Disclaimer: Halo belongs to Bungie and Microsoft. I prefer to think I own
the characters I make up in this story but if you really want them, don't
sue me, I love my books.
'Zakamee crouched, panting, behind a Human bed. The corpse of its former occupant lay next to the door where he had attempted to ambush 'Zakamee with the shotgun that was currently clutched in the Elite's hand. As 'Zakamee waited for his shield to recharge he studied the Human weapon in his hand. Its long barrel was broken into two tubes, which delivered the payload of dozens of small pellets with great force. This weapon almost killed 'Zakamee as he stumbled through the doorway. Only through great luck did he survive to kill the Human, although it brought about the loss of his plasma rifle. 'Zakamee would have to use this Human shotgun or die this day.
'Zakamee heard stuttered gunfire and the distinctive zap of plasma fire. His shields finally fully charged 'Zakamee broke off the trigger guard of the shotgun and rushed out of the door. He hurried down the hallway to see a fierce firefight going on between some Spec Ops Elite's with a small group of.Grunts? 'Zakamee could not puzzle that out, but it was rendered moot as a Grunt flung a plasma grenade at the Human forces. The resulting explosion killed the entire group of Human's and all of the Covenant except for an Elite and a Grunt. These two survivors had a hurried conversation and rushed off down a corridor.
'Zakamee quickly chased after them but was forced to duck into yet another room as more Humans' ran by. The room 'Zakamee ducked into what appeared to be a storeroom. Strewn throughout the room were several crates, only one was open. In it were many Human fragmentation grenades. Despite his misgivings about using so many Human weapons 'Zakamee grabbed a package of fragmentation grenades and checked out the hallway. No Humans were to be seen. 'Zakamee edged out of the storeroom and bumped into something. Spinning around 'Zakamee came face to face with a Human. The Human was wearing his full combat get-up and wielded an assault rifle. They opened up at the same time and 'Zakamee's shields flared as it absorbed the bullets. The Human fared much worse, the shotgun tore open a bloody hole in his chest and flung him backward. The boom of the shot echoed through the halls and 'Zakamee heard the voices of many Human's approaching his position.
'Zakamee raced down the hallway, heading in the direction that he thought the other Elite went. As he zoomed by he saw several Human's stare at him in amazement as the Elite sped at full speed past them. 'Zakamee was regarded as fast among his kind and could occasionally reach speeds of up to 20 Human miles per hour. 'Zakamee dared not move that fast in such a closed environment but he got close. Finally he emerged into a small hanger where nine Banshee's sat in their berth's. Skid marks on the ground indicated the hasty departure of at least one Banshee. 'Zakamee dashed over to one of the sleek attack fighters and scrambled into the cockpit. He scanned the controls and tried to remember the training courses he had received on such vehicles.
Tapping the activation button the Banshee lifted off the ground and, on 'Zakamee's command, sped out of the hanger bay and into Halo's sky. The Shade turrets cut the night sky apart with their pulsing blasts, but none hit the Banshee, which dodged with perfectly executed textbook maneuvers.
* * * * * *
'Zakamee awoke in the medical bay and jolted upright. He noticed that his wounds were healed and his weapons were sitting on a nearby counter. A noise to his right caused him to look up at the white armored Grunt that was sleeping in the corner. Swinging his legs of the bed he rose to his feet and took both weapons, his standard plasma rifle and the shotgun he kept as a trophy from the Human stronghold. It was much more than a trophy though, it had saved his life countless times from many a Flood combat form and even the weapon's former masters. He had shortened the barrel and adjusted the trigger so he could wield it easier and with one hand. Due to his strength he could use both his rifle and the shotgun at once.
Tucking both weapons away he walked over to the Grunt and nudged it with his foot. The Grunt yelped and shot at least two units into the air. 'Zakamee smiled as the Grunt collected himself. As the Grunt appeared ready 'Zakamee kneeled down and addressed it.
