Chapter 20: To Galaxy
Hearing the soft ping of my battle network, I feel as instincts gained over years of training kick in.
Immediately awake and aware, I shift my weight from the comfortable position in my nest to the side as I grab my helmet. Quickly donning the armor, I begin to speak.
"Champion Sohm 'Bir, reporting."
A soft chuckle comes through the network before a response comes.
"Zealot, you would do well to remember your new rank, lest you confuse the fleet when you begin your first voyage. This is Ussa 'Solatee. I have made sure that the one you requested reached the lift terminal earlier than expected, and I am awaiting further orders."
Blinking, it took me a moment to remember that he was right. Glancing on my optics to see I slept longer than I wished to, I felt my blood freeze a bit when I realized I only had about two hours to get to the spires.
I quickly began to stretch my muscles out even as I moved to replace my armor.
"Good, I will meet you two there as soon as I can."
As I began to replace my armor, I heard Ussa's voice come through the network yet again.
"I would also like to inform you that the noble prophet of Tolerance will also be waiting for you at the spires."
Blinking, I shake off my surprise as quickly as I could before I finish donning my armor and make my way to the door.
I was planning on waiting a bit before making my way down, but now that I knew that one of the leaders of the Covenant was going to be there, I knew arriving a few hours early was the very least I could do.
"Understood."
(\(*v*)/)
"What do you think they are doing?"
Looking to my left, I saw two ruuhtians wearing workers garments that were scuffed in what appeared to be small burns and grease stains.
Taking a quick glance to my right, I saw an oddly dressed ibie-shan that looked as if she used every single thing available to her to improve her appearance. Everything from oddly clipped ornaments to her needle thin quills, to polished white teeth were easily visible at a quick glance.
Looking behind me, I saw another ruuhtian stretching his legs upwards as much as he could, attempting to glance over us, only to shrink back in embarrassment when he realized I was watching.
This jackal was also strangely garbed, wearing what appeared to be a robe of sorts as he became extremely self conscious about his appearance. He obviously hadn't groomed himself yet, and most likely just left his apartment to see what all the fuss was about, only to quickly realize that was a mistake.
I watched in amusement as he quickly rushed back into the gravity lift that led to the upper floors, jumping in a bit off balance as he got lifted backwards up the lift, squawking the whole way up.
Chuckling, I realize that the golden armor I was wearing was just as out of place in this strange group. Shaking my head, I return to the strange phenomenon that was occurring outside my apartment.
Just like yesterday, there was still a large group of hundreds outside the building, but one thing was glaringly different from the previous day.
Directly around the entrance area of the apartment, was a large group of similarly garbed kig yar directly outside the apartment. They were wearing some form of armor, and a few were armed with odd weapons and what looked to be run down military equipment.
From a quick examination, it looks like they were using their weapons to hold off anyone else from coming any closer which created an odd divide between the armored group, and the common folk.
Realizing that this wasn't quite the same kind of spontaneous mob, I snapped back into my military mindset. These newcomers appeared organized, though a quick glance showed that they were not nearly as experienced as anyone I have served with. A few appeared nervous, and were showing obvious weakness as they were obviously afraid of the large group they were holding back.
I wonder what is keeping their nerves in check?
Listening closely to the protests of the protests outside, I hear as the scratchy voice of the ibie-shan spoke up.
"I don't know. This new group moved in a few units ago and started forcing all the others away…"
Looking at my optical display, I knew I only had a small bit of time to kill before I was intended to be at the spires, but I didn't quite think this group would be impatient enough to simply leave.
It was pretty obvious that they were here for a reason, and I knew I needed to get whatever it was they wanted over with as soon as I could.
Sighing, I double check my armor. I still had Destiny faithfully strapped to my hip, and a plasma pistol on the opposite side. I growled a bit as I felt the empty slot of my hologram as I remembered that Ripa crushed the device, but I shook it off as I prepared myself to go outside.
Feeling someone nudging my shoulder, I spin around, only to see one of the worker jackals eyeing me with a bit of concern.
"Hey, you aren't going out there are you? They don't look like the same mob from yesterday… these ones look like they are asking for trouble!"
