Stage 13: It's just a grunt, right?
Covenant Cruiser: Life and Sacrifice
Slip Space time difference 3 Days 7 hours:
17:50 October 24, 2552
Sengheili controlled space
Central Sangheili Solar System
Three days of slip space travel and nervously pondering the future of their mission. Three days of countless conflicts between the humans and the elites around the ship. Three days of nerve wrecking talks of revenge and peace, and finally the crew of the Life and Sacrifice had arrived within the Sengheili territory.
The Life and Sacrifice sat motionless in space, just beyond the outer region of Sangheili controlled space. The ship had been contacted by an elite outpost and was warned not to enter until notified, but no notification had come. The crew was becoming more and more restless as time clicked away, and the elites were growing tired of waiting to hear back from the outpost. Something odd was in the air.
Eric paced nervously on the command pedestal alongside Captain Domadree. He furiously rubbed his cleanly shaven chin while in the midst of deep thought, unaware of anything happening around him. He hoped that everything would go smoothly and despite the original objective, he would be the first human to set foot on the elite home world. It would be up to him to establish peace or intensify the war. Would he bring the elites to aid the humans or escalate the war further? One thought suddenly popped into his mind, ONI should have placed a negotiator on the ship. He chuckled softly to himself, but his thoughts suddenly came back to reality.
Despite elder Bortello's words of reassurance, Eric knew that he and the various other humans under his command were now in enemy territory. He had advised Siren to notify every marine and ODST onboard to carry their sidearm at all times; as a precaution. His magnum sat tightly at his waist, and was loaded and primed with a round in the chamber. The elites had been cut off from the rest of their fleet just as he and his platoon were, meaning that anything could have happened over the last three days. The situation was indeed complex.
At the bridge door stood Melanie. She watched as several members of the elite command crew nervously spoke to each other softly, trying to asses the situation, but only becoming more confused then before. She looked to Eric, and watched as he paced. She could tell that he was concerned and showing more emotion then normal. He had personally promoted her to Private, and placed her as second in command of the UNSC forces the moment he had returned to active duty. He had also wanted to sit and talk to her about Rose, but Melanie did not want to discuss it. The memories of the past had stirred up too many ill feelings that she didn't want to express to her CO, and naturally Eric let her be. He hadn't spoken to her privately or showed any concern sense, but still she knew her duty. She watched closely, watching every twitch, eye movement, gesture and glare of the elites on the bridge. She shifted her weight to her left leg, to give her right leg a break, and her slung battle rifle shifted on her back. The barrel softly tapped the side of her shoulder guard and gave a soft ping.
Melanie was fully loaded and ready for anything. Her battle riffle had a fresh clip with three rounds already locked in the barrel. She also had four additional magazines in her belt pouch. Her M6 magnum was also primed and ready, while securely stored in her belt case. But Melanie's pride was explosives and strapped to her armor in various locations were four frag grenades and two plasmas. She even found a nice place for her combat knife, strapping it securely to the side of her boot. If any of the elites flinched the wrong way, she wouldn't hesitate to end its pathetic life.
The continuous sound of footsteps caught Melanie's ear as the bridge door opened. The heavily reverberating steps could only belong to the largest beast on the ship, Lieutenant Gridolee. He nodded to Melanie in passing, to assure her that he had recognized her presence. There was little respect in the gesture, only confirmation that he had seen her. Melanie returned the nod, but she mainly observed his weapons and mood. Gridolee had calmed down since his encounter with Eric, but he was still aggressive, and Melanie had the odd sensation that the elite warrior could suddenly snap at any time. Melanie didn't like Gridolee, or the fact that he was the captain's second in command. He was a loose cannon and an odd factor amongst the normally mentally disciplined elites.
Gridolee stepped gracefully across the bridge, his hoofs clapping softly against the odd floor coating. He was full aware that the command crew was watching his every movement and he enjoyed the attention. His body moved with a smooth rhythm, he arched his shoulders forward and held his head level at all time, preventing the natural bob of his movements from affecting his stature. In his own mind he was clearly the most powerful warrior on the ship, and as he climbed the command pedestal he spotted Eric and made his way toward him, frowning scornfully at the human that had humiliated him. Gridolee was aware that the tiny human had a bit of luck in their fight a few days ago, he had not focused during the fight and the human gained a small advantage. But he had to admit that Eric was a skilled combatant, and had earned some respect. Gridolee stopped once he reached Eric and Domadree and nodded respectfully to both.
"Has there been any word, Captain?" Gridolee questioned. He took his place beside Eric and clasped his hands behind his back.
"None, lieutenant." Domadree replied. "Nor has there been any ship activity in the vicinity."
"Perhaps they are too overwhelmed to respond at present." Gridolee added.
"No, that is not possible." Domadree noted as he accessed the star chart. The command console's main holotank began to glow and several solar systems displayed before them. A group of red navigation pointers marked the locations of all the elite colony worlds, and at the edge of these worlds sat a flashing blue marker that indicated the location of the Life and Sacrifice. "Our outer colonies have not replied as well. We have sent several transmissions but none have replied. There is also no activity on any of the lower band frequencies. This is not typical procedure. Perhaps the betrayal has made it here as well." Domadree felt a knot form in his stomach at the thought of the Prophets betrayal making it to their home territory.
