Good people, I bring you more good stuff. Now for responses. A few people asked me about that "Chosen One" comment. Go to the Halo Library (web site) and look up Grunts. That will explain everything.
Dave- Don't worry. It'll be a cold day in Hell before I quit this one.
Infinity0000- Always happy to hear from you. Read and enjoy.
Hoboking- I know. If you think about it, they have to carry around those fifty pound packs on their backs and they sometimes lug around fuel rod cannons. Safe to say they are much stronger than most people give them credit for.
an REG Omega- Thanks for reviewing. And I am officially a fan of your own work.
ARBITER OF NIGHTMARES- Ditto. Thanks for reviewing.
million dollar man- Thanks for reviewing. In the next chapter they take on the Heretics. Fighting galore!
Crow T R0bot- Thanks for reviewing. I figured the Covenant must've improved their technology because it is blatantly obvious that the Covenant tech in Halo 2 is vastly superior to the Covenant tech in Halo: Combat Evolved. Also, in the level where you take on the Heretics, the commander says the Arbiter's armor wasn't as new as theirs. So they must've made some innovations over the centuries.
Cpt.ShaneSchofield- Thanks for reviewing. Glad you like it. And I'm looking forward to the next chapter of Reclaimer.
Don113- Will do.
Sniperwithashotgun- I'm glad you like my fic. As for your question, just tell me what I can do. Always happy to help out a fellow author. As for your other question, scroll up.
The Lovesick One- Your wish is my command!
MyHumps- Thanks for reviewing. About your comment, in the book it just said that John used a pair of grenades against Zamamee. They never said what type of grenades. Also, when Zamamee fell it just said he heard something snap. That could've been his arm or one of his ribs. It didn't necessarily mean he broke his neck or his back. Also, it says that afterwards, he was waiting for his "first glimpse of paradise". If he'd broken his neck he probably would've died instantly. Still, it was a good observation. Always happy to see a new reader.
Sykotik Marine- Thanks for reviewing. I'm looking forward to more of Charlie Company. As for your question, be my guest.
Thanks again to all of my reviewers. From this point forward, this is more or less going to be Halo 2 from Zamamee and Yayap's perspectives. I may branch off into other POVs if I feel it is necessary. Also, I'd like to take this opportunity to recommend the works of Cpt.ShaneSchofield, Sykotik Marine, and an REG Omega. More plot development. But I can promise you that the next chapter will have the mindless carnage we Halo fans have come to expect. And now, I present…
The Return of Zamamee and Yayap
Chapter 6
It had been six days since Yayap's battle with Yeg and he still couldn't believe the effect it had on the Covenant. Because of Yeg's defeat and Jak's dishonorable conduct afterwards, the Elites had developed a great deal of disdain for the Jackals. Also, Yayap's victory had earned him a great deal of prestige. Because of this, the Elites now held the Grunts in much higher regard. Also, the Hunters, who had always shared a sort of kinship with the Elites, followed suit on both counts.
However, while this had obvious benefits, there were some unexpected consequences. The Drones, who had always been on very good terms with the Jackals, gave them their full support. And a shock to everyone, including the Jackals themselves, came when the Brutes openly sympathized with them. Whether the feeling was genuine or if it was just to spite the Elites was unknown. Either way, the Covenant had essentially been split in two. And considering that there was a war on, it was not a good thing.
His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of someone entering the methane chamber. He watched the airlock finish the pressurization process before the door opened. It was Anyaw. She discarded her life support and entered the living area.
"Hey, Anyaw."
"Hi, Yayap."
"So, has the madnessfinished spreading?" Because many Grunts had started following him around like lost puppies, Yayap relied on Anyaw to see what was going on in the outside world.
"No. And to be honest, I don't think it ever will."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, I heard several of them talking."
"What were they saying?" Anyaw started to look uncomfortable.
"Okay, they said, and I know this is going to sound ridiculous."
"Just spit it out."
"They think you're the Promised One." Yayap just sat there, stunned. For a moment before he exploded.
"WHAT!" It was official. Yayap wasactually pissed off now.
"I know, it's stupid. Uh…no offense."
