The next steps to the Great Schism are set, and Soon everything will become clear.

This Chapter has a personal record of over 18.000 words, so I feel quite proud.

Disclaimer: Halo is owned by 343 Industries, and I do not intend to make a profit from these stories. the Character listed below are taken from Halo Machinima Rise of the Spartans, which I forgot to mention in the previous chapter: Ooskoo Rotam, Rahgath Rotam, Randy, Kalos Ossal'ee, Thel Sel'Gath (Just Thel in said machinima, I couldn't find out his surname), Praetor Rotam and Ackillian Rotam. T'kan, while appearing in Rise of the Spartans, I took more from the machinima Elites of War. I own none of said characters. the Katarns and Kronos are my own OC's.

Now, to the Story


Halo 2: Great Schism

Chapter 2


Mombasa Airspace, Kenya, East-Africa, Earth

Sam just looked out the back of the open Pelican as he loaded his Assault Rifle and Shotgun. He and John had moved to board a pelican the moment they learned that the Carrier, called the Solemn Penance on intercepted communications channels, was holding position over Africa, deploying ground forces. The Cruiser that had headed for the Arctic, the Bloodied Spirit, was merely hovering there in place, seemingly looking for something. Keyes suspected the Carrier was also looking for something, and so he and John were going to intercept it.

He briefly glanced over at Wilson, who sat beside him on the pelican. Wilson had already prepared his weapons before he even boarded the dropship. He was in full armor as well, instead of his Dress uniform. And, as usual, he wore his knuckle dusters on his fists, and chains hung from his uniform. Sam always wondered why he wore those chains, as they could easily get caught on something. At least Wilson now had the sense to use them for something, as now grenades hung from it. Wilson also kept looking out the window of the rear door. Sam nudged him, and he looked up.

"Something on your mind?" Sam asked.

Wilson nodded. "Out of all the places on Earth, they chose the town where I sent my daughter to live."

Sam nodded. Lena was one of the survivors from Reach, and was Richard Wilson's daughter. Sam had seen her quite a few times on the Gettysburg, and she seemed smart, resourceful, mentally strong and, to Sam's surprise, awfully convincing. He imagined she would make a fine Spartan if she ever grew up.

"Don't worry. She's tough, and she got enough smarts from you to stay out of harm's way."

"It's either that" Wilson answered "Or she goes all crazy on them, thinking she can take them all on. I've certainly tried that before."

"I can attest to that." Sam said, and both men laughed.

Sam wanted to say more, but Cortana brought them back to the situation at hand.

"I've intercepted an encrypted Covenant communique. But it just repeats. 'Regret. Regret. Regret.'"

"Catchy." Commander Keyes said from the cockpit of the leading pelican. "Any idea what it means?"

"'Dear Humanity:" Johnson started, like he was quoting a saying. Sam prepared for the obvious joke the Sergeant would make. "We regret being Alien bastards. We regret coming to Earth. And we most definitely regret the Corps just blew up our raggedy ass fleet!"

"Oo-Rah" the pilots called, along with most of the marines. Sam chuckled.

"Regret's a name, Sergeant." Cortana corrected. "The name of one of the Covenant's religious leaders: A Prophet."

Sam briefly mulled that over. If one of their religious leaders was here, then they thought Earth must be pretty important, in order to risk one of their leaders on it. But why use such a small fleet?

"He's on that Carrier." Cortana continued. "And he's calling for help."

"Immediate: Grid Kilo two-three is hot." Marine scouts reported over the com. "Recommend mission abort."

"Affirmative." The pilot said. "It's your call, Sarge."

"We're going in." Johnson immediately said. "Get tactical, marines!"

as one, the marines all prepared, which Sam, John and Wilson had already done. People started grabbing their weapons and gathering spare ammo clips. One even had to put on his helmet.

"Spartans, your mission is to get aboard that Carrier, and secure the Prophet of Regret." Hood ordered, still on Cairo Station overseeing the planet's defense in orbit. "This is the only place the Covenant have actually deployed Ground forces. That Prophet is going to tell us why."

John nodded. "We'll get it done, Sir. 117 out."

Sam decided to move towards the cockpit, wanting to survey the area they were going to land in.

It all seemed clear. Why would the mari-

He saw it a split second before the pilots. It rounded the corner of the skyscraper about a kilometer away from them. It was large, had a single head, four large legs, the shape of a shopping cart, and had two cannons affixed to it's back. It was nearly fifty meters tall.

A Protos-type Scarab.

"Watch out!" he called over to the Crew bay, where John and the Marines and ODST's sat. "Protos Scarab!"

John immediately got up, and Sam tried to turn back to the Scarab.

When it fired all of it's forward cannons, and the Pilots swerved heavily trying to avoid it's deadly beam.

But it still hit, and the Pelican started to list, before crashing into a small neighborhood in Old Mombasa. Sam was flung across the cockpit, before landing in the crew bay against the hatch.

As soon as he stopped moving and lay still, he tried to clear his head. He began by calming his breath. Soon, he was calm, and the world came into focus again. He got up, and he made a check of everything.

Gear: armor's still intact, as are weapons, ammo and grenades. Marines: no major injuries, and all accounted for. Immediate surroundings: No major threats like Elites. Pelican: so busted up Six could have flown it. Teammates: Johnson was getting up and helping get the marines moving. Wilson was gathering all of their explosives, and distributing it equally among the ranks. And John...

Sam moved back into the dropship. John lay there, leaning against the hull. He seemed unconscious. Sam knocked on his helmet. "Hey. Here's a joke: Knock Knock."

"It's open." John said groggily, as he finally woke up and tried to stand. As usual, John managed to ruin Sam's 'knock knock jokes'. It was why he had stopped telling them with John around years ago. Sam gave him a helping hand, and he took it. They both got out of the dropship, and joined Johnson and the marines in securing the area.

"Cortana, what's the situation?" the Chief asked over the com.

"Two of our three pelicans are down." Cortana started. "Only Commander Keyes' pelican is still airborne. I can't reach Sergeant Stacker on the Com, but that could be from Covenant interference. We landed in the old city center, on the mainland. The Carrier is holding position over the island, the new city part called New Mombasa. Be advised, that Scarab seems to be patrolling the only available routed to it."

"Can't In Amber Clad just bombard it with a MAC round?" Sam asked. "We'll get quite the boom."

"Not the entirety of the civilian population has been evacuated." Commander Keyes cut in. "We'd cause too many casualties. Besides, I thought Spartans liked doing things the hard way."

"We do." John said. "But this one just has a taste for large explosions."

"Don't worry: As soon as we have it, you can keep the Scarab."

Sam rose his fist triumphantly in the air, but didn't say anything. John shook his head, amused at Sam's feeling of victory at getting to drive a Scarab.

The group of four marines, three ODST's and two Spartans made it to an old, burned-out building. The area in front of it seemed like a large courtyard, and Johnson sent everyone in. "Settle down, Marines. This is going to be our new home until reinforcements arrive."

"Hoo-Rah!" Wilson and the others called, as they moved into the building.

Sam was about to do so as well, when he spotted something on the rooftop.

A pair of Jackal Snipers, starting to take aim at Johnson and his marines.

Sam's Assault Rifle was too inaccurate to deal with them, so he swung it onto the magnetic straps on his back, and grabbed his rocket launcher. He fired one at the pair, and was satisfied to see the part of the roof they were on explode into bits and pieces. A Beam Rifle skidded to a stop in front of him. Sam grabbed it, and fired at a third that he spotted on the adjacent roof. The Jackal fell from the roof, a new hole in it's head where there hadn't been one a few seconds before.

He then joined the marines on the rooftop, helping them set up shop in the building. From the burned out cars and large open space on the first floor, Sam surmised that this used to be a parking garage before it had been taken. He took cover behind an old truck, and aimed down the alley with the beam rifle. He hit three Jackals, two minors and one major, before he was forced to duck back due to the amount of fire headed his way. Sam took a look at how much charge the rifle had left. Enough for three more shots. Great.

Sam took aim around the other side of the truck, and downed the shields of an Elite Major. He hit it in the head with the third shot, and was satisfied that it fell down on the ground. Sam dropped the Beam Rifle, and once more grabbed his rocket launcher. He fired at a group of twelve Grunts that came down the street, and hit it dead on. What he didn't expect was that the abandoned fuel truck about fifteen meters away would also explode from the heat. The explosion thundered across the neighborhood.

"If they didn't know we were here before" Johnson said sarcastically "They do now."

"Johnson, shut up and keep shooting." Wilson said, as he fired a burst from his Battle Rifle at an approaching swarm of Drones. "You might actually hit something."

"I have more kills than you, you son of a bitch." Johnson said. "So bring it."

"It's a deal." the pair then moved to take up overlapping fields of fire, in the hope of stealing each other's kills.

Sam fired at a pair of Zealots that came at them from the wreck of the Pelican, and was satisfied that they went up in smoke. From the smoke, one of their helmets came skidding towards them.

Sam switched his Rocket Launcher out for his Assault rifle in order to conserve his ammunitions. He sprayed his ammo across a massive amounts of Grunts charging from the other end of the street. But there were so many of them that his fire was having no effect. He threw a grenade at them in order to slow them down, and saw that a dozen of them flew away as it exploded.

But dozens took there place.

Sam was about to call out for aid, when a pair of Hornets flew over them, and slaughtered the Covenant assaulting their position. Johnson, Wilson and the others moved up in order to assist, and Sam saw John do the same.

After they were all cleared, a Pelican flew into view. Sam noticed from a glance that Commander Keyes was flying it.

"The Courtyard's to small for this bird, People. There is a courtyard on the other side of these buildings that fits, though. Make your way there, and I'll drop off reinforcements there."

Johnson nodded. "Understood, ma'am. We'll head there." He then turned to Wilson. "Place a Satchel on those gates. We'll cut across that alleyway, and make our way to the commander's LZ."

"Yes, Sir." Wilson said, making his way to the gates.

And immediately jumped back, as the wooden gates were split down the middle. Sam saw a Hunter's shield embedded in it, and saw the shield pull back out, only to appear again as it was used as a ram. This time, the Gates fell, and two Hunters appeared in the Courtyard.

Sam and John stepped forward, both having their weapons raised. Johnson immediately understood their intentions, and stepped back. "Step back, boys. Let the Spartans show you how it's done!"

The Marines and ODST's stepped back into the garage, and Sam and John each headed for a Hunter. John, Sam saw, was going for the Flanking technique: letting the Hunter attack with it's shield, only to circle around it as it brought it down, and attack it in the exposed back.

