"Mmmh." The marine lowered his binoculars. "IFF confirmed. Contact is Pelican Dropship Kilo 23, over."
"Roger that. What's the word, Kilo 23?"
"Sierra 117 is on board along with the rest of the crew." The two marines' expressions visibly brightened up at the news. They fist bumped each other. "Request priority clearance, over."
"Deck's yours, Hocus. Come on down."
"Maybe there is a chance after all."
"Yeah…" The soldier watched the Pelican lowering down the LZ. "…I don't really buy the Penumbra project thing from the not-Spartan and the overnight appearance of an unknown group of aliens. Still, if they're here to help us kick the Covenant's ass, then they're welcomed."
The ramp lowered, they walked down the Pelican's cargo bay until they reached solid ground. Chief scanned the base for a few moments, the Guardian knew he wasn't relaxed and was instead searching for holes in the security and testing the integrity of the defenses. He knew he would in the Spartan's place.
Three soldiers whispered among themselves at their arrival. They were injured, but still ready to fight and die if necessary. Jake regarded them with a nod and joined the rest of the team near Keyes, who had reached the hangar the moment the base was alerted of their landing.
"Where'd you find him?" The woman asked.
The Sergeant shrugged back. "Napping. Out back. Gave us a heart attack at first, made us think he wouldn't be as stubborn as he is." Johnson chuckled and stuffed a cigar in his mouth. "Truth to be told, I wouldn't mind a few Ghosts from the Guardian's universe. Could be useful if partnered with a Spartan."
Ghost was so ready to give Johnson a piece of his mind. Imagine the irony when, instead, Mithrax stepped forward.
"The Great Machine chooses based on an invidual's actions. Devotion inspires bravery, bravery inspires sacrifice, sacrifice leads to death." He raised his organic claw and waved it towards John. "Way I see it, you could experiment a planned suicide and wait to see if It shall answer your requests."
That had been quite awkward.
"I would prefer to remain active and ready for duty at the moment, ma'am." Chief grasped Miranda's hand and shook it. "Even despite all the alluring powers my teammate possesses."
"Mmmh, I'll bet. It's good to see you, Chief. Let's get you up to speed."
It was to be expected: down the hallways many wounded Marines laid against the walls. But as they proceeded deeper into the inner structure, they encountered Eliksni civilians standing on the side and chatting in their native language. Chief seemed to be slightly taken back at the revelation, though he demonstrated much self control and ignored the non-hostile aliens, preferring to continue listening to Keyes.
Mithrax acknowledged the bowing Eliksni with a low rumble and strolled after the Commander alongside Jake.
"What about Halo?"
"We stopped it, but only temporarily." Everyone in the room paused their work to stare at the four new faces. A quick glare from the Commander sent them back to where they belonged. "Now, the Prophet of Truth is looking for something called 'The Ark', where he'll be able to fire all the Halo rings. If he succeeds, Humanity, the Covenant, Mithrax and his people…" The Kell looked to the side. "Every sentient being in the Galaxy."
"The rings will kill us all." Chief sternly finished the thought for her.
"Indeed." Miranda shifted her gaze on the Kell. "I have given my permission for half of Mithrax's kind to reside in the base, as Jake may have already hinted, while the Captain of their Ketch is busy repairing the technology on board. At least we don't need to worry about a shortage of our food supply."
Mithrax nodded. "House of Light thanks you for your generosity, Commander. We wish to repay our debt by aiding in the fight against the Prophet of Truth and his followers. We may not be a wide force to represent an entire army, but Eliksni are skilled even with few numbers. We shall be a force to be reckoned with."
"That's already enough."
Keyes continued with a sigh. "Unfortunately our comms are currently scrambled and we're attempting to repair them. Once they're up and running, we'll call Hood for a SITREP and logistic purposes. The Covenant have not found us yet and that means we have a temporarily advantage." She wrapped her arms around her back. "I have no further orders for today. Soon it'll be evening, go and get some rest. Tomorrow will the beginning of our long answer to Truth's intrusion. Might be the last time you'll all get the chance to relax. Dismissed."
Mithrax entered the private chambers the humans had given him and dropped on the bed. He checked his arc rifle and growled. All he had wanted was to rescue the residents of the mutinied Ketch and head back inside the safe environment of the Eliksni quarters. Sure, some human dissidents often attempted strikes on their home but the Vanguard was always active into catching the ones responsible of such gestures and throwing them in jail.
For now, his kind was safe, his daughter was conducting her researches on a new and interesting subject and seemed very intrigued. She was okay. And the Light? The Light had not abandoned them. Jake was with them. They would make it through this unpredictable turn of events and win. He was the most powerful Guardian that had ever lived. That had to count for something, right?
