Year: 2584
Location: Durram State- Sanghelios
5 Months Prior to chapter 1.
The council room was large and wide, the circular formation of it gave off a spacious feeling as Maci stood before a holopad that lit up several other figures. Unaware of what the future would bring in the next coming months.
The Leader of the Durramee Fleet and Kaidon of Durram, Maci stood with pride, her chest puffed out as her blue eyes looked over the others before her, despite their holographic images. A meeting was underway between the major militia commanders and its councilors. However before the councils could get to their political affairs the warlords had main priority with such an important task ahead.
With such an occasion like this Maci had decided to wear her commander attire. The armor was similar to her former armor but this time much more intimidating, suiting for a Supreme Commander and its features. The armor still remained blue with vibrant lighting on it that flowed easily down the armor, her helmet was the main focus. The sides of a standard helmet would have usually been flat fin like looking with two forks as were the standard Durram security and militia uniforms. However Macis stood out above all as the helmet was more arched up. Humans said it looked similar to the primitive mythical creatures called Valkyries. Maci was intrigued and upon further questioning found the story suiting. A Female humanoid creature that over watched warriors and upon their death guided them to the afterlife.
However the time to think of the past was not now as Maci drew in a deep breath. The meeting had been called at a sudden notice and now with all most all of the warlords and higher ranks there was but still another that caused a pause in the moment. The new ranking Arbiter.
Thel Vadam had passed on the title to his son, but the new Vadam was not one to simply be pushed around. Although he was younger then most of the others here, Thel Vadams son, R'tus Vadam was very much experienced having seen hand to hand combat at a very young age. Not to mention Maci admired Thels son. Unlike other youths of today R'tus was responsible, caring for those under his charge and most importantly wise. Any decision he made was made with much thought and care before putting forward his ideas and listening to what others had to say about it.
That was the kind of leader Sanghelios needed and Maci saw much of Thel in R'tus, much like the time she had first met the Arbiter many years ago when she too was just a wreckless youngling.
All of a sudden a blurry image began to flicker in the spacious zone that was allocated to the Arbiter. R'tus Vadam came into focus, and although his image flickered, he still had a very empowering presence about him as he waited for a moment of silence before speaking up.
" I thank all of you for your attendance." The Arbiter began as he arched his head a little to the side and glanced at the other around him. He was wearing the traditional attire of an Arbiter. Thick golden plated armor that had much pride and power even when placed on a mantle waiting to be worn. " At such a short notice I can only assume you are eager to hear what it is I have to address."
Maci slightly frowned, she knew that when the Arbiter spoke there was two things to take note to. Whenever he speaks and brings something forward that isn't too serious he always says something along the lines of 'Hear what I have to say'. However when he was to 'address' something, Maci knew that this was the up most serious of discussions and there was bound to be some debates.
Everyone remained silent for a moment or two as the Arbiter looked around, he was waiting for all of their acknowledgements with a simple nod and when his eyes fell upon Maci she too like the others nodded her head in respect. Then he spoke, and his voice was deep but there was a hint of concern.
" I beg you all to listen to this, for it is not for laughs. There has been a loss of contact with many of our settlements off world. Some of our researchers have investigated, even the highest in our ranks have gone to see what has happened. All of which returned saying that there wasn't even a single trace of a settlement." The Arbiter paused and looked around once more taking note to everyones body language.
Maci stood straight, hands folded behind her back as she drew in another deep breath, and listened. She knew that it sounded bizzare, no one could just pack up and leave without a trace and if it had of been an enemy there would have been signs of a fight. No sangheili warrior would ever just surrender and submit. Not without giving some form of warning to the council and the Arbiter himself.
" I know what you are all thinking, I too thought the same upon hearing the reports but I can assure you that hundreds of our off world settlements having just simply vanished." Holographic images began to pop up on various worlds that both the sangheili alliance and other species had settled on. All of which showed no trace of even the smallest settlements. " I have spoken in regards to the USSC, they too had the same concern as I have. I kept this quiet until now until I had the proper evidence to bring forth." The Arbiter waved his hand addressing the images before them as holographic images arose in the middle of the room, displaying the evidence the Arbiter had spoken of.
" So I sent out a research team that conducted of various species. Each went to all the locations and each found the exact same thing on every single plant. A small microscopic worm. A Parasite perhaps, but it is foreign to all the planets. In fact we have never seen such a species before." The images changed to display a single tiny little worm that probably wasn't even the size of a centimeter. It looked translucent minus a pink like hue and you could see its internal system.
