Chapter 1
On the Blood of our Fathers On the Blood of our Sons
(slip space covenant super carrier Shadow Star of Eternal Living Age of Conversion 1712)
Supreme Commander Ripa 'Inanraree was sitting in his personal counters rereading his mission given from the Higherarks. It read "You must find a map. With it the key to salvation will be revealed". He over and over again tried to make sense of it. " What would possibly be in this sector? There nothing here." He said with frustration. But he would not disobey the Higherarks so he held his tongue. He was later interrupted by his Major Sesa 'Vadam "Commander." he asked. "Yes, Sesa, what do you need?" Ripa said trying to calm him self down. "We our coming out of slip space and we await your command." Sesa said "I'll be there soon. It'll just take a minute." Ripa said finally, calm down. "Sir." the major said leaving. Ripa was fond of Sesa. He was like a son to him. The way he would respond to his command was as if he all ready knew was it was. Ripa wished he had more men like his major. But even though they weren't as fast Sesa but he believed he had the best men the covenant could offer. He walk to the bridge to see that his major was waiting for him. But what caught his eyes was the big blue and green ball that was standing in front of him. His mind filled with more questions. But no matter he had a job to do as supreme commander. He went to his command chair and sat awaiting some news to where his men were
( five hours later solar system above earth)
"Have you found out where we are Major?" the Supreme Commander ask "No.", Sesa answered. Ripa arose from his command chair and looked at the new planet with great interest. "I have seen a lot of planets in my days, Major, but this one is almost as beautiful as home. Wouldn't you agree Sesa?" "Yes is it sir but there something missing." "What is it major?" Ripa asked "It need some more red." As they shared a laugh a ship officer interrupted. "Commander, I have found a energy disturbance on the planets surface." "Where?" Ripa asked. "North western hemisphere." The ship officer replied . Ripa ran to the officers chair to see the exact location. "Major Sesa 'Vadam prepare me a phantom armed with three saneghili, one and two kin yars!" Ripa commanded " Yes, Commander ,but it will take time!" Sesa said "Good enough." Ripa replied. Ripa then commanded that all ship officers focus all of their attention the source of that energy disturbance. The ship was in a busty state officers trying to find more of the energy that disturbed their instruments earlier. At the same time the men that he requested prepared themselves as well as Ripa. He was in his counters looking at his sword. It has been untaught for ages remembering the days of his youth. He grabbed it with such force that the blade ignited the dark room in a cold blue. He then release it and put it on his waist. Two hours have pass and Ripa and Sesa walk on the floor of the ships deck awaiting the men that were read to go. "Sesa" " Yes Ripa" " What ever we find down there will be the key to all of our salvation." Ripa said making sure he understands. Sesa just nodded. The men then came and loaded on to the phantom. Afterward the supreme commander broke the silence, " My bothers what we will find here will lead us through the Great Journey and in to the Divine Beyond! And let faith guide your swords in to the heart of our enemy if there is any and have no fear of pain nor death for both will come to all , worthy or not but all who walk the blessed path will find salvation even in death." As the phantom opened its wings Ripa found a horrifying site. He saw a group of natives and in the middle of it looked like a child with a rope tied around its neck. He then felt something as if he was touch by the forerunners. It all made sense to him now they weren't looking for artifact they were looking a person. He now got it in his head. It will be his duty to keep he or she safe. Before he jumped out, he thought " By the gods what kind of hell have they put it through."