1810 hours, December 20th, 2542 (UNSC military calendar)
Minister of Discovery's Private Quarters. High Charity
Discovery was happy to be busy with his tools. He examined the inner components of the Turian rifle that one of his agents had been able to provide him with, carefully cataloguing its parts and constructions, all the while muttering to himself. He still hadn't fully figured out how the weapon managed to so precisely cut off and guide the pieces of metal it shot out, and it was starting to nag at him.
He was trying to find a way to use the Element Zero in the rifle to fire more condenses plasma bolts, or faster Subanite crystals when an alarm on his chair went off. He put his tools down and pressed the button that was beeping, bringing up a large holographic map of High Charity Discovery glanced at the projection by his antigravity throne. It was his way of keeping track of large fleet movements. Had another Covenant fleet returned from a lost battle? The map showed an overview of High Charity, its defensive fleet, but also a much more extensive fleet moving into the system. A fleet of a hundred Covenant ships had just jumped into the system.
His Throne's communicator went off, and he quickly picked up the transmission. It was the Ministress of Conversion. "Xytan is here. Get to my ministry. Immediately. He confirmed the message's authenticity when he read it, gritting his teeth at the incredulity of the sight. He hadn't expected so little warning.
21:59
Hidden chamber, Ministry of Conversion, High Charity
In a hidden room at the heart of the Ministry of Conversion, the conspirators had been gathered at short notice. There was a large table, a holographic projector, pens and paper for non-digital storage, and an air of extreme tension. None of the people in the room wanted to be here. But that was what happened.
Discovery looked across the table at the massive Sangheili that had been the reason for the sudden summons. It was the first time Discovery had ever seen Xytan in the flesh, and he immediately understood the amount of reverence that his troops afforded him. The Imperial Admiral looked at him, making Discovery back away.
"This isn't what we planned, Xytan." Conversion muttered angrily. "Why are you even away from your fleet? The Hierarchs will find out about your absence. And then all our heads will roll."
Xytan slid a holographic projector forward, then activated it. It showed a video of a Supercarrier breaking apart. This shut everyone up. The next image showed a massive cargo freighter being swarmed and taken out by smaller Turian and Human ships. Xytan pressed a button on his gauntlet, and the projection changed to show destroyed ships. A Covenant world under orbital bombardment.
It was helmet footage from a Kig-Yar, firing a Carbine at a human in black armour that advanced through the gunfire, and blew the Kig-Yar apart with a massive spike-throwing shotgun.
"What… where was that?" Conversion asked.
"A minor mining colony from one of the Merchant Guilds. It doesn't even have a name beyond a numerical specification." Xytan stated calmly. "A week ago, this message was sent to me by one of my agents. The Humans destroyed the ships in orbit with cloaked ships firing nuclear torpedoes. Then landed a strike force upon the planet. They hit the habitation quarters with nerve gas, then they mopped up the survivors. They took everything of value and left. Word of it should be spreading through High Charity soon."
"How many worlds is this happening on?" Discovery asked cautiously.
"Seven worlds have been raided like this. But the attacks upon traders and merchant convoys have become a daily thing out on the fringes. What remains of Thel 'Vadamee's fleet is trying to hold off the Coalition, but they're spread too thin. Zhoist will most likely fall within a month." The Imperial Admiral crossed his arms.
"Truth has had Thel 'Vadamee brought to High Charity for a trial. Just a routine examination of his actions. But he is planning to use the gathering to have himself granted unlimited power. To 'Save' the Covenant. We all know that can't be allowed to happen." Xytan said. "I have been infiltrating troops into High Charity for a while now. It wasn't difficult to arrive. We will have to execute our plan early."
Conversion grimaced. "Then, our course of action is simple. Discovery, have you got access to High Charity's security systems?"
This was the moment their plotting officially became treason. Discovery couldn't help but feel excited at the prospects. He nodded. "I have. When your forces seize the guns and control stations, I will be able to hijack the systems and slave them to my throne. We can turn the guns on any ships that try to stop Xytan's fleet from arriving."
