The briefing room aboard the Ship of Autumn hummed with a quiet intensity. Soft glows from holographic displays illuminated the space, casting light on the faces of those present. Captain Keyes stood at the head of the room, arms crossed, a contemplative expression etched on his face. Master Chief stood nearby, his helmet still on, and the holographic form of Cortana flickered beside him, calmly monitoring the data. Across the room, Agent Jonesy and The Foundation engaged in a serious discussion about their next steps.
The Foundation's voice carried an air of authority as he spoke. "Captain Keyes, we appreciate your assistance so far. But to truly combat the threat we're facing, we need to strengthen our position. We need to recruit allies from other universes, and it would be beneficial if we could use the Ship of Autumn as a base for these operations."
Keyes raised an eyebrow, his tone cautious. "Using our ship as a base? That's a significant request. I'm not sure what risks that might entail."
Agent Jonesy leaned in, his enthusiasm cutting through the tension. "Look, Captain, if we can bring in more powerful allies, it'll be worth the risk. We're talking about heroes and warriors from different worlds. Their skills and knowledge could turn the tide in our favor."
The Foundation nodded. "We're already seeing how desperate the situation is. Cortana's gone rogue, and if we can assemble a coalition of the strongest fighters and strategists, we'll have a better chance of stopping her."
Keyes sighed, his brow furrowing as he considered the request. "I understand the urgency, but I need to consider the implications. Allowing other entities to use our ship as a base could have unforeseen consequences."
Master Chief's voice, though quiet, cut through the room with resolve. "I say we take the risk."
Cortana's holographic interface flickered, her voice calm and rational. "Captain Keyes, I've reviewed the data. Having additional support could indeed bolster our defenses and increase our chances of success. If you allow this, we should be prepared to integrate these new allies quickly and efficiently."
Keyes nodded slowly, his voice heavy with the weight of the decision. "Alright. I'll allow it, but we need to be prepared for any complications that might arise. I'll have the crew make the necessary adjustments to accommodate this plan."
The Foundation allowed himself a rare sigh of relief. "Thank you, Captain. We won't let you down."
Agent Jonesy grinned, his excitement palpable. "Great! Now we can get to work on our recruitment mission."
Keyes leveled a stern gaze at them. "Be cautious. We're in uncharted territory here, and the stakes are high. If we recruit the wrong people, it could backfire."
The Foundation gave a firm nod. "We'll ensure that doesn't happen."
The story took a darker turn as the scene shifted to a cliffside overlooking a cartel village. Manuel Noriega stood with his men, their weapons trained on the village below. Alongside him, Alex Mason, Frank Woods, and Jason Hudson peered down, assessing the situation. It was a familiar mission—the one where Woods had faced off against one of his greatest enemies, Raul Menendez. But in this universe, a simple event would alter the course of history.
On a cliff higher up, hidden from view, Alex Mercer and Kellogg observed the group below. A smirk crept across Mercer's face as he surveyed the land.
"Well now," Mercer muttered, his eyes glinting with dark intent. "Another world for me to consume. I'll say, this place looks dreadful, but under my guidance, it could be perfected with the virus."
Kellogg placed a hand on Mercer's shoulder, his tone steady and purposeful. "We're not here to conquer, Mercer. This world's chaos isn't our endgame."
Mercer eyed the figures below, his smirk widening. "Then what are we skulking around for? Seems like a ripe empire for the taking."
Kellogg shook his head, keeping his gaze on the team. "Focus. We're here for one person—a key asset for Cortana. Let's tune into their plans. It might lead us to him."
Mercer frowned slightly. "And who is this pivotal figure?"
Kellogg glanced at him, his patience wearing thin. "Raul Menendez. Were you not briefed properly, or do you just enjoy playing the fool?"
Mercer's eyes narrowed at the slight insult. "Briefings aren't my style. Just making sure you're not dragging me on a wild goose chase, Kellogg."
Kellogg pulled a small, worn device from his gear—a Pip-Boy. He adjusted the settings before handing Mercer a small earpiece.
"We'll need ears on their conversation without drawing attention," Kellogg said as he began to set up the device.
Mercer eyed the Pip-Boy skeptically. "The hell is that thing? Looks prehistoric."
Kellogg smirked, not taking his eyes off the device. "It's a Pip-Boy. Can pick up audio from a distance—useful for stealth operations. I'm sure you wouldn't understand, considering your universe doesn't have these."
Mercer raised an eyebrow, a glint of amusement flickering in his eyes. "And here I thought you carried nothing but old-world junk. Color me surprised, Kellogg."