"I assume you have a message for me and were not just sleeping on the job?" said 'Zakamee in a calm voice. The Grunt stared for a second, amazed an Elite wasn't yelling at him like they usually did. Recovering his wits, again, the Grunt replied.
"Yes honorable warrior Balask 'Zakamee! Ship Master 'Rolamee sent me too send you to him as soon as you awoke. The Ship Master said that several Humans have boarded the Ascendant Justice. This was a few dozen units ago so I do not know the current condition of the Ship Master."
"Most troubling. Are you able to use a weapon?" asked 'Zakamee.
"Yes sir! I am trained to use the plasma pistol. I do not have it with me though."
'Zakamee thought on this for a second, "It would be better if you stayed here. Can you tell me the way to the bridge?"
"I could but our AI could do it faster sir!"
'Zakamee was surprised, he hadn't know they had developed AI systems yet. It would give them an advantage the Covenant had sorely lacked for quite a while. 'Zakamee remembered a certain AI that wreaked havoc on his unit's Battle Net. Following 'Zakamee's affirmation the Grunt walked over to a console and pressed some buttons. A holograph of the AI popped up but it was not what 'Zakamee expected. The figure was that of a Human woman with data streams running across her body.
"What is the meaning of this!" shouted the outraged 'Zakamee.
"I don't think you'll be using the computers for a while Covenant," said the figure, "I haven't finished playing around with them yet."
"Quickly! Fool Grunt! Shut the system off!" roared 'Zakamee.
"I'm trying sir! I'm trying!" the Grunt was furiously typing in a sequence of buttons repeatedly.
"Wait. Don't I remember you from somewhere?" The Human AI was looking at him oddly.
"Don't we all look alike to you construct?" said 'Zakamee scornfully, "Faster Grunt!"
"Ah, yes! You were that Elite that the Master Chief hit in the back at the Silent Cartographer security station. Apparently he didn't hit you hard enough." After saying these words the hologram vanished as the Grunt finally hacked her system.
"Impressive Grunt. That AI was the one that ruined one of my operations. How did you stop her?" questioned 'Zakamee.
"It-it was mere luck sir." The Grunt was quite unused to being complimented by his superiors.
"No matter what it was, you did a good job. Now come, we head for the bridge. I'll get you a weapon along the way." 'Zakamee followed his own instructions and rushed out of the room, the Grunt waddling behind him.
* * * * * *
Following the directions of the Grunt 'Zakamee soon arrived at the main hanger. He was astonished at the scene of devastation arrayed before him. It reminded him of the Truth and Reconciliation after it had been attacked by that Human killing machine, now know as the 'Master Chief'. A crashed Human fighter craft dominated the floor, as did the numerous corpses of Grunts and many, many Engineers. Silently 'Zakamee walked through the hanger, along the way he tossed a plasma pistol to the Grunt. The pistol clanged to the floor as the Grunt stood, staring at the devastation before him. Since he was wearing the white armor of the medical/scientist caste, 'Zakamee assumed that the poor Grunt had never seen a battle in his whole life. 'Zakamee sighed and kneeled down by the Grunt. He picked up another plasma pistol from nearby and cleaned the blood off of it.
"Take it." 'Zakamee said as he offered the pistol to the Grunt, "I know it is hard to look at, especially the first time, but if you don't arm yourself you may end up like them." 'Zakamee gestured to the dead bodies.
His eyes not leaving the carnage, the Grunt took the proffered pistol and checked its charge, almost full. The former user of this weapon had not got off more than a few shots before being killed himself. Hesitantly the Grunt spoke up, "Thank you sir, it is my first battle. I will do you proud sir! And, for future reference my name is Grgra."
"Very well Grgra. Let us continue on and deal with this Human scum," said 'Zakamee vehemently. Smiling grimly to himself Balask led the way down the perforated corridor, weaving among the Grunts, Engineers, and a few Elite's. Thinking back, 'Zakamee was reminded of a scene not quite unlike this one, where he had first met the 'Master Chief'.
