Chapter 21

The announcement had only been made for about an hour before the message was sent to Shapiro. Lord Hood had requested direct communications with him in regards to an evolving situation at Destiny which involved a member of The Covenant. Sitting at his desk Shapiro was in the middle of typing up his report to Lord Hood when the request came in. Before he even had the time to react, a display lowered from the ceiling and activated, Lord Hood sat at his own desk in another system looking up at Shapiro expectantly.

Shapiro had interacted with Lord Hood on multiple occasions. They didn't see eye to eye but Hood knew he was capable of making sound decisions. However given their new situation he was unsure how Hood was going to act.

"Lord Hood. It's a pleasure to speak to you again sir." Shapiro began without looking up as he continued to type away.

"Likewise Commander. I'm sure you are aware of the situation I have been presented with. I will need you to explain your actions." Hood said calmly as he leaned forward. Shapiro stopped typing but still didn't look up for a few moments. He took a single deep breath to calm his nerves before making eye contact with Hood. He was immaculately dressed in his while Naval Officer suit, his pale blue eyes almost burning through him.

"In regards to which situation sir?" Shapiro asked. Knowing full well what Hood was talking about.

"Don't play dumb here Commander. I know you've allowed an Elite to 'Join the ranks of the UNSC'. I need to know you are in a sound state of mind and guarantee me that you're not losing it." Hood replied sternly. It was one trait of Hood Shapiro respected the most, he would always remain calm regardless of the conversation.

"I am completely sane sir. The Elite in question made contact with one of my ODSTs during the fall of Reach. After which he chose to defect after making his own realization that we were not his enemy but he and his people were in fact being manipulated by their own leaders. He and said ODST met and then managed to save my life during a raid on the base. Sir." Shapiro explained calmly as he gave a brief account of the entire situation.

Hood pressed the tips of his fingers together and sighed as he looked down to his own desk, seemingly deep in thought. Concern hit Shapiro almost instantly. Something clearly had happened to make Hood consider his actions. He remained silent while Hood was in thought, so as to not interrupt his train of thought and so as to not get into more trouble.

"And you're quite sure that this Elite isn't going to stab you in the back and betray you and everyone of Destiny? You know what The Covenant is capable of. Let your guard down and they'll destroy you." Hood said after a long pause while he was in thought. Shapiro grinned at the question. He had known that Hood would ask this of him. He had already prepared his answer.

"I'm sure sir. So far he has had every chance offered to him to betray us. As you are probably aware of, there was an incident where two Elites managed to infiltrate Destiny. Tz'eal had every opportunity to betray us and return to their side when they assaulted my office and held me hostage. But he didn't. He chose to kill one of my captors right in front of the other while Drake killed the other." Shapiro began as he looked away from Hood down to the displays on his desk. One was dedicated to Tz'eals current abode within the brig until a suitable housing arrangement was made where everyone would be safe.

The Elite was conversing with Drake silently. Their body language displaying a high level of trust. Tz'eal was without his headdress while Drake was without his helmet. Both were required to prevent a fatal blow to the head. Showing their vulnerability to one another meant more to him than Lord Hood would ever understand.

"Those two have experienced something we won't be able to understand sir. Whether or not Tz'eal intends on betraying us, I honestly doubt it. They are an honorable race. I don't think deception and betrayal is something he would do willingly. However if it does happen, I will take full responsibility." Shapiro concluded as he glanced back up to Hood who was tapping away at a keyboard. Shapiro sighed and shook his head while looking away. Irritated by Hood's lack of respect.

"That's what I was contacting you about, Commander. You should receive the documentation here soon. I want you to sign off of them and accept that anything that happens in the direct future, and if the Elite is the direct cause of that issue, you will be held responsible and tried as such. Is that understood?" Hood said, sounding stern as he glanced back up to Shapiro just missing Shapiro's eye roll.

"Understood, Lord Hood. I will sign the documentation and accept any and all responsibility but I do believe that won't be needed." Shapiro agreed with a nod as his eyes caught a glimpse of a notification on his far left display.

"I hope you're right. For all of our sakes. Just remember that if it gets too close and learns something it shouldn't, it should be dealt with. That isn't a request." Hood said as his gaze locked with Shapiro who almost felt as though he were staring into his soul. Shapiro simply nodded in response, unable to muster anything else to say.

"Well if that's everything then I shall leave you to it. Try to not push your men too hard Shapiro. Reach is still fresh for us all." Hood said, sounding somber. Shapiro understood all too well. Every Human planet that was lost must have felt like a personal blow to Hood. A lot of lives depended on him.

"Understood sir. Shapiro out." Shapiro replied as he cut the feed to Hood before leaning back in his chair and letting out a long sigh. He never enjoyed speaking to members above him in the chain of command. He preferred to be left to his own devices and do things his own way. But this was Lord Hood. He tapped his display to bring up the documentation he was sent and began reading through the terms slowly.

