Year: 2584

Location: Durram State- Sanghelios

4 Months Prior to chapter 1.

Ka'rus had awoken early in the morning to startling news, she had been taught by Voras for some time now to become the next Kaidon and this morning represented a whole new meaning to those very words.

Standing in the dark living room Ka'rus ran her hands along one of the chair tops and looked down at the ground deep in deep thought. It had only been three months and now she was being given the title of Kaidon, officially, she would become the Kaidon by sunset and that meant so much to the people of these lands. They were excited to see a Durram take the place of Kaidon once more and according to many Ka'rus had being doing the utmost of duties to help those in need.

However it also meant that so many would look to Ka'rus for help, the states with ongoing affairs and even the amount of funding would all be her task to deal with now. Debates, diplomatic situations with other states, possible warfare if it ever comes again and the continuous battle of dealing with rival states that just want to compete. It also meant that her Mother was officially stepping down and focusing on her role as Supreme Commander.

Even so with all the worry and doubts that Ka'rus had both her mate and youngling were still asleep but had been present at the announcement that took place over the harvest festival. It was a great festival, Ka'rus would give it that, but the news that was announced seemed almost too much. Why now of all things? Didn't her Mother want to give her more time? Enjoy the role of Kaidon just a little more? Or perhaps Ka'rus was just over thinking things, after all she had only gotten a few hours of sleep.

Stepping aside from the kitchen area Ka'rus moved towards the large window that blew in a cold breeze. Each night felt colder and soon Ka'rus would have to start up the fire in their house to keep it warmer during the nights.

" Kaidon huh? " She mumbled to herself and look up at the stars outside wondering if the Gods were looking down at her with a smile or a frown?

Part of Ka'rus felt too young for this, like she lacked the experience that her Mother had when she took on this role. However Ka'rus had to remind herself that this was her life, her duty and she had to take this as a great gift, an honor to be placed in such a role. To protect her people, the people that her Mother once protected and to protect and raise this state that her Mother had also built from the ash of their ancestors.

Perhaps it was the fact that she had to fill such big footsteps that her Mother had left behind, or maybe Ka'rus was just over thinking things but it felt like she was setting herself up to fail. Although there was always the promise in the morning that she could talk more about it with her Mother, but Ka'rus felt that something uneasy was coming her way. A war perhaps? Or maybe a struggling year was ahead for the farmers? There was too much to think as Ka'rus decided to step outside. Although it was pretty cold and she was only dressed in a dark long dress, Ka'rus enjoyed the cold bitter breeze. It kept her brain awake and also made her feel alive.

Out here she had the fresh air, the night sky above her head and most of all silence. The breeze from the fields could be visible as the fields seemed to wave back and forth, the faint growl of a K'rousm in the distance and the silence of traveling vehicles. To Ka'rus this was peace and tranquility, surrounded by nothing but nature and free from any worry and doubt. For an hour or so Ka'rus stood out there watching the sky above her as from time to time a phantom would travel over head, mostly heading towards the Durram Fleets pride and joy, the main war ship and the ship that her Mother flew on.

Durrams Maiden, a large war vessel designed for heavy combat and heavy cargo featuring a unique plasma beam at the very front of the ship which meant that it also had to have a heavy back end, a thickened bridge in between to prevent it from breaking in half and most of all heavy defense artillery to weigh it all out. It was the best and baddest of Durrams fleet war ships and of course her Mother's personal warship that she commanded from.

The outer colour of the ship was a deep blue, almost close enough to call it navy but still light enough to not be too dark. The radiant lights were a vibrant blue making it stick out amongst others and a large flag tailed on both side ends of the ship as a symbol housing the Supreme Commander.

It was both intimidating and beautiful all at once as Ka'rus took it into view. The ship wasn't always here but when it was, it always caught her attention imaging where her mother would have been seated, the commands she would give and the warriors that ran it. In fact the ships first maiden run came back almost scratchless minus a few areas from debry and such but there was also a looming thought that came over Ka'rus.

Her Mother would be returning to another one of her adventurous and it made Ka'rus question just what exactly was going on. Last month she recalled how her Mother had been called in early to a meeting and then to end the month and the season harvest by announcing Ka'rus as the new acting Kaidon as of tomorrow once the sun would come up.

