Here we go, the sequel to My Sangheli Daughter. I've been wanting to continue this idea for a while, so I'm happy to finally start it.

This story is done in collaboration with Christain Knight. The idea is his and so are some of the characters. I got his permission completely. So this story is a mix of ideas.

Sorry if this chapter appears to be a mess, haven't been doing that good lately. Hard a hard time figuring out how to write this chapter. Please forgive me if it's not very good.

I should also point out that this story takes place 15 years after My Sangheli Daughter. The Epillgue of My Sangheli Daughter explains what's happened since then.

As I'm writing this story I'm also working on my story "Knights of Arrethtrae: Sir Marcus the Dragonheart." So updates may take a while.

Hope you enjoy the story.

Prologue

2570. Hood Manor, England

"ZUME, wake up or you will be late."

Zume groans loudly as she awakens from her sleep to see Resha standing over her. She grabs the blankets and pulls them over her as she rolls away from Resha in her bed.

"Ten more minutes, mother." Zume begs as she pulls the blankets tight around her.

Resha glares at Zume for a moment; it's highly unusual for a Sangheli child to act this way towards their mother. But, considering Zume's half human Resha guesses this is usual. Alex told Resha years ago that it's not uncommon for human children to act a little rebellious towards their parents. Resha has let that slide a little when it comes to raising their children but not too much. Her kids would certainly say that she's far from lenient, Resha's definitely the strict parent. But right now, being seven and a half months pregnant, Resha's not fully in the mood for this attitude.

"Zume, you need to get up now, breakfast is ready and you have a big day ahead of you."

"I know mother, that is why I'm asking for at least five more minutes of precious sleep." Zume mumbles from under the covers.

Resha can't help but smile as she sits on the bed next to Zume. "Now Zume, since you graduated advanced training a week ago all you have done is sleep, play with your siblings, and train."

Zume pulls the blanket down a little and looks at Resha. "That's because advanced training was no easy task. I have every reason to be tired and sleep in."

"You have had a week to sleep in and relax. I know that basic and advanced training were tough, and the other recruits hatred towards you did not make it any easier, but a week is too long. You keep this up and all that training your father and the military spent on you will be for nothing."

Zume's only reply is a mumbled groan that ticks off Resha a little. If Resha wasn't a little more than a month from squeezing out her and Alex's seventh child she'd probably drag Zume out of her bed.

Resha nudges Zume roughly. "Come on, Zume, get up. I've never heard of a Marine being this lazy. Besides you should be used to getting little sleeping by now."

"That's why I'm making up for it now. I'd like to get more sleep so I'm fully awake for the meeting."

Looking down at Zume, Resha can't help but think about how much Zume has changed since the incident on Sanghelios fifteen years ago. Sure, changes are to be expected given Zume has grown into a fine, beautiful, but headstrong young woman. Being raised on Earth, though, Resha believes it's because Zume was raised around Marines, she's grown from a shy little girl into a stubborn, confident, strong, but at times cocky young woman. Even Alex says that Zume is too cocky for her own good. Right now, is a good instance of her stubborn side.

"But not today you don't." Resha says as she crosses her arms. "You know that today is the big day your father organized."

"I know, mom." Zume groans as she turns her head to look at her alarm clock. "That meeting is still five hours away."

Resha glares at Zume for a moment. Surely Zume knows how serious this meeting is and how much work it took Alex to set it up. Alex has been pushing for a joint human/Sangheli team for years, mostly to strengthen the relationship between the two races. It took him a long time to convince the human military personnel to give the go ahead for this task force. Convincing the Sangheli to go along with it was a completely different matter; if it wasn't for Thel Vadam it certainly wouldn't be happening. And for Zume to be on the task force is an accomplishment, she should be jumping for joy right now.

"Yes, but you want to make a good first impression on the rest of the team. Do NOT forget that you are representing both the Hood and Vadam families."

"I know mother, you told me a hundred times already, literally."

"No I haven't."

Zume stares at Resha with a sarcastic smile. "Yes you have, trust me."

"Only because it's true. You represent so much and yet it appears you have a hard time realizing that. You have so much depending on you thatyour father would says is ridiculous."

Zume lowers her head a little, thinking about her mother's words. What Resha says is true, she does represent not only both families but being a human/Sangheli hybrid she represents the best of both races. Resha spent Zume's young life teaching her about honor and the Sangheli customs, something that the people at the meeting WILL expect to see. But, Zume knows that she still has some time to get ready till the meeting.

"Ok, mother, but can I please just have ten more minutes of sleep? I got plenty of time till then."

