Alrighty then. Hello and welcome once more. I'm really sorry about the wait, when I referenced December in the last chapter it was honestly a joke. I had originally planned for late October, but as they say "the best laid plans of mice and men…". I ran into a rather annoying writers block and compounded with an attack by the Plot Bunnies I was hard pressed to get this chapter done. Well enough about me lets see about Kara.

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Boot

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MC: 1224 Hours, February 1, 2538

Nexus V, Outside Forerunner 9th Ascension facility

Drek'nari paced the chamber that held the entrance to the 9th ascension facility. It had been almost three hours since he had arrived to retrieve Kara, and so far there was no sign of either her or the monitor. It wasn't that he was worried about her; it was just that he didn't like to be kept waiting. Yes, that was it.

He continued to pace for a few more minutes before sitting down and as calmly as he could began to polish and inspect his pistol. A few more long minutes passed before the doors to the facility finally slid open. Drek'nari indulged a sigh of relief as he stood and walked to the door.

The monitor and Kara waited at the door. When Drek'nari came close enough he could see immediately a difference in the young human. She still wore her Sangheili clothing, but now they seemed small and snug on her, where previously they had hung loose. After a moment's contemplation he saw the difference, she had grown 6 inches. Looking closer he saw other differences, she was more muscled, though she held herself awkwardly, as if she didn't quite trust her legs. When he got really close he could see the most striking change, aside from the height. Her eyes were still the same striking crystal blue but with one difference, now slender golden veins ran through her irises.

Smiling he offered his hands face up, she returned the gesture in jerky unsteady motions, and smiled back. Drek'nari was concerned, but his fears were soon alleviated as the monitor spoke. "The re-claimer is recovering excellently, her mind still has to finish relearning to move her body with faster reflexes and stronger muscles. She should be completely recovered in a few more days." Drek'nari and Kara both thanked the monitor who replied simply. "It was an honor re-claimer." With that Drek'nari led the still unsteady Kara out of the mountain.

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MC: 1304 Hours, February 1, 2538

Nexus V, Aboard Covenant Cruiser Ascendant Justice

Kara stumbled into the room she shared with Drek'nari and lay down on the bed. She wasn't tired, but it was frustrating trying to move when your body didn't respond properly. It had been worse in the beginning, back then she couldn't even walk. 709 had assured her the side affects were perfectly normal and in a few more days she would be better than ever, but until then she knew she would be endlessly frustrated. Drek'nari had already left to inform Orna so she would be alone for a while. Closing her eye's she began to flex the only muscle she could without problems.

When she had awoken yesterday she had found among the physical effects of the process, there had been mental effects. She hadn't noticed at first but now it was clear to her that her memory, among other things, was sharper. Now that she knew it, she reveled in the shear joy of being able to remember anything and everything with crystal clear perfection. She could look back and remember every word that had been said that first day. She smiled, this was one thing at least one thing she could appreciate about the process.

When Drek'nari returned an hour or so later he informed her that the Ascendant Justice would be leaving Nexus V tomorrow. In a few days she would see her first glimpse of the Sangheili home world, and shortly thereafter she would begin at the Sangheili training academy. For the first time Kara would meet Sangheili who were her own age. After a brief conversation, Drek'nari left Kara to her thoughts.

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MC: 0503 Hours, February 6, 2538

In orbit above Sangheili home world; Sorelius, Aboard Covenant Cruiser Ascendant Justice

Kara looked at the hologram projected from the terminal on the desk. It showed the large planet beneath them as the Ascendant justice slowly orbited the world. Kara was immediately struck by the sheer size of the world, she had seen Nexus V from orbit, but Sorelius was clearly larger. When she asked Drek'nari, who was sitting next to her, he told her that Sorelius was about two and a half times as large as Nexus V was. When she asked about the difference in gravity, Drek'nari said that the gravity on the ship had been slowly changing over the course of the journey and it was now equal to that of the planet. It took a moment for Kara to come to grips with that fact, finally she brought her mind back to the image of the strange new world laid out before her. She let her gaze drift over the landscape as she saw it from orbit, she saw what looked like a massive forest, and drifting over the far horizon the edge of a massive ocean spun out of view.

For a few more minutes the pair silently watched the landscape move slowly across their view. Eventually the planet stopped moving across the screen as the Ascendant Justice slowed to match the rotation of the planet. Moments later the cruiser began to slowly descend into the atmosphere of the planet below.

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MC: 0636 Hours, February 6, 2538

Sorelius, Covenant Sangheili Academy

Kara followed her father though the quiet halls of the academy. It was still a few hours till dawn and the only ones they passed where the few senior students set to stand guard. Winding their way through the uppermost public level they came to a lift that would take them to the academy director's quarters. As they approached the lift the two guards on duty snapped to attention.