" Every sites soil contained millions of these tiny worms. The scientists only operated under each and every species commands. One from Sangheili, one from humans, one from kig-yar and so on. None of them tampered with evidence and not a single one of them even knew what the other had found prior to three weeks ago." There it was, the sudden pause that the Arbiter made as he spoke so smoothly without any sense of alarm or hesitance. Like his Father before him.
Everyone remained silent, pausing as they thought it all over. Was it truly possible that settlements with buildings properly built just suddenly disappeared without a single trace leaving behind these...worms? Maci hummed softly at the thought. It was possible that there were still some life forms out there that even the Humans didn't know existed. It was only a few centuries ago that the humans species had been discovered by the Covenant so the theory did stick but...worms? What exactly was the importance and how did it all link the disappearing of settlements together?
Maci rubbed her mandibles before her eyes lit up when she heard one of her fellow leaders speak. He was clad in an orange and yellow supreme commander armor with its own unique design but still the enlarged helmet with elaborate designs and the golden cape that flowed down his back said it all.
" If we were to believe this, then what do you expect of us?" The male spoke with a touch of curiosity in his tone looking at the Arbiter for a shred of information.
Though even Maci had to agree it was a solid question. Wouldn't this have been better to discuss amongst the councilors? Why did Warlords and Commanders have to get involved? For there was little they could do about a worm infestation.
" A valid question my fellow brother. Right now we are just gathering information. I believe it is at our highest importance to check reports from those of your fleets, warriors and scientists that may have been dispatched anywhere near these settlements or worlds. That way we can overlook the information and see if there is anything that….stood out " The Arbiter said but Maci got the idea that there was more to it then R'tus was letting on.
" Arbiter, if I may " Maci said clearing the room as she got his attention. " You could have brought this towards the Councilors to discuss about before passing the information along to us. So why decide to speak to us Commanders first rather then the council? " Maci enquired as she leaned forward a little pondering on this matter herself but the Arbiter wasted no time in answering her.
" For them to pick it apart and toss it aside? The Councilors may have war experience, be older than most of us here, but they are not in regular battle as often as we are. I'll be passing this information along to them after our meeting is conducted." The Arbiter looked away to address the room once more. " So if by chance there is any oddities from reports on any of these settlements or even in your own warriors, I desires to know immediately. "
Holding his head high, Maci knew that no one else would bring forth anymore questions. The most obvious ones so far had been asked but Maci felt that something was odd. Although it as not an alarming request, Maci would indeed enquire on that matter from her fleet but she did also have a state to run at the same time. Being a Commander and also a Kaidon had its own pros and cons.
" Now if there are no further questions I believe you all have your own jobs to do" The Arbiter said, waited a single moment before he nodded his head and his holographic image disappeared.
Maci watched the blank area in her room where the arbiters former holograph had been. The clicking sound of the others disappearing was evident as Maci drew in her breath only to turn and see one remaining. The Supreme commander who had spoken up before hand. Maci knew him as the fierce Commander known as Tiatus. Maci knew his combat and strategy well as she knew all the other commanders too. But Tiatus stuck out from the most, he wasn't the type to go on in guns blazing as the humans would put it. No that part of it was a show, Tiatus always put on a show for his enemies to keep them occupied in places so they never expect the sneak attacks. Small banshee attacks in weak points of ships, always finding a way to go undetected. It was both impressive but very dangerous.
" Something is amiss and even you can sense it " Tiatus said before his image vanished too.
Maci paused for a moment before she hit the button on the terminal before her finally allowing herself to sigh in privacy. The door behind her opened up and a formally dressed councilor stood. Maci felt like rubbing her brows but instead took in a deep breath and straightened herself as she turned to look over at Voras. He looked good in councilor armor and had been teachings Macis first born daughter Ka'rus well.
" Durramee " Voras addressed with a bow of the head. To this Maci smiled and bowed back but she was never one to always stick to the books. In Sangheili tradition a higher up never needed to bow to another. Considering Maci's position as a Supreme Commander and Voras as the new Councilor it would have only been Voras to bow, yet their strong friendship made that hard for Maci.
" It is good to see you early of the morning Voras. " Maci softly said with a smile upon her lips before walking towards him and patting him on the shoulder.
" Should I be concerned over this mornings political debate? " Voras mocked before adding " If you ask me it's just a bunch of old fools picking at their teeth ". Even though he was half joking Maci knew he took his position seriously, but at least it brought a smile to her face.