Xytan nodded. "This is up to both of you. I can provide you with protection in the event Truth tried to seize control. But you need to rally the High Council and depose the Hierarchs. I can only provide legitimacy."
2341
High Charity Council Chambers.
Thel' Vadamee slowly stepped onto the dock stage at the centre of the Council Chamber. His ribs hurt, and his breathing was ragged. But when summoned, he had taken the fastest shuttle he could to visit High Charity, and to stand trial for his actions.
His Supercarrier had been torn in half, his fleet had been reduced to a shadow of its former glory, and he couldn't even find a glorious death holding the frontier against a human counterattack. The Supercarrier had been scuttled, and the surviving crew had left aboard the other ships in the fleet. It was a disgraceful loss.
Thel looked up at the Hierarchs as they talked amongst themselves about his failure to defend Chi Rho. They were muttering angrily to each other, occasionally glaring down at him. The High Council was split evenly, with voices shouting for his execution, others demanding he become an Arbiter, while some demanded he be forgiven and sent back into battle. He did not show any emotion as one of the Sangheili Councillors stood up and yelled.
"Fleet Admiral Thel 'Vadamee fought with everything at his disposal. He should have been provided with more ships!" The Councillor slammed a fist down onto the bannister. "Demanding punishment is ludicrous! Levy a new fleet and sent him back into battle!"
A shrill San'Shyuum yelled back. "A priceless ship ruined! He should be put to death for the destruction of the Moonlight! Its relics will never be recovered."
There was a definite sense of panic in the room, as the crushing defeat of a Covenant armada was utterly unheard. None of them knew how to deal with the loss and even less on how to deal with the one who had lost the battle.
The tribute of Spartan skulls Thel had wanted to give the Council had disappeared from his ship, alongside the surviving Prelates, and the Silent Shadows. He cursed the honorless scoundrels for their attempt to strike up all the glory.
Suddenly, the door to the Council Chamber was thrown open. A massive Sangheili in golden armour strode into the room, flanked by a dozen Fleetmasters and Generals. The High Council started yelling and screaming at the sudden intrusion. The Sangheili yelled for the Honour Guard to expel the intruders, stood up, baring their chests and looking as intimidating as possible. They were utterly livid at the sudden intrusion. Then they stopped, as they saw just who was standing before them. They went silent as the Imperial Admiral continued to advance into the High Council, flanked by a pair of San'Shyuum. One an ageing male, and the other an even older female. The sigils on their throne indicated they were off the ministry of Discovery, and the ministry of Conversion respectively.
"Imperial Admiral Xytan. You have not been invited to High Charity!" Hierarch Regret spat venomously. "Explain yourself immediately!"
The Honor Guard rushed to block Xytan's advance, lighting their energy spears and forming a line to stop any attempt by Xytan to get past them. The Imperial Admiral stopped, looking through the Council Chamber, a sneering scowl developing across his face.
The voice of the Imperial Admiral echoed through the room, shutting up anyone who was still muttering, and drawing everyone's attention "Is this really what we have been reduced to? A trial for a Fleet Master that pulled back before his entire fleet was lost? One who prioritized the defending of our frontier worlds over a losing battle! You should all feel ashamed of yourself."
The Ministress of Conversion floated forward, her throne amplifying her voice. "I, as Ministress of Conversion, now proclaim a motion of no-confidence in the Hierarchs. For their failure to address the situation with the humans, a failure to properly muster forces in our defence and the loss of so many ships in an outnumbered defence."
Xytan stepped forward, showing he was nor armed. As he approached further, the Honour Guard tensed up, their weapons shaking.
"Is this what you want brothers? To serve heresy and incompetence? I have come here at the behest of these San'Shyuum," He motioned for Discovery and Conversion, " to show the Hierarchs that they are not above the law. And that the Covenant is more important than them."
"Treason then." Truth muttered, glancing at his armed Honour Guard. Some concern was frozen on his face.