'Zakamee crouched, panting, behind a Human bed. The corpse of its former occupant lay next to the door where he had attempted to ambush 'Zakamee with the shotgun that was currently clutched in the Elite's hand. As 'Zakamee waited for his shield to recharge he studied the Human weapon in his hand. Its long barrel was broken into two tubes, which delivered the payload of dozens of small pellets with great force. This weapon almost killed 'Zakamee as he stumbled through the doorway. Only through great luck did he survive to kill the Human, although it brought about the loss of his plasma rifle. 'Zakamee would have to use this Human shotgun or die this day.
'Zakamee heard stuttered gunfire and the distinctive zap of plasma fire. His shields finally fully charged 'Zakamee broke off the trigger guard of the shotgun and rushed out of the door. He hurried down the hallway to see a fierce firefight going on between some Spec Ops Elite's with a small group of.Grunts? 'Zakamee could not puzzle that out, but it was rendered moot as a Grunt flung a plasma grenade at the Human forces. The resulting explosion killed the entire group of Human's and all of the Covenant except for an Elite and a Grunt. These two survivors had a hurried conversation and rushed off down a corridor.
'Zakamee quickly chased after them but was forced to duck into yet another room as more Humans' ran by. The room 'Zakamee ducked into what appeared to be a storeroom. Strewn throughout the room were several crates, only one was open. In it were many Human fragmentation grenades. Despite his misgivings about using so many Human weapons 'Zakamee grabbed a package of fragmentation grenades and checked out the hallway. No Humans were to be seen. 'Zakamee edged out of the storeroom and bumped into something. Spinning around 'Zakamee came face to face with a Human. The Human was wearing his full combat get-up and wielded an assault rifle. They opened up at the same time and 'Zakamee's shields flared as it absorbed the bullets. The Human fared much worse, the shotgun tore open a bloody hole in his chest and flung him backward. The boom of the shot echoed through the halls and 'Zakamee heard the voices of many Human's approaching his position.
'Zakamee raced down the hallway, heading in the direction that he thought the other Elite went. As he zoomed by he saw several Human's stare at him in amazement as the Elite sped at full speed past them. 'Zakamee was regarded as fast among his kind and could occasionally reach speeds of up to 20 Human miles per hour. 'Zakamee dared not move that fast in such a closed environment but he got close. Finally he emerged into a small hanger where nine Banshee's sat in their berth's. Skid marks on the ground indicated the hasty departure of at least one Banshee. 'Zakamee dashed over to one of the sleek attack fighters and scrambled into the cockpit. He scanned the controls and tried to remember the training courses he had received on such vehicles.
Tapping the activation button the Banshee lifted off the ground and, on 'Zakamee's command, sped out of the hanger bay and into Halo's sky. The Shade turrets cut the night sky apart with their pulsing blasts, but none hit the Banshee, which dodged with perfectly executed textbook maneuvers.
* * * * * *
'Zakamee awoke in the medical bay and jolted upright. He noticed that his wounds were healed and his weapons were sitting on a nearby counter. A noise to his right caused him to look up at the white armored Grunt that was sleeping in the corner. Swinging his legs of the bed he rose to his feet and took both weapons, his standard plasma rifle and the shotgun he kept as a trophy from the Human stronghold. It was much more than a trophy though, it had saved his life countless times from many a Flood combat form and even the weapon's former masters. He had shortened the barrel and adjusted the trigger so he could wield it easier and with one hand. Due to his strength he could use both his rifle and the shotgun at once.
Tucking both weapons away he walked over to the Grunt and nudged it with his foot. The Grunt yelped and shot at least two units into the air. 'Zakamee smiled as the Grunt collected himself. As the Grunt appeared ready 'Zakamee kneeled down and addressed it.
