Halo: The Mirratord

by soulguard

120 years before the events of Halo, the greatest of the Sangheili race have been called together to do what must be done in order to protect their kin from the unknown mysteries of the Covenant. This is where the legend begins.

10. Rin Simyaldee, R’tas Vadumee

Section 10: Rin Simyaldee, R'tas Vadumee

"The Age of Reclamation"
The Truth and Reconciliation
Slip Space to Armada Rendezvous Coordinates
March 22, 2438 :: Sol Relative Time

Rtas Vadumee stood at the forward most section of the command deck, and looked over the data pad in his hands. He rubbed his mandibles in thought as he stared at the names upon the list.

"I see. So he is the new Supreme Commander of the Fleet of Particular Justice?"

"Yes, Commander." The Ship Master at his side replied. "Once we rejoin the Armada, our Luminous Key will be synchronized with those of the Fleet of Particular Justice. He will be our superior for the duration of our term."

"He is older then I thought, yet fairly young for a Supreme Commander." Vadumee mumbled.

"Sir, what do you mean?"

"Nothing." Vadumee sharply replied and quickly changed the subject. "When we arrive I will make the Infinite Succor the Spec Ops base of operations for the Fleet of Particular Justice. Send word throughout the fleet and notify all sub-commanders."

"Yes Sir."

"I assume I will need to tell the Prophets of this change. Yet I doubt they will allow another of their kin to be placed under our guard."

"The Hierarchs are forgiving, Commander. They will understand that it was not your fault." The Ship Master added, but his words fell on deaf ears. Vadumee didn't care if they accepted it or not, his mission was clear and he had to bait both sides to achieve it. Halo was real and both the Prophets and Sangheili needed to come together. The Great Journey was more important then their slight differences in politics. And his Mirratord was the sword between them both.

"Commander!" Came a shout from the communications station at the rear of the deck. "There is an encrypted message from the High Council for you."

"Patch it directly to my communicator." Vadumee stared forward as the words of an aged Sangheili elder began to speak into his ear.

"With the news that the Armada is heading for the Outpost World, we grow concerned for the safety of our Brothers. But seeing that we are negotiating a Treaty, we need to know more information about what is happening there. Move ahead of the Armada, find out what you can. Contact Balmaedee and M'atralee and gather as much intelligence from them as you can."

"Interesting." Vadumee smiled. He folded his arms and turned to the Ship Master. "Change in plans. Get us to the Outpost World ahead of the Armada."

"Yes… Commander. But High Charity will be able to track us as we pass."

"No matter. The council will handle everything."

"Sir, I must ask what is going on."

"My orders come from the High Council. That is all you need to know."

- - - - - - - -

"The Age of Reclamation"
Sangheili Ship hovering near Capital City
Outpost World
March 22, 2438 :: Sol Relative Time

The feeling of shame swept over Vasmeola like a cold wind. She shuddered at the cold glances she received from her younger siblings, and she understood their anger. She lowered her head and sat quietly.

"What does this mean?" Simyaldee questioned, cutting into the eerie silence of the room. "Why are we concerned of this? We can ignore this act. None of us will speak of this…"

Balmaedee spoke up. "She has committed a crime, Simyaldee. That can not be ignored. Had it been any other we could have passed this by on a whim of trust for her namesake. However, she killed a ruling queen of the House of Vas."

"But you heard her! The House of Vas was disbanned."

"You should understand, Simyaldee." Balmaedee walked toward Vasmeola. "The council never fully removed the House of Vas, it was all of false act to keep Vasmeola out of the Academy. I was there." Balmaedee stood over Vasmeola and loomed quietly. Simyaldee had seen this before and sprang into action. He stood between Balmaedee and Vasmeola, fearing that the Major would carry out his duty and kill his new mate.

"You will not touch her!" He dared Balmaedee to act.

"Be calm. I will not harm her. But her actions must be passed on to the High Council. Such a crime can not be ignored. It is in their hands now."

"Give us a ship!" Simyaldee pleaded. "The council has no clue as to her location or the fate of her family. Let us leave."

