Warrior of Virtue: You're right on both accounts. I'll check that out ASAP.

TheMadHatter577: I'm trying not to make this action-centered; I want to capture the human and emotional sides of this story as well.

Skullcap: Welcome back to the land of the lifeless.

Firebendingguy: It's on the way.

The Marines of Charlie Company

Book II

Aftermath

Chapter Three

Deception

Not long afterward, David was standing in the Ancient Fury's bridge, observing the crew and all there. Great expense must have gone in to acquiring and maintaining this ship; not only were all the crew dressed in typical Covenant gear (as opposed to the rather shitty looking Heretic gear), but the interior of the\e ship and control room looked absolutely brand new. When David asked one of the crew about the ship, he learned that this ship was new. Stolen, in fact. However, this cruiser's presence or existence was virtually unknown because the entire crew that had been assigned was placed in their positions by the Heretics.

Hundreds, no thousands, of ships were visible on the Fury's view screen including one ship that looked like it could have been a chunk of a small moon, but distinctly Covenant in color. The top half was a large dome-like structure that encompassed a majority of the ship's mass, while the lower section looked like a large spike…a docking mechanism, perhaps? David groaned under his breath and tapped his foot against the deck beneath him as he watched 'Takamee and the Ship Master converse about their plans for blending in with the fleet.

If the Covenant had received reports that the Ancient Fury was stolen, then their disguise was no good. Another thing David had just realized was that they had no explanation for what a brand new ship was doing out in the middle of deep space, and 'Takamee must've realized the same thing because it was voiced rather boisterously from where he was standing. The Ship Master reassured 'Takamee that all had been taken care of; before the new fleet arrived, another of their agents had modified the records along the entire BattleNet (which must've been a pain in the ass to do), showing that the Ancient Fury hadbeen assigned to the now Arbiter's fleet. The slip space drive had been intentionally damaged and was now undergoing repairs to explain why they'd been down planet side.

Now, there was really nothing for David to do except return to his 'cell'. Surely, the Covenant would be intelligent enough to run a bioscan on the life forms aboard the Ancient Furyfor any kind of deception and the risk wasn't worth it. So, David announced that everything would be left to 'Takamee and the Ship Master, then departed for his cell. For one reason or another, David got the very distinct feeling that this was going to be a long haul.

'Takamee breathed a sigh of relief; rejoining the fleet was easier than he thought it was going to be. The Anceint Fury fell in among the rest of the fleet surrounding the High Charity and disappeared amongst the giant mess. Now all that was left to be done was figure out where to go next. The Elite paced, wondered, pondered, tapped his chin and all-out deliberated the options. Surely if they approached the human homeworld alone, the Fury would be blown apart before any words could be spoken. Then again, if they stayed among the fleet, there was another danger that the Hierarchs would want to interrogate David and his fellow marines, which was one thing 'Takamee would not allow.

A sharp crackle broke 'Takamee's conversation and he whirled about, only to be relieved quickly. Another Ship Master questioned if their slip space drive was fully operational, to which the Fury's Ship Master replied an affirmative.

"Good," came the other's voice, "another Holy Ring has been discovered. The Holy Prophet of Regret is already there, and we shall join him. The fleet will be departing now that you are ready."

Sure enough, a slip space rupture opened off the High Charity's bow and the entire fleet was sucked in not two minutes after that communication ended. They would be arriving at this newly discovered Halo in a matter of hours, which didn't allow 'Takamee much time to think at all. He immediately began making his way down toward the brig where he found David asleep with his female companion. They looked rather uncomfortable leaning against the cold hard bulkhead like that, but 'Takamee said nothing and instead lightly shook David's shoulder and woke the man from his semi-peaceful slumber. 'Takamee watched as the human slowly untangled himself from the female and stood as they exited the cell.

"There is a problem," 'Takamee began as quietly as his voice would allow, "the fleet…is heading to another Halo, not to Earth as we had hoped. The Hierarchs are planning to activate the Halo now that the Prophet of Regret is present."

The human's reaction was odd; he smiled.

"Well then…let's not keep the good Prophet waiting, shall we? I want you to assemble a strike team; we're hitting that Halo ASAP. I owe those Prophets big time."

The Elite nodded and left his companion to whatever business he deemed and set off for the barracks to round up a squad. He met with several others in the corridors and they followed him down to the barracks. When he arrived, there were dozens of Elites milling about or sparring as was usual for them to do. 'Takamee cleared his throat with a gruff 'ahem' and stepped inward toward the crowd as they respectfully stepped aside, dropped what they were doing and turned to face him.

"My brothers…the time has come for you to unleash your rage against those who would use you for their own gains! I have found one to lead you…a human of unimaginable strength, skill and courage. He will lead you against the Prophets if you will follow."

All was quiet for a moment as the Elites pondered and shifted, looking from one to the other…waiting for the first voice to speak out either in favor or in disbelief of what the Ranger had said. That voice came in the form of young 'Zalamee, who had been sparring with what appeared to be a Veteran.

"My brothers…I have seen the human that our leader speaks of. He is strong and will strike against those who believe the Prophets and their lies with an untold fury! We must follow him wherever he leads. Only then will we be free of the Prophets' servitude!"

This was followed by a chorus of battle cries and roars as every Elite in the room mobilized and began preparing their equipment for the battle to come. They chattered and talked, wondering what this human must be like if these two Elites put so much faith in them. Then, all the noise ceased as the doors to the barracks opened and all eyes turned toward it; there stood a grim looking human with piercing eyes and a female behind him.

"Get ready. The fleet's about to arrive."