The Light provides. The Light provides.
He clenched his fists.
The Light provides. Praise the Great Machine. The Ligh-
Multiple knocks on the entrance to his quarters. Mithrax's consciousness navigated to the realm of the rational behaviour and he rubbed his masked temple. "You may enter!"
It wasn't a human. The new arrival was no one than the Arbiter himself, Thel 'Vadam. The Sangheili closed the door behind him and slightly bowed. "Greetings, Mithrax. May I steal some of your time? I wish to discuss about something very important. I hope to not be intruding."
You have my attention, Arbiter.
"Certainly." He adjusted his position on the bed so that there was enough space between where each of them would seat. He waved his claw towards the empty spot and 'Vadam puffed his chest out in understanding. "What brings you here, Arbiter?"
"I wish this conversation to remain private between us. Will you accept this condition?"
He had already a small idea of where this was leading to.
"If this is what you request, so be it."
The Arbiter took a deep breath. "I… have heard a few tales from your people regarding your position as Kell of House Light. As well as the complete explanation of how you met Jake and slowly built an alliance with Humanity."
Predictable. I too went through the same stage as the one he is currently in. Just how I helped the Saint understand his position in our society and also helped him change, I can attempt something similar with the Arbiter.
"Indeed. However, I do not think you came here to ask about the ways of approaching Humanity when the war is over. We already know a forced peace will be installed between the both of your races. Two giants scrutinizing each other without the possibility to fight, because it could mark the complete destruction of life itself." He tilted his mask. "You wish to be forgiven and you assume it wouldn't be honorable to ask or even hint at a possible reconciliation that deep."
For the first time since his appointment as a soldier of the Covenant armada and new Arbiter of the Sangheili, Thel 'Vadam remained speechless. He looked down at his claws and swallowed. "I… so many innocent humans fell by my blade. I basked in the massacre and annihilation of an entire species just because I was told to obey false laws and Prophets. Furthermore, our society is completely structured around prestige, honour and conflict." He raised his eyes. "How did you manage?"
"We both needed each other, Arbiter. I was born after the destruction of my home planet, Riis. I was taught only to steal, kill, conquer, destroy. And do you know what commenced the small spark of change in my spirit?" Thel blinked, eagerly awaiting more. "Mercy. I was shown mercy and that mercy had been the catalyst of my change."
Mithrax sighed. "No matter what I do, the shame of my terrible actions will always be a weight and wound to bear for the rest of my existence. But Eliksni like Eido? They have a chance to rewrite our history. As an old human quote recites: 'The enemy of my enemy is my friend.'"
The Eliksni leaned closer and placed his organic claw on the Sangheili's armoured shoulder. "I wish to be forgiven too."
The slumbering section of the base was filled with both marines and Eliksni alike.
Jake's heavy foosteps alerted everyone on his path. While the Eliksni paid him a few seconds of attention, the marines, injured and having no better things to do, stared at him. He decided to check this portion of the facility in case the humans of this world would be hostile to the aliens. It didn't help they were already in war with aliens. Adding more, and unknown, species on top of that would be nerve breaking.
"Yeah! Take that bitch!"
That voice…
He found a group of marines, both injured and healthy, gathered on the floor. Poker cards in their hands and focused on winning the game. Among them stood the familiar faces of Sergeant Andrew Harrison and Private Paul Jackson. The kid was especially in ecstasy as he had apparently won against one of the younger marines. Maybe they had a previous verbal duel. Who knew?
"You guys seem to be enjoying yourselves."
One of the younger soldiers released sounds akin to a highschool cheerleader and threw his cards in the air. The rest of the circle members laughed, a few gripped their bellies and dried tears from their eyes. Once the commotion calmed down, they realized who had spoken and they all raised on their feet. They saluted.
"Sir!"
For the Traveler's sake, I'm not Sergeant Major Hartman!
"Yep, they're really going Full Metal Jacket."
"At ease." He peeked at the cards on the ground. "Poker night, uh? What's the prize?"
Harrison cleared his throat. "W-Well, sir. We just found a few bottles of whiskey laying in a crate and thought about a simple game. All that lose, drink. The last one standing, more or less, sober wins." Andrew pointed his thumb to his left. "Private Locke can confirm that, hehehe." He followed Harrison's gaze on a completely drunk soldier peacefully snoring on a bed. An Eliksni civilian was watching him with a curious expression as he rubbed his own neck in confusion.
"Cool. Mind if I join you?"
Silence.