With a deft hand, Kellogg tossed the Pip-Boy towards the team below, ensuring it landed silently near them. He put on his own earpiece, signaling Mercer to do the same.
Mercer muttered under his breath as he slid the earpiece in place. "Old-world tech or not, let's hope it does the job."
Down below, Hudson looking towards his binoculars removes them to look towards the team.
"Intel checks out. It's Raul Menendez."
Noriega stood with his men, his eyes fixed on the village. He gestured towards Mason and the others.
"I told you he'd be here," Noriega said, his voice low.
Mason glanced over. "Your men ready to move?"
Noriega nodded. "As soon as I give the order."
Mason grunted. "Give it."
Noriega raised his radio, speaking in Spanish to his men. "Advance."
From above, Kellogg listened closely, his gaze locked on the scene unfolding below. "Looks like they're sending a team to capture Menendez," he murmured.
Woods joined Mason and Hudson, his eyes flashing with intensity. "Let's not fuck around here, boys. Let's smoke this bastard."
Hudson frowned, keeping his focus on the mission. "That's not the mission, Woods. We take him alive."
Kellogg removed his earpiece, turning to Mercer with a focused expression. "Sounds like Menendez is in the village ahead. We need to get to him before they do. Time to move."
With a final glance at the team below, Kellogg and Mercer silently slipped into the shadows, making their way toward the village, ready to intercept Raul Menendez before Mason and Woods could reach him.
Minutes later, atop a hill overlooking a destroyed village...
Two of Noriega's soldiers lay dead, their bodies strewn across the blood-soaked ground. Raul Menendez, tied up and on his knees, slowly regains consciousness. The aftermath of his capture weighs heavily as he groggily lifts his head. The chaos around him fades, and he sees a familiar figure—Noriega—standing nearby, holding a SPAS-12 shotgun.
Noriega crouches down, laying the weapon aside as he fumbles with a set of keys. A quiet, almost sinister laugh escapes him.
"No witnesses," Noriega mutters under his breath as he unlocks Menendez's bindings.
Once free, Menendez remains on his knees, his bloodstained hands trembling with rage. He doesn't move, but his mind races.
Noriega stands, clutching his shotgun once again. "I saved your life. You should be in American hands by now," he chuckles.
Menendez's eyes burn as he stares at his hands, the fury within him growing. Noriega continues speaking, oblivious to Menendez's state of mind.
"Call it a favor—"
Suddenly, a single gunshot cracks through the air, cutting off Noriega's words. The bullet hits its mark, piercing Noriega's skull. His body slumps to the ground, lifeless.
Menendez grabs the SPAS-12, instinctively aiming toward the direction of the shot. His eyes narrow as he spots two figures emerging from the smoke—Alex Mercer and Kellogg. Kellogg's smirk is unmistakable, his gun still smoking.
"The favor is mine," Kellogg quips, lowering his weapon.
Menendez remains on edge, aiming the shotgun directly at them. His voice is a low growl, full of venom. "Who the hell are you?"
Mercer steps forward, his tone calm and measured. "Relax. We're not your enemy, Menendez. Call us your saviors."
Menendez spits in response, his voice dripping with contempt. "I don't need saviors. My revenge is my own."
Kellogg raises his hands in mock surrender, taking a small step closer. "Easy, tiger..."
Menendez snarls, shifting the SPAS-12 toward Kellogg. "Take another step, and your life ends right here."
Kellogg chuckles, seemingly amused by Menendez's attitude. "I like your spirit. Rage can be a powerful weapon if you use it right."
Mercer's voice cuts through the tension. "We have a common enemy, Menendez. Together, we can accomplish what you seek. Alone, you'll just end up back in chains."
Kellogg's grin widens as he adds, "But there's one thing you need to know—Mason and Woods, they're going after your sister. If you want to save her, you're going to have to trust us. Or rather, trust Cortana."
Menendez's expression falters, skepticism clouding his rage. "Cortana? Who the hell is Cortana?"
Kellogg's tone turns serious. "She's someone who can help you. She has the knowledge and resources you need. But she's not from here."
Menendez's mind races. His fury briefly gives way to uncertainty as his thoughts shift to his sister. In his head, the sound of Josefina's voice echoes, her desperate cry for help cutting through the noise.
Suddenly panicked, Menendez bolts to his feet, shouting, "Josefina!"
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Ignoring Kellogg's call for him to stop, Menendez sprints down the hill toward the village, his heart pounding. He's too far gone to listen, his only focus on saving his sister.
As Menendez barrels through the village, taking down enemy soldiers with brutal efficiency—his SPAS-12 roaring and a machete in hand—his rage transforms into a deadly resolve. His strikes are swift and merciless, each kill bringing him one step closer to his sister.