Sam, however, was going for a more... gruesome attack. One he had done only twice before to Hunters.

He charged it, and as soon as it got in range, Sam jumped forward, too far within it's range to attack comfortably with the cannon. It tried to attack him with it's shield, raising it high. Sam grabbed it's waist and chest, and lifted it up. As he lifted it up, he turned to the marines. "Better record it now, for your buddies will never believe you."

Wilson immediately got the hint, and turned his visor to Sam. Johnson and one other marine got the hint as well, and they turned their helmets the right way as well, though Johnson got out an old-fashioned camera.

Sam, satisfied there was enough footage, replicated his feat from the Truth and Reconciliation and Sigma Octanus. He pulled it apart, with all of his strength.

The Eels fell from both pieces, and Sam saw a lot of them were bleeding, and their blood gushed onto Sam's armor. Sam dropped the two pieces of dead Eels and Heavy armor, and turned to the other Hunter.

John was firing at it's exposed back with a Shotgun, and it roared in pain. It stopped, however, when it spotted what had become of it's bond brother. It froze for a second, and roared in anger. John used said opportunity to stick it with a plasma grenade at the back, and fired at it with his Shotgun. It fell, as the Grenade exploded, and too many eels fell from it to stay alive. The victorious Spartans turned to the marines.

And, safe for Johnson, all had their mouths hanging open in shock. Johnson just stood there with a large smile, and he had lighted a cigar. Sam made a bow towards them, as a joke.

Wilson, however, decided to take it seriously, and started to clap. Soon, the entire squad was applauding them.

John, however, stepped away. "It's something to show your grandchildren. Now if you excuse me, We've got to meet the commander."

the marines, understanding the order, all made their way over to the gate, and headed over the garden, towards Keyes' waiting pelican.

"Johnson, Spartan 034, I need the two of you on that bird."

"Ma'am?" Johnson asked.

"My Pelicans are going to start airlifting armor and reinforcements into the city. They'll need an escort that isn't afraid of a little hostile ground fire. As for 034, Hood wants him to go ahead and secure New Mombasa. Chief will do the same after picking up the second squad."

Sam nodded, and moved over to board the pelican. "Understood. John: Good luck."

John chuckled, and made a Spartan Smile. "We make our own luck, remember?"

"Point. Well, shoot straight."

Wilson just looked between the two of them, and tilted his head. "You two nut-bags are scaring the shit out of me, you know that?"

John nodded. "Part of the job description. Let's keep moving."

Wilson nodded, and he, John and the remainder of the marines headed down the next alleyway.

Sam looked out over the island, as Keyes ferried him and Johnson over the island. After a moment it stopped, hovering over the beach over the island. Sam jumped out, as he listened to the Com.

"Second squad, this is Cortana. What is your status, over?"

"We're operational, ma'am. Barely. Our pilots didn't make it."

"Find a hole. Stay put. We'll come to you."

Sam looked briefly back at the Pelican, as it flew away towards In Amber Clad, getting more supplies. Sam raised his Assault Rifle, ready for whatever was in New Mombasa.


ONI Prowler, Call Sign 'Hidden Veil', Edge of Sang'Katarn Star System

Six sat back in the Captain's chair, as she looked out at the blackness of Slipspace.

They were approaching Sang'Katarn space, and were about to exit in five minutes. She looked at Fol, who stood ready at the Communication's console in order to transmit the right clearance codes. "So. What welcome can an ONI prowler expect?"

"The same as any UNSC ship: Unless it transmits the right clearance codes in five seconds, it is shot down, and the ship pulled into the planet's atmosphere. The survivors are left to explore the wastelands of the surface, and security prevents them from properly stealing any ship. It has happened before."

Six looked over, a sickening feeling forming in her stomach. Had any UNSC ships been foolish enough to enter this systems's territory?

"Who? And when?" she asked.
"About a year ago." Fol answered. "An ONI Prowler followed one of our ships home after the battle of Meridian. It was shot down before it could jump back into slipspace. It crashed near the ruins of Tah." He paused. "Are you familiar with Spartan Gray Team?"

Six nodded. "Unruly during their training, they were very unruly and individualistic. They attempted to escape often, despite having nothing to return to. After the Augmentations we got, they were deployed as a team due to their... unique skill set. They are often deployed behind Covenant lines, and disrupt things for them. We haven't received word from them for about a year, if I read the right reports about them."

Fol hesitated, and she got up. "You know what happened to them. Don't you?"

Fol nodded. "They were on that Prowler. They survived, and have taken residence in the ruins. But they haven't been able to get off the planet, and refuse to talk with us."

Six nodded. "If they discovered a planet filled with Elites, Brutes and the like they would assume they are hostile. The rest of the species are."

Fol nodded. "I admit I was nervous about your reaction about this. I'm glad you're taking it this well."

Six briefly glanced to the blackness of space, before looking at Fol again. "Any other UNSC assets here I need to know about?"

"Just one." Fol said. "During the war, we managed to capture a Marathon-class Heavy Cruiser."

she reeled back in response. The Navy had been stupid enough to let a Marathon slip through their fingers? Were they mad?

"When did this happen?" Six asked.

"The battle of New Constantinople." Fol answered. "A single Marathon failed to jump in time, and we of Sang'Katarn decided to test our new interdiction technology."

"Interdiction Technology?"

"The Ability to prevent ships from jumping into Slipspace. The experiment was a failure, as it merely delays it, but it suited our purposes. Anyway, we managed to board the Marathon, and I personally cleared the ship. The AI had deleted itself and the navigational core, so to the Mainstream Covenant it was useless, but we managed to procure it after the San'Shyuum had it carted off to be scrapped."

"Didn't they realize the value of that ship? How many systems they could infiltrate?" Six asked.

"You overestimate the wisdom of the San'Shyuum. They assumed it was worthless because it held no data. We managed to... Steal it is the right way to put it. We've brought it up to date with our own technology since then."

Six nodded. "What's it called?"

"The UNSC Great Lance."

That ship had been missing for over two decades. ONI had assumed the crew had defected and joined the Insurrection. Clearly, ONI had been mistaken. And not for the first time. From what Fol had told her, he had lobbied ever since they had come back from the Gettysburg that he and a Spartan should be sent to convince Sang'Katarn. Clearly, after a month ONI had grown tired of his whining, and given in.

"A ship missing in action, only to turn up on UNSC space after the negotiations succeed. That will be interesting." she finally said.

"If they succeed at all." Fol said. "My father means well, but he can be as stubborn as you or ONI."

Six nodded. "So I have to bully my way to the top in order to be heard?"

"yes"

"Oh good."

"Exiting Slipspace in 15 seconds. Prepare, Fol." Void called over the intercom. Fol nodded, and went to the Com console.

"Three." Void said after a moment of silence. "Two. One. And we exit now."

indeed, the blackness disappeared. In it's place came the orange planet Six had imagined upon hearing it consisted mostly of deserts. She could also see the large, circular stations in orbit of the planet: large spines, from which eight bars came out, and connected to a circle around the station. It reminded Six of a wheel.

But what really drew her attention was the amount of ships in the immediate area. There were hundreds of ships of every class imaginable. Corvette's, Cruisers, BattleCruisers, Destroyers, Carriers, SuperCarriers... Six saw every class of Covenant ship she knew of, and dozens she didn't. This must be the entire Sang'Katarn fleet. She realized in horror.

And the closest dozen all turned their cannons. Six glanced at Fol. And while he was frozen on the spot as well, he was frozen because of wonder, rather than horror. He must not have seen his entire fleet in one place. It was the only explanation.

But a hailing of their com brought him out of his reverie. He activated the console.

"This is Sang'Katarn Space Traffic Control to unidentified ONI Prowler." a Jackal STC Controller started, with a threatening tone and look. "You aren't registered to be arriving. State your name, business and proper clearance code within thirty seconds or we will open fire."

"This is Fol Katarn, requesting access to the Planet's surface. I have an UNSC envoy with me. Clearance code: Arum Silket 26-528."

The Jackal was silent for a few seconds as it cleared Fol's code. And when it did, it immediately sat up straighter. And it's look immediately turned from threatening to reverence. It's tone also was much calmer. "My apologies, Field-Marshal. You're cleared to land inside Mount Isicus. I would clear you for Kortan-Sho, but it's filled with craft as it is, and I don't have the clearance to move any of it."

Fol nodded. "That's alright."

"If I may ask: Who is the envoy?"

Fol wanted to respond, but Six gently pushed him out of the way. She took Fol's place at the Console.

"This is Spartan B312, official UNSC envoy to Sang'Katarn. A demon, as many would call me."

The Jackal immediately took on a shocked look. To Six's surprise, it was one of wonder and awe, rather than outrage.

"You managed to convince a Spartan to come here? I'm impressed, Field-Marshal. Truly."

Six moved, so Fol could have the console again. Six saw, to her relief, that the cannons turned away.

"Your awe is noted. As you likely know, it is quite crowded up here. Can you guide us down?"

"Of course!" the Jackal immediately said. "Just follow the coordinates I send you. Oh, and someone is on the line for you. You'll like to know who it is."

Fol wanted to ask more, but the Jackal's image disappeared.

To be replaced by the image of the largest Elite Six had ever seen. Like Fol, it's armor was that of a Field-Marshal. But while Fol's armor was entirely purple, save for the black because of Fol's damaged chest plate, this Elite's armor was accented with black along with the purple. It was also armed, as Six could see a Concussion Rifle slung across it's back.

It was also smiling. Fol immediately sat straighter. "Kal! You're alive!"

The Elite nodded. "I am not killed as easi-" it paused. Then it took on a concerned look. "Your eye! What happened?"

Fol's smile vanished. His hand went up to his right eye. His scarred one, from his fight against Six at the Onager cannon on Reach. Six had made a stab at Fol's eye, and wound had resulted in a large scar across his eye, and Fol's right eye becoming blind.

Fol chuckled. "I should have stopped at five Spartans instead of Six. The last one I fought did that. I'm lucky to be alive."

the Elite nodded. "I'll bet. Did you kill it?"

Six spoke up from outside the screen's view. "I'm still alive. And if you are even half as tough as Fol, it will be interesting to meet you in person."

The Elite glanced at the corners of the screen. "Who is speaking?"

Fol moved aside, and Six again took his place. "the Spartan that took his eye. Can I have yours, too?"

Fol sent her a glare with his good eye, but Six ignored it. "I still have room for more teeth for my collection."

the Elite paused for a second. Then it laughed. "So. You are the envoy?"

