Chapter 17: Into The Belly of the Beast
After an extremely short celebration with the local population which essentially just boiled down to breathing a sigh of relief, I was informed by our allies with a bit of news that made me feel as if our victory was bittersweet.
It turns out shortly after my drop, the ship I thought of as my home for the last five years took on far too much damage during the battle and was forced into an emergency crash landing. The news came as a shock to me for only a moment before I remembered the loud explosion followed by the avalanche that nearly killed me.
The remainder of the special operations division that survived the drop, along with our allies, are currently walking down a pass, similar to the one I had destroyed. The short line of people all making our way towards the wreckage of my ship, The Clandestine Devotion.
Looking up to the sky, I could see a massive billowing cloud of smoke originating from ahead. The ominous black smoke seemed to be slowly shifting direction in the wind as it made its way toward the upper atmosphere.
Eventually the group made our way over a peak which led to the crash site, and what I saw nearly caused me to lose my footing.
I take a moment to simply take in the sight of the cruiser. The smoldering corpse of the ship I have spent so much time on was now billowing blue and purple flames from seemingly everywhere. The crash seemed to have created its own brand new valley as the rocks and hills surrounding the area parted to make way for the wreckage as it came down.
All over the area were dropships dumping what looks to be water onto the smoldering carcass that used to be my ship, attempting to stop the fire that seemed to have no intention of stopping. The shipmaster seemed to have brought it down with as much care as he could, but by simply looking at it, I knew that it would most likely be scrapped for parts.
After a short moment the Kaidon spoke up, drawing the attention of the entire grouping of warriors following him.
"We will continue with our efforts to contain the fire, but it appears as if your ship has flown its last voyage." The Kaidon shakes his head sadly, before continuing. "We shall look for your shipmaster. We have not gotten any transmissions from him since he… landed."
Looking away from the ornately armored warlord, I glance back down to the wreckage. Feeling a bit of uncertainty fill me, I watch as another drop ship attempts to contain the flames using yet another load of water, but to no avail.
If he even survived.
The survivors of the crash seemed to be using the makeshift crash site as a staging area for the wounded. The ship cut into the hills as it crashed, causing a relatively flat valley which the rocky terrain was easily navigated.
Following the group down below, I focus my attention back on my division. The sangheili all seemed to have an objective they wished to go to as they made their way towards the ship, though I didn't know what it was.
Before I even made it a few feet, Bero turned away from the retreating group, looking to me sadly for a moment. Placing his hand on my shoulder in a rare showing of physical contact, he gave me a sad smile.
"Sohm, I need you to stand by and await further orders."
Looking up to my mentor, I salute. I knew that my normal posture wasn't there, as the shock and exhaustion took over, but I still tried to maintain my professionalism.
"Yes, sir."
A moment of silence comes and goes between us before he gives my shoulder a gentle squeeze.
"You have brought great honor to your family today Sohm, your mother would be proud."
Feeling a flood of different emotions filling me with the sangheili's words, I remained quiet. Taking in a deep breath, I give him a slow nod.
Satisfied, my mentor turns away and follows behind his superiors, leaving me alone for the time being.
Taking in a deep breath, I turn and make my way towards the burning carcass of my former ship.
All around the crashed remains was a swarm of workers all trying their best to salvage what they could. Looking closer, I could see an entrance to the ship that was cut into which several menial workers were flooding in and out of. It appears as if they got the fire under control in that area, and were slowly but surely regaining control of the situation as they hauled undamaged supplies to safety.
Not entirely sure as to what I was supposed to be doing, I simply wandered around the area in a daze. Watching workers all pull what they could from the ship, I look back up to the dropships.
Sure enough, there is a large line of floating ships all dumping massive amounts of water onto the flaming ship. I tried to follow one after it was complete with its job, but I lost sight as it disappeared over the undamaged hills.
Now that my ship is gone, what am I supposed to do now?
Sadly, I wasn't sure exactly what our next intention was. I knew that my contract ended relatively soon, but it wasn't like the ship would be able to carry me back to High Charity like this.
I knew my contract ended in a month, but if I didn't have transportation back to my place of origin, would I just be left here on this planet?
"Hey, champion!"
Turning my head, I saw an unggoy waddling toward me. He was carrying a plasma cutter similar to the ones Timore uses, but I could easily tell from the jagged piece of armor plating that was dangling from his other arm that his use for the tool was different.
The unggoy speaks up after a moment, pointing with one of his chitinous claws back toward where he came from. "There's a huragok that wants to see you." After a second, he blinks before continuing. "Or at least I think it's you it wants. It kept pointing to something yellow and another kig yar."
My eyes grew wide as I immediately remembered that Floats was still onboard the ship when it crashed. Quickly running over to the unggoy, I grab him by the shoulders and demand clarification.
"Where?"
The unggoy seems a bit taken aback by my change of mood, deciding to answer quickly.
"There's a healing station for the wounded farther down the skidmark. It's a big tent, so ya can't miss it."
