User:RelentlessRecusant/Halo Wars/Archive 6

1
Something was wrong. Councilor 'Nodotee walked past several Minor Domo, they wouldn't look at him. 'Nodotee proceeded to Bloodied Remnants '  Gav Lift. The two Spec Ops followed 'Nodotee up. Once back in the control room everything was explained.

A Major Domo greeted the Councilor, "Excellency, I'm glad you've returned as quickly as you did--"

"Where is Ffch 'Nifumee?" 'Nodotee couldn't hold it in any longer.

"If you would allow me to finish", the Major looked annoyed, "Ffch came back claiming to be the only surviving member of his battalion. We were unaware he was infected until it was too late. 'Nifumee returned to Enlightened once on board, he returned to the control room, and proceeded to execute the command crew. Soon there after the parasite took the ship, the Battlegroup opened fire and destroyed Enlightened. Forgive me excellency."

"I understand, you did the proper thing. I'm placing you second in command here, Half-Commander." Councilor 'Nodotee knew he needed a good soldier on the other side of his BattleNet, as 'Nodotee would now be taking a more active role in the field. This Major Domo would make a good Half-Commander. The newly promoted Half-Commander, Eych 'Euqoree, took a bow before his superior, and then returned to his station.

Councilor 'Nodotee turned to his two Spec Ops, "Ffch 'Nifumee may yet live, his parasites probably have created a hive within Enlightened. This is unacceptable, prepare a strike force. It's apparent that the parasite is a bigger threat then the humans. Perhaps, I might even find a use for the humans. Hmm."

The two Spec Ops turned and left. 'Nodotee walked up onto the command platform within the center of the control room. "Eych, contact Battlegroup Two, inform them of what has occurred here. keep them up to date. Soon I'll lead a group to Enlightened, I'll need you to keep me up to date as well."

"Understood excellency." Ffch 'Nifumee, or if he could still be called that, walked through the remains of his former ship. As a Flood Juggernaut, and the only one, it easily towered over all the other parasites here. The Flood here turned to him for their leader, as he was the superior officer of this Covenant group. His infection could access all his former memories, it knew everything about the Covenant group here. The parasite within him also knew this, Councilor 'Nodotee, would be coming soon. Its horde would be ready.

Councilor 'Nodotee [BattleNet] 01:14, 9 February 2007 (UTC)

2
0942 Hours, October 25, 2552 (Military Calendar)/ surface of Installation 03

“I was born in early March of 2478. My heritage demanded I be strong and capable, and so I would occasionally practice on the bullies older than me. That got me into a lot of trouble, and finally my mother pulled me out of school and we moved to Nevada, on the outskirts of Las Vegas, which took up about thirty percent of Nevada’s land mass. I was secluded from society and home schooled, so I spent every moment of my free time training to be like my namesake. He was a vigilante back in the twenty-first century, and one to be feared. I spent every waking moment training with basic civilian issue guns, kitchen utensils, and the ancestral sword that had been passed down through the centuries. I still have that sword, though I have hardly found the need to use it since 2530.” Hank reached over his shoulder and drew a sword as if from no where. It had something inscribed in some old forgotten language on it. “It’s Thai.” He indicated the scribbles and symbols etched into the sword. He seemed to ponder over the words for a moment, reminding himself of their meaning. “Crush, Kill, Destroy,” he said at length. “That’s what this sword does.” He sheathed the sword in the near invisible sheath across his back.

“Where was I? Ah yes. So when I turned sixteen in 2494, I thought it was time to put my skills to the test. I had heard the Corps was the toughest outfit around, so I enlisted. I zipped through boot camp like it was nothing. I must have turned a lot of heads, because by within a year I was in charge of a squad as a staff sergeant. Another year passed and I was a gunnery sergeant, working as a junior drill instructor at boot camp. Another year passed, and again I was promoted, this time to first sergeant, and replaced the drill instructor that I had assisted the year before when he went to serve active duty againt rebels. He would later die in the field.” Hank paused, remembered his mentor well.

“In 2498, I was issued a transfer into Section Three, though I am still not permitted to reveal under what division. That was Project ORION. Most of it is classified, but know that my peers and I were the first series of Spartans, the prototype for your series. Most of what we did was training. I did well, having already trained for so many hours I was used to the lack of sleep and time spent firing a weapon. Then came the genetic alterations. They were very basic: heightened reflexes, increased muscle density, more stamina; you get the idea. When the II-series was given the green light, the I-series, including me, was disbanded. Some became civilians, like my friend James Lee. Others went back to the Corps. I opted for the latter choice, as I could hardly imagine life as a civilian. From what I’ve heard, a lot of the Spartan-Is had trouble adapting, so my choice seems to be the better in hindsight. I was given back control of my unit, retained my rank, and life continued as if nothing unusually had happened, save for a rather distinct gap in my CSV.”

Chris sat there, just taking all the info in. This was quite a development. Hank was a Spartan-I. Chris had a newfound respect for Hank.


 * --RotBrandon 06:39, 9 February 2007 (UTC)

3
2552 (Military calendar), Space outside Installation 03, aboard the Bloodied Remnants

"Half-Commander! Half-Commander!" "What is it?" "I've received four more signals coming out of slipspace now Sir. It seems to be three Frigates of our type, and one CCS-class Battlecruiser." "Are they friendly to us?" "Appearently, especially since the Frigates begins to assault the Human ships." "So I take them as loyal to us." "Sir, the cruiser sends out a message. Shall I start the screen?" "Do it, and receive the message, I'll answer the ship." "Yes Sir." The crew Elite puts up the screen, and they begins to listen to the message.

"This is Bergenond Amrothee, Honor Guard Ultra, commander of the Councillor guard and the Subjugated Phoenix. I would like to talk with Councillor Shch 'Nodotee, is he able to talk now?" "I'm sorry, he's out on the battlefield of this Sacred Ring." "Exactly where is he?" "I don't really know, but I'll give you the cordinates for his last known position, but I warn you! The place is endangered by the Parasite."

"I'll take that risk, give me the coordinates!" "As you wish, I start the download now." Moments later, on the Subjugated Phoenix, Bergenond receives the codes, and turns his head to his Grunt assistant, Cancang.

"Cancang!"

"Me here, sir." "Order 40 of my guards and the majority of our ground forces to get to the gravity lift, understood?" "As you wish, me do." Cancang then walks away to prepare the forces. Amrothee then turns to the pilots. "Head for those coordinates, pilots." "Yes excellency!" "Old friend 'Nodotee, don't worry, I'm coming!"

Faraz22 23:24, 10 February 2007 (UTC)

4
The Anasazi had just spent four days in unceasing combat. After the Hesperus had finished the repairs on his ship, it was all Jenson could do. However he was not about to let the gravity of that damned ring pull his ship to it's grave. Thanks to Jenson's brilliant tactical maneuver (i.e. drifting for a percentage of the battle) he still had a a fully operational reactor. After watching the UNSC ships fall, one by one, including the Hesperus Jenson broke orbit and fired off on a randomized vector, one of three, to take him back to Sol. This would not be the last he had seen of this place. After establishing a link-up between Will and the map database, Parker and his squad had been exfiltrated by one of the Pelicans from his home ship. Both platoons from the Anasazi were shuttled to Alpha Base to await further orders

5
The Phantom, Divine Darkness, was preparing for flight. Councilor 'Nodotee and what remained of his team raced for the dropship. "Move! Quickly, i will not remain here any longer.", the pilot shouted at the survivors.

Councilor 'Nodotee noticed something big behind them, but he dared not slow down and look, "Keep moving! We're almost there!" Just then another Spec Op Sangheili fell to the parasite.

The Lekgolo, Dgodt Visr Foltz stopped and turned, enraged by the retreat. The massive beast opened fire into the pursuing horde. Most of the chasing Flood fell, but that large one remained as well as several Combat forms. One combat form jumped high into the air and landed on Dgodt, 'Nodotee rushed to the Lekgolo just in time to cut the parasite off him. The large Flood charged. Councilor 'Nodotee and Dgodt Visr Foltz both turned and ran to the Phantom's Gav Lift.

"We're out of here!", as 'Nodotee and Foltz got onboard, the pilot quickly picked up speed. Councilor 'Nodotee walked into the cockpit and turned to the pilot, "So, Odch 'Siburee, how many other Phantoms made it out? Also, where's the co-pilot, navigator, and operations officer?"

"I'm it excellency. They didn't make it out, and we're the only Phantom on radar.", the Spec Ops Officer returned his focus to piloting the Phantom. "If you don't maind me asking, but how many of us made it out?"

