Chapter One:
Author's Notes: Hey Everyone. Yes, I know I'm incredibly late on the Odd Squad Chapter Three. But I've decided to put the Odd Squad on hold because I couldn't wait to write Halo 4. Considering the actual game is really coming out, I decided to try finishing my epic version first. I'll try to get back on the Odd Squad as soon as I can.
Location: Planet Sanghilios
The Arbiter stood in the middle of a large, circular room, with a diameter that could easily fit three Covenant Phantom drop-ships. The room's lighting was dim. It was only illuminated by a weak blue light, which was provided from several windows in the room. Six well designed pillars circled the room, each connected with the circular-like walls. In between each two pillars hung a Sanghilian coat of arms, a signature human animal, known as the eagle. The distinctive heraldic design showed the eagle proudly spreading its wings over two crossed energy swords. The Sanghilians had created one after the human-Covenant war to show their peace and unity with the humans.
There was silence, as the Arbiter continued to stand motionless. His eyes were closed, and he breathed calmly. He felt a quick breeze splash across his face. He smiled, in confidence, as much as his mandibles allowed him. He knew something wasn't right, a breeze blowing in an enclosed room? No, there was some motion in the room, and it most certainly didn't come from him. A shadow crept behind the holy warrior, and then quickly fled into the darker side of the room, where it couldn't be seen. The Arbiter had heard footsteps of the shadow clang against the hard metal floor before disappearing.
Thel 'Vadam slowly opened his yellow, serpent-like, eyes as silence, once again, filled the room. He calmly wrapped his fingers around the hilt of his energy sword, located on his utility belt. He heard the sound of slowly moving footsteps behind him. He tightened his grip on his energy sword. A pair of serpent-like eyes, similar to his own, appeared behind the Arbiter. They floated in mid-air, at the same eye level as the Arbiter's. The pair of eyes squinted itself; unsure if the holy figure knew of its presence. The air around the eyes suddenly started to blur, as if it were made of water. A body of Elite materialized as the serpent-like eyes took its place on the head of the body. He wore armor that specified him as a high ranking Feld Marshall. N his hand, he held an energy sword. The blade of energy glowed bright blue as it hovered over the hilt.
The Arbiter continued to show his back to the high ranking Elite warrior. The Field Marshall chose his next move wisely, careful not to underestimate Thel 'Vadam. The Marshall lunged himself at the Arbiter, in an attempt to stab him in the back of the neck. However, faster than the blink of an eye, the Arbiter spun around to face the Marshall, and met the hostile's energy sword with his own. The Field Marshall widened his eyes in shock at his opponent's reflexes and reaction time.
The two energy swords were locked with each other, both warriors trying with effort to push the other back. Eventually, Thel came out victorious as he pushed the Field Marshall back. He quickly regained his balance, and lunged forward for another strike. He swung his blade at the Arbiter's head. Thel quickly ducked as the Elite's energy sword flew mere inches above his head. The Arbiter propelled himself forward towards the Field Marshall, and dug his elbow into the Marshall's chest. The momentum of the blow sent the Arbiter's opponent back a few feet. The Field Marshall soon became agitated. He roared a fierce battle cry and charged at the holy warrior.
There were sounds of clashing energy, echoing through the room. The Field Marshall continued to send multiple blows at the Arbiter, only to find them all blocked our evaded. His rage continued to rise as Thel continued stopping all of his attacks. He used every type of martial arts techniques he knew, and yet, Thel managed to predict and block everything he could throw at him. Thel didn't flinch nor struggle.
The Arbiter continued to block all the Marshall's fast and deadly blows. However, he decided it was time to strike the finishing move. When the Marshall went for a stab at the Arbiter's chest, Thel grabbed his arm before the blade of energy could pierce his armor. He used his right foot as a pivot, and spun behind the Field Marshall. Thel then elbowed him in the back of his head, while he spun. The blow killed the Marshall's shields, and knocked him to the ground face first. The Marshall spun around to face upwards. But before he could recover, the Arbiter was already on him, pointing his energy sword at the Marshall's neck. The two swordsmen glared into each other's eyes for a moment, silence filling the room. Until, the Arbiter deactivated his energy sword, and offered the Field Marshall a helping hand. The Marshall only grinned, and accepted the help. He wrapped his palm around Thel's, and he then pulled the Marshall back onto his feet.
"As Always, Arbiter, you are a formidable foe in battle", said the Field Marshall as he put a hand on the Arbiter's shoulder. "You've already bested every Covenant warrior on our military. I am the last."
"I appreciate your words of admiration, Kantus. It's always an honor to be sparring with you", replied the Arbiter. He clenched his hand into a fist and lightly slammed it on his own chest, as it was a gesture of respect. The Elite, known as Kantus 'Moromee, imitated the gesture back at the Arbiter.
"My time her at the Dome has helped me rethink my battle strategies. I thank you." The Dome was a public structure that was built for the soul purpose of training. All weapons used in the Dome were loaded with rounds that would only stun rather than kill. "I must be going now; I must meet the new recruits who are enrolling into the Covenant.
"Very well, however, we must spar with each other more often," said the Arbiter as he placed his training gear on a nearby table.