Of course there was going to be a big celebration during the middle of the day, a full entire ceremony as tradition would have it. Yet Ka'rus wondered if this was all apart of her Mother's plan before she left for another duty tour for the next two or three months. Heck Ka'rus didn't even know if she would last that long as Kaidon, but of course she would also have Varus to help her. He would soon become her go to guide so to speak. Sure Ka'rus had been learning the dos and don'ts of being Kaidon but she wasn't prepared for the title so soon. She was just the part time while her Mother had other affairs to tackle. Now it became Ka'rus to uphold the duty to ensure the safety and lives of all that came to Durram and that sure was a lot of lives.

3 hours prior to the ceremony.

Maci had been preparing for her speech as she stood wearing her Supreme Commander armor. Any formal situation would have her do so, if she didn't then she may not be taken seriously at all. That was something she couldn't afford to do as she paced back and forth mumbling words aloud thinking what would be the best thing to say. Its true Ka'rus was still new to the role but Maci had enough confidence in her Daughter to take over by now. Not only that but Maci had a gut feeling her time had come as Kaidon. Her next tour wasn't going to be normal one and it made Maci slightly uneasy about the next few hours leading up to her mission. Durrams fleet had been given orders to head out to a few planets that had previously had the disappearing settlements on.

The main goal was to patrol the areas and see if anything odd happened. A few more settlements had disappeared and it was becoming a little alarming considering that nothing was ever out of place in the reports and the fact that Maci felt like something wasn't being said by the new Arbiter.

" You worry to much " A voice called out from affair as Maci turned to see Zuka.

He was leaning against the doorway with that cocky grin of his. Maci softly chuckled and walked towards him holding his hand in hers. For all she knew this could be one of her final times with him, and it struck fear in her heart. It was almost tempting to try and sneak Zuka on board for her always brought a sense of peace to her soul. Although through the years Zuka had aged as had Maci, yet Maci never saw it. She never saw the aging of the wrinkles that collected around his eyes, the small little scares he earned over the years nor the slight dulling of his skin color, much like her own. To Maci they were still those two young loving warriors trying to do the impossible . Even so with their physical disappearances the Zuka that stood before her was just the same as the Zuka that had ran into her so many years ago when they first met. Gently he trailed his hand over her face and leaned down as their foreheads touched. It was considered an affectionate act between mates as Maci drew in a long deep breath and closed her eyes leaning into Zuka's touch.

"We both know that Ka'rus is ready for this, even if she doesn't believe it herself. We both raised her to be the best that she could and she will be a fine leader." Zuka softly said in his soothing tongue before he placed his mandibles on top of her forehead.

A sangheili kiss. It wasn't like how humans kissed but a simple touch of affection, intimate between two lovers, Maci held one of Zukas hand and gave it a tight squeeze as she looked up into his golden eyes and nodded with a faint smile.

"Ka'rus came to me this morning. I could smell the fear and concern on her. I just hope I'm not putting too much on her too soon." Maci said softly as she let go of his hand and stepped aside before looking to the ground.

A Mother always fears for her children and Macis biggest fear was what would happen if she was no longer around to protect them? Yet even so it's true Maci felt like she was rushing this, and it probably seemed that way, but right now Maci needed things in place. Ka'rus was to become the next Kaidon, Varus would become the next Supreme Commander. Xavour would be given the chance to continue on as a security guard or obtain a higher rank to serve in the Durram fleet and the twins Tus'ta and K'ra would be given the finest education to achieve their dreams. Warrior or not, their options would always be limitless.

As for Zuka, her lifetime mate, Maci turned and smiled looking up at him as she placed the helmet upon her head. Zuka would have a chance at becoming the next Councilor in due time. Maci had already spoke with Voras on the matter. The Councilors had gone to wealthy education centers, but Zuka had learned from years of hardship and battles that you wouldn't see from high up in some skyscraper building. He was perhaps the smartest sangheili that she knew and from his many years in combat he had learned much more than any Counselor had during their time studying.

