Warning: If you copy/plagiarize any part of my story, you will be prosecuted to the maximum legal extent. If I can't really do anything to you legally, I'll just flame you and/or report you, unless it was honestly a coincidence. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: None of the characters from Halo, Halo 2, or the Halo books are mine. Klasz Hakamamee (the name) belongs to Mr. Xiran and the character itself belongs to Bungie and Microsoft. Yes, he let me use the character, so don't flame me.

A/N: Hello everybody! Thanks again for viewing loyal fans; it really means a lot for your encouragement and support! Unfortunately, this one is probably going to be a bit late and unedited, but that's to be expected. Another downer, I was about half way through the chapter when my Computer froze and KILLED this chapter, making me start ALL OVER again! SOB Oh well, I suppose what happens happens. Anyway, please read and review, don't be afraid to offer ideas! Without further-a-do, ENJOY!

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Rtas' Vadumee: Rise of a Recruit

Chapter 7

"Look! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's a….PLASMA BOMB?

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Rtas's boots made a clunking sound as they hit the hard floor of the decks aboard the Prophecy. Off to either side stood groups of minor ranked Sangheili in the pale blue armor, faces eager and at attention, focused on the red armored veteran. Out side the Covenant Destroyer, was the human colony planet "Corte'd zur", Rtas couldn't quite remember the exact name of the planet, and frankly he didn't much care. It was just another human dwelling that needed to be obliterated.

It had been long since Rtas became a Major of the Covenant military, and he had done a few things in this time, ranging from typical patrol duty, to eradicate Heretics smuggling weapons. Still, it had been awhile since the encounter of humans, and he was about to get a little more action. The soldiers that stood at rigid attention were under his own personal command, many nearly as old as him, yet others new to the Covenant. The total was twenty-five Sangheili, and a group of twelve veteran Unggoy. Rtas had full confidence in his soldiers, knowing that they could handle whatever he threw at him, even the new ones proved themselves on multiple occasions.

Among the new minors, stood Dai' the new demolition expert, Zekunee' the dual wielder, he preferred using two plasma rifles in quick bursts to effectively deal with any threat. Rtas had met him after becoming a Major, and he had proved an exceptionally equip warrior. Another warrior was Zekunee's younger brother, who wielded dual needlers and covered his older sibling. He had joined along with Zekunee, and although younger then most, the Sangheili showed "explosive" results on the field. The final high level minor was Rtas's second in command, and a loyal friend. Kusovai was his name, his full name bearing "blade master" as the title given to him. The reason for this was that Kusovai was most likely the first and youngest to use energy blades in combat, and he wielded them with deadly efficiency. Rtas noted the blades on his belt, touching his own blade at his side before cocking his head to look out the flat panel screen revealing Covenant ships closing in on the small human colony.

Rtas heard a cracking on his intercom, and the deep voice of the ship master.

"Rtas Vadumee, send your squad down with the other dropships to clean up human resistance around the human's residence. Afterwards, I shall come down personally to search the forunner temple for any signs of the god's artifacts. Be sure to alert me once you have slain all the humans."

So, there was some sign of the Forerunners left upon the planet. At least there was some fruit to their search, other then of course eradicating more vermin. Tapping the plasma rifle at his side, Rtas turned for the panel, replying to his father in a monotonous tone.

"As you say, it shall be done."

Rtas clicked of his COM and went to his soldiers, standing at full height. Strolling calmly forward, Rtas looked back at his loyal warriors and spoke in a deep tone, appearing for what he was: a powerful Sangheili veteran.

"Warriors, we have orders to set off and land on the human planet, penetrate their defenses and obliterate the un-holiness. We are one of the five teams sent to do the dirty work, and will have back-up assistance if necessary."

Rtas winced once he mentioned back up, it never made ones mind easy knowing that there would be something that could force them to call for back up.

"We leave for the shuttles immediately, be sure you're suited up and we will depart for the docking bay."

