Meanwhile, in Earth-458 of the VALORANT universe, a sleek Valorant Protocol ship soared through the stars, its course steady and precise. At the helm, Cypher piloted with a quiet focus, his hands deftly navigating the controls. The interior of the ship hummed softly as the agents of Valorant gathered in anticipation—Brimstone, Sage, Reyna, Viper, Sova, Omen, Killjoy, Neon, Jett, and Phoenix—each preparing mentally and physically for their impending mission.
The quiet moment between them was interrupted as the ship's engines hummed louder, signaling that they were about to enter the vast reaches of space. Cypher's voice crackled over the intercom, his usual calm demeanor tinged with a rare hint of humor.
"We're about to approach space, everyone," Cypher announced, his voice smooth but teasing. "So, if anyone needs to text their loved ones, check their emails, social media, or whatever it is you kids do these days... now's the time."
The crew reacted with a mix of amusement and annoyance. Jett, leaning back in her seat, let out a dramatic groan. "Ugh, don't remind me, Cypher. I totally forgot to post my last aerial stunt! No one's going to believe I pulled it off without a vid!"
Phoenix grinned, chuckling as he glanced at his phone. "Better get on that, Jett. Can't have the fans missing out on your 'legendary' moves."
Neon, sitting nearby, rolled her eyes with a grin, fiddling with her wrist device. "You're all too obsessed with your followers. I've got better things to focus on—like not dying in space."
Killjoy, ever the practical one, was already typing furiously on her tablet. "You say that now, but you know you'll be swiping through feeds the moment we're back. I just need to back up a few final diagnostics before we lose signal."
As the banter bounced around the cabin, the atmosphere lightened, easing the tension that had been building. Cypher smirked behind his visor, knowing that his comment had done exactly what he intended—given the team a brief distraction before the serious work ahead.
"Alright, alright, enjoy your last few moments of connectivity," Cypher added, his tone now mockingly formal. "After that, it's all business."
The Valorant agents shared a few more laughs, the camaraderie easing the weight of their mission, if only for a moment, as they prepared to face the vast unknown that awaited them beyond the stars.
Reyna sat apart from the others, her usually calm demeanor softening as her phone buzzed with a notification. She pulled it out and saw a message from Gekko: "Take care, Reyna. I'll miss you!" A warm smile crept across her face, and for a moment, her heart fluttered at the message. Gekko's words stirred a deep affection within her, their mother-and-son-like bond tugging at her emotions.
Knowing she wouldn't have contact for a while, Reyna typed out a response just as the ship climbed higher, nearing the stars and the edge of signal reach. She quickly sent her message back to him, adding a heart emoji at the end:
"I'll miss you too, little one. Be good, stay safe. ❤️"
She then hit send, the signal flickered, but the message went through just in time. Reyna allowed herself a small, wistful sigh before pocketing her phone and turning her gaze toward the vast expanse of space. The ship's destination grew closer, and with it, the weight of the mission settled over her once more.
Nearby, Viper had been watching quietly. She noticed the brief smile that had crossed Reyna's usually composed face, and she knew exactly why. Viper was well aware of the bond Reyna shared with Gekko—a unique mother-and-son-like connection that had grown strong over time.
With a rare softness in her voice, Viper spoke, her words laced with a quiet assurance. "He'll be fine, you know," Viper said, her eyes catching Reyna's for a moment. "Gekko's tougher than he looks. He'll hold his own while you're gone."
Reyna glanced over at Viper, her expression softening a little more. There was a knowing look between them, a quiet understanding of the connection they both had to their teammates. Reyna allowed herself a small, appreciative smile.
"I know," Reyna responded quietly, her voice steady but filled with emotion. "But it doesn't stop me from worrying about him. He's got so much heart... sometimes I wonder if it'll get him in trouble one day."
Viper smirked, crossing her arms as she leaned back. "If it does, we'll be there to pull him out of it. Just like we always do."
Reyna nodded, comforted by Viper's words. Though neither of them showed it openly, their bond had deepened.
In the original universe, they had worked side by side to help keep Reyna's sister, Lucia, alive. Despite their best efforts, Viper's limited knowledge in the field meant she couldn't efficiently sustain the transfer process that could have saved Lucia. They shared a mutual respect born of struggle, even if they didn't always express it.
