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  • Subject: Halo Fanfic: The End of a War
Subject: Halo Fanfic: The End of a War
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I just hope you post ch. 14 before 3:00 PST, so I can read it during computer class. can't wait!

  • 03.29.2005 1:10 AM PDT
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OMG i need the 14th chapter or im gonner go crazy

  • 03.29.2005 1:22 AM PDT
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Posted by: ARE YOU LISTENIN
OMG i need the 14th chapter or im gonner go crazy


Relax man.
Go see a movie..... <don't know why I keep saying that....

  • 03.29.2005 3:59 AM PDT

i skipped most of the last 2 chapters, about the covents background. i just want to get back into the action again, and see whats going on back on good old planet Earth. and see whats happened to the arbiter.

hmmm my avatar has gone missing, wtf?

[Edited on 3/29/2005 6:15:04 AM]

  • 03.29.2005 6:13 AM PDT
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Posted by: Van Helsing
i skipped most of the last 2 chapters, about the covents background. i just want to get back into the action again, and see whats going on back on good old planet Earth. and see whats happened to the arbiter.

hmmm my avatar has gone missing, wtf?


That will happen in chapter 15

  • 03.29.2005 6:23 AM PDT
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The elites history one was spectacular but ther next one was a bit medicore.

  • 03.29.2005 8:28 AM PDT
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~I was born for the storm, and a calm does not suit me~

CEC
╣Fire of Tru7h╠
The Campers

מִכְמַן

Hmmm, what a lively thread. lol. Can't wait for the next chapter!

  • 03.29.2005 8:54 AM PDT
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well, its about 1 pm EST and the wait is killin' me, is there any set time for the release of chapter 14?

  • 03.29.2005 10:05 AM PDT
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just rented mercenaries but not even that can stem my thirst for chap 14. its 7:15 pm (gmt) and still no 14. ah well good things come to those who wait :)

  • 03.29.2005 10:16 AM PDT

Kero 'Zenuree
Officer aboard the Reverence-class cruiser Intangible
Dn'end Legion

how did you know im a brit? elite

U said a while back that u were Scottish. Im from Wales.
Did you see the rugby last Saturday? Ospreys vs. Edinburgh?
A good game, no?

  • 03.29.2005 11:40 AM PDT
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My school blocked bungie. Too violent it's so boring when i go on the computer the block everything. you know that halotheark site. it says that it's "-blam!-" wow i didn't know that was a really bad word lol

[Edited on 3/29/2005 1:21:33 PM]

  • 03.29.2005 1:18 PM PDT

Kero 'Zenuree
Officer aboard the Reverence-class cruiser Intangible
Dn'end Legion

Blocked bungie? No way! You should starta protest!

  • 03.29.2005 3:12 PM PDT
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Learn the basics of html and the internet and learn how to go around the block using a proxy. That's what I did at my school and my school is strict. It doens't even allow using yahoo picture search and blocks just about any site that has a word that starts with f and ends with k like firetruck. Anyways theres a good site out there and if you message me I'll tell you what it is because I don't think I am allowed to post it. Most schools just block websites and don't worry as much about their own network security and that is their mistake. Just don't be a dumb@ss and look at -blam!- or illegal practices or such at school. Peace out.

P.S. "Look a sleeping person"- donut
Mr. Clark don't ever lose sight. You are a talented writer and I look foward to reading your book when it is published. Just make sure you leave everyone a heads-up about what pseudonym you will be associating with your book.

[Edited on 3/29/2005 5:25:15 PM]

  • 03.29.2005 5:15 PM PDT
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hey what does late tuesday mean. will it be out before 7 pm bungie time cause sadely that's 10 o'clock where i and sleep then (got to wake up early to work out)

[Edited on 3/29/2005 6:07:23 PM]

  • 03.29.2005 6:06 PM PDT
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Well i think Mr. C didn't get the cables hooked up yet pr the chapter would have been posted. Anyway keep up the good work.

