Disclaimer: I do not own any characters from Halo they are Microsoft and Bungie's. The only thing I own is what I add to the Halo Universe and the characters I add. The Mirratord and the character Simyaldee is the sole property of Soulguard. I'd like to thank him for allowing me to use them. Cloaking technology is the property of CII. I'd like to thank her for allowing me to use it.

The rating for this story is T for violence and language.

A New Covenant

Chapter 6 Things Cool Down For Now.

Ninth Age of Reclaimation / October 2552

Sol System Earth

Upon returning to the Cairo, Commander R'tas was debriefed and introduced to Klein Darsadee. Commander R'tas told Klein about the alliance and how they were brothers of the Humans.

Darsadee looked at Commander R'tas hung his head in shame and said, "Brother, how are we going to repay the Humans for all the wrong we done to them?"

Commander R'tas replied solemnly, "Brother we already are. This alliance is solid,. The Covenant will do no more harm to our Brothers."

Just then Commander R'tas's com link crackled, "Commander, your presence is requested in Lord Hood's ready room."

Commander R'tas replied, "I'm on my way," the white armored Sangheili left his quarters and went down the hall leading to Lord Hood's ready room. Once inside he took his seat between the Arbiter and Simyaldee. The debriefing was short considering there was not much in the way of reporting combat. Lord Hood was taken back and by the Arbiter's account of the events in the Ark. When the meeting was adjourned a black armored Sangheili , named Marlie' Chesewee , came in and told the Arbiter he had a message from Commander Pharr.

Marlie' said, "Pardon me, Arbiter, but Commander Pharr requests Commander R'tas and you to return to the Seeker of Light. He needs to have a word with the two of you."

The Arbiter looked at everyone at the conference table and said, "If you will excuse me. I have to return to our flag ship. Commander R'tas could you join me?"

Commander R'tas stood and said, "Yes, my Brother."

The two made their way to the hanger bay where they entered a Phantom for the ride to the Seeker of Light.

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Marlie' Chesewee met up with two Sangheili warriors who were headed to the Mess Hall. Marlie' looked at Sole' Sagotee, a friend he has had since he was a fledgling, and said, "I'll get us some fruit. You grab us some water."

Sole' responded, "That sounds fair.." then looked at Shata' Resmesee and added, "You find us a table away from everyone."

Marlie' was walking to the table Shata' picked for them when he came upon a female Human who was having some trouble out of a group of male Humans.

"Sit with me pretty thing," one of the Marines said as he shoved the female toward his table.

Marlie' looked toward the commotion. The Marine harassing the female said, "What you looking at freak?"

Marlie' replied, "The female might be more willing if you would just ask properly."

The Marine taking that as an insult replied, "Back off alien. This is none of your business," the Marine looked at the blonde female and continued, "Tell him sweetie. You're mine."

The female said, "I belong to no one. Further more I'd rather go with this Elite than you."

The Marine tried to smack the female and Marlie' caught his hand and said, "You should show your females more respect. They are more fragile than you. She even shows more honor."

The Marine said angrily, "Let go of me you filth. You shouldn't even be here."

The female Marine spoke up, "Stop it!" she looked at the Marine and said, "I thought prejudice and racism died out three hundred years ago. So stuff it."

The Marine looked at the female and said, "Have you forgot about the thirty years of war? Have you forgot that up until a week ago they were killing us off?"

The female replied, "No. but they want peace. And I'm sure they feel like they have to look over their shoulders. I'm sure they look for us to betray them too."

The Marine looked at his buddies and said, "Come on let's go. The air in here reeks."

The female looked at the eight foot tall Elite, smiled and said, "Thank you for coming to my rescue."

Marlie' looked at the female warrior and said, "You're welcome. Would you like to join me at my table?"

The female Marine smiled and said, "I would like that."

The two walked to where Sole' and Shata' were sitting. The Sangheili pulled out a chair for the female to sit then said something in his native tongue. The other two Sangheili nodded in agreement. The female Marine looked at the Elite and said, "Thank you. By the way my name is Shenandoah Gibson. But you can call me Shae for short. What is your name?"

The Sangheili was taken back by the question. No Human has ever asked for his name before. Since the alliance, most have been cruel, teased him, or ignored him altogether, which angered him. But here was a Human wanting to know him. He looked at her clicked his mandibles in what would be a smile then said, "My name is Marlie' Chesewee. These are my Sangheili brothers Sole' Sagotee and Shata' Resmesee," the two Sangheili nodded to the Shae, then stood as she took her seat.

