Chapter 16: Lone Wolf
Ripa 'Moramee.
Remembering the name of the sangheili that attacked my home, I feel my heart speed up yet again. Even as I could feel the rumble of impacts from the naval battle going on around me, I felt an odd maelstrom of feelings swirling within me caused by simply remembering the name.
I thought back to all the death and destruction I saw all those years ago. The image of fleeing civilians running away from plasma bombardments as I watched them pass from my mother's ship was still a jarring memory, and just knowing the one responsible was now my target caused anger and sadness to swell up within me.
To this day, I still don't know why. Even after my years of service, the brutal and terrifying display of power that I saw when I was younger had no equal. During my service, we were ruthless and efficient, but we never used any weapons of mass destruction for any sort of shock and awe campaign like what that warlord used on T'vao.
The direct effects of that day were easy to witness even far away from T'vao. I have only met a handful of other t'vaoans since I left home, and the theme of those visits were always similar.
Pain, hardship, suffering.
Filled with a maelstrom of emotions, some of which I didn't quite recognize, I didn't even realize I was inside of my drop pod until the door hissed shut in front of me.
And yet, even knowing I was about to drop from orbit into a warzone, my thoughts were still elsewhere.
The same warlord who attacked my home is attacking his own?
I knew it was the job of the spec ops divisions aboard the fleet that was sent here to capture the rogue sangheili, but in the back of my mind I felt nothing but anger. This sangheili was the direct cause of a lot more pain and suffering then just this clan.
Thinking back to the small t'vaoan family scrounging together what little they could to survive in the markets of Sanghelios… to the desperate clan representatives in dark alleys and black markets simply to get the help they needed to live…
I truly hope that he gets what's coming to him. He deserves far worse than whatever the Covenant can give him.
A deep violent rumble resounded around me as the ship shuddered from yet another blast.
Keeping my nerves as steady as I could, I started to take in a few calming breaths. I knew the shipmaster was trying his best, and I simply had to trust that he knew what he was doing. The ship has been under fire for the last few minutes, taking a beating from the heavyweight naval battle we have now found ourselves a part of.
"All warriors, prepare for orbital insertion."
Checking my gear for the third time, I made sure everything was in working order. Strapped to the overhead weapons placement inside the drop pod I was in was a fully charged beam rifle and plasma pistol. My hologram emitter and four grenades were still here and strapped to my hip was my ever-present sword Destiny.
This battle was different than any other I've been a part of at this point. From the intelligence that has been shared with me, the battle was fought in two places.
First, and the most clear to me right now, was in orbit above the 'Moram keep. Our fleet was currently trading blows with the rebellious fleet led by Ripa. From what I could tell, our shipmaster attempted to get them to stand down, only to receive a volley of plasma torpedoes as an answer.
The second, however, was directly around the keep.
Malurok was a planet with two sides to it. The actual surface of the planet was a barren wasteland of rocks and dust, barely able to even sustain life on it. However if you look more closely, beneath the surface was a honeycomb of cave systems caused by a network of underwater oceans and constantly shifting plates. There were entire thriving cities underneath the seemingly barren landscape hidden in those caves that ended up being an important manufacturer for a large portion of Covenant technology.
The 'Moram keep breached the surface at the entrance of one of the cave networks. Whoever held the keep, held the only way inside the main cave systems for hundreds of miles around. The keep itself was a choke point mixed that doubled as a fortress, giving whoever held it the advantage.
Since the Kaidon of 'Moram was still alive, that meant that Ripa was attempting a siege of the keep's outer walls.
From the holographic display of the keep I got to see before we arrived, it honestly looked like a castle. The ancient spire-like structure boasting a thick wall and even battlements where massive high tech cannons defended the structure from invaders.
The combination of ancient stone fortress and high tech anti aircraft plasma cannons almost made me laugh… if it wasn't for the fact that we were being sent in to break the siege.
Feeling another shudder run through the ship, I was forced to grab a hold of a handle inside my pod. A few seconds of silence came and went before I heard the shipmaster's strained voice go through my vehicle's speakers.
"Rtas, you are clear. Go now! I can not hold this position for long."
Rtas responded immediately, and even as his voice sounded through the speakers, I felt as my pod shifted into the correct position for the drop.
"Gods be with you brother."
Watching as my holographic display for my landing coordinates lit up, the targeting data flashing blue for a moment before fading to purple. I could see the symbols counting down our launch begin to drop.
Three.
Two.
One.
I took a deep breath, and then I was free falling.
Orbital insertion inside of a Covenant drop pod was… odd. There were several different engines at work both outside and inside the pod that kept you on track to your destination which, alongside the internal controlled gravity that made you feel like you were simply sitting down in a chair. It honestly made the trip down feel more like a ship that the seat was facing the wrong way rather than a free fall from orbit.
Looking out of the display, I could see several capital ships all in a massive battle amongst each other. Everything from plasma torpedoes to bright lines from energy projectors were cross crossing the space around me. Gripping one of the handles to my pod, I brace myself for anything.
Watching as a planet slowly becomes larger and larger on my display was definitely an experience even as the battle raged all around me.
Suddenly, a frantic voice came through my communications.
"Antimatter charge! Brace for the shockwave!"
The voice was cut off as static replaced it.
Gripping the handle more tightly, I use my other hand to begin to fiddle with the holographic display. Switching it to monitor my lance, I watch as a bright flash in the distance is quickly followed by a massive shockwave.
A shockwave that will definitely hit me.
Trying to stay as calm as I could, I took in another shaky breath as I braced myself as best I could.
This feeling was awful. The feeling of being helpless. I had absolutely no control whatsoever of my pod as the controls were essentially automatic. Sure, I could take over and try to perform some evasive maneuvers, but in the end that wouldn't solve anything.
Then the shockwave overtook me.
