Summary :
During a routine safety test, the Slipstream Space Drive of the Infinity malfunctions, catapulting them into unknown space. Little do Lasky and the members of the Infinity know is that they will soon change the fate of a far away galaxy.
Chapter 1 :
UNSC Infinity
Deep Space
October 26th, 2558
I'm quite amazed that I was able to get command of this ship, Lasky reflected to himself as he looked at the stars beyond the viewports of the Infinity's bridge. He'd been through a lot, especially since he had become the captain of the Infinity. To think that I had once trained to be an ODST.
His mind then drifted to some of the people he had met and lost on the journey to this point. I wish Chyler was here. I wonder what she would think, given all that has happened. All that wondering told him about a need that had to be filled at some point. It would have to wait, though, given the Storm Covenant's existence, and ONI's attempts to meddle in the affairs of galactic politics.
A sigh came from his lips as he thought about those two problems. It wasn't lost on him that ONI might interfere with the Sangheili's attempts to rebuild their military and establish relations with the UNSC; it was to be expected from them. Unfortunately, it didn't have the desired effect, as one particular Sangheili, Jul 'Mdama, was disgruntled enough that he formed the Storm Covenant, which began to lash out against the Artiber's forces, as well as the UNSC. It didn't help matters at all that the Insurrection was causing trouble, what with the New Colonial Alliance's attempt to commandeer the Infinity.
Then there was the situation with the Prometheans, the robotic guardians of what seemed to be at every Forerunner installation that was out there. Thanks to the Didact, who was hopefully dead by now, they were hostile to any human beings that accessed those installations. Now, the UNSC was having to fight for every installation it could get, and ONI's antics hadn't made things much easier.
Attempting to stop that train of thought, he looked around at the crew of the bridge. Two his left was Chief of Security Phillips, who was engaged in conversation with Commander Richard Conners. Conners was the new XO of the Infinity, and had replaced the late Bradley in that position. Bradley had been a good XO, but Lasky felt that Richard was a better XO.
His train of thought was interrupted when another voice began to speak up. "Captain," the voice said. "We've got an incoming message from FLEETCOM. They're relaying a message from NAVCOM."
"What is it, Gabriela?" Lasky asked. Gabriela was one of the two main AIs onboard the Infinity, and was charged with keeping the ship in good condition. Created specifically for the ship itself, she was about as old as it was, which was to say, around six years old. In terms of personality, she was authoritative, but compassionate, and she also possessed a wry sense of humor. That was quite normal, as she was based on Admiral Gabriela, who had passed away around six years ago. Assisting her was Roland, a military focused AI that was stationed onboard the Infinity. A third, Aine, would've been present, though she had been destroyed during the Battle of Requiem.
Gabriela was quick to reply, as she said, "According to NAVCOM, we've got new orders. Shall I send them to your quarters?"
"Yes," Lasky replied. "Commander Conners, you have the bridge."
"Roger that," Conners replied, his thick southern accent loud and clear on the bridge. Proceeding off of the bridge, Lasky began to make his way to his quarters. After a few minutes of moving through hallways, down some lifts, and even along one of the trams, he spotted a door that had a plaque that read 'Captain's Quarters.' He proceeded inside, closing the door behind himself.
The Captain's Quarters were larger than that of a typical officer's room, or even those that the Marines had. On a small warship, a large Captain's Quarters would've been an expensive frivolity, but on a larger warship like the Infinity, larger quarters was a given. Inside was a desk, a queen size bed in the back, a small refresher, as well as a series of cabinets. These would've originally had liquor inside of them, but Lasky had disposed of that. He liked having his mind clear, not muddled up with the effects of alcohol.
Walking over to his desk, he tapped part of it, causing part of the desk to fold back. This revealed a hidden keyboard, as well as a computer monitor. Putting in his password, he quickly navigated to an inbox that was connected to Waypoint. Waypoint was a recent invention, with the discovery of Slipstream Space Communications enabling the creation of what was known as the 26th century equivalent of the 21st century Internet. It was used frequently by the UNSC for FTL communications, with those channels having dedicated encryption protocols.
