Covenant Holy City High Charity
High Charity Jails
20th Age of Reclamation
Tartarus was having some difficulty keeping his temper under control, even as he moved along through the jails. Nearby, two Brutes were escorting a Sangehili that was wearing robes, to mark that he was no longer an officer, but not a heretic, his face hidden by the cowl over his head. All around, the various inmates in each prison cell screeched, roared or otherwise chattered angrily at the group as they walked through the facility. The hallway was dark, with low levels of lighting making the purple hued walls appear more of a red color.
"How long until we can stop escorting the incompetent," one of the Brutes grumbled, clearly not comfortable with escorting a Sangheilian. "It would be easier if we just took a Phantom to the Mausoleum. It would save on time as well."
"How about you close your mouth, before I close it for you," the other Brute growled, clearly irritated by his companion's complaining and snide remarks. "Tartarus said that we are taking this route, and we will follow his commands. If you cannot get that through that thick head of yours, then I will beat it into your head. So, for the last time, silence yourself, and obey your Chieftain." Spotting a few Jackals crawling on the door to one of the cells, he walked up to it and smashed a fist against the bars, dislodging the Jackal and causing to knock the other Jackals over like a bowling ball striking bowling pins.
"But-" the other Brute protested.
He was promptly interrupted by Tartarus speaking. "You should listen to your fellow Brute," Tartarus informed the first Brute escort. "He might not seem like much, but he is wiser than you are in this matter."
"So, what is going to happen to the incompetent," the second Brute escort asked Tartarus. "He was not branded a heretic, which means that he isn't to be executed. I don't mean to pry, but I simply wish to understand."
Tartarus smiled at that. That Brute was much smarter than he appeared to be, though he knew that particular Brute was more philosophical than the others, a rare trait that had proven to be quite useful. "A good question," he answered. "He's not meant for the jails. The Hierarchs have something special in mind." Reaching the exit to the jails, he pressed in a few commands onto a holographic keypad, with the door opening moments later.
A few minutes later, they were standing on a platform that overlooked a tall, cylindrical building that was located inside another part of High Charity. The structure was separate from the rest of the area, save for it's foundation, as well as an avenue that led directly to the building. A single, anti-gravity lift was located at the center of the platform, which Tartarus and the others stepped on moments later. After a slight vibration, the lift traveled down to the lower level, where it neatly fit into a circular hole in the platform below.
Up ahead was the entrance to the building that was their destination. Standing in a single file row, facing each other, were Sangheilian Honor Guards, the members of the Covenant that were charged with the protection and defense of the Hierarchs, the leaders of the Covenant. Each one was wearing highly ornate armor, and each one was armed with a tall halberd, with blades sharpened to a razor edge, more than capable of piercing through armor and lesser materials.
As they walked along, Tartarus could tell the Sangheilians were also in a foul mood, as a few were growling to themselves. While most Sangheilians disliked the Brutes, or Jirihanee as the Sangheili called them, Tartarus knew this anger wasn't directed at him or their charge. Instead, it was directed at the new human faction that had come and literally taken a dump on top of the Covenant: the Star League Defense Force.
Tartarus growled when he thought about that faction. Normally, another human faction was just another annoyance to be dealt with, but the SLDF was more than an annoyance: it was dangerous. This was because, as Tartarus knew, of the fact that the SLDF had access to highly advanced military technology, technology that was significantly more advanced than the UNSC's. They didn't even use Slipstream Space Drive technology for that matter, relying instead on a much faster method of FTL flight.
On top of that, the Covenant had learned that the SLDF had a division known as the Star League Intelligence Command, or SLIC for short. During the five months after Halo's destruction at the hands of the UNSC and SLDF, the SLIC had gone into overdrive sabotaging and crippling major Covenant operations. One notable operation was what the humans called Operation: FIRST STRIKE, which had resulted in the destruction of a major Covenant facility via what they called a 'NOVA Bomb.' It was an ultra-powerful nuclear weapon that had, literally, vaporized the facility and the ships surrounding it, striking a major blow against the Covenant itself.
