"How many summers has it been since we've been stranded on this rock?" Zaya questioned herself as she rose from her bed. She stretched and stared at her armor. It was a dark purple with a reddish hue, with a huff she began to begin the task of equipping the plates. After she got the final piece on, she reached over and picked up her energy sword. She activated the blade; it produced a red blade. She smiled as she remembered how she won this weapon. As she was female, obtaining the rank of Zealot was met with harsh contentment from her fellow soldiers, so to quickly alleviate this problem a zealot assassin took it upon himself to rid her of her life. She chuckled, as she remembered the assassin's face as she killed him with his own sword. She remembered hearing the assassin's footsteps as he followed her into her chambers, she was ready. She also knew that all the coward "special forces" preferred to stab their victim in the back. As the assassin lunged, she simply side-stepped and planted her fist in his face calling him to fall backwards releasing his weapon, she picked it up from the ground and immediately impaled him into the wall. She yelled out a challenge to the rest of the ship, if any were so brave to challenge her for the right to reclaim the weapon, none showed. At the same time though, none would wish to join her willingly to perform the will of the prophets.
"The Prophets..." Zaya cursed, they sent her to claim a monitor of a ring, they wished to use the ark to wipe out humanity and ascend into godhood. However, parts of the ark exploded due to circumstances the Zealot could not figure out. Now their Phantom is gone, communications were gone, weapons all but depleted and no hope of escape. She shook her head "Now is not the time for this. I must see to my crew, they must be awake by now." She looked around her room, it was small fortunately the ceiling was high enough for her height, which was tall even by Sangheili standards. Her team were fortunate enough to find an old Covenant outpost, thanks to the T'vaoan on their team they didn't need to waste what little weaponry they had in hunting. She sighed as she left her room, squinting at the bright star that's keeping this rock warm. The outpost they were staying at was one of the only outposts with a clear roof, it was supposed to help keep watch for air raids from the heret-no the humans, but now it serves as a protective shield from the flood.
"Is everything alright ma'am?" a deep voice asked. Zaya turned and faced her second in command, a Jiralhanae.
"Yes Broccyus, everything is fine." Zaya stated "I was just adjusting to the light." Zaya watched as the Jiralhanae shifted the hammer on his back before he resumed speaking.
"I see, then I'll excuse myself. I will begin patrolling the immediate area, I will let you know if anything comes up." Broccyus huffed and walked towards the entrance of their little base.
"Broccyus I believe I told you to address me by name if we're not in a formal setting." Zaya shot at the passing chieftain. Broccyus turned, lips forming a half smile.
"My apologies ma'am I will remember this time." Broccyus retorted with a snort as he resumed walking towards the door. Zaya chuckled, it took a while for him to get comfortable enough with her to joke. She remembered when she recruited the brute.
--
When she reached the rank of Zealot the prophets would either send her to go retrieve artifacts from the heretics or help fight against the heretics. She was finally placed in a squad containing only other Sangheili. The only problem was they would not listen to her and after a few missions were she would either lose her entire squad or the squad would find ways to deliberately undermine her efforts to get her punished (All attempts failing as she completed her mission each and every time despite the pests.) She came to the prophets and asked if she could form her own squad with races other than her own. Surprisingly, the prophets agreed. She then swam through hundreds of thousands of documents containing the information of every high ranking soldier, or problem soldier that the Covenant had. She eventually found the document on Broccyus, a Jiralhanae who apparently showed mercy to his enemies that no longer had the will to fight. This obviously angered his brothers, if it wasn't for the fact Broccyus never failed a mission he'd probably have been killed. The Brute eventually rose to the position of chieftain by defeating every other candidate at the same time. The only reason he accepted the position was so no one save the prophets could tell him how they wanted him to act against the enemy. It took weeks but she tracked him down on a Covenant fleet that just finished taking down a human colony. Poorly disguised, anger and disgust shot her way as she made way to the chieftains quarters. She was surprised as she was not immediately hit with a look of disgust from the chieftain.