Hanging on for dear life as the pod shakes and rumbles around me, I focus my attention on regaining control over my descent. Looking towards the manual controls, I see as all of the instruments inside my pod began flashing for my attention. The words "danger" and "warning" became the most noticeable, but more importantly they were still active.
After a few frantic moments of trying to regain control of my malfunctioning pod, I manage to get the vehicle to stop spinning out of control. The external engines were sputtering but thankfully still active, and I was able to shoddily inch my way back on track.
Looking at the display that kept track of my lance, I saw that the screen was malfunctioning. All I could hear from the communications was static as well.
Well, could be worse I suppose.
A loud bang followed by a deafening rumble broke through the detached calm that my mind was in, causing me to grip my handle tighter. All I could see on the damaged display was a hot red fire surrounding me. Quickly checking the status of my pod, I found that everything that I could read checked out as it was supposed to.
Realizing that was simply the impact of the atmosphere, I relaxed a bit. While the loud sound was something that was out of the ordinary, that was simply because I knew that the external energy shields must have been deactivated. Thankfully the outer plating of the pod was still able to enter the atmosphere just fine by itself.
It was also calming to know that most aircraft and bombardments wouldn't follow a pod into the planet's atmosphere simply because the engines would use up far more power needing to push into and back out of the planet's grasp.
Eventually, the hot red glow faded away and I was left overlooking the vast landscape of Malurok.
The planet itself was about as barren as an asteroid. I could see several small bodies of water cross crossing the surface as the only indication that this planet was habitable, but they quickly faded when the ground came rushing up to meet me.
I could easily tell that I was far off course simply due to the fact that the keep was large enough to see from the upper atmosphere. The towering spires of the castle-like fortress reaching out towards the sky.
And I'm going to land nowhere near it.
Slamming into the ground with the force of an asteroid, I press the release for the hatch and stumble out. Landing on all fours outside of the pod, I roll onto my back and stare upwards towards the sky.
I could see several pods similar to my own hurtle towards the ground. Watching in horror as I saw several pods break up and explode upon contact with the atmosphere, I tried to keep track of the ones that actually made it to the surface.
Sadly, I could tell that the majority of them landed closer to the keep than I did.
Knowing I'm in for quite a hike to my objective, I stand up and dust myself off. The dust and debris from my pod's impact kicked up quite a large cloud of dust, and I knew that if there were any enemy patrols nearby, they would be attracted to my impact point like a moth to flame.
Walking to my pod, I retrieve my weapons and inspect them. Thankfully, they appeared to be in working condition which allowed me to begin my journey
Gripping my beam rifle tightly, I look around me. The orange rock and dust from this planet was absolutely everywhere. There were fissures and rocky hills surrounding everything around me, and next to no plant life whatsoever.
Setting a waypoint leading towards where I believe the keep was, I begin my journey towards my objective. Sadly, it seems as if I landed in one of the small valleys that litter the landscape all around me.
Groaning, I leap from ledge to ledge around me as I attempt to gain some ground. The landscape made it next to impossible to take more than a few steps before needing to clear a gap or climb something.
Eventually reaching the top of a hill, I peer out over the landscape before me. The spiky rocks and steep slopes of the rocks all around me quickly made me realize that I was extremely lucky not to land on a sharp edge or a spike.
The only signs of life I spotted anywhere close to me was the odd dried up patch of grass barely clinging to life among the rocks. There are no trees and no water anywhere as I looked out over the barren landscape.
This planet is almost inhospitable! I'm surprised it even has a breathable atmosphere!
Deciding to attempt to use the battle network from my location, I begin to try and contact my lance.
"This is champion Sohm 'Bir, reporting in. Can anyone hear me?"
The echo of my voice rebounding off of several surfaces throughout the landscape reached me before all was quiet once again.
Thankfully, it didn't take very long before I received a response in the form of Rtas's voice.
"Good to hear you are still in one piece, Champion. What is your location?"
Looking around, I manage to spot the towering form of the keep in the distance. Glancing up to my navigator, I realized I was quite a ways south of the castle-like structure.
"Sadly I am nowhere close to the objective, Commander. The explosion pushed my pod a lot farther south than I would like."
A few more seconds of silence came and went before another response came through.
"Air support is cut off due to the naval battle overhead. Thankfully our allies say that Ripa has not yet reached the keep to join the battle quite yet."
I could hear the disappointment in his voice, and the feeling was one I felt in myself. Even one drop ship would be a boon to a situation like this, but as it was we were on our own.
"I am placing a rally beacon. I am ordering all units to regroup to set up ambushes along the main surface routes. The Kaidon has also joined us with some of his own warriors to aid in our trap. Be careful out there, for these hills are supposedly littered with the enemy."
Gripping my rifle more tightly, I watch as a waypoint makes itself known on my optical display. Nearly groaning at the sheer distance I needed to cross, I readied myself for a hike.
"Understood. I'm on my way."
(\\\(*v*)/)
By the gods, this terrain is impossible to navigate.
Looking up to the ledge twenty feet in the air above me, I ready myself for another jump. Quickly releasing the tension in my legs as I pounce, I grab hold of the edge and heft myself upward.
Looking around, I quickly realized that where I was looked identical to the several other rock formations I have already passed. My navigation equipment reassured me that I wasn't going in circles, but the repetitive motions of climbing and descending only to climb again was becoming frustratingly old far too quickly.
This planet had to be an invader's worst nightmare. It was obvious that the terrain could only be properly navigated by someone who knew what the paths of least resistance were, which was knowledge I definitely didn't have.
At this point, I'm sure that I was getting closer to my lance, but the constant obstructions caused by the terrain were frustrating to no end.
Sliding back down the steep rocky hill into a small valley below, I try to keep as positive as I could. I knew that the location my pod landed wasn't ideal, but I knew for a fact that if I hit the peak of any of these spiky rock formations, I wouldn't have survived.