"Captain, I think we've waited long enough." Eric commented. "We've been sending burst transmissions for the past four hours, and we are in the heart of covenant space. Not only should your people know we're here, but I'm sure the brutes have heard us as well. The longer we wait here the more enemy ships we may have to deal with."
"To advance deeper into our home territory without a clearance command would be an act of treason, sergeant." Gridolee quickly noted, but he turned to Domadree and sighed sharply. "But this situation leaves us without many options, so I must agree. Captain, the sergeant is correct. If the betrayal has come to our home, then we must not hesitate any longer."
"I agree." Domadree quickly stated as he loosely gazed at the star chart. He felt a warm peace hearing Gridolee agree with the human, and perhaps there was a possibility that their unique alliance would not end in bloodshed. "Helm, bypass the confirmation locks. Navigator, set our slip space course to Dorenth. Communications, begin transmitting our vector to Jogrennilee. Surely our capital city will respond to us."
"Jogrennilee." Eric whispered to himself. "I guess our intelligence was correct."
"What do you mean, sergeant?" Gridolee questioned.
"During an interrogation a few months ago, we wanted to find the elite home world." Eric stated. "But all we got was the planets name and capital, but no coordinates."
"No elite would give you that information, sergeant. Not even if threatened with death." Girdolee quickly added. "Where were you able to get such information?"
"A grunt." Eric laughed.
"Typical." Gridolee hissed.
"The grunts have served us well, lieutenant." Domadree interrupted. "There numbers have assisted us in countless victories, but let us not forget that they are merely slaves. I believe this is something else we may need to evaluate."
"Perhaps, but in combat, a grunt is nothing more then a grunt." Gridolee added.
The Life and Sacrifice quietly entered slip space and began its short journey deeper into Sangheili space. Soon, they would be in orbit of the elite home world of Dorenth.
Dorenth
October 24, 2552
Elite Capital City of Jogrennilee
The sun slowly began to set on another tear filled day, as the smoldering towers etched the once great city of Jogrennilee, now only shadow of its former glory. In one day the brutes, jackals and drones had torn across the great world of Dorenth, but their overall objective was to take Jogrennilee, the elite Capital City and home of the elite High Council. In Jogrennilee the brutes believed they could strike fear in the heart of all elites and conquer the elite's world. But the brutes had not factored the true potential of their smallest enemy; the grunts. The grunts combined their numbers and tore through the brutes with unbridled aggression. The grunts hunted and killed in packs, and not even the massive strength of a brute was able to defend itself from a pack of ten or more grunts.
Quietly hovering above the city were dozens of carriers, cruisers and battle ships that were controlled by elites. These ships carried supplies and troops from various colonies within Sangheili controlled space, all answering to the call of their home planet. They had abandoned the colonies and brought as many resources to Dorenth as possible. In total, nearly twelve hundred ships covered Dorenth's surface. These ships were all that was left of the elite battle group defending their home space. More warriors were spread across space, but for now only this small fraction of the elite armada remained.
In the heart of Jogrennilee, the clean up efforts continued for throughout the day. Piles of brute, drone and jackal bodies were burned with a holy flame all across the world, marking a ceremony of eternal hatred for the creatures that once shared the same goal as the elites. Now, only rituals of damnation and unrivaled blood oaths connected the two species. Vows of death, curses and vengeance could be heard on every street. As the dead bodies burned the high council members took the ash and smeared their hands and faces in the remains of their enemies, a sign for all elites that there will never be peace or talks with those that have turned their backs on their alliance. The brutes had slaughtered the females and young that did not make it to the inner sanctum in time to avoid the battle, and there was no forgiving of such a deed.
In the heart of Jogrennilee, beyond one of the many ceremonial gathering of the dead, sat a lone elite warrior, and upon his black armor he bore the battle markings of warrior. His purple bar signaled him as a member of the Mirratord, the right hand of the High Council. Throughout the day he had yet to relax or clean his armor, he had not taken a break or eaten, because his only focus was on restoring the cities defenses. He wanted to join his brethren in the oaths and vows of hatred and vengeance, but now was not the time. While the regular warriors and the elders of the High Council took the oath, it was his responsibility to oversee reconstruction of the cities defenses. A task only fit for the Mirratord's Second; Lieutenant Rin Simyaldee.
"Sir." An elite stated as he approached Simyaldee. "We have received word that two other cities have opened their tram service. They will be sending more food and water shortly. It appears our first estimate of damage was greatly exaggerated. The brutes lack proper aim."
Simyaldee stood from his resting spot and sighed heavily, "Indeed. They attacked us head on but did not destroy every city, this is indeed good news. Be sure that the troops are first to be feed, along with the civilian volunteers and the elders."
"And what about you sir?" The Mirratord warrior stated. "You have not eaten since you arrived on the planet, you must eat."