It was operations like that, and the cyber attacks that followed, that had impacted the Covenant's ability to fight in a major way, as many of the facilities the SLIC destroyed were production facilities. Fortunately, the Covenant had built multiple manufacturing facilities across their territory so, while the loss of those facilities was a major blow, the Covenant still had the ability to arm their troops and vehicles. Still, the attacks were annoying and tiresome, which was why many members of the Covenant were irritated.
Putting that irritation aside, Tartarus walked up to the doors of the facility and went inside, with his charge coming along behind him. They eventually walked into a large room, where small, ovoid doors were built into the circular interior walls of the building, each one with a holographic icon blinking over them. There were platforms and ramps on the left and right sides of the room, with an ornate, hovering object in the middle that hung over a large hole in the floor. Ramps led upwards, coming to a halt before reaching the object.
The Hierarchs, at least those present, were in here as well. Truth and Mercy were in their personal, anti-gravity units, each one ornately decorated and meticulously cleaned. While their faces were neutral, Tartarus knew that each one was probably contemplating major affairs of state and other, important matters. Coming to a bow, Tartarus said, "Noble Hierarchs, I have brought the incompetent."
"You may leave, Tartarus," Truth replied.
"But, you said-," Tartarus stammered.
"And take your Brutes with you," Truth continued, interrupting the Chieftain.
After a moment, Tartarus turned to the others and motioned for them to come with him. Getting up from their kneeling position, the two Brutes left, while the robed Sangheili remained where he was, not moving a millimeter from his current position. Once the Brutes had left, the Elite pulled the cowl back, revealing the face of Thel 'Vadamee.
Even in his current attire, Truth had to admit, Thel looked noble and dignified, as if he was some valiant ruler addressing his people. Leaning forwards, Truth cupped his chin with a finger and said, "The Council wanted to strip you of your noble deeds and have you demoted to a common footsoldier. Ultimately, however, the terms of your punishment are up to me."
"I am already stripped of pride and glory," Thel replied, his voice low and emotionless.
"Indeed," Truth agreed. "Tell, me, Thel. Do you know where we are?"
Thel didn't need to look around to know where he was at for certain. "The Mausoleum of the Arbiter."
"Quite so," Truth agreed. "Here lies the vanguard of the Great Journey. Each one, created and consumed in times of extraordinary crisis."
"The Taming of the Hunters," Mercy added. "The Grunt Rebellion, and now the Attack of The Star League Defense Force. Were it not for the Arbiter, the Covenant would have broken long ago." While he talked, he smacked his fist against the armrest of his anti-gravity unit, a meaty THUMP resounding in the air.
"Even on my knees, I do not belong in their presence," Thel replied. Already, he could feel the stinging sensation of humiliation, though, like a good Sangheili, he bore it with honor.
"Halo's destruction was your error," Truth said to the former Fleetmaster, "and your rightly bear the blame. However, as we all know, you are no heretic. The Minister of Etiology was the real heretic, for preventing you from completing your duty as a Fleetmaster." Moments later, Truth pulled up a holographic image of an Elite wearing industrial looking armor. "This is the true face of heresy," Truth continued, "one that would shatter our faith." Moments later, he played the recording.
"Our Prophets are false," the Elite Heretic in the recording growled. "Open your eyes, brothers. They would use the Halos to bring ruin to us all! The Great Journey is-"
The playback was interrupted when Truth stopped it. "This heretic, and those that follow him, must be silenced," he said to Thel.
"Their slander offends all who walk the path," Mercy added.
"How can I do so," Thel replied. "I can no longer command ships, lead troops into battle. Everything that I used to be is out of my reach. How can I be anything more than a hindrance?"