As I made my way down, the loud sound of a starship's engines reached me, but honestly, I didn't think much of it. I knew that the anti aircraft defenses of the keep weren't anything to scoff at.
Reaching the bottom of the ravine, I glance back up to the top of the next hill I would need to cross. Examining the rock formations more closely, I realize that there was next to no way I would be able to scale it easily. Unlike the ones before it, this one appeared to be simply a tall smooth rock with a lot of sand keeping it up.
Sighing, I begin to try and find a way around it, only to stop in my tracks as the ground begins to shake violently below me.
The extremely loud sound of a massive explosion echoed around me as I glanced back up to the hills in horror. Loose rocks and debris all begin to clatter down the ravine to the valleys below.
Including the one I was in.
Quickly finding a way out of the death trap I have found myself in, I jumped as high as I could onto the nearest sand dune. I knew that the loose grains of the sand were going to slide also, but it was simply better than having massive boulders crushing me to death.
Landing roughly on the sand dune, I begin to claw my way through the loose sediment to stay above the chaos below. After a few moments of fighting for my life to stay above the avalanche, everything calms down.
Slowly sliding down the dune, I step onto a large upturned boulder that wasn't there before. Looking over the destruction in front of me, I realize that there was a large amount of dust that obscured my vision a bit. All around me, I could still hear the clatter of the remaining falling rocks impacting the cliff sides as the dust began to settle.
What the hell was that?
That explosion was absolutely massive, and the resulting chain reaction almost killed me.
"Champion, are you nearing our position?"
Checking my waypoint, I realized I was still quite a ways away. Glancing up to the still crumbling hill in front of me, I let out a loud groan.
Whatever that explosion was, it sure didn't make it any easier for me.
"No sir. I'm still making my way across this gods forsaken terrain."
A moment of silence came and went before my commander's voice cut through the silence once again.
"Our allies have informed us that Ripa is attempting to cross a pass hidden within the same terrain as you with a small army. Continue to try and make your way toward our position, but keep an eye out."
Glancing around the remnants of the previous landslide, I stand there baffled. The sheer amount of effort and care I had to take simply to keep my footing was extensive. The idea that there might be a hidden pass through this confused me.
Nonetheless, I grit my teeth and began to make my way up the next hill.
"Understood."
(\\\(*v*)/)
What was that?
From my position on top of a rocky spire overlooking the landscape in front of me, I could see that I have made a considerable distance towards my lance at this point.
From my spot on this particularly high spire, I could see that the terrain levels out into a large flat plain not too far into the distance which leads up to the castle-like keep. From my spot, I spotted a massive battle going off that was using everything from wraith tanks to scarabs all throwing everything they had at each other in order to gain ground.
To my surprise and amazement, once I looked down to a nearby cliff face, I quickly spotted a safe way to continue my journey. There was a winding path leading in the general direction of the keep which was lined across the cliff face to my left. The small pathway seemed to bob up and down with the landscape and was obviously sturdy enough not to collapse like the rest of the terrain did with the explosion.
None of that was what caught my full attention though.
A few moments ago, I heard the sound of heavy footsteps nearby. Too many to be just a small group, which caused my feathers to stand on end. I knew from Rtas's words recently that the only people anywhere near me right now were the rebels.
Steadying myself, I try to pinpoint the source of the sound, only for the echoing reverberations to make the task nearly impossible.
Heeding my commander's advice, I tried to settle in to see if I could hear anything else. I knew that the rebellious sangheili was in the same mountain range as I was, and finding his exact location would put us and our allies at an extreme advantage.
Over time, the footsteps became louder and the deep voices and occasional warble-like roar of challenge that could only be made by a sangheili echoed around me. The battle and my lance was still too far away to hear anything but muffled explosions, which caused my heart to speed up a bit.
After a moment, I caught the glimpse of something red out of the corner of my eye. Shifting myself on my perch, I turn to look more closely.
Focusing in on it, quickly let me realize that it was the armor of a sangheili major. The warrior quickly continues alone for a moment, but another soon follows behind him.
And another.
Examining them more closely, I glimpse a previously unseen pathway that was etched into the side of one of the canyons. The slowly increasing number of warriors were all carefully making their way along the pathway towards what could only be the plains ahead.
Oddly enough, due to how the pathway was cut into the wall, the fallen debris from the explosion earlier seemed to have rolled away from them and crashed into the valley harmlessly. The pathway was so small that they could only make their way down it one at a time, which certainly slowed them down.
Switching to the battle network, I begin to use my silent communications to speak.
"Commander, I have stumbled onto a problem."
A moment of silence comes and goes before I hear his voice coming through my helmet.
"What is the issue, champion?"
Adjusting my position, I watch as several more sangheili warriors, all wearing red combat harnesses, continue their casual Hike. Readying myself to respond, I see something out of the ordinary.
A sangheili wearing polished white armor rounds the bend, making himself the only sangheili who wasn't wearing red. He was significantly taller than the others, and was given a wide berth compared to the rest.
Well, he must be important.
Hefting my beam rifle upward, I scope in to try and get a better view.
"I have found the grouping of enemies you spoke of. They are taking a small hidden path that seems to lead into the plains from the south."
Scoped in, I could properly appreciate how large the white clad sangheili was compared to his peers. The towering elite seemed to be a bit frustrated about something, as I could even hear the echoing growls of frustration all the way from where I was. Scoped in, I could see two energy swords strapped to his hip, both of which had an odd basket hilt somewhat similar to my own sword.
"And I think I just found Ripa."
A moment of quietness came over the battle network before my commander's voice came through once again.
"I have consulted with our allies, and they say there is only one pass to the south. The pathway leads into a deep valley before entering into a small cave network that comes out all over the plains above."
Examining the warriors below, I see that they are definitely armed for war. All sorts of weapons from carbines and plasma rifles to fuel rod guns were strapped to their backs as they slowly hiked their way through the pass.