"None taken. I can't believe they brought that stupid myth into this." Every Grunt had heard the story of the Chosen One at least once in their lives. It had actually been one of Yayap's favorites as a child. Before the Grunts were absorbed by the Covenant, they followed a religion based primarily on mysticism. After they were beaten by the Covenant, a Grunt Elder, one of the last followers of their old religion, claimed to have had a premonition. He said that one day; a great leader would be born from the Grunts and would lead them all to freedom on a methane rich paradise world. "This is getting out of hand."
"Now calm down, Yayap."
"Anyaw, don't you get it! If the Prophets hear that this nonsense has been started up again they'll turn me into a pin cushion!" He was referring to an incident that had happened several decades earlier. A Grunt named Korut had declared himself to be the chosen one and began a massive war to liberate his people. An incident which would come to be known simply as The Grunt Rebellion. Many thought he was insane but still many others chose to join him. It was a long and brutal war. And for a long time it looked like the Grunts could win. Korut was a brilliant military leader. Under his command, the Grunts had stopped the Covenant in its tracks and slowly started forcing it back. Victory and freedom were within their grasp. But then the Prophets decided that they'd had enough. They sent in their problem solver. The Arbiter.
The Grunt home world came under attack by the entire Covenant fleet. What ensued was the longest and bloodiest battle in the history of the entire Covenant. The battle lasted for hours. Thousands of troops on both sides fought with guns and bombs and knives and even their own bare hands. And at the heart of it all, were Korut and the Arbiter, locked in mortal combat. In the end, Korut defeated the Arbiter, but his victory was a costly one. He was mortally wounded and dieda fewhours later. Without his leadership, the rebellion was crushed. Thousands were executed on the spot. And the Grunts were once again enslaved by the Covenant.
Yayap was pacing back and forth trying to wrap his mind around this latest turn of events. "We finally gain some respect in Covenant society and they want to throw it away by starting all this again?"
"Well…to be honest, I think they have a point."
"What? Not you too! You're the only one who makes any sense!"
"YAYAP!" He quickly shut up. "Will you take a look around you? As you just said, we're practically free already. The second most influential species in the Covenant has declared us their brethren. We actually have a future now and it's all because of you!" Yayap considered that information for a moment. He was about to respond when his communicator went off.
"This is Zamamee. Yayap, do you read me?"
"Yes sir."
"Good. The trial is about to start. Meet me outside the Council Chamber."
"Sir! Yes sir!" He deactivated his comm. link and donned his life support. He was a little surprised to see Anyaw do the same. "You're coming?" She nodded and the two left the artificial atmosphere and made their way to the Council Chamber. When they arrived, the outer area was filled with spectators who had come to see the fate of the one on trial. The two walked up to the door where Zamamee was waiting.
"Come." They entered the main chamber and stood on the outskirts. They noticed a few others doing the same, including the Brute Chieftain, Tarturus and some of his subordinates. The path in the center was lined on both sides with Honor Guards. The stands were filled with Councilor Elites. The opposite stands were filled with Minor Prophets. On the far side of the room, the High Prophets of Truth, Mercy, and a hologram of Regret stood ready to lead the proceedings. And on the central podium was the accused. It was an Elite who wore the golden armor of a Commander, a Fleet Master to be more specific. The man accused of allowing Halo's destruction and the commanding officer of the Fleet of Particular Justice, Orna 'Fulsamee.
"Commander Fulsamee." The Elite looked up at Truth. "You are charged with gross incompetence in the line of duty which resulted in a crippling defeat of not only your those under your command but the entire Covenant as a whole. By all means you should be gutted where you stand! But, several members of your command crew, as well as a number of infantry units who survived Halo, stated that there were circumstances far beyond your control that brought about this disaster. In light of that information, we offer you the chance to give your account of the events on Halo. If you can convince us you were not to blame for Halo's destruction, then you will be released with our apologies.
"I thank you, Holy Ones."
"You may begin."
"Ahem. My forces arrived in orbit around Halo after tracking the human filth through slip space."
"Exactly how large was the enemy fleet?" Fulsamee heaved a sigh. This wouldn't go over well.
"There was no fleet." The entire chamber looked at him oddly, awaiting an explanation. "There was only one ship." The Prophets stared at him incredulously.
"One? Are you sure?"
"Yes. They called it…The Pillar of Autumn." The entire chamber began discussing this new information but a few starred at Fulsamee like he'd just grown two heads. They all knew from reports that only one ship had landed on Halo but they'd assumed that it had slipped by in the middle of a massive space battle. A single piece of inferior technology had bested an entire war fleet? This continued before everyone was pulled from their thoughts by Mercy.