"I will dine when the defenses have been refit." Simyaldee quickly added. "Plus, when I am working, I will not think of the many lives we have lost during these last few days."
"Very well." The warrior replied. "I was also told to inform you that another ship has entered our system. Oddly, it was one of our cruisers assigned to the Prophet of Regret's battle group."
"And what is the name of this ship?" Simyaldee questioned.
"The Life and Sacrifice, sir."
"Ship master Domadree's ship?" Simyaldee questioned. "He is a skilled Mirratord warrior, but we can not take any chances. An elder was aboard his ship, which means that the brutes would have fought hard to take control." Simyaldee lowered his head and rubbed his left mandible in deep thought. "Contact the Knight and Piercing Arrow's battle group and tell them to intercept that ship and verify that it is in the control of our brethren. If so, then they will need to be updated on the current events. Have the command crew to brought to me at once. If it is under brute control, destroy it."
"Yes sir." The elite left Simyaldee and raced to a nearby communications uplink. Simyaldee simply pondered the events at hand and thought deeply on his next course of action. He soon stood to his feet and began ordering debris moved from the area so that a command bunker could be erected.
Elite Super Carrier: The Knight and Piercing Arrow
Lower Dorenth orbit
"Captain, we have just received word that we are to intercept the incoming ship; the Life and Sacrifice." The communications officer shouted across the massive bridge. Standing atop the command pedestal was Captain Timnaldae, the ship master that had turned the tide of the war. His actions alone were not the reason the elites were victorious, but his deeds brought the change, the change that aligned the grunts with the elites. "The order comes directly from Lieutenant Simyaldee. We are ordered to intercept and evaluate if the ship is under the command of our brethren, otherwise terminate."
Timnaldae walked to the edge of the pedestal and folded his arms across his expansive chest. His golden armor shined marvelously in the light of the bridge and his presence continued to fill his command crew with respect. His leadership kept them alive throughout earlier events of the civil war and now it was being put to the test again.
"This will be the third ship today." Timnaldae expressed. "We will not be fooled. Arm weapons and set an intercept course."
"Yes captain." The helmsman replied as he turned to face his console.
"Are they broadcasting any conformation signals?" Timnaldae questioned.
"Yes sir, but it is an older code." The communications officers replied. "It's being directed toward Jogrennilee. The signal is current for the Prophet of Regret's battle group. If this ship came from that group they would not be aware of any changes."
"Very well." Timnaldae stated. He turned and walked to the edge of the command pedestal. He stood firmly and tightly tossed back his shoulders while he clasped his hands behind the small of his back. "Open a channel."
"Ready sir."
"This is captain Timnaldae of the Knight and Piercing Arrow, contacting Covenant cruiser Life and Sacrifice. Bring your ship to bearing 121.656 marc 324 and lower you defenses. Failure to comply will result in your death."
"Sir, the ship is now exiting slip space and is heading toward the desired coordinates."
"Good." Timnaldae stated firmly. "Anything unusual detected?"
"No sir, but…" The crewman paused as he observed an odd fluctuation on his command console. "Sir, something's wrong. My console just flashed oddly when I attempted to scan the ships system."
Tinmaldae gritted his teeth sharply and snarled, "A damned human construct, again!"
"Yes sir, it appears to be the same pattern as before."
"Life and Sacrifice, respond or be destroyed." Timnaldae calmly stated.
"Forgive the intrusion, captain." A female voice stated over the bridge speakers. "But I had to be sure that you were really elites. I will disconnect from your system immediately."
The main video screen suddenly flashed to life in front of Captain Timnaldee, catching him slightly off guard.
The image of another golden armored elite displayed on the screen saying, "Captain Timnaldae, I am captain Domadree of the Life and Sacrifice. Forgive the rudeness of the human construct, but we found it necessary to infiltrate your systems and verify your identity."
"That does not clarify your elegance." Timnaldae stated without showing concern or bitterness.
"Understood." Domadree stated. "Our weapons have been shut down and we await your approval."
"Prepare to be boarded, captain." Timnaldae sharply replied. "Our strike team will board and verify your crew."
"One thing, captain." Domadree interrupted. "Not only do we have a human construct on board, but we have also allied ourselves with humans. They freed us from our bondage when the brutes turned against us. Whatever steps that must be done, I beg you to hold your anger against these humans."
Timnaldae smirked softly, showing emotions he rarely displayed. He was joyful that this was not another brute sneak attack and that more of elite brethren's had returned home; despite that they were clueless to the events happening throughout the system.
"There is much you need to be informed of brother." Timnaldee softly added. "The humans are our allies, according to a pact formed by the Arbiter."
"Another Arbiter has been selected?" Domadree questioned with surprise. "When was this?"
"All will be clarified, brother." Timnaldae stated. "For now, prepare to receive boarders." Domadree nodded, showing his approval, and the communication video closed. "Notify the strike team to proceed with caution, and be advised that there are humans aboard that ship."