The marines exchanged glances.
"Sir…" Jackson began. "…did you just ask to join the game?"
"I did."
"Sir, no offense but… we've never heard of…"
He chuckled. "Of Spartans interested in something other than war?" Jake clasped his gloves together. "Good thing I'm not a Spartan then, mmmh? What, you all lots are afraid of not lasting much like the pussies you are?"
That definitely riled them up.
Jake crouched and grinned before taking off his helmet.
Good thing I didn't tell them about Guardians' immune system to substances such as alcohol.
Eido was quite frustrated with herself. She still hadn't the chance of speaking with the Arbiter and perhaps expand their knowledge on this universe. She also needed to write a special chapter for their House, a journey in another universe was worthy of an entire book!
She entered the hangar and noticed a few marines tending to the Warthogs. Maybe they knew where the Arbiter was?
"Excuse me?" She softly called, datapad still wrapped under her right shoulders while she waved the claw of her upper left one. The two marines working on the engine and tyres paused their work, while the third underneath the vehicle itself pushed the strange contraption he exploited as 'floor' away to face her. "I'm looking for the Arbiter, Thel 'Vadam. Have you, perhaps, seen him? I must speak to him."
Two of the humans stared at her with a glare. She didn't understand why, though. She hadn't done anything to offend them. The third human seemed to be thinking as he rubbed his chin. "If I recall, I've seen the Arbiter entering the private quarters of… uh, Mithrax was it? That's your father, aye? Why would you need to talk with the split-lip anyway?"
Split-lip? Now that was an interesting and peculiar adjective to describe the Sangheili. She made sure to memorize the word for her notes.
"Oh, just a research on this uni-, I mean… on their race. Being a Scribe, it is my duty to report each step of my species' history to preserve its memory."
One of the glaring humans laughed. "Yeah, you know where you can stick your research, dear?" He and the other soldier laughed, the third merely shook his head and looked away in disgust.
Eido tilted her hood. "No. Where?"
The humans all blinked at her. The one who said the strange phrase waved his hands. "Uh, look, you can go find the split-lip and talk with him. Just forget the last part of our conversation, alright?"
She shrugged. "So be it. I thank you for your generous help!"
The marine that didn't insult her yet whistled. "Nice curves." He received two disgusting looks. "What? Everyone has their tastes and fetishes. Get me a few stiff drinks and I'd toss her ass like a salad."
"I wouldn't advise that, marine."
He turned around but didn't have time to process who had addressed him as he was grabbed by the throat and slammed on the back of the Warthog. He raised his gaze and met the cold violet dot of Mithrax. The other two marines took a few steps back.
"Perhaps my vocabulary isn't clear enough for a monkey like you, so I shall use the low terminology you like. You are a soldier and we need soldiers to win this war. If I find you near my daughter again in any shape or form, I will rip your least used arm out of its socket and stick it up your ass. You won't be able to move, but you'll be able to fire your weapon regardless with the remaining arm." He growled. "Don't challenge me, don't go near Eido or I swear on the Great Machine that you will wish you were dead the moment your eyes first fell on her. Am I clear?"
"C-Chrystal, s-sir!"
Mithrax let him go, his gaze met the third soldier's one. "I thank you for helping my daughter."
He whirled his cape around and left the hangar.
"I beg your pardon." Thel 'Vadam rumbled. "You wish to?"
"Listen to your tales and document them, of course!" Eido opened a brand new file and expectantly waited for the Arbiter. "As I said, being a Scribe is quite the challenge. Always on the research of new and old material. A journey in this universe will indeed be a serious development to analyze at the Tower once we come back. I know a few cryptarchs and researches who would be interested in what you have to say."
Now she had his attention.
Thel 'Vadam was just as any other Sangheili in the rigid society they were known to live in. Any opportunity to demonstrate their honour and prestige had to be delicately selected and exploited when necessary. For the moment he had pushed aside any attempt to concentrate on his revenge against Truth. The humiliation he had endured on his knees had to be repayed with blood.
Truth needed to be silenced.
And yet, who was he to stop his tales from entering other universes? If the natives of the Guardian's world were to study his species and himself as its representative, then he would be the first Sangheili to cross universes with his actions. Thel couldn't think of a more honourable achievement.
Besides, if Eido was going to help transcribe his words, then she would also provide her own information on a specific Eliksni out there.
Thel recognized a potential glorious duel when he saw one.
"I accept your offer, Eido. But… would you answer some of my own questions about your father? I'm merely curious."
If he was human, he would be grinning when Eido nodded.
A whole streak of victories. That's what he left behind the completely drunk and snoring soldiers.