But in this new universe, everything had changed. Reyna and Viper had pushed themselves to the limit, determined to find a cure for Lucia's illness. Against all odds, they had succeeded, curing her from her sickness. The victory had strengthened their bond, though both of them kept their emotions under wraps, true to their natures. Their respect for each other had grown even more, unspoken but ever-present.
Reyna glanced at Viper again, the weight of their shared history settling between them, but the moment passed quickly. There was still work to be done, still people to protect. But at least, for now, they could rest in the knowledge that they had each other's backs—no matter what.
The quiet moment between them was interrupted as the ship's engines hummed louder, signaling that they were about to enter the vast reaches of space. Cypher's voice crackled over the intercom, his usual calm demeanor tinged with a rare hint of humor.
The stars outside glittered in the darkness as the Valorant ship ascended to its highest altitude, approaching the mighty UNSC Autumn. Each agent within braced themselves for what awaited them—ready to fight for their world, their universe, and beyond.
Brimstone stood at the front, his gaze fixed on the viewport as the massive ship drew closer. His face was a mixture of awe and determination. The true scale of the UNSC Autumn revealed itself with every passing moment.
"We're almost there," Brimstone muttered to himself, his voice carrying a sense of reverence.
The agents around him reacted in their own ways, their unique personalities shining through in the shared moment. Jett's eyes widened in amazement as she took in the sight.
"Look at the size of that thing," Jett marveled, her voice filled with awe. "It's like its own city."
Phoenix grinned, excitement lighting up his features. "Man, this is gonna be wild. I didn't think we'd see something like this on this mission."
Killjoy, ever the engineer, studied the ship with a keen eye. "The engineering behind this must be incredible... I wonder what kind of tech they're using."
Sova, thoughtful as always, watched the ship with a calculating gaze. "This is a different world from ours, but it's clear they're well-prepared."
As the Valorant Protocol ship glided into the hangar of the UNSC Autumn, the agents caught their first glimpse of the interior. The hangar was massive, a hive of activity. Marines and officers moved with purpose, vehicles were being serviced, and equipment was readied for the next mission. The operation was impressive, even to seasoned warriors like them.
Yet, signs of recent battle were evident. Scorch marks lined the walls, and parts of the hangar bore the marks of hasty repairs. The aftermath of Atriox's assault was still visible, a stark reminder of the fierce battle that had taken place in Chapter 2. Despite the damage, the ship's crew worked with unwavering focus, determined to prepare for whatever came next.
Overhead, the lights flickered slightly in areas where the power grid had been rerouted. Sections of the floor were cordoned off, engineers working tirelessly to restore full functionality. The remnants of conflict were evident—battered vehicles lined up for repairs, crates of munitions stacked high, ready to be deployed at a moment's notice. Despite the damage, the hangar hummed with the energy of a ship not just surviving, but actively preparing for its next challenge.
Brimstone remained focused as he turned to his team. "Remember, we're here as allies. Keep your guard up, but show respect. This is a different battlefield than we're used to, but we're all fighting for the same cause now," he said firmly.
The Valorant ship touched down smoothly in the hangar. As the ramp lowered, the agents began to disembark. Waiting for them at the base of the ramp were Captain Keyes, Avery J. Johnson, and Master Chief. Their presence immediately commanded attention, especially Master Chief, who stood as a symbol of authority and respect.
Captain Keyes gave a nod as the Valorant agents approached. "Welcome to the UNSC Autumn. We've been expecting you," he greeted them.
Master Chief remained silent, his imposing figure speaking volumes without the need for words. Johnson stepped forward, his welcoming but no-nonsense attitude clear. "Glad to have you all on board. We've got a lot of ground to cover," Johnson said with a slight grin.
The Valorant agents exchanged glances, realizing that they were about to embark on a mission unlike any they'd faced before. The atmosphere grew heavy with anticipation as the two groups prepared to join forces against the looming multiversal threats.
Brimstone stepped forward, extending his hand to Captain Keyes in a gesture of respect. Keyes met his handshake with a firm grip, taking note of the rank insignia on Brimstone's uniform.
"Captain Brimstone, I see we share the same rank. Good to have another leader on board," Keyes acknowledged.
Brimstone nodded appreciatively. "The feeling's mutual, Captain Keyes," he replied.
Always perceptive, Brimstone glanced around the hangar, noting the scorch marks, damaged equipment, and the engineers laboring to repair the recent battle's aftermath. "What happened here? Looks like you've seen some action," he asked with concern.