From a distance, Kellogg and Mercer watch Menendez carve his path through the battlefield.
"Seems like it went well," Mercer remarks sarcastically.
Kellogg glares at him, snapping, "Shut up and catch up to him! We can't let him get killed."
As Mercer moves to follow Menendez, Kellogg activates his comms, coordinating the next phase of their plan.
"Covenant, this is Kellogg. Move in and assist Menendez. Make sure he gets to the house unharmed. We need him alive."
Kellogg then pulls out his Institute Laser Rifle and signals for the Synths and Coursers flanking him to follow. Together, they advance toward the village, swiftly eliminating any opposition. The battlefield becomes a blood-soaked arena as Kellogg and his forces cut through enemy soldiers with precision and efficiency.
Meanwhile, Menendez reaches the house. His heart races as he sprints down the hallway, shouting his sister's name.
"Josefina! I'm here!" His voice trembles with hope, but when he bursts into the room, the sight before him freezes him in place.
Josefina lies lifeless on the bed, her neck gruesomely slashed. The world around him crumbles as he stumbles forward, collapsing beside her. His cries of sorrow echo through the room as he clutches her body.
"Josefina! No! No!" Menendez's anguish is raw, his voice breaking with each scream. His hands shake as he holds her, the blood seeping through his fingers.
Suddenly, footsteps echo down the hallway. Menendez looks up, his vision blurred by tears. Mason and Woods appear at the doorway, their guns drawn, eyes wide in shock.
Alex Mason's voice is low, filled with disbelief. "What the f—"
Before Mason can finish, a gunshot rings out. Kellogg, standing outside the doorway, fires a single round from his .44 pistol, hitting Mason square in the head. Mason's body crumples to the floor, lifeless.
"Mason!" Woods cries out in horror, rushing toward his fallen comrade, only to be stopped by a second shot. Kellogg shoots him in the leg, sending him collapsing to the ground, writhing in pain.
"Shit!" Woods grits his teeth, trying to crawl toward his gun, but his strength is failing.
Menendez rises from beside Josefina's body, his fury returning tenfold. Mercer, standing beside Kellogg, hands Menendez the SPAS-12.
Menendez glares at Woods, his voice a low snarl. "You."
He steps forward, kicking Woods' gun away. The once formidable soldier now lay at Menendez's mercy, broken and helpless.
Woods spits, his defiance still burning despite the agony.
Menendez reloads the SPAS-12, aiming it at Woods. Without hesitation, he fires into Woods' leg, eliciting a scream of pain.
Kellogg steps forward, handing Menendez his .44 pistol. Menendez takes the weapon, feeling its weight as the final blow in his long-sought revenge.
"Make it count," Kellogg says, a satisfied grin on his face.
Menendez stands over Woods, who looks up at him, bloodied but unbroken. His voice is weak but still filled with defiance. "You think this scares me, Menendez? I've been through worse."
He begins his monologue, his voice dripping with venom."You see, Woods, my sister is dead. Murdered. And you, Mason, Hudson and your damn government are to blame. You took everything from me. Now, I'm going to take everything from you. After I kill you, Woods, I'll come for Mason's son. I'll make him suffer just as I have."
He aims down at Woods, his grip steady, his resolve unshakable. Woods snarls, still defiant even in his final moments.
"Go ahead, pull the trigger," Woods mutters, a mocking grin spreading across his face. "Just know... you can't kill me."
Menendez's expression darkens, and without a word, he empties the revolver into Woods. Each shot reverberates through the room, finally silencing his nemesis.
As silence falls, Kellogg and Mercer approach Menendez, their mission complete. Kellogg places a hand on Menendez's shoulder, offering quiet praise. "You did well, Menendez. But there's more to this than you know."
From the shadows, Rogue AI Cortana emerges, her voice soft and comforting. "Raul Menendez. I understand your pain."
She kneels beside him, her tone soothing. "Your sister may be gone, but her death doesn't have to be in vain."
Menendez listens, his exhaustion mixing with curiosity. Cortana's words offer a promise of something more—something he could still achieve.
"There are many worlds out there, Menendez. Worlds where Mason and Woods are still alive. You can have your revenge over and over again. Imagine the satisfaction of watching them fall at your hands, not just once, but in every universe."
Menendez's eyes narrow as Cortana's offer ignites a new fire in his soul.
"And what do you get out of this?" he asks, his voice cold.
Cortana smiles. "I need allies, strong ones. Together, we can reshape the multiverse. You get your revenge, and I get the power I need to achieve my goals. Our desires align."
