1500 hours, January 17th, 2543 (UNSC military calendar)
Backstage, Meeting Room #6, Reach Senate Complex, New Alexandria, Planet Reach.

Fedorian glanced at the large curtain that obscured the podium and seating from sight. The humans had taken a massive chamber once used to host grand announcements and speeches, and prepared it for a showcase of new warfighting technologies. The backstage was currently swarming with humans running back and forth, trying to sort the equipment each corporate, alien, and corporate alien representative had brought.

Fedorian felt it was rather too disorganized for his fashion. And he would have reprimanded any Turian for organizing a meeting of such import in a way like this. But he put those thoughts aside. The humans had proven they thrived when under certain conditions of 'organized disorder.'. And as a guest. It wasn't his choice to complain about such things.

No. He was here for a very different reason. He'd heard the creator of the Spartans would be attending, and was adamant he'd meet her before anyone else.

"Doctor Catherine Halsey, I presume?" Fedorian asked the human in the white labcoat who matched the description he'd been provided with. She was currently overlooking a great stache of technology. From suits of armor whose nature he couldn't fully define, to a small armory of the new Mass Accelerators the UNSC was going to produce.

The human turned around, and nodded. She smelled of coffee. That bitter stimulant the humans seemed to prefer so much. Halsey smiled. "That's me. I wasn't expecting the Turian Primarch to take interest in me personally."

"I've read of your work. The Spartans are an outstanding achievement. You must be very proud of them." Fedorian offered a rare smile to the woman. "You have my sincerest condolences about the fate of so many of them. I have personally overseen mention of their achievements into the Turian military archives."

The doctor seemed somewhat taken aback, then offered a rare smile back. "Thank you very much. It's been far too long since I got genuine praise for my work."

Fedorian glanced over the equipment the human was jealously guarding. "What have you been working on, if I might ask? I won't be able to attend the meeting. I have other priorities."

Halsey smiled. "Private showcase. Coming up." She walked up towards a suit of armor placed upon a rack, putting her hand on its shoulder. It looked like a scaled down suit of Mjolnir armor. Lacking in the sharp edges and thick armour, instead consisting of thin titanium and ceramic plates. There were two suits. One black, with the distinct helmet of the ODST's, and another with what looked like a marine helmet. "The first general purpose hardsuits of the UNSC. No copies, no imports. These were designed from the ground up using human technology."

Fedorian nodded approvingly as he moved around the armor. "I can see where you got the inspiration from. It is definitely heavier and more expensive than most Turian Hardsuits. I'd wager it matches an Armiger suit in protection. How are you going to afford it?"

Halsey's smile faded for a moment, and she nodded somberly. "A lot of the budget recently got cleared up." Then there was a brief smile. "That, and thanks to those Volus, we no longer need to ration each gramme of Titanium."

And we'll be paying for it. Fedorian mused something somberly. Humanity was running short on finances. And demographically and economically it wasn't doing too well. Perhaps it would be prudent to offer them a temporary client status? He dismissed the idea immediately. The humans were far too proud to accept such a thing. I hope the humans get over this war. They have so much potential.

"I have something I think you'll enjoy, Primarch." Halsey said. She moved to a table with a collection of weapon parts on them. Many looked like skunkworks prototypes which had not been streamlined for general production.

"This. Is a Mark Two Plasma Charger. The troops call it a Plasma Blaster." Halser picked up a small cylindrical device, with a rail at the top that implied it could be attached to a rifle. She showed it to Fedorian, who observed it appeared very much to be an underslung grenade launcher. But there was no tube. "We captured a great supply of partially assembled plasma weaponry upon Chi Rho. Our mastery of plasma technology is so far limited to generating the energy needed for a plasma weapon. But channeling and using it in a controlled fashion is beyond us."

Halsey grinned. "Luckily, flamethrowers do not need much guidance. So we're creating weapons which throw out a single overwhelming blast of plasma. We believe the risks are worth the results." She activated a blue omni-tool, which Fedorian saw, was a part of a much larger glove that Halsey now wore.

The Omni-tool projected an image of a human in protective armor aiming a large metal rod with the Plasma Blaster attached to the end, at a suit of Elite Minor armor, standing on a rack before a concrete wall.

"Why did a human test it? Why not use a robot?" Fedorian noted immediately.

"A scientist and his intern assembled the Mark One Blaster using parts taken from the hardware store, and components otherwise discarded. Now watch." There was a blast of green energy from the blaster, firing a claw ball-sized bolt that melted through the unshielded armor, and burned a hole into the concrete wall.