Shaking my head, I gesture towards the door. I felt a bit touched that this complete stranger cared enough about my safety even though I did not know him. Giving him a reassuring smile, I made my way to the door.
"I have to. I need to report to the spires in less than seventy units."
The stranger shook his head, and returned to the window.
"Well… good luck out there. You are gonna need it."
Taking in a deep breath, I press the command button to open the door. Hearing the soft whoosh as the entrance opens, I prepare myself to hear the loud yells of the crowd.
I didn't need to wait long.
"There she is!"
"It's her!"
"Get out of the way!"
Happy yells and cheers rang up through the crowd, but oddly enough they only came from the ones being restrained behind the armored group. The rowdy crowd seemed to grow a bit restless as the organized group kept the mob at bay.
Glancing around me, I saw as the armored t'vaoans all maintained the circle. A few of them gave a glance in my direction, but for the most part they remained focused on their task.
"Are you Sohm 'Bir?"
Hearing the sound of an aged voice sounding behind me, I turn to see two odd figures standing near the entrance to my apartment.
The first was an aged t'vaoan, appearing to only be held up by a worn walking stick. She appeared to have permanent wrinkles around her suspicious eyes, showing easily that she very rarely smiled.
The other was a gold armored champion standing off to the side. She was obviously armed to the teeth, as an oddly shaped dagger and a needler were casually strapped to her hip. I could see that she was trained to at least the basic extent, though she appeared to be rather young.
After a quick examination, I noticed that the gold armor was significantly different than mine. Sure, it had the same attachments and appeared to be functionally the same, but the lack of any dents or chips in the armor was easily noticeable. It seemed a bit too polished and clean to have been used in any real capacity.
It also doesn't have any sort of identifiable marks on it… She isn't a part of the Covenant military then.
The kig yar herself was an oddity. She was staring at me with wide eyes, even as she remained relaxed. I wasn't quite sure what to make of this, though it reminded me of how all the other skirmishers I have met have acted recently.
I watched as the obvious leader of the group made her way over to me, obviously holding an aura of authority even as her wooden stick clattered along the floor. I couldn't help but notice how ancient this kig yar was, but I filed that observation away for later. Deciding to get introductions over with, I speak up.
"I am… and you are?"
The elder stops a few paces away before she shifts her position. I can tell that she didn't exactly hold me in very high regard, so I ready myself for whatever it was she wanted.
"So you are the one that killed Ripa 'Moramee."
Looking me up and down for a moment, she grunts in disbelief.
"You don't look like much of a warrior to me."
Turning around, she points her stick toward the polished t'vaoan behind her.
"Aris! Get up here!"
The skirmisher nearly jumped, before complying. Rushing forward, the now named Aris stood next to the older jackal. I could easily tell that she was uncomfortable with the situation even as she glanced between the two of us nervously.
A moment of awkward silence came and went as the three of us stood in an open area around my apartment. I wasn't exactly sure what we were waiting for, until the sharp crack of wood against armor rang out through the clearing.
Immediately, my instincts kicked in as I watched the older skirmisher bring her stick up and whacked the younger one's back. The small whine of pain and obvious reflexive flinch away told me everything I needed to know about this situation.
The elder didn't seem to even notice the fact that my sword was already in my hand, as she gestures absentmindedly towards me.
"Well? Do your duty!"
The younger skirmisher flinched at the tone again, before stepping towards me. Her stance straightened out, as she seemed to gain a bit of confidence, though I could tell that even as she stepped towards me, she angled herself to get farther away from the older jackal.
"My name is Aris 'Ter, matriarch queen of the largest warrior clan on T'vao."
Her stance and lack of any real caution showed that she wasn't trained nearly as well as she should have been to have properly earned that armor. I could tell that she was definitely less skilled than even most mercenaries simply by observing her easily projected motions, and I adjusted the threat in my head accordingly.
Flicking my eyes to the elder for a moment, I realized that this situation might be a bit more complicated than I thought.
The t'vaoan in champion armor remains standing in front of me, allowing me to get a clear view of her from up close. From here, I could very easily see that my previous assumption that she was young was accurate. She couldn't have been over twenty, but even then she stood in front of me proudly and with no fear.