"Not as you are, no," Truth replied, "but, become the Arbiter, and you shall be set loose against this heresy with our blessing." Moments later, the ornate structure in the center of the room drew close to one of the ramps, opening up to reveal a suit of armor inside.
The armor inside was more ornate than the Combat Harness that most Sangheili wore. Instead of geometric armor plates, each plate of armor was sculpted and ornate, as though it had been forged by a blacksmith instead of being manufactured by a machine. The tech suit inside was less ornate, though it's purpose was clear. The helmet was the most ornate part, with mandible guards, a curved front section, as well as a flared back section.
Thel gasped slightly when he saw the armor. That was the armor that 'Moramee had worn during his time as the Arbiter, before the humans had silenced him forever. To wear the armor of the Arbiter was to signify that one was giving themselves over to a greater purpose: the preservation of the Covenant against a foe that could destroy it. Turning to Mercy, he asked, "What is to happen should I accept?"
"The tasks you must undertake are perilous, suicidal," Mercy replied. "You will die, like all other Arbiters before you."
"Should you fall in battle," Truth added, "you will be buried in accordance with Sangheili traditions. Given that you are no heretic, you will not be stripped of your honor should you fall."
Walking forwards, Thel walked up the ramp and to the armor, taking the helmet into his hands. Looking down, he could see his own face, and the face of all the Arbiters that had come before him behind the metal alloy. This is my fate, he thought. To die at the hands of the humans, or the heretics, and preserve the Great Journey. I will defend it to my last. Putting on the helmet, he turned to the Prophets and asked, in a louder and more confident voice, "What would you have your Arbiter do?"
. . .
A Few Hours Later
Three Phantoms flew through space as they turned towards the gas giant Halo used to orbit, their Impulse Engines thrumming as they began to enter the atmosphere. Inside, Special Operations Elites and Special Operations Grunts were lined up, with the Elites inside of crash harnesses while the Grunts were standing freely. Walking through the spaces between each of the rows was a tall Sangheili with green eyes, with white Ultra armor on his body. Two mandibles on his face were not present, having been severed during combat.
That, Thel knew, was R'tas 'Vadumee. He'd worked with him many times while he was the Fleetmaster of the Fleet of Particular Justice. R'tas had lost his left mandibles when Bero 'Kusovai had severed them under the Flood's control, before the young Elite had overridden the Parasite and pulled it out of his body, despite being mutated in the process. As a result, most Sangheili called R'tas 'The Half-Jaw', a title of respect due to his fight against the Flood.
Currently, R'tas was walking about in the Phantom's troop bay, delivering a speech to his fellow Sangheili. "When we joined the Covenant, we swore an oath," he began.
"According to our station," the other Elites replied. "All according to plan."
"On the blood of our fathers, on the blood of our sons, we swore to uphold the Covenant."
"Even to our dying breath."
"Those that would forsake this oath are Heretics, worthy of neither honor, nor respect."
"We shall grind them into dust."
"And continue our march towards glorious salvation!"
The Phantom began to vibrate some more, signaling the start of reentry into the atmosphere. Looking at a video feed from a camera in the hull, Thel watched as a faint blow glow emerged, before turning into an angry orange-red as the atmosphere rubbed against the shields, creating a plasma fireball that lasted for a couple minutes. Eventually, the plasma dissipated, allowing a clear view of the gas giant.
The gas giant was your typical gas giant, with pale tan clouds, violent winds, and lightning that zipped through the clouds. The Phantom rocked slightly as strong winds buffeted it, shaking the VTOL around. A moment later, Thel was distracted from this when R'tas walked towards him. "Your armor suits you," R'tas remarked, "but it cannot hide that shame."
"Nothing ever will," Thel replied. To R'tas, Thel looked visible embarrassed, as though the thought of the other Elites seeing this armor had shamed him.
"I know," R'tas replied. "While it is a sad state of affairs to see you in this armor, know that I do not hold any ill will against you. You did what you could, despite the Minister's meddling.
