Section 2: Two Warriors, One Bond

"These cursed creatures have no sense of normal combat!" Roared the Ship Master of the Covenant frigate, Defiant Goddess. "Raise shields and return fire!"

"Weapons are off line! Shields down to ten percent!" The Sangheili franticly searched the control panel.

"By the Gods." The Ship Master frowned as he gazed at the central display. "Though they lack starships, they can fly in space as if it were natural to them. Their numbers are overwhelming us, and they are dropping some form of weapon upon our ships. Communications, send word to the fleet; the Yanme'e are somewhat more formidable than we first predicted. Their attack methods are unpredictable. Record and send as much video data as you can."

"Yes sir!"

"Prepare the landing assault teams. If we can not defeat them in space combat, than let us defeat them on the ground!"

"Sir, shields are down! The Yanme'e are boarding!"

"The fools!" The ship master smirked, pleased with the knowledge that the insect like creatures were attempting to invade his ship. He gripped his energy sword and powered it to life. A cold hiss of static filled the air near his hand, and the weight of the sword presented itself to the command crew. They all growled with anticipation. "They would dare to face us head on? Order all squads to resist these creatures and show them no mercy. Let us show them the pride of our race!"

"Sir, transmission has been sent to the Fleet."

"Very well. Arm yourselves and defend this deck. Sound the alarms! Let us feel combat upon our hands!" The command crew roared in approval, as plasma bolts began to ring out around the ship.

- - - - - - - -

"The Sixth Age of Doubt"
Home sector of "The Fleet of Divine Light"
Sangheili Academy of the Watchmen: Branch 741B
January 10, 2438 : Sol Relative Time

One hundred young warriors stood deep within the academy's central hall. The graduation ceremony was well underway. The room's massive ceiling climbed high to a central point, where a ray of light split into twenty focusing beams. The lights shined upon the standing spot of twenty silver armored elites, standing upon the edge of the room and encircling the young graduating students. These standing elites were the local branch of the Elite High Council, and their presence was awe inspiring. With a glistening sparkle the High Councilors stood motionless, with their helmet's of honor sitting high upon their heads. They represented the core of the Sangheili ways, the most honored of their race, and their display was humbling, to say the least.

One councilor stood at the head of the room, and continued his speech in honor of those selected of fully entering the Covenant's embrace. "Competition, honor, respect and discipline; these are the things that you have all mastered here in your last term. The Academy has instructed you, our honored graduating class, on the importance of fleet discipline, command, conquest, and leadership. You select Sangheili Warriors have shown mastery of combat, strategy, weapons and vehicle operations. You few who have been chosen to serve in the "Fleet of Divine Light", will show all creatures of this Covenant, the true meaning of Honor, Pride, and Penitence to the Hierarchs and our beloved High Council. Take pride in your oaths to the Covenant, and stand tall with each of our members, as we honor our Writ of Union;

"So full of hate were our eyes
that none of us could see.
Our war would yield countless dead,
but never victory."

"So let us cast arms aside,
and like discard our wrath.
Thou, in faith, will keep us safe,
whilst we find the path."

Each of the hundred Sangheili graduates dropped to one knee upon completing the oath. They lowered their heads as the High Councilors stepped away from their positions and exited the central hall.

"Stand warriors, you are Watchmen no longer. Welcome, to The Fleet of Divine Light." The councilor who had led the ceremony stepped away from his light and also exited the room. The central light powered down, as the natural ambiance lights began to power up. A Sangheili clad in Gold armor and red cloak stepped forward from head of the knelt young Warriors.

"Rise my Warriors!" he stated to the crowd. Each of the young soldiers stood quickly and at full attention. Their eyes focused upon the Supreme Commander of the Fleet of Divine Light. "Your Academy days have now passed you. Each of you will receive your duty commands and report to your ships without delay. We are to exit system within the hour and rendezvous with the Prophet of Mercy's battle group. Your ranking officer will give you further details. Dismissed!"