"Us?" Balmaedee questioned curiously. "You may have claimed her, yet you belong to the Mirratord, never forget that." Balmaedee edged passed Simyaldee and gripped Vasmeola, lifting her to her feet. "Come, I will take you to a holding cell. When the council arrives we will inform them of your actions."

Vasmeola looked to Simyaldee, "This is why I did not wish to return. The law must be fulfilled. My father knew this and that is why we ran. I can not avoid this fate."

Simyaldee sulked but couldn't think of anything to say. The group descended to the holding cells passing several rows of Jiralhanae prisoners, mostly wounded. They found an empty group of cells and motioned Vasmeola inside. The prison guard quickly approached.

"Major… a female prisoner?" The guard shockingly stated.

Balmaedee approached him sternly. "Keep the shield down, she will not be a threat to anyone. See that she is well protected and fed. If she needs anything let me know. Treat her with the same respect you would treat any member of your own blood." He then turned to Simyaldee. "You and her siblings are welcome to stay and keep her company. I must go to the command deck and check the status of the Armada."

"What will happen?" Simyaldee questioned, but Balmaedee turned and walked away ignoring his query. Vasmeola gripped Simyaldee's arm and held him tightly. Thankfully Balmaedee allowed for the cell's shield door to remain powered off, giving Vasmeola some since of freedom, but she knew that the council would not spare her their justice.

Simyaldee sat at her side. "If what you said is true, I am sure that the council will understand. Balmaedee believes that you are very valuable, they will not harm you."

"We grew up under the council's watch, I know what they are capable of." Vasmeola softly stated. She looked to her brothers as they continued to glare at her with doubt.

Simyaldee looked to her, pondering the statement she had just made. "What do you mean?"

Vasmeola lowered her head into Simyaldee's chest and whispered, "You are kind to stay with me, but you do not understand the heart of the Mirratord. You do not yet see what your superiors are trying to teach you."

"Yet you do?" Simyaldee chuckled, doubting her words.

"I am the eldest child of Elder Bro'vasleo. I remember everything my father was involved in, even those things he wishes I did not know. The elders will do all that they can to break you and make you into the perfect killing machine."

- - - - - - - -

Balmaedee began his long journey to the command deck when his communicator began to beep. He opened the channel and to his surprise a familiar voice filled his ears.

"We have just arrived in system. I will be landing on the deck in a few units. Meet me in the main hanger."

"Yes Commander." Balmaedee clipped the channel and changed his destination. "He is early." He stated to himself. "He came ahead of the Armada, perhaps something has happened."

Balmaedee arrived at the landing deck just as the Commander's drop ship landed. Several Spec Ops descended from the doors along with the Commander as they approached Balmaedee. They greeted each other swiftly and began to walk off the deck.

"What have you learned of this Jiralhanae cease fire?" Vadumee questioned.

"Nothing. Do to my companions I was unable to investigate them further. However, my primary mission was successful. I have Simyaldee."

"That is good news. Though not enough for the council. They now want to know more about the proposed Treaty with the Jiralhanae."

"Perhaps we can discuss that later, for now I must tell you… the Princess lives."

"What?" Vadumee froze. His procession of Spec Ops stopped short behind as to not walk him over. He turned to them and waved them ahead. "Proceed to active stations. Dismissed." The Spec Ops, non Mirratord, obeyed and walked away, leaving Balmaedee and Vadumee to talk. "They said she was dead."

"There is a traitor in the midst of the council, brother. Not surprisingly, we were told wrong."

"But the body that was found…"

"It was her mother."

"Then the council is not aware of the truth." Vadumee folded his arms in thought. "Is Simyaldee aware of Vasmeola's past?"

"Yes, but he is not aware of the traitor we have been monitoring in the council. The Princess is also not aware that someone wants her dead."

"It is best that it remain that way for now. No one is aware of her being here, so we shall keep this amongst us. So long as the council is unaware of her presence, she is safe."

Balmaedee looked to Vadumee, "Do you still believe it is Elder Misuvai?"

"There is no proof of his hatred for the house of Vas, but he is the most likely candidate."

"He is the one that released public knowledge of the Arbiter's betrayal, at the conclusion of the Parade of Watchmen. I remember as if it were yesterday. He showed the Honored Leaders the official document of the Arbiter's actions."