Kara handed her ID to one guard as Drek'nari handed his to the other. As they scanned the IDs both guards gave Kara a quizzical look that had become so familiar. They knew about the prophet's decree, but they were still curious as to the details. Kara for her part didn't stare but she did pay each of them a long searching look. From what Drek'nari had told her all the guards in the academy would be senior students in their 9th or 10th year. They wore black body suits under emerald green armor, with dark blue edges and three interlocking circles on their shoulders identifying them as belonging to this academy rather than one of the other two on Sorelius.

A moment later the guard handed her ID back and Kara followed Drek'nari into the lift. At the top they left the lift together and crossed the small waiting room to the doors of the Academy directors office. Another pair of guards stood at the door and came to attention as they approached. One guard keyed his COM and a second later the door opened with a smooth hiss.

Inside another pair of guards flanked the door, eyes silently appraising them. Once inside Kara let her eyes slide slowly around the room. It was small, about 6 meters square, but not cramped. Every thing was arranged in a way that spoke of control and readiness. One wall was occupied by what looked like 3 bookshelves that ran floor to ceiling. Ten neat rows filled with small crystal disks. A dozen blank monitors dominated the opposite wall. The last wall, opposite the entrance, held another door. The only furnishing in the room was a wide, ornate desk made out of the same violet material that served so many purposes for the covenant. Behind the desk sat a Sangheili in deep royal purple armor with golden edges. He wore no helmet and Kara could see clearly the long scar that ran from his temple to his top mandible, crossing his left eye.

As they entered, the academy director seemed preoccupied with the four holo-screens that were projected in front of him. For a long tense moment he stared at the screens, seemingly unaware of his guests, before tapping a few commands on one screen and letting them fade from the view. Now he turned his one eyed gaze on the two standing before him. Surprisingly he passed Kara over rather quickly and let his gaze settle on Drek'nari. A smile just flashing on his face he spoke in a deep rumbling voice. "Drek'nari Zoultel, well if this isn't a pleasant surprise. Honestly I thought it would take another decade to get you back here and teaching, it's not as though you're really needed on the front lines right now, and you don't seem interested in going any higher in rank."

"Commander Senik I never intended to teach, you know that." Drek'nari said shaking his head and sighing, a habit he had picked up from Kara. "Not, at least, until a week or so ago." He added under his breath glancing at his 'daughter'.

Senik caught the glance and got the gist of the muttering. "Yes, her actions have brought about some rather unorthodox changes."

For a moment the three sat in uncomfortable silence before Senik spoke again, this time addressing Kara. "So you're Kara Zoultel." He said the name as though he was trying to wrap his mind around the concept of this human as, at least officially, his former student's daughter. "I take it your father has informed about the academy." Once more he seemed confused by the relationship between the two. Kara ignored his unsettled tone and nodded, holding his gaze. After a moment he nodded and turned back to Drek'nari. "As the prophets decreed she has been added to the new class that will be starting in a few days, and you've been added to the list of teachers. I've already worked out a team that should adapt well to her. All that's left is to get her armor measured." He sounded causal now that he was talking to Drek'nari. "You can go down to the armory and take care of that tonight." Turning back to Kara he spoke gravely. "May the Forerunners watch over you, you'll need all the help you can get."

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MC: 1042 Hours, February 9, 2538

Sorelius, Covenant Sangheili Academy

Kara let herself wander aimlessly through the sea of students filling the amphitheater. Today was the day that she started her training in the Sangheili academy. Absentmindedly she rubbed the back of one of her gloved hands feeling the smooth alloy plate that formed the back of her gauntlet. She was dressed in the same emerald green armor as every other student with the exception of her helmet, which was altered from the regular one to fit her.

Kara silenced a sigh as she heard yet another whisper permeated a group of students that she passed. In the little less than a month that she had been in the Covenant she had managed to be elevated into something larger than life, at least amongst the younger Sangheili. Kara had been surprised to say the least, but apparently kids were kids regardless of species.

Moving away from the latest group Kara wished that the director would arrive and get it over with. Drek'nari had told her that training would be fierce and direct; no punches would be pulled. Kara just wanted to get started. She couldn't stand all this waiting; she had waited long enough in the beginning.

Hearing footfalls behind her, Kara turned and watched as another student approached. She immediately noticed the grim look on his face. Next she noticed that he had easily 4 inches on her, although she was sure that with her enhanced muscles she could match him should anything start. Stopping a few feet from her the young sangheili addressed her with a superior tone and a vicious sneer. "So you're the human that everyone is so worked up about. I don't see why the Prophets decided to spare you, you're nothing special."

Kara matched his glare with a carefully blank look; she didn't need this sort of thing right now. Glancing around Kara noticed with distress that they were far enough away from the rest of the students that if he wanted a fight he would probably get one. He noticed this as well and unfortunately for Kara he wasn't content to sit and speculate like the other students, he wanted to know first hand what this overdeveloped ape was capable of. "What, nothing to say? Or is it that you don't understand? Ha, well lets see if you fight any better than you talk." He punctuated his sentence with a fast left jab.

