Chapter 1: The Heretic
Covenant Holy City, High Charity
Ninth Age of Reclamation
A great Ship looms in the distance, among the scattered remains of Halo.
"There was only one ship."
"One? Are you sure?"
Someone known as a prophet sits on a pedestal, elevated above the one he is talking to. Their voices echo in the great hall. Many others sit off to the side, in stands, listening to their words. An Elite, in yellow armor stands before the prophets, his voice, commanding, yet fearful in their presence.
"Yes. They called it, the Pillar of Autumn."
"Why was it not destroyed, with the rest of their fleet?"
"They fled as we set fire to their planet. I followed with all the ships in my command."
"When you first saw Halo, were you blinded by its majesty?"
"Blinded?"
"Paralyzed, Dumbstruck?"
"No."
"Yet, the humans were able to evade your ships. Land on the sacred ring. Desecrate it with their filthy footsteps."
"Noble hierarchs, surely you understand that once the parasite attacked-"
He was interrupted by an uproar from the surrounding individuals.
"There will be order in this council!" The right prophet exclaimed, silencing them.
"You were right to focus your attention on the flood," the center prophet said,
"But the demon, this…Master Chief-"
"By the time I learned the demon's intent, there was nothing I could do."
Again, an uproar of the council ensued.
A ape like creature off to the side growled in excitement.
The left Prophet leaned over to the center one and spoke quickly.
"Noble Prophet of Truth, this has gone on long enough, make an example of this bungler, the council demands it."
The middle prophet acknowledged it and continued,
"You are one of our most treasured instruments, and long have you led your fleet with honor and distinction, but your inability to safeguard Halo, was a colossal failure."
A member in the stands stood up and yelled
"Nay! It was heresy!"
The council roared in agreement.
"I will continue my campaign against the humans!" the elite said forcibly
"No. You will not." The center prophet said with an air of finality.
He nodded to the ape like figure. The ape like figure barked at two others like himself who grabbed the elite by either of his arms. The Prophet addressed the whole room.
"Soon, the great journey shall begin. The weight of your heresy will stay your feet, and you will be left behind."
The elite was led out of the room by the two ape people.