Yet Maci never thought of herself, perhaps she just felt like she wouldn't return or that she would step aside and finally kick back her feet and watch her family grow. The Durram name, her bloodline, and her fathers Bloodline would go on to generations and generations to come and Maci was proud of that. Sangheili could live for many years, but at some point in time you have to put aside your swords and Maci felt like her time was coming. Especially for a female warrior.

A loud bell came from outside followed by festival music. It broke Maci's current train of thoughts and her doubts and Maci couldn't help but smile and softly chuckled as she poked Zuka right between his nostrils before she walked away. Time was coming to a close and soon Ka'rus would be the next Kaidon until one of her Children or nephews could take up that mantle of responsibility.

Several Hours later after the Coronation

The ceremony had come and gone, everyone was happy and although Ka'rus was afraid of the responsibility that came with the title, Maci knew her daughter was proud, proud to take on such a task and honor their family's bloodline. As the evening began to settle Maci found herself standing atop the hills several meters away from the festival overlooking the growing crowds below that gathered around the new Kaidon. Ka'rus was in the middle of a dance, her little youngling by her side and her Mate right next to her. Amongst the crowd the Twins jumped up and down, Varus overlooked with pride with her young brother Xavour giving him a hard playful punch.

Even Zuka sat side by side with Voras and R'tus all drinking and laughing. It was good to sit back and watch her family as Maci took in a deep breath. A growl behind her made her remember of her noble and trusty mount. He was a large K'rousm now, the former pup that Maci helped years and years ago when she reclaimed her state back from Raiders. Although the K'rousm still bore the scars from chains around his ankles, he was a proud and noble alpha to his pack. Maci smiled and gently patted him on the forehead, grateful for the long journey they both have had.

" Don't tell me your getting too old for hunting too old boy? " Maci softly chuckled speaking to the noble creature that stood by her side and panted happily with those large affectionate golden eyes.

Turning back to the celebration below and the loud roar of drums and people cheering, Maci knew she had made the right choice as she looked up above to her ship, Durrams Maiden. Tomorrow she would leave and Maci didn't know what would come of this but she knew that she wasn't the only one to be heading out. A few other Commanders had been given similar orders to patrol certain areas.

One of those also included Taitus, to have others out there patrolling and looking for lost settlers just didn't seem to fit right. There was a large chance that the settlers had just picked up and left but again leaving without a trace didn't add up in the end with given evidence and theories. At least being able to see something that might even be traced back to a fight would have helped bring some form of closure. Maci couldn't imagine how the families of those that had lost someone that just disappeared on one of those settlements while having put trust in both the sangheili government and also other species.

Yet even so no one had spoken out about anything, so Maci knew it was a secret. Whatever this was it had her concerned for what could happen but more so her motherly instincts as well were starting to play a part.

Then just at that very moment while thinking of the worst, Maci heard her data pad begin to make an alarm sound. She opened it to see she had an awaiting call at her personal terminal in the temple. Putting it aside Maci took one last look at the people below. She smiled once more taking in the image of her family all having fun, all smiling and enjoying the moment.

Walking back to the temple was a breeze, the guards were off duty celebrating which meant that Maci was free to walk the darkly lit hallways without being bowed to every single second. She paused when she came to her office doorway wondering if this was really important enough to step aside from the celebration? It was better to do so then ignore the awaiting call as Maci sighed, pressed the button and stepped inside her office chamber.

She didn't waste any time as she opened the terminal and pressed the call button. For a moment the holographic image flickered in and out before it finally formed an image.

" Taitus, I wasn't expecting a call from a fellow supreme Commander." Maci addressed formally before adding. " Especially at such a late hour in the evening "

For a moment Taitus seemed to hesitate with his next words giving a slight apologetic bow of the head.

" I'm sorry for any interruption but this information couldn't wait any longer. Are you alone right now? " Taitus spoke with strength but also concern. This made Maci curious but also very wary.

" I am indeed but I do have matters to attend to. " Maci addressed in a stern tone. She never liked to be interrupted and since this was from Tiatus she questioned his reasoning for contacting her.

" Listen carefully and don't speak a word to anyone else about this but I came across some information that I think you would like to know about. " Tiatus started giving a quick glance around his surroundings. He seemed awfully paranoid and again Maci pondered what was going on beyond the holographic image before her.