The best part out of all of that? He always won because a single card in his decks. The Ace of Spades.
Poetic, right?
A few hours had passed since he began playing, full night had fallen upon them. Keyes and Johnson had the brilliant idea of beginning a small 'party' (if that's what it could be called) to reinvigorate the spirits of their troops, be them alien or humans. The space, not surprisingly, had been chosen in the hangar.
The tension was still palpable between the three races standing in the same room. No one however attempted to jeopardize the forced peace established. It wouldn't have been wise. The few Sangheili that strangely entered in the base about an hour ago knew this fact too.
That or they didn't want to risk losing a good food supply. Many were eating in peace and content to be left alone, others chatted among their species and few actually attempted to communicate with one another.
Jake spotted Chief hanging in the back against a wall. The giant Spartan was exactly out of place in the entire picture. After all Spartans weren't familiar with the concept of social interactions. Maybe they had a way to communicate with each other and express emotions, but they didn't show them outside of their private bubble.
He quietly glued his back to the same wall and crossed his arms. Chief glanced at the Guardian before returning to scan the area.
"Any holes in the security or possible entries in the base for the Covenant?"
Better to start a conversation on subjects he knew wouldn't place both of them in an awkward standoff.
"A few of them." John grunted. "I will report them tomorrow to the Commander."
"You're gonna get some rest, right? Can't have you falling asleep in the battle against Truth."
"Affirmative."
Honestly, he felt better with saying nothing. After pushing out of his barrier and talking more than usual in his latest travels, he was more inclined to close himself again and simply watch. Chief seemed thankful for his decision from the body language he showed, while at the same time not minding the company of someone so similar to him.
He started humming his favourite song. He sang a few lyrics every now and then.
"A lonesome star, in a bitter sky…"
John's breath hitched a bit. He thanked God for keeping the responsive audio system in his helmet off.
"…but if there's nothing, on the other side…"
He watched him. So, after all these years, he had his confirmation.
"Why can't I leave, well enough alone and go to the light?"
Chief had finally found him.
"Mithrax!"
They snapped their attention on the Arbiter, who had bursted in the hangar with two other Sangheili on his sides. The Kell paused his conversation with Keyes and Johnson to turn around and properly address the Elite.
He pointed a finger at the Eliksni. "I wish to test your capabilities as a warrior. I challenge you to a duel!"
Ghost sighed. "Oh boy, somehow I already knew it would have ended like this."
Yeah, the Guardian was so curious of what 'friendly sparring' meant for an Elite.
"You don't have to do this, you know."
Mithrax coughed in his language. "I must, Jake." The humans were tracing the area in which the duel would take place. "We value honour as much as the Sangheili do. What kind of leader would I be if I refused?"
"Haven't you proven enough already?"
He accepted the blade Vraskor was offering him, the Captain had momentarily abandoned the Ketch to speak with the Commander. "Not enough. Still, we shall not fight to the death. We are not going to kill each other. I think I know why Thel wants to do this."
He stepped ahead.
"He sees me as a worthy opponent."
Mithrax ended the conversation there, he marched towards the Arbiter, who had been waiting in the center. Chief, Jake and Eido watched every move while Miranda was ready to jump in. Johnson leaned on a nearby table smoking a cigar, he had a small smirk on his lips. Maybe he thought this would be entertaining?
Their blades were modified versions of the material often used by the Fallen Captain Jake fought. They didn't use the Elites' energy sword, it was too much even for sparring.
"I need to inform you, Arbiter, that it has been a while since I have last fought in close quarters. Forgive me if my moves might appear 'sloppy', as the humans say."
The Elite nodded. "A few minutes will awake the correct spirit inside of you. I can wait."
They took a few steps back. Thel 'Vadam raised his sword and got into position.
Mithrax rolled the handle on his claw and punched his chest with it before releasing a snarl. He was inviting the Elite to make the first move.
The Arbiter was happy to oblige.
Thel had expected the Kell to block the upcoming swing by clashing their blades together. Instead, the Eliksni slid his feet back and crouched to avoid the strike, he then pushed the Arbiter by the back by planting one of said feet on him.
'Vadam growled as he noticed a few humans chuckling at the motion. He roared and pounched on his prey like a wolf. Mithrax diligently paired the strikes, the Arbiter however increased the force applied and forced the Eliksni in backing away. Using the momentum, he pushed his opponent away and elbowed him in the face.
He's playing on the defence as he gets used to fighting like that while also analyzing Thel's fighting pattern. Jake smiled. Nice.