Councilor 'Nodotee looked back into the troop hold, he could count the survivors on one hand. "There's you, me, Dgodt, and one other Spec Op Minor. That's all, out of the 10 Spec Op Sangheili, 20 Unggoy, and 1 Lekgolo that went in. In total counting the other 7 squads... almost 80 Sangheili, 200 Unggoy, and 6 Lekgolo. Horrible results. Who could have imagined such an army awaited us within Enlightened?"

Odch 'Siburee looked away from the controls, "The main reason we couldn't hold ground was that giant Flood. What was that?" Odch quickly returned his gaze back to the controls.

Councilor 'Nodotee walked over and sat down in the co-pilot's chair, he took up the secondary controls, "That was 'Nifumee. It seems he's a better leader when infected, rather then when he wasn't a host. We need more troops, that hive can't be allowed to grow, it's numbers are already to much for a standard assault." The Phantom made a hard right and continued on it's path. As Divine Darkness moved closer to Battlegroup One, 'Nodotee knew something was amiss. "Odch, open communication with Bloodied Remnants."

"Consider it done, excellency." Odch 'Siburee tapped the holographic display.

[The BattleNet connected]: "Excellency, i thought you were dead. We've got good news--"

"Hold that thought", Councilor 'Nodotee smiled, "tell me, what's the status on the Scarab?"

Councilor 'Nodotee [BattleNet] 22:14, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

6
Kwarsh stared at his feet. He felt Restless Nights take off underneath of him. It was really going to happen. Him and his Unggia (Unggoy native for "warriors") were going to land on the third sacred ring. Qutar 'Radomee smiled. "What's wrong Kwarsh?" He asked.

"Well, I'm just spooked thanks to the sermon The Prophet of Secrecy did today."

"What! Why?"

"He just made the Humans sound like such...a threat, when we were taught they weren't. I feel like everything I've ever known has been contridicted by Secrecy."

Qutar squeezed his rifle tighter, taking in Kwarsh's words. "I see. Well, prepare yourself, the jump is almost ready to be executed."

"Augh. I hate slipspace jumps."

The ship took off, going light years in mere hours. And then, they heard an explosion.

The lights went out, then back on. Kwarsh knew that something must have happened to the hull, engine or control room or else the power never would've gone out. He pointed to three fellow Unggoy (Espock, Ziggy and Todd) and signalled them to follow him. He then grabbed 32 Needler magazines and split them evenly between the 4.

"Kwarsh, do you want me to follow?" 'Radomee asked.

"It's OK, I trust my team to get the job done." He saluted 'Radomee, and commanded his Unggoy to follow him.

The four rushed through the Maze-Like interior of the Restless Nights and came to a stop. Their immediate area had suddenly burst into flames.

"Kwarsh! What is going on?!" Demanded Espock, Needler ready.

"Well, I'm not exacly sure, but, keep you eyes peeled. We're obviously not alone."

A beam of "flame" suddenly came as though from nowhere, and hit Ziggy sqaure in the chest.

"AGH!" he screamed, as the flame spread quickly to his arms.

"Hold still Ziggy!" Todd yelled, as he took out a coolant container off his belt. "Now, stand still!"

Todd opened the coolant, and poured it all on Ziggy. The flames went out, but Ziggy collasped on the floor. He had been knocked uncouncious from the shock and freezing the coolant brought to him.

"Well," Kwarsh thought. "It's obviously invisible." he took a deep breath. "UNGGOY! FIRE YOUR NEEDLERS!"

Pink-Crystalline-Projectiles filled the sky, and impacted into a seemingly invisible target in the sky. It appeared for a split second before it's untimely doom, but from what Kwarsh could make out, it was a Sentinel.

"Oh lovely!" Kwarsh yelled "Sentinels alreay and we're not even at the 3rd sacred ring. A new record."

--Kwarsh 19:39, 12 February 2007 (Canada time)

7
2158 Hours, October 26, 2552 (Military Calendar)/ surface of Installation 03

“Desperate times call for desperate measures!” argued the Vice Admiral.

“Desperate and suicidal are two separate things. Don’t you remember what happened when the Queen’s Pride tried to break the gravity well?” retorted Brandon.

“Of course I remember, but we can’t sit about idly waiting to run out of ammo. Those MLA cannons will only last so long. We have three fully operational reactors, and there are possibly more parts aboard the last of the rebel ships!” replied the Vice Admiral coolly.

“I’ll volunteer, sir,” interjected Captain Graves quietly.

“I may not be Navy, but I sure as hell am not afraid of the possibilities of death. If this doesn’t work, we’re all going to die anyway. If I’m gonna die, I might as well have a nice big ole grave!” added Hank.

“Point taken. Here’s the plan, once we break the gravity well, the Winston Churchill, the Hesperus, and…do we have any other volunteers?” A commander raised his hand. “Good. So we’ll break from the gravity well and all jump for the Sol System.”

“Sir, if I may, that plan is risky. If we all jump to the Sol System and, on the off chance the Covenant has found Earth already and our ships are intercepted, our sacrifice is in vain. I say that we each leave for a different destination in UNSC-controlled space.”

“But what if the Covenant tagged us with tracking devices, Adam?”

“That’s a risk I’d rather take. Covenant tracking devices are almost impossible to detect, and were probably destroyed during the crash landings and months of waiting anyway. I say that you head for Reach, you,” he pointed to the recent volunteering commander, “head for Earth, and I’ll head for another planet. That way, if one of us is intercepted, reinforcements will still arrive here.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

Later that day, three ships broke the gravity well of Installation 03. One left for Earth, one for Reach, and the last to a destination known only by the captain of the ship.

--RotBrandon 00:45, 13 February 2007 (UTC)

8
Councilor 'Nodotee looked down on all the Flood below. The Scarab, Darknaught, continued on it's path, completely ignoring the parasites underneath it. Sangheili and Unggoy fired down into the Flood masses as the Scarab walked over them. It is amusing how easily the parasite can be made useless, just get higher then them.

'Nodotee stiffened at the bump of the Scarab crushing a Carrier Form, "Once in range open fire on Enlightened. Destroy the hive."

Odch responded from the lower deck, "Understood excellency. Preparing to fire the main cannon."

Darknaught opened fire into the destroyed CCS-class. The Enlightened burst into flames, and then the sound came... as all the parasites within started a screeching wail. That's when 'Nodotee spotted the large Flood walk out of the burning chunks of metal. "Destroy that creature, the large Flood!", Councilor 'Nodotee didn't want the beast getting reinforcements from other areas. It couldn't be allowed to continue leading the parasite.

The Scarab's anti-air turrets fired on the creature, but it escaped into the smoky horizon. Councilor 'Nodotee stood on the upper deck of the Scarab, the Scarab stopped above the wreckage. Nothing remained of the ship except burning chunks. Why hadn't he thought of the Scarab before? 'Nodotee was ashamed he had lost so many troops the first time around. The Scarab was perfect, too high for Flood to reach, but just to fire down on the parasite.

'Nodotee walked down into the control room, "Turn us around, head back to the Battlegroup. We must regroup there, then we'll take the parasite and the apes."

Councilor 'Nodotee [BattleNet] 02:51, 13 February 2007 (UTC)

9
0204 Hours, October 28, 2552 (Military Calendar)/ surface of Installation 03

Chris-048 had known what he was signing up for when he requested to stay on the surface. The place was a living hell. Chris also knew that two days, though it seemed like an eternity, was probably the time it took for the Winston Churchill to reach Reach. Chris went over the math quickly in his head. Yes, the flagship should be entering normal space right about this time. He wondered if they would come back. Could he blame them if they didn’t? What had happened since Battle Group Churchill was stranded? Had Reach fallen? Had Earth fallen? Did the Covenant overrun the UNSC position? Were the few survivors on Installation 03 all that was left? No, that couldn’t be. Reach was impenetrable, Earth even more so. And even then, the Covenant didn’t know the location of either. Neither would fall any time soon. Chris was confident in this.

“SPARTAN-048, would you please report to the bridge?” sounded over his COM. Chris hadn’t taken well to the new leader, a haughty ONI rear admiral. Chris had been assigned to the Call of the Wild because the Rear Admiral’s ship was one of the most poorly defended. It had originally been generally in the middle of the UNSC encampment, but now with three of the few ships gone, it was under constant Flood attack. Chris stepped onto the bridge.

“Petty Officer Second Class SPARTAN-048, reporting as ordered, sir!” The Rear Admiral took a good look at the Spartan.