"New orders, Champion. We are moving to set up an ambush in the upcoming valley for the rebels. Do everything you can to delay them."
Gawking down at the small army of elites all hefting heavy weapons, I immediately bite down at the instinct to snap at my commander before I start to think this through rationally.
I am ahead of them, have the higher ground, and a sniper rifle. They are on a small pass moving one by one to a set destination, and I doubt they would be able to keep up with me if I was to flee into the rubble filled ravines.
Going over all my equipment, I realized that the only two pieces of gear I can realistically use are my beam rifle, and my plasma grenades. The grenades would be a helpful tool to use if I wanted to collapse some of the pathway, but only if I got close enough to throw them accurately.
Taking aim, I point the sight reticle at the white clad elite for a moment before I switch the target. I knew that the goal of this mission was to take the elite alive, so no matter what tactics I used, I couldn't shoot him.
But that isn't the case for the rest of them, now is it?
Readying myself to make a hasty retreat in case one of them decides to fire back, I scan the group to find the most effective way to begin this.
Looking them over again, I once again scan over the elites carrying heavy weapons. The ones hefting fuel rod guns were definitely a prime target, for if I lined up the shot perfectly it would cause an explosion which would collapse their ability to move through that section of the pass easily.
Sadly, most of the heavily armored sangheili were close to the rear of the group. I knew this wouldn't cause as much damage as I wanted, but at the very least it would cause chaos among them.
Taking several moments to line up the shot perfectly, I aimed the reticle on the closest elite to the front. Taking a second to find the pack of glowing fuel rods which was being carried by one of the red clad sangheili, I take in a steadying breath and fire.
Boom.
Watching as part of the cliffside pass crumbled due to the resulting explosion, I let out a snort as I realized that single action delayed a significant portion of the army by itself. Shifting my weight to better steady my rifle, I began to scan for my next target.
A moment of stunned disbelief comes and goes before the sangheili below react, but before they can regain their bearings and assess the situation, I already have lined up another shot.
Aligning the reticle of my beam rifle to the elite that was at the front of the group frantically looking back towards the chaos, I let loose another shot.
The particle beam cuts through his head, causing the elite's armor to flash blue as it fails. The sangheili stiffens for a moment before slumping and falling face first onto the ground. Thankfully, he didn't roll off the cliff, which provided further obstruction to the elites below.
Now, at this point, I think they were well aware they were under attack. What they didn't know was how many people were attacking them. The entire group was scanning their surroundings carefully for any sign of a threat.
Oddly enough, the elites below didn't seem like they wanted to move. Each of them simply hefted their weapons and were taking the time to look around.
It took me a moment to realize that the behavior was due to sangheili cultural conditioning. The entire race was trained from when they were young that fleeing was dishonorable. Admitting defeat was the greatest sin a warrior could commit.
Which simply made it easier to pick off two more.
The group quickly wisened up at that point and the more heavily armed elites of the group began to rush their way along the pass. Sadly, they weren't the only ones I needed to worry about.
Green and pink streaks of light came rushing towards my position after a moment as I saw pink shards of explosive crystals imbed themselves along the side of the cliff I was sitting on. Knowing that some of the elites got a bead on my position and that I needed to move, I made my way down the opposite side of the hill, leading towards the north.
Sliding, jumping, and climbing my way down the rough terrain, I heard the roars of sangheili behind me. I knew I needed to get above the next peak before they made their way around the bend of the valley and could take a shot at me. Down here I was a sitting duck, and they could pelt me with whatever they wanted to as I had next to no cover here.
Making it to the bottom, I quickly hop from displaced boulder to boulder as I begin to ascend the other slope after only a moment.
Looking up, I was a bit surprised to see that I will actually pass over the path on my way up. Thinking for only a moment, I quickly realized that this was the time I would be able to use my grenades. Jumping from rock to rock, I hastily climb my way up the cliff face.
More than once I nearly fell due to the loose rocks and debris I needed to bypass, but thankfully I arrived without incident. Hauling myself onto the small pathway, I look down the path only to see the grouping of sangheili rounding a corner nearby. The group of sangheili seemed to have sped up rather than slowed down, placing them less than fifty feet behind me on the trail.
I lock eyes with the polished white armor of Ripa who has made his way to the front of the line and my heart stops.
Now or never!
Unclipping a plasma grenade, I press the activation rune, before throwing it as hard as I could into the ground. Hearing the high pitched chirping of the activation, I began to back up as fast as I could. Switching my point defense gauntlets and reading myself, I watched as the sangheili pulled out a plasma rifle and took aim.
I knew that I was outside of the blast radius of the grenade at this point, but the delay of the blast would be an issue. I continue backing up even as the mandibles of my opponent spread wide as he roars, pointing his weapon at me in a last ditch attempt to end the threat.
I watch calmly as the blue bolts of plasma erupt from the sangheili's rifle, and shield myself using my gauntlets. Watching closely as a few of the superheated bolts splash against my glowing gauntlets, I count down a few seconds in my head before…
Boom!
The explosion caved in a portion of the pass. Turning around and running as fast as I could, I dropped two more grenades on my way towards the keep just for good measure.
Now that I was finally on a relatively flat trail, I was able to clear a significant distance on my way towards the keep. The elites behind me at this point would be very much delayed from completing their trek across the small pass by now, and I knew I needed to return to my lance.
Sprinting as fast as I could, I eventually ended up in a large valley which led up to a single cave entrance. Looking around, I could hear the distant sound of warfare in the distance, but I could tell that there was no one in the immediate area.
Switching back to the battle network, I try to contact Rtas.
"Commander, I have delayed the rebel as much as I could and have arrived at the ambush point."
Another moment of silence came and went before the muffled response of my commander came through.