"Yours truly." Six answered.

"Then these days will be interesting. The UNSC is actually smart enough to send warriors instead of diplomats."

Six nodded. "And who am I speaking to?"

"This is Kal Katarn, Battlemaster of the Sang'Katarn armies."

Six nodded. So this is Fol's tall brother, as he called him. This will be interesting.

"We'll, let's just say I look forward to meeting you once I am on the surface."

"Which will be soon. I am at Isicus. And your ETA is fifteen minutes, according to our calculations."

Six looked at the navigational console. The Elite was right: Void had taken initiative, and followed the coordinates the Jackal had sent them.

"Indeed. Fol is practically jumping on his feet in anticipation. See you planetside."

Kal nodded. "Yes. I'll see you there. A warning though, to Fol. We have a recording of his... Speech in the Cave on Reach."

Fol froze. And he looked nervous. Apparently he hadn't thought it through about the fact his words at the Forerunner cave system on Reach could get back to his planet.

"Noted." Six answered for him. The Sangheili's still listening, so he heard."

Kal nodded. "There is more, but that's easier to say in person. See you there." the com cut off, replaced by the symbol of the UNSC. Six turned to Fol.

"Well. That was... interesting to witness."

"I'm glad you could get along with my brother. But this is worrisome. I wanted to be the one to break it to my people that I defected. Now that they already know, things could be different."

Six just shrugged. "I will deal with it. Come on, it's quite a stroll from here to the ramp to leave the ship."

Fol nodded, and together they moved to leave the bridge. Then Void spoke for the first time. With an unusual request.

"Can I accompany you? I am curious about the planet as well."

Fol looked at the main view screen. "It could be handy. You would instantly understand the entirety of the language. But he mustn't hack on his own initiative."

Void nodded. "Thank you."

Six moved over to the Data Pedestal, and after a moment, a data chip came out. She grabbed it, looking it over for a moment.

This was the first time Six actually had an AI in her head, like John had done with Cortana, or Kelly with Kalmiya. She had carried Cortana's chip before, but she hadn't had an AI in her head before. This would be a new experience for her.

"Ok. Here goes." she put the chip in the back of her helmet, which was still same as she'd gotten from Reach and the Gettysburg. When she had been offered the chance to test some new gear, she had declined for multiple reasons. For one, she was accustomed to this gear, and she knew she could upgrade it on her own. For another, she would be forced to part with the shoulder plate from Emile's armor, something she wasn't yet able to do.

The feeling that came across her as she put in the data chip could best be described as a cold chill going across her back. After a moment, a voice came across her helmet's audio systems.

Void's voice.

"Integration complete. If you wish, I can augment your speed and reflexes. I can't make you move on my own initiative, but any move you make I can augment."

So this is what the Chief feels like when Cortana's present. Six nodded. "Understood. Be silent for now unless spoken to. We don't want to scare the Sang'Katarn people into silence. And stay out of my memories. That's personal."

"Agreed." Void said. "I will monitor, but otherwise just observe, as Fol recommended."

Six then turned to Fol. "Shall we?"

Fol nodded, and they moved to the exit of the ship.

After about five minutes they arrived. They waited, and just stood as the ship's automated systems landed the ship according to the Jackal's data. Then the hatch lowered. Fol walked down first. Six noted that besides his Energy Swords and Fuel-Rod gun, he had a human Assault Rifle with him.

He was greeted by Kal, as well as a Brute

And from Six's angle, she could tell it was massive. Normal Brutes would, from this angle, be seen up to their chest. But this one was only visible below the waist.

She listened as Fol and Kal greeted each other. They spoke in Sangheili, and the translation appeared on her HUD, similarly to how Tends to Rise had spoken to her on the Ascendant-Justice/Gettysburg.

(Hello, Brother. Long time no see.)

(Indeed, Fol. How's the Covenant front line?)

(you should know. You were also gone for Six months. Where have you been, then?)

Kal paused. (We discovered something that will change everything we know. We were there for Six months, alongside humans. You were right. They aren't as dishonorable as they appeared. Some of their demons even aided me for a time.)

(What are you talking about? What's going on?)

(You will hear later on. But for now, our latest guest is waiting.)

Six took that as her signal, and walked down the ramp.

Kal and the Brute were indeed waiting, along with an honor guard of twenty members of various species, including Brutes, Grunts, Elites, Jackals and Hunters.

The Brute standing with Fol was even larger than initially thought, up to two heads taller than Fol, and had broad shoulders. It was clearly very strong, as it was heavily muscled, and it had two Gravity hammers swung across it's back, and yet didn't seem encumbered by it. Six knew if she tried the same thing, she would be slowed down immensely. It wore the armor of a Jiralhanae Chieftain,

All of them turned to her as she strode down the ramp. The Jiralhanae muttered something, and the translation appeared on her screen.

(That's the demon? I expected it to be taller.)

Six turned to the Brute. And she spoke in Sangheili, which she never told Fol she learned in the past month. "I know I am short. But I make up for my size by being highly skilled. More so than your legendary Fol Katarn, Field-Marshal of Sang'Katarn."

The Brute, along with Fol and Kal, jerked back in surprise. (You understand our language?)

"Well enough to speak and hear it. Not enough to write it, though. But I can live with that."

Void, catching on, shut down the text screen. Six looked at the honor guard. "Such a welcome for a demon and a deserter. I'm impressed. On most planets either of us would be dead by now."

"Indeed." Kal said. "It is an honor to greet you here, as you're the first willing Human on Sang'Katarn."

Six nodded. "I know. And I am aware of Gray Team, so no need for secrecy about it."

Kal nodded, and the Brute visibly sagged it's shoulders in relief. Six looked behind her, around the prowler.

She could see they had literally hollowed out the entire mountain, so a lot of people and ships fit inside. She was standing on a stone walkway, which seemed to be the main means of transportation for pedestrians. Below, there was a large abyss, and at the bottom...

She didn't believe their eyes. The bottom was filled with Gold, Diamonds and other precious metals and jewelry. As far as the eye could see across the bottom of the mountain floor. Fol followed her gaze, and laughed.

"Yes. We have a mountain filled with gold. Isicus is called the Mountain of Gold. Did you think we could finance our military by mere will of the population? Even we need to pay our soldiers, so that everyone has enough food, clothes and other supplies. And it all comes from the riches of our mountains."

Six stared for a moment, before turning to Fol and the others. "This is all from your mountains?"

Kal shook his head. "Not every mountain is mined, and only this one is mined to this extend. The others are hollowed out as well, but only this one has such a large supply of valuable materials."

Six glanced at all the gold. If HIGHCOM ever found this, the Earth would pay off all her debts, and the finances of a thousand fleets would be covered for decades. And the insurrectionists... the Sovereign Colonies wouldn't be the only one to buy their own freedom from the UEG and UNSC.

"That's a lot of gold." she finally said. "But I don't think you people are known for your riches."

"Indeed." the Brute said. "You came here for a purpose: to meet with our leadership and hope to convince us to fight alongside you."

Six nodded. "You have good intel, wherever you get it from."

the Brute shook his head. "It's merely deduction. Why else would you show up here with merely a Prowler, with one of our own saying you are a diplomat?"

"What is your name?" Six asked. This Brute was far more intelligent than the others, and far more dangerous. She needed to know more about him.

"Kronos. And to get back on the subject, You arrived a bit late: our monthly meeting has begins in a few hours, and it's too late to invite you as a guest or speaker. Fol has been ordered to be present, but the Kaidon is insistent you aren't for this meeting."

Six sighed. So she had to wait for a month to get the support for Earth she needed. By that time, the planet could already have fallen. She needed to hurry things up.

"Any chance I can get in on that meeting anyway?" she asked.

"No." Kal said. "You are too late to go in formally and officially. And if you try to sneak or fight your way in, all you'd do is make yourself look hostile to us."

So she had to do things the hard way, then: earning their trust and being social to them. To the species that have tried to wipe out her own.

She hoped that she could tolerate it for that long.

"There is something we can do, however." Kal said. "Give us your arguments, and I, along with Kronos and Fol, will put them before the Council and the Kaidon. They still hear what you want to say."

Six nodded, and grabbed something from her pouch. She opened the datapad, and showed them the notes ONI had made: the UNSC was aware of the truth of Halo, that they would be willing to fight along the people of Sang'Katarn, that they could share technology, etc. All points ONI wanted to be clear. In truth, after Six had heard the summary Fol gave, she didn't believe they would be convinced by merely this.

Kal nodded as he read them. "I see. You didn't compose this, did you?"

Six shook her head. "I am merely the messenger when it comes to the precise terms. But the core of it is this: Things are dire for Humanity. Our Homeworld is located and we are on a lower technological level, outgunned and outnumbered. You want to split from the Covenant due to different ways of living. We could work together to end them. We ask for your help, and promise peace between our sides afterwards."

Kal nodded, and took it. "Fol and I are the Kaidon's children. He will listen if we utter these words. Whether he is swayed, however, is uncertain."

Six nodded. "I get it. While I wait, however, could you have someone to show me around? If I have to wait a month, I can use the time to get to know your people better. I have to wait a few hours, after all."

Kronos nodded. "I know just the right person for you to aid in the discovery of our culture."

Kal and Fol looked at the Brute confused, and Six looked at him with curiosity. Kronos smiled. "The Raptor."

Fol immediately took on a distressed look. "He's here? On Sang'Katarn?"

Kronos and Kal nodded. "Ooskoo returned us here. You will hear the details at the Council, Fol, but for now, let's just say he has an open stance towards humans. He even became close friends with a Demon."

Fol tilted his head. "Demons aren't known to be tolerant of us. Even this one still has it out for me sometimes."

"But Raptor-"

"You will hear the details at the meeting." Kronos interrupted. "But, to put it short, a lot has changed since your disappearance. And T'kan has changed too."

Fol nodded. "I won't pretend to understand. But if you insist..."

He turned to Six. "Our ways part for today. Be well, and good luck."

Six looked confused. "Raptor? T'kan? What are you guys going on about? Who, or what, is Raptor?"

"I am Raptor." a new voice said behind Six, and she whirled around.

Before her stood a Sangheili Zealot in golden armor. It stood about as tall as Fol, and had weary look to his eyes. He had a Needle Rifle swung across his back, and an Energy Sword attached to it's thigh. Six could see it was very experienced, as it's armor, unlike that of most she had seen, was heavily scarred and damaged. She could see a large gash across it's chest piece Six recognized as coming from an Energy Sword strike. It's eyes, as those of the rest of the species she had seen so far on this planet, were devoid of Hate, unlike those of the standard members of the Covenant. Instead, Six recognized in it's eyes a glint that indicated curiosity. She knew because she had seen it a few times before in Fol's eyes.