"That looks like a Covenant plasma pistol." Fedorian asked

Halsey nodded, then opened a panel on the grenade-sized device, revealing a small bright red cylinder with a port at the top. She gently removed it, holding it up for Fedorian to see. "This contains enough compressed carrier gas for a single blast of plasma. Roughly the strength of a Covenant plasma pistol set to overcharge. But the device burns out after firing" Halsey returned the power cell to the device.

"Almost everything we make which tries to contain and fire Covenant plasma burns out. So we're creating disposable weapons." She pointed to the devices on the table. "Plasma incendiary grenades. Mines. Shotguns. A one-shot launcher version of this weapon. Meant for an anti-tank role."

Fedorian held up a hand. "Shotguns? I thought you said you couldn't contain the energy of these weapons?"

"Who said anything about containing? It is the same as the Plasma Blaster, but instead of a concentrated bolt, it fires a wide spread. It won't get through any serious armor. But unprotected skin will outright melt when exposed to this weapon."

"A Brutekiller." Fedorian said. "Place one of these on your rifle and fire it when the enemy gets close? Clever. Well done, Catherine Halsey. You've cracked plasma weaponry before the Salarians."

She chuckled. "I did have over a decade of tinkering around. When I got my hands on a plasma pistol without anti-tamper mechanisms built into it, it didn't take me long to work through my existing theories and find the ones which were correct."

"Nevertheless. I will see to it you are given a medal for this." Fedorian said. He then reached for one of the rifles. It looked like the old MA5B rifles the humans had used before switching to Mass Accelerators. He felt the weight of the rifle, enjoying its hefty bulk. It was a well made weapon. He wouldn't have minded carrying something like it when he was a young adult guarding the frontiers from raiders.

He glanced at the targeting reticule within the metal housing. And to his surprise, saw that it didn't display heat, but instead what looked like an ammunition counter. Wait. It isn't a mass accelerator? Fedorian thought for a moment this was an older rifle, one used for a comparison. But when he searched for the magazine, he could not find it.

Halsey raised an eyebrow at Fedorian's quizzical look, then looked uncomfortably smug. "You won't find a magazine. It's something created by Section Five. Our own take on Mass Accelerator technology. That weapon is equipped with disposable heat sinks."

"Disposable heat sinks?" Fedorian asked. He gave the weapon another look,.and saw a button that his index claw could easily reach. Seeing as it only had one way to move it. He assumed it would open the magazine. He pressed, and a flap on the right side of the gun opened, ejecting a long cylindrical heat sink which bounced on the ground. Halsey caught it under her boot, and picked it up. Fedorian looked at it somewhat incredulously.

"Isn't that ignoring the point of using Mass Accelerators? The lack of needing to supply ammunition." Fedorian asked. Although he was sure the humans had a reason for what they did.

"Close. That device you're holding is just as effective as any other heat sink. But unlike yours, it doesn't need to remain under a certain temperature to avoid melting the gun. We've upped the firepower of our weapons back to where they were before we switched over to Mass Accelerators, and even surpassed them. Now when you overheat, you just pop out one Heat Sink, and slide a new one in. But you can switch back to sustainable heating with a flick off a button. If you really can't afford to reload."

Fedorian thought the idea over. It was a weird one. But it did sound like a good way to get more firepower out of weaponry. The changes to the logistics system adopting a weapon like this entailed, did sour him on the idea. "That means you'll need to supply your troops with a constant supply of these devices. Unless I am mistaken."

Halsey reached under the table, took out a bucket of water, placed it upon the table. Then dropped the Heat Sink in. She then pointed at it.

"Each heat sink has one side constructed off a heat-resistant ceramic that can be safely handled. The heat sink itself will cool down naturally, and be ready for re-use. Although efficiency will slowly decay. Nevertheless, any Omni-tool with the right construction package can create new ones, provided the raw materials are provided."

The possibilities clicked in Fedorian's head. This had the potential to be a game changer. "Doctor Catherine Halsey. You just earned your government a lot of credits."

Fedorian's omni-tool beeped. He glared at it as a message popped up, reminding him of the private meeting. From the best of humanity to the worst. He cursed.

Halsey nodded. "I have my own meeting to attend. If you'll excuse me"

1600 hours, January 17th, 2543 (UNSC military calendar)
Meeting room #15, Reach Senate Complex, New Alexandria, Planet Reach.

Doctor Halsey bit her lips as the footage of the new Covenant supersoldiers played. She had cried her tears over the fallen Spartans, and was now ready to help defend them. The battle of Chi Rho had shown the Covenant to have a new type of soldier, one which could take on the Spartans in a straight engagement and come out on top.