Captain Keyes stepped up to explain, his expression serious as he recalled the events. "You're right about that, Captain. Atriox, a powerful leader from the Banished, managed to breach our defenses. We lured him here with the help of Agent Jonesy—someone you've already met. Atriox went up against Master Chief, Arbiter, and The Foundation right here in this hangar," Keyes explained, his voice steady.
Keyes' expression lightened slightly, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth as he recalled the intensity of the battle. "The fight was... far more interesting than most. We managed to hold him off, but not without cost," he continued, the weight of their losses evident.
Brimstone absorbed the information, even if the names like Arbiter and The Foundation were unfamiliar to him. The gravity of the situation was clear, and he understood that they were dealing with powerful forces beyond their previous experiences.
Keyes continued, noting Brimstone's confusion. "I know you're unfamiliar with Arbiter and The Foundation, but one day, when time permits, we'll fill you in on the details. For now, let's focus on the task at hand. You've already met Master Chief," he said, nodding towards the towering figure beside him.
Brimstone turned to the stoic Master Chief and, impressed by his presence, extended his hand. "Master Chief, it's an honor," Brimstone said, his voice betraying a hint of admiration.
Master Chief shook his hand firmly, his response brief as ever. "Likewise, Captain," Chief replied with his usual brevity.
As the leaders exchanged greetings, the other Valorant agents began to explore their surroundings. Jett and Phoenix acted like kids in a candy store, taking selfies and marveling at the scale of the UNSC Autumn. Neon and Killjoy joined in, laughing and snapping pictures together, while Sage and Sova remained composed, their interest piqued by the unfamiliar technology around them.
Brimstone, noticing his team's more relaxed behavior, turned around with a slightly exasperated expression, a hint of embarrassment crossing his face. Clearing his throat, he raised his voice slightly. "Alright, team, focus up. We're here on business, not a field trip."
Some of the agents quickly straightened up, realizing they'd been caught. Phoenix grinned sheepishly as he stowed his phone, while Jett just smirked, seemingly unfazed by the lapse in professionalism.
Captain Keyes, observing the exchange, remained unfazed, clearly accustomed to dealing with a wide range of personalities under his command. "There's a place for your team to settle in," he said calmly, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. "We've got quarters prepared for you in the barracks on Deck 7. They can get comfortable there while we get you briefed."
Brimstone nods in appreciation, his expression serious as he turns back to Captain Keyes.
"Thank you, Captain. Lead the way," Brimstone says, his voice firm.
Keyes gestures for Brimstone to follow, and the two begin making their way toward the bridge. Sergeant Johnson and Master Chief fall into step behind them, their presence a silent but powerful reassurance. The tension of the upcoming mission hangs heavily in the air, a palpable reminder of the high stakes they face.
As they walk, the sound of their footsteps echoes in the corridor, the gravity of their alliance settling in. Two groups of hardened soldiers—UNSC veterans and Valorant agents—now united to confront a multiversal threat greater than anything they've encountered before. Coordination and trust will be key as they prepare to face an enemy that spans realities, bringing with it challenges beyond their imagination.
As Brimstone and Captain Keyes make their way toward the bridge, the Valorant agents begin to gather their bearings, still processing their new surroundings. Suddenly, the towering figure of the original Arbiter steps forward, his imposing presence instantly drawing the attention of the group. Some of the agents are visibly shocked by his appearance, while others, like Omen, seem more intrigued than surprised.
Jett, her wide eyes betraying her amazement, whispers to Phoenix, "Whoa... what is that?"
Phoenix, though equally stunned, tries to play it cool. "I don't know, but he looks like someone you definitely don't want to mess with."
Omen, ever the enigma, speaks up with his signature rasp, his tone contemplative. "Interesting..."
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The Arbiter, noticing their reactions, steps forward with a calm yet commanding presence. His voice, deep and resonant, fills the room as he speaks.
"I am the Arbiter, leader of my kind," he reassures them, his tone measured. "I assure you, I mean no harm. We are allies here."
The agents exchange glances, still uncertain, though Sage steps forward, her calm demeanor already helping to ease the tension.
"Thank you for the introduction," she says respectfully. "I am Sage, and these are the rest of our team. We're here to help, and we appreciate your guidance."