Before I could respond, the matriarch continued as she balled her hands into fists angrily, though it soon faded back into sadness.
"Or at least we were."
Gesturing around her to the possibly four hundred or so jackals, I watch as a visible shiver runs through her body.
"When Ripa came, he slaughtered my clan. I still remember watching as he drove his swords into my parents in front of me. Forced to watch as our once proud clan was brought so low as to only be a group of children and elders fighting simply to survive. He murdered them all even as they surrendered… not caring that it was a fight we did not want."
Standing there in the open, I was forced to watch as the sadness this young matriarch was obviously showing. I didn't know exactly what to say, so I simply remained quiet.
"... And you killed him."
Realizing where this was going, I dip my head a bit in respect and a bit of sympathy.
"I did."
Looking up to the slouching matriarch, I attempt to calm her down a bit.
"I know it won't bring your clan back, but he is gone now. He can't hurt anyone anymo-"
The elder gains our attention as she slams her stick into the ground loudly, sending a loud metallic clang through the area.
"We care not for your pity! I want revenge for those he took from me!"
The elder points angrily to me, gaining the attention of the young matriarch… along with everyone else present.
"I have trained my grandniece ever since that day for the sole purpose of murdering that filth, and you come and steal it from me?"
I could easily tell that this person didn't care a single bit about her grandniece. The obvious signs of abuse and selfishness were all too clear to see.
"We challenge you to a duel of honor!"
The young matriarch spins around, her mouth open wide in shock.
"What?!"
I nearly laughed at the stunned look of disbelief that the matriarch gave her elder. After a moment, she regained her bearings before she bowed her head low and began to speak.
"But Omah, I thought we were here to ask her to-"
I saw the strike coming long before it happened. Years of training focusing on my opponent's motions caused me to take a threatening step forward, even as my thumb flicked to the activation rune of my sword. Thankfully, the motion was enough to distract the angry elder enough before the strike could happen.
The two people in front of me take notice of my motion, causing them both to dip into a curled defensive stance, though one very obviously was not the picture of health. Deciding that I needed to regain control of the situation, I tried to calm them down a bit.
After all, I only have a little bit before I need to be at the spires.
"If you wish for a duel, I don't think that this is the time nor the place. I have been summoned by the Hierarchs to the spires-"
Hearing an angry snarl ring out, I turn my attention yet again to the angry elder.
"You can not run from this, clanless filth! We have you surrounded. Face your fate with dignity!"
Blinking, I turn back around to focus on the kig yar surrounding me. Every single one of them, the gladiatorial clan included, looked as if they were stunned at the words. It was easy to tell that the only one here that wanted the fight to happen was the elder.
"Bah! You younglings don't know a thing about the old ways! Look at you trying to run from a battle like a coward!"
Gritting my teeth, I take in a deep breath as I go over the calming exercises Bero taught me. Getting angry at this person for no reason would only serve to make the situation worse.
"Aris, I will not say it again. Challenge her!"
Looking back over to the matriarch, I could see the conflict clearly on her face. I could not see her eyes, but simply from the motion of her head, I knew she was glancing between the two of us.
She sighed for a moment, before unsheathing her dagger. She didn't take a combative stance as she glanced down to the shiny metal blade. For a long few moments, she didn't move as she examined the knife, but she seemed to gain some confidence as she looked toward me, a new determination showing through.
"I've dreaded the day I thought I would need to face him. I've trained so hard, but I knew I was not strong enough… and yet you did."
She looked up from her examination of her blade, stretching her legs out as tall as she could. The action surprised me, as the stance showed that she did not wish to fight at all.
Turning to her elder, Aris made her feelings toward the fight obvious, as she deliberately dropped the dagger onto the floor.
"I am the matriarch of our clan, not you, and I will not start a fight with someone who is far stronger than me."
An angry snarl was her only response, before the old t'vaoan took a swing at her grandniece yet again.
The outcome was very different this time, as the younger matriarch was very obviously ready for it. She simply stepped out of the way, using her distance to remain away from the older t'vaoan.
After a few more swings, the elder was clearly out of breath as she brought the stick back down to steady herself on it.
"You worthless child! I taught you everything, and this is how you repay me! You would be nothing without me!"
