2.

orbit of holy ring/ rendezvous with Elite capital ship Sheltering Innocence/ first age of reformation

The Arbiter sat pondering what to do about the three humans who sat opposite of him, talking amidst the hum of the phantom's engines. 'Why would the Prophets lie of something of this magnitude?' he thought to himself, 'If the Oracle spoke truth, than why have we slaughtered so many?'
"Makes you wonder where all there strength comes from, doesn't it Arbiter?" the spec-ops commander, Wasampalee said walking from the cockpit, his speech perfect despite half his jaw was missing.
"They have much to fight for, much to die for. The female there seems to be a decorated warrior," he replied pointing to Miranda who still held the Index in her hands.
"So it seems," Wasampalee replied standing next to where the Arbiter sat.
"What should be done with them?" Arbiter asked looking at his commander.
"You are the Arbiter, It is for you to decide," he replied standing up. "But do not forget the atrocities dealt to their kind. They may never be forgiven," he added before heading back into the cockpit.
The Arbiter watched the humans as the continued to talk between themselves. 'Such ugly creatures,' he thought to himself as he stood up and walked their way. Miranda, Johnson, and Corporal Adams, ceased talking and watched the giant elite come forward. There was a long, awkward silence as man and elite stared upon each other.
"You are great warriors," Arbiter said breaking the uncomfortable silence," and have restored honor to my fallen brethren. I thank you."
Miranda stood up, only as tall as the Elites neck, "It was our pleasure," she said holding out her hand for a hand shake. The Arbiter looked down at her, locked eye to eye.
"We shall return you to your people," he said turning around and starting to walk away. Miranda couldn't help but feel insulted with the neglect of a chance for peace. She sat back down and watched the Arbiter walk into the cockpit.
The Arbiter entered noticing Guilty Spark face to face with Wasampalee, both flustered as they continued to argue, not noticing the Arbiters presence.
"Why do you always speak in riddles Oracle?" Wasampalee said wishing to tear the light bulb apart with his bare hands.
"Why do you insist upon using inaccurate nomenclature?" Guilty Spark shot back.
"Don't make me turn this phantom around," the pilot said annoyed with ensuing argument behind him as he tried to concentrate on entering the cruisers hangar bay.
"Arbiter," Wasampalee said turning to the Arbiter as he walked into the cockpit, "The Oracle tells lies of these humans we have among us," he said still angered at Guilty Spark as he continued to hum and float around the room, apparently no longer bothered by the elite.
"Do not worry commander, all will be explained in time," the Arbiter said as the phantom finally docked with the capital ship, "For now we must think of the task ahead of us," he added as the docking ramp opened down to the floor of the cruiser. "Come we have much to do in little time," Arbiter said as they left the cockpit for the back of the phantom where the ramp was located where they were met by hundreds of elites. The Arbiter watched as two elites, still wearing the armor of the Honor Guard came to escort him through the army of elites that stood in the hangar. The Arbiter stepped out of the phantom and was met with the sound of clapping and cheering. He looked up seeing the floors above him crowded wtih the grunts as they continued to cheer and chant his name as he stood and watched the rebels. His army. Arbiter turned to Wasampalee as he watched smiling, "Assemble a strike team. Only honored warriors, those who have battled the Flood before, and only volunteers," he said, his face serious amongst the celebration, "I do not want to send anyone back who does not wish to go."
"The Flood are a fearsome foe. I do not know anyone here who would decline the chance for this battle," Wasampalee replied turning to head to the bridge to assemble the strike teams.
"Wasampalee, use haste. We can not leave our brothers to suffer such a horrid fate," the Arbiter said as he watched High Charity through the force fields over the hangar doors.