He took another step forward. He was close enough that any of the Honour Guard that wanted, could quickly run him through. But none dared to do so. Hierarch Truth spoke up. "Kill him. That is an order!" But the Honour Guard did not respond.
Xytan held his arms wide as if embracing the room. "You know there is only one way to preserve your honor, brothers." Thel's hearts skipped a beat as he realized what Xytan was asking of the Honour Guard.
Every Honour Guard standing before Xytan lit their Energy Sword sidearm and plunged it into their chest. Their bodies collapsed before the Imperial Admiral. A shocked silence descended upon the Council Chamber as Xytan continued to march, followed by his commanders and personal guard.
The Hierarchs looked in horror at the corpses of their guards, who'd rather slay themselves than besmirch their honour by striking Xytan.
Xytan continued to slowly walk forwards, holding up his arms, glancing through the room to look at how its inhabitants were responding to the turn of events. Some looked ready to make a run for it, or go for a weapon, but the rifles of Xytan's guards were able to deter them from doing so. The Hierarchs were silent but were getting increasingly fidgety.
The Imperial Admiral walked to the Hierarchs, forcing them to hover backwards lest he walk over them. He turned around, raised his voice, and spoke to the assembled Councillors and Commanders. "The Covenant is under attack. Our trade and tithe routes are under attack by invisible ships. We have lost a great many ships and even one of our Supercarriers! A loss we have not suffered in over a thousand years. The only way for the Covenant to be saved is for the Sangheili to rise to the occasion." The Imperial Admiral said.
"You are all dismissed until the crisis is over."
Utter deafening silence filled the room as the weight of the Imperial Admiral's words sank in. He wasn't here to help a transition of power. He was here to take over the Covenant. Xytan's guards ignited their energy swords and lit their plasma rifles. A handful of Councillors tried to rise up but were immediately gunned down.
Xytan's posture and body language changed drastically. From an enlightened saviour, into a raw force of anger and destruction. The Hierarchs slowly began to back away as Xytan continued. "The Hierarchs were weak. And the Sangheili Councillors are a perversion of our true purpose as warriors. A dark age approaches the galaxy. Ancient horrors stir in the space between the stars, and I will lead us through it. Until this time of crisis is over. I will rule the Covenant in the name of the gods. " Xytan's Guards began moving the bodies of the Honour Guard towards the stage upon which the Hierarchs would be arranged. They piled the bodies high, then knelt before their Imperial Admiral, Xytan sat down upon the carcasses, looking like an ancient conquering warlord of Sangheili myth. "When our foes lie broken at my feet. I shall restore the Council. But never again, shall politicians rule warriors."
Xytan walked up to Truth and pulled the crown from the San'Shyuum's head. He placed it upon his own head, then glared down at Truth.
"Get this filth into the dungeons," Xytan ordered. A group of Sangheili walked up to the Hierarchs, tore them from their chairs, and dragged them in the direction of the dungeons. A few more San'Shyuum and Sangheili raised their objections and were mercilessly shot down as they did.
The Ministress of Conversion yelled out in rage. "You used me!" She sounded incredulous, and moments from either breaking into tears or leaping from her throne to try to strangle the Imperial Admiral. "You didn't come to help us establish a new Hierarchy, you just needed the station's defences disabled so you could conquer it! You bastard!"
"Yes," Xytan stated confidently. "How does it feel to be played, Ministress?" The last word was dripping with venom. "Every step you took, I made three of my own." He glanced at Discovery who was frantically pressing buttons upon his throne and looking increasingly worried. "Don't bother trying to cut me out of High Charity's systems, Discovery. All control has been routed to my armour, and your lackeys in the control room are dead."
Conversion grit her teeth, her eyes looking as if she was about to pop a blood vessel. "What you are doing is heretical. You go against the Writ of Union."
Xytan laughed. "So is hiding the existence of a sapient species. Or do you think nobody knows about your precious singing insects?" He crossed his hands and leaned into his impromptu throne. "Swear fealty to me. And you will continue to do whatever you wish."
