Chapter 10

Once it became clear that the Sangheili were in danger of being eradicated, several of their colonies were evacuated and sent to their homeworld in the Ur system. However, several outlying colonies could not get home because the Brutes and Covenant Loyalists had set up a blockade to prevent any more Sangheili reinforcements or civilians from entering their system. These ships were redirected at the behest of the UNSC. A Sangheili refugee camp was established on the Outer Colony world of Coral. As refugees began to flood the camp and planet, the human population began to protest. In response the UNSC recommended to the Sangheili civilians that they stay within the campgrounds. They also sent SSGT Scott and Shipmaster Jhanakee to speak on behalf of the refugees.

On Reach where the crew of the Unwavering Faith was being held, SSGT. Scott met with Shipmaster Jhanakee to discuss the situation brewing on Coral.

"Are you ready to leave Shipmaster?" asked Scott.

"Yes. I am. I've been going over the reports of the 'refugee' camp as you put it. I will provide the necessary information to organize them and reunite them with family." he replied

"Since this is a non-combat deployment I've been allowed to bring my family along." waving a hand behind him. "I'd like to introduce my wife Elizabeth. My son Adam and my daughter Ellen."

The Sangheili shipmaster put a fist over his heart and bowed his head slightly. "I am honored to meet the mate and children of a worthy opponent."

Elizabeth wasn't sure what to say other than "Umm...thanks."

SSGT. Scott smiled. "Let's go. The transport is leaving in an hour."

A week later a UNSC cruiser dropped out of slipspace near Coral. On the bridge they could see the steadily growing number of Human and Sangheili ships, several of which were transports carrying refugees. SSGT. Scott, his family and Shipmaster Jhanakee boarded a Pelican dropship which landed at the local Marine base near the refugee center. They were directed to base housing where SSGT Scott dropped off his family, then he and the Shipmaster continued on to the base commander's office.

General George E. Sterling sat in his office as the two soldiers arrived. SSGT Scott entered, stood at attention and saluted. He held that salute as Shipmaster Jhanakee stepped in beside him. The Elite officer stood with his hand over his heart in a fist, the Sangheili version of a salute. "Sir, Staff Sergeant Scott and Shipmaster Jhanakee reporting as ordered sir." said Scott.

The General looked up and returned Scott's salute then nodded to the shipmaster and said "At ease." He stood. "Shipmaster, you have my thanks for returning our marine and the technology you brought us. Your defection has definitely changed the course of the war." Then he held out his hand.

The Shipmaster was surprised by the General's attitude he expected an officer who didn't really like the Covenant in general and the Sangheili in particular. Hesitantly, he shook the General's hand...and found that the General had respectable strength for what he understood to be an aged human male. "You are welcome General."

"Now, Staff Sergeant, I want you to meet with the Governor of the colony, then give a press conference. Shipmaster, I need you to go to the refugee center and get some things straightened out. As I understand it there have been some families separated and you have the knowledge and understanding of Sangheili culture to organize and reunite the families here."

Both men replied "Yes General."

"Welcome to Coral Colony. Dismissed." said the General.

It took several weeks to get all the refugees sorted out and families reunited but Jhanakee and Scott proved to be effective in organizing the camp. For the first few days they also had to deal with protesters outside the camp. But that was quickly silenced when Scott's little girl fearlessly walked up to the Sangheili Fleetmaster gave him a hug and said 'thank you for bringing home my daddy'. Many were moved to tears. The protests quickly ceased and instead of rejecting the refugees many began to interact and make them feel at home in their temporary placement.

Two weeks later, Scott and Jhanakee were sitting behind a table working with some Sangheili to find their families when a Marine officer approached them. "Fleet Master, Gunnery Sergeant Scott, the General requests your presence in his office. There is a vehicle waiting to take you there." he said

The Sangheili officer and Marine both nodded stood and made their way to a warthog parked outside the refugee center. The Marine in the driver's seat stared for a second at Jhanakee before putting the vehicle in gear. It was a short drive to the base and then to the General's office. Scott and Jhanakee both entered the office and stood at attention before the General. The General returned Scott's salute and nodded to Jhanakee. "Fleet Master, I've just received word of a small group of Sangheili warships arriving in orbit. They brought word of a Brute attack and blockade of the Sangheili home planet. From what we've been told the planet relied on trade with other covenant worlds to provide food and other goods. With a Brute blockade in place it's only a matter of time before the Elites begin to starve to death. HighCom, has authorized a joint operation with the Sangheili resistance to break the blockade and bring relief supplies to the planet. I want you to go with them and see that the Alliance works out. There still a bit of anti-Sangheili sentiment among the fleet. HighCom, as well as myself is hoping that a joint operation will stamp out the last of it. Your transport leaves for Reach in an hour, dismissed." the General said.

An hour later their 'transport' a modified UNSC Frigate, made a slipspace jump to Reach. Three days later the frigate arrived at Reach. Scott looked out a nearby viewport with Jhanakee. "My goodness...look at all those ships!" he said.

Through the viewport Scott could see hundreds of ships and dozens of yards pumping out ships at an alarming pace. Not only were there UNSC ships but several dozen Sangheili ships parked in high orbit near an orbital defense platform. No sooner did the Gunny see those ships than the Captain of the frigate came over the PA system. "Gunnery Sergeant Scott, Fleet Master Jhanakee, report to Pelican hanger."

"Guess that's our bird Fleet Master we better get going." said Scott.

"Indeed." replied Jhanakee.