Hitting his chest with his clenched fist, Rtas moved through the splitting doors ahead of him, the Sangheili and Unggoy following close behind him in tight formation through the large halls. It wasn't long before Rtas and his team found the hanger, which was crowded by Sangheili pilots and Unggoy technicians, frantically setting up the dropships for immediate departure.

Rtas went off to the left route on the docking bays of the massive ship, causally walking past lower level and higher ranking warriors as he stepped aboard the large U shaped drop-ship. It was the one he frequently used; the pilot had saved him and his team more then once on several of their most perilous mission. Standing inside by the door, the elite warrior watched seeing that each of his squad boarded and took their positions, their various weapons clung to the side and clattered against the Tzoku battle damaged armor. Rtas idly noticed the many dents and scars on his own deep red armor, honor scars.

Shouting loudly to the pilot and ushering him to seal the doors with a quick forward hand motion, Rtas walked to the middle of the small vessel and gripped a bar. The pilot Roza'k got the message, sending the signal that they were ready for immediate take off. Down below the veteran Sangheili nodded and pushed a large button, the plasma shields and doors opening for a brief time. Multiple dropships and small Covenant assault ships sped out, racing to the planets surface. Rtas clung tightly, the ship was going too fast, or was it? The situation was dangerous, and Rtas began to wonder about their chances of even making to the planets surface.

The humans were not as weak as the Covenant thought; they fired back with what they could spare, the Archer missiles shooting at the incoming ships. Two drop-ships were blown in less then an instant, the Archer missiles tearing them apart along with the crew aboard. Rtas looked away from the scanners as their debris floated through space. Roza'k shifted the ship over, carefully avoiding the war heads as they flew through the space and eventually impacting against a Covenant ship. The shields blocked the attack, but the humans were now firing on the Covenant frigate, and soon its shield had been broken through and hundreds of the Archer missiles managed to hit it from the inside, spelling instant death for the Covenant ship. But it still was not enough; there were still many Covenant Cruisers and frigates, with hundreds of drop ships incoming. The missile turrets couldn't stop them all.

Rtas held on as a random swerve nearly knocked him and the crew aboard off balance. The pilot was being daring, using a nearby meteorite as cover. It was blown to small molecules, Rtas's crew going below, and now close to the surface with a handful of drop-ships backing them up. The Archer missiles are contained in missile pods, containing 20-36 missiles. Each missal has a very powerful warhead, a single one of them capable of shattering a covenant dropship. Roza'k had only just avoided them, but the other Covenant drop-ships still had to deal with them.

Breaking through into the atmosphere, Rtas and his team noticed the planets amazing forest life, trees and rivers could be viewed from the monitors aboard. Rtas breathed deeply, mentally preparing for tactical clash down on those grounds. Rtas could guess that the humans had prepared for them, and planned on fighting to the last man, which is just what the Sangheili commander wanted.

The dropship swerved recklessly as the human resistance begun to attack with MAC cannons, blowing more Covenant ships as they entered the atmosphere. Rtas's yelled for his troops to hold on, though the sound of battle made it difficult to hear; still they got the message. Just as the Covenant drop-ship made another turn to the left, nearing the drop point, an MAC shot clipped its right side, sending it spiraling forward at an alarming rate. Roza'k began entering commands, buckling himself up and shouting for the crew aboard to hang on. Rtas retorted as calmly as he could, and held steadily. More fire could be heard outside, and Roza'k struggled with all his might to land/crash nearest to the drop off point.

Smashing into several trees, the Sangheili pilot crashed the large U shaped ship directly into one, causing the warriors aboard to stumble from their earlier positions. Rtas smacked his head and walked to the pilot room, relived to see him relatively unharmed, blood streamed from his face and a large crack in his helmet was apparent.

Moving to his side, Rtas began sending hand signals to his soldiers to get ready to move out and secure the perimeter, and get back on schedule.

"Roza'k, are you alright?"

"Yes brother, I shall be fine. We must continue with the mission as ordered, I will call for assistance from nearby Covenant ships, and tell the Ship Master that we arrived."