Spotting the document in question, Lasky's eyes quickly scanned it. It wasn't long, before he could see what NAVCOM's orders for them were. Looks like the engineers onboard are going to be conducting tests to the Slipspace Drive onboard the ship, with Dr. Henry Glassman being the overseer of the test. That was fine with him.
It was then that he spotted a small report that had come from Dr. Glassman via the ship's internal Waypoint system. Apparently, Glassman wanted Lasky to talk to one Jordan MacCallum. Lasky was familiar with the man. Jordan was Glassman's protege, and as such, often was consulted as a result of his knowledge of the ship's systems. Turning his computer off, he said, "Gabriela, can you have Engineer Jordan MacCallum speak with me please?"
"Aye, sir," Gabriela replied. There was a pause, then, "Ship Systems Specialist MacCallum has been notified. He will arrive in around eight minutes."
"Very good," Lasky noted. With that, he began to read a book as he waited. Right on cue, around eight minutes later, he heard a knock at the door. "Come in." The door then opened, permitting a young man wearing an engineer's uniform into the room. Putting the book he was reading down, Lasky took a look at MacCallum.
MacCallum looked like your typical engineer. His uniform had some stains on it, courtesy of various fluids that had landed on it, as well as the usual wear and tear that was normal. MacCallum was also fairly short, around five feet and nine inches to be precise, and had a fairly pale complexion. Both of his dark green eyes were focused onto Lasky, with those eyes being framed by a short beard, as well as a mop of dirty blond hair.
When he spoke, his voice reminded Lasky of a friend of his from Corbulo Academy. "Reporting for duty, sir."
"At ease," Lasky replied. "I wanted to speak with you, MacCallum."
"Is there something wrong?" MacCallum asked hesitantly. "I know I haven't done anything wrong. Have I?"
Lasky sighed. MacCallum was the kind of person that worked to please, though this often caused him to doubt his own capabilities. "No," Lasky replied. "I wanted to get your opinion on something, as well as Dr. Glassman's opinion on something."
MacCallum relaxed, relieved that he wasn't in trouble for anything. "OK," he replied. "What do you need my opinion for?"
"I was recently informed by NAVCOM that you and the other engineers aboard the ship are to conduct a series of tests on the Infinity's Slipspace Drive. from what I can tell, they want to know how fast the Infinity is now that her refit's been completed around two weeks ago. My question is whether or not we can do the tests right now."
MaCallum smiled. If there was one thing that was his field of expertise, it was the Infinity's Slipspace Drive. "Sure!" he replied excitedly. "I've been wanting to see how fast we can safely go with the drive for quite some time now. I'll have to talk to my boss, Dr. Glassman, about it, but I'm certain that he'll agree that the Infinity should conduct this test. In fact, I made the original request to do so to NAVCOM."
Lasky nodded. "Good. I was kinda hoping to hear that. To be honest, I share your curiosity as well. Knowing how fast we can safely travel through Slipstream Space will be a definite advantage." He was about to continue when the computer winked on, before beeping loudly. "Excuse me. I have a message coming in. Step outside please?"
"Sure," MacCallum agreed. He promptly walked out of the room, closing the door behind him as he did so. With MacCallum out of the room, Lasky checked his terminal again. This time, he saw another message, though the contents worried him slightly. "You can come in now," he told MacCallum as he turned off the computer again.
Walking inside, MacCallum asked, "What is it?"
"PERSCOM via FLEETCOM just informed me of a new development," Lasky informed him. "Apparently, they also want the tests to be a joint effort between the UNSC and the Swords of Sangheilios. Are you familiar with them?"
MacCallum nodded. "I am. I visited Sangheilios around a year ago, just to see what their culture was like. Its still pretty turbulent over there, but I learned a lot about Covenant Borer Drives."
"Can you work with them?"
"I can, but I'm not sure about the others. Ever since the war, and especially since the last attack on the Infinity, the rest of my colleagues have been looking at them warily" MacCallum shrugged. "Still, I'll make sure they do their jobs, even if they curse me every meter of the way."