Nodding, I quickly thank the unggoy before I rush off to find my friend.
Sprinting past workers hauling equipment away from the ship and local sangheili helping in the relief effort, I eventually made it to an odd assortment of kig yar and unggoy holed up in an area that was obviously a large medical outpost.
Even from a quick examination, I could tell that most sangheili steered clear of the area. Each of the passing elites appearing to think this outpost wasn't even worth the ground it was on.
Ignoring them, I quickly made my way inside to look for my friend.
Immediately upon crossing the thin cloth barrier separating this place from the outside elements, my senses were assaulted by what could only be described as the aftermath of a warzone. The coppery scent of blood mixed with the groans and wails of people in pain was ever present as I looked around, searching for any sign of the engineer.
The tent was obviously very hastily raised, and I could see several unggoy attempting to tend to the less serious injuries. The wounded seemed to be placed onto the ground, with a sort of tarp being their only padding against the sharp rocks and dirt below.
Sadly, I could tell that the majority of those inside, even those being seen by the impromptu medical staff, didn't appear to have very long left to live.
Walking over to one of the more seriously wounded, I saw that it was actually a sangheili minor. The warrior species was blankly looking at a piece of metal that appeared to just be a part of the ship jutting out of his midsection without even a sound. The growing pool of purple blood below him was slowly growing as his eyes became more glassy over time.
With the last of his strength, I saw him glance over to me and attempt to focus. He seemed to recognize me for a moment as he reached over with one of his arms, brushing my armor weakly with not even enough strength to grip it.
"Bury… me… with my ancestors… please."
Then he died.
There was nothing I could do to prevent it, and nothing I could say. I didn't know this person, and didn't even have his name.
Standing there for a moment, I gesture for one of the unggoy to come over. Dutifully walking over, the menial species simply tilts his head.
"Yes boss?"
Pointing to the dead sangheili, I simply ask the question that was on my mind.
"Who is he?"
The unggoy glances down for a moment, before simply shrugging.
"No idea boss… but since he's dead, we gots to move him."
The worker gestures for a few more grunts to come over, and together they heft the dead elite away.
Watching as they depart, I stand there for a few moments, saddened that I couldn't even grant that person their final wish. Taking a deep breath, I whisper under my breath.
"I'm sorry."
Taking in a deep breath to calm myself, I pry my eyes away from the departing body and attempt to return to what I was doing.
"Brrroooouuu."
Turning around, I could see a familiar engineer floating towards me. Unlike every other time I have seen him, he was covered in blood and looked to be sagging a bit as if exhausted.
It didn't take a genius to find out why.
"I was told you wanted to see me Floats?"
Before I could stop him, his serpentine head bumps into my muzzle. The floating creature simply sits there for a moment before backing up.
Watching as the huragok signs a few words in front of me, I quickly feel the depressing aura around me fade away as I comprehended why he wanted me here.
"I sent that unggoy to find you because I wanted to make sure you were okay."
Feeling immensely touched that even though the chaos and death around us, Floats was still thinking about me. I almost rushed in to hug the floating creature, but stopped myself when I remembered what he was covered in.
"Huragok, we need your assistance!"
The engineer shivered, before giving me a few more signs.
"I need to help these people. Stay safe out there, please?"
Smiling, I give him a nod.
"I shall do my best, my friend. You do what you do best and save as many as you can, eh?"
The huragok nods, simply signing a few more words before turning around.
"I shall do my best as well."
Turning around, I give one last look around the medical tent before I turn around and leave only for Bero's voice came through my helmet.
"Champion, report in."
Flipping the exit of the tent open, I walk out into the daylight once again.
"Champion Sohm 'Bir, reporting in."
My commander didn't waste any time with his own response.
"The shipmaster is dead. Report back to us. We are leaving this system."
(\\\(*v*)/)
Looking up to the large corvette hovering lazily overhead, I watch as my two commanders step into the softly glowing beam. Waiting for only a moment, I step in behind them.
It turns out, the Kaidon had some business on High Charity, and gave us an offer to come with him. Knowing full well that the Clandestine Devotion wouldn't be able to ferry me back, I jumped at the opportunity.
Though, my commanders made it rather clear that this was still a part of my service and therefore the invitation was not a suggestion.
I felt a bit bad leaving Floats on the rocky planet alone, and he was uncharacteristically quiet when I brought it up. Nonetheless, I said my goodbyes before taking the leap of faith away from my old life and once again jumping headfirst into the unknown.
Feeling the gravity shift around me as I pass into the lift, I relax my muscles a bit as I slowly float upward, pulling me towards the entrance portal above. After only a moment, I pass through the open shield door and gently float to the side, landing softly on the deck.
I was still a bit unsure as to what my orders were supposed to be, but I did know that journey back to the Holy City was going to be an odd one. Since my contract hasn't ended quite yet, I was still under the direct orders of Rtas and Bero. Even when pressed for details as to what exactly was going on, I did not receive any information.
