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.
A/N: Has anyone else noticed that as I keep writing my chapters get longer? Well, not today. Hope its just as good though.
The training deck was actually a huge wide-open room divided into several chunks. There was a maze in which to practice close-quarters combat, a shooting range for accuracy tests, and a large ring for more, personal, training. As 'Zakamee walked into the room that served as the lobby he noticed a small pile of bodies nearby, both Elite, Grunt, and Engineer. Living counterparts of those corpses were running back and forth, although 'Zakamee noticed very few Elite's. Inquiring as to the location of Grgra from a nearby Grunt 'Zakamee headed off to the entrance of the maze arena.
As 'Zakamee walked down the short corridor to the maze he passed what appeared to be a hastily erected first aid tent. Numerous Grunts lay on the ground or on several beds with other, white-armored Grunts walking around them. Only two Elite's were there and both were badly wounded. One of them had massive plasma burns over its entire upper torso, its armor was removed, exposing its yellowish skin, and it was breathing heavily. The second was not much better off, with bullet wounds peppering its lower abdomen and both of its legs. The Elite's purple blood slowly seeped out despite the best efforts of the medical Grunts. 'Zakamee looked away and continued on his way.
'Zakamee approached the maze and noticed to his dismay that several of the walls were blasted down, hopefully by design and not by the barrage of fire that had hit the ship just recently. 'Zakamee hoped that the Ascendant Justice was crippled and he would shortly be traveling back to his homeworld, preferably as prison guard of that accursed Master Chief. 'Zakamee neared the command post and dismissed his thoughts of promotion from his head, focusing on the task at hand. Grgra was seated at a table with several other Grunts and a gold armored Elite. 'Zakamee was startled that such a high-ranking officer was still alive, but even more surprised by the attention that the Elite was giving to Grgra.
"And so while the Human's are busy repairing the damage to the engines we can strike and take back the bridge. This plan will require much patience on behalf of the Elite's participating in this plan but I believe that it will work out. Now I think Field Mast-" At this Grgra finally noticed 'Zakamee standing off to one side, "Ah! Honorable Warrior 'Zakamee! I'm glad that you made it to this meeting. Did your search go well? As you can see mine went exceedingly well."
Grgra looked very pleased with himself as he nodded at all the Grunts sitting around the table, a few wearing the black armor of the Elite Guard, and he bowed to the Field Master. The Elite stood and offered its hand to 'Zakamee. As they shook the Field Master introduced himself and the other members of the command staff.
"I am very honored to meet you Balask 'Zakamee. I had heard that one of our own had survived the Halo catastrophe. I am Field Master Raka 'Drakee. I was commander of the division of Grunts on this ship. I was carrying out an inspection in one of the minor barracks when the Human's cut of air to the ship. Thankfully I was wearing my re-breather mask and the Grunts got their masks quickly enough. Some of those same lucky one's are here now."
'Drakee looked out of breath by the time he finished talking and 'Zakamee wasn't surprised when he took a breath before continuing. Gesturing towards the Grunts 'Drakee began introducing them. The first Grunt on the right was the Major Srsra, a cousin of Grgra's. The next Grunt 'Zakamee recognized as Cacar and he nodded to 'Zakamee. Next to Grgra on the left was the Elite Guard Nanac, Nanac looked up from the note pad he was reading and reached over to shake 'Zakamee's hand, 'Zakamee obliged. The last Grunt was another Elite Guard, his name was Akaki, and his slightly wild eyed stare labeled him as one of the Grunts that utilizes the fuel rod gun. It was common knowledge that the radiation from such a weapon messed up a Grunts brain after a while and made him 'eccentric' in the least.
After the introductions were finished and 'Zakamee had sat down next to 'Drakee, 'Zakamee realized something that he probably should not have forgotten. Grunts did not sit at command tables, did not command respect from Elite's, and certainly did not give Field Commander's briefings. But apparently Grgra had accomplished what no Grunt, especially not a member of the medical caste, had done before, he had gotten an Elite to listen to him, accept his decisions, and be allowed to take command. Although as Grgra went back over the mission for 'Zakamee's sake, 'Zakamee could not help noticing what 'Drakee had seen in the diminutive Grunt. Grgra was an extremely talented strategic officer. He knew exactly what to do to accomplish the overall goal and how to get around to doing those things. Afterward, Grgra asked 'Zakamee what he had found. 'Zakamee listed the names of the Elite's he recovered and mentioned the Emissary, although he did leave the Emissary's experiment out of his report.