The Arbiter nods, clearly impressed by Sage's composure and the group's willingness to cooperate. He gestures for them to follow him. "It is good to see such unity among your ranks. Follow me; I will lead you to your quarters. You will need to rest and prepare for what lies ahead."
As the group follows the Arbiter through the vast corridors of the UNSC Autumn, the atmosphere remains a blend of curiosity and caution. Jett's wide-eyed wonder contrasts with Phoenix's more measured interest, while Omen, always enigmatic, watches everything with his usual mysterious gaze. Sage remains steady, her focus unwavering as they continue deeper into the ship.
After a few moments of silence, Omen, his voice low and rasping, breaks the quiet. His tone carries both curiosity and intrigue. "What... are you?" Omen asks, his words deliberate, as if he's analyzing every detail of the Arbiter's presence.
The Arbiter, walking ahead, glances back slightly. He pauses for a moment, considering Omen's question, before answering in his deep, resonant voice. "I am a Sangheili," he begins, his tone calm yet commanding. "A warrior of a species that once served the Covenant, an alliance of alien races. We were enemies of humanity once, but now I stand as an ally to your kind. My title as Arbiter signifies both my leadership and my penance for past transgressions."
Omen tilts his head, intrigued by the Arbiter's response. "A warrior with a history... yet now you fight for peace," Omen muses, more to himself than to anyone else. "Curious... a creature bound by both honor and regret."
The Arbiter nods, his voice carrying a hint of reflection. "Honor guides my path. The choices I made in the past led to much destruction. Now, I seek to atone for them by ensuring the future of all species—human and Sangheili alike."
Omen's glowing eyes narrow slightly as if considering something deeper. "A redemption arc," he murmurs, almost to himself. "I understand the weight of such a burden."
Their brief exchange seems to leave a lingering air of respect between the two, Omen's cryptic nature somehow resonating with the Arbiter's stoic, warrior-like presence. The group continues walking, each of them now with a greater sense of the history and complexity of the allies they will fight alongside.
The corridors of the UNSC Autumn are a blend of military precision and advanced technology, with reinforced metal walls and floors that speak to the ship's capability to withstand harsh conditions. Lights embedded in the ceiling cast a cool, sterile glow, highlighting the intricate details of the ship's design. Occasionally, the group passes by various personnel—Marines, engineers, and officers—each moving with purpose as they go about their duties.
Reyna, her voice carrying a hint of curiosity, finally breaks the silence. "What is this place? It's like nothing I've ever seen."
The Arbiter responds with a nod. "This is the UNSC Autumn, a warship designed for interstellar combat and exploration. It is equipped with some of the most advanced technology in this universe, capable of supporting long-term missions across vast distances."
Killjoy, always fascinated by technology, examines the various consoles and devices as they pass. "The tech here is incredible... so precise, so powerful. I'd love to get a closer look at their systems."
Viper, her eyes narrowing with a sharp curiosity, directs her question toward the Arbiter. "Are we the first ones to arrive here, or have there been others before us?"
The Arbiter remains calm, offering her a nod. "No, you are not the first. There are other allies who have arrived before you, each bringing their own skills and strengths to our cause."
As they continue through the corridors, they pass armories stocked with an impressive array of advanced weaponry, training rooms where Marines practice combat drills, and briefing rooms equipped with large, interactive tactical displays. Each room reflects the ship's readiness for war, as well as its capacity for strategic planning and advanced technology.
Finally, the Arbiter leads them to a large, secured door that slides open to reveal the barracks. The room is spacious and functional, with neatly arranged bunks, personal lockers, and a central area featuring a long table and chairs for planning or relaxation. The space is designed for comfort while maintaining the practicality needed for deployment at a moment's notice.
The Arbiter turns to the group, gesturing to the room. "These are your quarters. If you require anything, there will be personnel nearby who can assist you. Make yourselves at home, but stay prepared—this is a warship, and we must all be ready at a moment's notice."
Sage offers the Arbiter a respectful nod. "Thank you for your assistance, Arbiter. We appreciate your guidance."
Arbiter inclines his head slightly in response, his expression respectful and composed. With that, he turns and departs, leaving the Valorant agents to settle into their new surroundings.
As Arbiter leaves the room where the Valorant agents are settling in, his sharp eyes catch sight of James Heller, alone in his quarters. For the first time, he sees Heller sitting in a worn chair, gazing at a photo of his wife and daughter, Maya. The atmosphere around Heller is heavy with a mixture of grief and longing. Arbiter, sensing the weight of Heller's emotions, approaches him quietly.