The hallways of Destiny were sparsely populated as Drake escorted Tz'eal away from his quarters. The pair had spent the last hour or so speaking to one another, their hopes and expectations of Tz'eal joining the UNSC. Drake doubted he would be assigned to a marine combat team. Tz'eals extensive training as a Ranger would make him a fine fit for joining Wayfinder but there was a chance Shapiro would have something else planned for the two of them.

Leaving the living quarters Drake brought Tz'eal through the base on a small tour. Explaining the different locations and uses of those locations. Their most recent destination was the mess hall. Upon entering Drake glanced around, trying to count how many people were in the hall, how many eyes would be on Tz'eal. Regardless of what Shapiro announced to the base Drake knew that the marines wouldn't exactly fall in love with Tz'eal instantly. There was going to be feelings of resentment and anger towards him. He slowly turned to Tz'eal who was leaning around the doorway, seemingly looking to ascertain the same information as Drake.

Giving Tz'eal a smile and a nod Drake walked deeper into the hall before turning and waiting expectantly. Slowly Tz'eal followed in behind him and as expected all eyes were on him. He stopped in the doorway for a moment and took a deep breath, before entering the hall proper, behind Drake as the pair moved to the distribution table.

The Mess Officer was behind the table, in the kitchen whistling away as he continued to cook food for all of the base as they approached. The ambience of the hall died to almost deafening silence as the pair approached as the officer raised his head.

"Someone better be dead for things to be this quiet!" He called out without turning around. Drake grinned as he glanced up to Tz'eal who looked confused but refused to look around.

"Seriously. What is going….on?" The officer asked with a pause as he turned to face Drake and Tz'eal. His gaze landing on Tz'eal and examining him for a few moments. Slowly a soft smile crossed his face as he approached them, his hands dropped to the table as he leaned upon it getting closer to Tz'eal.

"I didn't completely believe what the Commander told us but here you are. I knew you'd be coming eventually. Welcome." He said as he pushed back upright, moving to his side as he picked up a large metal cam and placed it into a hotwell filled with water. Keeping the contents hot for distribution.

"Tz'eal, this is Lieutenant Welborn. Head chef and the man in charge of the Mess hall. If you have anything in particular you would like to eat or something new you'd like to try he's the man to speak to." Drake explained as he introduced the two. Welborn simply stared Tz'eal down with a stern look on his face. Tz'eal glanced down at the new Human. Drake had mentioned he would be introducing him to several people throughout the base who would be able to help him in several regards.

"You're serious about wanting to help us?" Welborn asked Tz'eal as he continued to stare, judging the Elite.

"He wouldn't be here if-" Drake began before Welborn waved a hand at him, cutting him off.

"I didn't ask you Taylor. Shut up. Let the Elite speak for itself." Welborn said sternly without taking his eyes off of Tz'eal who simply stared back. The tension in the hall climbed sharply as Drake glanced around. Many of the marines in the hall had stopped eating and were either moving closer to the trio or were simply standing up, looking over trying to gleam as much info as they could.

"I am. If I was not our Commander would be dead. As would most of you." Tz'eal replied calmly without looking away, neither one wanting to be the first to blink or break eye contact.

"You're sure about that? We can put up one hell of a fight." Welborn retorted as he leaned a little closer.

"Certain. Two Ranger class and a Zealot class Sangheili would make short work you the men and women here. If I were not of sound mind, still being manipulated by the Prophets. You would likely be dead." Tz'eal replied calmly as he hunched down slightly, lowering himself to be eye-level with Welborn. The two continued to stare at one another for a few more moments, the tension almost reaching breaking point before Welborn began to chuckle.

Finally blinking and leaning back Welborn smiled at Tz'eal, taking a half step away from him.

"Well if that's the case, we won't have anything to worry about with you sleeping under the same roof as us. Welcome." Welborn said with a large smile, his demeanor changing almost instantly. Tz'eal tilted his head slightly in confusion, wondering if this conflict was simply an assessment of his loyalty.

Welborn looked passed Tz'eal to the gathering of Marines behind him who were all whispering to one another before he began shouting at them

"He's a fuckin' alien, you've seen plenty of them now go sit down and stop gawking!"

Drake smiled as he glanced over his shoulder, the hall starting to get more and more populated as Marines heard where Tz'eal was and walked down to take a look for themselves. He reached over and tapped Tz'eal on the shoulder, he figured Tz'eal wouldn't want to be watched like an animal on display so it would be about time to return back to the barracks and get Tz'eal settled in.

"You ready to go? We've got plenty of time to finish the tour while we're not being stared at the entire time. I'm sure you're not exactly pleased with this kind of treatment." Drake suggested as he raised a thumb over his shoulder to the large group behind him.