With a heavy sigh, Simyaldee quickly followed his line from the room. His service to the Prophets had begun but no matter, he knew his true legion was to his brothers in Arms; Prophet's will be damned before their safety. His line of ten warriors would be stationed soon, and that ship would become his new home. No longer would he be able to spar with his kin on the majestic fields of this conquered world. No longer would he feel the soil beneath his feet. This was a soldier's life: a warrior's calling.

He hated it completely.

"Squad leader, Simyaldee!" Shouted a Sangheili field master; his red armor nearly blending in with the walls of the Academy.

Simyaldee jumped ahead of his squad of ten soldiers and approached the field master. His blue armor was indistinguishable from the other warriors under his watchful eye. He nodded as he approached the field master and waited for orders.

"You and your squad are stationed upon the Knight and Piercing Arrow. The Ship Master requested your squad, personally. Report to landing zone ten for your transport." With a swift nod the field master motioned for Simyaldee and to push on.

Simyaldee turned to his squad and barked order, "Let us depart! Maintain formation. Timnaldee, notify our Unggoy and Kig-Yar support teams of our ship."

"Should we not leave them here? More Unggoy can be reassigned…" Timnaldee voiced, but Simyaldee's reproach was quick and silent. "Understood." Timnaldee turned and sprinted toward the grunt camps.

"Make no delay! Our ship master awaits!" The squad fell in line and sprinted toward the landing docks. As they exited the building the suns rays swept across them. They looked to the sky as hundreds upon hundreds of drop ships were descending into the atmosphere, preparing to return everyone to the ship, yet in the distance were dozens of capital ships, using their gravity lifts to pick up supplies and warriors. Ahead of them were countless Sangheili squads; new graduates from earlier ceremonies and experienced war veterans. During the graduation ceremonies, it was customary for ship masters to allow 'shore leave' to their soldiers. It was the one time during the year that ships were permitted to return to Sangheili space, though only to stock up on supplies and soldiers. Also amongst the drove of soldiers were Unggoy packs, Kig-Yar, and Lekgolo pairs. The fleet was about to become mobile once again.

Simyaldee and his squad were amongst a graduating class of nearly two hundred thousand Sangheili, from academies from all corners of Sangheili controlled space. The Sangheili were the pride of the Covenant Armada, and replenishing their ranks was mandatory to victory. The city where they held their Academy was upon a remote world at the Edge of their space, and filled with countless bustling cities. Though today, the city was a stampeded of activity. The massive towers in the distance floated the colors of their Sangheili home, Dorenth, but now was not the time for celebration. The fleet was being summoned by Mercy, one of the mighty Hierarchs of the Covenant. Something was happening and the fleet was being assembled.

The squad arrived at their landing zone and patiently awaited their turn to disembark. Several hundred Sangheili veterans stood ahead of them, all bound for the Knight and Piercing Arrow. After several minutes of waiting, Simyaldee took notice that several Cruisers and Capital ships had begun to left off in the distance. He then pondered why the Knight and Piercing Arrow had not descended into the atmosphere to pick up it's crew the way the other ships had.

He approached a senior warrior in the line ahead of him, "Sir. Permission to speak?"

The aged vet in red armor turned his head slightly to face Simyaldee. "What is it young one?"

"Other ships descended to pick up its crew. Why is our ship only sending drop ships?"

The vet turned fully and stood at perfect attention before Simyaldee. "Name and rank!"

"Sir! Simyaldee; squad team leader of squad Minor Omega 419!"

"Fresh from the academy, I see." The vet stated. "Congratulations minors. Let me see, Minor Omega 419… sounds familiar. You will most likely fall under my regiment once we board ship, but that is of no concern now. Were you not made aware of our ship's purpose?"

"No sir." Simyaldee replied. "We were not advised on any details."

"Sloppy." The vet rubbed his helmet with a sense of disbelief. "The Knight and Piercing Arrow is the command ship for the Fleet of Divine Light. I'm sure you understand now."