  • 03.29.2005 10:01 PM PDT
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He did say Tuesday at the earliest. Hope its soon. Looking forward to it.
p.s. phantom-"Look more sleeping people"-Caboose(not donut)

  • 03.30.2005 1:03 AM PDT
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Hey, Mr_Clark, I have a question; I just re-read all your chapters concerning the history of the Covenant, and I found something....

Are the last two chapters told by the Arbiter, if yes, then how could the Arbiter know about the Prophet's treason?
Aki Forlumee (or something like that) was killed by a Prophet or was forced to kill himself, but how could the Arbiter know?

But, I don't know if the last two chapters were told from the Arbiter's perspective so.....

  • 03.30.2005 1:11 AM PDT
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Ooookay. Long story short, things are kind of back to normal. By normal I mean not as insane as this weekend proved to be.

Because of some very emergency family issues, I won't be able to PM anybody tonight (gah i'm exhausted, and the nights just young!) so hopefully tomorrow morning I'll be able to get the PM's out.

Chapter 14 is here though, so read on!

Author’s Notes: Just a quick note for now. Don’t go castrating me over the way the Grunts/Unggoy are speaking in this chapter. Whenever they seem articulate (ie: actually able to speak in full sentences) they are speaking in their native language, not the mandated Covenant one. As a side note to those that are a little confused over things, I once again ask that you do what I suggested back in Chapter 12. Google the words, Halo Library and go to the first site in the list. There you will have all information that was available to me, that I have used to write this story.

The End of a War

Chapter 14

The Age of Doubt

A monument to the Gods. An object of such magnificent beauty that those that look upon it would look away with shame, feeling that their mere gaze is a sin to such a work of beauty. Even those that felt the existence of a higher being was not possible could not look at such a structure and not be moved. A civilization so powerful that they could move the heavens themselves.


From the bridge of the Covenant flagship Corinphi, Gao Kinlumee watched with amazement as the Holy Ring sat before his cruiser. The sight was enough to move him to tears, but he held back. It would not do to show the crew such a weakness at a time like this. The Great Journey was in view, and all those who were worthy would be propelled along its sacred path. To join the ranks of the Sacred Forerunner, such an honor was one he would hold true to his being for all eternity.

"Commander," his executive officer, Niko 'Seporee spoke, "shall we proceed to the objective?"

It was a moment before Kinlumee could tear his gaze away and turn to the Sangheili.

"Of course, alert the rest of the fleet, and send word to the Prophet of Grief that we have arrived. I am certain he shall wish to see this before we land."

'Seporee walked off to go carry out Kinlumee's order and the Sangheili Commander returned his attention to what lay before his cruiser.

The Forerunner legacy. Our Holy Ancestors left this for us, and after thousands of years of searching, we have found it. This glorious structure shall catapult us towards our destiny.

The sound of the bridge entry opening drew Kinlumee’s attention and he turned to see the Prophet of Grief entering the bridge.

“Holy one,” Commander Kinlumee greeted, bowing his head slightly. “We have arrived at the destination.”

“Halo,” the Prophet of Grief said with splendor. “It is as the prophesy foretold.” A mystical smile spread across his withered face. “You shall consider yourself lucky Commander, to be the first in millennia’s to set eyes upon this glorious structure.”

“I am humbled, Holy one,” Kinlumee expressed as he turned back to the imposing structure that lay before his fleet. “Shall I give the order to land?”

“Yes,” the Prophet of Grief nodded. “I shall send word back to the High Council, and inform them that we have accomplished our objective.”

“Understood,” Kinlumee said, and watched from the corner of his eyes as the Prophet exited the bridge. Once he had left the Sangheili Commander turned to the warrior at the helm of the ship. “Set a course for the Sacred Ring, and send word to the rest of the fleet to do the same.”

“At once Commander.”

What wonders await us on this sacred world? Kinlumee asked himself, as the Corinphi accelerated and headed towards Halo.

