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The following is a fan-based

FICTION

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"A Wise Advice"

August 27 2527 - Hour 1145

Field Master Thela 'Vadamee

Vadam Keep, Iruiru, Yermo, Planet of Sanghelios

Thela was home.

She wanted to feel at home but... the war deprived her of that relief. Her posture was at ease, and yet it was slightly tense even as she went to greet relatives and servants. The keep was quite active due to her arrival, and it would be a lie to say that she didn't feel pride as she enjoyed this reaction from the rest of her family. Here she was, a hero that came through from potential defeats. Someone worthy of honor, one that will probably end up in the Vadam Saga, the mural of the keep where all those great warriors before her were shown and remembered from.

Greetings were exchanged, nods and verbal ones. Yet Thela wasn't there to relax or to stay for long. Her duties as Field Master demanded her attention at once she was done with the specific reason she came here. Now that she was in a position of power that could afford a few rights beyond its duties, Thela wanted to finally reach out to the one individual she knew she could speak with. Someone that had taught her how to fight, how to think and never once she heard him talk foul of her. She trusted him with her whole life, and right now she needed his perspective on a few things.

"Thela 'Vadamee," A familiar old voice spoke and the source of it sat by the low chair within his office. Lak 'Vadamee, powerful noble of the House of 'Vadam and the warrior that she considered her uncle and trusted confidant.

"Uncle."

"Child," Lak hummed, pleasure driven by the delight of seeing her filling her with confidence as she approached and took a seat. "You grew into a majestic side."

"My skills have been honed, never to falter."

"As I taught you, yes," The noble replied, proud of her and the education he gave her. "I would like to say that this visit is one of courtesy, but from your unease I can tell that you have much to ask me about. Questions which would make not a few people frown."

A nod, there was no point in going around it.

"What is treated in this room-"

"Shall not be revealed to no one else," The old Sangheili interjected, nodding in agreement. "Now, speak. What tedious queries bring you here?"

Gulping nervously, once again feeling like a child, Thela decided to start with the least troublesome matter.

"The Prophets... some of their ilk is opposed to some of my reforms."

Reforms were needed to improve the current disorganization of their army and navy. Thela had made it clear to the council how what happened early in the war was not how things were going to be for the remainder of it. Humans had gained control of Forerunner technology, and while their loot was lesser material-wise compared to theirs as they managed to snatch a fully operational ship, mankind had obtained an oracle too. Its knowledge would have been useful to decipher some unknown factors within this advanced technology, aiding their engineers to decipher the might of the once grand species before theirs. And humans had it, and with it its wisdom.

With that in mind, the technological superiority they once used to justify their brazen approach was soon going to vanish and they would end up fighting with foes that, at the very least, were going to own equal technological might to the Covenant. And thus, by accepting that as reality, the pace of the war had to be regulated to fit with the current military situation. With rebellions still happening, it would be impossible to muster more conscripts away from some planets without actually losing some of those to dissidents. And that would be more detrimental for their front compared to any defeat against humanity.

They had yet to suffer the loss of a planet by humans, and that gave them the chance to preserve their industrial capacity and the resources which allowed their war machine to sustain the costs and the losses they had suffered and were going to suffer. Some called it being cowardly, but the recent events had severely weakened the war-hawks in the council.

The reports regarding their last losses couldn't be censored just in time and the people knew that the war was reaching a deadly stalemate they couldn't afford to try and break through. With the latest Arbiter's death, Thela ended up becoming the principal 'moderate' champion on this occasion.

Those groups that weren't part of the coalition centering around some of the leading prophets were already rallying behind her and had supported their line of thinking: they couldn't afford to win by mere numerical superiority, not with the expenses currently unfolding. Industrialists were already rubbing their hands together at the notion that potential changes to boost the industry were coming.

Military-wise, an improvement on the equipment available to the troops has been issued for the occasion, to provide them with more means to not only defend themselves but also kill more humans in the process. The age of 'Cannon Fodders' had to end at once if they wanted to have a chance against humanity.

"Their power is waning right now, but it will increase if progress isn't being made."

Lak nodded. "A correct assumption. Then, do more than just tell. Show them what your ideas can do and that they will help in winning us the war."

She nodded at this. "Humans are still entrenched-"

"In their core planets. Then, strike at their least-defended ones. Start to prod their defenses and create openings on them."

Thela smiled. "It would still be a bloodbath after another."

"But victorious ones at that and that's what the army needs right now: victories."

A reasonable assessment.

"There's also... something else I wish to bring about. In the last important skirmish, in the Shield World, I... I may have made a few thoughts on a specific situation which I believe is heretic in nature and-"

"Are you referring to the human you are fancying?"

Thela froze, her eyes widening as she greeted the smiling noble with shock.

"W-What? How do you know this?"

"You are fixated on him, child. It's the same for things you are fond of, you can't keep away from those. Likewise, this human has gained your attention and has warranted your admiration and affection," Lak argued, sounding calm and fairly impressed. "Then again, he has gained the interest of many due to his deeds, with many houses here in Sanghelios quite fascinated by his actions despite his limitations. He is not a Demon, but the Prophets are throwing all sorts of names that could describe this 'monster'. Fiend, arch-demon, Devil- There's a list somewhere about those."

"But what about the prophets? Wouldn't they take this as a slight if we praise the actions of a foe-"

"We are a race of warriors, Thela," Lak interrupted. "My dear child, it's clear that you followed your instincts and my teachings. While I may have some reservations for this potential mate, I believe you have all the reasons to be intrigued by a warrior of equal might as yours."

The blush was warranted, the ensuing chuckle from her uncle was expected much to her chagrin.

"Nonetheless, I can't provide you with much beyond the fact that you need to keep your mind on solving this war. The Covenant may not know it- no, the prophets don't know it... but I doubt it's a winnable conflict."

This actually confused Thela. Up to this point Lak had sounded quite optimistic with his view on the war's developments. Yet this confession baffled the Field Master and opened up a particular question.

"You think we will... lose?"

"Not necessarily," he admitted. "But we are losing ground one way or another. And even if we decimate mankind, we will not do so without shedding much blood and lives. I predict at least two generations will perish before we will contemplate complete extermination over Humans."

That sounded ridiculous. She knew the situation was bad but... then again, Thela knew the war was not going to get any better on their side within the next few years. It would take a lot of time and effort to manage a full recovery and a growth beyond their previous military standards. Humans had endured many losses too, but they weren't expected to attack and succeed, they just needed to survive- and they were doing it by entrenching on their owned planets.

"Plus, a potential peace may allow you to pursue your personal interest."

"...Uncle, with all due respect-"

"I should mind my businesses?" The old Sangheili guessed and Thela merely nodded. "Oh well, a pity. I sought to see you have children with someone rather than live your life without heirs."

"We are incompatible," The younger warrior rebuked. "He is a mammal and we produce eggs."

"Heh, adoption is an option. That would allow new blood to shine and find strength in these trying times."

A groan worked its way out of her throat, frustration manifested before this teasing as Lak happily chuckled at the banter.

And despite her many difficult thoughts, Thela finally felt at home. For now.

AN

A bit of Covenant's POV, the situation is shifting in their politics due to the failure of their aggressive stance. Next time, proper action and a display from another mixed squad in action.

P.S. I now have a discord server! Discord .gg/ceBMM2Zz6c