The room was silent as the unassuming ONI agent continued to explain the capabilities of the new Covenant shock troops faced upon Chi Rho. There was an air of tension amongst the assembled viewers. Half were the foremost scientific minds of the Coalition, with the other half being the Special Forces that might one day have to engage the Hoplites. Turian Blackwatch, STG Operatives, SPECTRES, UNSC Army Force Recon, ODST's, Asari Justicars, and Batarian Special Intervention commanders as the video continued to play.

"These 'Hoplites' are capable of incredible speed, manoeuvrability, as well as complicated three-dimensional thinking and movement. Observe the following:"

The Salarian named Jondum Bau Solus stepped aside so as to give a better view of the large screen on the wall. He brought up the four POV's of the Spartans that had engaged the Hoplites. The Salarian pressed a button on his omni-tool, slowing the video down to a frame by frame recap, before bringing up calculations for the speed, weight, and reaction times showcased by the enemy.

Halsey had trouble believing just how fast the Hoplites were. She doubted even a Spartan could move so fast, without literally tearing themselves apart with the exertion. She thought back to the Spartan Washouts whose reaction times had been augmented far beyond what their skeletons could support, and the way they'd convulsed themselves to death. The sounds still haunted her sleep.

There was perturbed muttering from the Turians and Humans in attendance, while the Asari looked on with growing concern. The Hoplites movements were incredibly fast, and fluid to a point that they moved as if gravity and friction were merely suggestions to them. They ran along walls as easily as if they were the floor, and made split-second decisions when moving that was only spotted with a frame by frame analysis. Every movement seemed calculated and planned with malicious intent.

Jondum Bau continued. "Spartan 117 struck in chest at this timestamp. Zero point zero two millimeter gap created in Mjolnir armor." Jondum Bau pressed a button on his omni-tool. The helmet footage was replaced by a complicated 3d simulation. Jondum Bau moved the camera through the simulation, setting it between John and the Hoplite, before splitting the view so both could be seen on each side of the screen.

Using the helmet cams of all four spartans, a simulation of the next two seconds of the engagement was generated. The POV of the Hoplite would barely have caught John in its farthest corner. Even assuming the entire flowing slit on the Hoplite's helmets was one massive eye. "Within zero point three seconds of seeing hit to armor. Hoplite opened fire with Red Plasma Weaponry." The simulation continued, showing the speed and accuracy of the plasma bolt, and the way it hit John in the chest. "Reaction time calculations… inconclusive. Capabilities exceed recorded ability."

Halsey wasn't sure about that final part. She thought Kelly could perhaps have reacted that fast. But she wasn't sure Kelly could have also been that ridiculously accurate, or seen a gap that small. Her guess was that it had to be some kind of cybernetics which allowed the fast movement. But the Covenant hadn't shown any propensity for Cybernetics, as far as Halsey knew.

Unless these Hoplites were a new creation. A weapon specifically to hunt Spartans. Perhaps even one made using technology that was otherwise Anathema to the Covenant. The thought concerned Halsey. The Covenant was supposed to be intellectually stifled and uncreative. But these Hoplites, if her theory was true, had been the result of outstanding creativity and ingenuity.

Jondum Bau continued. "No Hoplite bodies were retrieved in full. But components were taken. Grey Team retrieved a severed Hoplite head. Blue Team armor was covered with blood and bone fragments. Deployment of single Hoplite to every Assembly Yard besides the Supervolcano yard, implies they could be limited in availability. Bulk deployment was sent against Blue Team."

Halsey had not heard about Grey Team taking down a Hoplite. She cursed the growing distance between herself and her Spartans, and the fact she was slowly being taken out of the loop. She wanted to intervene, and re-establish her ties. But the Spartans had all gone off the grid, disappearing into some hidden ONI facility, for a reason above even her security clearance.

Jondum Bau nodded ominously at the display of shock. "Analysis of tissues and fluids reveals extreme genetic and biological modification." The Salarian then pressed a button on his omni-tool, and the display changed to a surgical slab, upon which a severed head had been carefully dissected.

"Blood was approximately fifty percent composed of synthetic adrenaline analogue, as well as bio-synthetic blood cells capable of extreme oxygen carrying capacity. Composition of these fluids have been determined to not be products of natural evolution. All were dependent upon synthetic compounds unable to occur in nature."

"Dissection of the brain revealed signs of surgery to repair cerebral hemorrhaging. Twenty nanotech surgeries to be precise. All damage indicated it was due to internal tears from blood pressure. Brain tissues also possesed remarkable self-repair capabilities. Any of these strokes would have killed any other Sapient with a brain analogous to this one."