"Yes sir." The communications officer replied. Deep within the belly of the massive super carrier, three phantoms powered up and quickly exited the main landing deck. They soared swiftly across the small expanse between the two ships and only then could the size of the Knight and Piercing arrow be fully appreciated. The ship dwarfed the much smaller Life and Sacrifice by more then seven decks, and the length of the ship was nearly twice as long. The Knight and Piercing Arrow was created as the elite high council's command ship, but now it served as the main defensive weapon for the elite home world until the planetary defenses could be rebuilt.
The three phantoms quickly approached the landing dock of the Life and sacrifice, and immediately the strike team noticed the numerous human vehicles aboard. Pelicans, scorpions and warthogs lined the edges of the deck. As the three phantoms prepared to land, several elites and humans quickly filled the bay; all armed and ready to defend the ship if necessary. Two of the phantoms roared forward and began to unload its full crew of elites and grunts, must of which bore the black armor of the Special Operations. Aboard one of the phantoms was a hunter pair, for extra firepower, but the third phantom hovered and waited.
From the group of elites and humans stepped two individuals, Lieutenant Gridolee and Sergeant Eric Raynord.
"Lieutenant Gridolee?" The head elite from the phantom questioned. "I see you are still the biggest, yet youngest, of us all."
"Belmaeda." Gridolee stated firmly. "My mentor, at has been far too long since we have greeted each other."
"I agree, and I never would have imagined you to stand side by side with a human." Belmaeda firmly returned.
"This sergeant has gained some honor with me." Gridolee nervously replied. "I have the battle scars to justify it."
"Very good, sergeant, you must be quite skilled to give Gridolee a worthy duel." Belmaeda stated to Eric.
"We worked out our differences." Eric stated with a quick nod.
Belmaeda returned the nod and turned toward the third phantom, and stated into his com, "If Gridolee lives, then all is secure. He would rather die then betray us." The third phantom quickly descended and another group of black armored grunts leapt from the small gravity lift, but only grunts.
"Why were those grunts deployed without a commander?" Gridolee questioned.
"They have a commander, lieutenant." Belmaeda quickly stated. "Bare in mind their markings." Gridolee looked closely and noticed the all eight of the grunts were marked with the purple bar of the Mirratord. His shock was apparent to everyone, and soon every elite and grunt aboard the Life and Sacrifice was watching the Mirratord grunts waddle to the front of the strike team. As the small band of grunts approached the group, one of them seemed to stand taller then the others and carried himself proudly, not nervous or timid. He moved with an awkward swiftness that left everyone, including the humans, with odd looks on their faces. His black armor was decorated with odd unggoy symbols of ancient times and nearly every grunt that saw him wanted to come closer to him. He immediately gained the attention of every stationed grunt aboard the Life and Sacrifice and they all feverishly pressed closer toward him, but kept a respectable distance.
Belmaeda stepped forward and nodded his head toward the highly decorated grunt that approached him. Although the grunt was a few inches taller then the rest he was still tiny compared to the massively tall elites.
Belmaeda showed much respect to the tiny creature and stated, "Sergeant, we can begin the inspection, but I doubt that we will find any brutes amongst this crew."
"Sergeant?" Gridolee roared in disapproval. "My mentor, please tell me you do not take orders from this grunt?" Belmaeda looked at Gridolee with an eye that could have torn his very soul from his body, but he held his peace. He stepped closer to Gridolee and stiffened his posture to appear taller then the young lieutenant.
"You have gained a ranking that is higher then my own, but there is much you can not understand in your youthful ways, Gridoloee." Belmaeda sternly stated. "It shames me that you would disrespect a fellow officer that has earned the rank of sergeant. Show the proper respect for Sergeant Palab."
"He no need to." Palab stated in the familiar muffled tone of his methane re-breather. The grunt stepped around Belmaeda and looked up at Gridolee. "Me no have nothing to prove to him. Take us to captain, there is much that must be discussed."
Gridolee showed no respect to the grunt sergeant before him, ignoring him completely.
Eric stepped beside Gridolee and addressed Palab. "Sergeant, I'm third in command of the Life and Sacrifice, because of our unusual partnership. I'll take you and your squad to the bridge. But I have to agree with Gridolee, a grunt in command is fairly odd."
"Me know, me deal with it everywhere." Palab returned. He looked to Belmaeda and quickly began to issue orders. "Squad will stay and check ship. Belmaeda, divide team, basic deck by deck search. Station guards at phantoms and radio if there are troubles."
"Sir, you should not venture alone." Belmaeda calmly replied. "These elites are not aware of your status, and will not treat you with the proper respect you have earned."
"Me be fine." Palab returned as he began to waddle toward the landing deck exit. "Me must earn respect, not have bodyguard everywhere me go."
"As you command, sir." Belmaeda stated softly. His concern for Palab was once again tossed aside. He waited until Palab and the human Sergeant left the landing deck and he quickly turned to the other strike team members. "You heard the Sergeant and his words are the law. Form standard teams of three grunts and two elites. Leave no crate unturned, and open every ammo bin. Nothing foreign must be allowed near our home. The treachery of the prophets knows no limit." The squad quickly divided, but the spec ops grunts remained at the phantoms as the guards. The humans watched quietly as the group searched every container on the landing deck, including their own supplies, but they were ordered not to interfere.