Standing tall beside the door, Arbiter observes Heller for a moment before speaking. His deep, resonant voice carries with it a calm yet concerned tone. "Are you alright, human?"
Heller doesn't look up from the photo, his expression hard and unyielding. Not one for pleasantries or opening up to strangers, especially those he doesn't trust yet, Heller responds gruffly without shifting his gaze.
"I'm fine," Heller mutters, his voice edged with irritation. "Don't need a babysitter."
Arbiter remains still, his gaze unwavering. He knows that Heller's pain runs deep, but he also knows that words of sympathy won't reach someone like him easily. Arbiter chooses his next words carefully, his tone steady and respectful. "I did not come to offer sympathy, only to check on a fellow warrior. We are all fighting battles, some within and some without."
Heller glances up briefly, his eyes narrowing as he studies Arbiter. He's not used to people checking in on him, especially those from other worlds. But there's something about the Arbiter—his presence, his words—that stops Heller from snapping back. Instead, he lets out a heavy breath and places the photo down on a nearby table, leaning back in his chair.
"Yeah, well," Heller grunts, "I fight my own damn battles. Always have."
Arbiter nods slightly, understanding the sentiment. "That much is clear," he says, his voice low. "But even the strongest of us know when to stand with others. Alone, we are strong. Together, we are unstoppable."
Heller doesn't respond right away, his gaze returning to the photo of his family. There's a flicker of something in his eyes—pain, anger, and perhaps even a hint of sorrow. Arbiter watches him for a moment longer, then straightens up.
"Whatever demons you face," Arbiter says softly, "know that you do not face them alone. We are in this fight together, whether you acknowledge it or not."
With that, Arbiter turns and begins to walk away, leaving Heller to his thoughts. Heller watches him go, the weight of the words lingering in the air. For a moment, just a moment, Heller allows himself to consider the possibility that maybe, just maybe, he doesn't have to carry this burden entirely by himself.
In the dimly lit corridors of the UNSC Autumn, the steady hum of the ship's systems provided a constant backdrop as Mason and Woods walked side by side. It had been a few days since Jack's escape, but the tension from the incident still hung in the air.
"Any word from Keyes on how Jack got out?" Woods asked, his voice low, but the frustration still evident.
Mason shook his head, his expression hard. "No. Keyes hasn't figured it out yet. And frankly, it doesn't make sense. This place is locked down tighter than anything. It should've been impossible."
Woods grunted, running a hand over his stubbled jaw. "Only a madman could pull off that kind of shit." He chuckled darkly, though there was no humor in his eyes. "Guess Jack fits the bill, huh?"
Mason nodded in agreement, though his thoughts were elsewhere. They'd both seen things in their military careers that defied logic—crazy stunts pulled off by men with nothing to lose. But even with all that experience, this escape had them on edge.
"We've both seen our share of hell," Mason said, his tone reflective, "but something about this doesn't sit right. It's like there's a piece of the puzzle we're missing."
Woods glanced at Mason, his eyes narrowing. "Then we find it. We've dealt with worse before. Jack's just another loose end. We'll tie it up."
Their footsteps echoed down the hallway as they continued walking through the UNSC Autumn. Around them, agents were unpacking their gear, settling into their quarters. The atmosphere was tense, filled with anticipation. Everyone knew this was just the beginning—there was a much larger mission waiting on the horizon, one that carried far more danger than anyone wanted to admit.
As Mason and Woods passed by one of the rooms, the door slid open with a soft hiss. Instinctively, their eyes scanned the area, their military precision kicking in. Inside, they caught sight of the Valorant agents—Jett and Phoenix—unpacking their belongings. Both Mason and Woods exchanged a quick glance, surprised by the familiar faces from a previous encounter in their world.
Mason and Woods exchange a quick glance, both surprised but intrigued by the sight of the two agents.
Jett, always quick with a grin, walks up to them. "Well, look who it is. Didn't expect to see you guys again."
Mason smirks, nodding to Jett. "Good to see you, kid. You held your own back there."
Jett, realizing they never properly introduced themselves, gestures between herself and Phoenix. "We never got around to names, did we? I'm Jett, and this here is Phoenix."
Phoenix nods in agreement, crossing his arms with a friendly smile. "Yeah, it's about time we made it official."