Nodding, Rtas rushed back to his team and found they had grabbed their gear, the Unggoy had even gathered the supply's and spare weapons. Feeling pride in his team, Rtas got to work on un-sealing the doors. The pilot felt regret for not being able to come along, but he remembered his own mission and got to work. The drop-ship's door's split open, and Rtas soon discovered they were at about twenty feet above ground,

Before leaving Rtas noted the scenery, dull plant life and air so moist and strong, Rtas had some trouble breathing it in. It reminded him of the training facilities and hunting grounds aboard many Covenant ships were the Sangheili would be able to hunt and stay sharp throughout the long travels across the vastness of space. Noting that many of the other Sangheili and Unggoy underneath his command were staring at him for immediate orders, Rtas moved back and allowed his distraction to fade back. However, he did not forget the small, rat-like animals that patrolled the ground and the thick trees that may be used as cover.

"Alright warriors, let's get to work on getting down from these confounded trees. From there, we shall be silent and swift on our way to the human's defenses, and CRUSH them!"

The Sangheili roared, forgetting the meaning of "silent". The Unggoy squeaked in acknowledgement, and started tying large ropes to secured parts of the large tree, Sangheili soldiers helping them along while Rtas scouted the area with binocular like equipment, searching for any humans or human defenses as well as choke points. It looked all clear to him. Then again, a mistake that could befall them was usually unexpected.

Taking a last look below them for any signs, Rtas went down the first rope, followed closely by his fellow Sangheili and at last the diminutive Unggoy down the slippery slope. The Sangheili Major was already formulating a strategy, counting the various flaws and scenarios through his head as he made his way down, avoiding squirrel like creatures and insects. The soldiers at the rear him held closely to the rope, but also kept an alert gaze at their surroundings, ready to leap in an instant as well as unsling their various weapons and be ready for action.

Hopping of the tree at some five' feet, Rtas crouched low, the awkward plant life and tall grass covering him from most sides. The only thing that could give him away was the blatant crimson armor that he bore, and its shining symbols. Dismissing that fact, Rtas watched his Sangheili follow him down, crouching and hugging the ground for cover as the Unggoy hopped in their ranks and ducked.

After several moments of checking the area, Rtas was faithful they were not too close to the humans, and he decided to give out the orders. The surrounding region was filled with large tall trees, long weeds and grass, as well as the occasional wandering animal. From their position, Rtas guessed that there position had only been knocked off a mile or so from the original target, and that this could turn to their benefit, as the humans had obviously not defended this particular area well.

Raising his long arm, Rtas gave the signal to move up and follow him, as he broke to a sprint across the forest, moving up to the high ground and pulling his Plasma rifle from his belt, carefully aiming it in front of him, right four fingered hand gripping tightly on the gun. Moving swiftly through the trees, it took only around fifteen minutes for the group of Covenant to see the human camp. It was lined with well trained marines, covering numerous spots and armed with pistols, MA5B assault rifles, and several even had sniper rifles armed and ready. Turrets and human warthogs fully manned swooped the area, and were relentlessly alert, the invasion just starting.

Rtas hung low in the deep bushes that surrounded his area, the camp had, from what he could see, two openings and a third gate that led further back to the main base of the human colony. The two front openings were split diagonally, and each had multiple soldiers guarding them, the place was well defended and outnumbered Rtas and his band of Covenant underlings. Rtas took pride and strength in the faith that was put into him, and he assumed that they could break through and stealthy assassinate the enemy, with minimum resistance as well as, Rtas hoped, zero casualties.

This war had begun not too long ago, and although Rtas felt invigorated and excited about the prospect of battle, glory, and power, he shed tears for the fallen comrades he had lost. Who would be next in life to prematurely go onto the Great Journey? Dai'? Zekunee'? Kusovai? Himself? Pondering these things in part of his mind made him realize how war was deadly, and that it could take just about any warriors life in a matter of instants before they even knew what happened.

Trudging onward and pushing the thoughts of death from his brain, Rtas carefully thought of a plan that would deal with them. The Warthogs and turrets came first, he had seen the large metallic vehicles on multiple missions, usually were he and his team were forced to dissipate. As for the turrets, they were holding back the air force and dropships from getting in, and that could not be tolerated. Next in line, the snipers. A competent sniper could easily pick off most of his team if he could get a clear view of them, so Rtas needed them out of the picture.