" In one of my warriors reports I noticed how they had reported about a bar that was good at one of the settlements. They seemed to ramble on about it for quite some time before ending the report. Upon enquiring the warrior he acted as if he couldn't remember that place, like it didn't even matter " Taitus exclaimed, there was a hint of worry in his tone, something no commander would show.

" What are you saying Taitus because this is more like a waste of my time. A warrior doesn't always remember the food he tastes or the bars he's been to. They remember the blood shed and the horror more than food. " Maci firmly said as she folded her arms over her chest. Taitus was never the paranoid kind and yet Maci was getting that feeling.

" No you don't know this warrior like I do. His reports were always about some form of delicacy. He enjoyed the taste of food to the point he always could recite the places and the different types of food they offered. For him to not remember and shrug it off as if it meant nothing was like a whole different warrior " Taitus exclaimed but his voice was hushed. He paused realizing that it probably sounded insane, and it did.

Maci felt like this was still a waste of time and the look in Taitus eyes was almost like begging. That wasn't natural, not for any sangheili and Maci had to take a deep breath in. Maybe there was some sense to be made of it but she just couldn't take it too seriously. Maybe Taitus had too much to drink or perhaps Maci truly had changed over the years. For what she once would have taken serious, she no longer did. The old Maci would have looked further into her reports, yet years and years of training, battle and followed by politics alongside piles of paperwork took its toll on her.

" Look all I'm saying is that something isn't right. We aren't being told the truth here and now we are being sent out on patrols. Warlords that have fought in many battles and we are to patrol?" He seemed angry almost swatting his hand in thin air out of rage as his mandibles tensed and bared his teeth.

" As far as I know, Taitus. My warriors are acting accordingly as they usually do. No of them may have gone to any of the settlements but that doesn't excuse our duty. We are to protect our people, our warriors and if the arbiter asks something of us we do it without question. If there is something he isn't telling us then we just have to wait for the right time to be told it if we ever do." Maci spoke from experience, she had been victim of such secrecy and she knew that Taitus may have had a point but it just didn't add up.

However the fierce supreme Commander formed his hands into fists and stood up straight shaking his head.

" Sometimes the truth is better than a Lie Durramee. We both know that! But heed my words, something isn't right and we may be walking into a dangerous trap here. If you care so much for the lives of your warriors then keep in mind what I have said and when your own warriors stop acting like themselves just remember that I was the one that told you so " And just like that with the flick of a switch Taitus was gone.

Finally Maci could sigh out loud and cracked her neck as she rolled her head side to side. None of her warriors had been anywhere near the settlements, maybe near the planets but they were all their usual selves, they could all recall things from their reports without any form of hesitation. Rubbing her brow Maci shook her head slightly. Perhaps in her younger years she would have been much like Tiatus and questioned the new Arbiter, however once more Maci had changed through the years and it was starting to show.

However this was just what she needed to end her night as more worry and doubts collected in her mind. Tomorrow she would be leaving her family, her home planet and her people for three months tour off world. Though Maci did give Taitus one point. Why send out your best leaders when you could have sent out a few patrol flag ships?

The mission had very little briefing and what could be made of it wasn't much. There was too much to be speculated, but at the end of the day, Maci knew deep down this was for her honor, for her people, her family, her homeplanet, but also for her state. With that in mind Maci took in a long deep breath, tilted her head up and straightened her back and knew that there was no questioning about this mission. She had to go.

Yet even so within the depths of her mind she began to make a plan in case of an emergency. Perhaps there was a chance that someone close to her could sneak aboard and with their years of experience it would certainly help to get another warriors perspective on things. Someone that wasn't a Warlord, Arbiter or even a council member. She needed someone that could look at all angles and come up with a solid plan of attack if need be. And Maci knew exactly who that was.

a/nAll in all I do apologize again for how long this took to get done. Mostly its because I have been working non stop and haven't had much of a chance to sit back and do stuff.

However with that said, I'm going to try and get next chapter up early because as I have planned it, everything we are looking at now will play a major role in the present with what happened in the first chapter and the outcome of this series as well. But I do hope you all are enjoying this.