1034 Hours, September 10th, 2558(UNSC Calendar)
Delta Vega Cluster

Onboard Covenant Supercarrier, Avatar of Truth
Joint UNSC Sangheili Task Force
Combined UNSC Tenth Fleet/Sangheili Eighth Fleet of Righteous Revenge
Combined Fleets Code Named Epsilon Fleet

It had been seven months sense representatives of the UNSC and the Sangheili, namely Admiral Hood, Captain Lasky, and the newly appointed Kaidon Thel Vadum, met with the Jiralhane Chieftain Lydus to negotiate a peace between the Sangheili and the Jiralhane. Seven months sense remnants of the Covenant attempted to assassinate diplomats in a cowardly attack on the planet Ealen IV. The assassination had failed, but sense then the Covenant Remnants have become a terrorist organization, striking Human, Sangheili (Elite), and Jiralhane (Brutes) targets. Targets have thus far been Colony Worlds, using a Thorium laced explosive charge that detonate in atmosphere causes the ecosystems on habited worlds to collapse. Even Mgalekgolo (Hunter) and Ungoy (Grunt) worlds have not been spared.

In response the UNSC, Sangheili, and Jiralhane forces have turned their sights on these rogue elements and agreed to work with one another to make sure every last Covenant Remnant is destroyed.

Still, as a result of the Covenant Remnants actions there has been a sudden increase in refugees in UNSC space. In an effort to locate suitable worlds for colonization, the Tenth Fleet of the UNSC and the Eighth fleet of the Sangheili have begun a long range search for worlds that could use as possible settlement sites. The larger Covenant ships in the fleet were filled to capacity with settlers of multiple races, engineers and soldiers.

This was a mission of mercy, but little did any of those onboard these vessels know that soon a life or death struggle against an old enemy and a force of unimaginable power would begin.

Special Operations Officer Henr'ak 'Takalu stood with his fellow officers of the Avatar of Truth as the UNSC Pelican came into the docking bay to land. He was currently without his helmet, the crescent moon shaped scar behind his left eye was still plain to see. It was given to him by a human marine, Sergeant Zhao Heng Lopez, during the war. He was a prisoner of war onboard the UNSC Mona Lisa. What had happened to him there he still did not talk about, even to his own family. The one thing that was known by everyone is that twelve human marines boarded the UNSC Mona Lisa. Only three made it out alive. Two humans and one Sangheili. But that was all in the past. Still, the nightmare that they had all encountered on the Mona Lisa would haunted his dreams for the rest of his life. One positive thing he took out of it was meeting Sergeant Lopez, who he still considered a friend.

Approximately thirty units(minutes) prior Fleet Master Grenar 'Kelacal received a message from the current flagship of the UNSC ships present in the task force, the UNSC Iwo Jima. Henr'ak was not aware of the contents of the message, but knew it had to be important enough for the Fleet Master to order Epsilon Fleet to exit Slip Space and hold position.

In Henr'ak's opinion, holding position for too long with both Sangheili and Jiralhane onboard was a bad idea. While there was a "Truce" in play the old hatreds both races shared for one another was always present. There have already been small incidents of fighting spread threw out the fleet. Mostly hand to hand combat. They had so far been fortunate that ships have yet to turn on one another. It was fortunate that both Fleet Master Grenar 'Kelacal and Chieftain Revar of the Jiralhane, who was also present, were both interested in keeping things civil and for the most part have been able to keep both sides in line.

The Pelican passed through the Hangers atmospheric shield and swung around so that the access hatch would open onto the ship. Henr'ak watched as the shuttled eased down onto the bay floor, the Pelicans engines cycling down. As the rear hatch opened, allowing the passengers onboard to depart. The Human Admiral Alexander Churchill and his guard of five of what Henr'ak recognized as the Spartan IV known as Razor Squad walked down the hatch.

Admiral Churchill gave a customary human salute while Fleet Master 'Kelacal gave the customary Sangheili salute, which involved pressing his fist against his own chest and bowing his head. Chieftain Revar did not return the favor, as when the Jiralhane gave a salute it was generally a call to battle.

Admiral Churchill began, "Fleet Master 'Kelacal. I apologize for requesting this meeting under such short circumstances, but a situation has come up and we are the only ones close enough to do anything about it. Have you assembled your command staff?"

Fleet Master 'Kelacal nodded, "Of course. They await us in the Council Chambers to hear what you have to say." He gave a motion to me, "This is Henr'ak 'Takalu. He is in charge of those with the rank of Special Operations. He will be joining us for the meeting. I also took the liberty of inviting Chieftain Revar, as he is a part of this fleet and deserves a say."

I gave a short bow to the human Admiral. One of the Spartans was eyeing me closely. I could not see the Spartans face, as the human had its helmet on. This Spartans armor was a Dark Red, the traditional color of Razor Squad. When asked why they wear red armor they often say that they painted the armor in the blood of their enemies. Was the Spartan perhaps challenging me in some way? Now was not the time for such things.

"I do not like all of this... What is it you humans call it? Cloak and Dagger bullshit. It is not something a true Warrior would condone." Said Chieftain Revar. Like all his kind he loved the thrill of battle, and the prospect of tearing his prey in half. Unlike others of his kind Revar had an understanding of things like Covert Ops, military tactics, and many other concepts that seem to elude many of the Jiralhane.