"Why was it not destroyed with the rest of their fleet!"
"It fled, as we set fire to their planet. But I followed with all the ships in my command." Regret spoke next.
"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, and desecrate it with their filthy foot steps!"
"Noble Higherarches, surely you understand that once the parasite attacked…" Before he could continue, the stands erupted. Mercy bellowed in response.
"There will be order in this council!" He was quieted by Truth's extended arm.
"You were right to focus your attention on the Flood. But this Demon, this Master Chief?"
"By the time I learned the Demon's intent…" He hung his head in shame. "…there was nothing I could do." The Minor Prophets exploded in outrage. The Councilors showed much more restraint but it was clear they were very disappointed in Fulsamee. Tarturus, who had been paying very close attention, chuckled at the Elite's predicament. The hologram of Regret moved close to Truth and began whispering hurriedly.
"Noble Prophet of Truth, this has gone on long enough! Make an example of this bungler! The Council demands it!" Truth silently ordered him to stand down before addressing Fulsamee.
"You are one of our most treasured instruments. Long have you led your fleet with honor and distinction. But your inability…to safeguard Halo…was a colossal failure!" Suddenly one of the Minor Prophets stood up.
"Nay! It was heresy!" The stands erupted at this statement. Fulsamee looked back and forth between the two. He then looked to the Prophets and spoke in a last ditch effort to maintain his status.
"I will continue my campaign against the humans!"
"No! You will not." Truth turned to the Brute Chieftain and nodded. In response, Tarturus barked out an order in his people's native language to his two subordinates. They moved to detain Fulsamee who refused to let them touch him. He made his way out of the chamber flanked by the Brutes. "Soon the Great Journey shall begin. But when it does, the weight of your heresy will stay your feet and you shall be left behind." As soon as the door shut, Truth looked toward the stands. "These proceedings are closed." With that, everyone began filing out. Zamamee waited a moment before making his way to the door with Yayap and Anyaw close behind him. At the door to the outer area, they noticed an Elite was waiting for them.
"Jasumee?" The wight armored Elite had been on her way to the chamber when Tarturus and his Brutes had marched out with Fulsamee. She knew she'd been a little late but she didn't think it would be over already. She turned toward the group approaching.
"Hi guys. Is it over?" Zamamee nodded his head.
"He is to receive the mark." Jasumee nodded in understanding before they all walked to the outer area where thousands were hooting and cheering for the atrocity that was about to occur. They arrived just as Fulsamee was being fitted with energy manacles. The Elite tested his restraints as the Chieftain turned to him.
"You've drawn quite a crowd."
"If they came to hear me beg, they will be disappointed."
"Are you sure?" With that, the binders began glowing just before high grade plasma began coursing through his body. He instinctively began thrashing but he somehow managed to remain silent through it all. If he couldn't keep his honor, he would at least keep his pride. Zamamee silently wondered where he had developed the will to endure that sort of pain.Yayap cringed at the sight but his attention was soon drawn to a loud cheer. He looked over and saw a pair of Grunts who were, in his opinion, showing far too much enthusiasm. He was about to berate them but restrained himself. What was the point? Fulsamee's own family had forsaken him.
"How can they do this? It wasn't his fault!"
"It was his fault, Yayap." The Grunt looked up at his comrade. "You weren't privy to the commander's decisions so you couldn't know, but the moment we touched down on Halo, Fulsamee ordered massive archeological expeditions be carried out. Normally this would've been understandable given the ring's importance but under the circumstances it should've been a secondary venture. Fulsamee did not consider the humans to be a threat. That was what cost us Halo. If he'd had any sense, he would have sent every available soldier to wipe out the humans. Even the Demon would think twice before facing over twenty thousand heavily armed warriors." Just as Zamamee finished speaking, the plasma stream deractivated. Fulsamee slumped forward and began breathing heavily. His body was literally smoking. His once golden armor had been charred beyond recognition. Tarturus looked down at him with a sadistic grin before he turned to address the masses.
"Look at this pathetic fool! This slime, this diseased sack of filth, who is unfit to lick the dirt from our feet, is the one who allowed the sacred ring to be lost. Because of his incompetence, the humans succeeded in destroying Halo and costing us our one chance to begin the Great Journey! There can be no greater heresy! Let him be an example for all who would break our Covenant! His words were met roars of approval. He barked an order to his troops who began the process of removing Fulsamee's armor.