----------------------------------

“Recon the area, stay with your squad and if you spot anything alert the rest of the company,” the Sangheili captain ordered. The group of Unggoy and Kig-yar muttered mindlessly to the Sangheili and seemed to not pay him much attention. When he turned and walked back to the dropship, the two assembled groups split up. The Unggoy heading off in one direction while the Kig-yar went the opposite way. Parting insults were thrown between the two groups before they had put enough distance between one another where they could no longer shout.

Linglen stood upon a ridgeline and gazed out at the surrounding grassy knolls, wondering just what it is the Sangheili thought they would find here. This ring world was a big deal to the Prophets, and they had issued very direct orders that anyone seen defacing any part of the world would be sufficiently punished. There was little doubt in the Unggoy Commander’s mind that the punishment would be torture at the hands of a Sangheili.

The small creature turned to his squad mates and took a moment to gaze upon each of them.

Gagaw, a seasoned Unggoy but a troublemaker. He has had more fighting experience than I have, yet I am in the position of commander for this squad. Does he resent me because of this? Linglen asked himself. Would I resent him if our situations were reversed?

His gaze slipped onto the remaining two Unggoy.

Nasuli and Rowmep, the two greenhorns. Ripped away from their families on their home world, and sent for a cycle’s worth of training before being shipped out to a fleet. They are about as dependable as the Kig-yar.

The red-armored Linglen sighed and stepped down from the ridge to stare down at his feet for a moment. His indecision over the start of their search was beginning to rub off on the rest of the squad, and Gagaw approached him.

“Something wrong Linglen?” he questioned in their native tongue.

“No, I am thinking of a good place to start our search. It would not do to have the Kig-yar beat us in discovering whatever the Sangheili wish us to find.”

The answer seemed to appease Gagaw as he moved away, heading towards Nasuli and Rowmep, and no doubt intending to play a trick on them. Linglen let his hand fall upon the Plasma Pistol attached to his waist.

I have never fired this weapon before, nor have I ever fired any weapon with the intent to kill what I was shooting at. Were we to discover an enemy on this world, would I be able to fight? Or shall I flee as the Sangheili and Kig-yar say we Unggoy are destined to do?

Linglen approached the rest of his squad and signaled for their attention.

“We are heading out for now, keep your eyes sharp.”

Without another word, the others fell into line and Linglen moved out, assuming point and leading the squad down the incline. The vegetation of the area was abundant, trees and shrubbery covered the hillside. There was little in regards to indigenous animal life however, something Linglen attributed to the artificial creation of the world. While the creators of the sacred ring took painstaking care in constructing such an elaborate monument, they obviously had only intended for it to be a replica of artificial life, and not of natural creation.

The heavy methane build-up within the Unggoy home planet disrupted the growth and stability of vegetation, and as such, the ring world proved to be a stark contrast to what they had been raised on. They were nonetheless impressed with the beauty the world seemed to possess and flaunt with a subtle touch. There was an underlying sense of calm, which the Unggoy did not fail to detect.

Rolling green hills and large bunches of trees eventually tapered off into hard granite Earth. A far cave lay before a sprawling mountainside, and Linglen caught sight of it. Wordlessly he led the squad towards it. As they approached, Nasuli spoke up.

“When shall we rest Linglen? I’m tired of this senseless wandering.”

Rowmep voiced his agreement, and a glance at Gagaw confirmed that he too was growing weary. Linglen stopped before the entrance of the cave and turned to face the squad.

“Alright, we’ll rest here, but if a Sangheili comes by we shall hurry into the cave. I do not wish to find myself answering to our commander if they were to see us laying about,” Linglen explained. As the squad collapsed and sat down, the Unggoy commander doubted, they had heard a word he said after the word ‘rest’ left his mouth. Though his body was worn from the long trek across the scenery, Linglen felt compelled to enter the cave. With a final casual glance at his squad, the Unggoy Commander stepped inside the large entrance to the cave.