"But that is not proof. We need more, brother, and accusing an elder to be a traitor is not something we can execute without full knowledge of his deeds. This is very complicated matter, and the very reason why I need Simyaldee's strength."

"He will not be happy once he discovers we kept this knowledge from him." Balmaedee sighed.

"Again, we first need proof. Simyaldee will be that proof, or so I hope. For now let us go and induct Simyaldee in the Mirratord. The councilors from the Truth and Reconciliation will be our witnesses. Contact M'atralee and tell him to meet us."

- - - - - - - -

Silence continued to fill the prison block, as there was very little activity with the exception of a few Unggoy cleaning crews. It was early in the morning and Vasmeola had nervously drifted off to sleep in Simyaldee's arm. They sat along side the cell wall as Vasmeola's younger brothers slept along side the exterior of the cell. Yet the youngest was unable to sleep, and ventured closer to Simyaldee.

"How did you become Mirratord?" He questioned to him.

Weary eyed and taken by the child's innocents, Simyaldee blindly replied. "I was chosen. My ancestral bloodline is pure enough, so the Council elders decided to induct me. My father was once a High Councilor, yet he was killed. I spent the majority of my youth rejecting and hating everything about the Covenant, until I met my Master. He taught me how to focus my anger and calm my mind. A lesson I should muster in this dark time."

"You love my sister?"

The question shocked Simyaldee, waking him from his half unconscious state. "Yes. But upon the Council's arrival we will be separated." The sound of footsteps echoed across the room and Simyaldee slowly stood to see who was coming. "Stay with your sister." He walked into the main hall and watched as Balmaedee, M'atralee, and what looked like the Spec Ops Commander began to walk toward him. He adjusted his eyes, rubbing away the sleep, and realized that it was indeed the Spec Ops Commander. His white armor was unmistakable.

"Get dressed." M'atralee snarled. Simyaldee sensed the seriousness in his voice. "We shall deal with the Princess later, for now we need to deal with you." Simyaldee picked up his vest and pulled it on. He looked down as Vasmeola opened her eyes. Neither of them spoke, they simply shared a short gaze. Vasmeola saw the white armored Sangheili in the hallway, and knew that something was happening.

Simyaldee turned, "I shall return as soon as I can." He walked into the hallway and followed the Mirratord.

Vasmeola was not as optimistic. "And I doubt that I will be here when you return." She softly whispered to herself.

The four warriors made their way down the hall as M'atralee whispered, "I hope you are ready for this. The First and the Second are here to induct you."

Simyaldee sighed. "This is my real induction. Yet I do not feel eager to accept it."

M'atralee chuckled. "Soon, all of your worries will be an afterthought."

They continued down the path until they entered the ship's armory. The room's lights were turned down, with only one beam of light shining in the center. As they crossed the door's threshold, Simyaldee quickly noticed the eyes of the Sangheili Elders in the distance, all standing alongside the wall and peering from the darkness. There were dozens of them. What also struck Simyaldee as odd was that Balmaedee was extremely quiet. The door to the room closed behind them and the Spec Ops Commander stepped into the center of the room.

"Elders, this day has been a long time coming, but everyone has finally been assembled. We, the future of the Sangheili race, born in the Sixth Age of Doubt, have come to carry on the hope of a better tomorrow for our kinsmen." Vadumee knelt before the darkness of the shrouded elders. Balmaedee, M'atralee and Simyaldee did the same.

"For too many years has our faith been tested, and our trust in the Hierarchs is bitter. However I come before you with the future leaders of your Right Hand. To ensure the safety of our kin and to protect our ways, and most importantly to uphold the Mirratord Law, I have called together the purist of the Sangheili Bloodline."

They all stood as Vadumee continued. "From the house of Mae; Ladme Balmaedee. The son of High Elder Den Tramaeda." Balmaedee stepped forward and stood at Vadumee's side; his black armor mirroring the brilliant white of the Spec Ops Commander.

"From the house of Tra; Den M'atralee. Son of High Elder S'et Metraoa." M'atralee walked to their side, his black armor radiating his pride and willingness to uphold the Mirratord Law.