Admiral Churchill didn't seemed fazed by Revar and simply continued, "I assure you Chieftain Revar, I have a purpose for waiting to inform you all. Now, may we head to this Council Chamber?"

Without another word the group began to move on towards the primary hatch. Henr'ak remained behind the Fleet Master as a sign of respect and obedience. He noticed one of the Spartans quickly catch up to him and fall into stride. It was the same one who had been eyeing him a few moments before. He judged by this Spartans armor that the Spartan was the commander of this Spartan unit. The Spartan leaded towards him a bit and whispered in a voice that was obviously female, "I see you still carry the mark I left you Henry."

That startled him. No one had called him by that human name for a long time, and the only person left that would know it was... "Sergeant Lopez?" he asked incredulously.

Lopezes visor depolarized and she gave him a grin, "It's been a long time Henry, but it not Sergeant anymore. It's actually Major... It's good to see you." her visor repolarized. She was about to get back to her people when she leaned back to him and said, "Tell you what. If we survive the next few days, then drinks are on you."

I could only chuckle at that. Judging by the fact that Lopez was now a Spartan IV there indeed was a lot to talk about. But what was it she meant by 'If we survive?' Just another mystery he hoped would be answered by the conference.

The Council Chamber was originally designed so that the Council of the Covenant could meet onboard a ship when being moved from on location to another. As that was no longer entirely necessary the Chamber had been converted into a more technologically friendly environment. Holographic displays dominated the walls so that anything of interest can be shown and reviewed. Sangheili and Ungoy alike worked on various consoles arrayed throughout the room. Where the Prophets would have been there was now a holographic platform where one could speak to those present with ease.

Henr'ak was seated other Special Ops Sangheili. Each rank of Sangheili present was seated with others of their specific rank. It was believed that it would allow individuals of similar mindsets to share thought with one another with ease. The Jiralhane did not have any sort of system. They sat wherever they wished, and if one wanted another's seat they would generally fight for it until one submitted.

As things settled down Admiral Churchill took the stage. Holographic displays appeared before him, automatically translating to English. He inserted a Crystalline Chip into the console before he began. Churchill was a no none sense kind of leader who always went straight to the point. "Three days ago, a Deep Space Survey Probe discovered an object approximately twenty four hours from our current position. This object is believed to be of Forerunner origin." Churchill looked down and typed on the display. An image of open space was shown on screen "This was taken by a UNSC Prowler near that same position approximately two years ago." The image shifted. It was still open space, but there was something else. Something that made Sangheili and Jiralhane both rise from their seats.

What was shown on screen was massive. An object the shape of an eight pointed star. Four of the arms were much longer than the others. On its surface was obviously a lush and habitable world. At the center of the object was what appeared to be a spherical object. At the center of the room a rough three dimensional holographic representation of the object was projected.

"Layout and design is reminisant of the Forerunner Installation 00, more commonly referred to as the Ark." Churchill continued. Whispers in various languages erupted throughout the chamber. The significance of this was not lost on anyone. "The UNSC has decided that as a show of good faith to both the Sangheili and the Jiralhane that we would share the details of this to both your governments. Our task force is the only group in range that can move in and assess the situation. Admiral Hood, Kaidon Thel 'Vadum, and Head Chieftain Lydus have agreed to cooperate for the duration of this expedition."

Admiral Churchill remained silent as those present spoke. The Sangheili spoke of endless possibilities for this place, while the Jiralhane spoke of less notable things. Mainly of knowledge of weapons, and things that would make them strong.

When conversations died down Churchill continued, "There is one other thing. A mystery that we have yet to solve." He entered a console command, holographic image to zoom in. Most of the installation disappeared save for a part of the longer arm. "The probe we have stationed there recorded this video." Suddenly, as if something just began to materialize on its own, a strange vessel passed into threw some sort of field and approached the installation. The ship had a central structure and two wing like structures that ran along the length of the ship. It was mostly a white color save for black and gold stripes. "We have no idea who they are or what their intent is." The video repeated itself again. Admiral Hood pointed at the image. "Our scientist believe that a powerful Slip Space field engulfs the entire station, allowing it to exist in multiple locations at the same instant. We cannot confirm this from what we have, but we will find out." He let that settle in. The technology to do something like this was beyond anything the UNSC or Sangheili could possibly do. "Our order, investigate the installation. If we can establish a research facility then we are to do so. If it is considered a threat, then we are to destroy it."

At that same moment
Gateway Station

it writhed with anticipation. They were getting closer to its tomb. The gate shall be opened, and it shall rise once more.

In a distant dark room it could see through the eyes of its brood. The sounds of working could be heard beyond the door.

As it watched, the door slowly swung open. The face of the Sergeant Gardner was the first it saw, but there were others behind him. They could not see the danger rushing at them. As the lights within the room came on, the face of the one called Gardner was first one of confusion, then one of terror as his brood was free. Free to feast upon flesh and bone once more.

In the depths of Gateway it began to laugh. "Now the gates have been unlatched. The gates of Hell have opened, and we are freed to feast. Corpses shall rise, and death shall spread across all of creation."