-----------------------------------

The novelty of finding, and stepping upon the Sacred Ring quickly wore off. Kinlumee felt the urge to rub his skull, feeling the onset of a headache as he stood before a large Forerunner structure. The building was much like the ones the Covenant had found upon inhabited worlds scattered around the many galaxies.

Covenant units had been deployed in nearly all areas of the Sacred Ring, and yet no word had been sent back expressing the discovery of the structure the Prophets had sent them in search of.

How is it that a structure larger than our entire fleet could somehow go unnoticed for nearly five hours now? Kinlumee stressed to himself. That we have come so close to the completion of our Great Journey, only now to have it delayed, could this be some kind of punishment from the Gods? A test perhaps? Why is it that the joy I felt when I first laid eyes on this place has been replaced with apprehension? As if my entire being wishes to be elsewhere.

The ground beneath Kinlumee’s feet shook as the structure fired a pulse of energy into the sky.

  • 03.30.2005 1:43 AM PDT
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“Inform the fleet that they must stay clear of these structures,” Kinlumee ordered. The Sangheili behind him got on the battle net just as a pair of Sangheili warriors exited the structure. Kinlumee turned towards them. “What happened? Why did the structure fire?”

The two Sangheili glanced at one another for a moment.

“I do not know Captain, we had found a control panel, and when we activated our com channel the device lit up and animated,” the Sangheili said.

Kinlumee felt the ground shudder as another shot was fired from the structure.

“Alright, return to the controls you discovered and attempt to shut it down,” he ordered. The Sangheili bowed low to Kinlumee and hurried back into the structure.

“Captain!” the Sangheili he had previously ordered to contact the fleet had returned.

“What is it?” Kinlumee asked, inwardly hoping that nothing else had gone wrong.

“The Corinphi has analyzed the energy blasts from the structure.” Kinlumee nodded for the Sangheili to continue. “They are harmless.”

“Harmless?” Kinlumee questioned. “How so?”

“I am unsure, but one of the ships were hit, and the blast passed through it. The ship reported no damage was taken.”

“How can that be?” Kinlumee asked, confused. The Sangheili made the motion to shrug but remembered he was speaking to a Fleet Commander and stopped himself.

“I do not know sir. It seems as well that there are structures like these all around the Sacred Ring and they have commenced this ‘ghost’ firing.”

Without a word Kinlumee turned away from the Sangheili soldier and walked into the Forerunner structure. The silent halls echoed with his footsteps as he inwardly mused over the situation.

This structure has a secret. That it held the activation of the entire series of buildings around the Sacred Ring is no mere coincidence. What have the Gods hidden here?

He entered the chamber where the two Sangheili soldiers were hesitantly working at a control panel. When they spotted Kinlumee they stopped and approached him.

“I apologize for our incompetence Captain, but we cannot undue what our ineptitude has caused,” one of the warriors said, his head bowed low.

“It is of little consequence,” Kinlumee said absently. “Your haste may prove to be a Godsend. Come with me for now, we must search this structure.”

“At once Captain,” the Sangheili soldiers replied simultaneously, falling into step behind Kinlumee as he continued through the other entranceway at the end of the chamber. Another corridor led into a narrow room. The ceiling was slanted in an arch as the walls seemed to almost be suffocating to the three Sangheili warriors.

“Keep your focus, there is something wrong, I can feel it,” Kinlumee cautioned as the narrow hallway filtered out into another chamber. Situated in the center was a control panel, much like the one Kinlumee had found the two other Sangheili at. With hesitation the Sangheili Commander approached the controls. The characters the Forerunner used in their written language appeared on the console, and Kinlumee let his hand fall upon one of the characters.

With a hiss of released air pressure, the section of floor surrounding the controls broke away and began to slowly descend. Kinlumee turned and watched as the two other Sangheili warriors rushed to the now empty section of floor and stared down at him as he descended beneath the Forerunner structure.

What have I gotten myself into now?