Conversion was silent, then looked Xytan directly in the eyes, staring into the gaze which was able to make an adult Sangheili flinch, and not showing the slightest hint of weakness. "I did not help depose one group of tyrants, to place another upon a throne."
Xytan nodded in approval and then shot Conversion in the head. Her body slumped against the back of her chair, before sliding out, and collapsing onto the floor with a wet smack. Discovery looked upon the death of his colleague with horror, then at the smoking plasma pistol in Xytan's hand. The Minister closed his eyes, waiting for death. But Xytan spoke up again.
"And you, Discovery. You called me in like just any other pawn in your political games. A convenient source of soldiers and legitimacy while the Hierarchs were removed from their position." He glared at the San'Shyuum with barely concealed disgust. "But I will not break our promise. I will save the Covenant. Now go. Make me something useful."
The San'Shyuum looked at Conversion's body, then slowly sent his throne out of the room, his head held low. Thel glared at the Minister. He had been one of the conspirators but refused to die as Conversion had. It was cowardice, nothing more.
Thel couldn't hold his voice in anymore. He stood up and spoke out against Xytan. "The Hierarchs will not stand for this! They will gather the frontier fleets and raise a rebellion against you. The Covenant will fall into civil war! How could you do this while we are at war with the humans and their allies!?" He yearned to draw his energy swords, and kill the usurper on the spot. But he knew that it would accomplish nothing.
Xytan chuckled. "Yes. Truth's power base. The one which lies in the path of any human advance?" He grinned at Thel, showing his perfect white teeth. "Such a shame."
Then everything fell into place. The humans and their allies would advance as before, heading through the parts of the Covenant controlled by the San'Shyuum and their loyalists. His two enemies would be fighting each other.
"Now. Thel 'Vadamee. It is time for you to receive your punishment." Xytan said, standing up and showing his true formidable height. "Losing half a Supercarrier is a crime that can not be forgiven."
Thel looked at Xytan, not allowing himself to be cowed for even a moment. "I regret nothing. Do what you must, traitor." He prepared himself for the death that he was sure would come.
The Sangheili in the room collectively sucked in their breath and looked at Thel 'Vadamee, then at Xytan's plasma pistol. The ones standing around him backed off, waiting for the inevitable punishment. Thel stood up straight, looking at Xytan. He would not show fear before the end.
Xytan laughed. "I might require you one day." The 'Emperor' said. He motioned for his guards. "Send him to the Oubliettes of Eternal Penance. Do not allow him to take his own life, or I will take yours."
Thel screamed, trying to break free as he was dragged away by the guards.
Discovery flew away as fast as he could, fighting back the tears at the death of Conversion, and all the deaths that he was responsible for. He felt ashamed that he had refused to stand up as she had. Xytan didn't even need to demand he choose service or death. The Sangheili knew Discovery too well.
Below him, news began spreading through High Charity. Sangheili wearing the colours and markings of Xytan's warriors were marching through the streets, dispersing crowds, shouting out the announcement of the emergency military government, and shooting anyone who reacted to the news with anything approaching scepticism.
Discovery hadn't considered for even a moment that Xytan was politically savvy enough to outmanoeuvre both him and Conversion, let alone that his troops would commit heresy just at Xytan's request. He cursed himself for making such a big mistake. And for all the lives that would now be lost because of it.
Discovery brought up a holographic map of High Charity, glancing at the defensive fleet. Xytan's ships and the defences of High Charity itself were opening fire upon any vessel that had not declared loyalty and submission to their new Emperor. Priceless ships burned in the void, and Discovery felt growing guilt in his heart at the sight. He had deposed the Hierarchs and instead installed an utterly merciless dictator.
He cursed himself for his cowardice and headed towards his office. He had a new ruler and new instructions. Perhaps designing some new technology could make him feel better.
But he doubted it.
400 hours, December 21st, 2542
Covenant Throne Room, High Charity.
Xytan leaned into his freshly installed throne as the last of the Guild leaders, traders, mercenary captains, and Shipmasters had sworn their fealty and sworn blood oaths to serve him. One by one, the bodies of those who refused were hung up on hooks and raised up high to show the price of defiance. Besides his two Mkalekgolo bodyguards, the entire room was empty.