“We think we’ve discovered the control room of this ring. It appears to be some sort of temple…” he paused and typed in some commands at his station, bringing up a general map of the area. “…here. The Covenant seem to be in control, and we can’t let it stay that way. I want you to lead a team and assault this control room, and perhaps learn of the builders of the ring and its purpose.”

“Sir, I work better alone.”

“So be it, as long as you get the job done.” Chris saluted. The Rear Admiral returned his salute. “Get a move on, Petty Officer.” Chris moved to the docking bay where he spotted one of the five Pelicans. The pilot reclined against it smoking a contraband cigarette.

“Smoking at a time like this?” inquired Chris.

“Wha! Huh?” The pilot fumbled the cigarette out of her mouth. “Oh, er…right. Control room. Right. Gotcha. Hop aboard.” Chris obliged, standing at the rear manning the machine gun. “Hold on to your seat!” called the pilot. The Pelican accelerated forward off towards untold adventure, and the naturally occurring peril that Chris had become so familiar with on Installation 03.


 * --RotBrandon 03:52, 13 February 2007 (UTC)

10
The Subjugated Phoenix had reached the atmosphere of Gamma Halo, but now Bergenond Amrothee ordered the ship to stop.

“Pilots, prepare my Phantom, Amrothee says to the pilots, I'll search for him myself, but be ready to launch the other forces if it's needed.”

“Yes, excellency!”

After a few minutes, Amrothee's Phantom flies out of the hangar and begins to scout for 'Nodotee's patrol. A while later, they finds another Phantom flying above a Scarab.

“You must be part of 'Nodotee's forces,” Amrothee speaks in the radio, “Do you know where I can find the Councillor Shch 'Nodotee?”

“You're talking to 'Nodotee,” 'Nodotee answers in the radio, “What do you want?”

“I'm just here to help you. I'm currently commanding the Subjugated Phoenix and three Frigates, and they're ready to join your remaining forces and stop the parasites before it's too late!”

“You're help is really coming at the right moment, but we're risking very much, the parasite is spreading!”

“Maybe, but if we shall strike, it must be now, before they spread to much, and my forces is ready, so what do you say?” Amrothee asks 'Nodotee.

“Well, let so be, and hope we prevails, we're reengaging the Parasite!”

“Good decision, old friend. I have though one last thing to say: It's time for you to get your 40 Honor Guards from my Councillor Guard, as all Councillors should, but as they're assasinated, I'll command the rest.”

“Are the other Councillors assasinated?” 'Nodotee asks Amrothee.

“I'm afraid so, but now to the parasite, make your orders old friend!”

“Then I say, Death to the Parasite!!”


 * --Bergenond Amrothee 16:22, 13 February 2007 (UTC)

11
The Scarab had returned to Bloodied Remnants, and the ship prepared for lift off.

Councilor 'Nodotee walked onto the command platform, "Ready the engines, move Bloodied Remnants away. We're relocating Battlegroup One, to the Library! We must retrieve the Index before those foolish Brutes do. I'll let Bergenond Amrothee deal with the parasite.", 'Nodotee clicked his mandibles, "Ready Battlegroup Two, Amrothee may need assistance."

"Understood excellency. If you don't mind me asking, who was that Honor Guard?", Eych 'Euqoree pondered.

"An old friend, but he still has much to learn about war." Councilor 'Nodotee tapped the display, and Bloodied Remnants pressed forward.

Councilor 'Nodotee [BattleNet] 16:09, 13 February 2007 (UTC)

12
Amrothee's attack against the Flood started directly after 'Nodotee left. The flood was though many, and Amrothee learned to see the parasite as a fearful enemy.

“Excellency, the right flank is about to be overwhelmed.” Amrothee hears one of his Guards scream.

“Send further forces to support the right flank, and until that, let them evacuate to cover in the rocky area,” Amrothee responds.

“As you wish, excellency.”

“I begin to understand why 'Nodotee warned me about challenging the parasite.”

One parasite combat form attacks Amrothee, but Amrothee slices it in half with his Energy Sword, killing it effectively.

Amrothee then, along with Cancang the Grunt, and two Honor Guards heads for the middle flank, where the main forces are.

A dead Grunt suddenly flies right past his head, and he witness as the parasite are jumping over the main front line and are disrupting the lines from behind. Amrothee immediately jumps into the fight, and slays several parasites, but it only comes more and more, and he soon finds out that it's useless.

“Full retreat, now,” he orders loudly.

The troops are actually going to do, but suddenly more Phantoms arrives, escorted by Seraph-class Starfighters and Banshees, and begins to bomb the parasite from the air, killing tons of them.

“'Nodotee,” Amrothee mumbles, “He's behind this, so he still cares about his friends, I see!”

He orders the legions to attack again, and the parasite seems to be pushed back.

The Juggernaut orders the flood to hide in a Forerunner facility not far away, and will set a plan to ambush. The flood falls back from the front. Unfortunately, a Banshee was spying on what they did, and reported back to Amrothee.

“I have found out that the parasite is going to ambush you at a Forerunner facility not far away! What to do?”

“Hmm, it seems to be this ring's Silent Cartographer, but don't we control the area's security override?”

“Yes, we do excellency, but what do you mean?”

“I mean that we use the security override to lock in the parasite!”

“Excellent plan, we'll do it as soon as the parasite are all inside,” Amrothee's Guard shouts!

“No need to wait,” the Banshee pilot says, “All parasite are actually in the facility already!”

“Good, activate the override!”

“Yes, excellency!”

The override ended up with working fine, and the doors in the silent cartographer are all locked, containing the parasite in a prison.

“Now,” Amrothee tells himself, “Field Master, do you know were 'Nodotee is?”

“He's going to retrieve the sacred icon from this ring's library before the Brutes.”

“Well, lead your battlegroup and join your commander at the library, he'll need your support!”

“Well, but what about you?”

“I'll lead my forces and secure this sacred ring's control room, if 'Nodotee would fail in retrieving the sacred icon. Then, I'll head to the library as well.”

“Do you mean that you left the control room without any guard?”

“Yes, but I'll of course make sure that the Brutes do not activate the ring. I've got a plasma lock that cannot be destroyed and not be removed, and only I know the code to it, so the Brutes cannot even come into the control room!”

“That sounds good!”

“Well, here we split up!”

Bergenond Amrothee 21:23, 13 February 2007 (UTC)

13
0622 Hours, October 28, 2552 (Military Calendar)/ Control Room of Installation 03

“Damn,” Chris mumbled to himself. He had reached the entrance of the control room at least half an hour ago, and he still hadn’t gotten the door open. He opened a COM to the Call of the Wild. “Rear Admiral, I need to borrow some of your AI’s attention for just a moment here. I need to crack this door’s lock.”

“I though you worked better alone,” the Rear Admiral almost sneered at him. Chris tried not to mind the stares people gave him, but he could hardly stand those who so vehemently hated him.

“And had you sent marines, there would have been casualties and this door would still be locked at I would still be talking to you,” Chris replied, trying to hide his sardonic tone.

“Very well,” the Rear Admiral sighed.

“What is it you need?” asked the shipboard AI.

“Uplink with my HUD and then take a look at this lock. I need to get through this door,” Chris replied calmly.

“''I see. I’m piggybacking off the Covenant signal. Ok, I’m in. Let’s see now.''” The AI paused for a brief moment. “''There, should be unlocked. Happy hunting!''” The COM snapped off before Chris could thank the AI. Sure enough, when Chris activated the door, it slid open. Oddly, there were no Covenant around.

“Perhaps they thought they wouldn’t need to leave guards if there was a lock?” wondered Chris aloud. He walked down a passage and opened a similarly large door, which slid open with ease. He walked out onto a catwalk, a holographic image of the installation surrounding him. “Amazing…” was all he could manage to utter. He quickly put aside his wonder and moved to the control panel. He didn’t know how he knew, but he just knew which buttons to press. He pulled out an ONI translator, which worked well enough with the odd language scrolling across the panel. He took it all in: the Forerunner, the Flood, the Library, the Index, and Halo’s purpose. “Damn…”

The main door slid open behind him. Quickly and quietly, Chris slipped under the catwalk near the base and strapped himself to the bottom. He hung there, hoping he wouldn’t be noticed. A group of ornately dressed Elites walked in. They didn’t seem to notice that the lock wasn’t functioning. Perhaps it had locked behind him. He hoped he could open the door from the back. They also didn’t notice the Spartan hanging just under their feet, poised to jump up and kill them if he was noticed. Today was their lucky day. His suit’s translator managed to pick up parts of the conversation. One of the Elites, more ornately dressed than the rest, appeared to be ordering the rest to stand guard while he went after some “sacred icon”, whatever that was. All of the Elites left the room save one, which positioned itself relatively above Chris facing towards the console.