Resha shakes her head. "Not till breakfast, you do not. If you do not want to make your own I would suggest you get up."

Zume growls softly as she rolls over and pulls the blanket over her. Resha shakes her head, knowing that Zume has shut her out. Talking to Zume when she does this is nearly impossible, but Resha knows a way to get Zume up. Resha slowly stands up, the baby bump not making it easy and walks out of the room.

"Ok sweetie, you leave me no choice." Resha says as she shuts the door but leaves it cracked open so Zume can hear her shout. *CARLOS, CARMEN, YOUR SISTER HAS CANDY SHE'S HIDDEN FROM YOU!"

Zume's eyes pop open immediately, knowing that her mother just made her prey for two wild animals. Before Zume's mind can tell her body to move she hears two pairs of feet running down the hallway towards her room. Knowing she has seconds to escape Zume throws back her covers and rises to escape, but it's too late. In an instant, Zume's door flies open and two young hybrids run into her room and pounce on her bed.

"GIVE US Candy!" Carlos shouts as he lands on Zume's chest.

Carmen jumps on Zume's legs and pins her down. Next thing Zume knows Carlos and Carmen have her pinned down and are searching her frantically for the supposed candy. Their sharp claws search every part of Zume who tries to fight back but Carlos and Carmen keep jumping on her. Carmen frequently jumps and accidentally slams her knee into Zume's stomach. If Zume didn't know any better she'd swear that Carlos and Carmen were wild animals devouring her like a carcass.

"Carlos and Carmen take their candy seriously." Zume thinks as she tries to squirm out of her younger siblings' grip with no success.

Though Zume can easily fight off Carlos and Carmen, being an adult and a Marine, she holds back not wanting to hurt them. Resha would "kill" her if she hurt them, even if it is accidental. But Carlos and Carmen are being so rough that she may have to get a little physical; their claws are starting to leave some small marks as they search.

"I don't have any candy, guys." Zume shouts trying to peel Carlos off her chest but his arms wrapped tight around her neck.

"Nice try big sister, we know you got candy somewhere."

"YEAH, we are going to search till we find the candy." Carmen adds as she scrambled all across Zume's body.

"Why mother, why do you torture me like this?" Zume groans in her mind as Carlos and Carmen wrestle with her.

X

Well, well, look who is finally up." Resha said sarcastically as Zume slumped her ways down the stairs into the kitchen.

Zume groaned loudly as she sat in her chair still tired, but a little sore. "Why did you do that mother, you know how ruthless Carlos and Carmen are when they search for candy?"

Resha smirked. "I had to get you up somehow. I have learned that the twins make very good motivators when candy is mentioned. How do you think I get your father to do what I want?"

Zume shrugged her shoulders. "I always thought it was by mating with him."

Resha leaned into Zume and whispered. "That works too but PLEASE do not talk about stuff within hearing distance of your siblings. They are too young to understand such stuff."

"Mother, I am not too young." Resha and Zume turn to see Hunter sitting at the table glaring angrily at them. "I am fifteen, father had the talk with me two years ago. I think I am old enough to be a part of this conversation."

Resha and Zume shook their heads at Hunter, his stubbornness at times rivaling Zume's. Even though Hunter's the smart offspring of Alex and Resha he can be onry at times; something he observed from watching Zume. Hunter's easily smarter than both his parents, being only fifteen and already looking for colleges to go to. But even Zume would admit that at times Hunter needed to keep his mother shut.

"Because this conversation doesn't involve you son, now please go back to your studies or breakfast." Resha ordered getting an eye roll from Hunter who continued eating his breakfast.

A moment later a servant brought Zume a plate of eggs, bacon, sausage, and hash browns. "Thank you Maria."

"You're welcome my Lady. I fixed your favorite breakfast for your special day."

Zume smiled as Maria poured her a cup of coffee. Though Zume's never fully liked having servants, hating the thought of being above others as it made her feel like a dictator at times, she'll admit it certainly has benefits.

"I wouldn't say it's a special day." Zume says as she started eating.

"Yes it is young lady. You may pretend to not be excited but we all know that you are."

Zume didn't look up from her breakfast, not wanting to give Maria the satisfaction of knowing she's right. To be honest, Zume had been this excited only once before, when she found out her parents were getting married. Zume's just hiding her excitement under her exhaustion. The last thing Zume wanted was her excitement rubbing off on her siblings who would pounce on her in an instant if they even felt it. So Zume decided to keep her excitement as low key as possible.

"Okay Maria that's enough for now. Zume needs to eat so she can be ready." Resha said.