"From the house of Yal, Rin Simyaldee. Son of High Elder …."

From the darkness came a shout, "Do not speak his name!" Simyaldee and the others tried to see who was speaking, but the room was creating an echo and with the darkness it made it impossible to discern who had given the shout. Another elder then spoke. "Though we meet in secret, we must be cautious. Simyaldee's father sacrificed much to protect our kin, let us not betray his grave by releasing too much information. Even in death, his honor knows no limit, so let us respect the secrecy of his name."

Vadumee looked to Simyaldee, hoping that the young inductee understood the Elder's words. "Very well, Elders." He waved Simyaldee forward. The four Mirratord Warriors stood in the center of the room and patiently waited as the Elders mumbled amongst themselves. Then one of the Elders stepped into the light. His massive helmet glowed brilliantly in the reflection and carried the weight of being an elder.

"Commander, by law of our ancestor's ways, power is given to the strong. You, who we have trusted even in your youth, were wise enough to assemble this team. Now you must prepare to extend the mantel of leadership to those worthy of the act. This is the way it was before the arrival of the Covenant, and this is the way it will be when they leave. You earned the right to keep your position by besting both Balmaedee and M'atralee, but now you must face the newest of your brethren."

The Elder turned to Simyaldee. "You have been chosen to become a ranking member of the Mirratord. To help lead our kin, protect them, and obey the High Council of Sangheili. In this act, you must earn your place amongst the ranked three; to become the Mirratord First, the Mirratord Second or the Mirratord Honor Guard. Do you accept?"

Simyaldee looked to his kin. It was Obvious that M'atralee was the Mirratord Honor Guard, the lowest rank of the three. But none of that mattered, Simyaldee realized that he was unaccustomed to the ways of the Mirratord; he was not ready to lead them.

"I thank you for this honor, but I choose to not be amongst the ranked three. If it pleases the council and the First, I will simply join the unranked Mirratord."

Vadumee stepped from the line and kicked Simyaldee in the chest, knocking the warrior backwards. "No, I do not accept that." Simyaldee slid until his head impacted the bulkhead. The protective shield from is new shield unit had vanished, completely overloaded from the impact of being kicked, and the low power warning was beeping wildly in his ears. He stood quickly, holding his chest and snarled at the First.

Balmaedee stepped between Simyaldee and Vadumee. "Commander, he is mine. That is the way of things. If he bests me, then you will have your turn."

The elder backed away and into the darkness, "So it begins." The anticipation was high for this gathering, the Commander had spoken so highly of Simyaldee that the assembled councilors were nearly feverish to see what he was capable of.

M'atralee walked over to Simyaldee and removed Simyaldee's shield unit. "You will not need this. It will do you little good. I would challenge you as well, but I have seen what you can do. I pale in comparison to your abilities. Either way, it is clear that I will no longer be considered a member of the ranked three. However, a bit of advice, lose to the Second; you do not want to fight the First." M'atralee pulled away. Simyaldee watched as he went and waited for Balmaedee to approach.

"You have been called here to fill a need, and as I told you, there is no turning back." Balmaedee let loose a ferocious roar. He leapt forward, but Simyaldee quickly avoided him. There were no cheers for this contest, no roaring crowds or feverish taunts, this was a sacred event reserved for the honorable. And although M'atralee's words made sense, fighting the strongest of the Mirratord was ill-advised, but the Sangheili's natural instincts were to fight to win.

Balmaedee spun around quickly, gripping Simyaldee with a vise like motion to his chest. Simyaldee was lifted several feet into the air yet things seemed to be moving in slow motion to his eyees. He was seeing things clearer then he thought possible. He grabbed Balmaedee's arm, tumbled out of his grip, rolled the warriors wrist and turned his shoulder out of socket. It was almost too easy.

Balmaedee did not cry out in pain, he let the dislocated shoulder be his advantage. He used the extra freedom of rotation and rolled clear; pulling his wrist free from Simyaldee's grasp.

