The First.

The Sangheili Way.

By: Deunan and Hawkings.
(If you want to read the original, go look up Story: "Isunusi the First" or Author: "Deunan and Hawkings/Neheh Kha.")

Revised by: Kaimaler.

Disclaimer:I do not, never have, and never will, own Halo, it's sequels/prequels/sellouts or anything of the sort. They belong to Bungie, they have their own website just rubbing it in your face about how much money they make off it. Go ahead. Check them out.

(Guess what italics mean? Yes! Talking in sangheilian!)


A sangheilian jogged down the corridor, panting with every step. Turning a corner to fast for her own good, the sangheilian grabbed the door frame and spun herself into the sliding doors which opened just in time.

Looking around, the sangheilian noticed a few others in cots, some conscious, some under medication.

"Here." Another said, gesturing the sangheilian to the cot he stood aside, "This is he." On the cot rested a Gold clad male, part of his amour torn from his right chest and arm. "He has not awoken since our warrior's returned him to us."

The sangheilian nodded, carefully controlling her breathing from running so long and from so far, "I will run tests, however, I will ask of you to leave. Presence of others can disturb the patient and more often then not, distract me." The female pointed to the infirmaries door, with a final glance and no doubt a prayer to the Prophet's, the sangheili left his brother.

Upon examining the Aristocrat, the sangheilian confirmed his state. Externally, he was unharmed, though through deeper testes, she had found multiple fractures and bruised bones. No injuries serious enough to cause permanent damage thankfully.

Easily, the female removed the amour, having the cot draw back into the wall and out again with the Aristocrat dressed in next to nothing, yet it was better then nudity. She quickly tended to the damaged areas, upper arm, hand, rib cage, thigh, and pectoral. It was a simple task, not daunting in the slightest. His brother was worried over a few scratches.

Cleaning up the medical supplies, she left the infirmary. Before exiting, she quickly checked to see if there was any more medics' rushing down the halls with wounded warriors.

Seeing nothing coming and no one going, she walked inconspicuously down the halls, she had one final task before her shift ended and she could finally finish her day.

After dodging some close calls by the rushed in injured, the other medical attendants could help them. After heading down multiple floors, taking well over an hour to actually reach her destination due to the new group of patients being hauled through the corridors, yet she had finally made it to her last duty; the prison block.

Recently, there had been a shipment of humans into the holding cells, not many unfortunately, merely a patrol group it seemed. Until one looked deeper, no one could see that the humans captured were lead by a Captain who was well known on both sides, Covenant and human armies.

He was famous to the human forces and infamous to the Covenant. He had led countless humans into battle with brave sangheilian warriors, most of his battles he had won and ended forcing her into a long week. Injured or dying, she healed them the best she could without being called out for scientific heresy.

The room was quiet except for the occasional cough by the prisoners.

"Naju 'Manoree." The guard spoke, "Finally come to take your shift?" He huffed, standing up from leaning on the wall, "You are late again."

Grumbling to herself, she answered, "I had a last minute addition to my patients, and he was brother to an Honor Guard. I had no real choice on when my duties ended." The guard huffed, "I will be taking over now Eldu so go and enjoy your waste of time." She smirked as the red clad chuckled and left his post right as Naju took it.

It was a simple job to watch the ill humans as she pulled up her program on a holopad. Reading over her latest studies in the medical ward, Naju took a good look around, examining the cells as the humans inside awaited their inevitable end. After the heretic caught last month, that would be a sight to see if Naju could make it.

Correcting her notes and staring non-stop at the humans in the cells as if trying to see through their skin and learn more about their internal structure. Naju figured it wouldn't be too comfortable to watch a sangheilian, the race currently holding them captive, and would cause some distress. Then again, they were prisoners.

Pleased with the change of thought, Naju stood, grinning mischievously, as if she had just tricked her own mind into allowing this privilege for a short time.

Naju approached the cells one by one, taking careful watch over the human inside. One was large, very dark skin, humans deem this coloration a different breed of themselves, but what makes this darker male different the younger, paler male in the next cell different, besides skin tone, was an anomaly to Naju. Still, beyond the large dark male and the young human in the adjacent cell, Naju continued on. Taking in the sights of the human body moving, she watched closely as it acted in new ways to the confines of its imprisonment.

