Berryler, Last Refuge
Chapter Two: A Bigger Plan
"... and finally we escaped aboard a Longsword fighter," Chief finished. One marine let out a long whistle.
"That was some tale. I wouldn't believe it if it wasn't you telling it, Chief," the marine said. Others nodded and murmured an agreement.
"All because of human stupidity..." came a voice from the shadows of the left end corner. Chief flicked his flashlight on to reveal a Covenant Elite. "... As well as ours," the Elite concluded. Chief was about to fire when a marine jumped in front of the Elite.
"No! Don't shoot! He's one of us!" the marine shouted hastily.
"Explain," Chief growled, keeping his weapon aimed at the Elite's head. The Elite raised his hands.
"I wish no quarrel with you."
"Tell it to someone who cares."
"Chief, meet Zera 'Balymee, Covenant Elite, banned for questioning their religion," the marine leader said.
"Oh?" Chief cocked his head. Gora rose and bowed.
"It is an honor to meet the legendary human warrior, who has destroyed the Halo," Gora bowed even deeper.
"Hey, we're at the base!" one of the marines shouted.
In the Covenant stronghold The Ever Vigilant, two Elite guards stood at the door leading to the stronghold's innermost room, where the Prophets of Compassion and Generosity resided. Suddenly, a silver-armored Elite wearing a long, red cloak entered the corridor, escorted by several black-clad Elites and Grunts. As the leading Elite prepared to enter the Prophet's chamber, the Elite guards activated their Energy Swords and crossed them over the door.
"No one may enter the Prophet's chamber," one of the two guards growled.
"Do you know who I am?" the silver Elite asked in an angry tone.
"No one may enter the Prophet's chamber," the guard repeated.
"I am commander Gora 'Balymee and I am in command of the troops here. Let me past!" Gora 'Balymee shouted.
"Come a step closer and your insides will decorate the walls," warned the guard. Suddenly the doors opened and two Prophets hovered trough it.
"Do not worry, Tagi 'Jaromee. Commander Gora was summoned by us," the Prophet of Compassion said. The guards retreated, letting Gora trough. His escort stayed in the corridor. After the doors closed, the commander spoke.
"I have grave news, noble Prophets. The human demon who destroyed Halo, Master Chief as he is called, is now here."
"What?" the Prophet of Generosity cried out. "The demon? Here?"
"Explain," the Prophet of Compassion commanded.
"The stronghold at the Valley of Prophecy was attacked. A Grunt named Haigag reported it to me personally. The stronghold had been attacked by a human wearing a green armor."
"There is no doubt," the Prophet of Compassion said. "The demon has returned to destroy..."
"Do not speak of it," the Prophet of Generosity cut his kinsman short. "The mere notion of it could be considered heresy!" The Prophet of Compassion was silent.
"Should I hunt the demon down?" the commander asked.
"Yes! He must be killed!" the Prophet of Compassion shouted, clenching his fist.
"You now know your task, commander," Prophet of Generosity said. "Go and fulfill it."
P.S. Sorry that the chapter was so short. The next one will be longer. Bigfoot.