He snarled, "Will you use those hands to defend our kin? Will you let the Prophets continue to govern our fate? Your mind is torn between your hatred and confusion. You hate, yet you wish not to fight! Mindless and stupid! What did the master teach you? Will you let his memory be forgotten in your mind?" Balmaedee had already seen that he could not beat Simyaldee, he was much stronger and faster then he was, but he had to make him understand that he was needed. It was his destiny to be here.

Balmaedee stood, popped his shoulder back into socket, and flung himself toward Simyaldee. With the grace and speed of something other worldly, Simyaldee stepped forward, drove his elbow deep into Balmaedee stomach and raised his fist into his chin. Balmaedee crumbled to the floor, unconscious.

Vadumee stood motionless in the center of the room. "Has his words swelled into your head? Do you see the purpose of your calling? Did your father die for nothing?"

Simyaldee spun and roared in protest, "Do not speak of my father as if you knew him!"

"Do you wish to carry on your father's honor? Do you wish to understand why he sacrificed himself for the safety of the council, for his kin … for you?" Vadumee walked toward Simyaldee and awaited his reply. "Speak!"

"What do you know of my father? What do you want from me?" Simyaldee protested.

"Your undying allegiance to the protection of our race!" Vadumee strongly replied. "Your father gave everything for Sangheili race, only to be assassinated for his beliefs and to protect his child. I want you to uphold your oath to obey the High Council, even in the face of the Hierarchs themselves. To do what no other group can do. And if need be, sacrifice a few lives to save billions."

Simyaldee sat in silence.

Vadumee gritted his mandibles. "Did you not watch as the Master died by Balmaedee's hands? He accepted his fate. Did you not see Elder Bro'vasleo stay behind to face the enemy, even though he was wounded? He also accepted his fate! Your father also accepted his fate! What will you accept when the time comes?"

"Enough!" Simyaldee roared. "I am but a warrior, young and foolish as I may be, but still a simple warrior. Why are you so determined to make me join you?"

An elder stepped into the light, "Because you and Vadumee are the last of the Ancient Bloodline; the oldest bloodline of our kin. Your Bloodline dates back to the ancient guardians of the Inner Sanctum, those that first walked onto the surface of our homeland and claimed it."

Vadumee looked into Simyaldee's eyes. "You did not know this history, it has been erased from all existence. You are who we want you to be. But the Prophets must never know of your lineage, we believe this is the true reason your father was murdered. His actions saved the council, but it was also an excuse to end his life. There is more to the mystery of the Prophets, but I will say this, I have seen Halo…" The room broke into a murmur as gasps escaped the elder's lungs. "It exists. The Prophets are not lying, but they are not telling us everything. We need you now more than ever. And I need you at my side. I have seen things that make me question the motives of the Prophets, but one thing is true, I am now a believer in the great journey."

Several elders emerged, "First, are you certain?"

"Can it be true?"

"What have you seen?"

"Tell us?"

Vadumee waved his hands. "In time, Elders, I will share everything. But now I must know the state of the Mirratord." He looked to Simyaldee. "What say you, brother?"

Simyaldee questioned, "What about Vasmeola? Will she be spared?" Vadumee winced as he heard her name, hoping that Simyaldee would not speak of her.

A councilor stepped forward, "The daughter of Bro'vasleo?"

"Elders, we can discuss that another time." Vadumee quickly added. The elders seemed intrigued, but did not press the matter. "What is your answer?" He turned back to Simyaldee.

Simyaldee backed away from Vadumee and looked at him questioningly. He pondered why the First choose not to reveal that Vasmeola was on the ship. "Do I still need to challenge you?"

Vadumee chuckled. "You wish to challenge the seat of the First? I believe my new apprentice, Kusovai, would be a worthier match. You are still too young and undisciplined to best me."

"Our age difference is only a few years."

Vadumee began to counter. "True. So, if you wish to try your luck…"

Simyaldee lashed out, his swing was swift, and nearly unnoticeable to the untrained eye. But his swing was pointless, and well off the mark. Before Simyaldee could recoil to make another attempt, he balled over in pain as his abdomen rumbled. His lungs violently exploded as the pressure in his chest forced all of his air outward. He crumbled to his knees and gasped. He never saw the motion or the attack that had subdued him. He looked up as Vadumee hovered over him.