Finding my superiors gesturing for me to follow behind the Kaidon once more, I fell into step as we made our way to the command center of the corvette.
As we made our way through the ship, I noticed quickly that the smaller ship was manned differently when compared to my old one. I couldn't spot a single unggoy or kig yar anywhere, every station being manned by sangheili warriors.
It actually made sense, considering this ship was actually privately owned by the Kaidon, but it still looked weird to see sangheili hauling crates of supplies around, which is typically an unggoy's job.
Eventually, our small group ended up on the bridge of the corvette. A quick scan of my surroundings allowed me to see that the layout was similar to my old ship, causing another pang of loss to fill me before I shoved it down.
The Kaidon gains the attention of an officer, gesturing vaguely towards the large window.
"Plot a course to the Holy City, I wish to speak to my brother."
The officer salutes, giving his leader a quick, "Yes, my Kaidon." Before beginning to bark out his own orders.
Hearing grunts of affirmation coming from the officers onboard, I feel as the ship slowly makes its way into orbit. The organized chaos around me served to calm my nerves for a moment as I let out a sigh of relief.
A feeling that disappears when the caped sangheili turns back to the three of us, eyeing us all closely. His gaze seems to linger over my two commanders for only a moment before settling on me.
Not quite knowing what to do since I haven't exactly been addressed yet, I decide to just give him a salute. Dipping my head in respect, I place my fist onto my chest. A gesture that the sangheili actually sees fit to return to me, giving a rare show of respect to someone who was below his caste. After a moment like that, he speaks up.
"My warriors have recently finished rounding up the rest of my clan's traitors… and from the information we have gained from the interrogations, I can tell that your roll at stopping Ripa was more than just the final blow."
Relaxing my posture, I look back up to him as I scratch the back of my head. Before I could open my mouth, he continues:
"It… is rare that I find myself thanking a kig yar, but in this instance I find it warranted. From what I could tell, you had the situation well in hand by yourself."
Deciding to stop him there, I shake my head. Surprisingly the gesture doesn't appear to offend our host in the slightest.
"If you hadn't arrived when you did, I am sure I would not be standing here."
The Kaidon seems to find this amusing, as he snorts.
"From what I can discern from all accounts of the event, Ripa challenged you to a duel of honor. Did he not?"
Thinking back to what happened, I slowly nod my head. I was confused as to where he was going with this, so I waited for him to continue.
"Since he did so, no honorable warrior could, or would, interfere. When we arrived, we were able to witness the results of your duel. You fought honorably with your blade, and in the end it was Ripa who fell."
Embarrassed, I simply nod. Shifting my weight from foot to foot. Even after all that training and my service so far, I have never been complimented by any sangheili other than my two superiors like this.
The large elite walks over to me, seemingly wanting to get a closer look. From his spot not even two feet away, I was forced to look up to meet his eyes as I attempted not to look into the gaping maw of his mouth.
"Perhaps one day we may spar, but for now we set our course for High Charity. I must spread the news of our decisive victory."
Gesturing to a blue minor, the low ranking sangheili rushes over.
"Yes, my Kaidon?"
The ornately armored ruler gestures lazily toward one of the exits.
"Show our guests their rooms. It shall be a short journey, but their rest has been well earned."
The minor looked us over for a moment before he saluted.
"Yes, my Kaidon."
(\\\(*v*)/)
After we arrived back at the Holy City, life fell back into an odd sense of routine.
Since my options were either to live in some of the cramped military barracks for the remainder of my stay or set up shop back at my mother's place, I have found myself living in the small apartment once again.
The days have gone by, and other than Bero asking me to spar with him on a regular basis, things have been rather quiet. I have asked Rtas what our orders were, but for the first time since I shipped out with them, we had none.
I couldn't help but think about why. The fact that our Shipmaster did not survive the crash landing still caused a bit of sadness to well up within me each time I thought about it. While I wasn't friends with him, the stern leader was always polite to me, which was a rarity among his kind.
Or, at least, it used to be.
The only thing that happened that was a bit out of the ordinary was the odd situation of the Kaidon's soldiers saluting me every time they saw me around the city. It was a bit jarring having a whole group of people that were a higher caste than me showing such respect regularly.
The last few days of my contract seemed to be approaching quickly as the days came and went, even as my orders to stand by and wait for further orders continued on. Since the ship I was stationed on was by all intents and purposes uninhabitable on a planet far away from here, the three of us were given shore leave by the ministry for the time being.
I've spent the last month spending time with Timore in order to try and cheer the brute up from his isolated depression. We have been planning our trip carefully at this point, and going over different plans in case any of our previous ones don't pan out.
Rtas and Bero were to remain stationed on High Charity for the time being also, so thankfully I haven't needed to say my goodbyes quite yet. I wasn't sure I wanted to leave their command, but I knew I couldn't climb any higher where I was.
Which then led to my current situation.
Handing over the ministry datapad back to the minor prophet, I take a step away from the counter as he examines the device closely. A moment of awkward silence comes and goes before he seems satisfied.