All Fulsamee could do was hang there and suffer this next indignity. Soon all that was left of his armor, the same armor he'd worn since the day he came of age, was his helmet. Tarturus moved forward and personally tore it from Fulsamee's head. It flew across the platform and landed with a clank. With his armor gone, Fulsamee knew what was next and braced himself. The nearby grav lift brought up a red hot iron which Tarturus took and approached Fulsamee. The Elite watched as the Chieftain readied the weapon and slammed it into his chest. Fulsamee lasted about four seconds before he let out a roar of agony and sorrow as the Mark of Shame was forever seared into his flesh. In the end, it was too much for him and he lost consciousness his last thought before the darkness took him was that there was nothing left they could do to him. As far as he was concerned, the moment the iron had touched his skin, his life was over.
Tarturus barked an order to his men and they took the unconscious Elite and went down the lift where they made their way to the detention block. Zamamee said a silent prayer for his former Commander before his comm. went off.
"Commander Zamamee, report to the briefing chamber."
"Roger. I'm on my way." He deactivated the device and turned to Yayap. "Come. We have a mission."
"Yes sir!"
When they arrived at the chamber, the rest of their squad was already assembled. Commander Matumee was standing next to the holo-projector in the center of the room.
"Take your seats and we will begin." They both took their places as Matumee cleared his Throat. "As some of you may already know, a large force of Elites and Grunts has been occupying a Forerunner facility just inside Threshold's atmosphere for sometime now. They were dispatched there to gather as much Forerunner technology as possible. But something has gone wrong."
"Were they attacked?" Matumee turned to the trooper who had interrupted.
"I'm afraid things are a little more…complicated than that." He activated the main projector and a holographic image of the mining facility was produced. At the current magnification, they could just make out people milling about. Matumee hit a switch and a spot on the north side of the facility was enhanced. One look and it was painfully clear that something was horribly wrong. The soldiers were wearing strange armor. The shape and color were both altered and they all seemed to be wearing body paint. Also, they seemed to be setting up weapon emplacements and had set up a number of make shift launch pads which were occupied by several Banshees. They too had been painted. In short, the facility had been turned into a fortress. "As you can see, they are preparing for war. Roughly two hours ago their leader, a former Ship Master named Mogar 'Kasumee, sent a message to the Prophets. He has declared war against the Covenant."
He allowed them to digest what they'd just heard. They began discussing this information amongst themselves. He also heard the word 'Heretics' muttered here and there.
"(Ahem) For now they are little more than a nuisance but they seem to be gaining support. At this rate we could have a full-scale rebellion on our hands. Your mission is to go in and neutralize them. Any questions? No? Alright. The Phantoms are being prepped right now so you should have abou…"
He was interrupted by his communicator. He was going to ignore it before he recognized it as a priority signal. "(Sigh) One moment." He activated the device. "The is Commander Matumee…Yes. I'm in a briefing right now. Can't this wait?...Very well, what is it?" After a moment his eyes shot open. "You lie!" At this everyone watched the Field Master intently. "Are you sure...I warn you, if this is some kind of joke…! I see…Thank you." He deactivated the link and turned to address the Zamamee's squad. "It seems you will be getting some additional help on this mission. Zamamee looked at him oddly.
'Help?' His thoughts were interrupted by the door beeping and flashing just before it flew open. A figure walked in. It was an Elite but not just any Elite. The ceremonial armor was unmistakable. The figure was a being they had all heard of but also one they never though they'd get the chance to see. The single most sacred position an Elite could receive. The Arbiter. Zamamee and his team were in awe. As the figure came closer, however. Zamamee got a better look at him. 'Fulsamee?' Matumee approached the Arbiter.
"I assume you've been briefed?"
"Yes. I am well aware of the situation."
"Very well. Now, as I was saying, the Phantoms are still being prepped so you should have about an hour. Dismissed."
Zamamee was in his quarters. He'd decided to meditate to prepare for his mission. He took a deep breath and attempted to clear his mind but his thoughts kept drifting back to his unexpected ally in this endeavor. Fulsamee had become a walking contradiction. The entire Council, including the High Prophets themselves, had declared him a Heretic and a traitor. Then, barely ten minutes later, they turn around and award him the golden fleece of his entire race. It made absolutely no sense! For the first time in his life, Zamamee considered the possibility that the Prophets had gone mad. His thoughts were interrupted by a knock on his door. Deciding that he wasn't getting any where, he abandoned his attempts at meditation and went to open the door. Jasumee came in. She was breathing a little heavy like she'd been running.