"-tand by. We are fighting ou-"
The whistling sound of a wraith mortar cut him off as my commander swore under his breath. A second later the sound of a muffled explosion came through before he continued.
"If we do not make it in time, you need to do your best to prevent him from reaching the tunnel. We are almost to one of the other entrances, but we are encountering heavy resistance."
Groaning loudly, I give my commander a professional reply that doesn't quite reach my face.
"Understood."
I didn't receive an answer, but it was understandable considering the sounds that were going on in the background of our conversation. I knew that it was up to me to continue delaying, so I started to go over everything I could do with what I had going for me.
I have a sword, almost fully charged beam rifle, plasma pistol, one hologram emitter, and a single plasma grenade. The terrain all around me was a massive open valley with large peaks on either side that appear climbable, allowing me to get a clear view of everything below. I knew it would take quite a while for those sangheili to all clear or go around the damage I caused to the pathway… either that or they would split off and come in small groups once they made it across.
If only I was so lucky.
A plan forming in my mind, I begin to fiddle with my hologram.
(\\\(*v*)/)
Looking down onto the valley below, I shifted my weight as much as I could. Lying prone up above what is going to be my ambush point, I am left alone for the time being.
Sadly, while I knew the easiest way to keep the elite from reaching his destination was to simply use my last remaining grenade to collapse the cave entrance, that was also the only way my backup was coming. This led me to come up with this stupid plan I am currently implementing.
Looking back over the simplistic trap I have concocted, I spot the hologram of myself which was in position. I was going to use the device to stall the elites as much as I could by simply talking, but once the conversation inevitably broke down…
Scoping my beam rifle towards the plasma grenade perched innocently along the ridge to the pathway entrance under a particularly unstable grouping of rocks, I kept myself as calm as I could. I knew I would most likely need to spring my trap early to prevent too many elites from pouring in and overwhelming me.
If there were only a few, I could pick them off one at a time as I keep moving along the ridge line. The cut off reinforcements would prevent my enemy from gaining enough firepower to become a serious threat at the range I was at, not to mention the advantage of having the high ground.
Keeping my rifle trained toward the plasma grenade, I adjusted the settings on my optics. I watch as my normal field of vision is replaced with the illusionary copy, gaining control of it.
Looking around as a hologram was a rather odd sensation. Typically you just set them to an automatic function, but when you decided to take full control of one you needed to actually think about every motion. You also couldn't feel anything, even though you could see as if it was you.
Testing a few motions as the hologram, I begin to get used to the controls before I decide to train my sight on the narrow path that leads into the valley.
And then I wait.
Sadly, it only took a few more minutes.
Standing in the middle of the open valley, I stared down the first sangheili to enter the open area through my optics. Gripping my plasma pistol tightly, I wait in the open field. Simply judging from the white armor and imposing height, I knew it was Ripa.
Seeing recognition come across the sangheili's face, I shift my nonexistent weight from side to side. Watching in calm acceptance as only a small portion of his army file in from the pathway, I take in a deep breath.
It still felt a bit odd to be using my hologram in this way, but I thought that simply getting the elite to talk was most likely my best means of stalling at this point.
I just hope he's the talkative type.
Quickly looking behind him, I realize that far less sangheili were filling in behind him then I thought there would be, and even those were covered in dust and dirt. It appeared to only be one every once and awhile, causing me to feel a bit proud of myself. I knew that the majority had to have been left behind and were simply told to catch up.
Ripa's voice cut through the silence, as his deep but extremely gravelly voice reached me.
"So you are the one that has been causing me so much trouble."
He's talking. Perfect.
Giving him a bright smile, I simply nod and gesture towards his comrades.
"Honestly I am just surprised that you decid-"
I was cut off as an extremely deep snarl cut through my words with the intensity of an energy sword.
"Silence filth!" The sangheili took a step closer and unclipped one of his swords, but didn't activate it. "I have slaughtered your kind for sport, and you think you can even stand on the same dirt as my homeworld?! I will end your pathetic existence here and now!"
Immediately my mood goes sour. The reminder that this sangheili was the direct cause of so much pain and suffering hit me quickly, and I gritted my teeth in anger. Before I could calm myself down, I responded with instinct.
"Well here I am, stomping on your world the same as you did mine, and there's nothing you can do about it!"
The deep threatening snarl turned into a guttural roar of fury as he activated his sword. He turned his head to look at one of his subordinates who dipped his head low and seemed rather timid for a sangheili.
"Do not interfere. This kill is mine."
Well… it seems that the plan of stalling with words is out the window already. He does seem to be unusually easy to anger though…
Smirking, I unclip the only weapon I gave the hologram. Waving my plasma pistol in the air nonchalantly, I decided to taunt him a bit more.
"I bet I can kill you without even using this!"
The sentence was said as truthfully as I could make it, knowing that even if I was going to kill him, I would use my beam rifle anyway.
The massive elite decided to simply charge me head first, causing me to prepare myself. I felt adrenaline begin to fill me, but oddly enough the feeling didn't help me control my hologram any better.
Dodging out of the way of his initial swing, I watch my opponent closely as he brings his sword back around for another swipe. Back stepping away from him, I quickly realized something.
He's slow.
The hulking elite seemed to rely entirely on his superior strength and extended reach to win most battles if my initial judgement of him was right. He was drastically underestimating me as he seemed to lumber and swing rather than use any real form or technique.
The strikes would be fatal if they landed, of that I had no doubt, but sadly he simply couldn't get close enough. Running around the sangheili, I tried to keep my eye on the pathway. Several more sangheili were making their way into the valley, but it wasn't quite as much as I wanted it to be.
Hearing the unmistakable sound of an energy sword burning its way through the air, I dodge out of the way once more. Giving the sangheili a smirk as I sent a few bolts of plasma in his direction which splashed harmlessly against his shields, simply to agitate the elite. Smiling, I began to taunt him again.