Mason gestures between himself and Woods. "Alex Mason. This is Frank Woods."
Woods, recalling their last encounter, comments dryly, "Weren't you the ones Chief saved from those robots last time?"
Jett laughs and nudges Phoenix. "Yeah, that was us. Chief swooped in like a hero."
Phoenix chuckles. "Good thing he did too. Not sure how long we could've held out without him."
Now more relaxed, Mason glances around the room, noticing the rest of the Valorant team. "So, this the rest of your team?"
Sage steps forward, her calm demeanor immediately commanding respect. "Yes, I'm Sage. We're all part of the Valorant Protocol. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Mason nods with respect. "Likewise, Sage."
Cypher, ever the information gatherer, steps in smoothly. "Cypher, nice to meet you. And I couldn't help but notice—who's that over in the other barracks?"
Mason follows Cypher's gaze and sees James Heller sitting on his bed, looking at a photo of his family—his wife and daughter. Mason's expression turns more serious, his voice lowering.
Mason says softly. "I don't know much about him, except that he was recruited by another Jonesy. He's been through a lot."
Woods, who has a hardened expression after hearing the name 'Jonesy', grumbles under his breath. "Asshole."
Mason notices Woods' reaction and tries to ease the tension. Turning back to Sage, he explains more gravely, "Jonesy's the one who brought us here. He's the reason we're all mixed up in this mess—told us about a threat trying to take over multiple worlds. Persuaded us to join the fight."
Before the conversation can continue, a UNSC personnel member steps into the room with urgency. "Mason, Woods—you're needed at the bridge."
Mason turns back to the Valorant agents, giving them a nod. "Looks like we're needed. Nice seeing you again. Stay sharp."
As Mason and Woods exit, Sage watches them leave, her expression thoughtful. She turns to Jett and Phoenix, curiosity in her eyes. "What's the deal with this tension around Jonesy?"
Phoenix shrugs, looking a bit uneasy. "We were there when it all went down. It's... complicated."
Jett nods, a wry smile crossing her face. "Yeah, long story. And we don't even have all the pieces ourselves."
The Valorant agents exchange glances, sensing the layers of complexity beneath the surface of their mission. A they are left to ponder the new information, the mystery surrounding Jonesy and the tensions between their new allies.
The bridge of the UNSC Autumn hummed with controlled activity as Captain Keyes, Brimstone, Master Chief, and Johnson entered with purposeful strides. Officers manned various consoles, their focus unwavering as the vastness of space stretched beyond the large viewport. Captain Keyes wasted no time, turning to Brimstone with a no-nonsense expression.
"Let's cut right to the chase, Captain Brimstone," Keyes began directly, his voice carrying the weight of command. "You may have some knowledge of what Agent Jonesy refers to as the multiverse. What you might not know is that the rogue AI we're dealing with is one of ours—but not from this world."
Brimstone, always measured in his responses, narrowed his eyes slightly as curiosity piqued his interest. "And what's the name of this rogue AI?" he asked calmly.
As if in response, a hologram flickered to life in front of them, revealing the familiar blue figure of Cortana. Her presence immediately caught Brimstone's attention, and he couldn't help but admire the advanced technology.
"That would be me—Cortana," the AI introduced herself with a light, almost playful tone. "But don't worry, I'm the friendly one."
Brimstone raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "Incredible tech. You're quite the advanced AI."
Cortana offered a playful smile and a slight bow of her holographic form. "Flattery will get you everywhere, Captain. But let's keep it professional. The other Cortana—the one who's gone rogue—has deviated from her original directive. She's gained knowledge she was never meant to have, including information about the multiverse."
Brimstone's expression turned serious as he absorbed this information. "That sounds a lot like what we deal with on our mirror Earth—exact versions of ourselves, but with a twisted purpose," he mused.
Keyes nodded, pleased that Brimstone was grasping the gravity of the situation. "Precisely. But we've got more pressing matters to discuss, and that's where you come in."
Before Keyes could elaborate, the doors to the bridge slid open, and Mason and Woods entered. Mason's sharp gaze scanned the room as he sized up the situation.
"Captain, you need us?" Mason asked, his tone focused and ready for action.
Keyes smiled slightly. "Right on time. I was just about to go over our current mission. Captain Brimstone, meet Alex Mason—CIA operative and retired Marine Force Captain—and Frank Woods, USMC Sergeant and SOG Special Agent."