Simyaldee was taken back for a moment, and his squad also understood. "Yes sir, fully. The command ship will hold position until the fleet is prepared to disembark." It was basic Covenant protocol for fleet formation and docking procedures, but still, to be stationed on board the fleet command ship was an honor bestowed only to the best of the graduating class. The most skilled Sangheili, trusted Unggoy, battle ready Kig-Yar, and loyalist of the Lekgolo served on command ships. In their haste to move the fleet, Simyaldee and his squad had not been informed of their station's importance.

The crowd behind Simyaldee's squad began to part as several High Councilors made their way toward the landing deck. Simyaldee motioned for his squad to step aside; the vet stood with them. Following the Councilors was the cloak bearing gold Sangheili warrior, the Supreme Commander of the Fleet, following him were several black armored Warriors. Simyaldee recognized them as the Special Operations; they had the reputation as the best of the Sangheili warriors and given missions of high importance. There were eight of them in total, marching two by two behind the Supreme Commander however there was one last warrior that followed them. He walked alone, with his hands clasped behind his back. His eyes were ever watchful of the crowd of Sangheili warriors that he passed, and as he walked behind the formation of Spec-Ops, those that he passed began to mumble.

His armor was pearly white, as if he had yet to see any combat, but surely in order to follow the progression of the Elders, Supreme Commander and the Spec-Ops, he would have to be a soldier of high rank; he had to have seen combat.

The progression passed Simyaldee and his squad by, and the vet turned to face Simyaldee. "That was the newest elected Special Operations Commander. He's young, but fiercely skilled. I would imagine that he is no older than you are, young one."

Simyaldee looked to the vet in awe. "To achieve the rank of commander of all Special Operations at my age, it is unheard of!" Simyaldee snapped. "How is such a task achieved?"

"Simple. Upon graduation from the Academy the High Council granted him a task. He was given a Spec-Ops squad and he was the only to return. He completed the assignment, and was promoted to the Spec-Ops. However, there were those that doubted his skill. The former Commander challenged him to a duel, to see if he was worthy of carrying the title of Special Operations. Not only did he prove his worth, but he defeated the former Commander with little effort. The council instantly voted him as the new Commander."

"Who is he?" Simyaldee questioned with a curious glare; starring into the back of the white armored Sangheili that walked away from him.

"Special Operations Commander, Rtas Vadumee."

- - - - - - - -

"Upon rendezvous with the Hierarch's battle group, The Fleet of Particular Justice, my fleet will assume the rear command and begin cleansing the world of its putrid inhabitants." The Supreme Commander stated from the command deck of the Knight and Piercing Arrow. He turned to the ship master and nodded sharply. "Move the fleet into position, and prepare to enter slip space. Set best speed to High Charity."

"Yes, Supreme Commander." The Ship Master bowed and turned to his command crew.

With over two hundred ships orbiting the tiny world below, the Knight and Piercing Arrow pulled ahead of the Fleet of Divine Light and entered a ripple in space. The ship slowly slid into the wave of light which was distorting space ahead of it, and vanished in a soft flash of pure light. Behind them followed the fleet, and each ship repeating the steps of monstrously large command ship.

The Knight and Piercing Arrow was nearly double the size of standard Capital ships, and was undoubtedly the prize of the Sangheili fleet. And deep in its hull sat the young Sangheili Minor Squad leader and his fresh from the Academy squad. They, along with several Unggoy, Lekgolo and Keg-Yar, made their way to their stations.

Because they were new to the ship, it meant that they would be assigned the lowest of duties. Simyaldee was assigned to patrol duties for the ship portside landing bay. Upon entering the massive landing deck, Simyaldee froze.

Timnaldee, the squads second, stepped forward. "Six decks of Seraph, Phantom and Insertion troop transports. The command ship is surely monstrous!"

"Yes, brother, it is quite the eyeful." Simyaldee returned. He turned to his squad and began to bark orders. "You all have your assignments and squad designations. Take your teams and get to work. Our shift is ten units."