"Is that really the best you can do? Aren't your people supposed to be swordsmen? I bet you don't even know what the word parry even means."
My insults were met with another roar of rage as he threw himself at my hologram with twice as much force. The infuriated sangheili igniting his second blade as he began to take rapid slices in my direction.
The shoddy and somewhat amateur attempts to distract me from his intentions as he attacked me almost caused me to laugh. This sangheili was nowhere close to the level of skill that Bero was, and it showed.
Deciding to press my advantage, I smirk under my helmet as I take a few more quick shots with my pistol at the rampaging sangheili.
"You are going to have to do a lot better than that to kill me. I bet this is why you like to bomb civilians eh? Can't handle a real opponent, can you!"
Sadly, my taunts didn't have the same effect as before. The sangheili seemed to stop in his tracks for a moment, as he examined me a bit more closely. Even as I was pinging him with plasma bolts, an odd sense of foreboding came over me from his scrutinizing gaze.
"You aren't a real opponent."
Ripa disengages from our fight before he begins to look around. Confused for a moment as to what the sangheili was doing, I took the time to glance toward the valley entrance again.
There were maybe about twenty or so sangheili standing around, appearing to be awaiting orders from their leader. A few of them looked as if they were a bit disgusted towards Ripa for having been delayed by a kig yar for so long, but I looked past them.
There were a few sangheili hefting fuel rod guns and heavy weaponry were making their way into the valley. I knew those weapons would threaten any of my allies' lives if I let them through.
"So where are you? I should have known that a kig yar like you would never fight me outright like this."
Snorting, I decided to taunt him one last time before triggering my trap.
"You wouldn't even be worth the challenge."
Deactivating the hologram, I watch as my optics switch back to their normal position. I watch as the fake projection of me morphs into the little glowing blue ball it actually was and chuckle.
I saw as the enraged rebellious sangheili walked over to the hologram before picking it up. Roaring loudly, he crushed it before throwing it as hard as he could.
"Coward! Your entire pathetic race is full of dishonorable worms! Fight me!"
He doesn't seem too happy that I tricked him.
Not bothering to answer the elite, I smirk as I shoulder my weapon again. Taking aim, I line my shot up with the small light being emitted by the plasma grenade and fire.
The resulting explosion caused a massive amount of debris to fall onto the only pathway into the valley, crushing the group of heavily armed sangheili beneath it. The sounds of surprised yelps and angry roars reaches me from below as I spin my rifle around.
Quickly examining the remaining group of sangheili below me, I take a second to count them up. I knew there were somewhere around thirty of them, which was a bit more than I wanted but still manageable.
Knowing I needed backup very shortly, I silently key into my communications.
"Leader, are you close? I can not delay them from reaching the cave entrance for too much longer."
Another moment of silence came and went before I heard his voice through my helmet. I heard a noise in the background of his transmission that sounded like many feet impacting the ground in rapid succession.
"Almost there, stand by."
Gritting my teeth, I knew I needed to keep them here. The sangheili honor code prevented them from fleeing the battle if I initiated but if I sat here without doing anything they would leave, assuming I fled. Sighing deeply, I knew what I needed to do.
The sangheili below didn't seem to have spotted where the shot came from, instead opting to scan the spiky cliffs that lined both sides of the open valley. Deciding to give them a sure sign I was still here, I found one of the few sangheili that made it through with a fuel rod gun and fire.
The particle beam cuts cleanly through the armored head of the red clad elite, causing his shields to flash blue as they fail. Watching his lifeless body slump to the ground, causing the surrounding elites to jump in surprise for a second before they all resumed their perimeter scan.
Knowing I needed to cut down as many as I could before I needed to switch positions, I began to gun as many down as I could from my position.
Rapidly switching from target to target, I managed to pick off a few more before they spotted me.
Even from my distance, I could hear Ripa's enraged shouting as he attempted to rally his troops. It seemed that even his own soldiers were somewhat scared of his temper, as he reaches over and slams one of his own people into the ground.
"Fire on that kig yar! Kill her!"
The grouping all turned and opened fire on my position, spraying hot bolts of plasma across the cliff wall, but my elevation and position caused the volley to be ineffective.
The simple fact was plasma rifles and needles were not effective at this range, making it to where the only real threat to my safety right now was the odd carbine or needle rifle.
Deciding to pick off the ones that had actual marksman weapons, I began to specifically target those elites.
Sadly, I only gun down two more before a carbine shot whizzed a bit too close for comfort. I could feel the feathers on my head rustle and sizzle from the heat of the projectile, causing me to dip back behind cover.
That was far too close. I'm getting too cocky.
Knowing I couldn't just leave the elites to climb the slope leading up to me, I activated my wrist shields and ready myself to run across the rocky and dusty terrain.
Sliding down a small dip in the cliff face, I make my way onto another ledge before popping my rifle around a corner. Sure enough, some of the sangheili were attempting to make their way up the slopes that led up to where I was perched.
Blinking, I sit there for a moment as I look at the sangheili. They made it a lot farther up then I thought they would, but they were all attempting to use the same pathway which honestly baffled me. While the path they were taking was the obvious route to take, they were all lined up single file.
Shouldering my rifle once again, I fired on the elite that was the highest, causing him to slump and fall into the next one. A domino effect of falling and sliding sangheili almost caused me to laugh, if it wasn't for the pings of carbine fire impacting nearby rock formations from below.
Risking a few more shots, I manage to strike down three more sangheili before I am forced to move again. The elites from below are getting better at pinpointing my position even as I adjust my placement, causing me to grit my teeth in frustration.
Knowing I needed to move to a different ledge again, I began to make my way toward another dip in the valley wall as I started to yell into the battle network.
"Any time you want to spring the trap would be nice! I can't keep this up for too much longer!"
Hearing the echoes that the barren terrain made caused me to grit my teeth in frustration. The group below has managed to see through my deception at this point, allowing them to finally be able to track me through my movements.