The Salarian changed the image to a quick video of blood spraying out of a wounded Hoplite, and splattering against a wall. "Blood pressure is calculated to be between ten to twenty times as high as human average. Combined with brain damage, suggests that the Hoplites quite literally tear their brains apart while fighting. Their brains are unable to handle the intense blood pressure. This suggests that they might be unable to handle long bouts of combat."

A grizzled Turian SPECTER raised a hand. Jondum Bau pointed at him to answer. "They ambushed this 'Blue Team', and were defeated when they failed to quickly assassinate the Spartans. Seems to me like they're not soldiers, but assassins. Are we sure all the Spartans killed at Chi Rho were slain by Elites? Seems they might have fallen prey to these Hoplites."
There was a rumble of assent from the observing special forces commanders. And Halsey also agreed with them. If the Hoplites really had consistent cerebral hemorrhaging. Then long-term field deployments would be dangerous.

Jondum Bau nodded. "Possibility exists. No helmet cam from slain Spartans was recovered. But current theories do agree that the Hoplites are an assasination force."

"How are we supposed to fight these freaks?" An Asari Commando from the Serrice Guard asked. "They're freakishly fast, and deadlier than anything I've seen before."

"Biotics" Jondum Bau said. "Asari Justicar Samara managed to kill one of the Hoplites. We believe Hoplite gravity manipulation protects them from Biotics. But this only seems to dull the effects. A Hoplite slowed by biotics, is one that can be hit. If all else fails. Explosives and orbital pinpoint bombardment."

1600 hours, January 17th, 2543 (UNSC military calendar)
Hidden meeting room, Reach Senate Complex, New Alexandria, Planet Reach.

Primarch Fedorian was in an utterly foul mood. He had rushed to Reach instead of spending a weekend with his family, all to listen to some humans venting their frustrations about not being allowed to slaughter Covenant civilians and prisoners at leisure.

The meeting to talk about this subject hadn't appeared on any of the official scheduling. And Fedorian hoped it would remain that way. While the Coalition might have cracks along the upper leadership. It was paramount that to outside observers, the unity of the Coalition appear untarnished.

He sat opposite the UNSC Security Council in a smaller side room, while the rest of the Conference's attendees were attending a symposium meant to introduce humans to the galactic banking system. He'd prefer listening to the Volus talking for the rest of the day, to trying to convince humans to not commit war crimes.

Especially not when most of them refused to meet in person, and were using holograms to do. Only Lord Hood and General Hogan were physically at this particular meeting.

Danford Whitcomb, appearing in the form of an almost-transparent Hologram, was delivering a long and fiery speech about how Humanity deserved bloody revenge against the Covenant, and Fedorian was moments from just cutting off the audio.

But he had to deal with this matter. The encrypted communications from Adrien Victus, and the discovery of diplomatic members of the Covenant, could wait until he'd gotten the UNSC to sign the treaty he wanted. And if they refused, he would have the Volus cut the UNSC off from Turian finances. Although he deeply wished to avoid such an action.

"They glassed our fucking worlds. This isn't some civilized war. If they didn't want their worlds burned and people slaughtered, they shouldn't have gone around burning worlds and slaughtering people." Whitcomb almost yelled. "It is bad enough that your general nearly committed a mutiny aboard my ship. Now you want us to -feed- the Covenant?"

"I am not asking anything of the sort. I am asking you to restrain yourself. There is no appeal to base violent urges that will convince me to let you do the things you want. Your species is -this- close from going down a very dark and destructive path. I have seen and heard the genocidal fantasies of your soldiers, and your leaders." The Turian Primarch glanced at Whitcombe.

The Primarch stood up, giving a menacing glare at Danford Whitcombe. "The Turian Hierarchy is here to end this slaughter and put an end to the madness that has consumed this entire damned galactic arm. If you think we will stand by as you descend into base barbarism and entertain your xenocidal fantasies, you are very mistaken. If we had to wage a war against every species in this galactic arm to restore a measure of order, then I would authorize that in a heartbeat."

There was an awkward silence as the weight of the Primarch's threat sunk in.

Lord Hood, silent so far, leant forward in his chair, crossing his hands in front of his chair. His face being one of endless all-consuming concern.

"Are you threatening us, Primarch?"

Fedorian sighed. "I am not, Lord Hood. But the responsibilities of the Turian Hierarchy are clear. We would be betraying everything we stand for, if we allow this conflict to escalate into a mutual xenocidal bloodbath."

