Chapter 2 – Delta

0700 hours, May 21, 2552 (Military Calendar) \

Delta Halo, unknown system

Sgt. Avery Johnson lit another cigar. He was back on the Scarab right outside of Delta Halo's activation center. His light, black skin gleamed in the rising sunlight and his various medals of honor sparkled. His face was covered in wrinkles and scars from battles past. His chin had started to become an unkempt mess as a rugged beard started to grow. He took a quick sigh, and then put the cigar between his lips.

Miranda Keyes paced back and forth in Delta Halo's control room as the Oracle floats overhead. She held a mobile radio in her left hand. Stopping, she clicked the radio on.

"Any UNSC forces left on Delta Halo, respond. This is Miranda Keyes. I repeat any UNSC forces left on or in the vicinity of Delta Halo please respond." She waited. Moments later, a garbled response came in over her radio. The signal suddenly died. "It is hopeless." she thought. She threw the radio and kicked it over the edge of the platform.

Meanwhile, the Arbiter spoke to the remaining Elites, near Tartarus's defeated body. His Elites were very high class, suited in gold, orange, and silver armor, all with ornate characteristics to their armor. Some held the favorite weapon of the Elites, Plasma Rifles, while others were equip with Energy Swords and Carbine Rifles.

"My brothers, we are no longer a part of the Covenant scum. The Prophets abandoned us for the Brutes. Their decision was not wise, as you all see. With Tartarus dead, Truth is alone to attempt control of the Brutes. This Great Journey has been a lie all along. Truth wants to activate each Halo ring, but that only leads to all sentient life in the universe being destroyed. We were deceived, and it will not happen again." Cheering from the remaining Elites filled the hallow room. "We will side ourselves with these two humans and their allies. This may finally bring the war to a close." More cheering erupted.

Johnson stepped into the room to see the Elites and few remaining marines assembled along side the Arbiter and Miranda. He threw his cigar to the ground and stepped on it.

"Listen up! Tartarus is defeated and Delta Halo is inactive for now. According to the Oracle, the Ark is on Earth. It will be our new mission, a combined effort of the UNSC and the Elites, to get to Earth and protect the Ark. We must make sure no one activates any more of these rings." He glanced over at the Arbiter and the Elites. "Do not expect a welcome party either. According to my only transmission to the Master Chief, Truth and his Brute army are heading Earth searching for the Ark, so it will be our goal to stop him." He paused for a moment. The Arbiter quickly spoke to his Elites. He turned and nodded to Johnson. "Alright, men, move out!" The Elites and humans alike followed Johnson outside. They were beamed up into Shadow of Intent, the ship used by the Arbiter to get to Delta Halo.

Johnson took one final look at Delta Halo before they jumped into slip space. After a sigh of relief, he lit up another cigar.