"Good," Lasky remarked with a sigh. "A CCS-class Battlecruiser is currently on its way to drop off the Sangheili that will be participating in the tests. Might want to get your engineering staff ready."
"That I will, Captain."
. . .
Eight hours later, the Infinity was holding position in deep space, waiting for the CCS-class Battlecruiser to arrive. Standing in the hangar bay, Lasky awaited the arrival of the Sangheili engineers, known as Artisan-Engineers, that would be coming to participate in the tests to the FTL drive. Jordan was standing to his right, the engineer wearing a white labcoat and suit as he awaited the arrival of aliens that would be his colleagues for the duration of the test.
Standing to Lasky's left was another person. A dark skinned woman with bright green eyes, Melody Azikiwe was the sole special envoy onboard the Infinity. A conscientious woman that was skilled at diplomacy, she had been involved in the conflict at Carrow, a Sangheili colony in the remote reaches of Sangheili influence. Her skills in defusing a major fight between the UNSC and Swords of Sangheilios had earned her a permanent place on the Infinity, making her the perfect person for this occasion.
Then there were the security guards. Standing around them was Fireteam Majestic and Fireteam Windfall, two of the Spartan IV teams that were onboard the Infinity. They were accompanied by another team of Spartans, though this one was led by an individual that Lasky had met a long time ago. Spotting the Master Chief in his iconic green MJOLNIR armor, Lasky knew that as long as the Chief was around, things would go quite smoothly.
He was about to check the time when a new sound greeted his ears. Looking up, he spotted a Phantom that was flying into the hangar bay, causing him to tense subconsciously. He'd seen enough of those in the war to be worried when he saw one, though this time around, there was no reason to be. As the Phantom came to a stop, it deposited two Sangheili via the gravity lift in the back. One of them had a pair of missing mandibles, while the other was slightly shorter, and was wearing an Artisan-Engineer's outfit.
The former of the two was immediately recognizable, as he advanced forwards and clasped his hand over his chest. "Greetings, Captain Lasky," he said, his voice echoing in the hangar bay. Spotting Chief, he also greeted him with a nod.
"Shipmaster R'tas Vadum," Lasky replied. "I take it the journey here was agreeable?"
"Yes," R'tas replied. Spotting Melody, he said, "Greetings, Envoy Azikiwe. I remember you from the aftermath of the Carrow Conflict."
"As do I," Melody replied, smiling slightly. "It is good to see you again. I take it your compatriot is here for the test?"
"You presume correctly," R'tas replied, his two good mandibles spreading into the Sangheili equivalent of a smile. "This is Artisan-Engineer Zanaka 'Vrakum. She will be participating in the test that your scientists are conducting."
"Greetings," Zanaka replied. Her voice was higher in pitch than R'tas', but it was still characteristically deep for Sangheili. "It is an honor to be aboard your ship, Shipmaster."
Lasky cocked an eyebrow, though Melody spoke up. "It is an honor to make your acquaintance as well, Zanaka."
"Indeed," Zanaka remarked. Looking at MacCallum, she said, "You look familiar, Human. Is it just my eyes, or do I see a certain Jordan MacCallum standing before me?"
Jordan smiled. "You're eyes are as sharp as ever." With that, Zanaka smiled. The two advanced towards each other, before Jordan gave Zanaka a hug around her waist, while she wrapped her arms around his back.
Surprised by the show of affection, Lasky asked, "You know each other?"
"Yes," MacCallum replied. "Zanaka was my teacher when I was at Sangheilios. She taught me everything I know about Covenant Borer drives.
"That I did" Zanaka agreed, her mandibles spreading to form a smile. "He had as many questions as a bush has leaves, but he was also my best student. I had a considerable amount of enjoyment working with him. It will be even more enjoyable to work with him on this test."
"Good."