Shifting my weight, I felt a bit like a third wheel in this situation.
"You can train me no further."
The elder began screeching her protests, but all eyes were on the matriarch as she turned her attention back to me. Taking in a steadying breath, she appeared to be thinking about something for a moment before she dropped down and began kneeling in front of me.
"I have fought for years, and yet I know I am not nearly strong enough to protect my family. My family vault still has many riches left over from our former glory, so pricing isn't an issue. Please train me."
Blinking, I stood there yet again dumbfounded by another event that has happened in the last three days. Sadly, before I could fully react, the elder regained her breath, closed the distance and began to attack her own grandniece in a blind rage.
"Worthless! What kind of clan leader kneels to commoners?! You will get up and-"
Bzzt-Hiss.
My instincts immediately took over, as I ignited my blade. Closing the distance, I grab hold of the walking stick, and wrench it from the elder's hand. The quick motion alone was enough to send the old and frail t'vaoan toppling to the floor with a soft thud.
For the first time, I noticed a different emotion other than rage in her eyes as I glanced down on her from above. The bright orange glow of my sword was reflected in her wide fearful eyes as she began to stutter incomprehensibly.
I really couldn't shake the satisfaction the intimidation factor of an activated energy sword honestly felt. There wasn't a lot of instances I was able to use it like this, and the sight of my orange blade shining through the fearful eyes of someone like this was definitely satisfying.
"You will not strike her again."
An audible gasp came out through the crowd as I said those words, but at that point I didn't care. Behind me was someone who desperately wanted to help her own people, but didn't know how. She did what she thought was right, even at the cost of looking like a fool in front of everyone.
Turning around, I saw as Aris was staring at me from below, still kneeling. Giving her a bright smile, I grab hold of her shoulder and lift her to her feet.
I wished I could train her, as I knew she would be just as determined as I was, but I couldn't. I still had the impending war to plan for, and a ship to command.
Laughing nervously, I scratch the back of my feathers in embarrassment as I begin to explain.
"I truly wish I could, but as it stands I have just been given a ship by the Hierarchs and I don't think your people will take kindly to me taking you on long journeys with no idea when you will return."
The matriarch's response was immediate as she gestured around us.
"How big is your ship? Perhaps I can take a retinue with me?"
It took me a moment to realize that she was deadly serious. Shifting my weight, I started to look around. I quickly realized that the entire group of roughly three hundred armored clansmen were all looking towards me in curiosity, and a few of the older ones were already starting to rally around their leader.
Turning back to the matriarch, I tilted my head.
"Are you sure you wish to come with me?"
Aris nodded vigorously, her enthusiasm showing through clearly.
"I have never been more sure of anything in my entire life."
Thinking back to the only other cruiser I have been on, I realized that not only could I house a retinue.
I can take her entire clan with me!
"If you wish, we can take as many as you want. I have been given command of a CCS class battlecruiser, though I don't know exactly where the ministry will be sending us quite yet."
A moment of silence comes and goes between us before she seems to register what I said, though this time, her voice seems strained.
"A what?"
(\(*v*)/)
It turns out, all of the battle ready kig yar in her clan were already with her and none of them wanted to be left behind.
Despite the protests the angry elder brought up, Aris was very persistent with the idea that she wanted to follow me. Something that was yet again surprising to me, even as we cut our path through a large crowd of people on our way to the gravity lift station.
Seeing the building ahead, I breathed a sigh of relief as I saw that it didn't have an overly large crowd around it.
Not right now at least.
The large group of young gladiators all followed behind me as I made my way inside. Quickly looking around, I noticed most of the occupants of the station were continuing on with their day. Looking around for two specific people, it didn't take me more than a few seconds to notice the towering forms of Ussa and Timore standing off to the side.
Timore looked a bit shaken, and his crimson eyes kept looking towards a stoic Ussa suspiciously. He didn't appear to have taken very much, though I could tell that he did have a small bag strapped to his back.
Smiling, I began to close the distance.
"Timore!"
At the sound of his name, the massive jiralhanae turned to me and his entire body seemed to relax when he noticed me.
"Sohm! Thank the gods, I thought that…" My friend closed his mouth, before shaking his head. "Nevermind."
