User:Donut THX 1138/battle1

1
A small Covenant fleet drops out of slipspace just outside the MAC killzone. Councilor 'Nodotee stiffened from the bump of the Assault Carrier coming out of slipspace. It had only been a few days since he took command of the Combined Regional Fleet of Contrite Purpose, and now he led a small detachment here. To Halo.

"Main viewscreens on." His voice rang out in the quiet control room.

"Main viewscreens coming online, Excellency."

The left screen showed their objective. Halo. The other showed their fleet status.

"Hail Ffch 'Nifumee, tell him to bring the Enlightened around. I may have found a use for him after all..."

"Excellency?"

"Contrite Purpose needs a scout, he'll do nicely. Also, get me a secure BattleNet with the other Ship Masters." Ffch 'Nifumee was less then pleased with his new orders. However he would carry them out, he knew disobeying 'Nodotee would be death, especially with all the times Ffch has messed up before.

"There. That's what Shch 'Nodotee wants, a clear view of the fight. Rely that to Bloodied Remnants right away." Ffch commanded his underling.

"Transmission sent" "Connection established. Excellency, Ffch is in position."

"Excellent. Display on my forward viewscreens."

"Done."

Shch 'Nodotee activated his personal viewscreens on his control panel.

"There it is, Halo. Move Enlightened and Oversight closer. Make sure there are no surviving Jiralhanae ships in our proximity."

Shch 'Nodotee felt out of place in the control room. It had been years since he last commanded a ship, he thought it was all done with when he was given the position of Councilor. Although fate has a funny way of bringing people back to places they thought long gone. He could tell the rest of the command crew were intimidated by his presence there. It wasn't everyday they saw a Councilor in it's bright white armour and overly large headpiece standing above them on the command platform. Then a sudden and loud explosion brought 'Nodotee out of his thoughts and back into the fight.

"Councilor! Oversight has been crippled by a Jiralhanae Frigate, the Jiralhanae frigate was destroyed in the crossfire."

"Damage report. How?"

"Oversight didn't have it's shields up, the betrayers pretended to be Sangheili, they set an ambush. Oversight isn't going anywhere Excellency. Dead metal."

"Retrieve any survivors, then bring Enlightened back to us. This is going to be more fun than i originally thought. The beasts are actually putting up a fight."

2
"Battle formation Alpha. Move Contrite Purpose to heading zero-six-four by one-seven-seven. Establish BattleNet with the other fleet's commander."

"Consider it done, Excellency."

Contrite Purpose slowly moved towards the ring. Councilor 'Nodotee had already lost one CCS-class Battlecruiser, he'd make sure the rest of his troops survived. Bloodied Remnants took point, the remaining ships took position behind the Assault Carrier.

"What's the status of the other fleets? How many capital ships are spaceworthy?" Councilor 'Nodotee stood anxiously waiting for a response from the other fleets.

"Excellency, I've hailed the other fleets, no response."

Councilor 'Nodotee clicked his lower mandibles together. Then proceeded to his personal viewscreen, and brought up a display of the other fleets at the ring. The other Covenant Fleet was in bad shape, as was the human fleet here. He could have easily destroyed the remaining human fleet, but 'Nodotee decided not to waste the time, that fleet wasn't going anywhere anytime soon. He'd destroy them when he finished what needed to be done on Halo. For the moment 'Nodotee decided to go around the humans. Then 'Nodotee brought up a second holographic display, this one displayed his fleet. Then he broadcasted a message over the BattleNet.

"Halt all forward movement! Create a separate battlegroup, consisting of Enlightened, Glorious Truth, Revived Faith, and Bloodied Remnants. This battlegroup will move to Halo, the remaining ships will provide support to those going ground side."

The Ship Masters all responded quickly to 'Nodotee's orders and moved into position. Battlegroup One moved on to Halo.

"Excellency, incoming transmission..." Bloodied Remnants and Battlegroup One desended through the atmosphere of Halo. It was a bumpy ride, but not as bad as exiting Slipspace. Councilor 'Nodotee always hated Slipspace, it made him feel powerless, not being able to fight back, but just able to go in one direction. Horrible.

"Excellency, we're in position, extending the Gav Lift."

"Send only a single Legion to secure a base around our Gav Lift. Be prepared to cut Gav Lift and exit the atmosphere at a moments notice, I've read the reports on the parasite. They will not make a vessel out of us. Rely my orders to the rest of the Battlegroup. We will not made hosts, and any hosts will not leave this ring."

Councilor 'Nodotee and his brothers would not be made parasites, and he'd make sure of it.

"Excellency, Ffch is hailing us... apparently there's a demon encampment close by."

'Nodotee would never admit it, but he prayed to the forefathers that the humans would survive the Flood. The last thing he needed was for the humans to reinforce the already overwhelming number Flood here.

Councilor 'Nodotee turned to his underling, "Tell Ffch to prepare for combat, ready several legions. Ffch will personally lead them. I want all possible demon hosts, eliminated."