R'tas then cleared his throat with a cough. "Zanaka isn't the only one that will be participating in your mission." As he said this, two more Sangheili dropped down from the gravity lift the Phantom was using. Both of these Sangheili, Lasky noted, were the same height, and wore the same armor save for two notable differences. One of them had red markings on his armor, while the other had green markings. They also walked in a synchronized fashion, with the two performing the traditional Sangheili greeting at the same time. "These," R'tas explained. "Are Zoram and Zorak 'Vortum. Zoram is the one in red marked armor and Zorak is the one in green marked armor. They will also be participating in this mission as well."
"Welcome aboard," Lasky greeted. Noting the similar height and body armor, he asked, "Are you two siblings?"
"No," Zoram replied, shaking his head. "We're twins. Both Zorak and I were in the same egg when our mother laid it."
"Ah, I see." Looking at R'tas, Lasky asked, "Is there anyone else coming aboard?"
"Yes," R'tas replied as several more Sangheili dropped down from the Phantom. "The Arbiter requested that a few of his warriors be brought along to assist in case the ship was attacked. Now that they are onboard, I will be taking my leave now."
"May any missions you are undertaking go smoothly, Shpmaster."
"And yours as well," R'tas replied before stepping into the gravity lift for the Phantom.
As it flew off, Lasky turned to the newcomers and said, "We'll hold a short meeting with Dr. Glassman in one of the Infinity's meeting rooms. I'm also thinking of inviting Dr. Halsey to the meeting as well, given that she's still onboard the ship."
MaCallum groaned. "Not her, please."
"Why?"
"I really don't like her," MacCallum groused, "especially given what she did to the Infinity last time she was aboard. Still... if she's coming along, then I'll just have to bite the bullet and stick it out." Around him, the other Spartan IVs, despite not speaking, showed that same feeling when their bodies tensed. Blue Team also did so, but it was clear that it was for different reasons. They respected Halsey, so when someone spoke ill of her, they showed it.
"I thought as much," Lasky noted, "and I'll take your request under advisement."
A few minutes later, everyone that had been in the meeting party for R'tas Phantom was now inside one of the many meeting rooms aboard the Infinity. The room was large enough to house around twenty people, with a large table in the center taking up most of the room. The walls and ceiling were a gunmetal gray, while the floor had black tiling. Powerful lights illuminated the room, and cast shadows wherever someone was sitting. The Spartans were outside, keeping watch over the place, while the people inside discussed the mission for today.
Dr Glassman was the first man to speak. A tall man with brown hair and dark brown eyes, he was the Infinity's Chief Engineer, and had the final say on whether or not the ship was capable of doing a certain thing. "I've been speaking to MacCallum on whether or not the Infinity can run a test on it's Slipstream Space Drive," he said at length.
"And the verdict is?" Lasky asked.
"She can, but we'll need to be careful. I'll let MacCallum explain."
"Thank you," MacCallum replied. "As you all know, FLEETCOM has been conducting a series of tests on the new CODEN VII drives to determine how fast they can safely travel through Slipstream Space. This is also being done at the same time as the Infinity's tests to save time, as well as to get an idea of if anything in the Infinity's engines needs replacing, even with the new modules installed from the Eternity. Personally speaking, I think there's no risk at all, though in this line of business, you have to act as though a single miscalculated adjustment could cause the entire ship to explode."
"Reasonable," Lasky admitted. "Glassman, what's your opinion?"
"I don't think there's any harm in testing out the Infinity's drive, while also trying to see how fast she can safely go. Like MacCallum said, though, we'll have to be careful when we run the tests. One wrong move, and we'll all be free floating atoms, if not worse."
"Which it is why it's a good thing that Dr. Halsey's onboard," Lasky added. "As you said yourself at one point, she participated in the construction of the Infinity. If the Forerunner based Slipspace Drive that's installed goes wacky on us, she'll be able to figure out what caused the malfunction. I know that she hasn't proven herself trustworthy as of late, but she's really our best option."
MacCallum looked like he was about to protest, then he thought better of it. He could be logical when the situation demanded it. Better to leave his complaints at the door in this case. "I understand," he sighed. "If she does anything to our ship, though..."
