The next day arrived quietly aboard the **UNSC Infinity**, with the ship drifting through space, its crew carrying out their daily duties. Commander Avery was at his station, reviewing reports from the last skirmish. He absentmindedly scrolled through holographic screens, his mind still on the artifact and its strange effects on the Spartans. Something wasn't right.
Suddenly, a pilot's voice broke the silence.
"Commander, you're gonna want to see this," the pilot said urgently.
Avery turned, his brow furrowing. "Put it over the projector, Dot," he ordered, his tone firm and commanding.
"Aye, sir," Dot responded, and the central screen in the command center flickered to life.
The video feed showed a small team of UNSC Marines exploring what appeared to be a derelict structure. The Marines moved cautiously, their flashlights cutting through the darkness. The silence of the footage made the tension in the room palpable.
Avery's eyes narrowed as he watched. His gut told him something was off.
Suddenly, the screen jolted as the Marines began to panic. The camera swung wildly as the team was attacked. One by one, the Marines were taken down by grotesque, deformed creatures. Right before the video cut out, the feed froze on a horrifying image—a twisted, almost unrecognizable creature lunging at the Marine holding the camera.
Then the screen went black.
Avery's fists clenched. His heart pounded in his chest as an old, familiar fear crept up his spine. He slammed his fist into the holographic console in front of him, shattering the image. The crew around him flinched at the sudden burst of anger.
"God damnit!" Avery shouted, his voice trembling slightly—not from anger, but from fear. Real, deep-seated fear.
The room was dead silent as Avery stood there, breathing heavily, staring at the shattered remains of the hologram.
"Why does it have to be them?" he muttered under his breath, his voice barely audible.
Dot, sensing the tension, spoke up cautiously. "Sir... was that...?"
Commander Avery took a deep breath, struggling to calm himself. He turned away from the shattered console, his mind racing. He'd seen those creatures before. He knew exactly what they were.
"It can't be," Avery said, his voice barely above a whisper. "How is this possible? I thought we wiped the Flood out."
Dot hesitated for a moment. "The Flood? Sir, are you saying—"
Avery cut her off, straightening up and regaining his composure. "Dot, notify all Spartans and Marines. They need to hear this. We're not dealing with a typical Covenant threat anymore."
Dot's holographic form flickered for a moment as she processed the command. "Understood, Commander. Preparing shipwide broadcast."
Avery turned back toward the command deck, his face grim. He knew what was coming. The Flood, one of the most terrifying and unstoppable forces in the galaxy, had somehow returned. If they didn't act fast, everything they had fought for would be undone.
As Dot began transmitting the alert, Avery stepped up to the console once more, his mind already forming a plan. There was no room for hesitation now. They had to face the horror head-on, or they would all be consumed.
---
**UNSC Infinity – Spartan Barracks:**
The alarm blared through the ship, waking every Spartan on board. Chief, Sierra, and Noble Six stood side by side in the armory, their helmets in hand as they geared up. The news of the Flood's return sent a ripple of shock through them, but Spartans were trained not to show fear.
Chief stood still for a moment, his eyes focused but distant. He had fought the Flood before—he had survived them. But every time, it had taken everything. If they were truly back, this mission had just become much more dangerous.
"Flood?" Sierra said quietly, glancing at Chief. "I thought they were gone."
Noble Six strapped on his armor, his face unreadable behind his helmet. "Apparently, not for good."
Chief said nothing, but his silence spoke volumes. He knew what was coming. They all did.
Sierra finished adjusting her armor and grabbed her rifle. "We'll stop them, just like before."
Chief nodded, but deep down, he knew this fight would test them in ways they hadn't been tested before. The Flood were relentless, and they didn't stop until everything in their path was consumed.
As the Spartans prepared for battle, the ship moved into high alert. Marines rushed to their positions, the weight of what was coming heavy on their shoulders.
The Flood had returned. And this time, it was up to them to stop it—before it consumed them all.
Hope you all enjoy the first 10 chapters one I have 10 more I'll release more