Fedorian saw Parangosky, the ever-manipulative woman who was the effective ruler of the humans, prepare to speak. "In your history, haven't you been responsible for the mass-sterilization of the Kro-"

Fedorian held up a hand to stop her.

"And you can trust us, when we say that such a thing is not something you want on your race's conscience. The same with the Rachni. Xenocide is a stain on a species's legacy that never truly washes out." The Primarch slammed his fist down upon the table, leaving cracks in the thin layer of glass that covered the woodwork.

Fedorian noticed that Danford Whitcombe was starting to slump in his chair. Parangosky was now the dominant speaker at the meeting. The Vice-Admiral had been much more emotional than the Turian Primarch was used to, from their last meeting. Perhaps the victories of the preceding months had allowed a darker side of Danford to leak through.

"Let me make something clear." The Primarch said, his voice a low restrained rumble. He stood, showing his intimidating height.

"I have been a soldier all my life. War is in my bones, and those of my family, all the way back to the dawn of Turian Civilization, to the river valley city states our civilization began. I rose to this position from that of a simple private. So don't even start assuming I don't know what war is like." The Primarch pointed a sharp talon at Whitcomb, then tapped the dataslate before him.

"This! Is why I came here. This report, compiled by SPECTRE and STG agents, which provides damning proof of just what you have been doing, and trying to keep hidden." The Primarch picked up the slate, stood up, and began reading it aloud, putting extra emphasis on each atrocity."

"Zhoist: UNSC Orion-Class Carrier Carthage attempted orbital bombardment of a Covenant world which sent out requests for a ceasefire and surrender terms. Projected casualties: Two billion. Only stopped due to Citadel Generals aboard ship intervening and protesting to the captain and Turian ships literally blocking the guns of the UNSC."

"More like a damn mutiny, if you asked me." Whitcomb said angrily.

Fedorian ignored the man, and continued reading.

"Covenant world C4-215: Found ten light years beyond the Outer Colonies frontier.
ODST's launched orbital assault upon a mining colony and secured a beachhead. 14th Harvest Marine Regiment then deployed to seize the colony, systematically killing anyone they found. Workers fled into either the surrounding fields, or into the mines. These marines then collapsed the mine atop the workers, before wiping out any survivors with death squads. Ten thousand Unggoy dead. Three thousand of whom were infants. Few weapons discovered."

Before anyone could interrupt him, Fedorian read out another report.

"Covenant world C3-197: UNSC Prowler Caesar's End opened fire upon unarmed orbital habitat even though the prowler was undetected, and a superficial scan would have determined the habitat was incapable of effective resistance. Casualties: Four million. Analysis of rubble indicated it to be a Kig-Yar hatchery."

There was an awkward silence in the room as the weight of the Primarch's words sank in with the attendants, some of the less angry humans looked shocked at the mention of a hatchery, and almost sunk backwards, while a disturbing amount seemed unphased.

"Need I go on? Want more examples of you being unable to control your soldiers? These soldiers, in the majority of cases, actively bypassed or sidelined their primary objectives for the sake of killing defenceless Covenant."

Lord Hood sighed audibly, then spoke up. "You have made your point, and it is a good one. We must not let ourselves become the monsters we face. But at the same time, I oppose your insistence in involving yourself in our internal matters. Raising objections is acceptable, but the execution of UNSC enlisted by a foreign power without a trial is unacceptable."

"Would they have been executed if tried by one of your military courts?" The Primarch asked pointedly. "For killing prisoners, instances of looting, and disobeying orders to achieve petty revenge."

The Admiral paused, glanced back and forth between Whitcomb and Parangosky, before nodding apprehensively. "It would have been likely."

"Then we did you a favor, did we not? We avoided lengthy trials and court cases by quickly ridding your ranks of rot." Primarch Fedorian said, "Do not make the mistake that our Hastatim are but wild gunmen eager to kill. Each has received a thorough education on morality, ethics, and is routinely put through rigorous mental review. Their qualifications are impeccable. If you would open the datapad entry titled, Hastatim Military Justice upon UNSC personnel. You will find each execution written down, with witness testimony and proof included for each crime committed."

Admiral Hood bit his lower lip and scrolled through the datapad he had been handed. He muttered some curse under his breath, before pushing the datapad aside. "I see several of these soldiers were death row criminals who received a pardon in exchange for military service. In such a case, a death penalty would have been enforced by a military tribunal." Hood glanced at the Marine Corps General Hogan, who returned a subtle but stern nod. "But we will not abide by the Hastatim enforcing discipline on our men. Let us do it. I highly doubt the Hierarchy would tolerate the enforcement of UNSC regulations upon Turian soldiers with no recourse or agreement."