 * --RotBrandon 22:55, 13 February 2007 (UTC)

14
Qutar 'Radomee sat and worried. He had been hearing explosions for a whole 15 minutes, on and off, and his Unggoy, Kwarsh, had been out there. But now was not the time to worry, they were being engaged by one of the Human's Frigates.

"'Desumee!" 'Radomee yelled. "Shall we send our Seraphs to engage it's Longsword excorts?"

"Nay. We shall attack it soon Half-Commander. But for now, let us talk about the Unggia."

"The...Unggia? Why do they need to be talked about?"

"At the moment, 'Radomee, I fear they aren't taking this seriously enough. They treat every mission like it is a game. I am going to have them disbanded."

"What?! But they are they best Hunter-Killer team in all the Covenant!"

"Opinion. Not fact 'Radomee."

"Can't we please-"

"I have come to a final decision. Tell them that they are disbanded. Wait...Where are they?!"

"They went to investigate the power outage, and said they did not need me."

"And you...GAVE. THEM. CLEARANCE?!"

"Yes ma'am. What's wrong?"

"Look, locate those Unggoy, Sangheili. Or I will make your life a LIVING HELL."

No questions were needed. 'Radomee took off, looking for the Unggoy he knew as friends. He turned left, right, left, right... untill he came up to the corpse of a...Sangheili. One of his bretheren. He checked the Sangheili's personal Sangheili shield, and saw that it was issued to "Minor Domo Sangheili Feru 'Apestu". This poor Minor had been horribly slaughtered. There was a huge, burning wound on his chest, with blood...pouring out the back. 'Radomee looked at 'Apestu's body, picked up his discarded Plasma rifle, and ran some more.

"'Apestu...hmm...where have I heard that name before...OF COURSE! He was the ship's maintainence Superviser...damn. I bet he was headed to the engine room. To see if that's where the power outage originated."

'Radomee stood still, caught his breath, and rested. The Restless Nights was huge, bigger than most CCS-Class Battlecruiser flagships because of modifications made to it to improve speed. He heard a "hover" of sorts, looked up, and saw that nothing was there. Well, nothing to the Naked eye...

"Show yourself!" 'Radomee commanded.

As if the Sentinel heard him, it appeared and fired. The Sangheili jumped, and dodged the shots, and fired his own weapon. After about 20 shots, the Droid was dead.

"HA! I beat you!"

The Sentinel fell, landed, and exploded in a small amount of flame. 'Radomee felt a strong sense of pride, but also worry, as some unarmored (well, unshielded anyway) Unggoy were out there, fighting these things that killed Feru 'Apestu, who was more then capable. 'Radomee then remembered his mission, locate the Unggia for disbandment. He reminded himself to watch for Sentinels, and to watch the progressive space battle between The Restless Nights and some Human Frigate. As 'Radomee entered the docking room, he saw Seraphs and Banshees leaving to engage the enemy.

"They left without me...oh well. I guess 'Desumee decided it was engagement time."

Just then, a Banshee took off, and destroyed one of the Longswords. 'Radomee could hear the laughing of a Sangheili on his COM channel. He turned his COM off, as he needed no distractions. What he needed to do was to find Kwarsh, Espock, Ziggy, and Todd.

Kwarsh 19:44, 13 February 2007 (Canada time)

15
Councilor 'Nodotee slipped through unnoticed, he knew there was a reason for installing Active Camo into his armour. Lucky for him the parasite didn't seem to mind a shadow walking through their mist. As 'Nodotee came around the corner he saw it, the Icon. Councilor 'Nodotee quickly rushed towards it, but the parasite seemed to notice that. The Flood quickly turned as one and raced for 'Nodotee. How much longer should he wait for the Councilor? Hmm, difficult question. Odch 'Siburee felt something was off, he had just let 'Nodotee into the last section of this Library. All 'Nodotee has to do is walk, grab the Icon, and then walk right back out to the Phantom.

"Prepare the Gav!" 'Nodotee's voice rang out. Odch looked back to the doorway and saw the Councilor coming towards him, Icon in hand, and a large number of Infection forms behind him. Councilor 'Nodotee quickly got onboard, very much out of breath, "By the rings, the Sword is not a good weapon against the Infection forms." Odch chuckled, and then they were off. The Phantom approached the control room, and 'Nodotee could see Amrothee's Honor Guards waiting. The Councilor and Spec Op Officer 'Siburee stepped out of the Phantom. 'Nodotee quickly approached one of the guards, "Where is Amrothee? Should he not be here?"

The Honor Guard quickly snapped to attention, "Excellency, he's out looking for you."

Councilor 'Nodotee turned towards 'Siburee, "Take your Phantom, bring Amrothee back here. I want him here for this." 'Siburee turned back to the Phantom and departed.

Councilor 'Nodotee turned back to the Honor Guard, "Now, let us enter."

'Nodotee, closely trailed by two Honor Guards walked down the large hallway to the control room. The huge doors quietly slid apart. Demon! There in the control room! One Demon and one dead Honor Guard, the Demon quickly opened fire on 'Nodotee's escorts. Both fell shortly. Councilor 'Nodotee however, drew his Energy Sword and charged the Demon, slicing the weapon in half. The Demon then stumbled backwards, quickly regaining his footing, then as if to challenge 'Nodotee, raised it's fists.

"So this one has honor. No matter, you shall fail!", Councilor 'Nodotee put his sword away, and charged the Demon in hand to hand. Unfortunately, they were evenly matched, for the time being anyway, 'Nodotee knew he couldn't last much longer, but the Demon didn't seem tired at all. That's when it spoke.

"Don't you know what these Rings are for?" the Demon never let it's guard down.

"To begin the Great Journey. To accede into the Great Beyond, at least for me, you however will not survive." Councilor 'Nodotee held his ground, trying to regain some energy.

"Wrong. These things kill all life, everywhere. Check it yourself, just hand me that key you have there, and you can see it for yourself."

'Nodotee knew the Demon spoke only lies, but... so did the Prophets, they killed all of the other Councilors, and are now at war with the Sangheili. It was worth the risk, besides, even if the Demon lied and killed 'Nodotee, he'd never make it out. With all the other Honor Guards outside, and the reinforcements 'Nodotee had called in. Councilor 'Nodotee slid the Icon across the floor to the Demon. "Alright, but i warn you if this is a trick..."

"No trick", the Demon bent over a picked up the Icon, "now come here, read this."

Councilor 'Nodotee walked over to the Demon, never letting his guard down. Then 'Nodotee proceeded to read... but how? how did they not see the truth sooner?

The Demon stepped up next to 'Nodotee, "And that's why we need to work together."

Councilor 'Nodotee turned to the Demon, "I am Councilor 'Nodotee, member of the High Council of Masters. Leader of the Sangheili here, and you are?"

Councilor 'Nodotee [BattleNet] 00:45, 14 February 2007 (UTC)

16
Commander Collins looked at the blackness of space as his Destroyer the Argo exited slipspace over the ring-world. He still had no idea why UNSC FLEETCOM had taken him out of his original post at Earth and put him on this assignment. "Lieutenant Cowel where are the UNSC forces?" asked the Commander. "Commander, they're on the ring" the Lieutenant said slowly. "What?" asked Collins. "Sir it would appear that the surviving forces have setup a base on the construct" answered the Lieutenant. "Very well, Lieutenant McLeod take us into orbit with the ring and Lieutenant Yong tell ODST squad Sierra they're going in for a hot drop" said the Commander. The two Lieutenants nodded and turned to their control panels.

"Sir were getting a contact up ahead" said Lieutnenant Cowel "Ally?" asked the Commander "negative Sir, its Covenant". "Show me" ordered Collins. The Lieutenant nodded, pressed a series of buttons and a picture of a damaged Covenant craft appeared on the viewscreen. "Life signs?" asked Collins "Unknown sir ..... and its not because of the sensors" said the Lieutenant. "Well then, lets find those survivors on the ring" the Commander said.