"Can I assist you Zealot?" The Jiralhanae asked. Instead of immediately answering his question she asks her own.
"How goes the battle?" The Chieftain snorted at the question, "We have won if that is what you are asking. Unfortunately, there was no artifact."
"You do not seem content with your victory. Is something the matter?" Zaya asked, watching carefully as the Burte shifted uncomfortably.
"We have achieved victory Zealot, I have already sent my reports to the Prophets" The Brute replied as he narrowed his eyes at the Elite. He didn't like what she was trying to insinuate.
"That is not what have asked." Zaya said leaning forward. "I asked why you don't seem content with you victory." The Brute grunted
"Watch your words Zealot, this is MY ship, and you will do well to remember that. If all you came here to do was to belittle me then you can leave." Having successfully angered the Brute, Zaya smiled, then replied.
"It has reached my attention that you do not like to use unnecessary force against the heretics." She paused watching the Brute carefully, seeing as he didn't show any form of recognition to her words she continued "I have also heard that you also show mercy to those who lost the will to fight." The Brute huffed He had heard this a thousand times, now she was going to berate him for this. Call him a betrayer, a coward, a weakling, he's heard all of this before. "I could use someone who can see past his own bloodlust." This caught the Brute off guard. He looked at her. "Good I have his attention." She thought then continued. "I wish for you to work with me. The Prophets willed me to create a team to perform tasks that they will personally give." The Brutes eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly regained composure and stated
"Then you have come to the wrong ship. I will not be a tool for another, who tells me what I can and cannot kill without hearing my input on the matter." He retorted while staring off to the side.
"You seem to misunderstand, I did not come to you because you were strong, I came to you because you did not allow yourself to succumb to your bloodlust. If you work with me, I promise you, I will not make you kill those who do not need to be killed. I will not make you cause unnecessary bloodshed. I swear upon my name as Zaya 'Wagram. If you at any point, feel as though I have violated my promise, you may strike me down." Zaya finished, looking at the Brute who was staring at her mouth slightly agape. He then tucked his head and scratched his chin.
"Instead of me striking you down, will you allow me to leave the squad?" The Brute asked
"Of course." Zaya replied. The Brute let out a long sigh
"Broccyus, but may I ask why would a Zealot wisht to avoid bloodshed?"
"I... caused many unnecessary deaths of heretics who lost the will to fight, I have even slain ones who were not warriors. I wish to not repeat that." The Brute was waiting to get more but Zaya was done talking. Sensing that was all he was going to get Broccyus nodded his head and asked.
"When do I start?"
--
As Broccyus left the outpost Zaya walked around the inner wall looking for any cracks or holes. Any breeches in their defenses could spell doom for her and her team, the flood won't stop at anything to add more bodies to their ranks. As she was inspecting the upper walls, she heard the clacking of talons across the floor.
"Good morning Zaya!" The T'vaoan squawked. Zaya smiled at the bird
"Good morning Tis. Are you going out hunting today?" Zaya questioned. It wasn't long after dawn normally Tis left early, however she came back exhausted after her last hunt. It seems they were running out of prey in the immediate area.
"Yes, I need to head out a little farther out today. I think I've scared the prey out of our immediate area." Tis chirped
"I see, be careful though even though you said the flood are less numerous than they once were, you can still be caught off guard by them." Tis nodded her head at Zaya's words. "Also, I know I've said this before, please report anything that you find interesting, even if it's something small."
"I've been meaning to tell you actually." Zaya's full attention turned to the bird. "About three hours from here to the East, I think I picked up a human's scent...it's faint but it is there." Zaya stared at the bird, then sighed.
"You had me worried for a minute. Even if there were humans on this rock they would have died to the flood. I believe you mentioned this a few summers ago, we searched and found that they were infested humans. Do you think it might the same case now?" Tis thought for a moment then shrugged.