"I assume you have a message for me and were not just sleeping on the job?" said 'Zakamee in a calm voice. The Grunt stared for a second, amazed an Elite wasn't yelling at him like they usually did. Recovering his wits, again, the Grunt replied.
"Yes honorable warrior Balask 'Zakamee! Ship Master 'Rolamee sent me too send you to him as soon as you awoke. The Ship Master said that several Humans have boarded the Ascendant Justice. This was a few dozen units ago so I do not know the current condition of the Ship Master."
"Most troubling. Are you able to use a weapon?" asked 'Zakamee.
"Yes sir! I am trained to use the plasma pistol. I do not have it with me though."
'Zakamee thought on this for a second, "It would be better if you stayed here. Can you tell me the way to the bridge?"
"I could but our AI could do it faster sir!"
'Zakamee was surprised, he hadn't know they had developed AI systems yet. It would give them an advantage the Covenant had sorely lacked for quite a while. 'Zakamee remembered a certain AI that wreaked havoc on his unit's Battle Net. Following 'Zakamee's affirmation the Grunt walked over to a console and pressed some buttons. A holograph of the AI popped up but it was not what 'Zakamee expected. The figure was that of a Human woman with data streams running across her body.
"What is the meaning of this!" shouted the outraged 'Zakamee.
"I don't think you'll be using the computers for a while Covenant," said the figure, "I haven't finished playing around with them yet."
"Quickly! Fool Grunt! Shut the system off!" roared 'Zakamee.
"I'm trying sir! I'm trying!" the Grunt was furiously typing in a sequence of buttons repeatedly.
"Wait. Don't I remember you from somewhere?" The Human AI was looking at him oddly.
"Don't we all look alike to you construct?" said 'Zakamee scornfully, "Faster Grunt!"
"Ah, yes! You were that Elite that the Master Chief hit in the back at the Silent Cartographer security station. Apparently he didn't hit you hard enough." After saying these words the hologram vanished as the Grunt finally hacked her system.
"Impressive Grunt. That AI was the one that ruined one of my operations. How did you stop her?" questioned 'Zakamee.
"It-it was mere luck sir." The Grunt was quite unused to being complimented by his superiors.
"No matter what it was, you did a good job. Now come, we head for the bridge. I'll get you a weapon along the way." 'Zakamee followed his own instructions and rushed out of the room, the Grunt waddling behind him.
* * * * * *
Following the directions of the Grunt 'Zakamee soon arrived at the main hanger. He was astonished at the scene of devastation arrayed before him. It reminded him of the Truth and Reconciliation after it had been attacked by that Human killing machine, now know as the 'Master Chief'. A crashed Human fighter craft dominated the floor, as did the numerous corpses of Grunts and many, many Engineers. Silently 'Zakamee walked through the hanger, along the way he tossed a plasma pistol to the Grunt. The pistol clanged to the floor as the Grunt stood, staring at the devastation before him. Since he was wearing the white armor of the medical/scientist caste, 'Zakamee assumed that the poor Grunt had never seen a battle in his whole life. 'Zakamee sighed and kneeled down by the Grunt. He picked up another plasma pistol from nearby and cleaned the blood off of it.
"Take it." 'Zakamee said as he offered the pistol to the Grunt, "I know it is hard to look at, especially the first time, but if you don't arm yourself you may end up like them." 'Zakamee gestured to the dead bodies.
His eyes not leaving the carnage, the Grunt took the proffered pistol and checked its charge, almost full. The former user of this weapon had not got off more than a few shots before being killed himself. Hesitantly the Grunt spoke up, "Thank you sir, it is my first battle. I will do you proud sir! And, for future reference my name is Grgra."
"Very well Grgra. Let us continue on and deal with this Human scum," said 'Zakamee vehemently. Smiling grimly to himself Balask led the way down the perforated corridor, weaving among the Grunts, Engineers, and a few Elite's. Thinking back, 'Zakamee was reminded of a scene not quite unlike this one, where he had first met the 'Master Chief'.