" Nothing I would be too alarmed at." Maci softly said but she always had to warn him in advice as she turned a serious look in her eyes. " Though I would be cautious. This one's a sensitive topic for us warlords to be spoken to before the council " Maci gave him a soft pat in the shoulder again and walked away leaving Voras to it as she walked out the large doors before hearing them close behind her.
Along down the long narrow hallway, Maci walked with pride as her large dark navy cape dragged along the ground in an elegant fashion. All guards that stood down along the hallway and along the temple bowed their heads ever so slightly as a sign of respect towards her. Although Maci always felt like breaking the formality and bowing back, however once more her status as Commander did not permit that as she had to keep her eyes straight ahead and not even show the slightest bit of emotion. Even though this morning's meeting wasn't any regular one, it still stirred Maci a little especially with what Tiatus had said which was now stuck in Maci's mind as she over thought it. Yes something was off, but what exactly could it be?
" Something is amiss " She repeated softly to herself as she walked down the steps towards the main ground floor. For now Maci would look up reports, see if anything stood out. Put in requests to her soldiers if they had seen or noticed anything odd. Even if none of this made sense currently, Maci would follow her orders through and ensure that safety of her people.
When reaching the bottom step Maci turned and made a direct approach towards one of the various large oval door hallways within the temple. Humans compared the temple to that of a ants tunnel. So many levels and so many different tunnels that led to different areas. However unlike the rest of these so called tunnels, this one in particular only had one doorway that was at the very end. The Commanders. A personal room privately allocated to those of its status, a place to think freely without the concerns of ongoing business outside of the temple.
Although the title of Supreme Commander didn't come with anything easy, Maci still felt that it was a title of intimidation as she pressed a button on the side of the door that took a moment before it beeped and a green light lit up and the door slowly opened. On the other side was a very spacious room, once more shaped like a large dom with a circular feeling about it, a single desk stood in the middle, on the left hand side stood the armor rack that Maci would put her armor back onto later in the evening. Hearing the door close behind her gave her a sharp reminder that it wouldn't be until late in the afternoon that she would leave this place. Meaning all the fun things and family stuff she could do had to be put off, and more then likely Maci would be fairly exhausted after going over all the reports. Yet it was something that had to be done.
For all she knew, she may as well be stuck with her head buried beneath various reports. Removing her helmet and placing it upon her desk, Maci flicked the small terminal on the desk causing it to come to life. Undoing the cape Maci placed it over on the rack, it was only for display purpose really. A symbol of superiority to her fellow brothers and sisters in arms but intimidation towards the enemies. Taking off the cape and the helmet felt like an overwhelming weight had been lifted off of Maci. She'd never been one to be dogmatic, only to be there for others and strive forth to protect and aid those in need. Yet as a Commander she could not smile, she could not bow to others of 'lower rank' and she always felt like her own subordinates feared her. Taking in a long deep breath Maci looked around her private room.
On the far side of the room was what a human might call a mini bar, or tiny kitchen. It was only a small shelf area with a cooling pod that had various forms of drinks and food and to the side a small tap for water. To Maci it was just ordinary but being in such a big spacious room with a few spare seats around and a single lounge on the other side of the room on the right hand side of the door, it was...well new to her. Even after all these years of coming in here, doing her formal reports and research, it never felt normal. There was a sense of authority here but also singularity. It made her feel alone and most of the time lost. She always had her family in the past before she took on this title, but now...now it felt different and the weight on her shoulders was getting to her as well as her age.
Perhaps one day it would change but Maci didn't see that happening for many many years. Finally the terminal lit up a holographic screen as Maci took her seat and swiped her finger across it as she began her long day as Supreme Commander.
Ka'rus sat at a large oval table as she rubbed her temples and sighed. Voras had importance at the temple and so did her Mother which bothered the young female greatly. To Ka'rus she felt that something was going wrong as her own Mother had to go to a meeting so early in the morning followed by Voras. It didn't help that Ka'rus was so stuck in her routine of getting up, getting everyone organized and then heading out to meet Voras at the local mass hall to begin the long day of listening to complaints and trying to resolve so many arguments.
And to think that her Mother had been doing this for so many years. Being a Mother was one thing but Ka'rus didn't know how her own Mother had gone on for so long doing this and yet still smile at the end of the day. Ka'rus on the other hand could only sigh ever so softly, her youngling had gone off to the arena to learn hand in hand combats and her mate had already left for his own security duty for the day leaving Ka'rus all on her own. Apart of herself felt pitiful while the other part of her questioned what todo.