There was another, what appeared to be a young Caucasian male, though he was a shaded color then the pale human before, he kept a certain aura about him. Something that spoke to Naju to stray from him. So she did, ignoring the unending glares tossed spitefully from the prisoners of war.

Naju was smiling brightly, a few things were fixed, how their bones move, what can a switch of atmosphere do to their lungs and how long it takes for them to sense it and their bodies to react.

One could also say Naju had a knack for naming them to, she knew from the patch on their chest was their name. It was a uniform thing to the humans apparently; none of them didn't have a name tag. However, their uniforms themselves Naju could read clearly, most were privates; there was a sergeant, but nothing more at the moment.

As she crossed the room to the opposite side, Naju changed the file holder to a new pack in her holopad. At first the study of human functions was interesting, now she was letting her imagination run wild. Checking names and rankings, their suits and the damage done, Naju admitted to herself that a bit of free thinking was alright. She came up with stories focused mostly around the ranks rather then the names unlike what she would have done for her race, names were apparently not given in the same way.

There was a private called Mitchell, he had black hair, short, he was average height for a human. He had a scar though, that interested Naju past her ability to understand and it cut itself directly across his face, from his left cheek, over his nose, to finish at his right cheek. What could have possibly caused it, she had not the slightest, but she enjoyed the possibilities that came with it.

Naju smiled in satisfaction to herself as she continued on past the scarred human and to the next cell.

It was odd, though, to see a human of any gender so elderly in war. From what Naju understood, humans held their elders safe from war, either to serve as strategists or admirals, the terms she had learned over the course of a few years, but nothing really came to mind when she saw him. So, instead of his name Keyes, strange as it was, she looked for his ranking symbol.

Naju stopped smiling; it was agonizing to think... This wasn't just some human named Keyes, this was Captain Keyes himself. Naju blinked in hopes to erase what could be her imagination still running wild, unfortunately, it wasn't. This was the Captain Keyes, brought from the human freight that blew up a few days ago.

And he's on my ship! Naju smiled excitedly, she was practically bursting with joy. The honor to meet such a hero of war was beyond something her imagination could ever achieve. This was a glorious day now, all the work in the medical ward finally paid off, she was actually standing in front of theCaptain Keyes, who was currently ignoring her existence, but that didn't matter. He was here and now the day was perfect.

Naju took extensive notes, all about this one human, Captain Keyes. Maybe he was a great enemy of the Covenant and they have been trying to kill him specifically for years, yet that was no matter to Naju, she loved the human heroes because it seemed like whatever they did to be rewarded as a hero was vastly superior to the Covenant's heroes. Sure there were legendary Aristocrats and Councilors, but there were no daring stories of everyday minor domos doing suicidal missions and coming out victorious. There just wasn't.

Naju had heard of many human stories consisting of privates, equivalent of minor domos, going out against unbelievable odds and numbers only to cheat death, defeat the enemy and return home, awarded and promoted for their bravery and skill. Those were the stories Naju lost herself in frequently, she walked a fine edge of insanity and sanity now, the stories of the lost heroes of human warfare were heartbreaking, nothing like what the sangheilian who fell in battle, sure their families were saddened, but they went on like it never happened after a short while.

"What do you want?" A snarling voice snapped Naju out of her thoughts. She realized then she was staring at the Captain while she was whisked away into dreamland.

"I do not-" Naju shook her head, "I do not want anything, Captain. I..." Naju nervously rubbed her hands together, "I am afraid I was caught in the act... I apologize." She sunk her head down, embarrassed and inwardly flaming herself for such childish actions.

The Captain was surprised as Naju had not noticed through her own silent berating. The shock mostly was that she had the intelligence to spot a UNSC uniform ranking symbols at the same time he was stunned she spoke so... politely. Keyes could easily tell from the body structure, being that human females and sangheilian females had one thing in common, an easily made out chest. However, Keyes took it from the tone of her voice and her shape that there was no plausible way this sangheilian standing in front of him was male. The muscles were all different, hence his new approach.

"What act are we talking about?" He replied, yes he hated the sight of her free and him locked up, but if he could find a way out through a soft minor domo then he sure as hell was going to take it.