Belmaeda approached Gridolee, scornfully glaring at him and began to rebuke him in their native tongue. "As your mentor, I am ashamed. It was my recommendation to the elders that granted you the privilege of joining the Mirratord, despite their warnings of your aggression. Your skill has served this ship well, as is noted by your rank, but that does not make you better then any other creature. I taught you to respect any and all creatures, either friend or foe, but your actions today have not only shamed you, but shamed me as well."
"Forgive me, my mentor." Gridolee sulked. "I agree that I am not the warrior you have trained me to be, but I did not mean to bring shame to your teachings."
Belmaeda sighed and placed his hand upon the young warrior's massive shoulder. "You are young, Gridolee, and you have not seen death on the scale that I have. Your entire service has been aboard ships, but if you had ground experience you would know the sacrifices the grunts have made toward our cause. But you are not alone. There are countless others that see them the way you do."
"My mentor, what has given this grunt such respect within your eyes?" Gridolee questioned.
"That grunt is a descendent of a long line of grunt leaders." Belmaeda replied as he walked toward a nearby container. "The last of his lineage to lead the grunts was killed by the last Arbiter, and since then his bloodline has been carefully watched."
"The last Arbiter?" Gridolee pondered. "If I recall my Mirratord studies correctly, the last Arbiter died of his injuries during the Grunt Rebellion, which was lead by the King of the Grunts."
"Yes." Belmaeda stated. "Palab is a direct descendent of the king's bloodline. And more importantly, his skill at combat is bested only by the Major, but I believe even the Second would have trouble defeating Palab."
"You believe that this grunt could defeat Simyaldee in combat?" Gridolee questioned with a doubtful chuckle. "I find that hard to believe."
"You can ask the Second when we land, but he will tell you the same." Belmaeda replied. "Remember, the last Arbiter eventually died of his injuries from fighting the last grunt King. The grunt king was ferociously formidable in battle."
"Then what you are saying is that this grunt is the Messiah that the grunts have been waiting for." Gridolee added with annoyed whim. "The legendary grunt that will unite them and take them home."
"Yes, he is that grunt." Belmaeda stated. He pried open a human cargo container and began to look through its contents as he averted his attention back to his assignment. Gridolee simply smirked at the foolishness of his ageing mentor. How could any elite, let alone a member of the Mirratord, ever obey the orders of a creature that was clearly inferior?
Eric and Palab paced themselves toward the central passageway of the ship. To Eric's caution, he mentally noted the actions of every grunt that came near. They followed from a distance but seemed curiously drawn toward the grunt Sergeant. They arrived at the conveyor system which ran the length of the ship and Palab stepped on the glowing conveyor without delay. Eric followed closely but watched as several grunts continued to follow them. As they sped down the corridor on the purple light Eric found that it was a good chance to speak with the Sergeant.
"Sergeant Palab, why are the grunts following you like this?"
Palab turned and saw dozens of grunts following them along the conveyor, but did not seemed surprised by the sight. "They follow to protect me."
"Protect you from the elites?" Eric continued to question.
"Yes, and any threat." Palab answered bluntly.
"So why do they seem afraid of you?" Eric questioned as he observed the trailing grunts. "In order to protect you, I assume they would want to be somewhat closer."
"Me strong, not die easy. They help if need to." Palab stated simply. Eric and Palab arrived at the main ramp to the command deck and stepped clear of the conveyor. Waiting at the command deck door was Melanie and Rose.
"Sir, I've been getting reports from all over the ship." Melanie stated. "These elites are pretty methodical in their search. They even want access to our Pelicans."
"That might pose a problem." Eric stated calmly as the group began to walk toward the command deck. "I never told the captain of our main cargo. He won't be happy to know we have it, and if those elites find it first, things may get ugly."
"How do you want to handle this?" Melanie added as she continuously looked at the little grunt walking at her side.
"I'll speak to the Captain and Sergeant Palab here in private." Eric stated. "Surely they'll understand."
"Sergeant?" Melanie curiously stated. "I've seen spec op grunts before, but a sergeant?" Melanie chuckled softly to herself as she leaned closer to Eric. "Can I keep this one? You wouldn't let me have the last one, remember?"
"Keep me?" Palab curiously stated. Melanie jumped suddenly, astonished that the little grunt was able to hear her. "Me not stay on ship, have duty to do."
"It was just a joke, Sergeant." Melanie chuckled. She walked along side Palab and rubbed his armor markings curiously. Rose also paid close attention to the odd little creature. "What does these marking mean? I've never seen them before."
"You weird human." Palab suddenly stuttered. "Why you want to know, or care?"
"Cause, I've always loved grunts." Melanie chuckled. "Despite the fact that grunts have killed many of my people, it's been my observation that you and your kin are simply slaves to the elites."
"Melanie, now is not the time." Eric sighed.
Rose added to the discussion by stating, "But Eric, she does have a point. I've seen how the grunts on this ship have been treated and it's totally different then what the propaganda news would tell us on Earth. I'd like to know as well." Eric simply rolled his eyes in frustration, as he pondered to himself how Rose and Melanie became friends.