"Still, when it comes to battle, these are my Elites. Their lives matter to me. I will do what I can for you, but if I have too, I will sacrifice you to save my men."
"That makes two of us," Thel agreed. R'tas merely huffed in agreement. As he walked away, Thel asked R'tas, "What about Bero? I thought he was assigned to this mission."
"He is," R'tas replied. "His talents prompted the Prophets to send him ahead, as a spy working for us."
"I see," Thel replied.
As they flew along, the Phtantom was buffeted with wind, though it was stronger than normal. Looking at the video feed, Thel could see the reason why: a dark maelstrom of clouds was drawing closer, their darker color indicative of a storm. That was when the facility the Heretics were at came into view.
The facility itself was shaped like a three pronged star, which each prong being a whole subsection of the facility itself. The center portion of the facility dominated the structure, with a single, long cable reaching upwards. Said cable attached to a part of Halo that was hovering over this part of the gas giant, preventing the installation from falling.
Moments later, a lightning bolt struck the facility, with the long electrical arc hitting what appeared to be a lightning rod. "Leader, there is no doubt. The storm will strike the facility," a Phantom pilot reported.
"We'll be long gone before it arrives," R'tas said reassuringly. Drawing in towards one of the arms, the Phantoms came to a hover over the exterior, before disgorging the troops onto the ground via a gravity lift. "Warriors, prepare yourselves for combat," R'tas ordered. Dropping onto the ground behind the squad, Thel activated his Energy Sword before heading forwards.
As the Phantoms retreated, Thel heard R'tas over the COM. "You are the arms, Arbiter, and we are the blade. Be silent and swift, and we shall have this heresy quelled without incident. The storm has masked our approach, and their local BattleNet is in disarray. We have the element of surprise… for now."
Following the Elites down a ramp, Thel quickly came to a lower platform built into the arm they were standing on. The wind continued to blow and howl, though it abated somewhat now that they were under a semblance of shelter. An Elite was working at a nearby console, using his technical skills to hack into the door and get inside. His efforts were successful, as the door opened moments later.
Walking inside, Thel felt his earholes pop as the airlock pressurized, cleansing the air of any hydrogen or helium that had gotten inside. "Engage active camouflage," an Elite ordered. "Reveal yourselves only after the Arbiter has joined battle with the enemy." Moments later, each of the Elites and Grunts faded into transparency.
Thel was about to do the same when R'tas said, "You may wish to do the same, Arbiter, but take heed. Your armor is not as… new as ours. Your camouflage will not last forever."
Noted, Thel thought. As soon as the door began to open, he activated his own camouflage, allowing him to enter without drawing suspicion. The interior of the room they were in was occupied by two, rectangular blocks in the center, with ramps on either side leading up to a balcony. Heretic Elites were milling about, while a few Grunts that had joined them were getting some rest.
Moving swiftly, Thel stabbed a Heretic in the neck with a Plasma Dagger, before quickly moving to reach the others before they could sound the alarm. Finding another Heretic, Thel killed that one by wrenching the Heretic's neck to the left, a muffled CRACK indicating that his neck was broken. The Heretic promptly fell to the ground, his head at an unnatural angle. Getting down below again, Thel's active camouflage deactivated, with his body abruptly becoming opaque once again.
"Excellent work," a Sangheili remarked. Waiting for a few moments, Thel engaged his active camouflage once again, allowing him to silence another Elite Heretic. Looking beyond the balcony, he found that he had entered the Heretic equivalent of a gas transportation line, as cylinders of energy moved up and down energy conveyors lines. More Heretics were present, each one unaware of the events that had transpired just a few seconds ago.
Thel was about to move forwards when he heard some sniffling. Turning around, he noticed a Spec Ops Grunt that was trying very hard not to sneeze, his nose having been irritated. Oh, no, Thel thought, when the Grunt, unable to hold it back longer, gave a loud "ACHOOO!", with the sound echoing throughout the area.