3
It had only been 51 Units since Bloodied Remnants and the rest of Battlegroup One touched down on Halo. Councilor 'Nodotee was proceeding towards the main Gav Lift. As he entered the large room, seven Spec Op Sangheili greeted him. Then Ffch appeared behind them.

"Do you really find it necessary to have seven Spec Ops guarding you?" Councilor 'Nodotee was disgusted by Ffch's cowardliness. Hmm. How could someone like him become a Ship Master.

Ffch was caught off guard by 'Nodotee's question, "Excellency, I'd prefer to live today, to serve you tomorrow." Ffch knew 'Nodotee wouldn't belive that, but it sounded good.

"Come Ffch." Councilor 'Nodotee and Ffch 'Nifumee, along with Ffch's guards, proceeded down the Gav Lift. The base camp the first Legions had set up was quite impressive given the time frame. They had chosen a large hill in the middle of the desert for their base Gav Lift. The advance legion had established several layers of shield walls, lookout towers, and plasma turrets. If the apes, or the parasite were to try an assault at this point 'Nodotee was certain the enemy would not prevail.

A red armoured Major Domo ran to the Councilor's side, "Excellency! We've lost contact with the Osoona unit that was dispatched."

"Last contact with the unit? Ape or parasite hostiles?" 'Nodotee stiffened, awaiting a response. If it was the parasite, then there was a good chance the Flood knew where the Battlegroup set up camp.

"Last recorded sound was... Umm, the translation is a bit off, but... Suk It Spitchin."

"Ape." 'Nodotee was disappointed that he'd lost some brothers, but gladdened to know it wasn't Flood.

The Major Domo went back to his position.

"Ffch, take your squads, lead an assault on this location, the ape base camp." 'Nodotee pointed to an area on a holographic display pad, "It appears to be nothing more than a grounded spacecraft, it's badly damaged and under constant Flood attack. I will personally lead my troops here, this craft is less damaged, but none the less pathetic." 'Nodotee watched as Ffch slowly walked away. How did he become a Ship Master... Councilor 'Nodotee activated his loaned camouflage unit, he stood on a hill opposite the downed UNSC Hesperus. "All units hold position! Wait for my orders." An Ultra approached on 'Nodotee's right, and then pointed to something on the horizon. Flood. A lone combat form. It was only a scout, but it wouldn't be long now. "All units, take five, let the parasite weaken their defences... then we strike."

['Nodotee's BattleNet crackled to life]: "Excellency, bad news. Ffch 'Nifumee's squads are under heavy Flood attack, less than half the group remains."

"By the forefathers! Curse 'Nifumee!" Councilor 'Nodotee clicked his mandibles, then slowly walked back to his second in command, "Stay here. Ready the soldiers, i'll return shortly."

The Ultra looked confused, "Excellency?"

'Nodotee looked off into the distance, "Once the parasite strikes this Hesperus, proceed with the assault. I will find Ffch, he will not fail me again..." Councilor 'Nodotee donned his Energy Sword and activated his camo again. He disappeared into the horizon. Two Spec Op Sangheili then followed the Councilor's lead, and disappeared from sight.

4
Councilor 'Nodotee stopped, looked around the corner, nothing. Hmm. Nothing. That was something that was bothering him, it had been too long since he last saw the parasite or the humans. The last enemies his team discovered was that human recon team. They put up little fight, weaklings. 'Nodotee was certain the humans would be all over his position any second, it had been almost two days since they were spotted by that Pelican. What a horrible day.

"Report." Councilor 'Nodotee was very much on edge.

Two black armoured Sangheili approached 'Nodotee from behind, "Excellency, we've spotted Ffch's group. They'll all dead."

"How many were with that fool?"

"458 Sangheili, 621 Unggoy, and 74 Lekgolo. A large group, all presumed infected." The Spec Op couldn't make eye contact with 'Nodotee. Those numbers were overwhelming, if those parasites would assault a CCS... unimaginable.

Councilor 'Nodotee turned to his two Spec Ops, "We're moving out."

"Where to Excellency?"

'Nodotee stood a little taller, "I want to see 'Nifumee's body. I do not believe he'd have the honor to stand ground with his men as they died. 'Nifumee still draws breath, this is unacceptable, but first back to the squad assaulting the downed human craft." Dead. All dead. How? Such an army, just... massacred. Councilor 'Nodotee wondered when it happened. The entire group he left here was dead. They never assaulted the human ship, dead before anything could happen. It appeared that the humans within the ship didn't even realize the Covenant army sitting on the other side of a hill. And now it was too late. "It had Ffch's infected army. Nothing else could take them so quickly, or even find them so quickly."

[The BatteNet started back up]: "Excellency, Bloodied Remnants was attacked by the parasite. No dead or wounded. However, you should return here quickly. Also... Ffch 'Nifumee returned before the attack, he claims to be the only survivor of his group."

"Understood. My squad will return shortly." Councilor 'Nodotee and his squad slowly proceeded back to their carrier. Horrible day indeed.

5
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.

6
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?"

7
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."

8
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.

9
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?"