"That all sounds well Honorable 'Zakamee," said Cacar, "But where exactly are they right now? Shouldn't the Emissary have come with you to the command post?"
"Apparently Grgra and I were thinking along the same lines, as I sent them out to key spots to sabotage the ship. I also requested that the Emissary come with me, but he declined. If you give me a schematic of the ship I can point out where I sent them."
Grgra called to a Minor Grunt and told it to obtain a portable computer linkup for the command tent. As the officers waited for the Grunt to return they exchanged various war tales, a common practice among warriors of any rank. They were all impressed with some of 'Zakamee's tales of Halo but he shied away from any discussion of the Flood. He was determined to reveal that information to the High Prophet himself, in person. Word came that the Grunt had almost arrived and the last few units were spent telling Grgra the weak points of a Human.
"I have noticed that if you happen to run into a Human, it is best to swiftly punch it between its legs." Noted Akaki, "The Human's take much unpleasantness from being hit there. They like it less when my fuel rod gun burns their face to cinders." Akaki's tone became very insane sounding with that last part and Nanac edged his chair a few micro-units away him.
At last the Grunt arrived with the terminal and Grgra brought up a diagram of the ship. 'Zakamee stood and highlighted several key plasma conduits and two of the plasma turrets where he had sent his people. Grgra and the others nodded approvingly and 'Zakamee sat back down feeling very sure of himself. Grgra was about to dismiss them when the diagram melted away and was replaced with the fragmented hologram of an Elite.
"War-Warning. The infidel AI is making another her-heresy." Crackled the AI, "Let me show you-you."
The hologram was again replaced with a picture from the forward camera. It showed the misty gasses of the gas giant Threshold being sucked into the black hole of a slip space opening. The camera drifted closer and closer until it entered the hole and the feed was cut off. The screen blinked off, taking the AI with it. For at least two whole units, no one did or said anything. Everyone knew that a planetary slip space jump was impossible, but the Human AI had done it, right before their very eyes. 'Zakamee was the first to recover, he had experience with this sort of mind numbing discoveries.
"I think you were about to dismiss us, right Grgra?" at Grgra's nod 'Zakamee turned to the rest, "I would advise returning to your separate duties and not to speak of this to anyone. Our moral is low enough already without news of the impossible reaching the ears of every soldier of this ship. Affirmative?"
The officers slowly nodded and they each left, walking to their own area of importance, but slowly, as their brains slowly processed this desecration to all that is holy. Even 'Zakamee could barely contain his desire to go and rip the throats out of every Human on the ship. 'Zakamee breathed in, held, and let his breath back out. It was a trick he had learned in childhood to avoid all those boyish honor fights, and it still served him even now. He felt better and turned to Grgra. The look in the Grunts' eyes was that of worry and anger.
"We're in trouble aren't we? If they can do this with our ships and we can't, what'll happen if they can get our technology?" Grgra spoke very quietly.
"All we can do is prevent them from ever getting the chance. We must retake the ship." Stated 'Zakamee firmly.
Grgra got up and walked over to the computer terminal and replayed the picture of the slip space jump. The two Covenant watched it again and the same thought occupied both their minds.
How can we beat something that can do this?
Note: I'm not very sure about this chapter. I could use some ideas with which to make it better. My brain just seems to have abandoned me on this point. Thanks in advance.
Phantom Kensai - I'm glad you like this story so much. Although I don't think this is exactly book worthy, who knows?
Zarbok - Short, concise, complementary. I like it. May you receive such nice reviews when you have your own story.
Flareaoh - I'd just like to say, right now, that I am so glad no one has flamed my story yet. Yes, it is hard to humanize the Covenant but I've found I have sort of a flair for humanizing alien species. I'm not entirely sure about where the story will end, but rest assured, the end will be exciting. Provided I can get the battle scenes to work out right.