Finally, the human foot soldier marines, who in many ways fought like a Sangheili more then an Unggoy, and could be a nasty threat, Of course, once the heavy armored vehicles and turrets were taken out, it would spread confusion and doubt among their ranks, giving the Covenant a chance to get in and take them out in close corners.

Then again, the human garrisons would try to pick them off, and Rtas knew that with their fewer numbers, they had a large disadvantage. It would take a miracle to destroy all of that without the loss of major casualties. And without Banshee's and other powerful vehicles to decimate them, his job turned from bad to worse.

Creeping back a bit, Rtas thought hard for several moments, the Sangheili and Unggoy silent and loyal. Rtas was about to have his warriors try to find another way in, when his Sangheili instincts picked up to the sound of something large moving in from behind them. Rolling to the side, Rtas and his soldiers spread out and raised their weapons to the direction of the beast in one swift motion.

Out from the side came a massive Wraith tank, purple in color with various dents, scratches, and even some blood dripped from its sides. Rtas held his stance as the vehicle held its position in the forest, the whirl of it hovering left an annoying droning sound that Rtas hoped didn't give away their position. An eerie silence engulfed them, and the Covenant soldiers stared for a moment, knowing that if the tank was hostile that they would be in deep shit.

It was not too rare that a human managed to get inside a Covenant vehicle, Rtas had seen them on ghosts on one occasion. Though not very good at it, the damn monkeys could figure out the controls and cause confusion, though Rtas had never heard of one taking a tank.

The Wraith moved closer, and the hatch popped, revealing a blue armored Sangheili, his shoulder revealed multiple bullet wounds, but other then that he appeared fine. Rtas lowered his weapon and walked forward to the Sangheili in the Wraith.

"Warrior, were did you come from?"

Lowering his head to his superior, the young trooper spoke up.

"Your Excellency, I was dropped with the first platoon of soldiers, over a mile from this position. We fought hard against greater forces, but I was the only to survive. I came this way after finding a distress signal from your shuttle, and I located your position."

Rtas admired the young soldiers skill and adaptiveness, seeing some of himself in the young warrior.

"What is your name soldier?"

"It is Naqua', Excellency."

Rtas could see now that this Sangheili was female, which could be rare on the battlefield. None the less, she had shown that she was a competent warrior to pilot a Wraith, and Rtas respected that.

"Alright, you're just what I was looking for. We need to blow our way into a human encampment down there", Rtas gestured past the tall trees down to were the humans had been stationed.

"With a Wraiths help, we can do just that. As of now, you are in our team until further notice, now follow me."

It didn't take long to get down to their previous hiding spots, but the Wraith was far to large to get down without making a scene so Rtas had her stationed up a little higher, were the vehicle had a good shot of the base. Using the hand signals acquired from previous experience, Rtas guided his soldiers further down, and waited until he had everyone positioned correctly.

Rtas held his hand up, and signaled the mark. The Unggoy and Sangheili began hurling plasma grenade barrages as far as they could into the clusters of human soldiers atop and below the encampment, many of the sticky bombs landed on various soldiers, causing them to gape at the bomb before it blew them, and their fellow man to pieces.

The Wraith fired of three large plasma bombs at the base before the humans could react to what was happening, before darting to the side of a multiple large rocks for cover. Rtas and his team rolled out of sight as the plasma bombs destroyed turrets and more footmen in their wake. The human Sergeants struggled to organize the marines, but with them spread out; there wasn't much they could really do before Rtas's squad repeated the tactic, obliterating more soldiers.

Finally, the humans began getting organized, and using their snipers they managed to spot the team of Covenant and judge were the large plasma bombs were coming from. They hurried to take hold of the situation from inside their fort, sending out groups of marines to deal with the Covenant strike force.