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On the Seeker of Light Commander R'tas and the Arbiter's Phantom landed in the hanger. There were two blue minors there to escort the important Sangheili to Commander Pharr's ready room.

When they got there they were shown in and told to have a seat. Commander Pharr walked in followed by a Grunt pushing a cart with three bowls of stew worms, three large fish, sweet flat bread, various fruits, and a large pitcher of water. Commander Pharr said, "I thought we'd have lunch while we have this meeting."

Both Sangheili nodded in agreement. Commander Pharr served his two guests then began, "The reason I called you here is I just got off long range com with my mate. With her being on the High Council she had some important information about Sangheil. She told me there were pockets of Brutes on Sangheil but not a full scale invasion. Not like what has been going on here. She also said the Council has ordered a fleet of one hundred fifty cruisers complete with support craft to come here to aid our new allies. They should be arriving in six units."

Just then the communications officer came to the door. Commander Pharr said, "Come."

Oyho Guasee walked threw the door. Then said, "Sir, if you will excuse me for interrupting your meeting. But long range scans have picked up encoded messages coming from Tallus."

Commander Pharr said, "For the love of… What is that blasted Prophet up to now?"

Guasee continued, "Sir, the Prophet of Truth is getting an invasion fleet together and heading to Earth. They should be here in seventy-two units."

Commander Pharr took the report and said, "Thank you, Guasee. We will be ready. Tell all ships to go to yellow alert in about thirty-six units."

The Arbiter wiping his mandibles after finishing his lunch said, "R'tas, we need to return to the Cairo. The Humans will need to make preparations."

Commander R'tas said, "Yes, Brother, we do. Commander Pharr, thank you for a great lunch. Let us know if you hear any more news."

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Marlie' took a seat next to Shae. Shae lifted the lid from her tray. Sole' asked, "Where did you get that meat?"

Shae looking surprised said, "In the lunch line. It is called a steak. Did any one tell you about the kitchen? Would you like me to take you to where it is?"

The trio of Elites said, "Yes," simultaneously and followed Shae to the chow line. They each got a steak, a slab of fish, and a rotisserie chicken. They all walked back to their table for their meal. the three Elites clicked their mandibles into a smile. Shata' said, "Now this is a meal," then looked at Shae and said, "We thank you. Would you like some fruit?"

Shae said as she began to eat, "I would, thank you."

The four of them sat there and enjoyed their meal. they talked about everything. Shae looked at Marlie' and said, "Would you like for me to show you where the gym is? I know you said you could use some exercise."

Marlie' said, "I would be honored."

Sole' and Shata' told Marlie' they were going to the firing range. They could use some practice with some of the Human weapons. Then said, "Would you like to join us?"

Marlie' replied, "No, my brothers. Shae is going to show me where the gym is."

Shae and Marlie' made their way to the gym. Both were talking about how much they like the war between them being over. After both had a very rigorous work out. Marlie' asked, "Where are the showers? When Sangheili sweat we loose blood. I need to clean up."

Shae told him, "Turn right then on your right. Would you like me to wait for you? I don't have to report for duty for about two hours. Not to mention I'm enjoying the company."

Marlie' had to stop for a moment. His head was spinning in one revolution he had a Human want to know his name, sit and talk to him, eat with him, and wants to continue to have his company. He looked at Shae and said, "I would like that. I'm enjoying the company also. Maybe we could go to the observation deck sit and look at the stars."

Shae said, "Yes, let's do that. I'll be right here."

Marlie' went and bathed. It was the quickest he ever took a shower. When he came out Shae was still there waiting for him. They proceeded to walk to the observation deck. They chatted all the way. To the Elite this was the longest he went having a good time with a Human. As they entered the observation deck Marlie' noticed a beautiful red flower. He picked it and gave it to Shae.

Shae said as she looked at the rose, "Thank you. It's beautiful. Would you like to know what kind of flower it is?"

Marlie' replied, "I would."

Shae said as she looked up at the Elite, "A rose."

As Marlie walked Shae to her quarters he said, "I have enjoyed myself today. Especially the company." At the door the Elite was looking at his hooves as he moved one back and forth then said, "Would you like to do this again sometime?"

