he snarled at Quinn. Quinn: I see you have decided to shed what the Covenant has given you. You wear the colors of the Obsidian Hierarchy. I am not impressed. Barrabus glared at Quinn. Quinn: What’s the matter Chieftain…not feeling chatty? Quinn scoffed. Quinn: Very well…if you will not humor me…then I will simply kill you now. Quinn nodded. The six honor guards around Barrabus each tossed their energy staves aside and began to draw, and activate, their energy blades, one by one. Quinn, Voro, and Xyrho each drew a pair of energy blades. The trio activated their blades. Voro: When we are done with you…a piece of you will adorn the bulkhead of every ship in the fleet. Xyrho: It is not often I dirty my hands with a task such as this…but it will be a welcomed change of pace! Barrabus looked around. He let out a growl. Quinn: So primal...let's see how long that will keep you alive for... Barrabus: So...you need to face me...9 against 1 to even stand a chance. This is either flattery, or your twisted way of telling me that you are simply inadequate. What's the matter Quinn...too afraid to face me alone? Do you really need to send these lackeys at me? Trying to tire me out? Let me tell you this Quinn...I don't tire easily. Quinn scoffed. He looked at the other Elites and nodded. Quinn looked back at Barrabus. Quinn: The first thing to go is your tongue...I will enjoy cutting it out! The Honor Guards began to circle around Barrabus. They were looking for the perfect moment to strike. Barrabus looked back and forth at each Elite. He readied himself to counter any advancement. Two of the honor guards that were to Barrabus back charged at him, they had their blades raised to strike. Barrabus heard their footsteps and turned, swinging his hammer, and knocking both of them back. The Honor Guards were knocked back, but they were not dead. They got back to their feet and charged at Barrabus again. This time, the other four Honor guards charged from Barrabus' opposing sides. Barrabus just ran forward and charged at the two Elites that he swatted away. However, instead of attacking the Elites, Barrabus just jumped right over them. Barrabus then turned, and faced all six Elites. Quinn: What are you waiting for!? Kill him! The Honor Guards stepped forward, but Barrabus slammed his hammer down and the Honor Guards moved back, not wanting to get hit. Barrabus snarled. Barrabus: Come and get me! Quinn: Get him you fools! You outnumber him! Kill that retched animal! The Honor Guards charged forward, but Barrabus slammed his hammer down on the ground again, pushing them all back. four of the Honor Guards stumbled and lost their balance. The other two quickly regained their composure. One of the remaining two swung his blade and slashed at Barrabus. Barrabus pulled back, but he was slashed right in the arm. Barrabus stumbled back and snarled. Barrabus instinctively charged forward and smashed his elbow right into the Honor Guards face, knocking him to the ground. In one fluent motion, Barrabus raised his hammer and slammed it down on the downed Honor Guard's chest, killing him. Quinn shook his head in utter disgust. Barrabus then looked at the other Honor Guard who was still on his feet. The Honor Guard ran at Barrabus. As the Honor Guard raised his blade to strike at Barrabus, Barrabus raised his foot and kicked the Honor Guard right in the gut. The Honor Guard dropped his blade. Barrabus took one hand off of his hammer and used it to pull out a combat knife from a sheath on his waist. Barrabus used the blade slash the Honor Guard's throat. Blood sprayed the Honor Guard's throat as he fell to the ground. The Honor Guard was on his stomach, with his hands on his throat, moaning in agony. Barrabus looked down at the Injured Honor Guard and stomped on the back of the Honor Guard's head. Quinn looked at Voro. He nodded. Voro immediately jumped into action and ran right at Barrabus. Voro raised one of his blade, and kept the other at mid-height to counter any offensive move made by Barrabus. Voro jumped over the four injured Honor Guards and took a slash right at Barrabus. Barrabus raised his Gravity hammer and blocked the slash in mid air. However, Voro used his second blade to swipe at Barrabus' torso. Barrabus was force to jump back, but he felt the tips of the energy blade scrape against his armor. Voro wasted no time in attacking Barrabus again. Voro charged at Barrabus and readied his blades. Barrabus readied his hammer to counter, but Voro instead jumped and kicked Barrabus