The elevator descended deep within in the structure. Kinlumee lost track of how long he fell, until finally light entered his vision once more and he felt the elevator slow its descent. Coming to a stop, Kinlumee was now inside a large framework of catwalks, each leading towards a central dome situated in the center of the room. The scale of the entire lower hold of the Forerunner structure was mesmerizing. The grand chambers and intricately designed corridors paled in comparison to what the Sangheili now looked at.

His feet carried him forward down one of the many catwalks, his pace even and calm, despite the excitement building within him. A glance over the side showed Kinlumee that if he were to fall, it would be a long time before he touched the ground again. The deep chasm stretched far below where his eyes could pierce, and for a moment he felt trepidation.

The catwalk soon led him into the large chamber, and once inside, he stood back and watched with amazement as the chamber lit up. The room was enormous, and at once Kinlumee thought back to the ancient text he had studied while within the academy, telling of the Forerunner structures that would lead the Covenant to the completion of the Great Journey. He knew what it was that he had found.

The control center. The stepping-stone to the Great Journey. I have found our salvation.

His legs propelled him forward once again, and it was only a moment before Kinlumee stood in front of the control panel. He stared in wonder for a moment, then let his hands graze over the controls.

At his touch, the controls sprung to life. Ancient Forerunner text was projected in the air and solidified, making Kinlumee eager to touch them. He did so, but before he could touch another icon, the control panel powered down and became dark. The Sangheili stared in confusion until he heard a voice behind you.

“Oh I had wished I would get here before you did that.”

Kinlumee spun around, his hand flying to his side, grasping the Plasma Rifle, and bringing about. He was taken aback for a moment, as in the area where the voice had originated there floated an orb-like device, with pulsing lights.

“Who are you?” the Sangheili Commander asked tightly, his grip not loosening on the Plasma Rifle.

“I am the first. Atoning Deviant. I am the monitor for Installation 01, and I am afraid you are in violation of the protocols in place for containment.”

“What do you mean?” Kinlumee asked, his confusion growing, but the grip on his rifle loosening somewhat.

“This structure was given the properties of releasing the Flood, but only so that they would be taken off of life support. Once the installations have been activated they would slowly perish without nourishment. Unfortunately it was only at a time that a Reclaimer had come into possession of the Index that such an action would have been warranted.”

The glowing orb moved off to the side and began accessing the control panel Kinlumee had just been using.

“Oh dear, it seems that it is too late, they have been released,” Atoning Deviant said, it’s voice sounding almost pathetically disappointed.

“What do you mean, they have been released?” Kinlumee asked, alarms going off in his head. Releasing something contained within the Sacred Ring would surely not be a good thing.

“Why the Flood of course. They were my creators,” Atoning Deviant paused for a moment, as if searching for the right word. “Experiments, if you would. Unfortunately they were far too resourceful than my creators had perceived, and they were contained within these installations so that they could be studied and further analyzed.”

“The Holy Forerunners? They are your creators?”

“I was constructed at the beginning of the construction of the installations, so that I might perceive the integrity and situations that were the reason they were built. It has been a long while since anyone has set foot upon this Installation, and I had wished that the ones to do so would be the Reclaimers, but it would seem that your kind has beaten them to it. Because of your ignorance however, the Flood have been released, and now this installation must be activated. Protocol must be followed.”

“I do not understand, you are the Holy Oracle are you naught? One of the many sages our Lords left behind to instruct us on the Great Journey?” Kinlumee questioned, his confusion giving rise to a sense of panic within him.

“Why do you use such terms?” Atoning Deviant asked. “I am the first of seven. I am the eldest, and therefore I am the first.”

Kinlumee set the Plasma Rifle back onto his waist, fastening it tight as he stared at Atoning Deviant for a moment.

“I must take you to speak with the High Prophets. They will wish to ask you many things Oracle,” Kinlumee explained as he beckoned Atoning Deviant to follow him.

“I am afraid you do not understand the protocols. This installation must be activated. A Reclaimer needs to be found, and I will need to instruct him on the containment situation. I have no use for your kind.”