"I'd be insulted if you didn't stop Turian soldiers from committing unsanctioned atrocities." Primarch Fedorian did not trust the humans to enforce justice properly. But perhaps the Turians had shocked the Humans out of their disciplinary lull. "If the atrocities committed by your men stop, then there will be no need for the Hastatim to enforce discipline. Do you promise that any of your men committing an intentional killing of a Covenant noncombatant on any world under UNSC jurisdiction, will be subject to either execution or disciplinary labor?"

Parangosky spoke up, raising a single finger, which immediately made every human in the room sit down and take notice. Fedorian couldn't help but be unnerved at the amount of dread that Parangosky radiated. "We would need to determine just where our jurisdiction begins, and yours ends. The large scale deployment of Turian garrison forces to the frontier has muddled the situation. I have read Citadel Law, and it says nothing about Turian law superseding local ones."

"It was not strictly legal at the time, no." Primarch Fedorian said bluntly, catching Parangosky off-guard, who almost looked surprised at the admission of guilt. "But if my Generals have to breach Interplanetary law to avoid massacres, then so be it. As galactic peacekeepers, such an action is expected of us."

Parangosky shook her head, giving Fedorian a sly grin which radiated pure malicious joy, that sent tingles of fear down his spine. "Well. I wasn't expecting your honesty. I appreciate it, Primarch. But one important matter needs to be discussed. We can not let morality impede our efforts to wi-"

Fedorian interrupted her before she could try to rile up the other attendants with a speech about 'ends justifying the means.'

"I care little about how far you have to go to win this war, human. So long your actions do not blatantly become atrocities which serve solely to cause pain and suffering upon your enemies, the Turians could care less." Fedorian felt something angry stir in his veins at the thought of himself being thought off as some weak-livered Asari anti-war protestor. He would put everyone in their place immediately. He rose to his feet.

"If a world does not surrender until you raze every military and industrial location from orbit, then you raze every of those locations from orbit. I won't care. If you blockade a heavily populated world, starving billions, but they refuse your offers to accept a surrender, then continue that damned blockade. If your enemy refuses to surrender, and you use flamethrowers to clear out their bunkers, killing them and the civilians hiding with them? Then clear those bunkers.

But the moment that your enemy is at your feet, broken, and unable to fight back? I expect and demand that you allow the Turian Hierarchy to clothe, feed, and shelter them to the best of our ability. We must, and we will win this damned war. Because we are the better man. We will not lower ourselves to their level by reducing ourselves to base savagery and slaughter.

So do not think to lecture me with some banal speech about how 'the ends justify the means.' I have sent millions of my people to their deaths for the sake of morality and ethics, and I will be sending many millions more. Am I understood?"

Parangosky slowly nodded. "Your people stand for something and will do whatever they need to make it happen. I believe I have a compromise to end this matter quickly and succinctly."

We are nothing alike. You're a cruel malicious harpy that's brought men and women a thousand times better than you under her sway. Fedorian cursed internally, but didn't betray any emotions.

Hood was giving Parangosky a very cautious look of surprise and anger, then glancing at General Hogan, who merely shrugged. Fedorian felt sympathy for Hood, and how he was desperately trying to push back against the woman who'd assumed so much power in his government.

Fedorian fixed his eyes on the Rear-Admiral. "What is your compromise?"

Parangosky nodded, then, with a voice that made Fedorian want to claw the woman, began to speak. "We make certain alterations to the UEG penal code to bring them in line with the Citadel, specifically actions that jeopardize the efficiency of the war effort." Parangosyky changed the holographic projection to one of human space. Parangosky drew a large green line three light-years beyond the edge of human space. "Inside human space, you agree to not enforce Turian law, even on worlds where you are the majority population due to your Garrison sizes. And your garrison forces will be subject to our laws, except for internal matters. But in exchange, we will give you free rein to enforce law upon the Covenant worlds, and give up any demands for annexations." She quickly added when she noticed a fiery glance from Whitcomb. "Except for a strategic buffer zone. But this zone will operate under Citadel jurisdiction."

Fedorian thought the proposal over. What she was requesting was the treatment of all Citadel races, bar the Turian soldiers being subject to local law. But her suggestion of a Citadel-administered buffer zone of occupied Covenant worlds, did agree with Fedorian. It was a decent compromise all things considered. The Humans got to keep fully in charge inside their own borders, but any excesses outside could be quickly and decisively handled by the Turians.

Then his mind caught onto the way she was casually talking about changing her people's legal code.