Thel's style was very aggressive, likely a result of the Sangheili's strength, stature, but also agility. At a particular attack, Mithrax placed his blade in a horizontal line and stabilized his grip on it by exploiting his gauntlet as a concrete surface. This way the straight strike that would have surely buried in his neck like a hatchet was perfectly paired.
"Hey-" Eido's protests were interrupted when both Chief and Jake raised their arms in a straight line in front of her chest. She had wanted to step in.
He didn't expect the Sangheili to suddenly punch him in the chest. Mithrax leaned his body on the left and let the blade collide with his shoulder plate, sparks flew around and metal against metal hissed. But Thel wasn't over yet and he uppercut Mithrax with the handle. The Kell fell on the ground on his knees, his mask wasn't broken, it still clinged to his face.
The Arbiter coughed. "Is this all you've got? Get up."
Mithrax panted, his shoulders shaking up and down.
"What will happen when you'll be too weak to protect your people? What will happen when your daughter will be exhaling her last breath in your arms? Will it because of who hurt her? Or because you were too weak to protect her?"
Oh, no…
The Kell clenched his fists and looked up at Thel.
…what have you done?
He had never heard a roar so animalistic and loud from the Kell. Mithrax bolted towards the Arbiter and swung his blade. Thel 'Vadam was unprepared for the unexpected fury, speed and effiency Mithrax suddenly showed in their duel. The Eliksni grabbed the other sword with his artificial hand and effectively tore it from the Arbiter's grip. He kicked him in the chest and rotated in a full circle, swinging his weapon one last time on Thel's legs. He fell on the floor and the Kell didn't waste time in seizing his prize, wrapping his two swords around his neck.
They stared at each other, Mithrax resumed panting but this time he had a murderous and rageful expression behind his mask. Thel simply waited for his next action, as all the spectators did. If he was to die there, at least he knew it would have been an honourable death by the hands of a respected leader.
Mithrax caught the stare of his daughter. She looked… strange, he wouldn't say scared. Perhaps preoccupied for the Arbiter beneath him.
He regained his senses and disengaged, instead offering his organic claw. Thel shifted his attention between the claw and the Kell himself. He grasped it and was pulled on his feet.
Mithrax looked at the swords in his hands for a few seconds before throwing them away. "This encounter will greatly help me in an eventual duel, Arbiter. I thank you for your participation."
As Eido fired question after question once his father padded his way towards her, as well as checking for major injures, the Guardian watched the Arbiter nod and retreat from the hangar.
"He didn't know what he had done. Mithrax has lived for many more years, despite being still young…"
"Yeah." He muttered in response. "He has more experience than the Arbiter could ever ask for."
Jake let himself fall on his bunk in the personal quarters he was given. After all that had happened in the evening, he would need some rest before any further action against the Covenant could begin.
Two knocks on the door. He wondered if it was Miranda or Johnson, maybe they wanted to talk about Mithrax's behaviour? Or they possessed developments on the communication system?
He didn't foresee Master Chief to be standing outside.
Jake didn't even ask him if he wanted to come in, simply stepping to the side and allowing the giant Spartan to gain access to the quarters.
"Hey, Chief. What can I do for you?"
Chief didn't reciprocate his pleasantries. "I need you to take off your helmet."
Well, that was straight forward.
"What?"
"I said that I need you to take off your helmet. I need to be sure about something."
What the hell was going on inside John's head? It wouldn't hurt to comply however and perhaps it would be a better explanation than trying to retrieve informations from the silent Spartan himself.
Besides, he realized Chief had never seen his face. And rather that he had seen John's face.
He placed his hands on the helmet and slowly removed it.
Chief stared at him, he couldn't really tell what emotion he was showing because of his own helmet. But his shoulders stiffened even more. He narrowed his brown eyes at the Spartan and tilted his head in question.
John grabbed the magnum he had holstered and rolled it on his palm, the handle ready to be taken.
"Take it." He simply said.
In one hand he held the helmet, in the other Jake accepted the weapon. Chief marched away towards the exit.
"Why did you give me your magnum?"
John stopped and glanced at the Guardian from his shoulder.
"Because you asked me to… sir."
His eyes widened but before he could ask what Chief meant, the Spartan had already passed through the door.
Jake lowered his eyes on the weapon in his hands.
He never asked for a weapon from Chief. Why was he surprised at seeing his face?
And why did he call him 'sir'?
Author's note:
More misteries surrounding our two main protagonists.
This is also the first full and long original chapter that doesn't include a novelization of any Halo missions.
I feel quite proud of this. Well, reviews could be cool on this one.
Until next time!
Gino out!