After Miranda's birth, Catherine had spent another week recovering within the medical section of the facility. Well as least what she would consider recovering, since once Axel told her about the secret research base on a Forerunner shield world, she had become obsessed with going to see it.
But Axel forced her to rest for a week before she returned to her normal duties. She reluctantly had to accept as Axel was more ordering her than asking. In exchange he gave her a tablet with some recent data collected from the Shield world that she could look over and study for the week.
Meanwhile, Axel spared no time and dived headfirst into his plans. He had started to gather the people and resources needed to set up a research base on the Shield World while also starting the flash clone operation. The first few attempts were a disaster, leading to degenerated clones that died within hours of their creation.
But every failure gave Axel new insights into the problems caused by flash cloning. It took almost a dozen tries over the course of a week before he had finally created. He also didn't neglect his new duties as he spent as much time with Miranda as he could.
During this week, Catherine was kept entirely focused on her tablet full of Shield world data. Axel had noticed a strange excitement in her whenever she talked about the technology they might discover or new research paths they could explore.
When the week finally came to end, Catherine could not wait to see the Forerunner Shield World and Speak with the Forerunner AI who over saw such a massive structure. The only thing holding her back was the fact that her daughter had just been born and she didn't want to leave so soon after she had just given birth.
Catherine mulled over this conflict between her personal and professional life, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. On one hand, the allure of uncharted discoveries in the Forerunner Shield World was an opportunity of a lifetime, one a scientist like her would be loath to pass up. Conversely, the birth of Miranda had triggered an instinctual maternal bond that was proving difficult to ignore.
Axel, noticing Catherine's inner turmoil, suggested a compromise. "Why don't you go ahead and go, and I'll take care of her, but make sure to come back throughout the week to spend some time with her so that she can always remember her mother's face."
"If that's what you suggest then I suppose I can work with that" responded Catherine.
"Good, I'll give you one of my Frigates, which you will use alongside the other researchers and scientists to travel to the Shield world. Once there be sure to not go overboard and compromise our relationship with the Monitor" Stated Axel. The Monitor only accepted his proposal because of its own interest in Humans, and if one of them were to cause problems, then they would probably be kicked out leaving Axel to be the only one allowed in.
Why would he be the only one allowed in? It was simple, by now the Monitor had recognized him as a Highly intelligent Reclaimer and probably the biggest factor in humanities rise to power within the Universe. Adding some outside influence Axel was sure that the Monitor would not kick him out, but it's still a possibility.
But he wasn't worried about that as the people he had chosen were people with well-rounded personalities who could adapt to their environment and were not known to cause problems when working with others. In addition, a detachment of MCUs would watch over the researchers to ensure that they did not cause problems.
Upon hearing this, Catherine felt a sense of relief and a small smile curved her lips. She was anxious but also thrilled to embark on this new adventure. The idea of treading on the forgotten paths of advanced alien civilization was too appealing to resist. Axel's reassurance and his meticulous planning set her mind at ease.
"Thank you, Axel," she said, her eyes misty with gratitude, "I'll do all I can to understand the Forerunners technology."
Over the next few days, Catherine and a team of scientists were briefed in detail about their mission. Axel oversaw all the preparations and carefully selected each member of the team, not only for their scientific prowess but also for their interpersonal skills and adaptability.
Two days later, the frigate named 'UNSC Da Vinci' was ready to depart toward the Forerunner Shield World. Catherine glanced back one last time at Axel holding Miranda before boarding the ship. It would only be a few days before she would see them again, but she would still miss their presence, so she made metal note to not get too caught up in her research.
Axel watched as the ship disappeared into the vast expanse of space. Miranda was sleeping peacefully in his arms. Over the past two weeks she had always been calm around him, and only ever cried when she was hungry, needed a diaper to change, and whenever she couldn't see him.
After a few moments he returned to his lab with Miranda in his arms. The entire room had been cleaned up and basically detoxed so that air was fresh for Miranda, and she wouldn't be inhaling any dangerous chemicals or particles.
He also had a little carrier set up for her which would move her around the room with him so that he would always be in her sights. It was also convenient for when she fell asleep as he could keep an eye on her.
Once they got settled in his lab Axel had started to submit the paperwork for Taylor to become an Officer. It was going to be a tremendous step for him, but Axel believed that he could do especially since he had been serving under him for about 2 decades. He had a lot of experience learning from Axel and was also taught many things.
Taylor's drive to learn more and take on more responsibilities will make him a great officer. That plus his time spent with Axel would.
He would be gone for 4 years where he would spend it in Officer Training. Axel had managed to secure him the rank of Lieutenant once he graduated because of his time in service, and because Taylor was trustworthy and would be a major ally and close friend to have in the future.
After he finished that paperwork, he focused on finishing up the last part of the flash clone project. He had already made a successfully loyal flash clone, now all he needed to do was to come up with a name and transfer the flash clone's consciousness to that of an AI.
Meanwhile on Circinius IV Petty Officer First class John-117 was fighting the Covenant together with his mentor Staff Sergeant Avery Johnson and Colonel Marmon Crowther who he was currently at odds with.
Colonel Crowther often dismissed John or ignored him due to his age. Still John fought for what he believed in and what Axel had taught him growing up.
They were evacuating the Corbulo Academy of Military Science after three Covenant Cruisers had entered the system and begun landing troops on the surface. John led his team of Spartans against the Covenant alongside Staff Sergeant Johnson and Colonel Crowther.
And slowly as the battle progressed Colonel Crowther's dislike for John started to disappear because of his exploits and his amazing leadership skills amongst the Spartans. It was the beginning of a close relationship formed in the middle of war which was not a rare occurrence. Though for John this close relationship would soon serve to his advantage in the future.