"We will consider your application. Please hold on to your communications equipment until the end of the current cycle for a response."
Nodding, I salute the minor prophet in front of me before I turn around and leave.
Making my way out of the building, I step out onto one of the busy main thoroughfares of High Charity. The buzz of people all trying to get to their destinations was ever present as everyone moved from place to place.
Looking up, I spot the massive forerunner dreadnought looming overhead. Letting out an involuntary shiver at being so close to the ship again, I begin to make my way back home.
Turning my head back around to give the ministry building one last glance, I nearly growled at the sheer amount of paperwork I needed to go through in order to apply to become a shipmistress. Everything from previous experience to any potential conflicts of interest I might have with the Covenant was touched on, which nearly made me want to try and acquire my ship the same way my father did.
Stealing has to be better than filling out all those forms. That was a nightmare.
Walking casually down the street, I feel a lot more confident about the future. I knew that no matter what happens, I would have the tools and ability to take on whatever came my way.
Looking in front of me, I watch as several kig yar step aside and let me through the rather large crowd of people going in the opposite direction. I noticed a lot of them were oddly puffing their needle-like quills out even as I passed by, an action which honestly confused me.
I've been staying at my mother's apartment for the duration I've been here, and it has been rather jarring. I've noticed that the normal vagabonds and street thugs have given me a wide berth any time I've been walking anywhere. The workers and even the occasional covenant mercenary have been attempting to get on my good side each time I've met one. It felt strange to see everyone acting so differently around me, and yet I wasn't quite sure why.
Normally, I would try and make it to the gardens to talk with my jiralhanae friend a bit more today, but the lights were already starting to dim a bit. The night cycle was coming, and I knew simply from the involuntary yawn that escaped me that I wasn't going to make it.
Casually continuing my walk towards the apartments, I quickly made a note to visit my jiralhanae friend tomorrow morning.
Continuing my trek toward my home, I eventually rounded the corner that was nearest to the large blue building and made my way inside.
As I typed the code to the main entryway, I couldn't help but think about my two commanders.
It still felt odd knowing I did not have any orders currently, even though I've been on shore leave for about a week. The time spent simply training and relaxing with my jiralhanae friend has left me a bit on edge.
Even when I have asked my commanders for any further orders, they have been surprisingly tight lipped about our situation. Apparently they have been caught up within the political machinations of the High Council of the Covenant due to the Kaidon's relationship with one of the members.
Which meant that I was frustratingly told to stand by.
Now that the Clandestine Devotion was gone, where would they go? Where would they be stationed next?
I knew that two sangheili of their caliber were valued among the fighting force of the Covenant, and they would easily be posted elsewhere. The ministry would be completely incompetent if they didn't place them in a heightened position.
Sadly, I knew their situation simply wasn't my problem anymore.
Unlocking the door to my apartment, I walk inside. Reaching up to take off my armor, I begin preparing myself for sleep.
(\\\(*v*)/)
Hearing the muffled voice of my commander sound off through my communications, I quickly shake off the drowsiness of sleep. Looking up, I spot my helmet sitting on the floor next to my nest. The bright yellow optics were activated and practically begging for my attention.
Quickly donning my helmet, I begin to speak.
"Champion Sohm 'Bir, reporting in."
It wasn't long before a replay came through in the form of Rtas's voice.
"Champion, report to the base of the High Council tower as soon as you can."
Hearing the serious tone of my commander, the fog of sleep is quickly replaced with an urgent awareness.
"Yes, sir. I will be there as soon as I can."
Standing up, I make my way to my discarded armor. Quickly replacing the plating over myself as fast as I could, I made my way to the door.
Practically running down the hallway to the gravity lift, I jump inside without a second thought.
I wonder why they would need me at the council chambers? Maybe they are just using it as a rally point so we can meet up?
The thought was slightly reassuring, but it didn't quite fit. The tone wasn't exactly urgent, more annoyance, but I didn't quite have the time to figure out what that meant. Orders were orders, and I needed to make my way to the High Council tower.
Which is on the complete opposite side of the city.
Landing in the lobby, the first thing I noticed was how quiet it was. All of the normal loitering tenants were still present, but they were all staring at me oddly. The odd feeling of having all the attention in the room simply by arriving was a bit unnerving.
Looking down to make sure I was properly dressed, I found nothing out of the ordinary. My armor was properly attached and functional.
Deciding that the tenants were just acting oddly, I made my way to the door and opened it.
Only to immediately stop in my tracks once the door hissed open.
Standing around my apartment building was a veritable ocean of kig yar, completely surrounding the area. I could barely tell where one person ended and the other began, which was saying quite a lot considering my extremely sharp eyesight.
Standing like an idiot in the doorway, I take a moment to examine the crowd. The first and most obvious clue that something was out of the ordinary was the fact that almost every single member of the group was t'vaoan. The sea of feathers was massive as they all were clumped directly below my apartment.
