Chapter 66

A/N: Just finished another 10 hour road trip and now I am back home, so normal updates will return.------Catherine stood at the front of the room, facing everyone as she presented her findings. "As we delved into the Forerunner data stored on the Shield World, we uncovered a wealth of secrets that have given us a better understanding of their technology. With the assistance of the Forerunner AI, we have also discovered crucial information about a major threat that the Forerunners had to confront, and which still exists on the surface of Trove and possibly other undiscovered planets," Catherine explained as she pulled up images of the planet's surface.

"Initially, we thought they were just simple parasites that infect any living being in their vicinity. However, our understanding was only partially correct. We now know that these creatures are known as the "Flood", and they are a species of extremely contagious parasitic organisms. They reproduce and grow by devouring sentient beings with enough physical mass and cognitive ability." As Catherine spoke, pictures of the Flood appeared on the screen to further illustrate her explanation.

Silence fell over the room as the images cycled past, each one more gruesome than the last. Catherine continued, "The Flood displays a horrifying level of adaptability. Upon infestation, they alter the host's DNA, modifying them into various forms best suited for their needs. It became clear that this is not just a mere parasitic infection, but also a form of weaponization. The Flood does not simply kill their hosts they consume every bit of organic matter and then repurpose it to serve their needs."

A wave of whispers spread across the room as Catherine concluded her presentation. Some were in disbelief, others tried to brush it off. But this information wouldn't have been presented if there wasn't significant evidence to support it.

"Vice Admiral McLean, I will give section four Authority to conduct research on the Flood and discover ways to counter their infection of Organics, ways to prevent the infection from happening at all, or ways to heal somebody who has already been infected by them" Ordered Axel. While Section four is a clandestine survey group employed by ONI for the reconnaissance of new worlds, alongside conducting xenoarchaeology efforts, Axel planned to expand their operation into researching the Flood.

Mainly because the other sections had their own responsibilities to take care of and Section three was busy with the Spartan-III program alongside other projects.

"Understood, sir," McLean replied. "We'll initiate the procedures immediately and keep you updated on our findings."

With that, Catherine concluded her presentation. Next up was Section Zero, Colonel Bailey stood up and began his briefing on the internal affairs of ONI personnel.

"All we have to report sir, is that we have arrested almost a dozen personnel who have been found to be collaborating with the Insurrectionists, other than that no illegal activities within ONI have been allowed." Said Colonel Bailey as he concluded his brief and sat down.

Yes, it was a short brief but only because Axel was already aware of the personnel who had been caught conspiring with the Insurrectionists. A list of names had been sent to him the previous week which revealed all the people captured.

After Section Zero was Section One. Captain Maddison Lee was the Head of Section One and had walked to the front to present her briefing on the intelligence gathered on the Covenant.

Captain Lee plugged a micro-chip into the desk which brought up a bunch of information regarding military espionage operations that were conducted by Section One against the Covenant to gather information on their chain of Command.

During a mission on Harvest, before our defeat, we intercepted Covenant communications that mentioned two important figures. One of them was identified as the Arbiter, a highly esteemed military position within the Covenant Empire. From what we understand, only individuals from the Sangheili race can hold this title, and it is considered the highest rank one can attain in terms of religion, military prowess, and political influence. The other figure was known as the Prophet of Regret, a name that has been mentioned multiple times but whose significance remained unknown to us until now. The Prophet of Regret holds a prominent place within the High Prophets of the Covenant Empire, and their position entails significant religious power and influence. We are unsure of how many High Prophets there are, but these are individuals we need to monitor closely should their whereabouts become known." Captain Lee concluded her briefing.

"I agree, these two figures are highly important individuals that we need to try to capture or kill. If possible, capturing even one of them would allow us to extract valuable information about the Covenant including the location of Covenant space." Added Axel as Captain Lee sat down allowing the next person to go up.

The next person to brief was Director Isamu, the head of Section Two. "Sir, before I began, I would just like to thank you for all of your contributions to the defense of Humanity, without your intervention my two daughters would have died on Harvest" said Director Isamu as he bowed his head.

"Director please pick your head up" said Axel as Director Isamu stood back upright. "As a Human myself it is only reasonable that I contribute to the defense of our race and push us to even greater lengths, but let's not get sidetracked as I have more important matters to attend to" Stated Axel.

"Of course, Sir" Replied Director Isamu as he began his briefing on the public morale of the UEG. "First, thanks to your appointment as Chairman, public morale has been at an all-time high and we are seeing an increase in support for the UNSC and an increase in the number of recruits joining each branch. Our victories against the Covenant within the outer colonies has ensured people that we can protect them and increased the morale of UNSC personnel as well." Said Director Isamu as he pulled up a graph where one side had 5% and the other 95%.

"This graph is from a survey that 80% of UNSC members had taken within the past month. One side is of those who are willing to risk their lives and do whatever it takes to protect Humanity, while the other side is those who are not willing to go that far to save Humanity. Nonetheless most people said that they are willing to do whatever it takes." Explained Director Isamu. He had originally used this survey to test the morale of those serving within the UNSC, but the result had shocked even him.

"This is interesting" Responded Axel. He while he wasn't keen on sending people to die fighting the Covenant who were physically superior then a human, it can't be helped since the Covenant have dozens of races that make up its Empire and each race has something unique about them that makes them stronger.

"At least this shows that the morale is High, thank you Director" said Axel as Director Isamu took his seat.

Section four didn't have anything to report about, so the remainder of the meeting was spent discussing future operations, planning some intelligence gathering missions, and giving new responsibilities to some Sections to expand operations.

After a few hours of hearing reports, pieced together intelligence, and discussions that led to more questions, Axel had dismissed all the Sections. One by one, the officers rose from their seats and left the room leaving only him and Catherine alone.

After everyone had left, she jumped into his arms while he was sitting down. Fortunately, the door was shut, and no one could hear them through its secretive confines. The room was intended for confidential gatherings, designed to prevent any prying eyes from seeing inside.

Catherine snuggled into his arms and sighed with contentment, "I missed this so much." She noticed how his body had changed since the last time they were together, but it still felt familiar and comforting to her.

"I missed this too, but let's not stay like this too long or we might awaken something," Axel cautioned as Catherine's cheeks flushed at his words. Ignoring his warning, she shifted to sit on his lap, facing him.

She leaned forward and whispered in his ear "You know Axel, sometimes you should just enjoy the moment and not worry about such things."

Hearing this Axel stood up while holding onto her waist "If you insist, but let's take this somewhere else." Catherine nodded, agreeing with him. He put her down and the two of them walked out of the room and headed towards his quarters located within the building.

Meanwhile on Earth, Miranda was sitting in her room working on her homework that her teacher had given her. She always did her work on time and studied almost every day so that she could grow up to be like her father. She was now 7 years old and was already showing signs of her high intelligence.

Given enough time and she would be like a miniaturized version of Axel, commanding ships and leading troops to victory.