Ussa took the initiative to finish his sentence.
"The jiralhanae apparently thought I was going to arrest him."
The brute coughs loudly, appearing scandalized. Growling, he shakes his head and tries to explain.
"Well since when do you command sangheili zealots around Sohm? I didn't know what was going on!"
Laughing loudly, I began to make my way to the large gravity lift that led to the spires.
"Since yesterday. Let's hurry, don't want to keep the Hierarch waiting."
Right before I stepped into the lift, I was treated with the sight of Timore's open mouth and dumbfounded face before the feeling of weightlessness took over and I began dropping.
The image of my friend's face kept me laughing hysterically the entire way down. Even as I softly landed on the correct floor, I still needed to catch my breath as I looked around.
Just like every other time I have been here, the spires were busy. There were hundreds of docks and structures that allowed the space station to do its duties, but right now the largest ship that was docked was a battlecruiser.
My battlecruiser.
Several tentacle-like tubes were attached at seemingly random points on the ship which allowed supplies and passengers access to the cruiser, though that wasn't quite what had my attention.
At one of the entrances, I saw the prophet Hierarch talking quietly with the intricately armored Kaidon of 'Moram.
Steeling my nerves, I began to make my way over to them, only to stop in my tracks as I see several sangheili warriors salute their leader, before entering the docking tube.
The tube leading to my ship... This is going to take some getting used to.
Watching in stunned disbelief as another group of sangheili file onto the Rapid Conversion, I stand there with my mouth open like an idiot.
It was about that time that the two leaders noticed me. The High Prophet of Tolerance gives me a smile, though I could see the undertone of a grimace behind it as well. He looked to be holding a softly glowing datapad on one of his hands, though he wasn't paying it any mind as he turned his hover chair towards me.
The Kaidon was a bit more enthusiastic as he turned and gave me a proper salute. His metallic armor clanking as his fist made contact with his chest.
Closing the remaining distance, I try my best to return to a professional attitude. Thankfully, I was at least moderately successful.
It was the Hierarch that spoke first, giving me a soft but gentle nod as he held out the datapad toward me.
"Sohm 'Bir, I am afraid that my visit here brings a bit of bad news with it. While it is a joyous occasion to grant you this ship, I regret to say that the san'shyuum side of the council has the last laugh."
Tilting my head, I gently grab the datapad and begin to examine it. Scrolling over the text in front of me, it only took me a moment to realize that these were my new orders. While I was aware that I would need to continue following the ministry's commands, I didn't quite think they would give me orders like this.
There's no way.
The Kaidon took the time to voice his own thoughts on the matter.
"Political machinations like this never cease, no matter who you are it seems. While I am saddened that the warriors I have gifted to you will not see much combat, I hope you will find good use for them."
Tearing my eyes away from what was going to doing for the foreseeable future, I turned my attention onto what he said instead.
"Why?"
The Kaidon appears to be confused at what I said for a moment, before recognition comes through in his reptilian eyes.
"All ships need warriors. If the jiralhanae gained command of this ship, they would at the very least have a warrior crew. You, on the other hand, were only going to be given the menial unggoy workers to staff your new ship."
Bowing his head, he gestured towards the entrance of the supply tube.
"With this last gift, I repay my debt in full. May your journey be long, and your victories be numerous."
The High Prophet chuckles, as he gestured behind me.
"It appears as if her crew might not be as small as we first assumed."
Turning around, I was met with the sight of several hundred kig yar, all looking up to the ship in awe. I watched as the younger warriors seemed to nearly be shaking in their armor with excitement, which brought a smile to my face.
I saw Timore, shaking his head even as he smiled at me from a few feet away. He was switching his gaze between me, the ship, and the prophet Hierarch nervously but I could definitely see happiness in his eyes. I knew he was ready for this journey.
I saw Aris bowing her head low, though it looked as if this was the first time she has ever done so if the tense muscles in her neck said anything. She appeared as if she wasn't exactly ready for what was happening, though I could see the determination underneath to see this through showing clearly. After only a few moments, she began to order her people to enter the ship which they began to do enthusiastically.
I watched as Ussa disregarded everyone and began to make his way inside the ship, though before he made it past me, he stopped and gave me a salute before making his way inside as well.