"Of course my Lady." Maria nodded and headed back into the kitchen.

"So mother, where is every body?" Zume asked, finally noticing that only Resha, Hunter, and her oldest younger sister Xulo were at the table.

"They finished breakfast a while ago. Carlos and Carmen were done before they pounced on you." Resha said, taking a sip of coffee. "I told you to be down here but you didn't listen."

"She never does." Xulo replies with a smirk. "Zume's too stubborn to listen."

Xulo s response received a lot of glares from Zume. "Says the girl who refuses to listen during sword training."

Xulo growled as she stood up. "Sword training is difficult Zume, even you had trouble mastering the techniques."

Zume shook her head. "No I mastered the techniques easily. Even Carlos and Carmen are better than you."

Xulo turned and exited the dinning room in a huff. Zume sighed as she continued eating. Hunter remained silent, not wanting to get involved but Resha looked at Zume angrily.

"Did you have to say that to your sister Zume? That may be the last thing you say to Xulo for a while." Resha said.

"Do not worry mother, I'll talk to her before dad and I leave." Zume replied. "By the way, where is dad?"

"He's getting ready for the meeting. Last I saw he was taking a shower."

"I'm surprised you didn't join him." Zume mumbled.

"I heard that." Resha said smiling devilishly, patting her baby bump. "I could not do it now anyway, not with this little one."

"Aw, that must really upset father." Hunter said sarcastically.

"You have no idea." Hunter and Zume when they heard the voice of their father behind them. "But that's not something that should be discussed at this table."

Alex entered into the kitchen dresser in his full General uniform smiling as he walked up behind Resha. He wrapped his arms around Resha's waist, his hands rested on her baby bump. Resha giggles as Alex kissed her neck, still stunned that Alex had no problems displaying his affections in front of their kids. Even after being married fifteen years their love had not diminished one bit.

Resha purred playfully against Alex. "Mm Alex, you sure know how to make a woman feel wanted."

"Experience my love, to bad the kids are here."

"And do not forget that I am carrying your child . . . again."

"Ew, can you two please knock it off." Zume shouted, covering her eyes.

Alex rolled his eyes. "Fine, your mother and I will save it for after the meeting. Are you ready for it?"

Zume shrugged her shoulders. "I will be, just need to finish breakfast and get dressed. We got plenty of time."

"Actually we don't, I got a call a few minutes ago that the meeting has been moved to Sydney."

Zume spat out her coffee. "WHAT, why did they change that?"

"I don't know, that's just what your Uncle Thel suggested. I was only informed about it a few minutes ago. So you got about half an hour to get ready."

"Oh great." Zume groaned loudly. "Is military life always like this? You know, not getting the full details or things changing at the last minute."

Alex couldn't help but laugh. "You have no idea Zume. My advice, get used to it now, it'll make things so much easier."

Sangheli Cruiser Victory, Earth orbit

Zano Le' Gruv stood at the window of the Cruiser overlooking Earth. The blue and green planet looked unusually beautiful to the young Sangheli. Having never been off Sanghelios the planet was a new sight for the strapling Ultra. As much as he loved his home world he couldn't help but be amazed at the beauty of Earth.

"What do you think of Earth Zano?"

Zano turned around to see Thel Vadam standing behind him. "Hard to say Atbiter, it is certainly a beautiful planet."

Thel sighed as he looked down at Earth, admiring its beauty. The planet got more beautiful every time he sees it. Hopefully the old Sangheli could eventually get the young Ultra standing beside him to see things more open minded, the way he did.

"That is one way to say it young one. Earth is such a diverse and beautiful place. I can see why the humans choose to stay here when feet have so many other worlds to colonize." Thel said. "Even though we destroyed or glassed most of them."

"As beautiful as it is I would prefer Sanghelios, someplace I know and with people I know."

Thel looked at Zano. "I can understand that, you would rather fight alongside people you trust. I was in your shoes many years ago. I did not trust the humans, thought that they should all be exterminated. But, after fighting alongside the Master Chief and several other humans I can say that an alliance with them is beneficial for both us and them. You will learn to trust your teammates too."

Zano sighed as he looked out back at Earth, contemplating Thel's words. He was born during the last few years of the Covenant War, listening to his mother and other Sangheli spewing hatred towards humans. Even after a peace treaty and alliance was formed with the humans Zano was around a significantly amount of anti - human speech. But, Zano's opinion on humans changed during the Covenant's attack on Sanghelios led by the Prophet of Revenge fifteen years ago. Two Spartans, Zano only heard that they were called Alex Hood and Hunter, fought valiantly against the Covenant and defeated them. Zano actually watched the battle from a distance and saw Alex fight in the battle. He was inspired by the battle and seeing it changed his point of view on humans.