“Holy Oracle,” Kinlumee persisted. “The Prophets are wise, and they will surely know of where you will find this Reclaimer, please come with me so that we may speak with them. I assure you they will know of what you seek.”

“I have studied these creatures you call the ‘Prophets’ and they did not seem to be very wise, but perhaps I was mistaken. I shall take us to your ships, so that they might tell me where to find the Reclaimer.”

“Of course, follow me and we will…”

Kinlumee was caught off when he felt his body suddenly warm. His surroundings began to shift, and he felt his entire being change. It was only a moment before his entire subconscious blossomed for a moment, then everything went black.

------------------------------------

I'm starting to think that indulging my curiosity was a grave mistake.

Linglen stopped before another set of massive doors as they slowly hissed open and granted him entrance to another room.


[Edited on 3/30/2005 1:57:06 AM]

  • 03.30.2005 1:48 AM PDT
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It had only taken a few minutes of walking before the cave he entered had changed. Rocky walls and floors had changed to a metallic surface, and artificial lights lit up the grand corridors. The Unggoy quickly realized that he had discovered a Forerunner structure, and the Sangheili would most likely want to be alerted as soon as possible. Linglen decided against leaving however. Surely the Sangheili would come reconnoiter the area and see the rest of his squad.

The Unggoy were not often allowed access to Forerunner structures, and as such this was the first time Linglen had ever been so deep inside one. Even as he mentally noted the methane levels in his reserve tank were running low, the Unggoy Commander continued onward through the facility.

If I am to travel any further into this structure I may find myself incapable of replenishing my methane tank. As much as this structure amazes me, I do not wish to die here.

He turned to leave, when a loud hissing noise caught his attention. The room he was in had been different than the others he had previously occupied. There were many separate doors that led into other rooms, and he had just been about to enter one when he realized that his methane reserves were running low.

The hissing noise continued, and the lights within the room suddenly dimmed. Linglen waited in confusion for a moment, and then his eyes lit up in surprise when all the remaining doors within the room suddenly opened.

A pervading noise caught his attention once the hissing disappeared. It was a sloshing sound, and he could not place its origin. It seemed as if it was all around him.

Movement in the far corner of the room caught Linglen’s attention and he moved forward to get a closer look. The lights suddenly returned, and Linglen was frozen in his tracks. There, moving just beside one of the many pillars in the chamber, was some kind of creature. It was small, moving on individual tentacles. Linglen could not perceive any kind of face on the creature, but it turned to face him all the same.

Terror flooded the Unggoy for a moment and he turned to flee, only to see that the doors that had been opened were holding even more of the creatures. Hundreds of them flooded out of the adjoining rooms, and Linglen was their destination.

The urge to flee was overwhelming, but the Unggoy pushed it down, knowing that running would only make him run headlong into the creatures. He steeled himself, reached down to his side, and pulled the Plasma Pistol free. With his free hand coming around to steady the weapon, Linglen began firing concentrated waves of plasma into the hordes of creatures.

His shots had more of an affect than he thought they would have, as the creatures seemed to by hyper sensitive, and when one was destroyed, several others nearby would be ripped apart as well, setting off a chain reaction.

Even with this new development, Linglen knew his ammo was about to run out shortly, and he would subsequently be overwhelmed by the superior numbers of the creatures.

Pain washed over Linglen’s arm and he looked down in surprise at the overheating Plasma Pistol. His gaze moved up to the approaching creatures and he stared back with futility.

I will not cower before them. I will meet my death with honor.

A line of the creatures suddenly leapt towards him, and began to descend upon the Unggoy squad leader. Before they could reach him however, a wave of plasma slammed into them.

Linglen watched with confusion as the rows of creatures in front of him were destroyed by wave after wave of plasma.

“Commander!”