This whole new thing was taking a toll on her bit by bit. Sure she was the first born of the Durram family, but Ka'rus now had to do a juggling act and own up to her responsibilities. With a deep breath in the young female tried to sum up as much courage and energy as she could and made a silent pray to whomever was listening to help her get through the day on her own, and most importantly without anyone there to guide her. For Ka'rus knew that someday she wouldn't have her Mother by her side and that Voras would no longer need to mentor her. It was now or never and Ka'rus knew she had to pick the now.
However the question came through to her mind of what would her Mother do? It seemed her mother always had something planned out. Even from a young age Ka'rus could remember how her mother would have something come up abruptly and yet she would know how to handle the situation.
" With age comes wisdom " Ka'rus muttered as she got up from the kitchen table and stood for a moment looking up at the ceiling as if something would drop into her hands.
" I guess I better go to the hall and listen to more complaints." Ka'rus spoke almost feeling defeated. Although she knew in time she too would adapt like her Mother had, and maybe someday get the hang of all of this.
From the day she could stand she learned how to fight, how to deal with dangerous situation but nothing ever prepared her for listening to what others had to say. Not complaints anyway. However this was the role of Kaidon and soon Ka'rus would be the acting Kaidon when her Mother stepped aside from the position to focus on the Durramee Fleet as Supreme Commander
Ka'rus walked over towards a the lounge were her mother had placed a belt with a silver shoulder piece. It was the symbol of a Kaidon, the belt was decorated with a single buckle that sat in the middle of her chest, but its small features were nothing compared to the metal armor on her shoulder as she strapped it on firmly and placed it over her shoulders.
Turning her head she looked at the decorated piece of armor. It was featured with various symbols, an embodiment of power and significance in the Sangheili Culture. However to outsiders, the various different species like humans and grunts, this was just another decorative peace of fashion. Ka'rus gave the belt a tug ensuring that it was placed tightly onto her before she dared to step outside.
Her casual attire was that of a greenish version to her Mothers with yellow decorative patterns. The only thing that made her so different from her Mother was the fact she had her Fathers skin tone. Pale as the ashen ground itself when the moons shine bright of a night. One final deep breath Ka'rus took before placing her foot outside her family home and began the walk towards the inner city part of Durram. A few security guards passed by on large K'rousm minding their own business as did a few travellers and citizens of Durram. All of which looked at Ka'rus and nodded their head in respect. It was...odd. Ka'rus had never had so many eyes on her all at once, but the armor on her shoulder spoke for her. Acting Kaidon.
Although Ka'rus was new to it all and felt shy, like as if she had a blemish on her face and needed to quickly clean it away. Yet this also gave her an odd sense of power, power that didn't come from her physically but one of her mind and spirit. The closer she got to the mass hall the more others looked in her direction and nodded out of respect. Even the younglings did so without any hesitation. Some would smile, some would look at the ground and not even look at her while they bowed. Tradition and honor, sangheili were warriors and their culture surrounded that very aspect.
All taught to fight from the earliest moments in their lives, even going to the lengths of death defying acts. Years before Ka'rus was born her mother spoke of the great trails. How harsh she was treated for being a female. However the newer conditions were much safer. They still tested a warriors strength, stamina and bravery, but they never treated females as badly as they had back when her Mother was still trying to join the miltia. Although unlike the males, Females had the choice to decide if they wanted to serve in the militia off world or remain on their homeworld as acting guardians.
That made Ka'rus think of what the future had to offer her, will she ever face life endangering conditions? Wars, Battles and fights that could leave the very balance of life at stack? Ka'rus had never joined the Miltia because she always felt that she was needed here more so then fighting elsewhere. After all she did have Brothers that could do all of that. It's not like she never trained as a warrior but she just never went above and beyond like her Mother or her Brothers. Even her Twin sisters would probably grow up and become fierce warriors, but Ka'rus had a nature that cared too much to be able to fight. Maybe a field medic but she wasn't the type to go dashing into battle.
Not like her Mother.
With that thought in mind, Ka'rus felt like she may never have the experiences her own Mother had, or like her other family members have. Yet by the time Ka'rus reached the hall mass she had to put all those thoughts aside.