The moment that happened, it became a madhouse, as the Heretics promptly turned in their direction, their eyes widening as soon as they spotted the Arbiter. "It's the Arbiter," one shouted. "KILL HIM!"
"FIGHT," one of the Elites being Thel roared, firing his Plasma Rifle at the Heretics. Jumping down from the balcony, Thel grabbed hold of a Carbine Rifle before taking aim, firing radioactive bolts at the Heretics. Pulling out a Plasma Grenade, he threw it hard, with the grenades sticking to another Heretic.
That was when they fired back. Thel was surprised when his shields were nearly depleted by two plasma bolts, the heat so intense he felt it through his tech suit. Ducking down into cover, he waited for his shields to recharge, before popping out and firing some more. Much to his shock, it took a much higher number of shots to kill a Heretic, as he nearly depleted a full magazine before killing the Heretic.
While the Heretic Elites had numbers on their side, Thel's forces were smarter, and used better tactics. Getting in close, Thel ran a Heretic through with his Energy Sword, spilling it's guts onto the ground moments later. Behind him, another Heretic was gunned down, his armor failing to stop the fusillade of plasma bolts and Carbine Rifle rounds.
"This isn't good," one of the Elites remarked. "Their armor and shields are much more durable than our own. Their weapons seemed to hit much harder as well."
"I agree," Thel replied. "Something is wrong, and I don't like it." Moving onwards, they traveled down a pair of ramps into a section just beneath the conveyor system. Again, they were engaged by Heretic forces, with many of the Elites engaging in melee combat to counter the better shields and arms. Eventually, the Heretics were down, but Thel could see they were taking casualties.
He was about to move forwards when he noticed something off. "Where are the Unggoy we brought with us," he asked. The other Elites looked around, just as a Grunt came into view, with another one standing on his shoulders.
Just then, the one on top lost his grip, with a large crate falling down on top of them. The crate clattered to the ground loudly, with the lid partially dislodging. "Ouch," the Grunt on the bottom grunted. "Bad crate land on me hard."
Extricating the Grunt, Thel moved forwards to examine the crate the Grunt had dragged out. What caught his attention was that it didn't match the aesthetics of the other Heretic crates which, more or less, matched those of the Covenant. This crate was angular and geometric, with sharp angles and edges.
Moving the lid, Thel looked inside to see if he could identify who it belonged to. That was when he saw it: an eight pronged star with black outer points, silver inner points and a black circle in the middle of all the points. Inside the crate where what appeared to be modified weapons, with each one sharing that same, angular appearance.
The moment Thel saw this symbol, he began to feel cold sweat running down his neck. The Star League Intelligence Command, he realized. Now I know why the Heretics equipment is better than our own: the SLIC is arming them! But why?
"What manner of heresy is this," one of the Elites gasped when he saw the same symbol. "The Humans, they're arming the Heretics with their equipment! They're actively supporting them!"
"I agree," Thel replied, his worst fears having been confirmed. "This is not a coincidence." Keying his COM, he said, "R'tas, it's the Arbiter. We've got evidence that the Star League is arming the heretics." Moments later, he sent an image of the crate.
"This isn't good," R'tas remarked silently. "Be careful; the Star League uses advanced security measures to prevent unauthorized individuals from using them. Are the weapons gene-locked? They'll prevent you from firing them if they are."
Picking up one of the rifles, Thel pulled the trigger to see if the weapons were gene-locked. He was briefly surprised when plasma bolts shot out of the weapon and into the wall. "They're not," Thel replied. "They must have just gotten here."
"Grab each of those weapons and put them to use," R'tas ordered. "I know that, technically, the Arbiter is the only one that can use human weapons, but these are changing times. If the Heretics are using this equipment, we must do the same. They must have also created shielding systems for the Heretics. You'll have to replace yours with theirs if we wish to succeed in our mission."