Shae replied, "Yes, I would. I enjoyed your company also." She gave the Elite a piece of paper that had her personal com frequency on it and told him to call her anytime. Then she turned to walk into her quarters.

As the Sangheili walked away he started humming a tune his father used to hum when he was with his mother. He also was thinking about how much he enjoyed today and began to wonder if a Sangheili could really have feelings for a human. All he knew is he didn't want to loose the feeling he had.

Shae went to her closet to get a fresh uniform. She let her mind wonder to the events of the last few hours. She thought to herself, "No man has ever treated me with such kindness and respect." She continues thinking as she is getting ready for her shift she would like to see him again.

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Commander R'tas was on the bridge of the Cairo when the communications officer, Officer Messer, came up to the Elite and said, "Excuse me, Commander, but you have an incoming message. It is set on Priority 1 secure channel. You may take it in here, " the Marine showed Commander R'tas to a private communications room.

Commander R'tas looked at Officer Messer and said, "Thank you."

Commander R'tas turned to the com screen as it flickered to life. On the screen was Shatri' Semresee, the Mirratord warrior he sent on a mission to find the once Heretics. Before he could speak Commander R'tas said, "Hold off on your report. Let me get the Second in here," he then got on his com link and said, "Simyaldee I need you in the communications room STAT."

Simyaldee replied, "Yes, First. I'm on my way."

Simyaldee walked in the door and took a seat beside Commander R'tas. Shatri' began his report, "Sirs, I have found the Sangheili that were on Threshold. They have set up a base on one of the moons. We have started communications with them. We have told them of our exile from the Covenant and about how we are part of the Forerunner Society. Also we have told them about our alliance with the Humans."

Commander R'tas asked, "Have you told them that we now know they were right that the Great Journey was a lie? Also did you give them the expression of sorrow from the Arbiter?"

Shatri' replied, "Yes, First, we did. The Honorable Sangheili told us they would have an answer with in three units. I will let you know when we hear any more."

Commander R'tas said, "That would be great. But I need to know ASAP. We have a massive Covenant fleet heading straight for Earth. They will be here within sixty-eight units. We have a fleet of one hundred fifty cruisers plus support craft coming from Sangheil. ETA two units."

Shatri' told the two high ranking Sangheili, "I will not fail. For the Honor of the Mirratord. Shatri' out."

Three hours later Commander R'tas and Simyaldee were called to the com room with a Priority 1 secured message from Shatri'. As they had a seat the screen came to life.

Shatri' said in a solemn tone, "Sirs, I have great news. The once Heretics have rejoined the Sangheili cause. Byno' Sadacee the new leader has agreed that no harm will come to the Arbiter. They have also agreed to wear the armor of the Sangheili. Their fleet of one hundred fifty cruisers plus support craft are following us to the Human home world. We should arrive in one and a half units."

Commander R'tas said in a calm tone. "That is wonderful news."

Shatri' added, "sir, there were a handful of Mirratord trainees in the group."

Simyaldee looked at Commander R'tas then back at the screen and said, "All the more reason to get them back on our side."

Commander R'tas said in a calm business like tone, "I expect a full report upon your return."

Shatri' replied, "Yes, First. Shatri' out."

With that the screen went black. Commander R'tas and Simyaldee went to inform the Arbiter and Lord Hood of the additional one hundred fifty cruisers plus support craft that is on its way.

The Arbiter looked at Commander R'tas and said, "Brother, that is indeed wonderful news. Let all the Sangheili know that no harm is to come to our returning Brothers. They were Heretics to the Covenant not the Sangheili. Also let them know upon their return their full rank shall be restored."

Commander R'tas said, "Yes, Arbiter my thoughts exactly."

Lord Hood got on his com link and said, "Com, did you get a hold of our fleet near the boarder of the outer colonies?"

Officer Messer replied, "Yes, Sir. A fleet of one hundred ships will be arriving in twelve hours."

Lord Hood said in a commanding tone, "Let them know not to fire on the Covenant ships that are here. Tell them the Elites, Grunts, and Hunters have joined us."

Officer Messer said, "Yes, Sir."

Lord Hood got on his com link and said, "Master Chief come to my ready room. Bring Commander Keyes and Sergeant Johnson with you. We need to discuss battle strategy. This is going to be a long battle if our reinforcements don't arrive. And I want little causalities."

Lord Hood and the three Elites took a seat at the conference table.

To Be Continued …