A/N: Well, here's the beginning to the sequel of The Origin of Life. I really hope you guys like it! I'll do my best to update frequently and keep you guys entwined in this. Happy reading!

Du-dum... du-dum... du-dum... A steady rhythm echoed through the subconscious, nerves beginning to spark with energy. The muscles began to stretch themselves out, and the lungs began to force a heavier intake of air, followed by exhalation. The steady beat echoed through the woman's ears as her eyes fluttered open and limbs reaching out. As the pupils caught sight of the three suns that shone in through rocky windows, they constricted, and her mind began racing.

Rocky windows? Where...? She heard her mind call out, curiosity taking control.

Her eyes began to wander the room, her surroundings involving a stone room, carved, at that. It was tidy, shelves well kept and free of dust, any clothing to be had was out of sight, and the floor appeared smooth. Lush sheets lay beneath her, her hands gliding over to feel the fabric. It was soft to the touch, yet had a silky sheen.

"I was wondering when you would wake." A low voice said, coming from behind her groggy form. "Forgive me, if you are not used to such comforts. This is as close as we have to your own back on your world. Did you rest well?"

Breathing deep, her hand went to her eyes and she rubbed them, removing the small crusts around the edges. Shortly after, her hands reached far above her head and her legs stretched out, the muscles finally being freed. "When did we arrive?" She asked through a yawn, her head turning towards him and eyes following the tall male as her stepped closer to her.

Motioning to sit on the edge of the bed, he nodded to her. "We arrived late last night, Hayden. You were exhausted for some reason. Is all well?" Concern flashed in his eyes, his hand moving to her side.

Hayden nodded, rolling onto her left as to face him and look at him directly. "Just tired... This is...your room then? It's gorgeous, Thel. Thank you for letting me borrow it for the night. Hope you slept ok." She smiled, running her fingers over his while letting her eyes wander.

She couldn't tell if he was smiling back at her, mandibles and all, but then a realization had hit her. He wore no armor save for his arm braces, mixed with the robes worn by Kaidons. This was the first time she had seen a Sangheili's face for what it truly was. The image itself didn't strike her as odd or frightening though. Instead, she was interested and entertained. Human, yet not human... Her mind kept saying, a foolish grin crossing her face absent-mindedly.

"Hayden? Are you there?"

Two blinks, and a shake of the head, and her consciousness returned. "Sorry..." She apologized, chuckling to break the awkwardness. "I zoned out. Meeting today?" She asked, looking up and down his body.

Taking note of her observation, Thel gave a quick nod. "Others in the Council know of your arrival. Some approve, others do not. Negotiations will need to be dealt today, and I will need to explain my reason for harboring you, as some would call it. Most of my people consider you an ally and will hold peace, others may attempt to harm you. Please Hayden, for your own saftely, do not venture outside of Vadam, not without myself or Rtas at your side. My state, and his consider you ally. Do you understand?"

All she could give was another nod as a yawn surfaced.

"Thank you. I must go. Rest well, and have a good day." He said, standing up to take his leave of her. "And remember, please do travel outside the State of Vadam... In fact, do not travel outside of Vadam Keep." His voice rang out as he exited the door.

Hayden sighed, trying to figure out what she was supposed to do all day. Another yawn, and she decided to shower and walk around. What better way to start a new life?

Thel 'Vadam, Arbiter of Sangheilos, and reinstated Kaidon of the State of Vadam, was annoyed. War over for years, and several of his kind still holding a ruthless grudge against the one race of the person he had brough back home. Humans weren't as evil as the San 'Shyuum had made them out to be; this he had seem for himself in fighting alongside them. He knew others of his kind still rejected him and his regained honor, in which they would stand against him and fight to have the human woman removed from their planet for the good of their people.

The thought sickened him, and he quickly pushed the illusion out of his mind. Hayden had a right to be here, beside him, and he would fight for it if he had to. He knew that the council wouldn't approve of his actions, even if sympathetic. This was his one chance to make things right.

His skin rippled with anticipation as her grew closer to the hall where the meeting would take place. Thirty-some others would be filled with questions...and he had no answers for them. But regardless, he stepped through the wooden doorway, past the stone columns that decorated the buildings entryway, and down the hall until he reached the main chamber. As he entered the circula, multi-leveled room, the voices ceased their chatter, and all eyes lay on him.

"Seems you decided to appear after all, Kaidon Vadam." One male said.

Another poked and prodded with sarcastic comments. "And here we thought you would be bringing your new pet here. Can the female perform any tricks, Arbiter?"

The others jeered about, and his gaze became fixed on Kaidon Vadum, and the Sangheili behind him. Rtas had come to the meeting as well.

Councilors who sat above the rest watched the men carefully, nodding to one another and calling order to the room. Thel took his place in between Vadum and Umam, and basic proceedings began. Rtas had caught Thel's eyes and gave a small nod, knowing that his friend would end up suffering a battle of a different kind.

"...and so now we come to you, 'Vadam. Tell us about this Human you have brought to our home." One of the Councillors called out, eyes of the room falling directly on him, intent to hear the answer.

Meanwhile, Hayden grumbled, rummaging through two of the three closets and single dresser, trying to find the two bags of clothing and other possessions she had brought. The suns were high in the sky now, and her legs were beginning to feel cramped. She knew the Keep was built into the mountains, and with her interest sparked, she wanted to scale the peaks.

One closet remained, and inside, two black duffle bags sat, one more bulky looking, the other crumpled. Reaching for the crumpled one, she crouched down and unzipped it, finding several shirts and pants inside. Grabbing a set, she pulled off the jacket and shirt she wore, along with the shorts, and slipped on a light grey shirt dappled with white and silver, and a pair of black caprees. She ran her fingers through her hair and sighed, looking around. The window had caught her attention.

"Tell me not to go outside, and what do I want to do? Go outside... Forgive me Thel..." She mumbled, cracking the shutter open and stepping out onto the ledge.