The next thing that became immediately apparent was the noise. The massive crowd were all trying to speak over each other, causing a massive uproar of people all yelling over each other.
Looking around, I spotted a few ruuhtians all trying to vacate the area. All of them appeared rather scared of the disturbance, but none of them appeared to be harmed.
What is going on?
Looking down from the entrance of my building, I saw a single t'vaoan staring up at me with his mouth open and rusty red feathers pressed back. Deciding I might as well ask what is happening, I speak up.
"Excuse me sir, what is going on?"
The feathers of the jackal ruffle for a moment before he seems to regain his bearings. The jackal seemed completely dumbstruck by something, but I wasn't quite sure what. Gasping, he points toward me and yells quite loudly.
"Are you Sohm 'Bir?!"
Tilting my head, I became confused immediately. Looking this person up and down, I quickly realized that I have never met him in my entire life.
How does he know my name?
"Um, yes? Have we met before?"
His eyes grew absolutely massive at my words as he immediately lunged toward me, wrapping me into a hug.
Not quite ready for the unexpected grapple, I pull out my sword and have it placed directly over his chest. I knew if I activated it then would die instantly, but I hesitate as I don't feel any pain from an attack.
"Thank you. Thank you so much!"
Attempting to pry the clingy t'vaoan off of me, I take a step backward before trying to get some clarification.
"Um, sir? Why are you thanking me?"
Tilting his own head, he gestures to me as if I would understand instantly.
"Weren't you the one that killed Ripa 'Moramee?"
In the silence after those words left his mouth, I noticed the entire crowd had gone silent. I could hear people shushing other people as the formerly loud group became eerily quiet.
Looking behind the person I was talking to, I could see hundreds of reptilian slit eyes on me. An entire ocean of people were hanging on my next word, and the uneasy feeling returned.
It didn't take a genius to find out why they were here at that point.
Somehow, the news of me killing Ripa must have gotten out and reached these people. This wasn't some sort of violent mob, nor was it an organized group. This was a mass of people who were here to see the person who killed the one that tormented my homeworld for years.
They are here to see me.
I didn't quite know how to feel about that. I was confused as to how the information got out as fast as it did, but I suppose someone got the news back home.
The feeling that all of these people knew my name somehow unnerved me. The idea that I would become famous from my last mission didn't even cross my mind, but in hindsight it seemed rather obvious.
Looking back to the skirmisher in front of me, I see his hopeful eyes and nervous smile.
My silence was noticed by the mob, and one particularly impatient member decided to make his annoyance known.
"Well, did you?"
Taking in a deep breath, I steel myself before answering.
"Yes, I did."
Chaos.
The entire group erupted into cheers as they surrounded me. My world was immediately replaced with grabbing hands and smiling faces as I did my absolute best to simply keep my footing.
"He's dead!"
"Thank the gods! It's over!"
"You are my hero!"
At first, I didn't think all too much about it. I knew these people were all directly affected by the warlord's actions and were celebrating his death, but in the end I just wanted to follow my orders and rejoin my commander.
Pushing off as many of the overexcited people as I could, I began to resist as much as I could without hurting someone. Sadly, my motions were ineffective as they all seemed to be caught up in the moment.
In no time whatsoever, I was yanked out of the doorway to my apartment and thrust into the thick of the group. My world was quickly replaced with open beaks and puffed feathers as complete strangers surrounded me, wanting to hug or nuzzle me for one reason or another.
At one point, one of the jackals attempted to take a grab at my sword even as it was in my hand. Immediately I knew things were out of hand. Yanking my sword away from the grabby kig yar, I try to get away, only to realize I was completely surrounded and had no way out.
Deciding that I needed to either regain control of the situation or flee, I began to speak up but my voice was drowned out by the crowd. Knowing I needed to be a lot louder, I took in a deep breath before yelling.
"Stop!"
Surprisingly, the group seemed to listen. The majority of them stopped what they were doing, and after a moment of the word spreading around, I once again had a massive group of people staring at me quietly.
Weird.
Shaking off the odd feeling, I open my mouth to speak while using as much authority as I could muster.
"While I understand your relief, truly I do, I have been summoned by my commander. I need to return to my duties."
If disappointment had a sound, it would be something similar to the groans of despair and whines of the group present after I said that.
The group slowly dispersed around my immediate area, leaving a small circle around me where I could actually move. Thankful for the space, I bow my head in respect.
"Thank you all for understanding, but I need to be on my way now."
Taking one step in the direction I needed to go to, I saw the group reluctantly begin to make a path for me. Smiling, I slowly pick up the pace towards my objective.
Eventually I made it out of the main thick of the group, allowing me to truly see how large the crowd was. There had to have been thousands present in the kig yar sector, mostly crowded around my apartment.
Sadly, I noticed that a not insignificant grouping was following me, though I didn't pay them much mind. After all, I needed to report in.
Setting a waypoint on my optics, I begin to casually jog to my destination, hearing the sounds of cheering return to the crowd behind me as I leave.
