Disclaimer: I do not own Halo or its characters. They are owned by Bungie and Microsoft. I do, however, own the characters and stories I add. Telek Heros is the sole property of CII.
A/N: I want to thank CII for allowing me to use the name of Telek Heros in this story.
Brothers in Spirit
Chapter 8
Ninth Age of Reclaimation
UNSC Calendar November 26, 2552
Athenos, capital city, Sangheilios
Nastar came into the council chambers and said excitedly, "We are identical except for the Sapien and Reptilian DNA. Our races are brothers."
Aron and Rick were taken aback by the news. Aron was more shocked by the news because for years he had killed his brothers and for what. He thought to himself, "The Covenant will pay for all the blood the Sangheili were forced to spill of their brothers."
Aron's thoughts were interrupted when Mo'ses, turning toward the group, said in his deep voice, "In light of the news. We shall reconvene until tomorrow morning," he looked at Rick and Aron and continued, "Do you have accommodations?"
Before Rick could answer Aron said, "Yes, we do. Rick and I will be staying at the home of my parents."
Mo'ses replied, "Very well. You are dismissed until tomorrow. Since we are now allies, I will contact the UNSC and have you transferred here. Aron, you will remain here also. I will notify your cruiser and Spec Op Unit of the turn of events," he turned to one of the Scholars and continued, "Ra'shu, I want you to go to the High Council and let them know of the turn of events tell them of our findings. Nastar, remain here there is much we need to discuss. The rest I'll see you tomorrow."
"Thank you," Aron said as he bowed to the High Scholar Mo'ses, "Until tomorrow."
Aron turned to Rick and said, "Come, brother, let's make our way to my parents home. Dinner should be almost ready." Aron smiled at the thought of one of his mother's fresh cooked dinners. He almost couldn't control his mouth watering.
Aron and Rick walked out into the street. The sun was starting to set in the east just like on Earth. The sunset made the Sangheilian sky turn beautiful shades of blues and purples. Aron hailed a transport and told the driver the address. Within minutes the transport pulled into a beautiful estate. Rick was in awe at the beauty of the home and the surrounding landscape. The house looked like one from the pictures he had seen of ancient Japan. The trees around the magnificent home looked like Magnolia and Tulip trees of Earth, as well as one that looked like a Weeping Willow. The trees draped the home in beautiful shade giving it a mystical look. Rick looked at Aron and said, "You grew up here? This place is huge."
"Yes, it was big especially to a small Sangheili. There is a guest room for you to use. I will make sure you are put next to my room." Aron said as he clicked his mandibles into a smile. "Are you worried? I can feel your turmoil. Calm down. My parents will take to you. You are my brother."
The two were met at the door by Aron's mother, Mi'sha. She gave Aron a hug and said lovingly, "It is good to see you. How are you feeling, young one? You don't look well." She turned to Rick and continued, "Who is this? Is this the one Kierra spoke of, our guest for the evening?"
Aron, feeling slightly embarrassed by his mother's fussing over him, said in a deep and proud voice, "Yes, mother. This is Rick. He will be staying with me. When will Father be coming home? There is something I need to discuss with the whole family."
"Ok, young one, this sounds like it is important. Very well, show Master Rick to his room he will be using. Meshap and Yahap will be glad to see to you. And Aron, they will be glad to see you," Mi'sha said as she gestured for the staircase.
"We still have Unggoy here?" Aron said with shock in his voice.
"Part of their race might have betrayed the Sangheili. But they have remained loyal. They will be treated with respect. They have been with this family for many cycles," Mi'sha replied with a hint of frustration in her voice.
Aron turned to Rick and said, "We have two Unggoy, you know them as Grunts, in our employ. They will not harm you."
Rick sighed and said, "That is a relief. Let them know that I will not harm them either."
As if on cue, Meshap and Yahap came bouncing down the hall into the spacious living room, "A Human!" they yelled at the same time, "Run!"
Before they could get very far, Aron said calmly, "He will not harm you. You have my word."
Meshap working up enough courage turned to Aron and said, "Excellency, are you sure?"
"Yes, he is with me. We have allied with the Humans," Aron turned to his mother and continued, "Now, Mother, what have you prepared for the evening meal? I am famished."
Mi'sha turned to Aron, he pale blue robes rustling with her movements, and replied, "Steamed vegetables, roasted red meat, stewed mild worms, assorted fruits, and sweet bread. I thought I would make your favorites."
Before Aron could reply a bellowing voice came from the family quarters, Arnad having came in the back door, "My son. It has been too long. Is shipmaster Heros treating you well?"
"Yes, Father. That is until he ran into his long, thought dead brother, Telek," Aron said almost chuckling, "It appears Telek Heros had allied himself with the Humans before we had."
"Yes he was here. Councilman R'tas Vadum gave him word in the council. We sent him with a fleet to help save every life in the galaxy. Although some are more worth saving than others," Arnad said in a low tone, "But enough of business. I see we have company. Do Meshap and Yahap know to add an extra place at the dining table?"
"Yes, father. They were nearly scared out of their wits at the site of the Human. But they have been reassured they will come to no harm," replied Aron.
"Does our guest have a name or are we to call him Human?" asked Arnad in a tone that commands discipline.
"Excuse my rudeness, Father, this is Rick Tanner. Rick, this is my father, Councilman Arnad Sarjos," Aron said feeling a little embarrassed.
Rick placed his hand out as a gesture of good will. Arnad took Rick's hand and shook it. Arnad said, "Come make yourself at home. My son trusts you. That is all I need."
Aron and Rick followed Arnad into his study where he offered the both of them a glass of Sangheili brandy. Mi'sha soon came in the room and announced, "Dinner is ready."
Arnad looked at the two young ones in his company and said in a joyful tone, "Come, let us go partake of the delicious dinner Mi'sha has made." Arnad turned and placed his arm around Mi'sha and touched his forehead to hers.
The group walked into the dining room. The room was dimly lit but had a soft feel to it there was a soft light set in the center of the table. The table was low to the ground with large pillows on the floor instead of chairs. The setting reminded Rick of the Traditional Japanese way of dining. The table had an elaborate banquet feel to it. Aron's twin sister Kierra was there helping Meshap and Yahap with the last minute preparations on the table. Kierra squealed as she grabbed Aron and gave him an embrace. Meshap and Yahap cautiously left the room. Arnad looked at Rick and said, "Have a seat. I'm famished. It isn't often that my mate makes such an elaborate meal."
Mi'sha looked at Arnad and said laughingly, "What this morning?"
The group took their seats at the table. Rick and Aron made their plates almost identical, with the exception being the stewed mild worms which Aron tried to get Rick to try. Rick noticed the eating utensils were similar to those he was used to. Once the meal was finished Aron looked at the group and said, "There is something you should know. Shall we retire to the main living room so I may fill you in on what has been happening and the new revelations that have aspired today?"
Arnad replied, "Yes my son. Does this have anything to do with the Council of Scholars?"