"I do not know, there were flood in the area, I would not be able to tell." Tis smiled "Either way I will be back with a meal. I will see you then."
Zaya watched Tis leave, she noticed the smile Tis still had on her beak. It reminded her of when she first offered Tis a position on her team.
--
Zaya reread the file the target this time was a T'vaoan skirmisher who reached the rank of Skirmisher Champion. Normally, she would have her own flock to command but because of her exceptional sniping ability she was kept in the back as support instead. Zaya's phantom landed in the middle of the outpost this skirmisher was stationed in. She quickly located the target in the watchtower. She brushed past the Elite major that tried to greet her not caring to listen to the fools words and made her way up the stairs until she was standing right behind the skirmisher. She watched the Skirmisher as she continued to scan the area with her needle rifle, not caring to address the Zealot.
"You are Tis correct? I wish to speak with you." Zaya said as she watched the bird glance at her then back to her scope.
"Please wait, must finish my duty. Must make sure there is no danger." The Bird said as she continued to scan the area. The Elite major finally made it to the top of the stairs.
"Do as your told or I will ring your neck myself!" The Major commanded Tis. Zaya then led Tis to a private room so that they wouldn't be interrupted.
"Why does you needle rifle have so many notches in it? Is it to mark how many heads you've taken?" Zaya asked. Tis then shuffled awkwardly.
"No, it is how many flock I've seen die while watching behind scope." Tis muttered weakly. This took Zaya by surprise, the report didn't specify anything other than she was an amazing sniper, but for a Skirmisher to show remorse over her fallen comrades rather than seeing them as competition for headhunting was rare.
"I see...do you like supporting your flock as a sniper?" Zaya questioned the smaller alien. Tis shook her head. "Oh? So, what is it that you wish to do." Tis stared straight into Zaya's eyes and stated
"I wish to fight next to flock, I HATE seeing flock perish from far away without being able to..." She trailed off...Zaya nodded her head.
"Do you wish to be a part of my...flock?" Tis' eyes widened in surprise.
"W-what?!" Tis almost screeched out.
"If you wish, you will fight alongside me and my flock...you will not need to snipe if you do not wish to. You are a kind and loyal T'vaoan, which is something I believe my flock needs." Zaya said as Tis stared directly at her as if she trying to see if she was lying.
"Do you promise...I can fight alongside? No sniping?' Tis asked almost whispering.
"Yes, but only if you wish to not snipe, I swear upon my name as Zaya 'Wagram." Zaya promised, Tis smiled
"Thank you." Tis said as she went to grab her things. Zaya chuckled, she may need to teach her how to speak better, but that was something she could do much later if need be. After all, she still had one more spot for her team.
--
Zaya walked to a side room where they kept all their weapons and ammo, a lone Unggoy Ultra was going over each weapon making sure it was in proper order. The Unggoy looked up at the Zealot before sighing and addressed her.
"Well, if it ain't the titanic slave driver herself, gracing me with her overbearing presence." The Unggoy spat out Zaya scoffed amusingly and replied
"My apologies for not announcing myself earlier, but I did not recognize you. I though a rat had snuck in and ate my oh so clever companion." The Unggoy chuckled at her insult.
"Since you're here, you obviously want to know how much ammo... well, as much as the last time you bothered me. Which is not much!"
"I did not come to ask you about our ammo, Zaplak. I came to ask you how much methane you have left, you said you had more than enough, but I have noticed you breathing has become more... labored." Zaya asked with a hint of concern in her voice.
"I've told you already you colossal cunt I have mor-"
"Zaplak!" Zaplak shut his mouth as he heard her became more threatening. "How many days left of methane do you have left, do not lie to me. That is an order." Zaya commanded watching the Unggoy deflate a bit. The Unggoy said nothing as the two stared each other down. Until Zaplak sighed and spoke.