(\\\(*v*)/)
Spotting my commanders standing at the base of the tower entrance, I make my way over to them. Surprisingly enough, the Kaidon was still among them. The three high ranking sangheili appeared to be deep in conversation as I closed the distance between us.
Arriving at the base of the tower, I look behind me only to see a small grouping of t'vaoans still following me. They didn't appear to want to stop anytime soon as they continued to puff their feathers out each time I looked back to them.
Wow, they are persistent.
Shaking my head, I turn back to my commanders as I salute.
"Champion Sohm 'Bir, reporting in."
The two stop their conversation as I made myself known, allowing me to see their faces. My two commanders appeared concerned about something, but the Kaidon appeared absolutely giddy.
"Good, we have no time to lose. Let us go to the council chambers."
Bero seemed opposed to the idea immediately, stopping the overexcited leader in his tracks.
"Should we not ask my apprentice first, instead of jumping to conclusions?"
What?
Opening my mouth to speak, I was cut off as the Kaidon responded.
"Why would she not? This is a wonderful opportunity for me to repay my debt, and an even better way to add an insult to those savages!"
Tilting my head, I try to interject one more time, only for Rtas to begin speaking.
"It is quite the promotion to be sure, but will the council go for it? It is their final decision after all…"
The Kaidon puffs out his chest, seemingly becoming the epitome of confidence.
"I'm sure that we have the sangheili side of the council. We need only convince either the Hierarchs or a small percentage of the san'shyuum."
Growing frustrated, I let my annoyance known as I clear my throat. Watching as the three sangheili all turn to me, I bow my head in respect to try and placate any bad feelings about my rude gesture.
"What is going on? Why have I been summoned?"
Bero takes in a deep breath before he walks over to me, placing a hand on my shoulder.
"Nothing life threatening, my apprentice. Simply a matter of political machinations. Sadly, it seems that 'Moramee here," he gestures with his head to the impatient Kaidon, "decided to throw you into the middle of it."
The ornately armored sangheili lets loose a deep growl of anger at the accusation.
"I am trying to elevate her position, and you mock me for it?"
Rtas, always the voice of reason, tries to calm the irate keep lord.
"Surely you see our objections to your actions? You did not even ask Sohm for her permission before throwing her into the middle of this debate."
Tilting my head, I decide to ask the obvious question.
"What debate?"
Before they could answer, a deep voice sounded out from the entrance of the tower.
"If you are ready, the High Council is growing impatient waiting for you."
Glancing over, I spotted the crimson and gold armor of a sangheili honor guard. His gaze scanned over the three high ranking warriors next to me, before locking eyes with me. For a long moment his eyes seemed to take in every detail about me, making me feel a bit uncomfortable.
Thankfully, the three sangheili all seem to grow frustrated at his previous words, though for different reasons. The Kaidon was the first to react, gaining the honor guard's attention.
"Come, I shall explain on the way. A summon from the High Council is not one to ignore."
Grunting, my two commanders fall in step behind him. Not wanting to be left behind, I also follow them.
Glancing behind me, I watch as the small group of kig yar are stopped from entering the building even as I made my way inside. I knew that typically only san'shyuum and sangheili were allowed inside unless given an official summons, which made me feel a bit uncomfortable.
This is not somewhere I typically belong.
Continuing our walk, the Kaidon speaks up.
"After we arrived, I brought news of our victory…" the keep lord paused for a moment before he continued. "... your victory, to the council."
Embarrassed, I shake my head.
"I am only a soldier… I did my duty-"
"Ah, but that is where you are wrong."
Sighing, I close my mouth and grit my teeth. At this point, I was becoming a bit frustrated at the constant interruptions from my higher ups. Sadly, as a kig yar, I knew there was nothing I could do about it.
Not that it mattered anyway as we reached what looked like a hole in the ground. I could see the softly glowing light that signified an active gravity lift, and the assumption was confirmed as the four sangheili all stepped inside and were quickly floated upward.
Knowing that the conversation needed to wait until we all reach the correct floor, it takes almost a full minute until the lift spits us out again.
Looking around, I spotted my group all waiting for everyone to arrive. Bero gave me a slight nod before they all turned and continued their way on with me following closely behind.
All around us were the crimson clad honor guards, all chatting amongst each other. The highly trained and extremely lethal sangheili seemed to be relaxed in this situation.
I idly wondered if they ever see any real action at all up here. Each one of their duties were to protect the main body of the Covenant government, which was the High Council and the Heirarchs, but I couldn't imagine anyone actually trying to attack them openly.
The Kaidon continues as if nothing happened.
"Your mission was to assist me in capturing the traitor, bringing him to justice. You failed that objective, though you did so by single handedly taking on a small army of rebels, and besting one of the most famous warriors in my clan in a duel of honor. That action was above and beyond your original duty, and placed me firmly into your debt. One that I will repay."
Following the grouping through a small maze of doorways and open corridors, we eventually ended up standing at the entrance of the high council.