Even as I begin to examine my options for another retreat, I hear the same menacing voice ring out from the valley below.
"Give me that! Worthless! I shall show you how to shoot!"
Risking a glance around my cover, my eyes widen as I see the massive silver armored elite heft a fuel rod cannon onto his shoulder with one hand before quickly firing.
I missed one?!
Watching in horror as the flaming green projectile sails true towards my location, I quickly glance around for another spot to jump to. Sadly, I couldn't see anything that would be a viable option for me. Knowing that sliding down the ledge towards my enemies was the only option that didn't involve either a fiery explosion or a fatal drop, I began to quickly slide my way down the rocky slope.
Boom.
Stumbling from the explosion, I realize that nothing I do will prevent the terrain around me from crumbling. Glancing down, I do my best to try and control my descent toward the road below even as small rocks and debris fall down from above me.
Knowing I am extremely visible, I bring my rifle up even while sliding downward to try and lay down at least a bit of suppressing fire, only to feel my heart climb up into my throat.
The entire remaining group of sangheili were waiting for me at the bottom of the ledge, each one holding a weapon which was being aimed directly at me. At that point as I stare down several furious sangheili warriors armed with plasma rifles, I only had one thought cross my mind.
Why haven't they opened fire yet?
They definitely had the chance to end me now, though none of them actually took the shot.
Sliding down the hill with the sound of heavy rocks rolling behind me, I try to control my descent a bit, but any direction I change is immediately accounted for and the group moves to intercept me.
I could see the smug look of the silver clad sangheili below me as I slid down the dusty surface towards him. We both knew my fate was sealed at this point, and I accepted it with grace.
Immediately upon reaching the group, I was grabbed and tossed around by Ripa's underlings. The remaining warriors stripped me of my beam rifle before I was shoved down onto the ground forcefully.
I knew simply due to feeling the comforting weight on my hip that for some stupid reason, they left my sword. Perhaps it was because they didn't recognize the odd design, or maybe they thought it wasn't a weapon, but I wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth.
After all, that means I have a chance, if even a small one, to catch them completely off guard.
Standing up, I see as Ripa was casually examining my beam rifle from the other side of the impromptu circle. After only a moment, he threw it over his shoulder in disgust, before turning his attention fully to me.
I knew my only chance now was to stall. Unlike the elites in front of me, I knew a large contingent of spec ops were on their way to this location. If I could simply stay alive for a few more minutes, then I had a chance.
Casually noting that the group of elites branched out and created a large circle around us, I begin to feel a bit unnerved. For some reason, these elites didn't immediately eliminate the threat, which could only mean that 'Moramee wanted me alive.
"One. Only one?"
Confused as to what he was talking about, I tilted my head before he continued.
"Only one lone kig yar caused this much damage to my warriors?"
Examining 'Moramee from this close, I could easily tell that he was significantly taller than even most elites. Hateful reptilian orange eyes gazed down upon me as he unclipped and ignited an energy sword from his spot among the circle of rebels. He glanced his blade over for a moment before he flicked his eyes back to me.
"This sword has tasted many of your people's blood. What is one more?"
Gritting my teeth at the words, I examined him just like I would a duel between Bero and I. I knew why I wasn't simply shot on sight now, and a feeling of anticipation came over me.
If he thinks I will be a pushover because of my race, then I have the advantage.
The two prongs of his blade seemed rather thin compared to the standard that most sangheili warriors used, but I didn't pay it too much mind as he branched off from his spot and made his way towards me.
"Let us see if you can evade me now without your cheap tricks now, kig yar-"
His angry tirade was ended as the rapid fire sounds of plasma rifles cut him off.
Spinning towards the sound of the shots, I saw a veritable army of sangheili all pouring into the valley from the cave entrance. An ornately armored sangheili wearing a strange battle harness and a cape seemed to be leading the charge, but behind him were two very familiar special operations elites.
Looking back toward the stunned Ripa, I simply smile.
"I don't need to. My job was to delay you after all."
The tall sangheili spins back to me, a look of pure hatred in his orange slitted eyes boring down on me from where he was standing. For a moment in time, we simply stood there even as the chaos of the resulting battle commenced.
But then he ignited his second sword.
"You shall pay for this with your pathetic life."
I had my hand on my blade even before he ignited his own. Somehow deep down, I knew that it would end like this no matter what.
This elite in front of me embodied everything I stood against. The fury, hatred, and blatant disregard for other people's lives was in direct contrast to everything I have ever fought for.
I knew my mission was to capture him and hand him over to his kaidon, but at that moment as I stared him down, I saw everything that he had done flash before me.
My home, bombed. My people, oppressed. Refugees, struggling.
In the end, I couldn't care less about my mission.
BZZT-Hissss
"Come and get me."
An enraged roar sounded as he charged me head on.
Falling into my training, I feel the world shift a bit around me as I focus entirely on my opponent. The sound of gunfire and warfare around me becomes muted as I focus my full attention on the elite.
He reached me, and for a moment in time our world was filled with the hissing of blades as we exchanged our strikes.
The force behind the elites strikes was immense as he attempted to use his superior strength and twin swords to his advantage, but thankfully I used my flexibility and speed to my own.
Even as the two of us traded blows, I was calmly examining his form. I could tell he was well trained, but his anger was getting the better of him. Just as before, he relied on strength and his superior reach to attempt to kill me, but he was almost laughably slow.
Seeing a small opening, I slip under his guard and take a swipe at his chest which he moves to block, only to divert the weightless blade toward the wrist of his left hand, slicing it clean off.
Backing off after the first successful strike, I begin to take a few calming breaths. I knew rationality and calm calculations were what would win me this battle.
The elite takes a moment to examine the steaming remains of his severed limb. A moment of stunned silence comes and goes before he looks back up to me. The hatred in his eyes seems to multiply as he grips his remaining sword tightly.
