The Halo Effect
Chapter 7 New Friends with Old Names.
Shadow of Pearl
Outskirts of the Thenos System
"Excellency, you must hear this!" Tulsa Rasol said as he dropped his headset and pushed the buttons to put the communication on the loud speaker.
The black on gold clad Sangheili said "Then we shall decide if we should inform the shipmaster."
"The prophesy has been fulfilled. Our leader has come. The Arbiter has arrived," the voice on the speaker began.
"That's enough to inform him.Tulsa, you have the bridge. I shall inform the shipmaster immediately," Tekn Neox said in an authoritative voice.
Tekn left the bridge and headed for the exercise area. "He is probably forcing one of the crew to spar with him," Tekn thought to himself, "I'm not sure who to feel sorry for, him or the crew."
Tekn walked into the exercise area and saw the shipmaster sparring with two Elite-rankingcrew members. The two Sangheili tried to attack together, but the gold armored Sangheili done a flip as his leg came down his booted hoof tripped one of the unlucky Sangheili sending it to the floor,then swung his arm out and knocked the other on the floor.
The shipmaster took out a silver flask, unscrewed the top and took a long drink. The shipmaster shook his head slightly as the heat from the Human whiskey called Jack Daniels floated down his throat. He turned and saw Tekn at the door.
"Tekn, my old friend, what brings you down here? Want to spar with me?" the gold armored Sangheili asked as he took the other two Sangheili to the floor.
"No, Telek, I can wait. But your presence is wanted on the bridge. We have come across a communication you will be interested in," Tekn said loudly.
"What is it? Has the ignorant council upped the old bounty on my head? If it is high enough, we could turn me in to collect the reward, then have you bust me out with our crew members posted there." Telek Iwixum said with a grin.
"No, but you still need to come listen. We have a new Sangheili to worry about," Tekn said worriedly.
"Ok, ok. I'm coming, it better not be someone to rival me," Telek said as he took another swig from his flask.
Tekn walked with Telek to the bridge. Tekn looked at Tulsa and said, "Play the intercepted communication."
The loud speaker crackled to life and the voice said, "The prophesy has been fulfilled. Our leaded has come. The Arbiter has arrived."
Telek looked like he could rip the loud speaker from the wall. He takes his fist, and slams it down on the table and said, "That's it! Our people see a new face and BAM! they think it's our fabled leader! If he wants trouble then trouble he will have. He will be the one to fire the first shot. Pirates of Orion shall go down fighting."
"Excellency, the report has come in about the recent raid," Tekn said as he handed Telek the holopad, "It should brighten your spirits."
Telek takes out his silver flask unscrewed the top and took a long swig of the Jack Daniels then said, "Let me see it. Here," Telek tossed his flask to Tekn then continues, "I need a refill. Make it the good vodka this time."
Telek looked at the data on the holopad. He was pleased with the booty especially the ten crates of his favorite fermented drink. He thought to himself, "Ahh,the pleasures of piracy."
Telek smiled then said, "Is there a location of where this Sangheili leader is?"
"Yes, Excellency, there are reports he is in the Asgard system helping the new race we encountered, the Humans," Tulsa said quickly.
"Cujo set a course for the Asgard system. We will only observe, no raiding! I want to see our adversary in action. I want to know who we are facing," Telek said with a grin on his face, "Tekn where's my flask and my current copy of Sangheili playmate!"
"They are right here, Excellency. But please don't go to the hanger. The last thing we need is for you to be caught again driving a Phantom when you have had a little too much ferments," Tekn said in a concerned voice.
"The last time was a bogus charge. They couldn't prove anything. I was keeping the Phantom straight. I only had one bottle of Jack," Telek said grinning to himself.
"Along with the two bottles of vodka, a bottle of gin, three bottles of Sangheili rum and two bottles of Salarian whiskey! You know the Human alcohol have a different effect on us let alone mixing all of it. The other race's ferments aren't like ours," Tekn said in an informative manner.
"What is the matter with you? We are adults, free to do what we want! You always sound like my mother when telling me about this! I'll be in my quarters. Call me when we get there," Telek said laughingly.
Citadel
Shadow of Intent
"Rafa Salmam, patch me through to the Normandy," Arbiter Vadam said in a down to business manner.
Rafa, the communications specialist, replied, "Communication established."
"Commander Shepherd, if you could bring your ship, into our docking bay we could get there quicker. Our hanger is large enough to accommodate your , it would give everyone a chance to know each other more." Thel said in a tone that was all business.
"Roger that Ambassador," replied Commander Shepherd, "I do think you should stay on the Citadel. War is no place for a leader of your statue."
"I have lead my people through many battles. I'm a seasoned veteran. As well as a graduate with honors from the Iruiru War College. This will not be my last battle." Arbiter Vadam said proudly, "Meet me on the bridge once you dock. I'll have an escort waiting."
Thel turns to R'tas and said, "Get Usze Taham on the comlink. Tell him to come to my ready room. R'tas we need to have a meeting with him. Also prepare a meal for Commander Shepard and his guards, we want to be kind as much as possible."
"Yes, Excellency," replied R'tas.
The Arbiter and R'tas walked to the Arbiter's ready room. They took a seat in the oversized chairs. Moments later Usze Taham, a spec op Sangheili warrior, walked in. he bowed his head to the Arbiter in respect. "Have a seat, Brother," R'tas Vadum said in a low tone.
"You sent for me, Excellency," Usze said wondering why he was here.
"Yes," replied Thel, "I have a metal of Bravery to give you for your fearlessness against the Covenant and the Flood."
"Thank you, Excellency," Usze said with pride, "I shall wear it with honor."
The Arbiter nodded to R'tas. R'tas placed his hand on a control panel and the door opened with a swish. R'tas entered the small room and returned shortly with shiny new gold and silver armor. The Arbiter took the armor from R'tas, who reentered the room to retrieve the helmet.
When R'tas was back in the ready room the Arbiter said with pride, "Usze Taham, you have been hereby promoted to the esteemed rank of Supreme Field Commander. This promotion has been brought on by your leadership, bravery, and expert skills in battle. May your leadership qualities shine in your new position."
Usze Taham took the gold and silver armor and with a new sense of pride proceeded to replace his old armor with the new.
Rafa came on the intercom, "Excellency, the Normandy has finished docking. Commander Shepherd and his guards arebeing escorted to the bridge."
The Arbiter replied, "I'm on my way."