The Zealot turned to Kal. "Ooskoo sent me to pick you all up and get you to the Council Chambers. A transport is waiting a few Catwalks away to take you to Kortan-Sho."

Kal nodded. "Thank you, T'kan. I have a request, however."

The Zealot briefly glanced at Six. "Does it have to do with this new Spartan Fol has brought back?"

Kronos nodded. "Yes. You are just as aware as I am that she arrived too late to attend the meeting. It's disrespectful to leave an honored guest unattended, however. We'd like you to escort her through the city, as you are both highly skilled-"

The Zealot huffed. "I did not come here to do a Minor's work." it said in annoyance. "Besides, if she truly comes here in peace, what damage would she do? She's just one Spartan."

Kal looked at the Zealot. "Be that as it may, it is unwise to just ignore her, and leave her in ignorance as we just discuss important events. Besides, would you rather go and train Cadets?"

The Zealot just grumbled. "Fine. But let it be known, that my talent is being wasted here."

"Noted." Kal said. "But why do you object? You managed to befriend that Spartan back... there. What was his name? Randy?"

"That was on the battlefield, where we had a common distaste for Rahgath's rule over that place. Over time, that grew into mutual respect and friendship. Here, in my own home, we haven't got a lot in common. She's just a mere Spartan, sent by ONI to convince us to go down with them into the grave."

"I see." Kal said. "And what Ooskoo and I taught you about equality hasn't stuck with you, then? That on Sang'Katarn, everyone, no matter their species, is equal?"

"That Lesson has stuck with me. Still, that does not mean I should instantly like her. Does it?" the zealot retorted angrily.

"Enough." Six said. "Just let them go. The sooner Fol's back, the sooner you're rid of me."

The Zealot nodded. "Indeed. Just go, Battlemaster. I'll keep the Spartan... entertained."

Kal nodded, and he, Fol and Kronos walked away, headed to the transport the Zealot spoke off. The Zealot turned to her. "So, Demon. What do you wish to see first?" it asked with disinterest.

Six looked around briefly. "An empty room, with enough space to maneuver."

The Zealot looked at her. She could tell, despite it's initial hostility, that it was interested in her. "And why do you want to see that?"

Six looked at it. "So I can see what you're made of."

The Zealot nodded in understanding. "This way, then. There's a small training room near here, an equivalent to your 'gym'. It has a sparring square."

Six followed the Elite, who walked, despite his many wounds she could see, with strength and health. Clearly, the wounds were old ones.

She wondered how it would be to duel this Zealot, for while it held a lower rank than Fol, something told her this one was a highly skilled veteran of Sang'Katarn. Maybe it was in how Kal and the others talked about him, or how he spoke, but Six somehow knew fighting him would be a challenge she hadn't seen since Halo.


High Council Chamber, Capital of Kortan-Sho, Sang'Katarn.

Fol, as soon as he entered, made his way down to the Speaker's stage, the pit in this room modeled after an arena.

He noted that, aside from the Kaidon, Kal and Ghanak, only the Councilors were present: very few visitors, like Ooskoo Rotam and Kronos, no usual honor guards for the Kaidon. Nothing. He also noted the chair for the Commander of the Fleet was still empty.

Then the door behind him opened, and a single Sangheili walked in. She moved with grace, and had the air of command around her, which was enhanced with the Cloak of Command she wore, signaling her status as Commander of the Fleet. It was who she was, however, that had Fol shocked.

It was his sister, Nera Katarn. Merely a shipmaster when Fol had last seen her three years ago. Due to his reputation, the Covenant wanted him on the front lines, securing as many victories for them as he could. While he could have refused, he, along with Nera and the other Katarns, agreed that it was best to play along, and hope to secure some information for themselves. Indeed, when Fol had raided Visegrad Station on Reach, he had turned it over to Sang'Katarn command instead of Thel Vadam, who was the ranking officer in the invasion of Sang'Katarn. There were many more examples where Fol being in the right place bought the Sang'Katarn warriors precious advantages for later.

But such tours meant he had little opportunity to visit his relatives, and Nera and the others rarely heard of him during the last tour. Clearly, a lot has changed since he was last here.

The Kaidon stood, and all bowed in homage to him. Reghok, however, held up his hand. "Please. I plan for this meeting to be more of a... informal nature. Feel free to interrupt or move seats as you please." Most of the councilors acknowledged, and shifted a bit so they sat more comfortably. Fol, however, stayed where he was. The Kaidon looked down on him.

"And so at last, the 'prodigal son' of Sang'Katarn has returned. Though I believe you aren't called that anymore."

Fol nodded. "I think you know what transpired in the Caves on Reach. Do I need to explain myself?"

"No." Reghok said immediately. "I have merely one question that will answer my suspicions."

"Then ask, father, instead of speaking like a ruler. You wanted this meeting to be more informal? Then be more so yourself."

Most of the councilors gasped, shocked by the way Fol said his words. Were it an actual meeting, Fol knew he would be removed from the chambers. At the very least. His father wasn't as tolerant of such insolence as his predecessors.

Now, however, the Kaidon merely sighed. "Very well. What was the name of the monitor you spoke to?"

Fol would have answered straight away, had he not been surprised by the nature of the question itself. How in the nine Ibie'shan Hells did Reghok know of that? Nevertheless, it was a question asked by the Kaidon, and Fol was obliged to answer.

"His name was 343 Guilty Spark, and he was the monitor of Installation 04." Fol said. "May I ask how you knew of this?"

"You may." the Kaidon said. He didn't answer further, however. Fol rolled his eyes. This was his father when he was younger: Making silly jokes in order to keep the young entertained. But when he was in battle in the past, one had better be hiding behind a barricade 3 kilometers thick, or one could find Reghok standing in front of you, a moment away from spearing you with a Katarn.

"How did you come by that information, father?" Fol asked exasperated.

"I didn't. It was a guess. Though a few need to fill you in on something before you will learn how I came to hazard such a guess."

Ooskoo and Kal stood up at this, and Reghok fell silent. Kal spoke first. "You are aware that I went with Rahgath Rotam six months ago, on a short journey." Fol nodded, and Kal continued. "What Rahgath had found after studying ancient signs on the Guardian underneath Sunaion, was Instalation 06."

Fol held his breath. Could it be...

"It was a Halo, a sacred ring, as the Covenant called it. He called for his brother, and he came, pursued by the modified Stealth Frigate UNSC Midsummernight. They drove it off, into the shadow of the Ring, and the brothers conversed over the com."

At this, Kal fell silent, and Ooskoo continued. "My brother and I congratulated each other, and caught up on events since our last meeting. Once the subject came to the ring, I questioned my brother about whether he would inform the Clan about his discovery. He informed me that he wanted to activate the ring himself. I openly disapproved, and it seemed to demoralize him." Ooskoo paused, his voice heavy with regret. "My vessel was damaged during the journey to Halo, by the human vessel, and I sent a ship to my brother's vessel to gather supplies for repairs." Once again Ooskoo paused. Fol was surprised. Ooskoo was, despite his odd philosophical questions, usually one that got straight to the point. From here, on the Speaker's stage, it seemed like he was reliving old memories.

Painful memories.

"As soon as the ship was on-board, My brother opened fire on me, destroying the Unheard Revelation, my SDV-class Corvette. A small minority of the crew, including myself, managed to survive by landing on Halo in whatever craft we could get our hands on: Banshees, Drop pods, Escape pods, Phantoms... the whole lot. The Humans, their vessel hunted by Rahgath's Faithful Conviction, deployed a few drop bases and dug in, hoping Rahgath's forces wouldn't attack them. Rahgath let them be, more interested in the Ring itself.

We traveled across Halo for Six months, destroying Rahgath's forces as we went without leaving a single survivor. Then, a miracle happened."

Kal took over again for this part. "A group of seven Spartans suddenly appeared. They weren't part of the Midsummernight's crew. We later learned they had used, and I quote, 'Experimental Teleportation Technology', in order to escape from the Planet Reach, as it burned. They rallied the human forces, made alliances with some of Rahgath's critics, and together we prevented the activation of the ring."

Fol started to understand the hesitation of the others to discuss it in the open. What had happened there would be outrageous, if it ever got back to High-Charity. And not everyone on Sang'Katarn was aligned with the planet's policies. And, if they went to a Halo, they likely encountered the monitor as well. And if the monitor told them the same thing as Spark told Fol, then it would explain the massive fleet in orbit. The Kaidon would want to hasten his schedule of splitting off from the Covenant, and have all loyal forces on the planet. That also explained the crowded Capital and increased security he saw everywhere else. But Kal was still talking, so Fol continued to listen.

"Along the way, we encountered the Ring's monitor, 16807 Contrite Vestige, and he allied with us. After defeating Rahgath and taking the Faithful Conviction, we managed to convince the monitor to secure some new technology, and, after securing everyone aboard, destroyed the ring."

That all allayed some of Fol's worries. If the Halo was destroyed, then it was one less installation that could be activated. And one less place the Flood could be released from. From the sound of their story, Rahgath had miraculously managed to stay away from the Flood containment facilities. But if the Covenant discovered the remains, they would exact revenge against those who had destroyed it.

"We dropped the humans, including the Spartans, off at the edge of their territory with ready means of communications. We immediately jumped to Sang'Katarn afterwards, and made our report to the council. And that brings us here, with someone who openly rejects the Covenant bringing one of the best Spartans the humans have here to negotiate peace between us." Kal finished.

Fol nodded, as he looked at Ooskoo and Kal. With him, and Six especially, the Council would be worried, for the Covenant were on a holy crusade to exterminate humanity, and there was no way they would be able to hide this alliance. And if they allied and humanity fell, so would Sang'Katarn. But they would also be interested. Thanks to Fol and the three San'Shyuum on the council, the reputation of humanity on Sang'Katarn was positive, rather than negative. They were respected for their courage and tenacity, rather than hated for the supposed destruction of Forerunner artifacts on Harvest and the 'killing' of the initial Covenant envoys. But in fact, the Covenant had attacked first, and a war of extermination had been declared by Truth when after humanity had retreated from the planet.

"Yes. That explains a lot. And this monitor, Contrite, did he also tell you the truth about Humanity and the purpose of Halo?" Fol finally asked after a moment of silence.