"Markings are Unggoy." Palab cautiously stated. "It mean hero and leader. But most would say Messiah. Other grunts mark armor while I sleep. It great honor to have armor markings."
"Palab, how did you gain this honor?" Rose asked.
"Me kill many brutes in battle. Me not fear elites and brutes, me lead grunts to victory."
"You must be pretty good with grenades." Melanie laughed.
"Me good with grenades, but me also fight with these." Palab extended his left arm and the small protruding bone at his elbow suddenly extended outward an additional twelve inches. The dagger like blade was dense and very sharp and Rose quickly gave it a closer look.
"That's amazing." Rose stated with a quiet awe. "The full length of the bone must rest within your forearm. Then I would assume that your muscle reflexes can push it out or pull it in. It's such a fascinating natural weapon, like a dog's claw or a porcupine's needles."
"I've never seen anything like it." Melanie stated as she touched it curiously. "Does it hurt?"
Palab was shocked by the question, and replied as best as he could. "Sometimes." The humans where not as evil as the Prophets had told them, nor were they cruel like the elites. The humans appeared kind, but Palab could not let down his guard. His duty had to come first, but he thought to himself that perhaps he could find the time to learn more about the humans. Thankfully, the prophets were no longer their masters, they would surely frown upon talking to the humans, but Palab was beginning to enjoy their company.
"Are you the only one that can do that?" Eric suddenly asked.
"Me not know." Palab returned. "Me not see any others do it, but me think others can learn. When war over and all grunts go home, me show them how. Teach others to fight like me."
"That's so noble of you." Rose smiled. "I guess you really are their leader."
"If he knew what was really on your minds he'd run away." Eric laughed. "I doubt he'd want to be your pet."
"Yeah right." Melanie laughed. "I'm sure he would love to come home with me." Palab remained silent and stepped through the bridge door, as the two women giggled softly. "And his tail is so cute."
"Okay you two." Eric stated in his familiar commanding tone. "Enough kidding around. Ten-hut!" Rose and Melanie quickly dropped their banter and stiffened their posture as they paused next to the bridge door. Eric and Palab continued onto the bridge as Captain Domadree walked toward them.
"Where is the commander of the strike team?" Domadree questioned.
"Captain this is Sergeant Palab, he's in command of the strike team." Eric sternly stated, hoping that his tone of voice would show his seriousness. Domadree paused and looked to the little grunt standing before him. He then quickly looked back to Eric with a puzzled glare. Palab ignored the captain's confusion and stepped forward.
"Captain, until you ship is completely searched you and you crew will remain under my watch." Palab stated aggressively. Every elite on the bridge turned and listened as he spoke. "You ship belonged to the Prophet Regret's battle group, therefore you ship is very suspicious. High Council must be cautious."
Domadree continued to seem dumbfounded by the grunt, and he began to closely observe Palab's armor and mannerisms. Unlike most grunts, Palab appeared more confident when speaking to a high ranking elite, he showed no sign of cowardice or fear in Domadree's presence. Also, Palab's armor was marked with strange unggoy letters. Domadree quickly recognized the words as 'leader' and 'hero', meaning this grunt had accomplished a great deal according to his other grunts. But as he observed the armor more closely he suddenly noticed the purple bars upon his shoulder. The black armor nearly obscured the markings, but as Domadree peered closer there was little doubt as to what he was seeing.
"Mirratord?" Domadree suddenly questioned. Elder Bortello heard the words and quickly raced to the rear of the bridge. To his amazement, he also spotted the markings, but the elder also knew more about the unggoy markings upon Palab's armor.
"Me not know what you speak, captain." Palab stated as a clear cover up. According to Mirratord law, which he had just learned, speaking of the Mirratord in public was against the rules.
"It is fine, sergeant." Elder Bortello stated as he approached Palab. Domadee turned and watched as the elder approached his side. The elder seemed more astonished of the grunt then he was.
"Elder." Palab stated in calm tone. He then lowered his voice and whispered his added statement. "Lieutenant Simyaldee will be grateful you alive, but not speak of Mirratord now."
"No, we can." Elder Bortello added. "This ship holds secrets no longer. My Mirratord guards were needed to aid in the retaking of the ship. So we have nothing to fear. But I must know of your armor. There were others with such markings in the past, during my younger days. Tell me, is it true? Are you the king of the Grunts?"
"Me not know." Palab sighed. The attention he was receiving was not what he had hoped for. He so longed to be a normal grunt again, but he understood that only he could help the grunts find a better way of life. "Many say that me king, but me only want to help grunts become better. Not die in war for elites."
"Then the unggoy prophecy has come full circle." Elder Bortello sighed. "Sergeant, I must speak with Lieutenant Simyaldee as soon as we arrive on Dorenth." Domadree was suddenly taken back by the elder's show of respect by calling the grunt 'sergeant'. The elders have always been wise beyond their years, and their battle experience has earned them their titles, but to show a grunt respect was unheard of.