Tz'eal nodded slowly without saying a word as he turned on the spot and began walking towards the exit. As he approached the group of Marines dispersed slowly to the sides of the doorway, allowing him to pass but leaving him exposed to their judging gazes. He sighed and shook his head as Drake caught up with him, glaring at the Marines as he went before walking ahead of Tz'eal, leading him back.

"I'm sorry about that. You know they don't mean anything by it but they're interested in seeing you and confirming the rumors. If they see you with their own eyes they'll believe you're here to help. Hopefully." Drake explained.

"I am aware. I do hope that they will not treat me like some animal for long." Tz'eal grumbled in response as they continued, passing more Marines as they went, each one of them staring at Tz'eal which prompted low growls of frustration from him as they went.

"They'll stop eventually. You have to realise that this isn't something that's happened before. It'll be difficult for them to believe what they're seeing with their own eyes. Some of them have spent most of their life fighting The Covenant. To have one of their members suddenly decide to defect isn't exactly common." Drake replied trying to explain the behaviour of the Marines as they entered the barracks, returning to where they began their day, at Drake's room.

"I understand but I would like to have some peace. Looking and pointing. I may not be able to control my anger if it continues." Tz'eal warned as he turned to the door which remained closed. He looked down to Drake who was looking back at him grinning from ear to ear.

"Funny you should mention that." Drake said happily as he pointed across the hall. Turning to look Tz'eal spotted his name engraved on a plaque beside a door.

"Lance Corporal Tz'eal N'thanalm. Welcome to your own place for your time here on Destiny." Drake said as he gestured to the hand scanner. Tz'eal glanced down at his palm for a few moments before placing his hand on the scanner, the door hissed open before Tz'eal stepped inside. Drake followed behind.

The interior of the room was bathed in a soft blue glow. Tz'eal clicked his lower mandibles as he looked around. It felt like he was home on the Righteous Intent. However as he looked around the space seemed to be cramped. A large bed was placed in the far corner which stretched across the entire room placed just under a window with a view outside to the rolling hills covered in powdered snow. Just to the right of the main doorway there was a small segmented room. Looking into the doorway he found what looked to be a washroom. Some place to clean and relieve himself. The mechanisms within the room looked confusing but he was sure Drake would explain everything to him.

"The room is smaller than standard simply due to your size. I figured you would require a much bigger bed to fit your frame which needed to be modified. I also took the liberty to change the lighting in the room. I know The Covenant uses a sky blue glow inside their ships, the lighting will make you feel more at home I feel." A voice rang out which caused Tz'eal to glance around in confusion.

A quiet crack of static was emitted from a display bolted to the wall before Watson took over the screen. His orange face smiling down at the pair.

"Watson. Thanks a lot. I knew you would be one to keep a good eye out for him." Drake said as he glanced over to Tz'eal who was looking away, taking deep breaths while clenching his fists. He gently placed a hand on Tz'eal shoulder, feeling him tremble.

"Are you alright?" Drake asked as Tz'eal closed his eyes and shook his head. Seeing the AI shocked him to his core. All of his training and his previous mission came rushing back. His instincts to turn on Drake and the Humans were racing through his head.

"I would request it does not come in here for some time." Tz'eal said with a growl as he refused to look at Watson. Drake glanced between the two of them looking confused.

"Why? What's wrong with AI?" Drake asked as he looked to Watson who shrugged his shoulders at him, not sure what was going on himself.

"It was my task." Tz'eal replied after taking a deep breath to calm himself.

"Your task? What do you mean by that?" Watson asked as he turned off the display.

"Our objective as Rangers. Was to infiltrate a Human stronghold, eliminate any Human threats and secure a Human Construct. With the Construct, The Covenant would torture it until it revealed what we...what they, wanted. The location of your homeworld. The next planet to be glassed if they were to complete their task." Tz'eal explained as his heart rate began to settle down as he reminded himself he no longer needed to do such a thing.

"Well shit. This must be difficult. And awkward. Watson, beat it for now. I'm sure you can pick his brain another time." Drake said quickly. There was no response, the static from the displays speakers went silent as Drake stepped into the doorway, looking back to Tz'eal.

"I'm going to go get some rest for now. I recommend you do the same. Tomorrow we're going down to the range and I'm going to teach you how to use some of our weapons and equipment. Make sure to check your gear too. I think you'll suit it." Drake said confidently as he pressed his hand to the door console. Tz'eal managed a quick glance at Drake who was sporting another grin before the door hissed closed. Confused he turned towards the bed, spotting the large box that he hadn't noticed before.

Opening it and looking inside he clicked his mandibles again as he pulled out his combat harness. It had been colored in the same Olive Green color as the Humans own combat harnesses, where the sigils of Covenant identification had been imprinted his new rank and name had been engraved. Sighing contentedly he placed the box containing the harness onto the floor, giving him enough room to lay down on the bed, rolling over onto his side and closed his eyes, waiting for sleep to finally take him, his first long rest as an official member of the UNSC.