"It will be done," Thel replied. Taking out weapons, he handed them to the other Elites, who reluctantly exchanged their weaponry for the Star League weapons. Once they were armed with the new gear, they entered a lift, and began heading down.
As they descended, Thel noticed they were entering a large hangar bay, with a single Seraph fighter stored inside. The upper levels were connected to the lower levels via ramps, with a large hangar door that had controls on the other side. We can land troops once we get the hangar bay open, Thel thought.
That was when he noticed them: Sentinels. Spotting them as well, one of the Elites said, "Sentinels, the holy guardians of the sacred rings. Why have they sided with these heretics?"
I don't know, Thel thought, and I doubt they'll answer any questions we have. Moments later, the others faded into invisibility, with Thel doing the same the moment the shaft partially opened up. Hopping out, he took aim with his new rifle and pulled the trigger.
Purple-white plasma bolts zoomed out of the rifle in his hands, quickly cutting down a group of Sentinels that had gotten too close to his position. At the exact same time, the other Elites opened fire on the Heretics in the area, using their pilfered SLDF weapons to great effect. The Heretics were caught completely off guard as Thel and his forces cleared out the area.
"Arbiter, open the hangar, so that we can land troops," a Phantom pilot informed him. Running over to the doors, Thel pressed the opening icon, with the doors opening moments later. "Hold position. I'm on my way."
"Keep the Arbiter away from the shielding generators," a Heretic Elite shouted. "We only just got them, and they haven't been gene-locked yet!" Hearing the order, Thel spotted a crate of SLDF personal shield generators, with a group of Heretic Grunts moving towards them. Running fast, Thel killed the Grunts just before they got to the crate, grabbing one such generator before ducking into cover.
"Keep them off of me," Thel shouted to the others as he began to field modify his Arbiter Combat Harness. Pulling off the armor piece in question, he began to quickly remove the old shield generator, while looking at the new one. He was surprised to find that it was compatible with his armor, as the new shield generator clicked in effortlessly. Putting the armor component back on, he watched as his purple shields were replaced by blue-white shields that faded into invisibility moments later.
When he got out of cover, he found that most of the Heretics had been neutralized, with the other Elites grabbing their own shield generators as well. "It is fortunate that these modules are compatible with our armor," one of the Elites remarked. "We'll now be on equal footing with the Heretics."
"Agreed," Thel replied as the Phantom came inside, offloading troops a moment later. As soon as they did so, a door just beneath the area where the elevator had come down at opened, disgorging more Heretic forces. The firefight was short, but intense, with the Elites hurling every bit of firepower they had at the Heretics.
Walking inside, Thel began to walk down a long hallway that was lit by floor lights at the edges of the walls. Moving quickly, but silently, he continued onward, silently neutralizing any Heretic forces that were in his path. Behind him, the other Elites continued to follow him, doing their best to remain silent all the while.
As he continued downwards, Thel thought he noticed something odd. For one, he was surprised by the fact the SLIC had sent weapons and shielding systems to the Heretic forces. It could be that the SLIC is using them as SLICSLDF is giving them gear and weaponry. All the Heretics would have to do is swear an oath of allegiance to the SLDF, and then they would gain free reign to SLDF equipment. In an odd way, Thel found that it was an ingenious strategy, one that Truth had done after the Battle of Charybdis IX in an effort to find the homeworld of the humans.
Eventually, they passed through another series of hallways into what appeared to be an inspection room, as dozens of the energy containers were present, with more passing through various scanners and sensor suites in the area. More Heretic forces were present, with many armed with rifles and PDW's. Moving up, Thel ducked down behind a half wall, firing his weapon blindly over the top before taking a look. Spotting some more Heretics, he opened fire, killing a couple with his stolen rifle. Spotting a nearby container, Thel took aim and fired, pelting the energy container with plasma fire.
The hydrogen gas inside of the plasma container exploded violently, sending shrapnel and a powerful shockwave through the area. It had the intended effect, as the nearby Heretics were gunned down. "Keep moving up," he shouted to the others.
