Space E-war

[TyrannoTitan]

"They are our creators, those who built us and our siblings." Guidance responded somewhat glumly, before turning toward Serephir. "There was no mention of any 'Ark' in the section addressing the Forerunners...perhaps the database the Makers left behind isn't accurate by present standards."

[dinoman666]

"Understandable," Mendicant replied in a businesslike manner. "The Forerunners never told any species they protected from the Halo Array about the Ark, and it's location outside the galaxy makes it difficult to find. I do have a question, though: who exactly are the ones who created you? I've never encountered a species capable of such a technological feat!"

[TyrannoTitan]

"We do not know the names of our creators. Despite their wide knowledge of the galaxy, there was very little there about themselves. Perhaps it is for the best." Guidance stated simply with a shrug-or what could be considered a shrug.

[dinoman666]

"Fascinating..." Mendicant muttered, mostly to himself. Sassk, standing behind the group, was muttering something into his com unit, while Grievous pushed Mendicant out of the way and turned to Guidance. "Alright, tell me everything you know about those machines you are fighting against," he growled impatiently. The Geth stood patiently by, watching the scene from behind the energy field...

[TyrannoTitan]

"Fighting against? Certainly not! Although our siblings have betrayed the Makers, violence is not part of our programming. We will answer any question you have, however." Guidance said with another bob up and down, as if nodding.

[dinoman666]

"Let's start with the basics," Grievous replied. "What do they want, why do they want it, and how to we stop them from getting it?"

[TyrannoTitan]

"Assimilation of all metal, its in their programming, and we haven't the faintest of ideas." the machine answered quite quickly.

[dinoman666]

Grievous sighed in frustration, but asked, "If it's in their programming, why not yours? Aren't you similar, if not the same?"

[TyrannoTitan]

"We were made to act as leaders for our brethren. Their original purpose was to be the ultimate multi-purpose weapon system. Their programming was to deconstruct and reassemble, ours was to relay the commands of the Makers to tell them what to deconstruct and what to reassemble." Guidance explained hurriedly. "Unfortunately, they seemed to develop a higher intelligence. They saw the Makers as jailers, and us as traitors. Because of our programming, we do not share our renegade siblings' ambitions."

[dinoman666]

"Is there no way to reason with them?" Grievous asked. As much as he hated to admit it, he didn't have much of a choice, unless he managed to find Shadow Haven, or what remained of it. "Maybe if we prove to them that Shadow Haven was indeed wrong, and that they are free to make there way in the galaxy without destroying everything in it, we can come to a peaceful solution."

[TyrannoTitan]

"We cannot speak for our siblings...but I find such a thing highly unlikely. They've managed to take their programming and turn it into a corrupted crusade to assimilate all metal in the galaxy." Guidance explained with noticeable disgust.

[dinoman666]

"Then we're just going to have to find your creators and demand their help," Grievous replied. "Those d*mned cowards are going to have to look their mistake in the face and stop it themselves."

[The Kingpin]

"Perhaps..." started Serephir as his gaze shifted from the drone to Grievous. ".....they've already tried" he finished....

[dinoman666]

"Then I suppose we have a hopeless cause?" Grievous replied irritably. "As if this galaxy needed another major disaster."

[TyrannoTitan]

"Not even we know the current whereabouts of the Makers. They probably made sure the Original Ones wouldn't find them." Guidance stated with another shrug.

[dinoman666]

"Do you know if they escaped Shadow Haven or not?" Grievous asked.

[TyrannoTitan]

"They did. There are records of their escape, but none about where they were going." Guidance answered truthfully.

[dinoman666]

"Well then, I guess we--" "General, we have a problem!" Sassk interjected. "What is it?" "Sir, four Covenant ships have slipped in-system at the edge of TGDA space. An Assault Carrier, a CCS-class Battlecruiser, and two Corvettes. The Carrier is sending a message." "Let me hear it." "It's visual as well, General." Grievous merely nodded, and turned to a tall holo-projector next to one of the stretchers. It was normally used to view medical diagnostics, but could easily perform another task. After tapping a couple keys, the holographic image of Ripa 'Moramee's head came up, glaring at the group. "Where is the human, cyborg? I wish to speak with him..." Grievous narrowed his eyes. "You have the audacity to give orders in MY territory?" Ripa chuckled. "I've already done it once, haven't I?" Grievous didn't reply Instead, he glanced at Serephir, beckoning him and the rest over. Mendicant eagerly floated over the hologram, while Sassk watched from a respectful distance...

[The Kingpin]

"Let me guess. enjoyed our little visit and want to pay us one in return?" said Serephir as he walked into view, hands behind his back...

[dinoman666]

Ripa snorted. "Don't flatter yourself, human. I have no time to quarrel with you and your friends. I only have a warning you should do well to heed: you, and the rest of your pathetic race, are vermin. You cower in the dirt of this planet, thinking what, I wonder? That you can escape the coming fire? No! Your world, this world, all worlds will burn, stripped of all life, and not even you will live to creep, blackened, from your hole to stop the arrival of rightful inheritors of this galaxy. For your destruction is the will of the true gods, and I? I am their instrument!" Locking eyes with Serephir, he added, "You have brought nothing to this world, and we will ensure you bring nothing out." The message cut out, and Grievous snarled, "Cocky b***ard just loves to run his mouth... wait..." The hologram flickered spasmodically, even as the Covenant ships left the system. Ripa's head had vanished, but the hologram continued to play for just a moment more, and a deep growling voice spluttered something garbled and unintelligible, before the hologram went silent...