"I hope so Arbiter, my experience with humans is very limited. I am still surprised you chose me for this assignment. There are many Ultras and Zealots that are better and more experienced than me."

Thel smiled. "I do not see why not, you are a talented warrior. You are a talented warrior, which is shown in your Ultra status. If I am not mistaken you are one of the youngest to become an Ultra."

"I am the youngest ever to become an Ultra. I worked hard to reach this rank."

"As I have been told. But I hope you have more goals than just becoming an Ultra. The day a warrior decides he's good enough is the day he starts declining. So, tell me young one, what are your goals?"

Zano thought about it for a moment. "To be truthful Arbiter, my main goal in life is to become the youngest Zealot evr. That has been my biggest goal in life. Hopefully being a part of this team helps me accomplish that."

"Not a bad goal to have, but what about after that? Surely someone like you has something more planned out than becoming a Zealot." Thel said. "I have never stopped training because I want to always be able to protect our race."

Zano pondered a while before answering, wanting to answer correctly. "I guess my lifelong goal is to become to best warrior I can be to honor my family, race, and to protect Sanghelios."

Thel shrugged his shoulders. "That is a good goal to have, nothing more honorable to protecting those you love."

"Yes Sir, but on this team I will not be serving with anyone I know. The only information I could obtain about the other team members is that there is only one other Sangheli on the team, the rest are humans."

"And what is wrong with serving with humans? I thought that you did not believe in the anti - human lies."

"I do not Sir, even though it is what I grew up around. I just . . . have not had a lot of experience with humans." Zano replied. "I would also be more at ease if I knew the people I am going to be serving with, and new the other Sangheli."

Thel smiled a little. "I can tell you that the other Sangheli, Zume Hood, is a very capable fighter. After seeing her for myself . . . well, if I were you I would not upset her."

Zano looked at Thel shocked. "A woman is on the team?"

Thel shook his head. "There are two, but only one of them is Sangheli. Is that going to be a problem?"

Zano chose to remain silent that time. "No Arbiter, I do not have a problem with that."

Zano tried his best to lie though he's not sure if Thel believes him. Thel had always been known for his ability to sense out a lie. Zano knew that stating what he truly thought about women after Thel growled at him would be a bad idea. He was a traditionalist in the sense that he didn't believe that women should stay in the home, raise children, and fight only when necessary.

"Good, the last thing I want to happen is for you to Zume to stick an energy sword in your gut for saying the wrong thing." Thel said, a slight smirk on his face.

"Is Zume really that bad?"

"Well, I have known Zume her entire life, and she has always had anger problems. So yes, do not upset her."

"Thanks for the advice, anything else I should know before we arrive?"

"A few things, but I will explain them to you once we arrive." Thel replied, looking out the window. "Right now I just want to look out at the stars."

Zano wanted to say more, to question to aged Sangheli, but decided against it. Thel had become a bit philosophical in his aging years and it had bugged Zano a little. Thel was always known as a courageous, talented, and vicious warrior. It made little sense to Zano that Thel would go in the opposite direction. It didn't help that Thel offered no explanation for it either. Though Zano would still never be foolish enough to challenge Thel. The old Sangheli was still a danger with his sword, and basically every form of combat.

"As you wish Arbiter."

A few moments later one of the ship's personnel busted into the room and shouted. "Arbiter, we are arriving at Earth soon. We will be in Sydney in a few units."

"Thank you Captain, we will be ready by then." Thel replied as he turned away. "I hope you are ready for this Zano, a lot of depending on you."

"I will not let you or our race down Sir."

Zano remained by the window as Thel walked out of the room. His mind pondering the unusual conversation he had with Thel. As much as Zano wanted to complain about the new team he held his tongue. What right did he have to complain? To be chosen for such a team was an honor, it meant that he was one of the best of his race. To be chosen by the Arbiter was an even greater honor. Zano was going to treat it like the greatest opportunity of his life. He might get a big promotion after this team, or fall for Zume.

"No matter what happens, I am looking forward to the future, this team is going to be a powerful force for both the Sangheli and humans."

To be continued.

Now that Zume is awake what is in store for her and the new team? Is Zume really ready for her future? Is anyone on the team, especially Zano ready? How will their first time meeting go?

Please leave a review, I want to know what you think and how I can improve the story.

Hope that you are enjoying the story so far. The next chapter will be uploaded as soon as possible.

This is John Storm signing off. Stay Frosty ya'll