Chapter 2. This part of the story goes into further detail about Rikan's early life within the Covenant, aswell as an introduction to his first battle.

Chapter 2: Special Guest

As Rikan exited the transport capsule, he noticed two of his fellow Sangheili warriors having a conversation just outside his dormitory, which was conveniently near the "travel tube." He listened.

"To where, are WE being deployed?"

"I am unsure as of yet, high Fleetmaster Roh 'Konaree has been assigned to lead the defense."

"Rrrr, these creatures are relentless."

As Rikan passed them, he offered a bow with his head, and they followed suit. As he neared the door to his dormitory, he waved his hand infront of the door, from which appeared a holographic control panel.

The door appeared ovular-like, with pink-white outline running its circumference. And, with various hand movements, the control panel receded back within the recesses of the door, opening it.

The room appeared much like that of a luxury. The walls were circular and rounded, with various engravings upon their surfaces. At the far right corner of the room, there lied what looked much like a capsule, with engravings upon its surface aswell. There was a holographic control panel upon the top, which, when properly used, would reveal a pool of water. This "capsule" was traditional for all of the dormitories utilized by Sangheili warriors, as they bathed in it whenever they were permitted to rest.

Within the middle of the room appeared a hologram of one of the Hierarchs, beamed from a multipurpose, circular table which was utilized by Sangheili warriors to listen to sermons, type letters, listen to broadcasts, etc. Left of the "rest capsule" was yet another capsule, right side up, in which Sangheili warriors kept their armor.

As Rikan eyed the hologram, it begun to speak.

"Creatures of the Covenant, calm yourselves, for no race or entity has ever withstood our might."

"The beings discovered upon the surface of the holy ring are being maintained as I speak to you now, for our forces are being mobilized."

Just then, there was a loud series of bangs upon Rikan's door. Rikan approached the door, opening it, but was met with a terrible smell. He knew from where the smell was resonating as soon as he laid his eyes upon the beast infront of him.

"Your kind are not permitted here, brute." Said Rikan.

The brute made a mocking grunt, as it replied, "You are to report to the central hub, immediately."

The brute begun to stomp away, as Rikan, frustrated, asked the brute where within the central hub he was to report to. The brute, instead of answering his question, offered an amused huff, continuing to walk away.

Rikan thought he might ask someone else on his way downwards to the central hub, as he entered the transport capsule within the "travel tube." Rikan resided within the recesses of his mind whenever he was not fulfilling his role as a warrior. And Rikan, excited now, thought, "One could only dream of the honor I withhold serving the holy prophets, father would be proud."