Suddenly the door opened again, and a group of Silent Shadows twelve Silent Shadows, led by a Prelate, entered the Council Chambers. Xytan grinned. The Silent Shadows had come to end his reign already. He had prepared for it. He immediately surmised they didn't try to assassinate him silently because that would not restore the Covenant's leadership. They had to be seen doing it the "proper" way. He stood up, and drew both his energy swords, not lighting them until the Silent Shadows made their move.
His guards lit their weapons and got into position, glaring at the Silent Shadows and looking ready to defend their sworn leader. But the Silent Shadows did not attack; instead, they quietly closed the door behind them, then knelt one after the other. They placed skulls down before themselves, pushing them forward as a tribute. Xytan immediately recognized them as human ones, if covered in Ceramic. He did not show his approval of the gesture, even if internally, he was surprised. He had expected an attempt to remove him, not a show of submission.
"You enter my throne room without invitation. Then offer me tribute. Explain yourself." He demanded as he leaned back into his throne. If some Silent Shadows and prelates agreed with his new order, that was fine with him. He had use of their skills.
The Prelate stood up, then glanced around, noting that the only others in the room were Xytan's guards. He slowly nodded, reached or his helmet, and removed it with a hiss. The Prelate looked young, with a fierce jawline, and the stare of a veteran of many battles. "An enemy that threatens all life is stirring. And we are here to declare neutrality in any civil war. We want to arrange a settl-"
Xytan held up a hand to silence the Prelate, then motioned for his guards to leave the room. "Leave and do not allow anyone else inside. I would speak to these Blades and their leader." They obeyed immediately and did not show the slightest hint of concern for his safety. They knew he could handle the Silent Shadows by himself. When the room had emptied, Xytan continued."You're talking about the Black Corruption. The blood of the fallen demons." He said confidently.
It had cost him years and a fortune, but Xytan had put together the scattered bits of uncensored information and knowledge about the monsters he had faced so long ago. For centuries, the Silent Shadows had been waging a secret war, unknown to any but the highest Covenant military leaders. A secret only for the Sangheili, and a handful of Prelates to know. A battle of intrigue, conspiracy, and quiet purges.
"I know of your secret war, Prelate. Of the spikes that transform those around them into aberrations. Of the stories of ships lost in Slipspace. The purges of those whose minds were warped by the machinations of the Reapers." Xytan put his energy swords back onto his belt, then gazed down upon the Silent Shadows and the Prelate. "I will allow you to operate in my territory. But never raise a hand against me or my forces. If you slay any of my commanders without proof of taint, I will root your organization out with such force your ancestors will weep tears of blood."
The Prelate and the Blades glanced at each other in surprise. Then they slowly nodded. "This is acceptable." The Prelate said. The Silent Shadows placed the skulls they had brought down upon the floor, then got up to leave.
Xytan glared at their backs as they left. Then, with the room completely empty, he looked to the right of his throne. "Show yourself, mercenary. I wish to speak to you."
The hidden alien in a form-fitting environment suit disabled her optical camouflage, appearing as if from nowhere. Xytan had smelled it the whole time. He would keep its presence a secret for the time being. Even if he was not concerned in the slightest about word of their presence leaking out.
"Admiral Rael'Zorah." An angry male voice corrected. The Quarian stood beside Xytan, the coloured glass and the mechanical sound of his suit's helmet hiding any genuine emotion or weakness in the voice. "I performed my side of the bargain. I want the ship you promised."
Xytan slowly nodded. He would kill any member of the Covenant who spoke to him in such a way. But this was a mercenary from outside the Covenant, and one who had proven vital to disabling the security of High Charity. "Do not forget that it was me who saved you from the Kig-Yar slavers," Xytan grumbled. "So be very careful with your next words. Your status as an envoy can only carry you so far."