_________________________________________________________________________________

"First Sergeant King prep your squad for a hot drop onto the ring" said Lieutenant Yong "Roger that" said the marine. "Squad move to the HEVs ... now!" yelled the Sergeant. The members of his squad got up from their positions and ran into the weapon room. As the Sergeant entered his marines moved into their HEVs. King grabbed an Assualt Rifle, five grenades and a shotgun as he walked through the room and entered his HEV. "GO!, GO!, GO!" yelled First Sergeant King. ODST squad Sierra entered their assigned HEVs and closed the doors. Sergeant King did the same. "See you on the ground" said one ODST "shut up" said another.

The Sergeant entered his pod and closed the door. He suddenly felt a rush as he entered freefall and left the Argo. He plummeted farther and farther into space. "Alright I want a nice clean dispersal none of your sloppy crap" ordered the Sergeant. He heard grunts of approval among his men. A voice broke over the intercom and it was Commander Collins. "Sergeant when you get to the surface of the Installation secure an LZ I'm sending you marine reinforcements and air support" "air support for what .... Sir ?" "You're making an incursion on a Covenant base" replied the Commander. "Sir I wasn't informed" said the ODST "well now you are, good hunting" said Collins.

The ODST felt his HEV heat up while he entered the atmosphere. A trickle of sweat ran down his face which was shortly followed by more. After thirty seconds of growing heat it dissipated and died. The ODST sighed with the relief that he had safely entered the rings atmoshere. But shortly he felt cold as if he had just entered a polar region. He felt a large jolt and he knew he had landed. He pryed open the door with his Assault Rifle and he took his first step onto the ring.

Ares.117 8:06, 13 February 2007

17
Kwarsh turned around to see another Sentinel, angry at the fact that Kwarsh's Unggoy destroyed his comrade. It fired, burning the Unggoy's flesh.

"DAMMIT!" Kwarsh yelled, as he fell to the ground.

"Todd! I need you to take out that Sentinel, while I investigate where they are coming from!" Espock said, very fast.

"Yes sir!"

Just then, at least 7 more Sentinels appeared as if from nowhere and fired at Todd and Espock. The shieldless Unggoy fell over. Then Espock turned on his COM.

"H-hunter-Kil-Killer team...Un-Unggia...Incapacitated...requiring...immediate assistance...Does anyone read?"

No response.

"Any-Anyone?"

Still no response.

Espock closed his eyes, and entered unconsciousness. 'Radomee felt like he had been punched in the gut by a Jiralhanae. It felt like someone close to him...died.

"No...Kwarsh couldn't be dead...could he? How could he...NO! That would be unacceptable. Kwarsh is alive."

Then 'Radomee heard the biggest explosion in his life. It seems that the Human frigate had finally been destroyed by The Restless Nights'  plasma torpedoes. Another Covenant victory, as to be expected. But, as if the explosion was a cue, dozens of Sentinels appeared in the Docking bay.

"'Half-Commander!" Yelled 'Defusa, a Sangheili Minor Domo. "Assist us! We our outnumbered and need your skills!"

'Radomee nodded and brought out his rifles.

"Behind you!" The Minor Domo yelled. "A Sentinel!"

The Docking Bay became a battlefield as Sentinel after Sentinel appeared and fired at the Sangheili and Unggoy on board, cries for help, explosions, and shots were all one could hear. 'Radomee looked at a Plasma Grenade on his belt and smiled.

"'Defusa, look at this!" 'Radomee picked up the Grenade and threw at some sentinels too close to each other, and they all fell in the resulting explosion.

"Ha!" Said 'Defusa,who pulled out some of his Grenades and threw them "Take this, blasted machines!" Kwarsh 02:22, 14 February 2007 (UTC)

18
0625 Hours, October 28, 2552 (Military Calendar)/ Control Room of Installation 03

“My name is Petty Officer Second Class SPARTAN-048,” Chris replied. He wondered which he preferred, working with or against the Elites. He didn’t know how, but his ploy had worked. The Councilor had come to the console and seen the truth. The Elite had chosen reason over faith, and both were the better for it.

“A reclaimer! I am most pleased! And you have the Index!” came a voice from behind. The red and yellow dressed Elites turned, leveling their plasma rifles.

“An oracle!” cried one. A small spherical drone, perhaps half a meter in diameter, with a small glowing yellow ‘eye’ in the center floated in the air off to their left.

“Hello, my name is 49 Proximal Secant. You are a reclaimer. We must activate the installation before the Flood spread.” It turned to ‘Nodotee. “You are a meddler,” it said flatly.

“Proximal Secant…you hacked our systems. In fact, you are responsible for the destruction of several ships, including the Erwin Rommel.”

“Many apologies, reclaimer. I did not know that the force I fired upon were reclaimers.”

“And we aren’t activating the ring. We already know what it does, and I don’t like that option. I don’t like any of our options, but that one is at the bottom of my list. Now bug off,” Chris replied angrily, still a bit upset over the utter loss of life wreaked by the construct’s apparent accident. Rarely did Chris let his anger get the best of him, but the stress of being on Halo for so long had made him snap.

“Well, I can always find another,” the construct seemed to sigh. Suddenly, the air was filled with Sentinels.

“Fire!” cried ‘Nodotee. The air burned as lasers and plasma crisscrossed in a pattern of death, leaving only destruction in their wake. The Sentinels were quickly dispatched. “We must take the sacred icon to one of our ships where it can be guarded,” stated ‘Nodotee quickly.

“No, the rest of the Covenant does not know of the true purpose of the ring. They would kill me on sight and probably mark you as traitors,” replied Chris. “Aren’t I one of the most evil beings around according to your Prophet’s?”

“Yes…it would surely be heresy…what then can we do?”

“We will take the Index to one of the few UNSC ships remaining. I will radio in telling them to expect us. I will make sure to clarify that they are not to fire on us. We will take your Phantom when it returns from wherever you sent it.”


 * --RotBrandon 03:36, 14 February 2007 (UTC)

19
Councilor 'Nodotee and this "Spartan" walked into the large hallway, leaving the control room behind. The two Honor Guards looked extremely nervous, 'Nodotee could tell they were ready to pounce the second the Demon twitched. No matter, if they tried anything he was sure that he and a Spartan together could quickly put the Honor Guards down.

"This way, quickly, we must hurry. Before the rest of squads arrive, they would behead us on sight." 'Nodotee knew they had to move quickly to survive. "I've called back the Phantom, it should be here. The pilot has been informed, you're safe human."

The Spartan didn't say a word, he just keep moving.

They quickly approached the outer doorway, the Phantom was waiting for them. "Move it, the other squads are almost here!" Odch spoke over the BattleNet.

Councilor 'Nodotee and the Spartan got onboard and the Phantom sped away. "Alright, where to? Also, take this", Councilor 'Nodotee handed the Spartan a small device, "this is an extension into the BattleNet, it opens directly with me. So we can stay in contact. Now which ship should we head to? 'Nifumee pounded on the door, it wouldn't even dent. Juggernaut 'Nifumee then ordered scouts to find a different way out. 'Nifumee would not be contained on this ring any longer. One of the Combat Forms quickly reappeared, it found the teleport grid.

Councilor 'Nodotee [BattleNet] 16:50, 14 February 2007 (UTC)

20
Commander Collins looked at the colours on the ring from space. It looked like an Aztec mosaic with all the blues, greens, browns and whites. "Lieutenant Yong get me a status report on the ODSTs and give Spartan-098 a chance to get to know the terrain, send him in with the reinforcements" said Collins. "Aye, aye sir" said the officer. "Lieutenant Cowel any luck with communications?" "no Commander, a couple short bursts something about an index and a Spartan but that was it" said the Lieutenant. The commander let out a sigh. "How does FLEETCOM expect us to help them if we can't even find them?" he muttered to himself. "Sir we could try to establish contact on that frequency" the Lieutenant suggested "do it" said the Comander.

"Sir i've awoken Spartan-098 and contacted the ODSTs they say the Covenant base is heavily armed and has snipers posted everywhere" said Yong "good tell them to keep their heads down, the cavalry is on its way". _________________________________________________________________________________

Sergeant King looked over the frozen river bank and up at the huge structure and its guards. "Sergeant King keep your heads down were sending in an aireal bombardment, reinforcements and Spartan-098, Lieutenant Yong out" "great we get here first and we still have to wait for a Spartan" said an ODST. The Sergeant turned and looked at his squad. He noticed he was still missing three men. Where did they go? he thought. "RPGs take up positions here, snipers on that hill and everyone else move into that group of trees" ordered the soldier. His squad nodded and did as ordered.