"Surely changing your entire legal code would take much longer than merely sending out new orders?" He said.

Parangosky smiled demurely, leaning back into her chair. "I am sure the representative assemblies of the worlds of the UEG can be convinced to adopt constitutional changes."

Fedorian cursed internally. He had just given this woman a carte-blanche to change the judicial system of the UEG in a way that both complied with a request by the Hierarchy, and empowered her position. He didn't doubt for even a second that a lot of human dissidents were going to disappear soon.

He nodded. "That is a satisfying compromise. But if you break your promise to not mistreat prisoners, the entire treaty will be considered null and void. I will have an official document drafted immediately."

The Human Security Council looked back and forth at each other, and then at Parangosky, as if seeking her approval somehow. Only Hood didn't. He just stared ahead somberly. When Parangosky nodded, they each slowly nodded back. "We are in agreement then." Parangosky said.

Fedorian nodded sternly. "Next subject then. The surrendered Covenant world of Zhoist. The intelligence gathered. And the offers of tributary Suzerainty we have received."

Parangosky's eyes nearly lit up. "I would like to discuss the matter of tribute and reparations first. The matter of Xytan and Zhoist can be handled afterwards."

Fedorian looked for any disagreeing voices. But none of the other attendants seemed disinclined to settling another matter first.

Parangosky continued. "The Covenant has destroyed more than half our worlds. And we want reparations. Technology, industry, materials. If it's not nailed down, and not needed for technological research. We want it. The tribute offered to the Hierarchy should, by all rights, be used to rebuild human space."

Fedorian nodded. The offer was very reasonable. "I can see to it that every 'tribute' offered by a surrendered Covenant world, is sent to human space for the rebuilding effort. Crops, minerals, machinery, components. But shipyards and factories should be distributed for the sake of the war effort. I would have those placed under the Joint Research Initiative"

"That would be reasonable." Parangosky replied.

Hood leaned forward. "On to what we learned about this 'Xytan'. The news we've received from Zhoist is most unnerving. It is our first glance at the scale of the Covenant, but also at their internal divisions. I have to say, I was very surprised to learn that the Covenant was embroiled in a civil war."

Parangosky nodded, glancing at Lord Hood. "As well as the information that there appears to be some kind of a propaganda campaign aimed against humanity. The conflict with the Covenant might be more complicated than we expected. We need more information."

Fedorian nodded. This was a subject he at least enjoyed discussing. "I agree wholeheartedly. We need more information. As well as to expand the buffer zone we wish to establish in Covenant space. We can't defeat the Covenant in a straight up fight at the moment. But this is as good an opportunity as any to expand our holdings in Covenant Space. Before Xytan goes on the offensive."

General Hogan nodded. "Expand our foothold, and trade space for time. Our reverse-engineering efforts are bearing fruit. We'll be able to match ships with the Covenant within the decade. I am sure of it."

There were murmurs of assent.

During the break, Fedorian moved to the nearest bar and got himself a glass of mineral water. He had nearly been driven up a wall dealing with the humans. And that was before they had even been able to properly discuss the new mortifying revelations from New Ghent.

He noticed someone approaching him. It was Doctor Halsey. She looked somewhat distraught.

"Sorry, Primarch. But we have made a discovery. And I wished for your opinion on it."

"Go ahead." Fedorian said.

Halsey nodded. "It is about the discovery upon New Ghent. The ancient ship is still being unearthed. We managed to recover what we thought was a medical bay. In it, we found some blood samples that we analyzed." Fedorian had half a mind to shake her until she started making sense.

Halsey continued. "The ship had been stripped of weapons, and so we focused on the Covenant Battlecruiser. But I believe that was a mistake. If what I think is tr-"

Fedorian held up a hand, his mood still foul from the meeting with the Security Council. "One thing at a time, Doctor Halsey. Just what was uncovered."

Halsey took a deep breath, "The DNA samples aboard the shipwreck matches the DNA of the Hoplites. Carbon dating also confirms limited bone samples to be a hundred thousand years old."

Fedorian nearly choked on the mineral water. "But that ship must predate the Covenant by nearly a hundred thousand years. Your Xenohistorians said the Covenant was speculated to be only ten thousand years old. If they are that old… how come they don't rule the entire galaxy already?"

Halsey looked unsure. Then sat down next to Fedorian, ordering a glass of a drink called vodka, which she downed immediately.

"I don't know. I really don't know. And that is what's tearing me apart." She sighed.