A/N: Has anyone else noticed that as I keep writing my chapters get longer? Well, not today. Hope its just as good though.
The training deck was actually a huge wide-open room divided into several chunks. There was a maze in which to practice close-quarters combat, a shooting range for accuracy tests, and a large ring for more, personal, training. As 'Zakamee walked into the room that served as the lobby he noticed a small pile of bodies nearby, both Elite, Grunt, and Engineer. Living counterparts of those corpses were running back and forth, although 'Zakamee noticed very few Elite's. Inquiring as to the location of Grgra from a nearby Grunt 'Zakamee headed off to the entrance of the maze arena.
As 'Zakamee walked down the short corridor to the maze he passed what appeared to be a hastily erected first aid tent. Numerous Grunts lay on the ground or on several beds with other, white-armored Grunts walking around them. Only two Elite's were there and both were badly wounded. One of them had massive plasma burns over its entire upper torso, its armor was removed, exposing its yellowish skin, and it was breathing heavily. The second was not much better off, with bullet wounds peppering its lower abdomen and both of its legs. The Elite's purple blood slowly seeped out despite the best efforts of the medical Grunts. 'Zakamee looked away and continued on his way.
'Zakamee approached the maze and noticed to his dismay that several of the walls were blasted down, hopefully by design and not by the barrage of fire that had hit the ship just recently. 'Zakamee hoped that the Ascendant Justice was crippled and he would shortly be traveling back to his homeworld, preferably as prison guard of that accursed Master Chief. 'Zakamee neared the command post and dismissed his thoughts of promotion from his head, focusing on the task at hand. Grgra was seated at a table with several other Grunts and a gold armored Elite. 'Zakamee was startled that such a high-ranking officer was still alive, but even more surprised by the attention that the Elite was giving to Grgra.
"And so while the Human's are busy repairing the damage to the engines we can strike and take back the bridge. This plan will require much patience on behalf of the Elite's participating in this plan but I believe that it will work out. Now I think Field Mast-" At this Grgra finally noticed 'Zakamee standing off to one side, "Ah! Honorable Warrior 'Zakamee! I'm glad that you made it to this meeting. Did your search go well? As you can see mine went exceedingly well."
Grgra looked very pleased with himself as he nodded at all the Grunts sitting around the table, a few wearing the black armor of the Elite Guard, and he bowed to the Field Master. The Elite stood and offered its hand to 'Zakamee. As they shook the Field Master introduced himself and the other members of the command staff.
"I am very honored to meet you Balask 'Zakamee. I had heard that one of our own had survived the Halo catastrophe. I am Field Master Raka 'Drakee. I was commander of the division of Grunts on this ship. I was carrying out an inspection in one of the minor barracks when the Human's cut of air to the ship. Thankfully I was wearing my re-breather mask and the Grunts got their masks quickly enough. Some of those same lucky one's are here now."
'Drakee looked out of breath by the time he finished talking and 'Zakamee wasn't surprised when he took a breath before continuing. Gesturing towards the Grunts 'Drakee began introducing them. The first Grunt on the right was the Major Srsra, a cousin of Grgra's. The next Grunt 'Zakamee recognized as Cacar and he nodded to 'Zakamee. Next to Grgra on the left was the Elite Guard Nanac, Nanac looked up from the note pad he was reading and reached over to shake 'Zakamee's hand, 'Zakamee obliged. The last Grunt was another Elite Guard, his name was Akaki, and his slightly wild eyed stare labeled him as one of the Grunts that utilizes the fuel rod gun. It was common knowledge that the radiation from such a weapon messed up a Grunts brain after a while and made him 'eccentric' in the least.
After the introductions were finished and 'Zakamee had sat down next to 'Drakee, 'Zakamee realized something that he probably should not have forgotten. Grunts did not sit at command tables, did not command respect from Elite's, and certainly did not give Field Commander's briefings. But apparently Grgra had accomplished what no Grunt, especially not a member of the medical caste, had done before, he had gotten an Elite to listen to him, accept his decisions, and be allowed to take command. Although as Grgra went back over the mission for 'Zakamee's sake, 'Zakamee could not help noticing what 'Drakee had seen in the diminutive Grunt. Grgra was an extremely talented strategic officer. He knew exactly what to do to accomplish the overall goal and how to get around to doing those things. Afterward, Grgra asked 'Zakamee what he had found. 'Zakamee listed the names of the Elite's he recovered and mentioned the Emissary, although he did leave the Emissary's experiment out of his report.