Moving up, they continued to kill any Heretic forces they had come across. Now that surprise was no longer an option, they moved through the hallways of the facility, killing any Heretics they came across. While the Heretics were clearly outmatched, Thel knew his own forces were suffering casualties, as a Grunt and Elite fell to the ground, their bodies cooked from the inside out by the plasma fired at them.
Passing through another doorway, Thel found himself entering another large room, only this one was much longer, and curved towards another exit close by. Sentinels were present as well, as the robots promptly opened fire on them. Firing back with his stolen weapon, Thel quickly neutralized the Sentinels, while the Elites following him began targeting the Heretics in the room. They were having to be careful, as one stray shot would be more than enough to set off a chain reaction that could blow them into a million, steaming bits. Fortunately, they were able to adjust to the weapons quickly enough that they had reasonably accurate aim. Terminating the Heretics, they began to move on to the next area.
Eventually, they came through a door into what appeared to be an observation room. Thick, transparent metal was framed by more Forerunner alloy, with ramps on either side of the room leading to doors on the upper level. A pair of Banshees were visible outside of the observation room, with a pair of Heretic Elites guarding each vehicle, as if they were waiting for someone. Thel didn't know why, but one of the Elites seemed familiar.
As he tried to determine where this familiar feeling came from, the leader of the Heretic Elites came into view. He wore armor similar to the others, but he lacked the helmet that the other Heretic Elites had worn. His skin was light gray in color, but it was his stance that gave him away.
As soon as he saw the Elite, Thel recognized him. Sesa 'Refumee, Thel thought, surprised. He knew the Elite as he was part of a Forerunner artifact recovery team that was sent to the Forerunner Gas Mine they were currently at. Apparently, when his facility had gone off line a few weeks ago, 'Refumee had become a Heretic, denouncing the Great Journey as a lie.
It showed in his voice, as Sesa talked to the other Elites, his voice dripping with contempt for the Arbiter. "Deal with the Arbiter, brothers," he said to them. "I will defend the Oracle."
"It's truth must not be silenced," one of his guards agreed. Moments later, Thel watched as the door on the left side of the room opened, with Heretic forces pouring out of it.
Opening fire, Thel and the remaining Elites terminated the Covenant that were pouring out. Spotting a Heretic Elite, Thel was about to attack when an energy sword erupted from the Heretic's chest, with the Elite's eyes going wide with surprise. Moments later, the blade was pulled out, with the Elite falling to reveal one of 'Refumee's guards.
That was when something happened that Thel thought would never happen before. To his shock, he watched as the Elite seemed to warp and bend, his bodily features shifting and changing. Horns grew out of the Elite's head, while similar bone spurs grew out of his back, neck and elbows. The Elite's fingers morphed into sharp talons, while the front teeth on the Elite's mandibles elongated into fangs. Muscles bulged and grew denser as the Elite's bodily changes came to a stop, revealing a muscular Elite with a thickened neck, fangs, horns, talons and vertical slit eyes. The Elite had also altered the armor on his flesh, as though it was an extension of his own body.
"B-Bero 'Kusovai," Thel stammered, genuinely shocked and amazed by what he'd seen, his eyes having widened as far as they could go. "Is that you?"
"It is," 'Kusovai replied.
"B-but how," Thel stammered, the shock still settling in.
"I discovered that ability a little while ago, during your house arrest," Bero explained. "I'll tell you the longer version later, but I will say this. I am probably the only Sangheilian in existence that can shape shift, meaning that I have the ability to morph and warp my flesh into any form that I wish to take on." Looking around, he said, "First, though, I'm going to get some actual body armor on. What you're seeing is actually an extension of my flesh and not actual armor."
It took a few minutes for Bero to find suitable armor, as most of the Heretic's armor was melted and charred beyond repair. Eventually, he came back out wearing an intact Combat Harness, his hands moving quickly as he got the helmet on"Is this 'shapeshifting' ability the reason why the Prophets sent you here," Thel asked, amazed by 'Kusovai's ability.