Fedorian thought about the intel he'd gotten on the discovery made on Palavan, of the mass-extinction and revival of the Turians at the hands of an unknown species. Of some kind of monsters coming from Charum Hakkor. Perhaps that damned planet could offer insight into the origins of the Covenant? Or at least shed some light on the origin of the Hoplites. Fedorian wished he could offer more help to Halsey. But he wasn't yet ready to share such classified information with a human.

Fedorian quietly sipped from his glass, trying to put the pieces together. But he got nothing.

Then his Omni-tool went off. He brought it up to his face, checking the message.

"War room. Now." It was a message from Parangosky. Fedorian felt an urge to strangle the woman, but got to his feet nevertheless. He put a comforting hand on Halsey's shoulder. "Good luck." He said.

-

The War Room, the part of the Senate Complex originally meant for planning the Coalition's future campaigns, was abuzz with activity as the leaders of the Security Council, Fedorian, Tevos, Jondum Bau, and Matriarch Aethyta were ushered inside, and all unnecessary personal moved out.

Parangosky was standing next to the holographic table. She looked deathly pale. The moment Fedorian had entered the room, she began. "Five minutes ago. We received a message from a Covenant warship of an unknown classification. We believe it to be of the rumored 'Executioner Fleets.' as reported by the survivors of the Circumference Prowler." She brought up an image of a ship at least three kilometers long, and bristling with plasma weaponry.

Fedorian sucked in a breath. The ship was impressive to say the least. It looked like it had smaller engines, and less space for fuel. But the weaponry appeared to be quite formidable. Plasma turrets. Pulse laser batteries across the ship. And a massive energy projector.

The holographic projection of Parangosky snapped a finger, and an image started to play.

"My name is Imperial Admiral Xytan. Emperor-Regent of the Covenant."

A voice like a thunderstorm played crisply across the speakers. It had an accent of a kind that Fedorian couldn't recognize. But the fact there was an accent at all, meant it wasn't being translated. This was an Elite speaking English.

"I have shattered the unity of the Covenant. Razed two dozen worlds. And killed three billion souls since assuming control of the Covenant. By the time this message is done, another billion will be consigned to the flames of oblivion for refusing to accept my new dominion."

Fedorian felt a cold chill running down his spine at the sheer amount of malice and hatred in the voice of the Elite.

A video began to play, showing a massive Sangheilie that towered over every other Sangheili around him. He was sitting on a large metallic throne, and was, to Hood's shock, holding the ceramic-covered skull of a Spartan.

"I send this message to discuss a ceasefire with your Coalition. I have included coordinates. Refuse to meet me. And I swear by the gods, your children will die screaming."

Xytan crushed the skull with his bare hand, and the video cut out.

There was silence in the room.

"It's a bluff." Hood said. "A ploy to buy time to consolidate his forces." Then he sighed. "But it's not like we can refuse. We need time to rebuild the fleets."

"A diplomatic meeting could give us information, though. Perhaps even a solid defined border territory? Enough time to sneak Prowlers through the border and gather information on just how big the Covenant is?"

"We need more ships." Fedorian said. "A lot more. We need to consider salvaging Covenant wrecks and the ship hulls recovered on Chi Rho. Press them into our service." He glanced at Parangosky's hologram. "Can that be done?"

She looked deep in thought. Then nodded. "We've been gathering together a great many wrecked and damaged Covenant ships, as well as the unfinished Hulls we recovered upon Chi Rho. We might be able to put together a small flotilla of Covenant ships. That might even our odds."

"I understand." Fedorian said, who then turned to an aide. "Get me a line to the Quarian Migrant Fleet. We're going to need a lot more Quarian zero-g salvage teams than a handful of entrepreneurs. If anyone can manage to press Covenant ships into service. It's going to be them."

Jondum Bau spoke up. "An STG scout ship picked up a Quarian Admiral named Rael Zorah, who claimed his ship had been captured by Jackals during a salvaging mission in the employ of a human space-salvaging corporation. He broke free and hijacked a small Covenant shuttle."

Parangosky glared at Jondum Bau. "When were you going to tell us you had an intact Covenant corvette?"

"You took the trade ship the Circumference was merged with." The Salarian sniped back. "And for what it's worth. We did not take the shuttle. The Quarian kept it as legitimate salvage, and because we did not want a conflict with the Quarians."

Fedorian sighed, then looked at Parangosky with a disapproving gaze. "Some advice for dealing with Asari and Salarians. If you get undignified every time one of them hoarded a secret cache of technology, the Citadel Council wouldn't even exist. If that ship was going to upset the balance of power, the Salarians would share it."

Tevos awkwardly coughed, and glanzed at Jondum Bau, who avoided eye contact. "There's better ways to put it. But yes." She said.