"No, I suppose she doesn't."
Looking back over to the intricately armored Kaidon, I see as his eyes glance over the grouping before turning back to me.
"Take care of my warriors. I will await their battle stories in my halls when they return. Victory to clan and kin, Zealot."
And with that, he began to leave.
Glancing back down to the datapad even as my grouping began to file inside of the ship, I felt an eager smile come across my face as I read the words once again.
Zealot Sohm 'Bir.
Due to your past experience and unique cultural background, the ministry of resolution has deemed it fit to assign you to patrol our outer borders.
The vast unknown seems to be littered with piracy and brigands, and even though we typically assign smaller ships to deal with the threats, we thought a show of force would be necessary. Deal with any threats as you see fit, then attach a battle report to a message and send them back.
-The Minister of Resolution.
I couldn't believe it. It seemed too good to be true.
At this point, I was ready for whenever the Covenant inevitability found the humans, but with this assignment…
I could find them myself.
"I am truly sorry that I could not prevent this from happening. I know your tours will be without many perils or honor, but do know I tried my best to prevent it."
Looking up, I see the sad face of Tolerance looking down on me from above. He turns around and glances out of the spire towards my ship before he continues.
"Politics is rather messy business I'm afraid. Maybe after a few solar cycles we can adjust your position."
I couldn't help it, as I snorted loudly. The Hierarch looks at me a bit confused as I turned my attention to the Rapid Conversion.
"What is it?"
Tolerance seems confused, as he questions my odd response, though with the chaos of everything that has happened, I wasn't quite ready to answer.
The large bulbous ship hung quietly in the black void of space in front of us. I could easily see the heavy weaponry littering the outside of the spacecraft as it seemed to glow with a soft blue light from the inside.
I felt a new feeling overtake me for the first time since all this madness started. The realization that this ship was mine and that I could go anywhere I wanted with it.
Suddenly, the black void of space seemed to expand out farther than I've ever seen it go before. Stars far off in the distance seemed so close now that I could touch them with a whim.
It took me a few moments to fully organize my thoughts, before I decided to voice them.
"You told me that the kig yar mindset eludes you… perhaps I may be able to help you with that."
Remembering something that happened what feels like a lifetime ago, I chuckle before continuing.
"My father told me something once… and while I mean no offense, I can't help but feel like he was right… He told me that the Covenant, though I am assuming he meant the other races, were too blinded by the forerunners to see the galaxy for what it is."
The prophet seemed interested, pressing me for the answer.
"And what did he think it was?"
Turning to the Hierarch, I smile brightly.
"Freedom."
Holding up the datapad, I continue my toothy grin as I gesture towards the starry expanse in front of us.
"I have just been given permission by the ministry to explore to my heart's content. I don't believe I could have received better orders, your holiness."
The High Prophet seemed confused for a moment before he shook his head.
"I suppose I will inform the council to your… Discontent and continue to 'push' for your ship to be posted elsewhere."
I could easily detect the sarcasm, and the two of us began to laugh. Tolerance definitely seemed like a nice enough person, and I'm definitely glad to have met him.
"Well, I shall try not to infringe upon your freedoms then… though there is one last gift…"
The san'shyuum gestures for one of his honor guards to come forward. I was honestly surprised at the fact that I hadn't noticed them up to this point, but then again they were experts at staying out of the way.
The sangheili was holding a large box in his hands, which he promptly set it down on the ground in front of me.
"It has been many ages since another one of your kind has been promoted to your rank, so we had to have it crafted for you."
Seeing a rune I can press to open it, I press it and glance inside.
I first spotted the spiky shape of an armored helmet, though I was a bit confused as to why it was red. Red was the armor of a major, but that didn't quite feel right to describe this armor.
The kig yar major armor was rusty red… almost dark orange, but this new armor was a polished deep crimson, and held a glowing purple gem over the forehead.
It appeared as if this armor was specifically crafted for me, and unlike what I was currently wearing, I could see the softly glowing energy shield generators inside the harness.
"I wish you good luck in your journey, young Zealot."
Dropping down onto the floor, I dip my head as low as I try to show my gratitude.