"On my mark all units fire" said the soldier. "Remember concentrate on snipers and anti air positions" he added. "MARK!" yelled the soldier. Rockets flew from the river banks and impacted on three wraiths, a shade and a banshee group. The Wraiths exploded in a ball of fire, the shade flew from its original position and landed on a group of grunts while the Banshee group all detonated simultaneously. Sniper rounds and MA5B or BR55 rounds filled the air as more and more Covenant troops fell.

"Damnit" yelled an ODST as a sniper beam flew through his leg. "All soldiers take out that outbound Phantom !" yelled the Sergeant. Rockets streaked towards it as the craft sped away from the structure. A group of explosions erupted on its hull but it continued on its way. "Damn!" yelled the soldier.

_________________________________________________________________________________

"This is Spartan-098 to ODST squad Sierra what is your situation, over" said Marcus "Sir were pinned down and we've got heavy casualties" replied King. "Alright were commencing the aireal bombardment now, standby" said the Spartan. He watched from the cockpit as a Phantom glided away. "Spartan-098 to Pelican pilots were letting you handle this we have a Phantom to catch" Marcus finished. "Pilot do a quick flyby and fire five rockets then catch that Phantom" said Marcus. The pilot nodded and did as ordered. The Spartan watched as five missiles streaked towards a pair of Hunters guarding the entrance of the structure. The air where the pair had been was now a pile of smoldering orange meat.

The Pelican arked up and sped after the Phantom.

Ares.117

21
Amrothee breaths silently. Around him, on every side, his soldiers, along with parasite and parts from Sentinels, lies on the floor, dead after the last battle.

"I cannot continue alone, he mumbles to himself, the parasite are to strong. If I only could get contact with the Phantoms, but they seem to have been destroyed.

Amrothee is looking towards the gondola he came on. He soon finds out that the icon is not even in it's chamber. He figures out that 'Nodotee must have been retrieving it before he came.

After a while's rest, he gets back to the gondola and start it. The gondola slowly moves out of the library, with it's characteristic sound.

"...are you there? a voice from the radio says, and Amrothee finds out that it's Cancang, his assistant.

"Cancang, I'm here, can you get me a transport?

"Yes, a Phantom has come to escort us out of here.

"Good, where will it take us?

"Wherever you want, because, you have been promoted!

"To what? By who?

"To Imperial Field Master, the first one. You will be commanding some of the Regional Fleet of Contrite Purpose's ground forces, which is orders from 'Nodotee. Of course you fall under his command despite this position.

"Excellent, tell him that I accepts!

Faraz22 21:02, 14 February 2007 (UTC)

22
0628 Hours, October 28, 2552 (Military Calendar)/ Phantom

“We’ll head for the Call of the Wild. That is our main base of operations right now.” Chris moved to one of the consoles. “What is this,” he asked, pointing to a small blip on the radar. The Councilor walked over.

“It appears one of your dropships is tracking us. I thought you said you made it perfectly clear that we were friendlies?”

“I did.” Chris opened his TACMAP and clicked on the FoF icon for the Pelican. “The Argo… Things just got a bit more complicated. A UNSC ship arrived and has not yet been briefed on the situation.” Chris sent a narrow-beam transmission to the Pelican. “This is Petty Officer Second Class SPARTAN-048. Would you explain to me why you’re tailing my ship?” There was no response. “Blast this radio!” He opened up FLEETCOM7. “Be advised. This is SPARTAN-048. Repeat, SPARTAN-048. I am aboard a Covenant Phantom. We are friendlies. Repeat, friendlies. We are being tracked by a Pelican. Their intention appears hostile. I haven’t been able to raise them on the COM. Would someone inform them that they are about to fire on hostiles, and that I am not about to hold back.” He snapped the COM off. Of course, FLEETCOM7 would spam every ship in the area, so he hoped that the Argo, or anyone in communication with the Pelican, would receive his mission and call them off. He turned to ‘Nodotee. “Prepare the Phantom’s plasma cannons. I’m not taking any risks. Perhaps that Pelican is Flood controlled.”

“Alright, but we locked the Flood away in the Silent Cartographer. Certainly they haven’t gotten out yet.”

“I wouldn’t put it past them. They can be very crafty.”

“Agreed.” ‘Nodotee ordered the pilot to warm the plasma cannons. “Prepare for evasive maneuvers as well. Don’t fire on the enemy dropship, but if it fires on us, burn it.”

“Petty Officer, what in Sam’s hill is going on?” It was the Rear Admiral.

“Sir, a ship, the Argo, appears to have arrived and is in space. One of their Pelicans is tracking the Phantom I am riding. I’m not about to die to friendly fire.”

“We’ve been catching bits of the Argo''’s communications. My thoughts are that our systems are being hacked again.''” Chris cut the COM.

“Darn you Proximal Secant!” he yelled.


 * --Master Gunnery Sergeant Hank J Wimbleton IV 05:48, 15 February 2007 (UTC)

23
Commander Collins looked at his crew. They were tired and worried. Probably because of the attack on Earth he thought to himself. "Lieutenant Cowel anything on communications?" asked Collins "just little bits something about a Phantom with a Spartan onboard maybe a prisoner" said the Lieutenant. "Lieutenant Yong contact Spartan-098 inform him of a captured Spartan on board a Phantom" ordered the Commander. The Lieutenant nodded and he spoke into the comm channel.

"Lieutenant Yong how are the ODSTs ?" asked Collins. _________________________________________________________________________________

"Sergeant King what is your status ? over" asked Lieutenant Yong. "Liuetenant we are dying out here we can't even make it to the big structure recommend mission abort" said King "Negative Sergeant, Liuetenant Yong out" said the Lieutenant. "Damn it" said the Sergeant. "Sir we have to make a run for the structure!" yelled a marine. "You want to run across that much open space with snipers posted on that structure ? are you crazy ?" asked the Sergeant. "No, we have to find another way around" mumbled King. "Couldn't we just smoke it?" asked a marine "Soldier this is no time for a cigar" replied the Sergeant. "No not smoke, smoke the field for cover" suggested a marine "Best thing so far" commented the Sergeant. "Alright throw your smokers !" he yelled.

The field became shrouded as seven smoke grenades went off in the field. "GO, GO, GO !" yelled the ODST. As the ODSTs ran out of their cover towards the smoke two marines had a particle beam enter and exit their brain. "Shit !" yelled an ODST. The Sergeant ran through the smoke towards the structure. But as he neared the entrance ramp he heard a familiar sound. "Hunters !" he yelled on the intercom as a Pelican exploded into a ball of fire with a series of Fuel Rod projectiles impacting on the cockpit.

The ODST drew his shotgun and prepared to fire.

_________________________________________________________________________________

We know its seen us so why hasn't it attacked yet? Marcus thought to himself. "Fire a ....." the Spartan was cut off when a voice came over the intercom. "Spartan-098 be advised you are tracking a Phantom which contains a captured Spartan, repeat captured Spartan. DO NOT FIRE under any circumstances recommend boarding action" said Lieutenant Yong. A captured Spartan that doesn't seem right he thought to himself. "Lieutenant what is the Spartan's ID tag ?" he asked. "Unkown" replied Yong.

"Pilot prepare to board" said the Spartan. "Marines get ready for boarding action !" he yelled.

Ares.117

24
'Defusa continued to destroy the Sentinels. Fearing nothing in the process.

"Half-Commander! There are some Enforcers on their way! Let us commandeer some Shades!"

'Radomee nodded, and jumped down to 'Defusa's position. It was quite a jump, and 'Radomee had to flinch after he landed.

"Follow me, Half-Commander! I know where the Shades are!"

"Yes, lead me to them, Minor Domo."

The two Sangheili ran towards the storage room where the Shades were kept. As they neared it, some of the blasted Sentinels appeared.

"Damn you BLASTED MACHINES!" 'Defusa yelled as he charged towards one, trying to melee it.

"NO! DO NOT MELEE IT!"

But it was too late. The Sentinel exploded, killing 'Defusa, who landed in a puddle of his own blood.

"GrrrrrrrrrRRRAGHHHHH!!" Yelled 'Radomee, who pulled out an Energy Sword. "YOU BASTARD MACHINES!!!"

'Radomee cut the Sentinels in half with his sword, and ran away before they exploded. When they did explode, though, it was with the force of six Human Grenades, which opened up the storage room, and 'Radomee saw something...familiar.

"Kwarsh!" 'Radomee yelled, excitedly. "I found you!"

But, as expected, there was no response.

"No...I was...too late..."

Kwarsh's body then shook, and lifted off the ground. Kwarsh was alive.

"H-hi...'Radomee...d-did 'ya...miss...m-me?"

"What happened?! And where are the rest of your Unggoy!?"