The temple was busy as Ka'rus took a glance over towards it, pondering what her Mother was doing right now at this very moment. Then the view of two angry females came into view before Ka'rus. Another dispute, another day. Ka'rus put on her brave face and nodded her head not being able to hear their words as they both talked over one another.
" Come my fellow sisters, we shall discuss this inside " Ka'rus said softly in a calming tone as she gestured for the two females to follow her inside the hall mass to a small private room to conduct the daily routines as acting Kaidon.
Several hours later
Night had begun to set as Maci had finally revised as many reports as she could during the time she had. Not to mention the various messages she had to send out to as many of her fleet warriors which includes all different types of ranks, responsibilities and even ages. Some of the warriors she spoke to become concerned, Maci never liked lying to her fellow comrades or subordinates but in this case to not cause a widespread panic Maci simply had to tell them it was a quick check up.
What concerned her the most was that some of her warriors had been dispatched near those planets or located near or at those settlements before the settlement seemed to disappear. Their reports never said of any strange behaviour. Even her own warriors didn't act out of place and she knew all of them as it was her duty to overlook their records and skills.
Rubbing her brows Maci closed her terminal and stood up. She had a few interruptions here and there, one was from Voras as he reported in from the council meeting. They briefly discussed the situation but never made any solid theories that stuck. Besides that a few warriors came in for their reports or to be given their weekly tasks such as what areas need to be overlooked in Durram for security or even the next weeks roster for repair duties. Besides the report digging today was just another day, though this one was starting to result in a headache as Maci sighed.
She stood up and stretched her arms and legs before she moved over towards the armor rack and removed her armor. Neatly, piece by piece, her armor was placed back onto its place and yet even so as Maci look over the armor it still had a sense of intimidation. That was the Supreme Commanders role, intimidation and the brains of all attacks. Placing a hand on the large blue chest piece Maci wondered what her life would have been if she had never tried to become apart of the miltia and obtain a rank.
So much had happened to her in her younger years, so many reasons to just give up and let go. There was the time during her Great Trials, the dangers that came with it. Not to mention what happened on that unknown planet and how Maci had been punished all in the act to cover up a secret. Of course there was also that time with Voras during the civil war when Maci had faced the second worst betrayal alongside a near death experience. Yet here she stood looking at her unique armor questioning why she was still here. What purpose did her life give her now that she had achieved her dreams?
True she had family, she had fought and earned many titles as well as raised Durram back to its former glory. Her parents would have been proud of her if only they could see it now. Not just that but the countless times Maci had saved her people, her fellow brothers and sisters in arms. Yet the younger Maci was no more, her experience gave her wisdom but even she knew one day she would have to step aside and let another rise to the rank. Not just a new Kaidon, but a new Fleet Commander, a new Supreme Commander. All Maci could do was hope that the next to take her place in her current position would be just as wise and bold as she is.
Coming back from her thoughts and back to reality Maci looked outside and noted how dark it was out there. Only sighing softly knowing that time had truly escaped her. Grabbing the large navy blue cloak and putting it over her shoulders as she remained in her padded skinsuit, having taken off her armor during parts of the day as there was no need to constantly wear the armor in her office. Soon Durram would have a new Kaidon, Ka'rus would take the role and Maci wondered that when her time come would her son Varus eventually become Durrams new Supreme Commander when his time was ready. Even the question of her other children and their destiny came about in Maci's mind but she was also tried and exhausted. Perhaps home and a relaxing night would easy her worried mind.
Of course Durram was still growing and that meant that things were still in need to be set in place as Maci exited the Commander's office and left behind all those thoughts in that very room which she would return to in the morning. For now her family would be cooking a delicious feast. The thought made her smile as Maci stepped outside and took in a breath of fresh air. The Night was cold but Maci welcomed its bitter chill, the seasons were changing and soon the farmers would begin their harvest.
That also meant that the Harvest celebrations would be on. Every state partook in this celebration by doing something fun. Some would dance the night away while others would cheer from the good fruits of their labor. Durram was one of those states that was primarily a farming state that focused on livestock and crops.
Perhaps this years Harvest Celebrations would bring good fortune while the bad passes.
A/N: So sorry for how long it took for me to write this and get it up. I know a lot of you have been asking me when I'll have the next chapter up and well its finally here. I do hope to get the next chapter up very soon. I have already pre-wrote all the chapters up and I hope you guys like where this is slowly going. I want to back track before Maci's passing and also show what her life was like but also the life of her Children and the legacy she will be leaving behind.
Dont forget to leave me some feedback in the review area.