"Yes." the Kaidon said. "And he repeated it in front of the council."

Fol nodded. "Then what I have to tell you won't come as a big surprise. But still, I'll tell what happened while I was away for over a month."

and Fol told them everything: The fall of Reach, the encounter at the Onager with Six, Halo's discovery, the Truth and Reconciliation, the Flood, The cooperation with Six, the Library, the revelation in the Control room, the Autumn, the take-over of the Ascendant Justice, the return to Reach, the escape, the decimated insurrectionist outpost, the Unyielding Hierophant, his stay at Earth. He even included the conversations that led to this diplomatic mission led by Six. At a few intervals, a Councilor would ask a question or clarification, but overall they let him speak. He noted Nera was silent for the entirety, though, like she was assessing something.

After he was done, the room was eerie silent. After a minute, the Kaidon finally spoke. "Alright, let's see if I examine this correctly: Two Halo Rings have been discovered, the monitor of one of which is missing, Humanity is supposed to possess the Mantle of Responsibility, before the Forerunners brought them down on a technological level. The war against humanity is proven to be on false grounds. You have openly given your support to Humanity, along with several others from Ooskoo's army. Rahgath and his followers are in prison awaiting proper sentencing. And Humanity seeks to rally us to their cause." he paused. "A rather unusual situation. One we haven't come across often."

Fol nodded. "Indeed. And what is your command, Father?"

"It's not merely his command." Nera spoke from her place on the Council, and everyone turned to her.

"It's the decision of the entire council. We can't merely leave the decision what our people will do to merely one Sangheili, no matter his power or prestige. It should be to the entire council."

She stood up. "We are all affected by what will happen. I have to send ships to their deaths in order to either defend merely my own people or humanity as well. The Battlemaster has to send armies to defend our own people. Or he has to work alongside humans, who will be suspicious of us. And Humanity has to either watch as billions of it's own soldiers are eradicated in their defense, before they die themselves, or accept that we will fight alongside them. And they won't do so lightly, as our species have been fighting, no, are fighting a war of extinction against them. " she pointed at the Kaidon. "No order that decides the fate of billions, trillions even, must be given by a single man. I suggest we ponder this. We discuss. And we reconvene within two weeks, and the entire council decides the fate, not one Kaidon."

most of the Council were clapping now, Fol included. His sister, previously lacking in self-confidence due to having little experience, had grown because of the new position she owns. And, with this speech, she showed she took her new position very seriously. He was proud of what she had become.

The Kaidon, however, didn't seem pleased. "We will discuss this. But it will be in a month, not two weeks. And be-"

But he was drowned out by the shouts of protest from many of the Councilors, most of whom wanted it in two weeks. Others rose to the Kaidon's defense, saying that it took at least four weeks to gather the remaining forces that hadn't arrived yet anyway.

But Fol silenced them all.

"SILENCE!" he yelled at the top of his lungs, and everyone immediately stopped arguing. Even the Kaidon looked at him in surprise.

After making sure he had everyone's attention, he finally spoke. "This is a very serious matter. I understand you concerns. If Humanity falls, we will be dragged down with it. It is a fact. But consider this: There is an entire Species out there, having soldiers that strike fear into the hearts of every Covenant soldier, and I dare say even my own. They have fleets of ships at their disposal. If we don't aid them, they will fall anyway, and we will stand alone. And, as is often uttered amongst our own men: Alone, we are strong. But together, we are unstoppable. I say that a compromise should be made: Three weeks away from today, we reconvene here, and let the Demon speak. After she has spoken, we decide as a council proper. We vote, and the decision of the majority vote decides our fate. Is that agreeable?"

everyone nodded, although Reghok did so reluctantly. He clearly didn't like it when he was disobeyed, especially from his most prestigious son. But he was outnumbered by over a hundred people, and he didn't want the council rebelling against him.

Fol nodded. "You agree, Kaidon?" Fol took care to call his father by his proper title instead of his parental role, like the rest of the meeting. It was a statement that he disagreed with him, one that Reghok wouldn't miss.

Judging from his reaction, he didn't. "I agree, Field-Marshal. Three weeks from now, we reconvene and let the Spartan speak. Then, we decide what course our people will sail."

everyone nodded, and the Councilors dispersed, as nothing more needed to be said. Fol left as well, before anyone could catch up with him and hold him up.

He failed, however, as Ooskoo caught up with him. "You wish to send our people to Humanity's aid. Don't you?"

"Yes." Fol said. "You said it yourself: Humanity is willing to fight alongside us. Their 'demons' are merely soldiers. Excellent soldiers, true, but soldiers none the less. They aren't immortal. If we don't come to their aid, no one will. And they will fall."

Ooskoo nodded. "'United we stand, divided we fall.' We should ally with Humanity, even if Humanity or the Kaidon are hesitant to realize it. But all soldiers realize this. T'kan Ghan, Kalos Ossal'ee, Thel Sel'Gath... do I need to name more examples of who support you?"

"No." Fol immediately said. "I know we have support among the civilian people and the soldiers. But what if Re- the Kaidon doesn't agree, and he pulls his Veto? What then?"

Ooskoo shook his head. "There is the challenge-"

"No. I won't kill my father, and no one else is willing to step into that ring in fear of my father's skill. It isn't an option."

Ooskoo looked at him. "And what if the Spartan you brought takes up the challenge?"

Fol considered it. The Challenge was a simple concept: if someone doubted the Kaidon's decision, or his ability to lead, they got to challenge the right to duel the Kaidon. It would go on until either combatant was dead. If Six took up the challenge, and she succeeded, she would be able to lead them against the Covenant along humanity. But a human would lead them, and no one knew what reaction that would spur.

But if she failed, it would only make the Kaidon's rule more secure, and it would be years before anyone would even dare think about challenging him again. And Fol, despite his hesitance to admit her status as one, would lose a friend. She would become a Shiralei.

"I'm not sure we should be risking the life of a guest so casually. Reghok's strong, quick, skilled and dangerous. Even if Six is one of the best Spartans, I wouldn't risk her life on a hunch she'll succeed."

Ooskoo nodded. "I wouldn't want to do so either. But if she was told, what do you think she would do?"

Fol briefly thought of what she would do. She was quick, strong, and dedicated to her cause. She also cared a lot for her fellow teammates. If she could do anything to help her fellow Spartans, which is why he guessed she had agreed in the first place, she would do it.

"She would agree to it. Like all Spartans, she is loyal. She would do it if she thought it would aid humanity."

Ooskoo was silent, and Fol looked at him. Ooskoo had a glazed look in his eyes, like he was reliving a memory. Fol suddenly remembered something: Ooskoo had to fight his own brother on Halo. It must have hurt to fight him. Fol knew he would be if he had to oppose Kal in such a way.

But then Ooskoo looked up, and he seemed to have forgotten he had lapsed into memory. "Then tell her about it, and let her decide herself. It is unfair to make her decide when she doesn't know all her options."

"Agreed." Fol said. "Now, if you'd excuse me, I have a Spartan to get off of T'kan's hands."

Ooskoo nodded. "I have something to discuss with him. Could you send him to my quarters?"

"Sure." Fol said. "Good day, Ooskoo Rotam."

"Good day, Fol Katarn."

Fol held his fist up in salute, and Ooskoo did likewise. They then each went their own way. Fol sought out the Public Transportation system, and made his way to the train to Isicus. He wondered what Six was doing.


Sparring Square, training Room, Isicus, Sang'Katarn

Six briefly looked over the room as she entered the room. Indeed, it was similar to a gym, with a lot of exercise equipment set near the walls. Six noted a rack from which Energy Sword hilts hung.

Dominating the room, however, was something Six had seen before a few times, on the Gettysburg. It was ten by ten meters, had four lines on the ground, and had a single gap in one corner through which people could exit: a Sparring Square. Just as utilitarian and spartan as the one Fol had made on the Gettysburg.

Six looked again at the Zealot. He hadn't spoken since Six had asked for the room, though she had to admit she hadn't started the conversation either. She had instead looked up all data Void had on a Sangheili individual named Raptor. And, as Six suspected, he had come up empty. She had subsequently ordered him to stay silent, and not aid her by augmenting her speed and reflexes. He had complied, of course.

She had no idea why the AI was here. He hadn't added anything to it, as she understood Sangheili, or Sangheilian, or whatever they named the language. He had a large repository of information, true, but it was nothing that couldn't wait until she could get back to the Hidden Veil. She briefly wondered if the AI was starting to reactivate his personality or emotional systems, and if the request for coming along had been a result of him being interested in learning about the culture.

But no. He was an AI, and his processors didn't just reactivate. No without direct orders to do so. Besides, he was a Smart AI, despite his nature to be emotionless. And Smart AI needed new information like humans needed oxygen. It was merely a request to sustain himself, nothing more. She dismissed the possibility, and turned to the Zealot. "So. When do you want to start?"

The Zealot stepped into the ring. "Right now." he activated his Energy Sword. To Six' surprise, its blade was Orange in color, rather than blue-white.

Six activated one of her own blades, and stepped into the ring. Six immediately started the offensive. She made a strike at his head, in an attempt to strike him there. The Zealot blocked, but made no further move to continue into an offensive. Six made another attempt to strike at him, this time aiming for his left arm. As last time, the Zealot merely blocked, nothing more.

It went on like that for a bit, with Six making multiple attacks, and the Zealot merely blocking. But Six couldn't get through his defenses. She was getting frustrated with her lack of progress. She made a thrust towards his chest, and he swapped it aside. Six made another strike at his legs, but instead of pulling away after the block, she kept pushing. The Zealot gave pressure back. They each kept pushing, trying to out-force the other. Six had to admit she was at a disadvantage, for she was smaller, lighter and slightly weaker than the Zealot, the last of which she knew because of the force with which he blocked her strikes. She had to change tactics soon, or he'd easily beat her.

She fell onto her back, and the Elite fell forwards in surprise, not expecting her to give way as fast. She pulled her legs up and made him fall over them. He fell over her, and landed on his back. Six jumped up and landed on her feet. She turned to him.

The Zealot was already in a crouch, and got up as he did so. Six saw him smile. "Impressive." he said. "You were taught well. But you miss something."

Six nodded. "Yeah, yeah. Let the enemy make the first move and all that stuff. I know it."

The Zealot nodded. "I can see that. But I was referring to something else."

"Oh?" Six was getting interested now.