"Fine, Fine! I have 5 days left. More than eno-"
"Why did you not report this to me sooner?" Zaya all but roared at her tiny companion. "You have 5 days if you do not do anything to strenuous correct?" The Unggoy put the fuel rod canister down and gave Zaya her full attention but did not speak. She took his silence as an affirmation. "If I remember correctly, you use 3 times as much gas if you are constantly moving, times more in stressful situations. Which means if anything happens you have less than 2 days' worth of methane left." Zaplak continued to say nothing. "Why have you said nothing of this?" Zaya growled, Zaplak just shook his head.
"The only refill station is a half day walk, and in case you forgot, our ammo weapons aren't looking too good. I was able to maintain them so far but their hanging on by a thread. If we go out there and we are ambushed again like last time, I don't think we will make it." Zaplak simply stated. Zaya was surprised, the Unggoy was not usually so serious.
"I know you're worried Zaplak, but we will be fine. All of us still have our shields, the flood will not infect us easily. Do not fret, I will find a solution to both our problems, just trust me as you have before." Zaplak let out a dry chuckle.
"Trust you? You drag me halfway across the galaxy and you're asking me to trust you? Just keep ordering me around like you always do oh master of mine." Zaya smiled at the little bastard as she left. She remembered all the relieved faces of both Sangheili and other Unggoy when she hired him.
--
Zaya read the last file for the potential candidate for her team, an Unggoy who excelled at using heavy artillary. He was especially deadly with a fuel rod cannon. Among his skills, his bravery was taken note in the report as well. Apparently in the last battle, A squad consisting of 5 Sangheili Minors, 1 Sangheili Ultra, 5 Kig-Yar Snipers, and 10 Unggoys, were defending an outpost from heretics. In the battle the only survivor was the Unggoy in question. He did not falter even when his superiors were killed. He held the outpost by himself and killed the remaining heretics who were left after the battle, all while yelling any insult and crude remark he could think of. Unfortunately, it is stated that this behavior is also shown to his superiors. Simply put, he is an Unggoy who does not fear death. She touched down at the fort where the Unggoy was currently staying. She eventually found a garage, and in the middle of this garage there was an Unggoy staring up at a Jiralhanae with unflinching confidence.
"What did you say to me, you pathetic little gas bag?" The Jiralhanae said in a low voice attempting to scare the Unggoy.
"I said take you nasty breath and bad attitude somewhere else, I am trying to fix this wraith that yooooou managed to damage. I wonder why we even let you brainless fat monkeys try to operate these things. I mean all you think about is blood and which heretic should I eat, while I'm trying to make sure you don't blow yourself up halfway out the hangar door! If it wasn't for all your muscle, I bet the prophets wouldn't waste their breath on you. I swear if you were any dumber, we'd let the drones command you." The Jiralhanae Snarled in rage, all the Jackals and Unggoy fled to the walls hoping to not be on the receiving end of the Jiralhanae's wrath
"I can crush your tiny head Grunt remember that next time you are on the battlefield." The Unggoy surprised everyone in the room by laughing.
"You need someone at least twice your size tiny!" The Jiralhanae grabbed the Unggoy and lifted him to his face when the Unggoy pulled a plasma pistol from his hip and pushed it into the Jiralhanae's mouth. "What's wrong? You see I could melt your face right now and all management would do is send someone dumber than you are to replace you. Now how about you take a Great Journey out of my garage before I give you the world's most effective mouth wash?" The Jiralhanae threw the Unggoy to the ground and stomped away. The Unggoy chuckled and went back to work. Zaya took this opportunity to approach the Unggoy, now that most of the rabble have left the garage. The Unggoy turned around and stared at the Zealot. Before the Zealot had a chance to introduce herself the Unggoy spoke.
