The Elite Zu'ronee glanced down at the Unggoy clustered around their drop pods. They chattered endlessly in their native tongue about the coming battle. If he did not know them better he could have sworn they were excited about the coming battle. But no, their race feared the exhilaration of the fight; they were cowards.

The Phantom slipped in an air pocket and dipped slightly. The other Sangheili muttered at the carelessness of the Jiralhanae pilot. The two sub-commanders shook their heads in exasperation and looked to Zu'ronee. He could tell they were getting impatient to join the fray. It was time to address them.

"Sangheili, comrade Unggoys, today we are to take part in a glorious struggle to purge the unclean from our galaxy. For years we have fought these creatures, driving them from fortress after fortress. Now, it is time for us to engage them once again, to drive them yet further back from their lands. Our brethren are already on the ground, waiting for us to arrive to deliver the killing blow. We shall not disappoint them. We shall carry out the orders of the Prophets and continue our march on the Great Journey."

The Sangheili voiced their approval in unison, but the Unggoy were less disciplined. They squealed and shrieked in apprehension. It took a moment before they calmed down.

"You have all taken your oaths of service to our Covenant and sworn to uphold the sacred bond. Now it is time to fulfill your promise. Brothers of the Covenant, are you ready?"

Once again the Sangheili and Unggoy cheered his words. His sub-commanders nodded their appreciation towards him. Pride at his Sangheili's courage flooded Zu'ronee's chest.

"You will all be richly rewarded for your actions here, both in the End and for a 100-unit rest onboard the Swift Justice."

With his announcement out of the way, Zu'ronee turned to the Jiralhanae pilot. "How long until we land, Barabus?"

"Soon," the Jiralhanae grunted. "Then you can have your glory. Be warned, though. Demons have been spotted in the area."

Fear clawed at Zu'ronee's belly at the mention of the demons. Those creatures were of the same race as the others, but they were nigh unstoppable. There was countless footage of the demons taking injuries that would have killed even the most resilient Sangheili but continued fighting as ferociously as before. "Then we will have the glory of their demise."

Barabus huffed and settled deeper into his chair. "Stand by for the drop in one unit."

Zu'ronee faced his brothers slowly. By the looks on their faces they had heard the words exchanged between Barabus and himself. Several showed apprehension on their faces, but the majority hid their emotions. Only two things occupied their minds now. The objective, and the demons.

"You all heard what Barabus reported." There was no use trying to hide it. "The demons are waiting for us on the planet. It is time to meet them. May the blessing of the Forerunners protect you."

Sub-commander Fe'laree approached Zu'ronee, edging his way through the crowded bay. "Commander," he began, "I have a boon to ask of you."

Zu'ronee saw where this was going. He did not bother wading through the formalities. "My answer is no. I appreciate your courage and eagerness, Fe'laree, but the objective is of the utmost importance. Perhaps once we have secured the objective you may partake in the hunt for the demons. Other-wise you are to remain on task."

Fe'laree bowed stiffly and strode back to his post with sagging shoulders. The others made way for him out of respect, and several Sangheili patted his back with reassurance. It was not uncommon for the Sangheili to request additional targets or personal missions, but Zu'ronee needed to keep his men together. If half of what was said about the demons was true, then he would need all of his men with him to stand a chance at stopping them.

"Prepare to enter the lift." Barabus said over the comm. The Sangheili and Unggoy armed their weapons and shifted over to their places. "Dropping now."

A white light enveloped the troop bay and Zu'ronee felt gravity tug hard at his insides. His body slipped down towards the energy-floor and he welcomed the light and what lay beyond. It was time to join the fight.