"Yes," 'Kusovai replied. "The Prophets were just as surprised as I was that I had the ability to shapeshift. When we learned that 'Refumee was a Heretic, they sent me here to spy on them, as I am able to perfectly mimic any organism that was present here, except for the Flood, of course. What better way to spy on the Heretics than to shapeshift into one of them?"
"A fair point," Thel remarked. Looking around, he said, "We need to catch the Heretic's leader. Do you know where he is going?"
"I do," 'Kusovai replied. "The Elite known as 'Refumee is heading to the containment center on this part of the facility. I've been there before, so I know where it is at."
"Excellent," Thel remarked. "That will narrow down our search. Anything else you wish to share?"
"Yes," Bero replied. "The Parasite is present as well."
When 'Kusovai said this, Thel froze for a moment. "Are you certain," he asked firmly.
"Yes," Bero replied, nodding his head. "During my time here, I was assigned at one point to the central portion of the facility. The Parasites were contained here by the Sentinels in order to prevent an outbreak. I also think the Parasite can sense my immunity and shape shifting abilities, as they actually stayed away, for once."
"I see," Thel remarked. "That changes things greatly. Can you come with me to the place?"
"I can," Bero replied. "Be warned, though. 'Refumee has ordered his best men to pilot Banshees in an effort to stop you. You'll need support from a Phantom, as well as myself."
"Agreed," Thel replied. Following Bero, the two Elites exited the observation room and out on the balcony where the Banshees were located at. Getting inside, they took off, heading for the location that Bero had told them about.
It wasn't easy, as several Banshees came at them, firing their Plasma Cannons and Fuel Rod Cannons. Throwing the Banshee into an aileron roll, Thel dodged a stream of plasma before angling the vehicle up, allowing him to fire a Fuel Rod blast before pelting the enemy fighter with plasma, destroying the vehicle in short order. Nearby, Bero performed similar maneuvers in his Banshee.
Following the Zealot, Thel found himself approaching one of the arms leading to the central section of the facility. "Bero has tracked the Heretic leader to this part of the facility," R'tas reported. "Clear that landing zone and get inside."
Moving in, Thel quickly destroyed the Shad Turret, while Bero landed and got out, firing his own SLDF rifle as well. One Elite got too close, allowing Bero to lunge forwards, with his fangs piercing through the Heretic's tech suit and into his flesh. The Heretic screamed as Bero injected him with a lethal toxin, before releasing the Heretic. In thirty seconds, the Heretic was incapable of moving, and in another thirty seconds, he was incapable of doing anything.
With that, the last of the Heretic forces were cut down, but it was clear that the price was heavy. Reports from the other Elites indicated that they had lost forty percent of the original force that had come with them, and that a few of their men were severely injured. Still, they were now at the facility, and they were ready to kill the Heretic leader.
Opening the doors, two Elite Minors checked to make sure that there were no other hostiles, before motioning for a pair of Grunts to enter. As they did, R'tas, who had come with the Phantom, walked inside, sniffing the air as he noticed a sickly sweet odor. "What is it," Thel asked.
"That stench," R'tas replied. "I've smelled it before."
"I have too," Bero replied. "It's the Parasite. I was in here while spying on the Heretics."
"Indeed," R'tas replied. With that, they proceeded inside, their goal in sight.
. . .
Unbeknownst to Thel, R'tas and Bero, they were being watched by someone else. A person was sitting at a computer console, his almond colored eyes gazing intently at the video feed on the monitor. They're inside, he thought as the Elites entered the facility. Looks like the Flood might have a field day with those guys. If not, then I can take comfort that Operation: FOG OF WAR is going to have a field day of it's own. With that, the figure continued to watch the Elites as they moved inside. They were close to finding out where High Charity was. All they had to do now, was wait.