"Yes everyone, do try to keep you Unggoy's from sleeping too much." Timnaldee laughed as several of his squad mates chuckled in return. Oddly, the grunts behind them did not find it so amusing, but they dared not voice their displeasure.

"Pack B, to the top deck." Timnaldee ordered as pushed toward the cowering Unggoy. The tiny five foot 'grunts' parted from his path and eyed him cautiously. Timnaldee had no care for the methane breathers, but understood their purpose. His father was a field master during the great Unggoy uprising, and was swarmed by dozens of the useless creatures in the final days of the revolt. Upon entering the Academy, and learning of the uprising and his father's fate, Timnaldee began to detest the creatures. He often kicked them out of spite.

Simyaldee watched as his friend throughout their Academy years parted the doors to the ramps, he then watched as the other members of his squad lead their teams of grunts and 'jackals' toward their assigned patrol zones.

"Team A, let us depart." Simyaldee ordered. A ten unit shift lay ahead, and Simyaldee could already see the exhausted disposition of the grunts behind him. It was going to be a long journey to High Charity.

High overhead, on the second deck of the landing bay watched two Spec-Ops Sangheili Warriors. One of the 'elites' bore the standard black armor while the other wore white the white of the Special Operation's Commander, Vadumee.

"He is the one, Commander."

Commander Vadumee glanced strongly toward Simyaldee's every move. "You were right, Belmaedee. There is something special about him. Has his file been altered?"

"Yes, as per your orders." Belmaedee glanced toward the Commander. "All evidence of his training with the Master has been erased. Do you think he will accept?"

"We will find out soon enough. I must now report to the Supreme Commander about our Spec-Ops ground operations once we arrive at the Yanme'e nest. Once I leave High Charity the remainder of this task will be left up to you."

"As you wish, commander." Belmaedee bowed respectfully. "I wish it were possible that I join you on the battlefield against the Yanme'e…"

"As do I, Belmaedee, but this task must be fulfilled. The High Council expects great things from that warrior, and they say he followed in our footsteps."

Belmaedee chuckled softly, "I bet the master was not pleased."

"His pride would not let him." The commander returned. "Good luck to you, Belmaedee. Summon me if there are any complications. However, once the Fleet of Divine Light leaves High Charity, you will be on your own." The commander turned and walked toward the nearest exit. "I have a war to win."

"Go with honor, commander. Fight well." The door parted and the Commander was greeted by two Spec-Ops elites. They instantly turned and followed their leader and vanished into the depths of the ships corridors. Belmaedee returned his glare back toward Simyaldee, two decks bellow. "Unfortunately young one, your days of a normal soldier are slowly coming to a close."

- - - - - - - -

"The Sixth Age of Doubt"
Covenant Armada Base of Operations
Location: Unknown
February 30, 2438 : Sol Relative Time

The towering hologram of a Prophet continued its sermon, its words being spread throughout all of the Covenant ships. Every creature's eyes glared to it for understanding, and leadership.

"With a strong wind we have been delivered to this, the edge of yet another of our Gods creations. But these creatures, these Yanme'e, have again slowed our path. We, with humility and patients, have summoned their loyalty to join our crusade, yet they show no regard for our Gods or their holy relics.

"We stand at the forefront again, of another wondrous discovery, only to be impeded by those who do not understand its reverence. Have we not brought civility to the Unggoy, free will to the Kig-Yar, and discipline to the Sangheili? Have we not marched across the stars and united billions to their true meaning? So once again, it is time. Time for us to take up arms, time for us to bring a purpose to those who would resist the will of our Gods and this Covenant, and it is time for us to claim another of the Sacred Relics left to us by our Gods. Will we stand by and let those who oppose our great Covenant, disgrace our ancient and most holy of Relics?

"No one has ever withstood our might! No one has ever stopped us from claiming the artifacts of our Gods! No one will ever delay our Great Journey! By the will of the Gods, let us march upon the Yanme'e! Let them fear what our Gods have assembled! Let them know the true might of our Covenant! Lest they join us, let them feel our power!"