right in the chest. Barrabus stumbled back. Voro followed up with a kick to Barrabus' side. Barrabus howled in pain, dropping his hammer. Barrabus fell to one knee. He wrapped his left arm around his side, and used his right arm to prop himself up off the ground. Barrabus' right hand was firmly on the ground. Quinn took notice of this. He saw how Barrabus had been taken down with a single blow to his sides. Quinn knew he would have to take advantage of this. Voro: What's the matter Chieftain...not feeling so great? Are you finally getting tired? Barrabus snarled. Voro laughed as he walked towards Barrabus, ready to deliver the killing blow. As Voro raised his blade, Barrabus looked up and saw what Voro was about to do. Barrabus regained his composure. Barrabus lifted his right hand from off the ground, clenched his fist, and drove it right into Voro's stomach. Voro dropped one of his blades, as he got the wind knock out of him. Barrabus pulled his hand back and then drove his fist into Voro's gut again, this time knocking Voro back. One of the last four Honor Guards got back to his feet and charged at Barrabus just as Voro had been taken down. Barrabus saw Voro's blade on the ground next to him. Barrabus grabbed the blade in his right hand and promptly got back to his feet and, in a flash, drove the blade right into the gut of the Honor Guard that was charging at him. Barrabus pulled the blade out, stepped back, and slashed the Honor Guard's throat. Barrabus looked at Quinn. Barrabus' breathing was visible. Barrabus: Whenever you're ready coward...I'm right here. Barrabus heard two more Honor Guards get back to this feet. They had their energy blades in hand and they moved towards Barrabus. Barrabus looked at the Honor Guards and roared at them. One of them stopped. The other roared back and ran at Barrabus. The Honor Guard that ran at Barrabus raised his blade to slash at Barrabus, but used the energy blade that he had to block the Honor Guard's blade. Barrabus then slammed his elbow into the Honor Guard's gut, then then moved his elbow up and slammed the Honor Guard n the chin. The Honor Guard fell back and hit the ground. Barrabus walked over to the downed Honor Guard and jammed the energy blade right into his chest. THe downed Honor Guard roared. The other Honor Guard backed away from Barrabus. Barrabus glared at this Honor Guard and slowly walked towards him. The Honor Guard that barrabus was staring at raised his blade into a defensive stance. Quinn: Get him you coward! Do not let that animal intimidate you! The Honor Guard kept backing up. Barrabus then charged at the Honor Guard and slashed at the Elite with the energy blade. The Honor Guard blocked Barrabus' attack, and kicked Barrabus back. Barrabus snarled as he was kicked in the midsection again. Once more, Quinn took notice of this. Barrabus shook his head to shake the pain off. Barrabus then charged at the Honor Guard again, but this time, went low with the blade, and jammed it right into the Elite's pelvic area. Barrabus pushed the Honor Guard back towards the wall, and impaled the blade right through the Honor Guard and pinned him to the wall. Barrabus let go of the blade and stepped back. He clenched his fist and then punched the Honor Guard across the face with a left hook, followed by a right hook. Barrabus then spat on the Honor Guard in an act of insult. Barrabus paused, laughed, and then pulled his right arm back, and hit the Honor Guard as hard as he could in the face. The impact of Barrabus' fist killed the Honor Guard. Quinn winced at this display. He was in total shock that his Elites were proving ineffective at stopping Barrabus. Quinn looked at Xyrho and nodded. Xyrho looked back at Quinn. Xyrho: I just watched a bunch of Elites get beaten down...at almost the same time...and you are sending me in there alone? Quinn: Either he kills you or I do... Barrabus looked at Quinn and Xyrho. Barrabus pointed at Xyrho. Barrabus: This one has a brain...he knows a losing fight when he sees one. Why don't you come and get me yourself Quinn? Quinn looked at Barrabus and winced. Quinn: When I am good and ready... Barrabus snarled. Quinn looked back at Xyrho. Quinn: Go! Xyrho: No! I have had it with you Quinn...I see now that there is something terribly wrong with you. I see now that you don't care about your fellow Elites...all you care about is yourself! This entire charade wasn't intended to give us power...it was intended to give YOU power...over us! I realize that now. The way you throw our