"Zamamee, I need your help!"
"What's wrong?"
"Well, actually it might be nothing. I was told about your mission by one of my superiors." Zamamee looked at her oddly. Black Ops were usually kept on a need-to-know basis. "They told me something a little disturbing."
"Go on."
"I was told that a man named Kasumee was involved in the operation. Is that true?"
"Uh…yes. Do you know this man?"
"Yes. He's my brother." She didn't notice Zamamee suddenly stiffen. "I want to know why he's taking part in a Black Op. He's a Ship Master." Zamamee looked at her. His throat constricted as he tried to find the right words. This was going to be difficult.
"You might want to sit down, Mera." She complied and gave him her full attention. "(Sigh) My team and I have been assigned to infiltrate a Forerunner mining facility and eliminate a Heretic Cell. Their leader is a man named Mogar 'Kasumee." She stared at him blankly for a moment. She suddenly exploded.
"That's ridiculous! I don't believe you! My brother's one of the most devout followers I know!" Zamamee heaved a sigh as he removed a data chip from a compartment on his armor. He inserted it the holo projector on the north wall of his quarters. He pressed a few buttons and an Elite appeared. Jasumee stared in shock at the figure. Even with his strange armor and the slight distortion caused by holographic projection, she immediately recognized her brother.
"Our Prophets are false! Open your eyes, my brothers. They would use the faith of our forefathers top bring ruin to us all! The Great Journey is a lie. A farce! A fruitless campaign. Every thing we have fought and suffered for was a lie. No more! Join me, my brothers. Cast off your shackles. And together, we will destroy the Prophets!" His words were met with a roar of approval. He looked around with a satisfied expression before the recording ended.
Jasumee just stared in shock before she shot to her feet.
"If you'll excuse me," Her voice was cracking and she seemed to be fighting tears, "I think need to be alone." She ran out of the room. Zamamee heaved a sigh. He silently wondered what supreme being would condone such tragic irony.
Yayap, meanwhile, was back in the methane chamber with the rest of the squad's Grunts. He was digesting the fact that he was about to take part in his first official black op. The business with the Demon had been classified as a vendetta. It was that thought that made him realize how far he'd come. The missions Spec. Ops soldiers were sent on were often considered to be suicidal. A month earlier he probably would have wet himself, yet he was perfectly calm. He took a moment to observe his fellows and was surprised tosee that they weren't just unafraid, they seemed excited. On suddenly ran up to him and gave a friendly slap on the back.
"Those Heretics are gonna wish they'd never been born! Right, Boss?"
Yayap look at him oddly. 'Boss?' Before he could question the other Grunt's choice of words, his comm. went off. "Yes?"
"Yayap, it's time."
"Understood, Commander." He signaled to the others who quickly donned their life support and battle gear before they left the chamber.
Zamamee and Fulsamee were in the main hangar going over the last few preparations when a familiar medic approached them. "Zamamee, I have a request."
"Jasumee, I have no choice in this matter."
"I know, I don't want you to go against the Prophets, but there is one thing you can do for me."
"What is it?"
"Let Kasumee die with a weapon in his hands. Let my brother keep his honor, that's all I'm asking! Please?" The Commander and the Arbiter looked at each other for a moment before they turned to her and nodded in unison.
"Every soldier deserves a final battle. I willsee to it he receives a warrior's death. And may the Forerunners have mercy on him."
"Thank you." With that, she left. Zamamee silently thanked the gods that the Prophets had decided to keep this incident quiet, other wise Jasumee and her entire family would've suffered for this.
His thoughts were interrupted by the Phantoms roaring to life. The gravity lifts activated and he and the rest of his team were brought on board.
Okay, I'm gonna stop this here. I hope you all enjoyed. And sorry for the delay. I'll try to get the next one up sooner. In the next chapter, I was considering doing a few parts from the Arbiter's perspective. Should I? On one last note, there is a small reference to another FPS in this chapter. If anyone spots it, I'll give them the next chapter a week early. Well, that's all. Please R+R.