Oddly enough, the door was rather unassuming. It looked like just another door to me, but simply from the two honor guards standing stiff and unmoving at each side of the door, I could tell the room had a large significance to it.
The group turned back to me as the Kaidon finally got to his point.
"When we arrived, the High Council was discussing the idea of granting the jiralhanae command of a CCS class cruiser in order to appease an irate minister's concerns that the sangheili had complete and total control of the entire Covenant navy. It appeared as if the vote was inevitable… Until I thought of a better idea…"
Bero, apparently annoyed with the delay, decided to simply cut the conversation short.
"He used his power to back you for the position instead."
Before I could even react to the news, the door opened and the sound of angered voices and arguing opinions filled my ears.
Looking inside, my eyes grew wide. It wasn't particularly the sight of the large room, nor was it the very imposing figures of the three Hierarchs floating in the distance, but more that I recognized the area.
The image of a green armored human falling through a teleportation portal, and scaring an unggoy for his needler passes before me for a moment, before I shake it off.
Scanning the area for a second, I spot a group of three armored jiralhanae standing near the center platform. Surprisingly enough, they appeared calm and collected as they stood there patiently.
Walking inside, I feel my nerves start to get the better of me. On each side of the large room were packed with strangely dressed prophets and intricately armored sangheili. At the far end of the council chambers were the highest ranking people within the entire Covenant, the Hierarchs.
The three leaders of the Covenant appeared to be a lot older than I thought they would be. Each of them had the tell tale signs of advanced age as they remained silent in the face of all the arguing, though the signs of anger and frustration was clear.
One of them spotted our group arriving and raised a hand, speaking up but being ignored. Apparently, the fact that he was ignored was too much for the Heirarch as he lifted a bony arm and brought it down onto his chair forcefully.
"Enough!"
The old voice was surprisingly enough to calm the room as everyone grew quiet.
"The honorable Kaidon of 'Moram has returned. While I do understand that this is a… heated topic…"
The Heirarch paused for a moment as the chamber was filled with grumbles of agreement by those present before he continued.
"Now that the subject of our debate has arrived, perhaps we can approach the issue with a bit more civility?"
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed that the honor guard escort made his way over to the san'shyuum side of the council chambers, standing next to one of the doors lined up below the seating area.
Making our way into the center of the room before the Heirarchs, our small grouping respectively dropped to one knee. Looking beside us, I could see the jiralhanae glaring at us from their standing position nearby.
After a moment, the Kaidon stood back up and began to speak which prompted us to rise with him. The Heirarch floating in the center gestures to
"Noble prophets, I will yet again voice my concern and ask that you do not go through with this."
One of the prophets on the stand apparently didn't understand what the meaning of civil discourse was, as he shouts up without permission.
"Bah! Your concerns are baseless, and you merely wish to replace our pick with one of your own!"
A sangheili on the opposite end, wearing an intricate white combat harness yells out in response.
"My brother is the most honorable person I know, and I trust him with the lives of my clan! If he says that this Sohm 'Bir is a better choice, then I will believe him!"
"Silence!"
Everyone turned back to look at the furious Heirarch, who was pointing a bony finger at the jiralhanae.
"Chieftain Maccabeus, step onto the platform."
The large jiralhanae stepped forward and onto the small raised platform before the san'shyuum pointed to me.
"Champion Sohm 'Bir, you as well."
Carefully making my way onto the platform, I take up my spot next to the large jiralhanae.
Upon closer examination, I noticed the chieftain had a rather large hammer. Unlike the rest of the jiralhanae chieftains I have seen over the last few years, this one does not appear to be upgraded in any way. In fact, it appears to just be a simple metal hammer with leather wrappings around the handle.
Doesn't mean it isn't a threat. If he is half as strong as he looks, he doesn't need the enhanced gravity to make that thing deadly.
"From what I can tell, the both of you are exemplary examples of your respective races. Both of you have climbed the ranks to as high as you can go, but are ambitious enough to want more."
The Heirarch's amphibious eyes flip between the two of us for a moment before he continues.
"But there is only one ship that we are willing to give, which is the Rapid Conversion, and the plans for it have been in motion since long before Champion 'Bir here slew the rebellious warlord."
Immediately, the entire sangheili side of the council chamber erupted into chaos. Jeering councilmembers, and angry keep lords all expressed their disapproval of the decision, only to yet again be met in equal force by the san'shyuum side of the council.
At this point, even the angry yells from the angry Heirarchs were entirely ignored as the angry grouping of politicians and military leaders battled out their opinions using whatever words they could muster.
Even through all the chaos, the interruption allowed me to think through the situation instead of simply reacting to it as it came.
The main concern as of right now was the idea that there was a CCS class cruiser on the line. The fact that I was even in the running for such a ship was baffling to me, though I sure wasn't going to let the opportunity pass me by without a fight.
A CCS in the upcoming war would be an immeasurable advantage. They were essentially the Covenant's jack of all trades. Everything from heavyweight naval battles to housing their own standing army to the sheer air to ground firepower…
That is, if I end up getting it.