lives away at hopeless causes... Quinn: You traitor... Xyrho: No...I was a traitor when I was helping you...now I am just trying to redeem myself! Quinn: I should of known you did not have the resolve needed to carry out what needed to be done. You are too young...naive...incapable of understanding. I let my need for your skills blind me to the obvious... Barrabus began to laugh. Barrabus: What is the matter Quinn... Barrabus paused when he heard footsteps behind him. He turned and saw the last Honor Guard behind him. Barrabus drove his fist into the Honor Guard's face and snapped his neck back. Barrabus then turned back to Quinn. Barrabus: As I was saying...is your little scheme falling apart? Can you no longer keep order in the ranks? Barrabus looked at Xyrho. Barrabus: If you know what is good for you Major...step aside... Barrabus pointed at Quinn. Barrabus: And let me tear this traitor a new hole to...you get the idea... Xyrho looked at Quinn and then looked at Barrabus. Xyrho deactivated his energy blades and stepped aside. Xyrho: He is all yours Chieftain... Barrabus grinned. Barrabus stepped forward and walked towards Quinn. As Barrabus walked, he tossed the energy blade aside, and knelt down to pick up his Gravity Hammer. Quinn began to back up. Quinn: Alright Chieftain...if you want to kill me...you will have to find me first. Barrabus ran at Quinn. Barrabus snarled as he ran. Quinn: Vanguard! A bright yellow light enveloped Quinn and he vanished. Barrabus stopped and looked around. Barrabus: Coward... Xyrho looked at Barrabus. Xyrho: Quinn is using the teleportation grid...it allows him to move around this installation instantaneously... Barrabus rolled his eyes. Barrabus: Where did he go!? Xyrho: I don't know...but I may be able to find out! I may be able to reproduce the exact coordinates he used to teleport you. Barrabus was very suspicious of this. Xyrho walked away. He walked into the room where the forge was. He walked up to the control terminal and accessed the interface. Barrabus: Can you not just...recall him? Xyrho: I could...if I knew his exact position. Chances are, that the moment he completed his transition, he moved. This Forerunner slipspace translocation is fundamentally identical to our slipspace travel. When I teleport something, I am wrapping an area in a slipspace field and I send it away to a short-range set of coordinates. If that area has an Elite, or a Brute, a Hunter, or even a vehicle inside of it, then the slipspace field will essentially move that area to a new location. I just can't grab Quinn...I need to grab the area around him, that area would include Quinn! Barrabus gave a half nod and a half-shrug. He understood most, but not all, of what Xyrho was saying. Xyrho: We do not have much time. At any moment, I will lose control of all this equipment. Barrabus: Why? Xyrho: Vanguard is the one giving us the ability to use this equipment. The moment he disallows our access...is the moment I can no longer track Quinn. I need to hurry! Xyrho began working away at the Forerunner computer terminal. Barrabus: Why are you helping me? Xyrho: Would you believe me if I told you? Barrabus: I doubt it... Xyrho: Well...I will have you know that Quinn, as far as I am concerned now, has nothing redeemable to him. You saw how he sent all those Elites to their deaths. Barrabus: I cannot say that I feel any remorse for killing them... Xyrho: Of course not...I don't expect you to feel any remorse for killing...anything. However, those Elites deserved it. They were not smart enough to call it quits when it became clear that Quinn had his own agenda. Barrabus: What is Quinn's agenda? Xyrho: Quinn wanted to put himself on the level of the gods... Barrabus: That's... Xyrho: Arrogant? Barrabus: Unrealistic... Xyrho: Either way...Quinn promised this power to all Elites...that is how he got the loyalty of some of the Elites here, and even that took a lot of work. Quinn, in his final moments, made it clear that he did not care for the Elites as much as he let on...he did not care about those he served with...he did not care about our future. He was no different than the Hierarchs. Quinn only cared about his future. The way he sent us to die...they methods he used...he wielded the weapons of treachery, deceit, callousness...he was a master of those arts! Those were not of our kind...his mind was simply twisted. Barrabus: He sounds no different than the Hierarchs; I see now that they only care about you when you are obedient... Xyrho shrugged.