"Simyaldee, do not be disappointed. I have been trained in the ancient arts of our kin, and I will train you in them as well. You will learn and possibly pass me in skill, one day. But for now, I am proud to say that I made the right choice. Welcome to the Mirratord, my new Second."

The elders had barely seen what had transpired. The moment that they had all been looking forward to passed in the blink of an eye. They all looked on curiously, pondering what to make of the sudden ending.

"Is there skill difference that vast?"

"It would seem so."

"Then why is the First pleased?"

Vadumee heard their concerns as he aided Simyaldee to his feet. "Because Elders, he easily bested my former Second, and that alone tells me he has great potential."

The elders all nodded and accepted the new Second in command of the Mirratord. They slowly began to leave the armory as the lights began to turn on to normal levels, illuminating the room fully. There were thirteen of them in total, yet not one of them was a high ranking councilor. They were all merely witnesses to the incutions.

Simyaldee watched as Balmaedee slowly staggered to his feet, assisted by M'atralee. "Are you alright, Major?"

Balmaedee nodded yes. "Your concern is not warranted. I seem to be somewhat out of practice in my hand to hand training."

M'atralee chuckled, "Or perhaps you are getting to old."

Balmaedee smirked, "I am merely ten years older then the lot of you."

"Wait, I thought you and the First trained together? Would that not mean you are nearly the same age?" Simyaldee questioned.

Vadumee interrupted. "That is a story for another time, and the Mirratord will not reveal all of its secrets so suddenly. Come, the fate of the Jiralhanae is most certainly being decided. We must prepare to meet with the Fleet of Particular Justice."

Simyaldee spoke softly to Vadumee, "Let me go and speak with mate first, to calm her nerves." Simyaldee continued to massage his wounded abs.

"No. We will meet with her in time. Right now our priority is the safety of the Council. When the Meeting begins we will return to speak with her, as I have many questions for her as well."

- - - - - - - -

"The Age of Reclamation"
High Charity
Council Chambers
High Orbit over Outpost World
March 23, 2438 :: Sol Relative Time

Outcries wailed throughout the theater sized chamber. From the bleachers at opposing sides, the Prophets and Sangheili bitterly tossed their frustrations over the situation. Yet during this heated debate, sitting at the front of the Council Chambers, Truth and Mercy watched and listened.

It was clear that the Sangheili were upset, incensed over the idea of peace with the Jiralhanae. "They attacked with no warning or provocation!" A Sangheili Elder shouted. His words carried the same sentiment as each of his fellow Elders. "They are barbaric, uncivilized, and lack any sense of Honor. How can we talk peace with them?"

A Prophet spoke up from the opposing side, "The Sangheili of today was not as refined when we first met you. You were no better when we first introduced you to the Covenant."

"Blasphemy!" Shouted an angry elder. Roars of protest and insults ensued as Truth slowly moved toward the edge of his floating throne. The floating slowly bobbed forward, toward the edge of the stage overlooking the Council Chambers.

He raised his hand to address the crowd, and the dispute calmed. "We have all come with a dark past. The visions of the Forerunners captured our hearts and made the path easy for us all to unite. The Jiralhanae are no different. However, I do agree that there is no easy way to fully bring them into the Covenant outright."

Mercy sat up sharply, confused as to what his ears were hearing. This was not what they had planed. "Brother Mercy, might I speak …"

Truth continued. "We shall embrace the Jiralhanae. That is the will of the Gods. However, this act against the Sangheili can not … shall not go ignored. If it pleases this council, as it does my own heart, we shall give the Jiralhanae this world in good faith, however, we shall also keep them separate from our dealings until the time of their need is required. Perhaps in time this feud and bitterness will pass, and the Covenant can be made whole. A found teaching of the Gods is patience."

Mercy stared at Truth with confusion. What had Truth done? Once again he had twisted their ideas and not informed him of any change. The door the Council Chamber parted, and Mercy looked up, cutting his thoughts short.

"Enter." Truth stated. Through the door walked six massive beasts. And leading them was the ageing Chieftain, Tartarus.

Truth extended his palm to them. "On behalf of the Covenant, we welcome you to the Council Chambers."

