An interruption in order to inform me of another setback, it seems our progress will be limited
Shipmaster Ya'Kai of the covenant corvette 'Reconciliation of Lies" stood by the council of bickering Shanghalli around the supreme table of his own corvette.
The field marshal's two zealot apprentices stood at either side of him, never wavering and never doubting but somehow different in plausible ways. This subject of debate had started with the humans, but continued back onto their corvette- something Ya'kai found most unpleasing.
After the war, the alliance between Human and Shanghalli had tightened, becoming an unstoppable partnership in the universe when it came to petty human insurrections and brute uprisings.
The Priority 2 agreement had saved many races from the idea of a human/covenant war for at least 20 years and had continued this brotherhood of unity between the two races.
After this new discovery on the outcast un-named planet, ONI operations had set forward a simple task force on their UNSC frigate to investigate alongside the Shanghalli Corvette, as the priority agreement issued a law saying that all new discoveries would be founded by a team of Humans and Shanghalli, no exceptions.
Currently the planet was being orbited by the two ships simultaneously, the UNSC frigate "Wary Warden" and the corvette "Reconciliation of lies".
Everything had worked properly and with accordance to the rules, except the humans had demanded first discovery of this new marvel they had found crashed into the planet.
The reminiscent's of a forerunner carrier ship, smashed into the planet's side from millions of years ago and almost focalized in its current state.
This discovery would assist both races in so many technological advancements of the centuries, as well as officially tie together mankind and Shanghalli under the same banner.
Unless problems arise, in which in this case – they have been.
Ya'kai grimaced as he remembered the communications with the humans, they had demanded their scientists to investigate the ship before Shanghalli would even step foot on the planet; claiming that 'humans could interact with the forerunner's in a more diplomatic solution'. The Shanghalli were sick of mankind's greed and lack of compassion for others, but the Priority 2 Agreement had to be followed; else they could all plunge into war again.
"The human filth have been lying to us, they have used our slip-space technology to get here first in order to corrupt the forerunner technology!" Ya'Kai's first Zealot roared, a large Shanghalli clad in blood red armour and a violent hatred.
"Peace brother" the second Zealot spoke, a calmer and wiser creature; technically a Royal Zealot as he was clad in golden armour, "The humans wish no damage onto us, we should respect their wishes and soon enough grant our own council with the forerunner ship."
The generals and ultra's present roared out either against or for the said statement, either way it was all just noise to the Field Marshall Ship Master.
"Enough" Ya'Kai spoke, his voice sharp enough to slice through both arguments with ease, "A council with the humans is imperative for the priority 2 agreement to be put under place, however I assure you that our personal council with the forerunner ship is a goal I will see succeeded."
The other elites remained silent in humility to Ya'Kai's statement, they both feared to speak up and admired the way this Ship Master had tackled the issue.
He dismissed them all, except for the Royal Zealot; the only Shanghalli who had voiced up with the opinion of peace in contrast to warfare.
"Mort'ang" He spoke slowly to his apprentice, "You speak with peace and treaties on your mind, it is true that the priority 2 agreement is settled unto your mind,"
The Royal Zealot nodded once, accepting and agreeing with the statement.
"Good, it is important to know one's own stance on this front."
Mort'ang pondered this before replying, his mandibles parting back sharply, "You speak as if we are the blade of a sword, ready to plunge itself into the belly of war."
Amusement sparkled the Ship master's eyes, "If only it were that simple now, but nay; the times we live in are of confusion and treaties, make sure you remember that."
"Of course I will sire, but I'm unsure whether Ta'ark will do as I"
"Your brother Zealot will have to follow as I command, he is no danger as of late; but with the right push that Shanghalli might resort to extremes with the humans, you must make sure that doesn't happen; we have more than just our honour to think about."
Mort'ang nodded again and readied to speak, before getting interrupted by a Shanghalli pilot.
"Lord Shipmaster! We have further-coming news of the humans."
Ya'kai frowned, his eyes sharpening as he pondered the implications of such news, "Mort'ang, leave us – tell me what you have to report pilot."
The small Shanghalli waited for Mort'ang to leave before starting, "Sire, we have reports of a second human ship in alliance with the 'Wary Warden."
His mandibles drawn apart in a snarl, the shipmaster turned his back on the pilot, "When was it first sighted?"
"Just then your highness."
The Field Marshal turned around, tensing his muscles and clenching his talons together.
"The humans have made a grave mistake."