"Indeed we should, but until then, the new recruits must be trained and educated." Kantus walked towards the door and placed a hand on it. Before he opened it, he turned back to face the Arbiter, "I bid you a farewell, Thel," was all Kantus said before the automatic doors slid open and then closed as the Field Marshall left the Dome.
The Arbiter just stood there, deep in thought about Kantus's final statement before he had left. It had been so long since his brothers had referred to him by his real name. Ever since he had become the Arbiter people had called him only by his rank. True, now that the old Covenant had fallen and the rank, Arbiter, had become a mark of honor in the eyes of the new Covenant, but Thel still felt isolated because of his current position.
After Thel pushed his thoughts aside he decided to continue training. He practiced some of his own techniques and did a little target practice with the Carbine. Holographic Brutes would appear at random locations, each would disappear after it had taken a shot to the head. Anything lower wouldn't react to the impact of the plasma. A straight head shot would be required. It only took Thel one shot, each, to watch the holograms disappear into pixels.
As the Arbiter sent a carbine round into the skull of a Brute chieftain, he heard footsteps behind him. Judging by the muffled sound the footsteps made, the Arbiter assumed it was a grunt. He turned around to face a Grunt minor. The Grunt whimpered while he spoke, obviously afraid of being in the presence of high ranking soldier. "Good day, excellency. I bring a message from the Ship Master, Half-Jaw."
Curiosity soon overtook the Arbiter, "what is it that my brother requests?" asked the Arbiter. Normally, his brother would only summon him for matters regarding the military.
"He wishes to meet aboard his new Flagship, Blade of Faith. He kept the rest of his reasons for summoning you classified. But he'd like to see you as soon as possible."
The Arbiter looked away from the Grunt for a moment, "I see", he whispered to himself. He looked back at the Grunt, "very well then. Thank you for delivering the message."
"Oh", said the Grunt surprisingly, not expecting the act of kindness. "No thanks are necessary excellency. I'm just doing my job." There was still a nervous tone in the Minor's voice, but did his best to hide it. "Well, I'll be going now. Farwell Arbiter". The Grunt gave a respectful bow and then scurried out of the room.
Thel sighed deeply, and decided that he had trained enough for a day's worth. His new priorities were to meet with the Ship Master and see what he requests. He exited the Dome into the vast city outside. The buildings were similar to those of humans' city of New Alexandria. They were tall and slender, and most of them had bridges that connected them with other buildings.
As Thel walked towards the Blade of Faith, located in the docking bay of the city, he noticed some odd events occurring around him. Soldiers, both human and Covenant, were marching across the streets. Each trooper was fully armed, almost as though they were waiting for an assault. The soldiers consisted of UNSC troopers, Elites, Grunts, Jackals and Hunters. After the war, all the species of the Covenant made peace with the humans and the Elites when the lies of the Prophets ended. However, the Brutes continued to remain loyal to the old Covenant, and were still enemies with the UNSC and new Covenant.
The Arbiter looked up to the sky. Covenant Banshees, human Hornets and Drones all seemed to be patrolling the skies. Judging by their movements, the Arbiter could tell that they were keeping watch for enemy scouts. The same question ran though the Arbiter's head, why are his people acting as though a war was about to begin, unless a war was truly about to unfold. Part of him felt dread, for many would be consumed in another clash of gunfire. However, another half of him was excited for the coming warfare. When peace was finally achieved, he had become a useless tool, for his only intentions were to protect and serve. But now that a war was coming, he would have purpose again.
Aboard the Fleet Master's ship, Blade of Faith, Thel walked down a narrow passage way. The hall was lit in a dim blue-purple light. His footsteps echoed across the silent hall. He soon came across a metallic door, which he knew would lead into the main control center of the ship. A circular lock rested on the center of the large door. It was emitting a red light, indicating it was locked. The Arbiter placed his hand on a switch located on a small pillar beside the door. The circular lock changed color from red to light blue, and the metallic door swung open.
The passage way soon widened into a circular room. A large holographic image of the Sanghilian city occupied the center of the room. Thel continued to wonder why the entire city seemed to be on maximum security. He turned to his head to one corner of the room, only to find his brother. Half-Jaw showed his back to the Arbiter as he worked with multiple holographic panels that controlled the ship's functions.
"Ship Master", the Arbiter broke the silence. Half-Jaw looked up from his controls and turned around to face Thel. "You summoned me to discuss matters regarding information that I still do not know of."
The Ship Master replied, "Tell me, Arbiter, on your way here did you notice troopers who were preparing for battle"?
"Yes, I noticed that our entire city has been put on maximum security. I've been meaning to ask you the reason why you scrambled the soldiers?" asked the Arbiter.
Half-Jaw sighed deeply, "I believe it would be best for you if this was explained from you're…" He paused for a moment, "unexpected guest". The Arbiter gave his brother a confused look. Suddenly, a spherical object slowly descended from the sky and hovered over the ground, in between the two Sanghilians. The strange object turned around to face the Arbiter. It resembled the design of 343-Guity Spark. It had a single eye in the center that glowed bright gold. The Arbiter stared at it in awe struck.
The golden eyed monitor spoke in a deep voice, "greetings. I am 000-Master Spark."
Author's Notes: Suspense isn't there. Again, sorry for those who wanted the Odd Squad, but I won't give up on it. I'm thinking of writing it as sort of a prequel. Anyway, now that it's summer, expect a lot more updates. Review and Comment.