Rtas grabbed the carbine from his back, a new and unstable weapon in the Covenants arsenal that he and several other warriors had taken while they had the chance. It was a superb weapon, with a quick firing rate and even more improved accuracy; it's only problems were the amount of ammo it contained.

The Sangheili Major had instructed the Sangheili earlier to begin picking off the incoming troops by using their carbines, as well as to pick off the snipers from atop the tower before they could do the same. Aiming carefully a he quickly dashed for more cover as clips of human fire were sprayed at him, Rtas shot of four shots, each one nailing a human in the head with a direct shot, first blowing off the helmet and then finishing the job with another shot before dodging and reloading, his warriors followed the example and managed to pick off all the marines before they got too close.

Naqua' moved to the side as she fired off more volleys of plasma at the humans, blowing away their turrets and foot soldiers in the process before seeking cover from the trees and rocks that covered the area. It was a good strategy, and Rtas was proud of the results that came off it. Already over half off the human units were dead, the others in a frantic rush to get hold of the situation.

As his team ducked from more poorly aimed sniper shots behind the trees, Rtas saw two Warthogs fully manned coming their way from the right side. He knew that if the garrison remained intact, they would be doomed once the humans regrouped. Roaring, Rtas raised his arm and ushered Zekunee', Dai', and Kusovai to follow him. He also turned his head and reported into his COM unit.

"Naqua', we have human Warthogs on our position, you know what to do. Praise the Forerunners."

Stopping, the Sangheili peppered the first warthog with carbine shots from a distance, the trees and their energy shields blocking off the assaults bullets. They were trying to get a clear shot at the driver, and take down the whole vehicle before it could get close while the rest of Rtas's squad repeated the hit and run maneuvers and regroup soon after.

Rtas hit the windshield, but missed the driver by mere 2' inches, the Warthogs now getting closer and at a high speed of at least thirty miles an hour. Dirt and rock were thrown from the ground to the sides, and Rtas felt a bead of sweat form from the side of his reptilian face.

Then Kusovai landed three hits into the pilots head, killing him instantly and causing the vehicle to come to a deadly halt only no more then forty five feet away. As the second one approached, a large plasma bomb sent it flying far away, its crew being instantly blown to pieces, and the other hog been knocked far off to the size, crushing the surviving marines inside.

Roaring and raising his fist, Rtas picked off another marine from the fort, the human falling off the top of the base and cracking his neck at the bottom. The Covenant group continued, and several minutes later the base had fallen. Using the Wraith, Rtas destroyed the reaming turrets, thus allowing more air force down on the planet and more drop ships.

Rtas watched as a group of twelve Banshees flew down, with two U shaped drop ships, the Banshees firing a good twenty plasma bomb barrages to finish off the stragglers and the remains of the base. A dropship came by, and opened to reveal Roza'k' and a few other badly damaged Sangheili.

"Good to see you made it Rtas' Vadumee, the other teams managed to kill off the other turrets, we should be moving in to finish them off soon."

Rtas nodded, seeing other shuttles ferry around the other surviving squads. Checking off his team, Rtas clicked his mandibles together.

"Congratulations men, lets get aboard and watch the fireworks."

Watching the Unggoy and Sangheili get in, Rtas moved to the Wraith that had since moved to were he was. Getting out of the wraith, Naqua' moved to Rtas.

"Ah, without your help we would not have been able to come out unscathed, you have earned yourself honor Naqua'. You may grab a ride on our ship, and we'll see how it goes from there."

The female Sangheili nodded and jumped into the dropship, soon after followed by Rtas. The large shuttle picked up the Wraith, and ferried them down to the human's final base and the planet…

TO BE CONTINUED….

A/N Thanks so much you loyal readers! I feel terrible for not getting this up, not only is school taking up time but things like Tae' Kwon do classes and being sick with the flu manage to be a real pain in the arse . As I said, these will not becoming up as frequently, but I promise to finish this story as long as I still draw breath ( maybe a bit too dramatic…) Anyway, I will try my best to post a chapter once every two-three weeks, and on vacations I will do my best to write up two chapters per week. Please review, and tell me what you think! Thanks!