The Quarian was an odd figure to Xytan. He and his ship had been captured by a far-ranging Kig-Yar Matriarch, who had themselves run afoul of Xytan's border patrols. The only survivor of an exploration mission, he'd caught Xytan's eye. When he'd learned just how good the Quarian was with computers, Xytan had immediately struck a deal with him. With the access codes provided by Discovery and Conversion, the eternally-suited Quarian had subverted the controls of High Charity's defences and enslaved them to Xytan's command.
He knew the Quarian didn't fully trust the Imperial Admiral, and the feeling was very much mutual. But Rael had been open to making a deal with the Covenant in exchange for his life. Xytan nodded. "One long-ranged exploration ship with a cargo of weapons and shielding units. And the cover story you asked for. You were captured by Kig-Yar and took their ship after breaking free." Xytan added. "I'll be sure none of your people finds out just how you got home."
The Quarian nodded shamefully, then slowly spoke up. "What will you do with the war on the humans?" He sounded hesitant and not a little fearful.
"You ask about humans. But your real question is about your own people. Is it not?" The Quarian's awkward silence was all the answer Xytan needed.
"The extermination will end. I want subjects. Not graves. The humans will be made to serve as another warrior Caste." Xytan rounded upon the Quarian, enjoying how the male recoiled somewhat at Xytan's gaze. "Your service will not be forgotten. When the flag of the Covenant is raised on the homeworlds of every race in the galaxy, we will raise one upon Rannoch. Your species will be a tributary."
The Quarian looked downcast, which was when Xytan sprung his trap. He made the offer.
"If your race pledges its servitude to me and my rule. We have a great many ships in storage which, while old for us, are beyond anything you have. If the Quarians pledge themselves to my rule, I can make it very much worth your while. I can provide you with a mothballed fleet, a complete replacement for the entire Migrant fleet. Weapons. Soldiers. Aid in taking back and terraforming your worlds."
Xytan offered the Quarian a smile to put him off balance. "Genetic engineering to repair your immune system. Consider what you have to gain for turning upon those who cast you aside."
The Quarian was frozen in shock. "Fix our immune system? If that could be done, we would have done so already. The kind of technology to do so-"
"Is the domain of gods." Xytan interrupted. "And we have spent a long time gathering their power. It can be done. If not to you, then to your next generation."
"I can't make that kind of a promise." The Quarian argued.
"Your people wouldn't listen to an Admiral who returns with a Covenant ship laden with cargo?" Xytan pushed further, focussing upon breaking down the arguments and thoughts that might stop the Quarian from agreeing to his proposal. But he had to try it.
A mothballed Covenant fleet refitted with weapons, for the loyalty of an entire race? That was a price Xytan would pay without hesitation. He had High Charity and a massive fleet. The Covenant would fall under his reign, and when it did, he'd bring fire and fury to the Citadel.
Xytan delivered the finishing blow. A single remark that he was sure would break any resistance the Quarian had left. He leaned forward and put extra emphasis on the words. "Your daughter could walk upon your homeworld without a suit. You have but to ask."
The Quarian was silent and remained so.
"Go," Xytan said. "You have served me well. Return to your people. Father many strong children, and take your fight to the Blasphemous Geth. I reward those who serve me."
The Quarian left the room, and Xytan was left alone in the Council Chambers.
Xytan smiled at the thought of what he had accomplished. He had High Charity, his fleet, and the support of many of the more militant Sangheili. And all he'd needed to take High Charity was a few San'Shyuum too stubborn to consider him a political player. And with the Hierarchs imprisoned, he had removed them from the picture.
The former Imperial Admiral, and now Emperor of the Covenant, stood up and crossed his arms behind his back. He could already think about how to decorate his new throne room. He glanced at the body of Conversion, which even now hung from the ceiling. It was a shame she had refused to submit. But the words of a true ruler were not to be questioned. Soon the border worlds and those Ministers away from High Charity would raise the flag of rebellion. But he was not concerned. He would unify the galaxy under the armoured fist of the Sangheili, find the Sacred Rings, and bring enlightenment to all.