"How soon will we be able to dock, sergeant?" Domadree questioned. For now, he would follow the elders lead and show respect to the little grunt, but the elders actions would need to be explained.
"You dock at capital city once inspection complete." Palab replied. "Now we need to talk to human leader in private." Eric quickly stared at Palab, curious as to what he meant.
"Is there a problem with the humans?" Domadree questioned.
"Me not know, humans speak of wanting to talk in private earlier." Palab stated, repeating Eric's words from before. Eric sighed heavily because he wanted to be the one to approach the captain about the discussion.
"Yes Captain." Eric added. "There is something I need to tell you and the Sergeant, if we can speak alone. Perhaps Lieutenant Gridolee should join us."
"Very well." Domadree stated. "We shall venture to my quarters. Construct, please summon the Lieutenant."
"Yes captain." Siren softly replied over the bridge speakers.
"Private Peters." Eric turned to Melanie. "You have command till we return. Notify us if anything happens."
"Yes sir." Melanie saluted. She stepped onto the bridge's command pedestal and the elite command crew smirked angrily, but Domadree suddenly roared his disapproval to the command crew. They all lowered their heads in submission.
"What was that about?" Eric questioned.
"Respecting a superior means respecting a skilled warrior." Domadree replied as they exited the bridge. "My command crew does not approve of your second in command. That human has not shown them that she is a capable warrior. However, they will obey her commands because of you. You, they respect."
Eric understood. He knew that his fight with Gridolee was more then just a fight for pride, but it also gave him honor amongst the elites, something he was counting on if he survived. But Melanie had yet to show the same strength to the elites, and in the elite society strength and honor were the most important characteristics of respect.
The group entered Domadree's quarters and waited patiently for Gridolee to arrive. Eric walked around the room and took in the view. Amongst Domadree's collection of weapons and souvenirs were pictures. Eric couldn't help but feel some connection with the room's atmosphere. To the elite, this was as close to home as he could get. Pictures of what may be family or friends lined his walls, as well as dried skulls of many enemies he had killed in the past. One human skull also sat upon the collection, but Eric realized that perhaps he should ignore it for now, considering the magnitude of his discussion. Suddenly Gridolee entered the room and made his way toward the group.
"We are all here, Sergeant." Domadree stated as he looked to Eric. "What is it that you would like to discuss?"
"As I told you when we first met, captain, we had our own goal when we first gained control of your ship." Eric calmly stated. "The reason we had the AI uploaded to your Database, the supplies and the troops was because we were ordered to find any Covenant home world, sneak or break through its defenses, and eliminate them."
"Did your human leaders believe that one ship of humans could accomplish this task?" Gridolee sternly stated.
"No." Eric replied. "It was a suicide mission. A mission that perhaps none of my men would return from."
"I figured you wanted the ship for something of this nature, but why only one ship?" Domadree questioned. "The tactic is pointless. One ship against any Covenant world would fail."
"Like a said, it was a suicide mission." Eric iterated as he removed his hat and ran his hand threw is closely cut hair. "It was a one way trip. And that's why I wanted Sergeant Palab here, because his inspection will find the weapon we brought with us. On one of our pelicans is a crate, in that crate is the weapon we call a NOVA."
"Yes, the NOVA has been documented." Domadree added. "I see now. Your original plan was to infiltrate our world and destroy it, but at a great risk to yourselves. A noble sacrifice to attempt and turn the war for the human's behalf." Everyone pondered these words and Domadree quickly gripped his plasma sword but did not activate it. "What assurances do we have that you are not trying to deceive us now, and still trying to complete your mission?"
"None." Eric stated calmly. "But let me just say that Siren, our AI, is listening. I can easily give her the command to crash this ship through the blockade and drop the package onto Dorenth's surface." The group grumbled slightly at these words and Gridolee also gripped his plasma sword's hilt. "But don't get your underwear in a bind. I have no intentions of doing that. I sincerely want to assist in finding a way to end this war without anymore bloodshed between our two species. I am willing to jettison the NOVA from the ship. There is no safe way to dismantle it; we can only get rid of it."
"Construct." Domadree stated.
"Yes captain?" Siren replied through speaker.
"Even against the Knight and Piercing Arrows battle group, could you truly destroy our world?" Domadree questioned curiously.
"The Knight and Piercing Arrow is a formidable ship." Siren replied. "But my goal would not be to fight. I would simply divert all power to the shields, perform a slip space jump that would place the Life and Sacrifice at Dorenth's northern pole. From here, your planetary defenses would be weakest, and I would be free to remotely fly the pelican to the planets surface and detonate it. I have full remote access to the NOVA. If your elite crew of the Life and Sacrifice began to take over and eliminated the UNSC forces, then I would not risk exiting orbit, I would simply allow this ship to be destroyed in the resulting blast. Does this answer your question?" The elites sat in awe of Sirens words. They sat dumbfounded at how easy it would be for Siren to eliminate their home.
"Yes construct." Elder Bortello replied. "That answers our question."