"That all sounds well Honorable 'Zakamee," said Cacar, "But where exactly are they right now? Shouldn't the Emissary have come with you to the command post?"
"Apparently Grgra and I were thinking along the same lines, as I sent them out to key spots to sabotage the ship. I also requested that the Emissary come with me, but he declined. If you give me a schematic of the ship I can point out where I sent them."
Grgra called to a Minor Grunt and told it to obtain a portable computer linkup for the command tent. As the officers waited for the Grunt to return they exchanged various war tales, a common practice among warriors of any rank. They were all impressed with some of 'Zakamee's tales of Halo but he shied away from any discussion of the Flood. He was determined to reveal that information to the High Prophet himself, in person. Word came that the Grunt had almost arrived and the last few units were spent telling Grgra the weak points of a Human.
"I have noticed that if you happen to run into a Human, it is best to swiftly punch it between its legs." Noted Akaki, "The Human's take much unpleasantness from being hit there. They like it less when my fuel rod gun burns their face to cinders." Akaki's tone became very insane sounding with that last part and Nanac edged his chair a few micro-units away him.
At last the Grunt arrived with the terminal and Grgra brought up a diagram of the ship. 'Zakamee stood and highlighted several key plasma conduits and two of the plasma turrets where he had sent his people. Grgra and the others nodded approvingly and 'Zakamee sat back down feeling very sure of himself. Grgra was about to dismiss them when the diagram melted away and was replaced with the fragmented hologram of an Elite.
"War-Warning. The infidel AI is making another her-heresy." Crackled the AI, "Let me show you-you."
The hologram was again replaced with a picture from the forward camera. It showed the misty gasses of the gas giant Threshold being sucked into the black hole of a slip space opening. The camera drifted closer and closer until it entered the hole and the feed was cut off. The screen blinked off, taking the AI with it. For at least two whole units, no one did or said anything. Everyone knew that a planetary slip space jump was impossible, but the Human AI had done it, right before their very eyes. 'Zakamee was the first to recover, he had experience with this sort of mind numbing discoveries.
"I think you were about to dismiss us, right Grgra?" at Grgra's nod 'Zakamee turned to the rest, "I would advise returning to your separate duties and not to speak of this to anyone. Our moral is low enough already without news of the impossible reaching the ears of every soldier of this ship. Affirmative?"
The officers slowly nodded and they each left, walking to their own area of importance, but slowly, as their brains slowly processed this desecration to all that is holy. Even 'Zakamee could barely contain his desire to go and rip the throats out of every Human on the ship. 'Zakamee breathed in, held, and let his breath back out. It was a trick he had learned in childhood to avoid all those boyish honor fights, and it still served him even now. He felt better and turned to Grgra. The look in the Grunts' eyes was that of worry and anger.
"We're in trouble aren't we? If they can do this with our ships and we can't, what'll happen if they can get our technology?" Grgra spoke very quietly.
"All we can do is prevent them from ever getting the chance. We must retake the ship." Stated 'Zakamee firmly.
Grgra got up and walked over to the computer terminal and replayed the picture of the slip space jump. The two Covenant watched it again and the same thought occupied both their minds.
How can we beat something that can do this?
Note: I'm not very sure about this chapter. I could use some ideas with which to make it better. My brain just seems to have abandoned me on this point. Thanks in advance.
Phantom Kensai - I'm glad you like this story so much. Although I don't think this is exactly book worthy, who knows?
Zarbok - Short, concise, complementary. I like it. May you receive such nice reviews when you have your own story.
Flareaoh - I'd just like to say, right now, that I am so glad no one has flamed my story yet. Yes, it is hard to humanize the Covenant but I've found I have sort of a flair for humanizing alien species. I'm not entirely sure about where the story will end, but rest assured, the end will be exciting. Provided I can get the battle scenes to work out right.