Kwarsh looked from side to side. "I don't...know..."

"Was it Sentinels?"

"Oh yah! It was Sentinels...damn them." Kwarsh looked at the ground. "Where did my friends go..."

"I do not know Kwarsh. But if they are unshielded, we have to find them"

The two dragged a couple of Shades over to the area of Engagement, where the enforcers were on their way.

"Half-Commander, sir!" Yelled another Minor Domo "Place the Shades right there, that's the most protective area in the Bay!"

'Radomee thank the Sangheili and signalled Kwarsh to place his Shade right beside a broken Phantom, which made excellent cover, as a Phantom's exterior is one of the toughest metals the Covenant had. They placed their Shades there and fired at the Sentinels hovering through the Plasma Gates set up to keep out enemies. Kwarsh was running out of plasma, so he dismounted the Shade and used one of the Sentinel beams that a careless Sentinel dropped, and used it to destroy at least 40 of the machines 'till it ran out of ammo.

"Half-Commander! Out of ammo!" Yelled Kwarsh to 'Radomee.

"Dammit, well, take one of my Plasma Rifles."

"Awesome!"

Kwarsh picked up the Sangheili's Plamsa Rifle, a weapon he had never used before, and fired it at a Sentinel. The Sentinel flinched, fell, and exploded. Kwarsh was satisfied, but not satisfied enough as he walked over and shot the Sentinel's corpse.

"Are there any more, 'Radomee?" Asked an Ultra Sangheili, who was grasping his Fuel Rod Gun.

'Radomee looked around at the destruction around him. Almost everything in the Docking Bay was dead. Forerunner and Covenant.

"I do not know, commander." 'Radomee replied. By the Prophets, I hope not. We simply cannot survive another assault like that."

He flickered his COM "On"

"'Radomee! Do you copy? This is 'Desumee! Did you find the Unggia? What are their status? WHAT IS GOING ON DOWN THERE!?"

"Yes. Yes. MIA presumed KIA. Sentinels."

"Sentinels?! On my ship?! I assume you gave them the what-for."

"Yes, but with major casualties."

"How many?!"

"36 Sangheili, 42 Unggoy, 2 Lekgolo."

"Are you kidding me?! They killed Lekgolo?!"

"Yes ma'am. I'll collect their Tags and Weapons."

"You do that, but get the survivors in a Phantom, or a Spirit, because we made it to the Ring, and are ready for deployment."

"Yes ma'am."

CLICK.

"Commander, please get the Survivors in a *working* Phantom or Spirit. Preferably Phantom. We're over the ring."

"Affirmative."

The Ultra gathered up the survivors on the Docking Bay and Commanded them to get in a Phantom.

"We're ready for you, Half-Commander. Bring the weapons on board."

"Sir, yes sir."

'Radomee gathered up all the weapons in a crate and put them into the Phantom, and got on board. He nodded to the Ultra and they took off. Outside, 'Radomee saw at least 19 more Phantoms, 20 Spirits, and 30 Banshees taking off from the Frigates and Restless Nights to the Ring. The battle for the ring had just begun. 0300 hours, UNKNOWN DATE, 2552, on The Third Scared Ring

Kwarsh felt the Phantom come to a sudden stop. They were on Halo. He heard 'Radomee and 'Kerana (The Ultra) tell everyone to get off board.

"Men!" Yelled 'Kerana, Commander of the Phantoms. "We are now on Halo. Expect Human scum throughout the whole ring. They got through our main defenses, and are now trying to take the icon from it's holy place. What do you have to say to that?"

Everyone on board the Phantom, Sinless Purpose growled and barked.

"That's right! Now, to our immediate west, is a Human Encampment. I want you to destroy it. Clear?!"

The growling and barking began again.

"I CAN'T HEAR YOU!"

Everyone on board yelled and screamed

"THAT'S WHAT I LIKE TO HEAR! NOW, KILL THE HUMAN SCUM!"

Everyone grabbed their weapons and grenades out of the crates, and jumped out of the Phantom. It was a long way down, by Kwarsh was used to that by now. Awaiting the Covenant soldiers, was a camp with food, methane preserves, ammo, weapons, grenades, and vehicles. Another Phantom landed. Kwarsh stood by it, to see who was inside. Out fell Todd, Ziggy, Espock, and the rest of the Unggia, who followed Kwarsh.

"You guys...are alive?"

"We were surprised too. But, we got treated and...here we are."

A Minor Domo barked at the Unggoy, and called them over. But 'Radomee stopped him.

"Those are my Unggoy, Minor Domo."

"Sorry sir, yes sir." 0450 hours, UNKNOWN DATE, 2552.

'Radomee and the Unggia were all in Ghosts rushing towards the Human camp. Immediate west was a lie. It had almost been 2 hours before they even saw the camp. Then, bullets came flying from the sky. It was the Humans and their blasted projectiles.

"Dodge!" Yelled 'Radomee.

The Unggia and 'Radomee all opened fired on the Humans, untill the bullets stopped.

"Did we win?"

"I don't know.

KillerCRS 18:49, 15 February 2007 (UTC)

25
As the Phantom continued on it's path, the Pelican got closer and closer. "Councilor! The enemy craft is preparing to board us. They're human." the pilot seemed unsure of the Pelican's intentions.

Councilor 'Nodotee walked into the cockpit, "Are you positive they're not parasites?"

The pilot seemed to have more confidence, "Of course, excellency. However, i still think they're hostile."

"Hmm", 'Nodotee stiffened, "Land. We'll see what they're intentions are, keep the plasma cannons ready." Councilor 'Nodotee then proceeded to walk out of the cockpit, and turned to the Spartan, "You will go first. They will not fire on you, I however, wouldn't make it any longer than 2 Units. Explain to them what has happened, I'll follow closely behind you."

The Spartan nodded, then walked over to the Gav Lift.

The Phantom quickly turned downward and landed. The Pelican quickly followed suit. As the Phantom hovered in place, the Spartan followed by 'Nodotee proceeded down the lift. The Pelican hovered in place a moment, then several Marines and another Spartan hopped out the back.

Councilor 'Nodotee [BattleNet] 23:04, 15 February 2007 (UTC)

26
Back at camp, 'Kerana and 'Desumee were discussing the plans for attack.

"Supreme-Commander, ma'am. I have gotten a message from the Prophet of Truth. They are sending Jiralhanae re-enforcements from High Charity."

"*Sigh* Jiralhanae are such a bother. Are they bringing weapons?"

"Yes ma'am. They are also bringing Kig-Yar with them."

"Crude little beasts...ah well. We can use their sheilds around the camp, yes?"

"Only if they are willing to give them up, I heard Kig-Yar love their shields."

"Ah, yes. Are they bringing Huragok with them?"

"No. They aren't bringing Yanme'e either."

"Excellent. That's less food we have to ration."

"Yes ma'am."

"Commander, how are we going about destroying the Human camp?"

"Supreme-Commander, as of now, the Humans are almost eliminated off the ring. Or this area, anyway. The Unggia are incredible warriors."

"I thought they were KIA!"

"No...they're quite alive...they are at the Feeding Nipple as we speak."

"Repulsive! Commander! Kill the Unggia and 'Radomee!"

"Why?"

"They lied to me, and shall recieve DEATH!"

"Yes, Supreme-Commander."

'Kerana travelled to outside the Feeding Nipple, to see 'Radomee talking to the Unggia Hunter-Killer team. He pulled out his Fuel Rod Gun, and fired at the liars.

"Half-Commander! DODGE!"

'Radomee looked at the incoming Fuel Rod blast headed towards him and the Unggia. He braced himself for the blast, only to be pushed out of the way by...Kwarsh!

"No! KWARSH!"

There was a massive explosion, and Kwarsh was gone. 'Radomee was so angry, that he pulled out his sword and threw it at 'Kerana, penetrating his chest, coming out his back. 'Kerana fell to his knees, and fell on his chest, propelling the blade even farther into his body. 'Radomee flipped 'Kerana's corpse, and pulled the sword out, and dropped a Grenade into the wound.

The Grenade exploded, and 'Radomee was rewarded in a shower of purple-blue blood. He smiled, and looked at the remaining Unggoy, then frowned. Kwarsh was gone. KillerCRS 00:33, 16 February 2007 (UTC)

27
"Lieutenant Cowel what is going on with those Covenant Frigates?" asked the Commander. "Sir we have tracked alot of craft exiting the ships, they were all headed for one location. I'm initiating a Geographical survey we should have information on that vicinity whithin the hour" said the Lieutenant. "Good keep me posted" said the Commander. "Lieutenant Yong any thing from the ODSTs?" asked the Commander "no sir, after we lost contact I haven't heard anything from them" replied Yong. Collins sighed. He wondered if he had sent the soldiers to their graves.