Menendez stands, his decision made. "If I get my revenge, you'll have your ally."
Cortana's smile widens. "Good. Together, we'll bring justice to every corner of the multiverse."
As they stand together, united by their mutual desire for vengeance and power, Menendez utters one final vow. "For Josefina."
They stand together, ready to embark on their new path of vengeance and power, united by a common purpose.
On Earth-117, Inside the briefing room aboard the Pillar of Autumn, the atmosphere was tense. The room was dimly lit, with holographic maps and data projections casting soft glows on the faces of those present. At the head of the table stood The Foundation, his helmet removed, revealing a hardened expression. Beside him, Agent Jonesy sat, looking eager and ready for the next mission.
The Foundation spoke first, his voice authoritative. "Alright, I think it's time we find some of our best choices to join us against Cortana."
Agent Jonesy leaned forward, practically buzzing with excitement. "That's right. We need to get some heavy hitters on our side."
Captain Keyes, arms crossed, eyed them skeptically. "And who exactly do you have in mind?"
The Foundation activated a holographic display, sliding two profiles into view. "Based on Jonesy's information and what we pulled from our database, we've identified two candidates to start with." He paused as the holograms revealed the images of Alex Mason and Frank Woods. "These men are legends in their own right."
Intrigued, The Arbiter leaned in. "Who are they?"
The Foundation expanded the hologram, bringing up detailed profiles of the two soldiers. "Alex Mason and Frank Woods hail from a timeline where their expertise in covert operations and combat was pivotal during the Cold War era. They were part of a Black Ops unit that handled some of the most dangerous and classified missions known to man."
Sergeant Avery J. Johnson, standing nearby, let out a low whistle. "Well, I'll be damned. These boys look like they could give even the toughest Spartan a run for their money."
As the holograms continued to display footage of Mason and Woods in action, showcasing their combat prowess and leadership, Cortana flickered into view.
"Their files are impressive," she commented, her voice calm but intrigued. "Mason is known for his resilience and tactical acumen, while Woods is renowned for his combat skills and unyielding determination."
Captain Keyes, now leaning forward with interest, asked the obvious question. "What makes you think they'll help us? And how do you even know where to find them?"
The Foundation answered without hesitation. "In their timeline, they've faced threats as dire as what we're up against now. Their sense of duty and commitment to protecting their world is unparalleled. As for finding them, we have technology that allows us to pinpoint their location within their universe."
Master Chief, standing quietly at the back, spoke up, his voice low and steady. "Do these two benefit us?"
The Foundation nodded. "Absolutely. These men have taken on impossible missions and come out on top. They have the skills, experience, and mindset we need."
Cortana chimed in. "Their expertise in unconventional warfare could provide us with strategies and tactics we haven't even considered yet."
Captain Keyes frowned, considering the risks. "But can they be trusted?"
The Foundation didn't falter. "They have their flaws, just like any of us. But their loyalty to their comrades and their mission is unwavering. They understand the stakes better than most."
Agent Jonesy added, "I've read their files. Mason's been through hell, and Woods is the kind of guy you want in a foxhole with you. They won't back down from a fight."
The Arbiter crossed his arms thoughtfully. "If we're going to bring them in, we must ensure they're briefed on the situation quickly and effectively. There's no room for error."
The Foundation nodded in agreement. "We'll approach them carefully, explain the situation, and convince them of the threat we're facing."
Captain Keyes held up a hand, cutting him off. "Hold on a second..." He paused, deep in thought. "Every person has a weakness, even soldiers. Foundation, if you want to recruit these two, we need to know everything. Their darkest secrets, their vulnerabilities. We can't afford any surprises."
The Foundation's expression darkened as he brought up additional data on the holographic display. "Understood, Captain. Let's delve deeper."
The hologram shifted, displaying Alex Mason's face, with a series of numbers flashing across the screen.
"Alex Mason was subjected to extensive brainwashing by an enemy faction. These numbers—'the numbers'—were implanted into his mind as a trigger, meant to control and manipulate him. It's a darkness he's battled with for years, one that nearly broke him."
Footage began to play of Mason being interrogated, his face disoriented and tormented by the numbers. His voice echoed through the room.
"How many times, Steiner was at Rebirth Island! We had to kill Steiner!"
The interrogator pressed him, "We? Viktor Reznov?"
Mason's voice grew desperate. "We wanted the same thing... the same."
As the footage played out, Sergeant Johnson shook his head. "Damn. This guy's been through the wringer."