"Relax." Eric stated. "I have no plans on doing this. I'll throw the NOVA away and it'll drift through space, posing no threat to you or your world. A show of peace." Domadree reattached his blade and walked to closer to Eric. Eric stood and glared sternly into Domadree's eyes.
"Once the weapon is gone, you will no longer have it to use against us." Domadree snarled. Eric smirked at the comment but showed no fear. "What makes you think we won't cut you and your humans down once we have jettisoned the weapon?"
"Honor." Eric simply replied. His words registered quickly with the group of elites and they all looked to each other in agreement. "I have no reason to lie to you, and I respect your kind. I've fought amongst you and against you, so I only hope that if I keep up my end of the bargain, you will honor yours."
"Very well human." Domadree stated. "Gridolee and sergeant Palab will accompany you. Once the weapon has been safely ejected into space we will finish the inspection and proceed to Jogrennilee." Without hesitation Eric, Palab and Gridolee quickly ventured to the landing deck and opened the highly guarded Pelican. One massive crate sat alone inside and the marines quickly pulled it forward. Eric slipped on his helmet and opened a channel directly to Siren.
Speaking softly he stated, "Omega 698, 912, 43217. Transmit." Eric looked around and made sure that no one was overhearing him.
"Ready." Siren stated softly into Eric's helmet com.
"The mail is delivered, hold it for me until I need it. Out." Eric sighed and thumbed his side arm as the marines cautiously opened the crate.
"Sent and received." Siren replied, and after a few seconds she began to softly speak again. "Response: The post office is always open, Black 965, 039, 811."
"Siren, delete any record of this transmission." Eric stated softly.
"Already done." Siren replied. The marines finally opened the crate and showed Gridolee and Palab the contents. The circular NOVA had ten long cylinders protruding out of its dark metal core. It was smaller then Eric thought it would be, but it was still an impressive sight to see. It nearly consumed the pelican's entire inner bay and easily towered over the elites heads.
Gridolee looked to Eric and nodded sternly, approving that he had seen enough.
"Close it up boys." Eric shouted. The marines quickly sealed the crate and four of them pulled the crate from the pelican. "Take to the airlock. Captain Domadree, angle the ship so that the port side landing deck is pointing away from the planet."
On the bridge Domadree replied, "Understood." The Life and Sacrifice brought its lines parallel to the planet, exposing its port side to the darkness of space. The ships distance was far enough that the planets gravity would not pull the crate back toward orbit and the NOVA would simply float through space, lost and forgotten. The marines and a few elites began to push the NOVA crate into the massive airlock. The door slowly began to close behind it as the marines and elites cleared the area, and suddenly it was blown into space. It tumbled freely and wildly as it accelerated out of view; engulfed by the darkness of space.
"Sergeant, we have completed the deck by deck inspection and all teams have reported back." Belmaeda stated as he approached Palab. "The ship is secure."
"Tell captain he can dock near capital city now." Palab stated Gridolee. "Send all clear signal to fleet and capital registration."
Belmaeda agreed by nodding his head, but Gridolee ignored Palab's statement and motioned toward Belmaeda as he stated into his com, "Captain we are clear to descend toward Jogrennilee."
Palab turned to Belmaeda and added, "Take strike team back to Knight and Piercing Arrow. Me stay here and go speak to Lieutenant Simyaldee as ordered."
"Yes sir." Belmaeda nodded as he began to gather the teams and load the phantoms.
On the Bridge, Captain Domadree and Elder Bortello spoke softly to one another as planetary transmissions began to flood their view screen. Once they were allowed access to land, the ship was able to clearly access the battle net and read all the information and reports that they were previously blocked from accessing.
"Much has happened in our absence." Bortello stated as they read through the transmission. "A new Arbiter, a grunt Messiah, and peace with the humans. Millions of our kin died during a battle on our very home, along with dozens of the elders, including Elder Barremee!"
"He served the high council well." Domadree stated. "I'm sure his death was an honorable one. Those cursed brutes will pay dearly for this treachery."
"The fault is not with the brutes alone." Bortello added as he continued to scan the reports. "The prophets are also going to pay dearly. It seems that the hierarchs have been planning this for quiet sometime. Much blood will be shed for this, I swear it."
"Indeed elder." Domadree stated as he read through the report. He then noticed the destruction of High Charity. His knees grew weak as he thought of his mate. Did she escape before its destruction? "They will all pay!" With a clinched fist Domadree roared his anger, but held his composure as best he could.
Spinning through the lifeless void of space, the large metal crate continued to speed away from Dorenth's orbit. It was now well beyond scanning range of any of the elite ships. As it continued true on its course a tare of light parted the stars as if it were a door into another universe. The light expanded and became wide enough for the crate, and its deadly package, to fit inside. The crate then vanished into the light and the door slowly began to close. Soon only a small sliver of light remained as it slowly faded and soon vanished, leaving only the stars to once again consume the region.
To be continued….
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The character Palab, the Grunt Messiah, is based on another of my stories; "Stand, Five feet High." "Stand, Five feet High" will be posted onto once I go back and do some more grammer checks. It will be posted in its entirety.
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