Naju turned a deeper blue, "Honestly, I have heard of you before. Your name is not..." Naju growled at herself for mincing words, "Your name is now, shall we say... spoken kindly here or on my home world, alike many of your kin I have heard of." She attempted not to insult or imply that she had cursed his name like others, "I must point out though that I have heard many of your stories in battle and that of other brave humans and... I very much enjoy them, your stories, however, tend to appear more. I am afraid that was what I was doing, I am more then thrilled to have you aboard my ship and... I was hoping you could tell me more." She smiled sheepishly.

Interested he was, Keyes still would take the first chance to kill a minor domo, currently, and Naju supported entertainment of sorts. To the other human prisoners, the fact she was speaking to one of them was such a shock they had to listen in. With Keyes opening a chance of a conversation and Naju being extremely embarrassed, the other humans felt it would be some kind of past time to speak up.

"Hey you, tall an' blue, what are ya' up to?" A taller then average human next to Keyes' cell asked, he leaned against the wall, looking out toward Naju who blinked and turned to him, "Whatever do you mean?" The question was confusing, it was obvious that she was talking to Keyes and even she knew humans were smart enough to know that, "I mean, what's your angle? Tryin' to get intel outta' us or somethin'?" He scoffed, crossing his arms and tilting his hat.

Naju took a moment, had she inadvertently asked something about human information on the war? A thought popped into her head that maybe, just maybe, when she said she had heard stories she may have mentioned her desire to hear more. Naju shook her hands in front of herself, "No, no, no. I did not mean anything of the sort."

"Then what did ya' mean, huh?" He was doubtful, which was expected and more then welcomed to Naju, they were trapped men, of course they would be weary of her.

Naju felt it best to explain her true intentions, "You must see it from my perspective." She took a deep breath, might as well enjoy this shift with the captured humans before Ynal comes to take the night shift, "In the Covenant we have our own war stories. Heroes who have faced death and lived, they are rewarded for their loyalty... I can never be a hero." She sighed, "No minor domo can, and no sangheilian can be unless born into a higher ranking family. Aristocrat's for example, you call them swordsmen, they are high ranking warriors, only the best sangheili can wield an energy sword and don the golden amour. For us lesser ranking our heroism goes unnoticed and therefore unrewarded. Humans though, either private or commanding officer can and will be honored for their sacrifice for their race, that is why I want to hear your stories. Clearly you have done something to be in this prison block."

A chuckle from the opposite side of the cells, Naju twisted to see the human male slumped against the wall near the force field, "Your not paid enough."

Keyes smirked and the other humans laughed, "Oh hell Blue, that happens all the time in the UNSC. Some solder does somethin' great and it goes past the superiors and never seen again." One human male said, "We're fine with it though, with the war the way it is, knowing we've done somethin' to help is better then just doin' our duty."

Naju nodded, "I am not." She said under her breath, "A warrior who goes beyond the line of duty deserves to be rewarded, at least mentioned for his or her actions. Anything less should be unacceptable. For no matter who you are, you will know in your heart that you are disappointed in your leaders for not even congratulating you, self satisfaction can only go so far."

Keyes braced his hands on his knees, pushing himself from his relaxed position, "Sounds like you have experience?" He mentioned and leaned side ways on the wall near the force field.

Naju almost got dizzy from turning around in circles so much to talk to the humans, "I did something... once. It is not as life threatening as a warrior's heroic deed, but it is something." Naju lifted her left hand, flexing her arm, "I built a form of synthetic robotics that allows a crippled warrior to heal beyond the body's natural ability." Naju pulled off her glove, "Years ago I developed mechanical parts for lost limbs and shattered bones, this system allows the lost limb to be replaced with a painless false arm, or leg, or internal organ, depending on the damage the body had sustained."

"Wicked cool." A human from another cell stared through the cell to Naju's arm, "How'd you lose it?" Keyes shot him a quick glare even though it was unseen by the human asking.

"A long time ago, there was... an explosion and I was forced to use my prototype system. It was an emergency and I lost all my work." Naju tapped her arm, "I lost my arm and my leg. Unfortunately, I was so injured that my brother was forced to take on the task of tying the synthetics into my body. I had limited time, but I still word on my prototype, it is not perfect yet and I will not stop until it is."

The door beeped, Naju's eyes went wide with shock, "Captain Keyes, it is best that you remove or hide the ranking symbols from your uniform." She whispered, "You will not like what they will do to you if they find out who you are." Naju gave her most serious look, trying to emphasize the danger of the situation. Keyes agreed.