Deciding to size up my competition, I glanced up to the chieftain. Oddly enough, I saw him already looking down towards me with a relaxed expression. I could tell that he harbored no ill will to me, which caused me to give him a small nod in return.
Snorting, the jiralhanae simply turned his head back to the Heirarchs and waited for the chaos around us to cease, which prompted me to do the same.
After what felt like hours simply standing there on the platform, listening to council members argue amongst themselves I noticed something a bit out of the ordinary. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the red armor of a sangheili honor guard as he made his way up to the main Heirarch's chair. Bowing deeply, he begins to speak up, but the words are drowned out from all the other arguments around me.
Watching in curiosity, I see as the prophet lowers his chair and allows the sangheili to speak to him in a whisper. I tilted my head in confusion as I saw the san'shyuum's eyes narrow before looking back down to the honor guard and starting up his own conversation.
The two went back and forth for a moment even as the entire chamber remained the center of a swirling maelstrom of voices. The whole scene was crazy, and I didn't quite feel comfortable being the center of attention for the entire Covenant government, but there wasn't much I could do about it.
"We will consult the Oracle!"
The voices seemed to die down at that, as everyone stares at the Heirarch as if he grew a second head. It took only a moment before one of the san'shyuum decided to speak his mind.
"The Oracle? Surely you jest. The gods holy artifact has been silent for centu-"
"Has it?"
Everyone turned their attention to the honor guard. While the san'shyuum side of the council was filled with moans and groans of impatience, the sangheili side was completely silent.
"Five solar cycles ago, it spoke. It said it was waiting for someone."
"Oh by the gods, not this again."
Everyone turned their attention to a lone san'shyuum in the front row, who was pointing angrily down to the honor guard.
"I told you Ussa, you were seeing things."
The honor guard clenches his fists, before turning his gaze back to me.
"I know what I saw, and I officially wager both my position and my honor upon it."
Gasps from the sangheili rose up as the statement resounded through the chamber. The san'shyuum didn't seem to care as he made his way from where he was towards the raised platform.
"The Oracle was looking at a kig yar that day. A young t'vaoan."
Stepping closer, the elite was now directly in front of me. The intense stare from the strangely armored sangheili unnerved me as I realized exactly who this is.
This is the same sangheili that I ran from! The one that was guarding the prophet all those years ago.
"It was you, wasn't it?"
His voice was soft, merely a whisper in the chamber. A voice I was not even sure was meant for me, but more of a confirmation to himself that what he was seeing was true.
The Heirarch behind him spoke up, catching everyone's attention.
"You do know that if you are wrong, you will be shamed for all to see…"
The honor guard turned around, dipping down to one knee as he placed his hands over his chest.
"I, Ussa 'Solatee, swear upon my life and my honor that I have said no untruthful words this day."
The Heirarch grunts before gesturing to a few other honor guards lazily.
"We shall see if the gods see fit to vindicate you. Shall the Oracle see fit to answer our plea for guidance, then we shall follow it's holy word as we always have. You will follow behind as we take the two…" the crowned san'shyuum examines the jiralhanae and I for a moment longer before he continues "Candidates to the Oracle's chamber."
My blood freezed at his words, as the primal fear of that day returns in full force. Even through the dead silence that the previously loud chamber had become, I knew that I was going to need to face the Oracle once again.
Even knowing that it was inevitable, didn't stop my heart from beating extremely quickly in my chest.
Looking around me, I watch in silent horror as several honor guards surround the platform and begin to escort the three of us out of the room.
As I was leaving, I caught the concerned gaze of my mentor. His silver grey eyes examining my situation for a moment, communicating to me that this was never his intention. A bit of sadness of my own rose up, knowing that there was nothing I could have said or done to prevent this.
After a few moments, the door slid shut, and I only had one thought.
I should have stayed on Malurok.
—Authors Note—
Well… that happened. Who's ready for some more Mendicant Bias eh?
This chapter was a bit of a pain to write simply because I had to get her from Malurok to the council, and I didn't want to make it a bunch of filler (which is why there is like 4 line breaks)
Also, for those that recognize the chieftain or the ship… shhhhh.
Also, for those that are wondering, this fic will be slowing down for me next chapter or so, not because of any crappy fanfiction author excuse like "life" or "ima try and publish my own work" but put simply: the person who was writing the next Unexpected Alliance hasn't actually spoken to us in like a month, so I'm stepping up and writing the next one with Jtf.
If you haven't read The Unexpected Alliance Rewritten by Jtf0012, highly recommend doing so. I'm helping out quite a bit on it, and the good reviews over there were what actually gave me the confidence to write this story in the first place.
So yeah, while this one will slow down until the next chapter of UA is written, that doesn't mean I'm slowing down my writing. I am still having fun doing this, and I don't plan on stopping. :)
Please read and review, and if you like the chapter, consider giving me a follow or a favorite.