Authors Note: Sorry for the tardiness, but at least it is still Friday ;). Thanks to Gex-1539 for proofing this.

Disclaimer: Halo, Sangheili, Rtas, Thel/Arbiter and other canon characters belong to Bungie Studios/343 Industries. However, Original Characters, like Zeno, belong to me.

Chapter 18: High Council

The next few days Zeno spent tending to Sani, while at the same time fighting constant worry and anxiety over what the High Council might do. He screwed up and now the High Council likely had the ammo they need to remove him from his station. Zeno tried to convince himself that perhaps losing the title of ambassador would be a good thing. After all, he originally wanted to be stationed here to run from his past: a past that he had since reconciled with and started a new relationship with Sani. However, the uncertainty of what the High Council might do not only to him, but Sani as well, made such convincing difficult at best.

Speaking of Sani, Zeno knew last few days had been trying on him as well. He was having nightmares again and clung to Zeno a lot. Sex, for obvious reasons, was out of the question and would continue to be so for some time from the way things were going. It was a good thing Zeno was not the type that needed sex every day….

Besides that, work had been thankfully light. What work there had been Zeno could do on his own, though Sani hated being separated from him. Off-duty time was spent trying to rebuild Sani's confidence, though it was slow going. Zeno hoped the High Council did not demand a hearing where Sani would be required to testify, as he doubted Sani would be able to handle it. Unfortunately, he would not get his wish.

One day, Zeno answered the door to see Rtas standing in front of him. "Commander," Zeno said, his tone slightly guarded. "Can I help you?"

"The High Council is having a hearing tomorrow, first thing in the morning in the courtroom," Rtas said, his tone regretful. "You are both required to attend."

"What about?"

"What do you think?" Rtas gave him a 'that's a stupid question' look.

Zeno sighed, realizing that it was, indeed, a stupid question to ask. "Is the Council even going to give me a chance to explain?"

"I do not know, but I do know this: do not expect the Arbiter to be much help."

"None expected, commander, considering he is out numbered."

"It is not just that," Rtas said. "While he sympathizes with why you did this, he dislikes the fact you allowed yourself to go out of control like that."

"So basically the whole Council is going to be against me," Zeno groaned, though he wasn't that surprised by it. "Why bother with a hearing at all? Do they want us there just to give us a long winded lecture before they throw the book at me?"

"I only know as much as you do at this point, Zeno, though I highly doubt you will get out of this unscathed." Rtas sighed before adding. "If it is any comfort, I will be present as well, though I do not know how much help I will be."

"I appreciate the thought, commander," Zeno said softly. "And thank you, for the notice."

"I will see you tomorrow, then. Good night."

"What is going on?" Zeno heard Sani ask as he closed the door.

"We have been summoned to a hearing first thing in the morning," Zeno explained. "With the High Council."

Sani immediately stiffened at the news. "W-will I need to testify?" he asked.

"I do not know: not even Rtas knows." Zeno pulled Sani into an embrace. "We will just have to wait and see…."

"I hope not…," Sani muttered. "I…I do not think I can handle it…."

"I know, Sani…I know…."

The next day…

Sani looked down at his helmet, really not wanting to put it on. Hell, he really didn't want to leave the security of this suite. He had no choice though, for if he did not show that would be used against him; worse, be used against Zeno. So, with a sigh, he slipped the helmet onto his head.

"Are you ready, Sani?" Zeno asked, his voice sounding guarded. He didn't sound eager to go to this hearing either and who could blame him? Between them, Zeno had the most at stake here.

"No," Sani admitted. "But I probably never would be if I had a choice in the matter…."

He heard a faint rumble in Zeno's throat and saw the sympathy in his eyes. "We will make it through this," Zeno said softly as he nuzzled him, Sani managing a faint smile. "One way or another."

"I hope so…."

Zeno gave him a hug before saying. "Come, we best get going: we do not want to be late."

They walked to the courtroom in silence, but holding hands. They had figured there was no point in masking their relationship anymore, as by now the full extent of it would be clear to everyone on the station and beyond. Besides, Sani felt more sure of himself while Zeno was touching him.

When they arrived at the courtroom, Sani saw that Rtas was waiting for them outside. They nodded at each other and the Shipmaster went inside, but before he and Zeno followed, Zeno let go of his hand. Sani felt a brief stab of panic and whined audibly, not wanting lost contact with him. Zeno looked at him with an apologetic expression before putting and arm around his shoulders as they went in.

The courtroom was one of few rooms Sani had yet to see, but it was also one he had hoped he would never see. Regardless, he was a bit awestruck by how large it was: Sangheili physiology was obviously kept in mind when it was reconstructed after the war. In front of them was a tall podium where a judge normally sat, but right now there were five holoprojectors set in front of it, currently inactive. In front of those was a smaller projector, where Sesai was currently manifesting. On either side of the entryway were rows of seats and in front of those were two long tables. He and Zeno were directed to sit behind one of these tables by Rtas, whom sat down next to them afterward.

