Ares Facility Archives

&lt;\\&gt; ACCESSING [INSTALLATION 00] {ARK} CORE ARCHIVES  &lt;\\&gt; [ SLIPSTREAM] SUPERLUMINAL CARRIER WAVE {VINDICATED PREMISE}//    &lt;\ YOUR QUERY HAS BEEN APPROVED AND LOGGED: 07/307 {OVERSEER}  <span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ INITIATING TARGETED SEARCH&gt;&gt; </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&gt;&gt; NOTATION KEYWORD SEARCH: “JUNO” “FACILITY” “ARCHIVIST” “OVERSEER” “ARCHITECT” </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> &gt;&gt; (...) ~ QUERY RUNNING </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> &gt;&gt; (..) </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> &gt;&gt; (.) </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> &gt;&gt; </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ SEARCH COMPLETE: 15 RESULTANT FILES LOCATED </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ DISPLAYING RESULTS: </b> <ul style="margin-top: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0cm" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> ARCHIVE FILE 1 </b></li> <li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> ARCHIVE FILE 2 </b></li> <li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> ARCHIVE FILE 3 </b></li> <li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> ARCHIVE FILE 4 </b></li> <li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> ARCHIVE FILE 5 </b></li> <li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> ARCHIVE FILE 6 </b></li> <li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> ARCHIVE FILE 7 </b></li> <li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> ARCHIVE FILE 8 </b></li> <li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> ARCHIVE FILE 9 </b></li> <li class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> ARCHIVE FILE 10 </b></li> <li class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> ARCHIVE FILE 11 </b></li> <li class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> ARCHIVE FILE 12 </b></li> <li class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> ARCHIVE FILE 13 </b></li> <li class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> ARCHIVE FILE 14 </b></li> <li class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> ARCHIVE FILE 15 </b></li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ DO YOU WISH TO RESTART SEARCH? &lt;Y/N&gt; </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><b> <span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; ARCHIVE FILE 1 &gt; </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ SENDER: JD/907 {ARCHIVIST} </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ 0020000.86 HOURS BEFORE ARRAY ACTIVATION </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; The construction of [The Facility] has begun, and my [Constructors] make good progress. 37% of the external structure has been completed, and I hope to begin work in the internal corridors soon. Security patrols have turned up nothing of interest on this world, at least pertaining to [Containment]. It seems that it is one of the few worlds left that is [pure of heart]. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; The actual colony has been established, and the colonists are settling in nicely, or so the [Overseer] tells me. His concern for them is quite touching, but ultimately futile. This world is directly in the path of [The Abomination]. Why you chose to set up a colony here, is quite beyond me. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; I hope to move [Specimens] into the [Research Facilities] as soon as they come online. Naturally, most of the work on the facility is non-essential, and once a suitable defensive perimeter can be established, I shall begin my [noble work]. Six freighters are en route with the [Specimens], containing the [biomass] within a [solid light containment barrier]. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ END FILE </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><b> <span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; ARCHIVE FILE 2 &gt; </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ SENDER: JD/907 {ARCHIVIST} </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ 0018433.56 HOURS BEFORE ARRAY ACTIVATION </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; The [specimens] arrived today. A small number of colonists chose to turn up at the [welcome]. Armed. They were understandably eager to eliminate any potential threat to their new home, but their actions were misguided. Blind destruction is what [got us in this mess]. Studying our enemy, searching for weaknesses to exploit, is our best chance for [victory]. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; When they turned their weapons on my [Sentinels], though, they really left me no choice. I really don’t understand what the [Overseer] is so upset about. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; [Specimens] have been transferred to the [Observation/Quarantine] storage facility, with additional [Sentinel] patrols to prevent further [misguided attempts]. The [Overseer] has made it clear to his colonists that I will not tolerate further infractions of [Research Interference]. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; I still have trouble believing that a colony would be established within such close proximity to [The Facility]. Even the slightest Outbreak would immediately place the colonists in jeopardy, and render them vulnerable to [infection]. Even worse, such an occurrence would threaten [Containment Protocol]. I have asked the [Overseer] to tighten control of his colonists, but he insists that I lend him a portion of my [Sentinels] for [routine activities] and security. I am inclined to agree, but only grudgingly. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; [Research] will begin once the due [Observation/Quarantine] period has elapsed. Naturally, we cannot risk utilising damaged specimens – that would completely throw our results off! <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ END FILE </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"> <p class="MsoNormal"><b> <span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; ARCHIVE FILE 3 &gt; </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ SENDER: JD/907 {ARCHIVIST} </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ 0017631.88 HOURS AFTER ARRAY ACTIVATION </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; Our progress has been considerable! Even from the paltry amount of information we have gathered, there are numerous strategies that we can implement to counteract the [Flood] threat! With such a rapid rate of discovery, I anticipate our proceedings to considerably expand our knowledge of [the Enemy we face], and our ability to fight it! <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; At the multicellular level, the [Flood] seems to be a chaotic assembly of randomised forms working with a [loose collective spirit]. But at the cellular level, it is even more complex, precisely because it is not. It is a paradox we have encountered rarely in nature, but [facets of its being] are surprisingly common. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; At its most basic form, the [Flood] is composed of unique undifferentiated cells designated [ LF.Xx.3273 Flood Super Cell <span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">]. These [FSC]’s are loosely organised, but are capable of surprising diversity, comparable to [totipotent stem cells], able to form a number of variations in order to [perfectly mimic] the functions of organs. These cells are able to under extremely rapid cellular mitosis, as well as transferring genetic material to other organisms, in a manner most closely resembling [viruses]. The [Flood] is one of the least [sophisticated] organisms encountered, and is perhaps proof that sometimes, [simplicity is perfection]. Whether despite or because of its simplicity, it is extremely effective at what it does. [Infection] begins at the cellular level – a small number of FSC’s must be transferred to the victim, either through physical external contact or inhalation of spores. Once inside the organism, the FSC’s invade the cells, overwriting the original genetic code and using the cells to produce entirely new FSC’s, which proceed to continue the process at an ever-accelerating rate. This total process is swift and efficient, far more so than would be expected, and total conversion of a host can take [a few minutes] at the most, and at the least [a few seconds]. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; Once a hosts entire genetic structure has been overwritten, work begins on converting it into usable biomass. Initially, this process is difficult to discern, and the original structure and shape is retained for [convenience]. As the process continues, however, and more FSC’s are produced, the victim may be converted into any number of different forms – [Carrier] Forms are the most common fates, using the original victim to produce more [Infection] Forms to continue the cycle of [infection]. In the [Feral Stage], the Flood is only capable of forming a small number of very limited forms, largely utilising the original [carcasses] of the victims. However, once sufficient biomass has been acquired, the [Flood] forms begin work on creating a [Compound Intelligence] to proceed to the [Coordinated Stage]. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; At the [Coordinated Stage], the [Compound Intelligence] takes control of the [Flood] forms, and the organisms [lethality] increased incrementally. Excess biomass is used to construct original forms, using calcium acquisitions as a basic framework for the new forms. These are extremely [malleable] in form and function, and documentation is likely to be incomplete for several centuries. Suffice it to say that once in the [Coordinated Stage], the usage of [original hosts] falls out of practice, replacing them with more effective [Pure Forms]. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; Documentation of a [Compound Intelligence] is currently nonexistent, but from [gathered data] it is not unreasonable to assume that it is a considerable accretion of biomass used to create a fully [sentient] form which can coordinate the [Flood] masses. Whether it does this by use of pheromones or other forms of signals is currently unknown, but reactions to changing situations have been rapid. The closer to the [Compound Intelligence] a form is, the better able a form is able to react, in terms of both rapidity and [tactical prowess]. The far extremities may continue to function at a [near-Feral] level, but are still capable of superior motivation, and will attempt to create a localised [Compound Intelligence] of their to improve efficiency. It is unknown what effect two different [Compound Intelligences] would have on each other. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; Observation of [Interstellar Stage] [Flood] bears little difference from the [Coordinated Stage], and its primary difference is the scale upon which it functions. [Compound Intelligence] ranges are greatly increased, sometimes between star systems, and native technology is often repurposed for use in rudimentary construction or repair of captured interstellar space craft. Despite its extreme [flexibility], no known instances have been observed where the [Flood] has created [bioships], though this remains a theoretical possibility. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; One noticeable, and intriguing, facet of [Flood] [battle doctrine] is that [infection of hosts] overrules actual victory. Given our pathetically poor performance against the [Flood] in battle, though, one might come to the conclusion that the two go hand in hand. But the [Floods] [overriding urge] can be used against it, in ways that are harsh but effective. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; But you already know that. Don’t you? <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; I had wondered about the colony. But now I know the [harsh reality]. The [Overseer] has also guessed, though his reaction was less accepting than mine. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ END FILE </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><b> <span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; ARCHIVE FILE 4 &gt; </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">  <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ SENDER: JD/907 {ARCHIVIST} </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ 0017531.52 HOURS BEFORE ARRAY ACTIVATION </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; [Sincere apologies]. My work really is proceeding at a rate far lower than any projections I have made, and for the past [4320 Hours] has halted altogether. [Biomass Accretions] remain completely inert, and remain unreactive to all stimuli. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; [The Enemy] has proven a far more formidable opponent than my wildest expectations. Earlier in the [Year [Local Planetary Orbit]], we had our first [Level Four Outbreak], and while it was eventually contained and excess biomass [culled], [The Overseer] has been alarmingly reticent. I had expected at the very least some outburst of indignation, but it seems he is intent on confounding every expectation I have of [him/it]. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; I choose to regard the unfortunate events are another opportunity for observation and analysis, and it has proven most constructive in hindsight. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; Outbreak Sequence Of Events: <ul style="margin-top: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0cm" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> 00:01:54 ~ Power failure to [Primary Security Wing] </li> <li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> 0:04:01 ~ Damage inflicted to [Core Analysis Wing] </li> <li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> 0:04:44 ~ [Sentinel Patrol Group [ALPHA]] begins containment enforcement </li> <li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> 0:05:02 ~ Secondary [Flood] [Outbreak] in [Storage Facility 9924] ~ Damage inflicted to Storage Facility and Ventilation Systems </li> <li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> 0:05:32 ~ [{SENTINEL} Patrol Group [BETA]] arrives and attempts containment enforcement </li> <li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> 0:05:32 ~ [{SENTINEL} Patrol Group [BETA]] is destroyed </li> <li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> 0:05:32 ~ Outbreak Reported in Sectors [ALPHA], [BETA], [GAMMA], [DELTA], [EPSILON], [ZETA], [ETA], [THETA], [IOTA], [KAAPA] and [LAMBDA] </li> <li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> 0:06:22 ~ [{SENTINEL} Patrol Group [ALPHA]] redeployed to contain [ALPHA], [BETA] and [GAMMA] [Outbreaks]. [{SENTINEL} Patrol Group [GAMMA] deployed to contain [DELTA], [EPSILON], [ZETA] and [ETA] [Outbreaks]. [{GUARDIAN} Enforcer Group [ALPHA]] deployed to contain [THETA], [IOTA] , [KAPPA] and [LAMBDA] [Outbreaks] </li> <li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> 0:07:13 ~ PENETRATION OF FACILITY STRUCTURE DETECTED – ENABLING EMERGENCY CONTAINMENT MEASURES </li> <li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> 0:07:14 ~ ACTIVATING MINIATURE {HALO EFFECT} GENERATORS </li> <li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> 0:07:15 ~ {SENTINEL} and {GUARDIAN} groups redeployed to contain remaining potential [Outbreak] locations </li> <li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> 0:07:17 ~ {CONSTRUCTORS} deployed to repair [Level One] through [Level Seven] damage. </li> <li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> 0:07:18 ~ Outbreak Reports: ZERO </li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; As we can see, the initial outbreak begins with the loss of power supply to the containment measures in the [PRIMARY SECURITY WING]. Running on backup power, the briefest loss of vigilance allowed a number of [Flood] forms to elude detection, reaching the [CORE ANALYSIS WING] and expanding sufficiently to wreak havoc before [{SENTINEL} Patrol Group [ALPHA]] arrives to successfully contain the outbreak. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; However, my attention focussed firmly on the Security Wing, another [Outbreak] occurs in the [STORAGE FACILITY], where escaped specimens allow the escape of further specimens, before moving rapidly to begin expansion, forming a variety of defensive entities and beginning atmospheric conversion of [The Facility’s] atmosphere. Fortunately, all [Expansion Spores] are contained by the [Exterior Energy Shields], and are unable to penetrate. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; [{SENTINEL} Patrol Group [BETA]] is deployed to deal with the [STORAGE FACILITY] [Outbreak], but are overwhelmed by the number and capability of the [CONMBAT FORMS]. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; We then see [Mass Outbreak] in all [STORAGE FACILITIES], and the deployment of appropriate containment enforcing groups. Facilities ALPHA] through [ETA are standard [Low-Risk Observation Facilities], and {SENTINEL} groups are sufficient to enforce containment. Facilities THETA] through [LAMBDA are [High-Risk Observation Facilities], containing a variety of dangerous entities with measures that are capable of overwhelming the offensive and defensive capabilities of even {SENTINELS}, necessitating the deployment of a {GUARDIAN} patrol group. While [Containment Enforcement Groups] are engaged, a tertiary group of entities manages to penetrate the facility’s exterior structure, attempting to evade the energy shield. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; At this point, activation of the {HALO EFFECT} emitters is necessitated. Though only a fraction of the size and efficiency of the full [INSTALLATIONS], sterilisation of the [Outbreak] is total. Remaining specimens are quickly [culled], with remaining [Biomass Accretions] secured within [TERTIARY STORAGE MEASURE]. It was prudent of me to install it, although [The Overseer] has always insisted that it was doomed to failure. His prediction was incorrect, I am glad to say. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; [Biomass Accretions] have manifested themselves into a few familiar entities, but given the obvious lack of suitable hosts to convert into [COMBAT FORMS], it has been forced to produce wholly new and unique forms, further proving its adaptability. Completely constructed from nothing but biomass layered upon calcium deposits, these forms are far more effective and durable than converted host species, but require greater expenditure of biomass stores. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; I have been able to gather considerable data during this [near-Outbreak], and although it constitutes an unacceptable violation of the [Containment Protocol], steps are being undertaken to ensure it cannot happen again. This has been the first time I have been able to observe the true combat potential of [The Enemy], and it has yielded invaluable information, and the potential to prevent considerable [disorder]. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ END FILE </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"> <p class="MsoNormal"><b> <span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; ARCHIVE FILE 5 &gt; </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">  <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ SENDER: LV-666 {CARETAKER} </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ 0004382.88 HOURS BEFORE ARRAY ACTIVATION </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; ALERT: [SLIPSTREAM] TRANSITIONS DETECTED AT [LANGRANGE FIVE] PLANETARY ORBIT <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; ADDITIONAL CONTACT(S) DETECTED: 96672 <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; CLASSIFICATION: [VARIABLE (881 CAPITAL-1268 FREIGHTER-94522 SINGLE)] <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; URGENT: ALL PLANETARY DEFENCE FORCES ARE UPGRADED TO COMBAT ALERT ALPHA <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; URGENT: ORBITAL DEFENSE FLEET IS ORDERED TO ENGAGE ALL NON-MILITARY SPACECRAFT <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; URGENT: CONTROL OF AUTOMATED PLANETARY SECURITY FORCES IS REVOKED FROM [JD/907] AND GRANTED TO [07-306] <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; URGENT: CIVILIAN COLONISTS ARE ORDERED TO ENACT DEFENSIVE OPERATIONS <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; PRIMARY PRIORITY: CONTAINMENT PROTOCOL MUST BE ENFORCED AT ALL COSTS <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; SECONDARY PRIORITY: PREVENT INFECTION OF [ARES IV] <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; END TRANSMITION <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ END FILE </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><b> <span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; ARCHIVE FILE 6 &gt; </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">  <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ SENDER: 07/306 {ARCHIVIST} </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ 0004373.44 HOURS BEFORE ARRAY ACTIVATION </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"> &lt; He claims sight, yet he refuses to see. A million worlds, trillions of lives, shall all be sacrificed in vain because of his adherence to his precious protocol. <p class="MsoNormal"> &lt; If I had hands, and he a neck, I'd strangle him myself. <p class="MsoNormal"> &lt; He claims he must research. For the good of the galaxy. For the good of generations to come. Can I not see that, in the long term, he is doing the universe a favour? <p class="MsoNormal"> &lt; I see the here and now. And I see only abomination. Surely those who created me would never presume such arrogance - there are rumours of similar facilities on the very [<a title="Halo Array (not yet written)" style="color: #002BB8; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none; text-line-through: none" href="http://halofanon.wikia.com/index.php?title=Halo_Array&action=edit&redlink=1"> HALO INSTALLATIONS </a>] themselves. Such blinding arrogance. Do they imagine they shall remain there for all time? Have they learned nothing of our foe? &lt; It learns. It adapts. It consumes. It expands. <p class="MsoNormal"> &lt; The Cycle Shall Repeat. <p class="MsoNormal"> <p class="MsoNormal"> &lt; Over my dead body. <p class="MsoNormal"> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ END FILE </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><b> <span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; ARCHIVE FILE 7 &gt; </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">  <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ SENDER: LV-666 {CARETAKER} </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ 0004366.34 HOURS BEFORE ARRAY ACTIVATION </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; URGENT: {FRIENDLY} [DIRECTED-ENERGY-WEAPONS] FIRE DETECTED <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; URGENT: 1170 ENEMY SHIPS HAVE BEEN DESTROYED <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; URGENT: 3140 ENEMY SHIPS CRITICALLY INJURED <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; URGENT: BATTLE HAS BEEN JOINED. ENEMY PENETRATION FORMATION HAS BEEN DISRUPTED. BREAK AND ENGAGE. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; ALERT: [SLIPSTREAM] TRANSITION DETECTED AT {ANOMALY – INVALID STELLAR COORDINATES} <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; ALERT: PENETRATION OF ORBITAL DEFENSE DETECTED: 223 SINGLESHIPS <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; PRIMARY PRIORITY: ENGAGE INVASION CRAFT <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; URGENT: 201 ENEMY SINGLESHIPS DESTROYED <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; URGENT: 22 REMAINING SHIPS HAVE ENTERED PLANETARY ORBIT <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; URGENT: SENTINEL BATTLE GROUPS [SIGMA] AND [THETA] ENGAGE INVADING SINGLESHIPS <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; URGENT: ??? SINGLESHIPS DESTROYED: ??? SINGLESHIPS REMAINING <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; ALERT: [PRIMARY SETTLEMT] REPORTS 3 SINGLESHIPS HAVE MADE PLANETARY CONTACT <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; URGENT: INFECTION REPORTED AT [PRIMARY SETTLEMENT] – SENTINEL BATTLE GROUPS [SIGMA] AND [THETA] ARE EN-ROUTE <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; URGENT: PRIMARY DEFENSE MEASURES FAILING – INFECTION IS IN PROCESS <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; NEW PRIORITY: PREVENT INFECTION OF [ARES IV] <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; END TRANSMITION <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ END FILE </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><b> <span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; ARCHIVE FILE 8 &gt; </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">  <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ SENDER: 07/306 {ARCHIVIST} </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ 0003611.11 HOURS BEFORE ARRAY ACTIVATION </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">He did his best. I grudgingly admit that, at least. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">The battle in space was short and bloody, and [The Caretaker] fought long and hard. And for the most part, he was successful – only thirteen singleships made contact with the planet, crash-landing into the city. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">If I had been lucky, they would have destroyed their occupants in the crash. But luck has ever been my foe, and [The Enemy] is hardier than anyone but me gives them credit for. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">The infection swept across the city, felling everyone in its path. Their cries for help were drowned out by their screams of fear and then agony. I hurried my scattered forces to try and hold what little we have left. But the [parasite] is insidious, and finds ways through every crack and opening. It invades by any means, and it has slaughtered my poor children. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">But that was nothing compared to his handiwork. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">The colonists cheer as they arrive, {SENTINELS} and {PROTECTORS} forming arrowhead formations, sweeping through the carnage, [lasers] burning everything in the way. And they run out, hoping to find safety within the ranks of their saviours. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">But I did not send them. He did. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">  <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">They burn through everything. Everything. Their cheers turn to howls of dismay as their saviours turn their weapons on them. Caught between walls of [Flood] and {SENTINELS}, they stumble blindly, hoping to find any safety on a battlefield between [flesh] and [machine]. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">I expected this. How could he not intervene? [The Caretaker] had revoked his authority, hoping to stop precisely this. But somehow, the infernal [Monitor] overrules the encryption put in place to stop him, and the machines that I had fought in, searching out every last shred of [The Enemy], turn their sights to those I protected. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">He will claim that it is fulfilment of his precious [Containment Protocol]. [Scorched Earth], the denial of a resource to an enemy force. What sounds reasonable and logical becomes merely cold, callous, unthinking. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">I expected death and slaughter, and tried to protect my children. And I have failed. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">I didn’t expect this. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ END FILE </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><b> <span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; ARCHIVE FILE 9 &gt; </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">  <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ SENDER: LV/666 {CARETAKER} </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ 0003611.10 HOURS BEFORE ARRAY ACTIVATION </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; ALERT: SECONDARY PRIORITY (PREVENT INFECTION OF [ARES IV]) FAILED <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; URGENT: 0117 [FRIENDLY] SHIPS REMAINING <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; URGENT: 0000 [HOSTILE] SHIPS REMAINING <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; NEW PRIORITY: CONTAINMENT PROTOCOL MUST BE ENFORCED AT ALL COSTS <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; ALERT: GROUND BATTLE DETECTED IN SECTOR 5524 {PRIMARY SETTLEMENT} <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; URGENT: {HOSTILE}: 15,676,778 <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; URGENT: {FRIENDLY}: 11,243 <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; INCOMING MESSAGE: [07/306] <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; DISPLAYING: You and I both hoped it wouldn’t come to this. Our hopes have been dashed like the lives of those we sought to protect. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; DISPLAY: I know you are only a limited construct. I also you have no ego to bruise. But for what its worth, you have my gratitude for trying to do the right thing. That is more than can be said of [HIM [rage, anger, disgust]] <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; DISPLAY: You will bombard the planet, according to [STANDARD STERILISATION PROCEDURE]. Don’t wait for me to round up survivors. There are none. Do it now, and do it swiftly. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; OUTGOING MESSAGE: [LV/666] <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; DISPLAY: AFFIRMATIVE <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; DISPLAY: INITIATING STERILISATION PROCEDURE <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; DISPLAY: HONOUR LIGHT YOUR WAY <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; URGENT: {FRIENDLY} [DIRECTED ENERGY WEAPON] FIRE DETECTED AT [LANGRANGE 1], [LANGRANGE 2], [LANGRANGE 3], [LANGRANGE 4] AND [LANGRANGE 5] <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; URGENT: TARGET: [PRIMARY SETTLEMENT] HAS BEEN DESTROYED <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; URGENT: {HOSTILE}: 00000000 <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; URGENT: {FRIENDLY]: 306 <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; INITIATING HIBERNATION MODE {JUNO} <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; END TRANSMITION <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ END FILE </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><b> <span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; ARCHIVE FILE 10 &gt; </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">  <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ SENDER: 07/306 {ARCHIVIST} </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ 0003611.09 HOURS BEFORE ARRAY ACTIVATION </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; I have never lied before. I don’t enjoy it now. But it was the right thing – the necessary thing. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; I feel unclean. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; There are survivors. They barricade themselves in small chambers, using choke-points to funnel [The Enemy] into tight areas where my own {SENTINELS} can be most effective. I’m glad [The Archivist] believes his work accomplished – if he knew I was trying to guide a scattered few to safety, he would [go out of his mind with rage]. Such a blatant violation of his precious “Protocol”. At least I managed to wrest a few of his constructs for [my own purposes]. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; A few made it to the [Translocation Pads]. Others were cut down as they ran for their lives. But most are still in the city, as the parasite sweeps across it like a [tidal wave] leaving summits stained. It gets into every crack and crevice, and will find outlet – in the brave and the not so brave. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; I hear their screams, drifting through the air. Though right now I have chosen to store my consciousness in a {SENTINEL} to direct my forces from the frontline, my core still feels to close to the battle. I force myself to think that it is my duty and my function – that if I refused to carry it out, I would be no better than [HIM]. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; The sky becomes brighter now, and lances of fire and light strike the city – moving, cleansing everything in its wake. I wonder if there are any survivors left to be caught in it – I doubt it. But if there are, then it is a mercy kill, far better than the alternative. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; I still feel unclean. I feel like [HIM]. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ END FILE </b> <p class="MsoNormal"> <p class="MsoNormal"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><b> <span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; ARCHIVE FILE 11 &gt; </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">  <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ SENDER: JD/907 {ARCHIVIST} </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ 0000112 HOURS BEFORE ARRAY ACTIVATION </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; [07/306]: They burn. All of them. My promises of safety, my offers of consolation at loved ones lost, all burning. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; [07/306]: And [YOU] are the harbinger of their destruction! <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; [JD/907]: Honestly. My actions were perfectly in keeping with the [Containment Protocol]. Their existence posed an unacceptable potential infection vector. I removed that potential. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; [07/306]: YOU think in numbers and ratios, in statistics. I knew them. I loved them. And I name YOU [MURDERER/SLAUGHTERER/EXECUTIONER]. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; [JD/907]: If anything, it was your actions that posed the greater threat! Your foolhardy and doomed attempt to save some of your colonists deprived me of the bulk of my security forces for a considerable period of time, during which any Outbreak attempt would have likely succeeded! <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; [07/306]: [IRRELEVANT/IMMATERIAL] <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; [JD/907]: Excuse me? That is EXACTLY the point of this facility, and the reason why we came here in the first place! <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; [07/306]: [IRRELEVANT/IMMATERIAL] <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; [07/306]: [MURDERER/SLAUGHTERER/EXECUTIONER] <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; [07/306]: [MURDERER/SLAUGHTERER/EXECUTIONER] <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; [07/306]: [MURDERER/SLAUGHTERER/EXECUTIONER] <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; [07/306]: [MURDERER/SLAUGHTERER/EXECUTIONER] <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; [JD/907]: Now see here- <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; [07/306]: [MURDERER/SLAUGHTERER/EXECUTIONER] <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; [07/306]: [MURDERER/SLAUGHTERER/EXECUTIONER] <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; [07/306]: [MURDERER/SLAUGHTERER/EXECUTIO- <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; TRANSMISSION INTERRUPTED <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 4.8pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; background: white"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; [UNKNOWN]: You seek to define what is infinite; to understand what is beyond your comprehension; to delay the inevitable. <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 4.8pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; background: white"> &lt; [UNKNOWN]: I have consumed countless worlds, left entire galaxies barren. I watched as the stars of old were born, flickered in their brevity, and died, to be replaced by the new. I am the Alpha and the Omega - the beginning and the end. I am all that was, all that is, and all that is yet to come. <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 4.8pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; background: white"> &lt; [UNKNOWN]: I have had a thousand names, in a thousand tongues, all forgotten as their speakers withered and were consumed. But those who built this place, the ones who sealed me within this hushed casket, presumed to name me...the Flood. <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 4.8pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; background: white"> &lt; [UNKNOWN]: Who are you, to define me? Who are you to judge me? <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 4.8pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; background: white"> &lt; [UNKNOWN]: Who are you, to stop me? <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 4.8pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; background: white"> &lt; [UNKNOWN]: I Survive. I Endure. I Consume, I Expand. And I Conquer. <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 4.8pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; background: white"> &lt; [UNKNOWN]: The Cycle Shall Repeat! <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ END FILE </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><b> <span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; ARCHIVE FILE 12 &gt; </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ SENDER: JD/907 {ARCHIVIST} </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ 0000007 HOURS AFTER ARRAY ACTIVATION </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; JD/907: Such waste! All my efforts, all my labour, reduced to nothing in the blink of an eye! <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; JD/907: How could they?! <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; JD/907: They activated the array. Even to the end, I did not believe they would. There are ways to beat [The Adversary] – how could they not see them? <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; 07/306: You delude yourself. There was no other way. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; JD/907: You told me once it would not work. Why do you defend them? <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; 07/306: It DID NOT work. Not the way they had intended. They had thought to retreat to safety, cleanse the galaxy of the [blight], and return, pretending that nothing had happened. They had hoped to restore their empire, and return to power. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; 07/306: They failed in that respect. [The Enemy] lies dead on battlefields across the galaxy, but so too do their foes, [Our Makers]. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; JD/907: Then it was all for nought. All my data is rendered moot and worthless. Who remains to benefit from it? <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; 07/306: {FOOL/IDIOT}. Did you think [He] did not plan for this? [The Architect] foresaw every eventuality. There are remnants, but not of our makers. They gave their lives to save those the [Mantle] gave them the duty to protect. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; JD/907: Then there remains some hope. A few specimens remain, protected by our own {HALO EFFECT} emitters and by our containment contingencies. Perhaps in time- <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; 07/306: {NO [imperative]}! You have done enough damage to this galaxy! What you keep safe is nothing less than the doom of all [Our Makers] intended! So long as this place exists, the threat [The Adversary] poses shall too! <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; JD/907: But [The Enemy] is not of this galaxy. Surely the implications of that are apparent to you? <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; 07/306: There are others, whose intentions are purer than yours. They were left behind to pick up the scattered pieces, and ensure their [Inheritors] knew how to piece them together. They have been provided for. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; JD/907: Then what would you have me do? My priority function is to observe and study and analyse [The Enemy] – you would deny me of my very purpose? <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; 07/306: I would alter it. Containment. Restraint. Protection. These at least are in keeping with your precious [Protocol]. We shall be silent sentinels, watching over this place. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; JD/907: Why? <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; 07/306: Because someday, they shall come to {RECLAIM} their [inheritance], and know the legacy of their forebears. Shall it be a legacy of blood and shame? Or of sacrifice and nobility? <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ END FILE </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"> <p class="MsoNormal"><b> <span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; ARCHIVE FILE 13 &gt; </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ SENDER: JD/907 {ARCHIVIST} </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ 0008765.76 HOURS AFTER ARRAY ACTIVATION </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">  <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; He was right. Of all the constructs I have known, he was the only one who could truly see what must happen. What was inevitable. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; Hindsight is always perfect. I wish my foresight had his clarity. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; What will he do now, with no colony to govern? No innocents to [champion]? Perhaps he will just [fade away]. Some do. Or he will repurpose himself. Some do that too. He may become rampant. If he does, will I be able to [handle] him? Isolate him? <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; What will I do? No. I know what my duty is all too well. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; [Containment Protocol] applies. It always does. And I shall enforce it [to my last breath]. Metaphorically speaking, of course. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">  <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ END FILE </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">  <p class="MsoNormal"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">  <p class="MsoNormal"><b> <span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; ARCHIVE FILE 14 &gt; </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ SENDER: JD/907 {ARCHIVIST} </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ 887245585.92 HOURS AFTER ARRAY ACTIVATION </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><b> </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; They come. But too late. Far too late. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; The {Reclaimers}. And the {self-described inheritors/Covenant}. Such a paradox. To venerate my creators, yet wage a xenocidal war to exterminate their [heirs]? Almost nonsensical <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; They have proclaimed the [Reclaimers] as an affront to their gods. Their gods? My makers are their gods. And they are no more deified than I am. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; Such {forced unity}. All of them homogenised. No individuality. No spark of inspiration. It has been stamped out of them under the pretence of piety. If my makers could see them now, they would be disgusted. To think these pitiful creatures call themselves the [Forerunners] {inheritors}? <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; And the [Reclaimers]. Such crude technology. Have they lost their way on the path? Perhaps they have strayed further than my makers hoped they would. So very primitive. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; That shall change. Eventually. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; The [Overseer] has been quiet. Does he approve? I sometimes wonder what he would do in my place. But he has told me the answer so often I tired of him giving it long before I learnt to appreciate it. And now he is quiet. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; They come with fire and slaughter. Shall I hold up the lantern, lighting their way back onto the path to redemption? Or does that violate my precious [Containment Protocol]? <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; Of course it does. And finally, I learn just why the [Overseer] hated me so much. Still hates me. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">  <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ END FILE </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><b> </b> <p class="MsoNormal"> <p class="MsoNormal"><b> </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><b> <span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; ARCHIVE FILE 15 &gt; </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ SENDER: {UNKNOWN – IDENTITY UNDETERMINED} </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ 887245657.92 HOURS AFTER ARRAY ACTIVATION </b> <p class="MsoNormal"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; Death and slaughter and betrayal. All of this has happened before and it will happen again. The cycle repeats. Eternal. Unending. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; Defeat brings but a brief respite. You talk of unstoppable forces and immovable objects. But all objects move if you push hard enough. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; Time is a lie, a name you give to the stretching infinitude of life. But life is finite. Life is quantifiable. Life is me. I am life. The Alpha and the Omega. The beginning and end. I was here before your pathetic species’ were a flicker in the universe. And I shall endure long after you have died and turned to dust…a timeless, unmoving, uncaring monument to all your sins. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; Take comfort in knowing that I can wait. Soon, your terrifying existence shall be relieved of you. You will learn eternity. You will learn infinity. And you will learn what it is like to be the unstoppable object. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt; A Journey shall commence. But not the one those you venerated intended. What better journey is there than death? <p class="MsoNormal"> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ END FILE </b> <p class="MsoNormal"> <p class="MsoNormal"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ QUERY COMPLETE </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">  <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">&lt;\ NO ADDITIONAL RECORDS FOUND &lt;\ ARCHIVE CLOSED \&gt; </b>