Tartarus's eye twitched as he snarled. "Seeing your armada appear before my eyes was quite the sight. You Prophets have made a good fight, and we can not hope to best you. I, Tartarus, unified Chieftain of the Jiralhanae… surrender to the will of the Covenant." He knelt forward planting his fist into the metal deck and bowed his head. The five Brutes at his side did the same. "We will follow your Gods, and your teachings."

The Sangheili honor guards at Mercy and Truth's side held their place yet were uncomfortable at the sight of the beasts. Truth sensed their anxiousness. "Honor Guards, step back. Tartarus, come forward." To the shock of the Council and the honor guards, Truth floated toward Tartarus as the Brute stood. "The Sangheili, our trusted counterparts, are enraged at the acts committed upon this world, and we have agreed that accepting you fully into our fold would be unwise at this time. However, as a sign of our union, I would ask that you and your kin take up a special role. There are several territories within your borders that we have not yet charted in our quest for Forerunner Artifacts. Show the Covenant your allegiance by finding what you can and returning it to us. In time, we will embrace you fully, but for now we ask that you be our scouts."

Tartarus was confused about these words. His previous conversations with Truth said nothing of this. Though confused about the change in plan, he looked to the Prophet and felt that he could trust him; for now.

Tartarus replied. "It would be an honor. Anything to show our worth to the Covenant." The crowd of Sangheili councilors slowly began to protest, but Truth raised his hands.

"The Hierarchs have spoken. And this is how it shall be. Our word is law, and in time the might of the Covenant will be made whole."

"But Holy Truth, their hands are not clean. How can we let them retrieve the sacred artifacts?" A Sangheili elder questioned.

"We will teach them all that they need." Truth extended his hand and placed it upon Tartarus's forehead. "And this evening, his Holiness Mercy shall bless there hands in the temple of the Forerunner. Now we welcome you, the Jiralhanae, to the Covenant."

After nearly another hour of talks and debates the Council adjourned. Truth and Mercy began to descend down the elevator which would lead them to the Sanctum of the Hierarchs. They had dismissed the honor guards so that they could speak in private.

"What have you done?" Mercy questioned.

"Assured the future, without destroying the present."

"This is not what we planned. The Grand Design calls for…"

"Unlike the Great Journey, the Grand Design is not perfect. With the Migration complete, we can now see things more clearly. We have yet to locate Halo, we have no idea of the Ark's location, and this all means that the Great Journey is out of reach until we have what we need. If the Sangheili are untrusting of the Jiralhanae then the Armada will be divided, making our search for artifacts difficult. I have given the Jiralhanae a ground in which to stand on, and they will in time find more of our missing history. With each piece they find, they will become more accepted by the Sangheili."

Mercy huffed. "But the Grand Design required the use of their power. We have been manipulating things, preparing for the day that we introduce the Jiralhanae to the Covenant, and now you make us wait? Why did you not discuss this with me?"

"Forgive me brother. It was a last minute decision. Should I have pulled you to the side in front of the Council and rethought our strategy? The Sangheili are not blind, and nor are they fools. They would question such secrecy. For now, this is a better out come. And for now… we wait to see what comes of it."

- - - - - - - -

Several hours after meeting with the Supreme Commander of the Fleet of Particular Justice, Vadumee, Balmaedee and Simyaldee wandered into the cell room, and approached the cell that Vasmeola had once occupied. The room was empty. Vadumee looked to his new Second with a quiet shock. All the while his mind raced with questions.

"What has happened? Where is she?" Simyaldee pleaded as he looked around the room. He was hoped to see them hiding in a corner of the cell, or even a letter detailing their movement. "Where is the guard? He should know something."

Balmaedee walked to the cell block terminal and scanned the data logs. "I doubt the guard is aware of their movement. According to the log, no one has been in this room."

"Not possible!" Simyaldee shouted in frustration. "The guard was here, and we watched him enter the data."

Balmaedee glared at him sternly. "Calm your emotions." He then approached Vadumee. "Do you believe the council was told of her presence?"

Vadumee turned and began to walk out of the cell. "Let us go and find out."

To Be Continued