"You wield the readiness needed for this kind of fight. But you lack the patience. You were getting frustrated by having no progress in beating my defense. So you resorted to temporarily being at a disadvantage in order to beat me quickly."

Six nodded. "Yes. I never had the luxury of time on my side. So I taught myself how to defeat people quickly. And that sometimes succeeds by being at a momentary disadvantage."

"You now have about a month to fight. Clearly enough to take your time." the Zealot said. "Take your time."

"I make my own choices." Six said. Nevertheless, she resolved to try taking her time in the next fight.

The Zealot nodded. "And the choices we make ensure our immortality."

Six looked confused at the Elite, even though she kept her sword up and ready. "Immortality."

the Zealot took on a new look, one of renewed interest. "You've wondered this prospect before." it wasn't a question. But Six answered anyway. "Yes. Though more in the area of 'will my actions be remembered by others, or will ONI classify everything that involves me?'"

"Your team mates will remember you."

"There's no guarantee they will survive this war." Six retorted. "They are at earth, where they will die when the Covenant invades the planet. And who will be left then? Who?"

The Zealot was silent after that. They dueled, and Six noted that she got a bit better with each piece of advice the Zealot gave. After both took a momentary break, Six decided to start the conversation up again. "So what's your name, anyway?"

"T'kan." he said. "T'kan Ghan. Zealot of the Sang'Katarn army."

Six nodded, and held out her hand for shaking. "Pleasure to meet you, T'kan."

T'kan, to her surprise, shook it immediately. "The pleasure is mine. And what is your name?"

"Six"

T'kan did a Sangheili equivalent of raising his eyebrows. "I thought Six was a number, not a name."

"It is, but it was my callsign on my previous team. Since I have orders from ONI to keep my real name hidden, I haven't told anyone my real name."

T'kan nodded. "Not even your real team mates?"

"No. Even the AI in my head doesn't know."

"And you are surprised no one remembers you." he said. "When no one even knows your real name."

Six wanted to retort to the Elite. But deep down she knew he was right. She was very secretive about her identity, even for a Spartan. Only three people had seen her face and were alive to this day. One of them was a Spartan currently on Earth, who was likely preparing to blow things up. Another was the Commander in Chief of the Office of Naval Intelligence. And the last one was a twenty year old girl who had been evacuated from the planet after her father had been killed at Visegrad relay. Six knew she was hiding it for some internal reason instead of merely following orders. Shame for her crimes against insurrectionists, including killing a child. Self-loathing, for the fact she would likely never truly be punished for her crimes against humans. Hatred, for the fact she could never have the life she wanted, and thus, she never showed it.

It likely wouldn't make sense to others if she explained it, so she never mentioned it. But she knew that if she was offered the chance to restart her life and have the life she wanted, along with a few friends, she would have taken it.

Then again, without her, Humanity wouldn't have had a Hyper-lethal Spartan to defend them on Reach. To aid John and Blue Team on Halo. To recover Linda and Jun on the Unyielding Hierophant. No, this is where she needed to be, even if she wanted something else. No, she wouldn't do it.

"Tell me something. What would you want to be if you couldn't be a Spartan?" T'kan asked, as if reading her thoughts. "None of the Spartans I've met so far have answered that question."

Six briefly thought it over. "I would be a fighter. I would defend those I cared for."

"Not so different than what you do right now." T'kan noted. "And yet you seem displeased with it."

"That's because I have no choice." Six said. "No choice which fights I fight. Alongside who I fight. Against who I fight." she paused. "For who I fight."

"You want a life beside being a soldier." T'kan said, realizing what she was going for.

"I want a legacy. Someone who will remember me as a good person instead of merely a soldier or an assassin. Not a butcher or cold-blooded killer." she knew that if she continued, she would start to cry. This was a very sensitive subject for her. She had had pain about that fact for a long time. But she continued on.

"I hope every day that either the war will end, and ONI will discharge me, or that I'm killed, and I don't have to put up with the misery any longer. You think I enjoy being a soldier with no life outside the military? I can't fit in now, even if I wanted to."

"And yet you are social enough to tell me about it." T'kan said. "That's something not every Spartan can accomplish." he crouched down, and grabbed a chair to sit on. He also grabbed a crate she could sit on. "I was deployed on a ship, the Unheard Revelation. I served under a wise Shipmaster, Ooskoo Rotam. I was, after a costly engagement with a human vessel, sent with two others to get repairs. But the Unheard Revelation was deployed because the shipmaster of the ship I went to disagreed with Ooskoo about a minor matter. I wanted to strike down the Shipmaster. But I was surrounded and outnumbered. I had no choice but to temporarily submit myself to the shipmaster's rule. For six months I was sent from one place to another, forced to do his bidding. But one of you, a Spartan, showed me that I could regain my honor, and I did. With his aid."

he looked her in the eye. "I know what it's like to have no choice. But you shouldn't let that stop you. Bide your time, and once the war is over, leave."

Six looked at him in surprise. Was the Elite really asking her to defect? But he continued on. "You have no reason to stick around: You value other things than what the UNSC wants you to, they owe you a life, and you have no reason to stay there in the worst case scenario."

"That's cruel." Six said, only half meaning it. That was a low blow, saying that she would have no reason to stay. But he was right. If worse came to worst, she would indeed be alone after the war was over.

She turned to him. "And what if someone lives, and they want to stay with the UNSC? What then?"

T'kan shrugged. "Then give them the opportunity to join you. If they refuse, you decide for yourself what you'll do. Leave or stay. Either way, the choice is your own."

Six nodded, even if she didn't dare think about it. It was treason. She would be hunted by ONI until they recaptured her or killed her. And yet, the thought of freedom...

But no. She had a mission. She had a purpose, at least for now. If she deserted, she would have no clue what she would do: She disliked pirates, being a mercenary didn't pay enough these days to sustain her financially, and joining the insurrection wasn't an option. One day a Spartan could be sent against her if she did join. And she knew she didn't have what it took to put them down. Not one of her own. No, she would stay. Better to be at the wrong place at the moment than having no place at all.

They continued sitting in silence for a moment. Six turned to him. T'kan was just sitting there, looking up at the roof in boredom. Then she remembered something, and she laughed. T'kan looked at her in surprise.

"So it isn't just Fol, then."

"What isn't?" T'kan asked, confused.

"Your fighting style." Six elaborated. "You are very skilled. But way too formal. No use of something other than just your sword. No kicks, no strikes with your other hand, no use of other objects. Nothing."

T'kan got up, interested now. Six walked back into the ring, explaining as she went. "Fighting with just your sword is honorable, I'll admit. But it makes you hold back. You don't exploit your full potential." she stretched out her hand. T'kan took it...

and Six pulled him into the ring, and threw him over her, onto the ground. T'kan grunted as he fell into the square. Six stood over him, activating her sword so the blade was merely an inch from his throat. "And those tips are useless if you don't keep your guard up."

T'kan nodded, and he got up. Indeed, as Six attacked, she noticed T'kan was starting to use his other limbs more as well. After a moment, Six broke it off. "Good. You're learning."

T'kan nodded. "Indeed. Mind if I ask you something?"

"Sure." Six said, as she blocked another strike from T'kan, which he followed up with a roundhouse kick aimed at her head, which she ducked.

"At the Council meeting you'll attend, will you issue the Challenge?"

Six stepped away, and deactivated her energy sword. After seeing Six' confusion, T'kan did likewise. "What Challenge?" Six asked.

"Ah, Fol hasn't told you yet?" T'kan asked with realization. "There is an ancient law pertaining to the meeting: if someone disagrees with the Kaidon's decision, they have the right to challenge him to a duel to the death. The victor becomes the leader of Sang'Katarn, the new Kaidon. The people would follow him, or her, anywhere. Even death. The loser dies."

Six pondered that. If she did challenge the Kaidon, she would have to fight him to the death. If she lost, she would be killed. So this would likely be the fight of her life, as the Kaidon has managed to hold on to his position so far, and wasn't to be taken lightly. But if she won, she would be the leader of these people. She would have armies and fleets behind her, to rally to Earth's defense. Hundreds of ships could be rallied to the right fight. While it may not secure the victory automatically, it would surely even up the odds in Humanity's favor.

But why hadn't Fol told her about this? He knew what it could mean. Humanity would have an armada at their backs. She thought he would trust her by now with this information. Especially after the events concerning Halo, even if she wanted to kill him. Why would he hide somethi-

Then it hit her. The Kaidon was his father. If Six were to challenge the Kaidon, Fol would be forced to choose between his Father and a Spartan who has tried multiple times to kill him. No wonder he hid this kind of thing from her.

No matter. Six was aware now, and if the Kaidon proved too difficult, she would issue that challenge. Even if it could be her death.


New Mombasa, Kenya, East-Africa, Earth.

John crouched down, as he took cover from fire of the Covenant assault party that has been tracking them for hours.

As instructed, he had regrouped with the second squad, at their crashed pelican. John had subsequently led a charge against the Covenant forces occupying the beach, as they were harassing a large force of marines, and the force was between him and the bridge to New Mombasa anyway. The force, however, had called for reinforcements, including Brutes. They had pursued them even after John and the Marines had crossed the Bridge, and were harassing them even now, as John was leading the marines to a Forward Operating Base, led by a Lieutenant Mattock. John's plan was to lead the marines still alive, including Stacker and Dubbo, to this F.O.B, get some ammunition, and hijack the Scarab.

But they weren't going to get there within the year if this fire kept up, as he couldn't move without being cut down. The Brute assault party was located on the other side of the street, and was entrenched deeply inside the warehouse on the other side. A Marine walked over to him, under the cover of various wrecked cars and debris. "Sir, what's our plan?" he asked.

John briefly assessed the situation. They, twelve marines and one Spartan, were pinned down by over twenty Brutes. That was how many John managed to count, at least, before he was forced to take cover due to the increasing amount of fire. The F.O.B was just down the street, just three blocks away. They were running a little low on ammo, and they were running out of time, as the longer they sat there, the more time the Brutes had to surround them. An impossible situation for marines.

Just a walk in the park for a Spartan. He hit the Com. "Johnson, can you make an Artillery strike at the Coordinates I'm sending you? We're pinned down."

"Negative, Chief." came the instant reply. "Our Artillery is currently busy trying to beat the Covenant's fortifications at the Uplift Nature reserve. The Carrier is sitting there right over it. As soon as we have that Scarab, though, beating their fortifications is a piece of cake."

"Doesn't exactly help our current predicament, Sergeant." Cortana noted.

"I know. I can do something else, though. Can you hold out for a minute or two? I will send you a gift."