Letting out the most bloodthirsty roar I have heard yet, he barrels toward me with a speed I didn't quite expect.
Somehow, Ripa seems a lot faster than when I fought him before. His rage itself seems to be fueling his will to fight as he threw himself at me with reckless abandon.
Dodging under his blade, I was forced to deflect his strike even as I slip passed him. His momentum was a bit too much as he continued barreling around me, but I knew he was paying just as much attention to me as I was to him.
His mandibles at this point were frothing with saliva as his enraged snarl reached me.
"Worthless filth. I enjoyed killing your kind, they were all weak and barely put up a challenge! Face me, coward!"
It took only a second for me to realize that the firefight stopped. Taking a quick second to glance around me, I realized there was a loose circle of elites all standing around the two of us once again. Everyone from the strangely dressed sangheili to Ripa's own red clad soldiers were watching the two of us with their weapons lowered.
Locking eyes with my mentor, I see him simply give me a slight nod.
Knowing what he meant, I calmly grip Destiny a bit tighter as I turn my attention back to my opponent. Taking in a deep breath, I watch as the enraged sangheili barrels toward me yet again.
"I will end your pathetic life!"
I refuse to be crushed under your hateful, evil ideals.
Watching the elite's body posture closely, I knew he was going to attempt yet another sideways swipe toward my midsection. Cooling the muscles in my legs I time my jump perfectly and flip directly over the elite as he runs past me.
We lock eyes for a moment as he attempts to follow my trajectory, the spit dripping out from his wide mandibles and his pupils wide from the adrenaline that was no doubt coursing through his veins.
The sangheili slows to a stop, attempting to whip around to face me once more, but by then it was far too late.
I plunge my sword deeply into his back, causing his body to tense for a moment. I could hear his breath leave him as the surprise and pain from the superheated plasma entered his body.
Even as I knew that the life he was so desperately clinging to was leaving him, the elite still attempted to turn around, swinging his sword weakly to the side before his motions stopped completely.
An odd feeling rose up within me, as I deactivated my sword. The odd feeling of relief filled me as I watch the now lifeless body slump to the ground, dead.
I felt relief as I realized this person could never hurt anyone else ever again. There would be no more bombings, no more occupation, and no more sadness caused by this person, and I felt happy. Happy that I could bring justice to someone who so desperately deserved it.
Suddenly, I heard the clank of weapons impacting the ground. Looking up, I watched in fascination as the red clad sangheili that were following Ripa laid down their arms and surrendered.
The ornately dressed sangheili branches away from the group, stepping next to me as he nudged Ripa's lifeless body with his foot. Grunting after a second, he looks to me and smiles.
"The rebellion is over."
—Authors Note—
Oh… did I forget to mention this was AU?
I did? Oh dear… it's almost like I wanted to surprise ya with plot twists or something.
Anyway, blooper scene at the end of the author's note. It should explain why this chapter took a bit longer than normal also, so feel free to read it.
Also: the hologram she has is the same one Sesa used in halo 2, not the generic ones from the games if ya wanna know. I like to think I made it clear what with the glowing blue ball and being able to shoot and what not, but for those that want to know… yeah.
Oh, and one more thing for those that wish to know about her human past and if it will matter in the future (it will). Sohm is a SI of myself after I graduated high school, so the games she has played are Reach, CE, 2, 3, and 4. No other knowledge, so if ya'll are wondering why she doesn't recognize Ripa other than the invasion, that's why. (I didn't play halo wars till much later)
This chapter fought me. Don't get me wrong, it was fun to write, but combat simply is harder to write while keeping it interesting. Making just swooshes and bzztz and pew lees without doing anything just isn't what I want to do. Any time I write a combat scene, I want it to mean something. Was fun to have a jackal sniper though. I made them a bit more terrifying when they set grenade traps and the like eh?
In the first one, it was Sohm's character development to push herself farther than she ever has. In this one, it's showing how far she has come mixed with her determination to protect those she might not even know.
Let me know what you think of this chapter. It was a fun journey to try and mix up the halo 3 ODST failed drop with a one bird army guerrilla war against Ripa. I hope I made it realistic enough for ya'll.
If you like my story, please review, and consider giving me a follow and fav.
—Blooper Scene—
This blooper scene is brought to you by the exact reason this chapter took so long for me to write.
Seriously. I can't stop. Help me.
Walking down one of the passageways of the Clandestine Devotion, I make my way towards one of the many menial tasks that has been assigned to me today.
Suddenly, a blaring alarm rang out through the intercom system before the shipmaster's voice came through.
"Attention all officers, convene on the command deck."
Realizing I am close by, I turn away from my task and make my way to the bridge. It didn't take me long, but there was an odd foreboding feeling that rose up within my gut. A feeling of wrongness that I couldn't quite get out of my system.
Walking into the room, I see several high ranking officers all huddled around the main hologram. Everyone from the shiny gold shipmaster to a red armored major were standing by, discussing something.
We were in slipspace at the moment, so the hologram was shut off. However, there was something else in its place which made my blood freeze.
Lying limply in the empty area between them all was the body of a sangheili minor. The body was mangled beyond recognition, and the sight and smell nearly caused me to hurl.
Making my way to the huddle, I take my spot near my silver clad mentor. The shipmaster nods before glancing all of us over carefully. A period of silence comes and goes before he takes out a timer with only thirty seconds on it. Tapping a button, he activates it before setting it down where everyone could see.
"There is an imposter among us."
All of us begin to eye each other suspiciously before my mentor nudges my arm and gestures to the major. Examining him for a moment, I see that there is a small drop of purple blood on his helmet. He also seemed to be fidgeting significantly more than the rest of the group.
Bero grunts before leaning down to whisper into my ear. He simply whispers two words to me as the timer slowly ticks down.
"Red sus."
To be continued…