Behind the other table, Sani saw Runi, whom was cuffed and had a number of bandages on him: likely to try to garner sympathy. He had a guard standing beside him, but what worried Sani were the other two Sangheili that were sitting with him. One was the Ultra that Zeno struck that one day and the other was former Second Master Ruro 'Comew. Zeno noticed them as well.

"Looks like those two are hoping to get a piece of me, so to speak," Zeno grumbled.

"Ruro is likely here to testify his side," Rtas said quietly. "As for the other one, I do not know what he is here for."

"I punched him in the face," Zeno said. "After he got in my face one day after interrupting a quiet moment between Sani and me."

Rtas sighed and shook his head. "You really need to learn to keep your temper in check on certain things, Zeno."

"You think I do not know that? It is harder to do than you…."

"Attention, attendees," Sesai announced. "The hearing is about to begin. Please remain silent unless you are asked to speak." Behind her the five holoprojectors activated and within moments the holographic forms of the five High Councilors appeared.

Besides the Arbiter, Sani had never seen any member of the High Council before, but he knew their names: Amon 'Anusm, Krom 'Zenar, Gane 'Baran, and Visi 'Sagah. They all looked awe-inspiring, but also frightfully intimidating. A couple of them were glaring pointedly at Zeno, whom was glaring back at them definitely, while two others had an expression that was a mix of disgust and annoyance: only the Arbiter had a carefully neutral expression on his face. The room was dead silent for a couple of minutes before one of the councilors, the Arbiter, finally spoke.

-This hearing is now in session,- the Arbiter said. –The agenda of this hearing are the cases against Minor Domo Runi 'Gotern, Ambassador Zeno 'Ribal and Minor Domo Ruro 'Comew.-

Sani was sure his name was going to be mentioned, but was pleasantly surprised when it was not. That didn't mean he was out of the woods though. On the other side of the room, Ruro seemed rather surprised that he was mentioned.

"What!" Ruro cried, rising to his feet. "I thought I was here just to testify against…."

-Silence!- the Arbiter boomed. –You will not speak unless asked to.- Ruro quickly snapped his mandibles shut. –Fellow councilmen, we have three cases to deal with today: which shall we handle first?-

-Considering how intertwined these cases are, I would suggest dealing with the easiest case first,- one of the Councilor's, Visi, replied. –The one dealing with Mister Loudmouth.- The councilor looked in Ruro's direction, whom shrank away.

The other Councilors nodded in agreement, so the Arbiter continued. –Ruro 'Comew, recently you were found to be overly zealous in your duties and to have blatant disregard of proper protocols in regards to a desertion. Is that correct?-

"Yes, Arbiter," Ruro said. "But I feel that…"

-Your opinion on the matter is not important,- Councilor Amon interrupted him. –Your punishment was approved by Imperial Admiral Grul 'Gorar himself and we the Council, agreed with this.-

"Then why…."

-You were brought here today in regards to the additional charge of enabling the theft of a stealth harness.- Councilor Visi said. –Not even a day after you were demoted.-

-Originally, your demotion was only to be temporary,- Councilor Gane added. –To remind you of your place and the protocols you needed to follow: you would have been given your zealot status back after a month. However, it has become clear to this council that you only care about power and, in the case of Zeno 'Ribal and Sani 'Hilvum, vengeance. Therefore, not only will you remain a Minor Domo and be forced to climb back up the ranks the hard way, but you will be reassigned to one of our penitentiaries, since you seem to like treating your subordinates like prisoners.-

Ruro opened his mouth in dumb shock. He looked like he was going to say something, but smartly just closed his mouth and nodded in acceptance. His part of the hearing done, he was escorted out of the room.

-Now, Runi 'Gotern,- Runi, who looked like he not been paying much attention to the proceedings, snapped his head up in attention. –The charges against you are many: theft, disorderly conduct, insubordination, assault, wrongful imprisonment, forgery and kidnapping. Not the behavior of someone we would want in our military. I wonder how you were allowed to join in the first place.-

-It is my understanding, Council Gane,- the Arbiter said. –That he was one of many that were drafted into service due to the Schism. Sani 'Hilvum, is also a draftee.-

-Harumph, that explains a lot of the trouble with those two,- Councilor Amon snorted. –Less than ideal blood.-

"Noble Council," Rtas interjected, rising to his feet. "If I may."

-Permission to speak is granted, Shipmaster Rtas 'Vadum.- the Arbiter said, nodding respectfully toward him.

"Despite his troubles, Sani 'Hilvum is a fine soldier and would have gone far if circumstances have been different. I regret I could not do more for him and I wish I had transferred to a more suitable environment before things had escalated to this point. Runi, on the other hand…," Rtas tone now had a faint growl. "While he is skilled on the battlefield, he has been little more than trouble when off it. Zeno and the departed Miko's antics, while annoying, did not leave physical scars." Sani noticed Rtas scratch his belly lightly when he said that and winced at the memory of that particular day.