Naju hopped along as if she were merely checking up on all the prisoners, exiting her holopad of her thoughts and studies until all that played on the blue lights were simple readings of the prisoner's vital signs.

"Naju 'Manoree." A golden clad sangheilian entered, Naju immediately knew the voice's owner, "Noch 'Yarodee." Naju would rather drink venom then say his name again, "To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?"

Noch's guards, two black special operatives, only sized up the room and everything in it as if the very floor would attack them. "I am here on Council orders." He answered, striding along side Naju as he observed the human prisoners, "It is rumored that we may have a very... important visitor aboard our vessel, and do you know anyone of that nature?" He asked, his height allowed his steps far more distance then Naju's; she was forced to walk faster every step he took just to say aside him.

"Important visitors? You mean a prisoner?" Naju looked around the cells, pretending to search for an important person. "I know of no one of interest to the Councilor's, is this the only purpose of your journey to my prison block?" Naju was begged, hoping to the gods that he answered her-

"No." Noch sighed tiredly, "I understand you have sent me countless requests to have this prison block moved into your infirmary ward. Why that is, I do not know. No other medical trained minor domo has ever done anything of this sort, so tell me Naju, why should I allow this?"

Naju took a deep breath and stood tall, it was time to stand for what she desired in, "I have many reasons, 'Yarodee." She bowed slightly, "Though I will only mention the ones of most meaning. At times I hear from the Council that they are displeased when our prisoner's die before reaching their execution date. I do believe that it the greatest reason, but I would also take this as a chance to study more about human anatomy and natural behavior."

Noch shook his head, "Why would you waste your time researching human life? It is meaningless and humans have no consideration, they are more animal like then Jiralhanae!" He laughed; Naju kept her ground, "If I study hard enough, I may be able to find a human weak point. Possibly even a weapon that can hurt them and not us through chemical and bacteria, such a thing would be priceless to the war effort. The Prophet's would be most pleased by this advancement in technology and if you allow it."

Noch's walk slowed, to which Naju thanked the gods because her legs were beginning to tire. "A weapon of unimaginable power." He smiled at the thought, "If I allow you this prison ward to your infirmary medical supplies will be limited at first, though, if you show promise in your work I will assure you be noted for this achievement as long as I receive the weapon." He turned to Naju, "If you do not, you will lose you privileges aboard this sector. Do have an agreement?"

Naju nodded, "I will begin work tomorrow."

"Very good. I will require a regular update on your studies." Noch and his guards began to the door, "Remember our deal, it will be in your best interest deliver. Do not disappoint me."

The moment the door slid closed, the Aristocrat and his guards were gone, Naju slumped over, panting as she slowly made her way to the elevated platform that hold the prison block controls. "By the Prophet's that was close..."

"What was that about?" A human from before spoke up, practically slicing through the air it was so thick. "That was Noch 'Yarodee. An Aristocrat of the worse kind, it is a good thing you had removed the symbols Captain Keyes, he was looking for you."

In a flash, Naju once more had Keyes' interest. "Why?"

Naju untied a small pouch from her hip, opening it and taking out a small fruit, "He is a servant of the Council. He does what they wish, however they want it done." Naju swallowed the tangy red plant, "Noch said he heard there was a high ranking human officer aboard our wonderful ship and no doubt was sent here to retrieve him for immediate termination."

Keyes nodded and turned back to the wall, leaning against it for support. "You protected me."

Naju blinked. Had she? Naju shook her head and crossed her arms, "I did no such thing... I simply... do not approve of executing a war hero." Keyes nodded, "If that's what you call it." He sat back down, no doubt tired from the journey into Covenant hands and finally feeling its full effect, "Thank you."

Naju's stance faltered, "You are welcome." She smiled, walking back to the platform to finish her fruity snacks.


AN: Ahh. Well, a friend requested I revise this and I just loved the story so much I couldn't stop myself, so here it is, the revision.
I hope it's good, I changed names and titles of the Sangheili or any alien in the Covenant armada to appear more accurate. However, all human names are still the same, Kenny, Gwen, and what-not, so that no reader of the original will be too disappointed. :)

Enjoy!
I can't make you, but I would appreciate your input on this revision!