"Well, how can I help the Prophets lap dog?" Zaya was shocked, she could understand how he could insult a Jiralhanae who hadn't made a name for himself, but to insult a Zealot without having met them before... it was surprising. Before, she could retort the Unggoy went on. "What did the higher ups finally get tired of all my great commentary? So, they send a Zealot to shut me up? I should be honored. Oh, dear I haven't even cleaned my armor, wouldn't want to dirty your precious sword." The Unggoy gasped dramatically. "Should I pull out a chair for you princess or do you want to stand like the rest of us peasants?" Zaya laughed, which surprised the Unggoy. Oh, she liked this one.
"Zaplak I have come to ask for your immeasurable wisdom and skill." Zaya dramatically fired back. "However, it appears you are having trouble getting your tank fixed." The Unggoy eyed her suspiciously not knowing what she was getting at. "So, before I so graciously offer you a chance to escape you meager life, I shall help you." Zaya said as she rummaged around for some tools before moving to the tank and started to help repair it." After the shock wore off the Unggoy joined her.
"Didn't think you delicate hand could touch a vehicle if it wasn't directly ordered by the prophets." Zaplak stated plainly.
"I am not above doing tasks meant for Lessers." Zaya replied "If it means that our work progresses faster, I will do it." Zaplak didn't respond to that. After they finished Zaya finally got down to what she wished to speak about. "To put it simply, I wish for you to join me. I could use your skills, I hear you are second to none with explosives." The Unggoy shook his head.
"Nah, I don't like extra work, but thanks for the consideration, I guess." Zaplak said as he turned back to the Wraith.
"That's a shame, Zaplak is running like a coward I guess the stories are false." Zaplak flinched at these words. "A pity, if you joined you could insult anyone you pleased save for the prophets, but if you feel you are inadequate, then I assume your skills are not what the reports exaggerated them to be." Zaya sighed as she turned dramatically. Zaplak spoke up.
"And who the hell are you to decide that?" Zaplak angrily retorted.
"You said it yourself, you do not wish for more work. I simply believe it is because your skills are lacking." Zaya said while crossing her arms shooting a smile at the Unggoy. Zaplak cursed under his breath, sighed and then asked.
"Does it pay good?"
"Of course."
"Fine I'll make you eat your words your oversized bitch, but I reserve the right to quit if I don't like it.
"Of course, there will be no repurcussions if you find yourself not up to the task runt." Zaplak huffed
"Then what the fuck are we standing around for."
--
It was around midday now when Tis returned, with a fresh kill in her claws, Zaya took the corpse and then divided it between Broccyus, Tis and Herself.
"Where's Zaplak?" Tis asked while gnawing on the leg of the strange creature she brought back.
"Probably Feeding through his tube." Broccyus replied, they were quite fortunate that this outpost was once used mostly by Unggoy, so they had a feeding nipple in the base
"We need to head to the base Northeast of here for a supply run." Zaya stated dryly.
"Why is that? We can still hold out for a while even with the little ammo we have." Tis asked. Broccyus stops chewing to think.
"He's running out of methane isn't he." Broccyus said. Zaya nodded
"With what he has he could probably last another 5 days if nothing happens. However, the sooner we head out, the better. I would rather not wait until he sucking his last gulp of air to move."
"Tomorrow may be best." Tis interrupted. "I have been seeing less flood activity recently. If we hurry, we may be able to resupply before they become active again."
"That would be best, but we must be careful, if we move fast, we can reach the base in three hours. Broccyus can you move quickly while carrying Zaplak?" Broccyus gave Zaya a toothy grin
"Maybe not as fast as you two but his weight will be no problem." Broccyus answered.
"So, its settled? We move tomorrow?" Tis asked cocking her head to the side.
"Yes, it is decided, I advise to get some rest when you can, tomorrow will be busy." Zaya replied before getting up to go back to her room. She needed to think of a plan on how to enter the base as quietly as possible. The reason they avoided that base for so long despite all the resources inside is that it is an old Covenant base. Many died in that base when the flood was released onto the ark, so it has the most infected than anywhere else on this rock. If she did not plan appropriately, they would all die. She let out an agitated sigh... it was going to be a long day.