A roar of applauds erupted through out the armada as the High Prophet of Mercy held his frail arms into the air. With his graying skin and flicks of hair, he showed all eyes his age and wisdom.

From his floating throne he extended his arms and prepared to make his final statement. "To the stars, our mighty Fleet of Divine Light shall travel. Those who oppose our cause, await you." The hologram faded and everyone began to return to their duties, except those aboard a tiny Phantom which made its course to the outer docking ring of High Charity.

"Timnaldee, be sure to protect the squad. I am sorry that I can not go with you on this battle." Simyaldee stated as he stood above the Phantom's gravity lift.

"I do not understand why you can not come with us, Simyladee. But if the High Council has summoned you then it must be important. May the Gods watch over you."

"And you. I hope to here of your glorious battle when you return." The gravity lift shined with a hazy purple flare and Simyaldee was lowered to the docking ring deck below. He looked up as the phantom turned and sped back toward the exit portals of High Charity and into space. He gazed over the vastness of the inner cities of High Charity, and the massive Forerunner vessel at the center of the city. Simyaldee thought to himself that perhaps there was a reason to listen to the Prophets' teachings. Such a structure, the massiveness in its size and design, could only be achieved by beings far greater than the Sangheili could imagine. Perhaps the Gods of the Prophet's were real. For the first time Simyaldee was beginning to doubt his hatred of the Prophets, and even why he did not trust them. Perhaps the Relics, ships, miracles, and wisdom of the Gods were real. Maybe there was something to be learned of the Great Journey. Flashes of light began to appear beyond the distant view ports, and Simyaldee ignored his inner thoughts.

The Fleet of Divine Light was making slip space exit operations to travel to the Yanme'es' home, and Simyaldee hated to be left behind while his classmates and squad went to battle without him. The call to battle was not overwhelmingly strong, but the call to fight with his long time friends was. He felt no honor in being ordered to stay behind while his team, his squad, was sent to the front line. Yet the story of the Spec Ops Commander began to ring in his ears. The Commander had endured a similar a fate, being summoned by the High Council. Simyaldee thought that perhaps his fate would be the same. Simyaldee chuckled to himself at the thought, for allowing himself to think that his skill could be compared to the Commander's. Though they were close to the same age, it was not something to compare.

Rtas Vadumee came from an excellent line of warriors. The 'dum' clan was legendary, and each of them left their mark upon the Sangheili history books. No, there would be no comparison; Simyaldee knew this to be true.

He averted his eyes from the massive pearly-white Forerunner object at High Charity's heart, turned and walked away from the dock and watched as a much older Sangheili walked his way. He was clearly a vet, and a Spec Ops.

"My name is Belmaedee, Spec Ops squad Alpha, Team One. Are you Rin Simyladee?"

"Yes sir!" Simyaldee snapped to attention. "Squad Leader of Minor Omega 419!"

"There is much we must discuss, young one. But this is not the place. The High Council would like to meet with you. Come with me."

"Sir… may I ask why the Council summoned me on the eve of battle? My squad…"

"Your squad?" Belmaedee questioned. "Which is more important: the will of the Prophets, or the support of your Sqaud?"

Simyaldee paused in thought and nervously replied, "As a unit, my squad is my responsibility. We served well together, and if anything were to happen to them because of my absence…"

"Are you saying that your squad is more important than the will of the Prophets?"

Nervously Simyaldee backed away. "No sir, it is just that my squad functions…"

"Calm yourself, young one." Belmaedee smirked. He placed a hand on Simyaldee's shoulder to reassure him. "I know you have no favoritism in the Hierarchs. For now, let us not speak of anything further until we reach our destination. From today on, I assure you, your life will change."

To be continued

Notes: Thanks for the feedback. The "Divine" error has been corrected, thanks.
Things are going to pick up in Section 3, while section 4 will be quite adventurous for you thrill seekers. Thanks for all the support, and if you see something that stands out the way "Divine" did feel free to PM me. Thanks again. Reviews and critiques are always welcome.
-soulguard