Chapter Seven

Hestia System

Meridian, Moon of Hestia V

Outskirts of Harmony

Luminary

April 1st, 2548, 2200 hours

White light was flooding Ethan’s vision, the Caretakers hand was pushed up against his skull. Bright colors and patterns crossed his sight every moment or so. He felt like he was being sucked into a never-ending hole. He wanted to fall over but found himself spinning around instead. He wasn’t sure what to think but felt himself becoming calmer by the second. What is he doing to me? He thought. Am I going to die? No, I can’t. Not yet. I must know Sierra is ok. More images, faster this time, grew more intense and flashed over his vision as if someone was turning a flash light off and on. Suddenly, the Caretaker removed his hand. Ethan wobbled for a moment until he could see. It wasn’t the greatest, his vision was still blurry. He felt like he was looking through a glass full of water.

“What did you do to me?” He asked rubbing his eyes.

“Cleansed your mind; it should be easier now for you to achieve your goal.” The Caretaker stood examining the hologram above him.

“The planet your species resides on and several others like it play vital roles in the Librarians journal. Though, you have your destiny.” He finished, now looking down at Ethan.

“I don’t understand what I’m supposed to do” Ethan said. his vision was becoming clearer. “I spoke with something or someone called Accent. Who is that?”

“She will guide you. Follow her unequivocally.” The Caretaker said as he walked toward the alcove. Ethan looked twice and followed.

“Wait, are you going back to…sleep or something?” Ethan paced along.

“Hibernation, you might say.” The Caretaker replied with stride. “I am closing this chamber and the secrets within it. If the Covenant breach these doors then they will meet their fate.”

“They will.” Ethan replied.

The Caretaker stopped a moment and looked down at him. “Leave this place, now and don’t come back.” He walked toward the recess and positioned his back against it. His body closed into a ball and slid back into the wall, metal panels sealing the alcove. Ethan looked up at the hologram of the galaxy one last time before it shutdown. He noticed lights turning off in the back of the room and walked toward the entrance of the Luminary. At the top were marines and Josh who seemed hesitant.

“Are you ok?” Josh asked, examining him. “What did he or it do to you?”

“I’m fine.” Ethan blinked a few times. “Or at least I think I am. I feel ok if that makes any sense. How long was I in there?”

Josh studied his friend for a moment and shrugged. “I don’t know about a half hour or so. Toady has been an odd day. Oh, it turns out Sierra is fine. She’s in Harmony being treated with a minor concussion. Her family is with her and several ONI agents are there explaining the whole ordeal.”

Ethan smiled knowing she was ok and walked with Josh in the wet grass until Toland stood in front of them.

“The Luminary closed and your walking out of there like nothing happened. What did he do to you?” He asked concerned.

“I do not know but we need to keep the Covenant out of there, that’s all I know.” He said forcefully.

Toland sighed and looked around for a moment and then sat on the rock beside him. “The Covenant are here, above Meridian, in orbit fighting our defenses. I have scheduled you three and you’re families on the first shuttle off this planet.”

Ethan laughed. “No, I think I’m good. I’ve heard about how successful that has been.” He glanced at Josh whose eyebrows were raised and was nodding.

“The first shuttle out of here will be ONI Transport. I need the best prototypes they can send and theres room for about 15 people including myself.” Toland replied. Ethan and Josh were quiet for a moment.

“And how is an ONI shuttle that much different? The Covenant will capture it.” Said Josh.

“Not necessarily. They do have cloaking abilities. Plus, from the sounds of it, the battle up there is doing well. I guess the Covenant didn’t arrive with a lot of numbers which gives us plenty of time to pack.” Toland said standing up. He looked around for moment as UNSC and ONI agents gathered supplies and began taking down the tents. Ethan looked behind him curious for a moment as to why but knew that it the Covenant would notice a human outpost from orbit.

“Now, let’s get you two to your families.” Toland stepped between the children and walked them toward the Pelican.