"If I was to be given a choice right now," Rtas continued. "Of choosing between Sani and Runi: I would take Sani any day."

-Your statement has accepted and noted,- Councilor Krom said. –It is clear that Runi's continued service in the military would be detrimental to unit cohesion. However, looking at his records, I noticed an oddity I feel should be clarified before we decide his fate. –

"What oddity is that, Councilor Krom?"

-It states in his records that he joined from the State of Hilvum, yet it is obvious he is not of Hilvum blood, not to mention he bares the Gotern name.-

The Councilors looked at Runi, whom lowered his head and didn't seem too willing to answer. Sani realized that he and Zeno were the only other ones in the room that knew the answer. Taking a deep breath, Sani rose to address the council. "I-I can answer that, Noble Council," he said, trying hard to keep his voice steady.

All members of the Council immediately looked his way and he had to fight to keep himself from cowering. –Please do then, Sani.- the Arbiter said. -Since it seems Runi himself is not cooperating.-

"Before we were drafted, Runi had been living at my keep for about a year," Sani explained. "And he was living with us because we saved his life."

-How so?-

"We found him in one of the grazing fields, unconscious and ill-equipped to the climate our keep resides in. He had no Mark of exile, or any other kind of Mark, on him and he never told us why he left his keep. Yet on the same token, his keep did not come looking for him: no hashin were hunting him, or other kind of notices were posted asking about his whereabouts."

-Well now,- Councilor Visi said, a curious tone in his voice. –That answers one question, but leaves another in its wake. One I think all present would be interested in hearing the answer too.- At that point, everyone looked at Runi. –Runi 'Gotern, why did you leave you keep?-

Runi looked at him and then around the room, his eyes wide in fear. He refused to rise from his chair to answer, so his guard forced him to his feet. In response, he tried to step back, only to nearly trip over that same chair, shaking his head. While it was not rare for someone to leave one's keep to live in another, it was not common either and usually had a good reason behind it: Runi's reluctance suggested it was not a good reason and the council's patience was wearing thin.

-Runi 'Gotern,- the Arbiter barked. –Answer the question! That is an order!-

Runi squeaked and recoiled at the Arbiter's harsh tone: Sani almost felt sorry for him…almost. For a moment more he hesitated, tears of what Sani assumed to be of fear welling up in his eyes. Then, at least, he breathed a deep sigh and said: "I killed someone."

-I fail to understand,- Councilor Amon said. –Sangheili die all the time at each other's hands, especially in training.-

"It was not during training…," Runi said, his hands clenched.

-Then?-

"I…I was trying to protect someone, someone I held dear. Another Sangheili, Kago was his name, was threatening his life. We got into a fight while in the foundry and…." Runi shuddered at what he said next. "I ended up pushing him into a vat of molten metal…I did not mean to kill him…just stop him from hurting my friend."

-An accident then. I do not see why your keep would not have understood the circumstances.-

"If it had been anyone else they may have…but Kago…not only was he in next in line to become Forgemaster of the foundry, but he was highly admired in the keep and had a lot of clout. When I realized what I had done…I panicked and ran…ran as far as I could until I could run no more. It was only after I was found by the Hilvums that I realized what a terrible mistake I had made by running like a coward: the one I was trying to protect…." Runi closed his eyes, fresh tears streaming down his face. "He was accused of the murder…and was executed…executed for the crime I committed."

His tone was of regret and guilt, but that did little to numb the disgust that rose in Sani's hearts. This man that he once saved from certain death and considered a friend was a filthy coward that caused the death of an innocent man. He could not imagine the feeling of betrayal and hurt Runi's 'friend' went through and whatever sympathy Sani had left for him was gone. Completely gone.

"If I had known this when I found you," Sani growled lowly. "I would have left you in that field to die and have your bones picked clean by the ka'ur!"

"Says someone who ran away himself," Runi retorted, bitterly.

"My cowardice did not cause the death of an innocent man!"

-Enough!- Council Gane said. –This new information does not change the punishment we were considering. If anything, it adds credence to the necessity of it.- The councilor nodded toward the Arbiter.

-Runi 'Gotern,- the Arbiter said. -You will be discharged from the military and returned to your keep: I am certain they will be quite interested to know about all your shameful activities and punish you accordingly.-

Runi's eyes widened, but then closed as he lowered his head and sat down, seemingly resigned to his fate. He looked so pitiful, but Sani felt no pity for him anymore: not after all that he put him through and certainly not after what he had just learned. It is over, it is finally, truly, over, he told himself, shaking his head to clear his mind. After this hearing is done, I will never have to look upon that man again.

A realization dawned on him: Zeno had been quiet ever since the hearing started. Looking up at him, he was relieved that Zeno had not fallen asleep and was paying full attention. At least he seemed to be: his eyes did not look to be focused on anything, like he was in constant deep thought. Sani quickly realized what he had to be doing: he was reading himself for the last part of the hearing.

The case against Zeno.