"She won't," Lasky reassured him, "especially when John and the Spartan IIs are aboard. That much I am certain of." Looking at the three Artisan-Engineers that had come aboard, he said, "You three know more about Slipstream Space Drives than most everyone in this room, save for MacCallum and Dr. Glassman. What is your opinion."
As she preceded Zoram and Zorak in seniority, Zanaka spoke. "I believe that it will be quite risky. We are working with technology created by a species that we once worshiped as gods. Yes, we know more about Forerunner technology than most, but we are stepping into the unknown here. I advise caution."
"I agree," Zoram added, with Zorak nodding in agreement. "We will need to tread carefully, otherwise, there will be very little of us left."
"Very well, then," Lasky decided. "Glassman, MacCallum, you can show our guests to Engineering. Inform us when the tests are ready to be conducted. The rest of you, dismissed!"
. . .
Before long, everyone on the ship was making final preparations for the tests. All of the ships that were usually flying alongside the Infinity as part of her escort compliment were now secured in the massive hangar bay that was located in the ship's belly. Onboard the bridge, there was an underlying tension as the officers prepared for the tests that would not only ensure that the Infinity's engines were working properly, but that her Sliptstream Space Drive was performing optimally. "Everyone ready?" Lasky asked.
"I'm ready," Lieutenant James, the ship's Navigator, replied.
"Same here," Lieutenant Austen, the ship's Principal Weapons Officer added.
"I've got a Slipstream Space COM channel to FLEETCOM ready," Lietuenant Jepersen, the ship's Communications Officer, reported. "If we have a malfunction, we can call FLEETCOM for help." One by one, the other officers added their own replies and reports as well.
"Good," Lasky noted. Keying the ship's intercom, he said. "Bridge to Engineering. What's your status?"
"Green," Dr. Glassman replied. "I'm with MacCallum and our Sangheili guests here. We're monitoring the Slipstream Space Drive right now. We'll let you know if something goes wrong."
"Check," Lasky replied. "Bridge out." Looking at Lieutenant James, he said, "We're ready for the tests. Begin this Slipspace jump, and then have Lieutenant Jet take over. Gabriela?"
"We're all set," Gabriela replied. "Slipstream Space drive is active."
"Course set for Earth," James added. "Here we go!"
Outside, there was a slight flash, before a large portal into Slipstream Space opened. It stopped once it was wide enough to envelop the entire Infinity, with the massive ship's engines flaring. Within a few seconds, the entire ship entered the portal, whereupon it closed with a burst of gamma radiation, the quantum mechanical equivalent of a shrug. "We're in Slipstream Space now," Gabriela reported. "ETA to Earth: two days."
"Roger that," Lasky replied.
For a few minutes, nothing seemed to be out of place, but then, things went wrong. As they flew along, Gabriela said, "Captain? Our speed is dramatically increasing beyond the projected predictions! Something's wrong!" As soon as she said that, the ship shuddered. Shutters promptly deployed, closing off the windows and reinforcing the hull across the entire ship.
"Gabriela, bring us out of Slipstream Space now!" Lasky ordered.
"I can't!" Gabriela shouted, panic lacing her voice. "Something's preventing me from doing so! Jordan, I need help!"
"I know what it is!" Glassman shouted over the COM. "The Infinity's Drive is going into overdrive! Our speed is exceeding 20,000 light years per day! The automatic safeties have disengaged! Jordan!"
"I'm working on it! HANG ON!" Jordan shouted. "Initiate emergency shutdown protocols! Cut the power to the Slipstream Space drive and get Dr. Halsey down here! Get the secondary repulsor engines online NOW!"
"Brace in event of an impact!" Conners shouted.
"We're dropping out now!" Gabriela shouted, just as the entire bridge went dark. The holotable remained active, as it, along with the AI Core, was independently powered in the event of a shipwide power failure.
"How bad's the damage?!" Lasky asked.
"Damnit!" an Ensign shouted. "I've lost readings on the entire ship! I can't get those readings until the power's back!"
"Get power back as soon as possible!" Lasky ordered Gabriela. "I've got a bad feeling about this."