John briefly glanced over his cover. It looked like the Brutes were waiting them out, instead of immediately flanking the vulnerable marines. "Shouldn't be a problem." John answered.

"If it is, he won't hear the end of it from me." Wilson called over the com.

Johnson laughed. "Well, good luck. And keep your diapers clean." a click sounded, indicating John wasn't listening any longer. Wilson grabbed his Sniper rifle, and took aim at the building the Brutes occupied. He fired three times, and John was satisfied to see that three Brutes fell down, with one even falling from the window. John briefly looked up at the top of the building, and saw that a pair of Jackals were taking Sniper positions on the roof. John fired on them with his recovered Carbine, aiming for their heads. He managed to hit one, but the other got into cover before John could hit him. Fire from Brute Spikers and Brute Shots forced John back into cover.

His cover, however, was being chipped away, the Brute shots obliterating the truck he was hiding behind. The shocks from the impacts of the grenades was even starting to drain John's shields, and although they were holding, he knew he was dead if he stayed here.

He tried glancing over the edge of his cover, the truck now destroyed enough for him to do so without standing on the small crate next to John. It didn't look good. The Marines, most of which were low on ammo, were pinned down behind cars that were shaking from the impacts of many Brute shots. And John was pinned as well, taking shots from over ten Brutes. He knew at that exact moment, there wasn't gonna be a miracle to save him now. Not even Johnson's 'gift'.

Then, thirty seconds after Johnson's transmission, a volley of Rockets hit the warehouse. The fire pinning John down immediately ceased, as did the fire on the marines. And the Jackal on the roof flew off, a rocket hitting the roof behind him. And still the volley went on. After a moment, John saw one corner of the roof starting to sag, the supports weakened from the many hits. John turned to the Marines and Wilson, the only ODST present. "Now! Throw Grenades!"

the marines, getting the picture, all primed their grenades, and John held up his empty hand, his other clutching all of his grenades. As he lowered his empty hand, he threw all of his grenades with the other. If the support failed from the blasts they received, the building would collapse on top of all of those Brutes, burying them alive.

The other marines, getting the picture, all threw their grenades on John's count. The grenades all landed on the bottom floor, near one corner of the building. As if in response, three more rockets hit the exact same spot. The force of the subsequent explosions shattered the that corner. The entire warehouse, now missing a load-bearing corner of its structure, started to sag and collapse. Debris started to fly around, and Brutes even started to jump out of the front of the building in desperation. Wilson shot them all as they landed, and John hit a few as well.

Then the building came down in a violent crash, and a large cloud of dust came up, preventing John from seeing what was happening. When it all settled down, the building was only a pile of rubble, with here and there a leg or paw of a Brute sticking out. The Marines started to cheer. Wilson walked over to the pile, and stood over it triumphantly. A few of the marines started to laugh.

"You know, if you walked over and joined him in his posing, it would make a brilliant propaganda picture." Cortana said in John's ear. From her tone, John could tell that although the comment was made as a joke, she was seriously enjoying the thought of him actually doing so.

"Maybe." John said. "But then I have Six nagging me as well. You know how she reacted when Sam pulled that stunt."

"Don't tell me you're afraid of that woman." Cortana said, mockingly shocked. "She's thirteen centimeters shorter than you."

"Yes, and a fight between us would end in a draw. And I don't like draws." John said. Nevertheless, he moved to join Wilson on the pile. Wilson, spotting John, depolarized his visor, and smiled. As John arrived at the pile, Wilson threw his arm around the Spartan in a comradely way.

Most of the marines looked at in surprise. ODST's and Spartans weren't known to get along well, as the ODST's considered the Spartans usurpers to their previously held title of humanity's best. Wilson, however, never showed any of that rivalry, and even got along with them well. As a result, Wilson only could smile as some of the marines took a step back in shock. Dubbo, however, was smart enough to make his mission recorder focus on Wilson and John for a few seconds, before he turned away. John and Wilson walked off of the pile.

Then a group of marines approached them, coming from the direction of the F.O.B. Judging from the fact that all of them carried smoking Rocket Launchers on their backs, John guessed they were his rescuers. Two marines stood out from the bunch, and they walked over to the Chief. One was a caucasian woman, with shoulder-length black hair with blue streaks and blue eyes. She seemed to be in her forties, and he thought he recognized her from somewhere. The other, a dark-skinned man in about his thirties with short-cropped black hair and brown eyes. Both saluted to the Chief, despite the fact John could see the rank bars of a Lieutenant on the woman's shoulders. John returned the salute.

"Thanks for the help, Ma'am. Your group saved us from that assault group."

"Happy to oblige." the Lieutenant said. She then turned to all the marines, the new arrivals helping out the survivors of John's group. "Get a move on!" she called. "We have coffee and cookies at the F.O.B, and I don't want Nicholas here to eat them all!"

most of the marines laughed, and they all headed towards the F.O.B. John fell into line. With the lieutenant. "How many soldiers are at the F.O.B?" John asked.

"About thirty, give or take. People have been coming and going since the morning, and I lost the exact track. It's over forty, if you and the marines stay."

John nodded. "The marines will be staying here with you. But I won't. I need to get to that Carrier over the reserve, and for that, I need that Scarab that's been giving us trouble here."

The Lieutenant nodded. "We've got a plan to take it down. I'll elaborate once we get to the roof. Ah, here we are."

They arrived at the F.O.B, which used to be a bank before the Covenant attacked the city. They entered, and the Lieutenant gestured down the hallway. "We've stored our ammo and surplus weapons in the Vault. Take what you need, then meet me on the roof. I've got the details of the plan up there." she turned to the Sergeant that had accompanied her, who was talking with another marine. "Banks, escort the Chief to the Armory, and prepare a group of volunteers, eight max. Perez, make sure the Marines that accompanied the Chief are fed and rested."

Both men nodded, and got to their tasks. The Lieutenant went to the stairs, and got out of John's eyesight. Banks led him to the vaults.

Sam would have been pleased. The armory was filled up with weapons: Rocket Launchers, grenades, Rifles, Pistols, you name it. All with plenty of the appropriate ammunition. John put his Carbine and the stolen rounds for it down in a corner, and grabbed a Shotgun, a Battle Rifle and a Rocket Launcher. Banks geared up as well, taking an Assault Rifle and a M6C Pistol, and added all the clips to his belt that he could carry. Banks then led him up the stairs, and stopped just at the end of the stairs. "El-Tee is just outside, Sir."

John nodded in thanks, and opened the door. The Lieutenant stood outside, standing near a table set at the roof's edge. She had a few papers laying atop it, an old map of New Mombasa the most prominent and largest among them. A coffee-cup and a DMR along with it's ammo clips were being used as paperweights, as it was very windy. She was looking at a photo she had on her personal datapad.

John walked over, and glanced at the datapad. It was a family picture of her, along with what seemed to be her family. She stood alongside a man bearing some resemblance to her, and her parents in the background. They were on a beach, as a palm tree could be seen in the background, along with an ocean.

It was unprofessional to take photos like that with you, and a violation of military protocol. John was about to criticize her for bringing such personal objects to a combat zone, he recognized something. He didn't know what ultimately gave it away, but he suddenly recognized the man standing next to her.

It was him.

This was a childhood photo of him. And his parents. And his twin sister.

He suddenly remembered: It was a day he and his parents had been on a short holiday to Earth, and his twin sister had walked out into the ocean too far, and with her not being very good at swimming yet, he had swum into the water too get her back. His Parents had been worried, but in the end, the day was uneventful. At the end of their day at the beach, a stranger had offered to take a photo of them, and had subsequently given it to them. This was that picture.

John looked at her. Yes, she just looked like her. He briefly considered telling her the truth: that her older twin-brother was alive, and that he was here right now. She would be happy, right?

No, he realized. She likely had put that part behind her, and it would just be painful for her if that old wound would be opened up. If she knew that Humanity was using child soldiers to win it's fights, she would also be demoralized, along with the troops. Besides, it was also a major breach of ONI protocol, and word of it would spread.

No. as much as he wanted to tell her, he would remain silent for now.

But the Lieutenant seemed lost in her thoughts, as she still hadn't noticed John. She might have moved beyond the pain of her brother's death, she still seemed to remember him.

After a moment, he decided to break her glance down memory lane, and he saluted. "Ma'am. Spartan 117, reporting."

she looked up from her datapad, and returned his salute. She then motioned him over. "Over here. I've managed to put a plan together along with Banks and a few others."

she pointed at the map, with a line going across it, with the word 'Scarab' scribbled next to it. John noted that it went in 2 circles, one in Old Mombasa, one in New Mombasa, and that the two circles were connected by a single line: over the Bridge John had crossed barely half an hour earlier. The one that connected the old city to the new center.

"You've figured out the Scarab's patrol route." Cortana said in amazement.

"Yes." the Lieutenant said. "Banks noticed it went through the same street multiple times, and we drew up it's patrol route. It helped the AI of the UNSC Say My Name offered us footage of how the Scarab walked across the city since landfall. But we noticed something." she pointed at a particular spot in New Mombasa.

"There's a small canal here that leads into a drop of 150 meters. One the Scarab can't survive. If we can manage to lure it into the canal, we can trap it, kill the crew, and take over."

John nodded. "I'll need a Squad of marines, for fire support."

the Lieutenant nodded. "That's what Banks is doing right now. I've contacted Johnson by the way. His gift will be deployed near the entrance to that Canal, and draw the Scarab's attention. We will lead it onwards, while you lead your team onto the Scarab, and take control from the inside."

John nodded. "Let's go then." he said. "Cortana, once we're inside, can you gain control of it?"

"A Protos?" Cortana asked. "Maybe. It's controlled by Elites instead of Hunter-worms, but that doesn't guarantee I can hack its systems. Manual control by you, however, is easier to achieve. And success is guaranteed."

John nodded. "Then I'll drive it myself. If Fred and Kelly can do it, then so can I."

"Unless you have anything to add," the Lieutenant said "I'll make sure the volunteers are equipped for the job."

John nodded, and followed her downstairs. They entered the main hall of the bank, and Banks was talking with a small group of Marines, briefing them on the plan. The group turned as one as the Lieutenant approached. John saw, to his slight surprise, that Stacker, Wilson and Dubbo were among the group, as well as the one the Lieutenant had called Perez. Banks stepped forward. "Ma'am, Sir. These are the volunteers. We all are Combat ready, everyone has been briefed and accepted the odds."