"Sir, we have enemy craft on an intercept course " said an anomynous crew member "Where?" asked the Commander. "Sir they're not Covenant" replied the crew member. _________________________________________________________________________________

"Sergeant how much further till the top, we've run up five levels already" complained an ODST "Shut it" said the Sergeant. "We are going to have to charge them" he said. "WHAT !?" said a soldier "you want us to charge a heavil fortified Covenant position guarded by at least a Zealot, 5 Ultras, 2 Hunters, 10 Special Operations and their officer along with at least 5 other new Elites and numerous others ?" continued the marine. "Marine, do you want blood ? or do you want to Bitch ?" asked the Sergeant. The soldier turned away and replied "blood".

A group of 57 marines and ODSTs charged towards the fortified position firing as they ran. As they charged many of the Grunts ran and died, the 2 Hunters were struck by rockets killing the surrounding soldiers and the new Elites walked inside the open door as it closed behind them. All the marines yelled as they charged forward. A couple of the Elites and Jackals fled the battle. A marine threw a grenade into a group of Grunts that were too close together. The grenade detonated and Grunt body parts flew in every direction.

The Sergeant grabbed his Shotgun and shoved it into the Zealots mouth. In a rage the Zealot slapped a grenade onto himself in an effort to kill the human. King pulled the trigger and the brains of the Zealot fell to the ground. He ran forward up the flight of stairs and onto the final level. A grenade detonated behind him and he flew into the wall infront of him.

Blood trickled down his face as he entered unconciousness. _________________________________________________________________________________

"GO,GO,GO,GO" yelled the Spartan. The Phantom they had been following had unexpectedly stopped. Were they surrenduring ?, were they given him the Spartan ? a million questions ran through Marcus's head. He drew his MA5C and took a step onto the Ring. "Marines aim at the Grav Lift I don't want any surprises" he ordered. The marines knelt beside the Pelican and aimed at the Grav Lift. Marcus watched as a Spartan emerged from the Phantom. He was shortly followed by a Councilor.

"Marines lower your weapons, but stay on guard" he said. "Councilor, I am Spartan-098 Marcus I want you to release my fellow Spartan" He said as he loaded his gun in-front of them.

Ares.117

28
0629 Hours, October 28, 2552 (Military Calendar)/ Surface of Installation 03

“Stand down, Marcus. I’m not a prisoner. We have a priority mission, and I’m assuming tactical command until we complete that mission. I’ll send you a debrief.” Chris sent some files concerning the Halo and the Flood. “We have the Index, and without it, we don’t think the rings can be fired. Thus, we need to get this thing to the Call of the Wild ASAP.”

“And what of the Elite?” asked Marcus.

“He’s a friend. He, and a few under him, found out what Halo does and are siding with us. Perhaps a more permanent alliance can be made between his race and ours. But that is not my concern. We need to get the Index somewhere safe where that blasted AI can’t get it.”

“Roger that. Orders?”

“Hold.” Chris turned to ‘Nodotee and accessed the communicator he had given him.

“Is there a way we can transmit your image to the Covenant fleet in the area. I want you to tell them about Halo. I want the Eli…Sangheili and the humans working together.”

“It is doable, but I would need to see the equipment you have.”

“Good.” Chris closed the COM and opened his COM with Marcus. “We’re going to try and project a message from my councilor friend here to the rest of the Covenant in the area. We hope to inform them of Halo’s true purpose, and perhaps form an alliance between us and them.” The Councilor turned and appeared to hold a conversation with someone in his radio.

“We have a problem. Some of the Sangheili at the main camp have called for reinforcements from the treacherous Prophets. There are more Jiralhanae on their way to our position. Any plans of alliance need to be made expediently!”

“Shoot. I was hoping for more time,” Chris muttered to himself. He opened his private COM with Marcus again. “Marcus, take your men to the Control Room. Hold there, but do not attack until I give the word. Hopefully one of the AI at the Call of the Wild will be able to break through Secant’s COM hacking. I’ll send word to you, and you alone will approach the position. If the Elites fire on you, back off and prepare to engage. If they do not fire, then bring your men forward. Your language translators should allow you to communicate well enough to prepare an effective defense against Brutes, the Flood, Sentinels, whatever comes your way. We need to hold the Control Room incase Secant figures some other way of firing the rings.”


 * --Master Gunnery Sergeant Hank J Wimbleton IVCOM 01:35, 16 February 2007 (UTC)

29
"Are you sure?

"Yes, excellency, we've found the Jiralhanae rendezvous point.

"Well, so if we take the point, we can ambush those traitors when they come! Now I orders most of our ground forces to get to that point, understood?

"Yes, excellency Amrothee, we do so.

After some hours, Amrothee, the new Imperial Field Master, had enough troops and vehicles for his assault.

"Send out our Banshees first, the vehicles and troops will come after!

"Yes excellency!

The Banshees flies away, while Amrothee mounts his Elite Blader, a new Sangheili vehicle.

Later, the Banshees arrive at the Jiralhanae encampment and begins to bomb with their fuel rod guns, causing devastation. But before the Jiralhanae are able to mount their Banshees, the Sangheili destroys the Banshee platforms.

Meanwhile, Amrothee leads his ground forces in a frontal assault, killing more prophet-loyal covenant.

Several hours later, no more Jiralhanae is at the encampment anymore. Amrothee walks up to a high spot were he begins to speak:

"I declear this point as our main ground base!

He hears cheering Unggoy, Sangheili and Legkolo everywhere, but soon tells them to silence, and orders the troops to lay for ambush at the incoming traitors.

Next day, more dead Jirahanae, Kig-Yar and Yan'me lays dead, the ambush became a success!

Faraz22

15:37, 16 February 2007 (UTC)

30
Councilor 'Nodotee and the Spartan Chris turned back to the Phantom, the other Spartan and the Pelican took off in the opposite direction. Once back on board the Phantom 'Nodotee started accessing the main BattleNet, so he could broadcast throughout the entire Task Force. He stepped up onto the image projector.

"Brothers, we have been lied to. The Prophets have betrayed us, I was recently told by Bergenond Amrothee that the other Councilors have been killed by the Brutes! Then just moments ago, I learned the full extent of the Prophets' heresy. They would have us all die for nothing. The Great Journey is false, the Sacred Rings do not begin the Journey, the Rings kill all life. In doing so, making the parasite useless. The Forerunner didn't transcend, they died, as planned. I've attached the data in this tranmission. I have the Sacred Icon, but it will not be used, I'm currently working with the humans, for they too know the truth. We all need to work with the humans, they are not the Demons I once thought them to be, the Prophets and their pet Brutes are the Demons. Now, who will stand with me? I hope you all will make the right decision." Councilor 'Nodotee stepped down from the projector. He turned to Chris, "It's done, now we must wait to see if they understand the truth."

The pilot came over the radio, "Excellency, the Sangheili stand with you, except for the ships Revived Faith  and Brilliance. They will not turn away from the Prophets, also, Eych 'Euqoree will not side with you. He's declared himself Fleet Master of the Loyalists. He left right away to Revived Faith."

'Nodotee was greatly sadden to hear that such an excellent crewman and friend like Eych would side with the false Prophets, but 'Nodotee had to remain focused. He now had to lead this alliance with the humans, 'Nodotee knew this alliance could end the war for his race, perhaps the humans and Sangheili could even team up against the Prophets. One thing at a time. 'Nodotee accessed the BattleNet again, "All ships focus your firepower on the two traitor ships, they can't be allowed to impend us."

The Phantom neared the human ship Call of the Wild, the Phantom slowed and prepared to extend the Gav Lift. Councilor 'Nodotee walked over to the lift, this was it. Eych 'Euqoree stepped onto the command platform of the CCS-class Revived Faith, Eych spoke to the crew. "Brothers, Councilor 'Nodotee has fallen victim to the human scum. We are here because we believe in the Covenant. Prepare to fire on 'Nodotee's task forc--" there was a large explosion as one of the Loyalists CCS-class ships exploded, Brilliance fell out of the sky in a giant fireball. Eych turned to the command onboard Revived Faith, "Get us to the other side of the Ring, NOW!"

Revived Faith quickly took off for the other side of the Ring.

Councilor 'Nodotee [BattleNet] 14:28, 16 February 2007 (UTC)