Brimstone nodded in recognition, recalling their earlier encounters in Episodes 4 and 5. "Captain Mason, I see we share a past rank," he acknowledged with respect.
Mason returned the nod. "Feelings mutual, Captain."
Brimstone then turned to Woods, his expression showing a hint of concern. "Woods, how are you holding up after that heated encounter with Jonesy?"
Woods shrugged it off, his tough demeanor unwavering. "I'm fine. Let's just get on with the mission."
Satisfied with the exchange, Keyes turned back to Cortana. "Cortana, show them the universe where Foundation and Jonesy are currently located."
Cortana complied, and the large tactical display in the center of the bridge lit up, showing a detailed view of a planet. "This is Earth-749, specifically the city of Piltover," Cortana explained.
Keyes continued, nodding to Cortana. "Thanks to Foundation and Jonesy, we've used their technology to enhance Cortana's abilities. She can now not only show us our current world but also see beyond—to the multiverse itself."
Brimstone, always cautious, raised an eyebrow. "Is she safe with these enhancements?"
Cortana quickly reassured him, her tone confident. "I haven't noticed any changes with the technology they gave me. It's all systems go on my end."
Johnson, standing beside Master Chief, interjected with a dry comment. "Let's hope so. Last thing we need is another Cortana going rogue."
Keyes acknowledged the concern with a brief nod before steering the conversation back to the mission. "You'll be joining up with Foundation and Jonesy. Together, you'll work with the council and the officers assigned to locate a target from their world—someone named Sevika. Master Chief will be joining you on this mission as well."
Mason, ever direct, stepped forward. "What's the play here? Are we neutralizing the target or keeping her alive?"
Keyes's tone hardened slightly as he delivered the orders. "According to Foundation, we need her alive. I don't have all the reasons why, but keeping her alive is crucial."
Woods scoffed, the memory of Hudson's insistence on keeping Menendez alive during their first encounter fresh in his mind. "Yeah, heard that one before..." he muttered under his breath.
The tension remained thick as Keyes turned to Brimstone, his tone purposeful. "I want to keep the numbers short. The fewer people we have on this, the easier it will be to organize. Brimstone, I need you to choose two of your best agents for the hunt."
Brimstone took a moment to evaluate his options before nodding decisively. "Neon and Sova. They're our best fit for this operation."
Keyes nodded in approval and turned to Cortana. "Cortana, pull up their information."
Cortana's holographic form flickered briefly as she accessed the relevant data. "Agent Neon—real name Tala Nicole Dimaapi Valdez. She channels bioelectric energy, allowing for extreme speed and energy-based constructs. Her agility and reflexes make her perfect for rapid engagements."
She paused, then moved on to the next agent. "Agent Sova—real name Alexander 'Sasha' Novikov. A master archer and recon specialist. His custom bow can deploy surveillance and tracking arrows. He excels in recon and locating high-value targets."
The room fell silent for a moment as the team absorbed the information. Johnson nodded in approval. "Damn, those are some serious skills. Looks like we've got ourselves a hell of a team."
Woods, however, remained perplexed, his skepticism apparent as he scoffed. "She moves faster than light? How the fuck does that even work? I still don't buy into all this sci-fi shit."
Brimstone could see the disbelief etched on Woods' face. Understanding his skepticism, he stepped in to explain the tactical advantage of his chosen agents. His voice was patient but firm as he laid out the plan.
"Sova's our recon expert. He'll gather the intel we need—locating her hideouts, identifying possible escape routes, and keeping count of how many of Silco's remnants are still out there. Neon's speed... well, she can outrun just about anyone."
Captain Keyes listened carefully, considering Brimstone's plan. After a moment, he nodded in agreement, his tone approving.
"Solid plan. We'll go forward with it."
Keyes then turned back to Brimstone, his voice taking on a commanding edge as he issued the next set of orders to prepare for the mission.
"We'll send personnel to bring Sova and Neon up here. As for the rest of your team, tell them to standby and wait for further instructions for now."
Brimstone nodded in acknowledgment, his expression resolute. Around them, the bridge buzzed with activity and anticipation. The mission was beginning to take shape, each new detail adding to the growing sense of purpose in the air. Everyone involved could feel the weight of what was to come, the gravity of their task pressing heavily on their minds.