"Thank you. Thank you so much, holy one."
Tolerance gave me one last smile and nod before he turned and began to make his way to the gravity lifts.
Smiling, I watch as he leaves. It seems as if the Hierarchs had their own lift, as a previously unseen door opens, showing a new lift that he floats inside before it shuts behind him.
It took me a moment to realize that this was it. This was the next big step in my adventures, and all I needed to do was take the short walk onto the docking platform.
Turning, I see that the only other person that hasn't entered the ship was Timore, who was still looking towards the massive ship in disbelief.
Keeping my smile, I walk over and place a hand on his shoulder. I could see him almost jump in fright before he realized it was just me. Knowing just how to cheer him up, I gesture towards the docking tunnel.
"Come on, let's find you a room to stay in. Maybe you can turn it into your own little workshop, eh? I will even help you get it set up."
At the mention of a workshop, the jiralhanae visibly perked up. Giving me a toothy smile, I saw as his deep crimson eyes looked down on me happily.
"I would like that very much."
(\(*v*)/)
It felt a bit strange, though I know it shouldn't.
I saw the busy forms of several unggoy workers hauling crates from place to place. I saw a few of Aris's warriors challenging each other to a spar, even as one sangheili minor watched from the sidelines.
The scene was all too familiar, and yet so different.
The hangar bay of my new ship looked identical to the Clandestine Devotion, and yet I knew it was not the same. As I walked by, clutching the box holding my armor in my hands, I saw as everyone I passed by saluted me.
Calls of 'ship mistress' and 'ma'am' rang out even as I made my way into a passageway with Timore behind me.
Knowing from my former service where the command deck was, I began to make my way there.
Winding through the labyrinthian hallways, I heard Timore let out an odd noise that sounded like a mix between a yelp and a growl. Turning to see what startled him, I am unable to react in time as a form impacts me and sends me tumbling to the ground.
Hearing the clanking of my armor box landing beside me, I feel as several limbs wrap themselves around me and begin to gently squeeze.
"BROOOOOOUUUUU!"
What the!?
Watching as my optical display shows a few words, I felt my tense posture relax.
"Hello Sohm! I made it!"
"Floats?"
Feeling myself being released, I sat up and glanced over to see my engineer friend looking at me smugly from a few feet away.
A deep, feral growl was coming from the other end of the hallway as I looked over to see Timore. The brute looked like he had mixed feelings about the situation. Like he was angry, but not at me.
"Broouuu."
Shifting my attention back to the engineer, something seems to click in my mind.
"Wait, weren't you left on Malurok?"
I watched as the engineer held up a small circular device I instantly recognized to be an active camouflage module.
"The sangheili didn't bother to check the medical tent, so the crew almost left me there. I decided instead of revealing myself and getting attached to another ship, to sneak my way back to High Charity, and find you. I'm glad I did, because this new ship of yours doesn't have a maintenance crew!"
Shaking my head, I decided not to look a gift horse in the mouth. Especially since I had another friend onboard with me.
"Well, glad to have you aboard!"
Gesturing to my jiralhanae friend, who thankfully seemed to have calmed down now that he realized that Floats wasn't an enemy, I introduced him to my excitable huragok friend.
"Timore, this is Floats… Floats, this is Timore… Honestly, I think you two are going to get along great!"
Timore seemed unsure, though Floats looked simply delighted at the idea.
Reaching over and picking up my armor box, I stood up and started my journey back towards the bridge with a bright smile and renewed enthusiasm.
"We better get going. There's adventure to be had!"
"Brrrooouuuu."
I knew I sounded like a fool, but I couldn't quite help it. Life was good right now, and I was surrounded by close friends.
Eventually, the three of us made it to the command center. Casually strolling into the room, I looked around.
I could see several sangheili and kig yar all fiddling with different terminals around the room. The soft chatter of their conversations was a consistent background noise as they all seemed to remain focused on their work.
Switching focus to the room itself, I realized that it was very similar to the one on the Clandestine Devotion. There was a large holographic display which pictured the nearby gas giant, along with a smaller representation of High Charity in the center of the room, and a massive curved window that allowed us to see outside.