Kara was ready for it and dogged to her right, though even with her enhanced reflexes she only just managed to dodge the attack, and the kick that followed found its way into her side just below her chest plate, even as she dodged.

As Kara backed away feeling her bruised ribs she realized the error in her assumption. She could take him on even terms, but these weren't even terms. She was still adjusting to the greater gravity of the planet, he wasn't. Kara was spared further beating by the approach of a familiar figure dressed in purple and black armor.

"What's this all about?" Drek'nari asked.

Kara bit back a smile and replied respectfully. "Nothing sir." The other student's reply was similar and followed soon after.

"Good." Drek'nari said gruffly. "Come on, Commander Senik will begin soon." With that he walked off. A moment later Kara followed leaving her opponent to fume.

A minute later Commander Senik walked out onto a small stage at the front of the amphitheater and called for order. In a matter of moments every student was quieted and every eye was on the grizzled old commander. "Today you take your first steps down a long hard path. Today you cease to be children and start to become adults. When you leave this place you will be ready to forge your place amongst our covenant, but until then this is your whole world." He gestured expansively. "And we are the masters." He indicated the other instructors.

"From this moment on you entire existence depends upon your own abilities. Your ability to function alone, your ability to support a team, your ability to follow orders or perhaps your ability to give them. Your families' name and strength may have seen you this far but now your strength is all you have." The commander finished his speech and left the hall in silence for a moment before speaking once more.

Two more instructors stepped forward at the left and right of the stage. "Now, when your name is called leave by the appropriate door and follow your instructors directions when you reach the courtyard." The commander turned and headed for the courtyard himself. He stopped just short of the door and spoke one last time. "And good luck, before we're done with you you'll all need more than a little."

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Kara watched with apprehension as the two instructors called out the names of the 180 students with practiced precision. The amphitheater was nearly empty when the instructor on the right called her name. Moving to the door Kara walked though a short tunnel that opened up into a massive courtyard. Once outside she was instructed to join the end of the far right of three lines that had been assembled in the courtyard.

A few more minutes passed while the last of the students joined the lines. Then the commander once more stepped up calling out in a loud clear voice. "Look sharp, eyes on me." As one, the 179 Sangheili and 1 human turned to face the commander who was standing to the right of the three lines.

"Excellent." Commander Senik said once all eyes were turned his way. Kara noted with a small amount of distress that his voice had an almost predatory quality now. "Now that we're all out here it's time to meet your cells. Each of you will be separated into a three-person cell. You've all been separated into three lines so I'm sure it doesn't take a genius to find your partners. Take a moment to get acquainted with them because for the next five years they will be your shadow and you will be theirs. You'll need to learn to rely on them and to trust them, because more often then not you'll be relying on them to save your ass and they'll be trusting you to do the same."

After he said this he paused and waited while every student turned to his or her cellmates. Kara followed suit and spun around. Directly behind her was a female sangheili that stood about an inch taller than her. She was thin and lithe with soft features. Her eyes were a striking shade of violet and looked a little surprised. Kara guessed that was because she had just found out she was partnered with "the human". After a moment Kara stepped forward and offered her hands palm up to the sangheili. The other student cocked her head to the side a bit and took on a quizzical look before smiling and returning the gesture.

Kara smiled glad that things were looking up, the last thing she needed was to have partners that distrusted her right off the bat. "Kara Zoultel." Kara offered.

"Ce'lin Fulsamee." Ce'lin replied.

Kara was more than a little shocked and it showed on her face and in her voice. "As in Fleet Master Orna' Fulsamee?"

"Yes, his sister is my mother. Do you know of him?" Ce'lin asked.

"Yes, I do. It's a long story." Kara replied as she glanced over Ce'lin's shoulder to see their other partner approaching. Kara felt the as if the entire world had darkened and was sure that someone somewhere was laughing. Approaching over from behind Ce'lin was the familiar form of the student who had attacked her earlier.

For the second time that day the two young ones sized each other up. He was well muscled and fit like most Sangheili with a strong jaw and hard eyes. Kara knew that she wasn't going to get anywhere if she and him continued to be at each other's throats. Swallowing her pride she stepped forward and offered her hands palm up to him. "Well fought back there."

For a tense minute he didn't respond but continued to appraise her. Finally he returned the gesture. "Risesi Oi'mone." Kara cringed inwardly; the tone of his voice told her clearly that things weren't over between them. Catching Ce'lin's eye she looked to her partner with mock pleading. Ce'lin caught the meaning behind the gesture and shrugged.

'Great' Kara thought. 'I've already got an enemy and he's supposed to be my ally, and my other partner is telling me I'm on my own.' Turning back towards the Commander, Kara waited patiently, like a prisoner waiting for her sentencing. This was going to be a very long 10 years.

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And that my friends is how they say La fin. I shall try to have the next chapter up much sooner than this one, hopefully around the end of January or early February. Until then…I hope. Happy Nondenominational Winter Celebration.