"I am actively working on an explanation, Lord Hood, but until I can fully examine the Gate and the devices controlling it, I cannot do anything but speculate. An extra research team would be useful so I can rotate them in and out. The fact that our world seems to be known to millions of inhabitants of the Alternate Universe Earth on the other side of said Gate is inconclusive to the matter that all answers will come from the Gate itself," Halsey explained calmly, "Whether that means travelling through it to find the 'writers' and creators of the game series and books or not."
Lord Hood nodded, rubbing his chin. The wrinkles on the old officer's face grew more prominent as he frowned. He told the Doctor, "I appreciate your input, Doctor. The Government's Economics Board's keeping tabs on your mission, though. Expect some minor budget cuts, but nothing that can impede current or any future work... I'll try negotiating with them to redirect funds from other projects, like THESEUS and KILLIMANJARO, but I'm afraid that'll also be down to the UNSC's Procurement Office.."
Halsey sighed, pinching her brow in annoyance, "We've made several important discoveries on the planet over the span of the last three years and we are damn well on our way to acquiring a new planet for our people to settle on alongside the locals, not to mention the very importance of the Gate and what it could mean for relations with everyone. What more do the Senate and President want from us beyond that?" and she took a moment to think. She had met President Charet before their deployment to this operation and told her that the technologies they may discover here could help Earth further solidify its position. And she had proven that thee was something of importance here a dozen times over, what with the inhabitants, the technology and the Gate itself.
"I don't know, doctor, but it's going to be an interesting negotiation, I'll tell you that much... Issue is the UNSC is redirecting a lot of funds to combating a nascent Neo-Insurrectionist movement. Lots of ties to the Frieden movement from during the Rainforest Wars," Hood explained. He, himself, was aboard the command ship of a Battle Group belonging to the UNSC that was out hounding the Sapien Sunrise insurrection movement.
Halsey sighed, "Humanity, resorting to its old primal instinct of hating what is different," and she leaned back into her seat, "You have been getting our reports as well, haven't you, sir?"
"Yes. Very interesting reads, especially considering the presence of decommissioned UNSC Armaments among the Imperial Troops. Most recent report we received refers to the mixed team you and our alternate universe UN friends have set up encountering a weapon like that in the hands of a local... Magician..." Hood seemed to stifle a laugh. The man knew it was the truth. He had seen the combat footage from helmet cams and HUDs, but Halsey knew it seemed inconceivable, even with proof.
Halsey sighed, "Whatever these 'Magicians' wield, it is not magic. There must be a logical explanation for their pyrokinetic abilities."
"If there is one, Doctor, I'm sure you'll find it in due time. Just make sure to find something else to feed the hungry sharks over at the Senate in the meantime," Hood quipped. Halsey nodded and saluted, to which Hood said, "If that'll be all, doctor. We're about to arrive over Sagittarius-III, where ONI's prowlers reported there was a Sapien Sunrise base that'd been abandoned."
"You are in our galactic neighborhood, sir," Halsey replied jokingly, "Please, take care."
"We will... Just one more question. To sate my curiosity," He stated. Halsey nodded to him approvingly and he asked her directly, "How was I portrayed in the 'games'? I'd like to know just how alike to me the character was."
Halsey actually let out a short laugh at that, "Close enough to the real thing, sir. Enough so that I thought it was you reprising yourself."
Hood smiled wryly, then nodded. He saluted the doctor, then thumbed the communication device to off, to which Halsey sighed and stretched. Standing up, she marched out of the massive building which housed the Slipspace communications center and various other interstellar transmission stations. Above, she heard the roar of hydrogen jet engines and saw the Pelicans rolling out to the mustering area.
YOU ARE READING
No Gods, Nor Masters
FanfictionAfter the pyrrhic victory of the Human-Covenant War, the Covenant was split into many warring factions vying for the power of old. The UNSC was left, bloodied, but as the sole power in the Milky Way for now. After an incredible discovery within a se...