The Foundation moved on to Frank Woods. "Woods has faced his own demons. Declared MIA, he was captured and subjected to brutal torture. For a time, he was believed dead. His survival was nothing short of miraculous."
Images of Woods in captivity flashed across the screen, his unbreakable spirit shining through despite the horrific conditions. A clip played of Woods, bloodied and weary, taking out an enemy soldier from a stationary helicopter. His voice was hoarse but resolute.
"You can't kill me..."
Sergeant Johnson let out a low whistle. "Now these two are the definition of strong soldiers."
The Foundation nodded gravely. "Woods also has a tumultuous history with Raul Menendez. In their timeline, Woods kills Menendez. But with the existence of the multiverse, there's a chance they might face each other again. Their enmity transcends any single timeline."
Captain Keyes sat back, weighing the information carefully. "These men have been through hell. If we bring them on board, we need to make sure they have the support they need to stay stable and effective. Their pasts are harrowing, but their resilience is undeniable."
The Foundation agreed. "Their darkest secrets are also their greatest strengths. They know the cost of failure and the value of perseverance. With the right support, they can be invaluable allies."
Sergeant Johnson nodded, his expression serious. "As long as they can follow orders and keep their heads cool, I say we welcome them. We're gonna need every bit of their expertise if we're gonna pull this off."
Captain Keyes stood. "Alright. Let's say we bring them in. Where do we go from there?"
The Foundation replied firmly. "Once they're on board, we integrate them into our operations. Their skills will be crucial for both offensive and defensive strategies."
Agent Jonesy added with a smile. "Plus, having them on our side could sway other potential allies to join us."
Master Chief asked the hard question. "And if they refuse?"
The Foundation's voice was unwavering. "They won't. Once they understand the gravity of the situation, they'll join us."
Captain Keyes nodded. "Alright. Let's move forward with this. But remember, we're taking a huge risk. Make sure it's worth it."
The Foundation nodded confidently. "It will be. Trust me, these men are exactly what we need."
Sergeant Johnson crossed his arms with a grin. "Now the question is, who the hell is gonna go find these knuckleheads?"
Captain Keyes turned to Jonesy, who had been listening intently. "Agent Jonesy, I want you to go and find them. Take Sergeant Johnson with you; his experience with soldiers will be invaluable in gaining their trust."
Agent Jonesy stood up, ready for action. "Understood, Captain. We'll bring them back."
From the shadows, the Arbiter stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with readiness.
"The Demon and I can assist. We can ensure their safety and compliance."
Captain Keyes stood with his arms crossed, shaking his head as he spoke. "Negative. Your presence might scare them off. We need to be less conspicuous. That's why I didn't ask The Foundation to go. Otherwise, you three would cause a ruckus with your appearance alone. If something goes wrong, I'll send both of you in to support. But for now, we need a softer touch."
Master Chief and The Arbiter exchanged glances, nodding in understanding. Without a word, they stepped back, letting the situation unfold.
Keyes turned his attention to the others. "Alright, Johnson, Jonesy, get moving. Time is of the essence."
Avery J. Johnson smirked as he stepped forward, clapping Jonesy on the back. "Roger that, Captain. Come on, kid. Time to find us some soldiers."
The two left the room with a purpose, the door sliding shut behind them. As they disappeared, Captain Keyes shifted his gaze toward The Foundation, his expression serious.
"Foundation," he began, "is there a way we can maintain contact with Jonesy and Johnson, even if they're in different universes? We can't afford to lose communication."
The Foundation nodded confidently. "Yes, Captain. We have the technology to handle that."
Without hesitation, The Foundation activated his comms, his voice direct as he spoke. "Origin, we need the communication devices. Bring them in."
A moment later, a rift opened in the center of the room. Stepping through was Origin, another member of The Seven, carrying a secure box. He approached the group, nodding respectfully to The Foundation.
"Foundation," Origin said, handing over the box. "I've got the devices."
He opened the box, revealing sleek earpieces and small communication devices, each designed with advanced multiversal tech.
"These," Origin explained, "are designed to work across different universes. No matter the distance or dimension, they'll ensure seamless communication."
The Foundation took one of the earpieces, inspecting it briefly. "With these, we'll be able to stay in contact with Jonesy and Johnson, as well as any other operatives we deploy. Just place the earpiece in and you're connected."
Captain Keyes took one, his brow furrowed in thought as he examined the device. "Impressive. This will be invaluable. Make sure Jonesy and Johnson are equipped with these before they head out."
The Foundation nodded. "Already done, Captain. They're prepared for anything."
A sense of renewed confidence filled the room, the team emboldened by the assurance that communication would remain intact despite the multiverse's challenges.