I quickly spotted Ussa, who was standing in front of the holographic display. Making my way over to him, I was yet again stopped by another interruption.
"Well well well, look who it is!"
The entire bridge went deadly silent as everyone focused their attention on a single ruuhtian kig yar who was walking toward me rather aggressively.
"I swear, I should be surprised, but somehow I'm not. I hope you don't expect me to bend over and kiss your claws now, eh?"
The voice tickled something in the back of my mind, and I focused more on who this was. It only took me a second to connect the face to a name.
"Nath? What are you doing here?"
My old basic training lieutenant simply gives me a deadpan stare, which was extremely effective considering his large eyes, before pointing to me angrily.
"Me? I have been stationed as a navigations officer on this ship for the last five solar cycles! What are you doing here acting like you own the place now? I mean really, who in their right mind decided to make you a Zealot?"
I watched as several sangheili majors all began surrounding the sarcastic kig yar, so I knew that this couldn't keep going, though I almost wanted to continue arguing for no reason.
I knew he wasn't being serious, and while we kept our stupid staring contest for a second, I broke it by setting down my armor yet again and giving him a hug, which he returned wholeheartedly.
A few moments like that, and we broke away. I looked him up and down, giving him another smile.
I have been doing that a lot today, haven't I?
"So you are my navigations officer?"
The ruuhtian snorted, before gesturing towards one of the softly glowing terminals.
"That area is my domain. Enter at your own peril."
Laughing, I clap him on the shoulder.
"It's good to see you again."
I meant it. I honestly don't believe this day could go any better at this point.
Nath grunted before heading over to his apparent 'domain,' casually waving a hand over his head before focusing back on the display.
"Yeah yeah, you too. Now if you don't mind, I gotta coordinate our departure with the rest of the ships around High Charity."
If only mom was here.
Feeling my happiness slip a bit, I shake it off. I knew I couldn't have absolutely everything I wanted, but that shouldn't stop me from enjoying what I have now.
Turning to pick my armor back up, I found that Timore already did so. Tilting my head, the jiralhanae simply shrugs before gesturing towards Ussa.
"Worry not, my friend, I shall not let anything happen to it."
Nodding my head, I made my way towards the holographic display.
The gold clad form of my second in command acknowledged my presence with a respectful nod, stepping to the side as he pulled up a few screens for us to go over.
"The ship has now been fully resupplied, and it appears as if we are properly staffed… All that remains is that you take up your position, Shipmistress."
With that, he gestured to a previously unseen hover throne. It looked as if it was rather large for me, though that was to be expected at this point as I was significantly smaller than the sangheili that it was probably built for.
Slowly making my way to the chair, I climb onto it and take a seat.
Looking around, I saw that the entire room seemed to be waiting for my orders. Everyone from Ussa to Nath were waiting with baited breath as I looked down on them from a few feet in the air.
Spinning my chair to look towards the starry blackness of space in front of me, I felt yet another burst of excitement.
"Now, let's go see what adventures the galaxy has in store for us today."
—Author's Note—
Alright. That is the end of the first arc. I think you all know what is coming next… unless you don't.
Hey! It could be Star Wars! You never know!
(It's not)
So, as of right now, the story is set, and the pieces are in position. Anyone wanna guess where I will go from here? I wanna see predictions! It's pretty clear that it isn't going to go the same as cannon, because the Songbird has flapped it's wings, and Ripa is no small flap.
Thank you all for reading, but know this is like, maybe the halfway point? One third? I dunno. I got a long way to go before this is over, and I am just so thankful that everyone has taken the time to read it considering this all started with a stupid idea that could have been a blooper scene.
(I will point out the scene that started the whole thing when we get there. We aren't there yet.)
Anyway, before I continue, I will be going back to all the previous twenty chapters and fixing all the stupid mistakes and typos. I prolly won't get to it until Thursday, because that is my next off day, but I do plan on tweaking a few scenes and fixing a few mistakes along the way. Nothing major will change along the way, but there are a few odd things I have noticed that I need to fix (like in chapter 7 when Sohm's mom doesn't even react to the fact that she was out all night)
Feel free to reread it when I'm done, as you might notice something different along the way.
As always, read and review, and if you like it, consider giving me a follow and a favorite.