"Good work, Nicholas." the Lieutenant said. She pointed at three of them. "You three, you're with me. We will play bait. Everyone else, you're with the Chief. You will aid him in hijacking it, and will accompany him until he no longer has use of the Scarab." she turned to one of the marines. "Michelson, you are in charge until I return or someone of higher rank comes along."

the man in question nodded. "Don't worry, Ma'am. I'll keep the bank safe from robbers."

the Lieutenant laughed. "Glad to hear it. Just keep some cookies for Nicholas, or he'll complain about it until hell freezes over."

most of the marines present laughed, including Nicholas Banks. They fell silent soon after. "Everyone ready?" she asked.

"Ready." everyone said. John nodded.

"Good." the lieutenant said, raising her DMR. "Then let's go kick some ass."


canal, New Mombasa, Kenya, East-Africa, Earth.

Wilson stood alongside Dubbo as they waited for Johnson's gift. He had no idea what Johnson's gift would be, but it had to arrive soon. The Scarab was only fifteen minutes out, and while Lieutenant Mattock and her people were in position, the plan would fail if there was nothing to draw it's attention.

He then heard a lot of steps, like someone running towards them. He and Dubbo raised their rifles, and the others soon did likewise. He stepped to the corner from which it was coming from. When he glanced around then corner, he was shocked. And ecstatic.

Lena was running across the street, wearing a bandolier of grenades across her shoulder. On the bandolier were a lot of ammo clips strapped. She still wore her knuckle dusters and chains, like her adoptive father did. And in her hands was a Silenced SMG. Where in hell she had found one he didn't know. But at that moment, he didn't care. He whistled sharply, and she immediately turned to him. After a moment of surprise, she immediately ran for him, stopping only a few moments to make sure the area behind her was secure. While she still forgot a few times to check for snipers on rooftops, he saw she was definitely learning from her Father.

She ran around the corner, and made her way to Dubbo and the others. Wilson made sure the area was still secure, then made his own way to the group. Dubbo, Stacker and the Master Chief looked in surprise as Lena approached.

"Where in Hell did you come from?" Stacker asked. "And where did you find a Silenced SMG?"

"North side of New Mombasa." she answered curtly. "Our block was attacked, and Michelle was killed as I escaped. She bought me time to get out of that area, as the Covenant invaded that area. I managed to make my way to the NMPD Precinct, and saw it had been abandoned. I found an armory filled with weapons, and scavenged a bit. I've been wandering around ever since, trying to find a means of transportation that doesn't involve being close to ugly aliens."

Dubbo whistled. "North was invaded six hours ago. And you managed to survive this long?"

"I'm Wilson's daughter, ain't I?" Lena asked, amused.

The Chief nodded. "Johnson is on his way with a pelican to deliver a 'gift'. As soon as he arrives, you get aboard, and out of this city?" Lena nodded.

Wilson looked up, as he heard the Pelican approaching. "Speak of the devil..."

"...and he shall appear." Johnson finished over his com. "I've had to pull quite a few strings to get this here, Chief. Can you please pay cash?"

"No." Stacker called. "But we found a child. Goes by the name Lena Wilson. Can you accept that?"

Johnson was silent for a moment. "You're kidding." he said "You've got to be."
Lena grabbed a stolen, modified headset from a pocket in her jacket, and put it around her head. "No, I'm not. Can you ferry me to the central evac point for civilians? I can make my own way out from there."

"Damn." Johnson said. "That's one hell of a coincidence."

the Pelican finally flew into view, and landed in front of them. And Wilson was glad Johnson dropped this present.

A Scorpion Tank.

"Thanks for the Tank, Johnson." Cortana said amused. "He never gets me anything."

The tank dropped to the ground, and the rear hatch opened. Johnson stood there, manning a machine gun turret. And he was smiling, a cigar in his mouth. "Oh, I know what the ladies like."

Lena ran to the Pelican, and glanced back only once. Then she stepped on board, and Johnson pointed her towards a seat. He then turned to Wilson. "There's a security checkpoint south of Old Mombasa. There's a transport waiting there that still takes civilians out of the area. I'll drop her off there. After she gives me the SMG."

"Let her keep it." Richard said. "It gives her an edge, and who doesn't ignore a girl holding an SMG?"

Johnson huffed. "Fine. But if ONI comes knocking about people underage having guns, I'm pointing the finger at you."

Wilson laughed. "Let them come. I have the Chief as ally."

"And they'll have to go through me as well." Dubbo said, and Wilson turned to him in surprise.

"I'm the only one that gets to beat you up." Wilson said. "And Lena of course."

"Thanks, Chips." Lena said over the com, evidently through her stolen headset.

Then the Pelican took off, and Johnson and Lena moved out of range. Wilson sat down in peace, satisfied that his daughter would find her own way out of the area.

After twelve minutes, earlier than expected, the Scarab came around the corner of a skyscraper further down the street. The Chief, already in position inside the tank, fired a single shot at the Scarab before retreating into the area of the canal. The large Scarab tried to fire at him, but only managed to hit the side of an abandoned clothing store.

The Chief exited the Scorpion tank, and he, along with the others ran into cover of multiple supports. The tank was far enough inside the canal to force the Scarab to change course, so all that needed to happen was for Lieutenant mattock to draw it's fire once the Scarab was in the area.

Of course, that was risky, as the Scarab's main weapon could rip apart a truck with it's legs, and blast pelicans out of the sky with it's main weapon.

Sure enough, it came around the corner, and fired away at the Scorpion. It took only a small part of a second of fire from it's main gun to destroy it. As arranged, Mattock fired a volley of rockets at the Scarab. It turned to them, and fired at them as they went further down the canal. The Scarab, following them, went down into the canal. Wilson, on the side with the others, ran alongside it. After a moment, as predicted, the Scarab came to a dead end. Wilson took a small walk backwards, and then ran towards the Scarab, jumping over the edge. As expected, he managed to land on the Scarab, Dubbo right behind him. Banks landed right beside him. Stacker and the Chief had already landed.

The Chief immediately went down below deck, as the Covenant seemed to still be inside. Wilson followed right behind him as he went down the ramp.

And immediately took cover, as an Ultra, two majors and five minors fired at them. Wilson pulled out a grenade, but the Chief stopped him. "It might damage the controls. Just take care of them the old-fashioned way."

Wilson nodded, and put the grenades away. He then took aim with his Battle Rifle, pointing it at a Minor's head. After a total of five bursts, it went down, the rookie forgetting to take cover. He then aimed at the next minor in line...

and saw it fall down as a new group of sustained fire concentrated on it and the Ultra. Wilson turned around.

Lieutenant Mattock and her Marines were walking in, all concentrating their fire on the officers, as Mattock fired the shot that killed the Ultra. The Chief nodded in thanks, and they advanced to the next pillar. It was the last one before they were at the controls. Soon, the Covenant were down to two Minors. One, deciding all hope was lost, charged the Chief. Wilson, along with Lieutenant Mattock, downed it's shields before it could reach him, and the Chief fired a shotgun shot at the head, killing it.

The other minor, however, had other plans. It primed a plasma grenade, and threw it at the central pillar of the Scarab tank. Stacker and Banks took the Elite down.

The grenade, however, exploded, and Wilson immediately felt the Scarab starting to sway.

"Bad News!" Cortana called out in a slightly distressed tone. "The coordinating processors for the Scarab's front legs are disabled by the grenade! They are starting to give! Get out! Now!"

No one argued, and everyone made their way to the outside of the Scarab. Before they could jump off, the Scarab fell forwards, as it's head sparked with plasma. It came to a stop a mere meter before the drop, with one of its legs hanging over the edge. The majority of the weight, however, was still in the canal, and it didn't drop.

Wilson saw that a Pelican was approaching them, hovering about ten meters away from them. In the distance, Wilson saw the Carrier was starting to pull back, passing the orbital elevator.

"That's right, you mothers!" Johnson called after it. "Run!"

"Not if we can help it, Sergeant." Commander Keyes told him over the com. "Extract the Chief and his team, then head over to Spartan 034's position. Get them all back to In Amber Clad, ASAP."

"Roger that" Johnson said, and the pelican came closer to their position. Wilson made sure he was the last one aboard. As he boarded and the hatch closed, he caught the tail-end of a conversation between Keyes, one of her officers and Hood that Johnson was listening in on.

"-Rupture of the target's bow! It's going to Jump, inside the city!" the officer said.

"There's no time, Sir!" Keyes urged him.

After a slight hesitation, Hood decided to give in to the persistent Commander. "Green light. Green light to engage."

the Conversation then involved Johnson. "Sergeant, there's no time to pick up Sierra 034. Get back on board, now!"

"We're en-route, Commander!" Johnson responded. Wilson saw Johnson tap the pilot's shoulders. "Go, James. And don't spare the horses."

"Yes, Sir!" the pilot responded, and soon, he saw them enter In Amber Clad's hanger. Wilson got out, and made his way to the drop pods. As soon as they exited Slipspace, the Commander would likely deploy the ODST's for orbital drop. And he wasn't gonna miss that.

Lieutenant Mattock walked after him. "Corporal, a question."

Wilson turned, and stood at attention. "What is it, Lieutenant?"

"Can you give me a crash course about how the drop pods work? I haven't had to operate one before, but I plan to be there when the first group lands."

Wilson nodded. "Of course, Ma'am. Follow me."

the Lieutenant sighed in relief, and followed him.

This will be an interesting day. Wilson thought. Crap, with all that's been going on, it already is.


In Amber Clad sped towards the Carrier as it entered the wormhole of the Slipspace rupture. Just as the Carrier passed through, and the rupture closed, the Frigate passed through.

As the rupture closed, the shockwave from the closing wormhole engulfed the entirety of New Mombasa, and it swept vehicles away, and weakened the orbital elevator. An EMP followed it closely, and all electrical systems in the city shut down. A small crater from where the rupture took place now rested barely three kilometers from the elevator, devastating that area.

New Mombasa had been brought to ruin.


End so, New Mombasa is left without the Chief. but a Spartan still remains there, and in the next chapter, he will encounter a squad of replacements and odd balls.

(In case the line above doesn't give it away to the more... thick-skulled of you, I will deviate from the main story here, and go on to describe the story of everyone's favorite ODST squad: Alpha nine. I'm not sure yet how many chapters it's gonna take, so I recommend you read on, until I've updated the story enough for you tto guess or I update this chapter and post it here.

Good day. (I mean: I wish you a good day, It is a good day whether you want it to be or not, I feel good this day, and it's a day to be good on.)

Gharst Omenlumin