The voice belonged to Gagaw, and Linglen turned to see the rest of his squad standing in the doorway of the entrance to the room. They were firing upon the creatures with intensity, even as some of the creatures changed trajectory and were now heading towards them.

With the distraction by the rest of his squad, Linglen was able to move from the end of the room to where his squad waited for him.

“It was not wise to go off on your own Linglen,” Gagaw said as Linglen fought to catch his breath. “We searched a great deal for you.”

“Thank you,” was all Linglen could say as he struggled for his breath. His methane mask wheezed with each breath.

“I have alerted the company of our location, Commander,” Nasuli said as he reloaded his Needler. Linglen nodded in response.

“We had best get out of here for now. This is not the only room that held these vermin,” Gagaw informed him. Linglen nodded once more, his attention diverted from the creatures for a moment.

Together the squad fired one last volley into the room before hightailing it back through the many twisting hallways and chambers. Gagaw’s warning proved to be correct, when they shortly encountered another group of the creatures. With their combined fire the Unggoy squad managed to hold them off, and made it through several more rooms before they were stopped by more of the creatures.

Linglen was fighting for his breath, as the rest of the squad fought.

I have endangered my team, and because of that they will die here, Linglen thought as he took one final breath, only to receive no methane from the mask on his face. Without a sound the Unggoy crumpled to the ground, his arms weakly trying to paw at the air, as if he could somehow grasp whatever it was he needed.

“Linglen!” Gagaw called out, seeing his commander fall. His diverted attention allowed on of the creatures to get through, and it leapt upon him, stabbing a pincer-like needle into his chest.

It was only a moment before Nasuli and Rowmep were overwhelmed.

-----------------------------------

Kinlumee nearly cried out with surprise when his vision suddenly returned, and shortly thereafter his body seemed to reappear around him. The disorientation brought on by whatever the Oracle had done quickly passed, and he glanced around.

He was standing inside the council chamber aboard the Corinphi, and by the surprised stares he was getting from the other Sangheili and some of the lower Prophets, they must have had the same amount of warning as he had. His attention was diverted when he heard the familiar hum of the Oracle. It was directly beside him, and now was staring at the collected groups of Sangheili and Prophets.

“Will you show me where these wise Prophets, who can tell me where to find a Reclaimer are?” Atoning Deviant requested to Kinlumee. The Sangheili Commander was shortly confused for a moment, before he remembered his previous conversation with the oracle. He was about to speak up when another voice caught his attention.

“What are you doing here Commander Kinlumee? Your last transmission had placed you inside the Forerunner structure on the Sacred Ring,” the Prophet of Grief said. “What is this creature you are with?”

Again Kinlumee opened his mouth to speak but was cut off once more.

“That, Prophet of Grief, is the Oracle of the Sacred Ring.”

The new speaker was another Prophet, and it was one Kinlumee did not recognize. Judging by its appearance though, the Prophet was not of the High Council, as he was young.

“Will this creature be able to tell me where a Reclaimer is?” Atoning Deviant asked again. The Prophet that had spoken gazed over at the Oracle.

“I am the Prophet of Truth, protégé of the Grand Prophet of Law. Holy Oracle, I am the one you seek.”

Kinlumee felt his eyes bulge when he heard the Prophet’s words. The Prophet of Truth was rumored to be the next leader of the Covenant, and was being personally educated by the Grand High Prophet of Law. For him to bestow his presence aboard Kinlumee’s ship was a great honor.

“You are not a Reclaimer, and unless you can tell me where to find one, I have no use for you. The Flood have been released, and this Installation must be activated at once,” Atoning Deviant spoke.

Many of the Sangheili and Lower Prophets in the chamber were taken aback by the Oracle’s words, as they were not used to hearing anyone speak with such disregard to a High Prophet before.

“The Parasite have been released?” the Prophet of Truth asked, his voice tight, either from the Oracle’s words or from the insult he had received.

“Yes, and I have recorded documentation of your kind being taken by them,” Atoning Deviant explained. Without another word the Oracle moved to a set of controls along the wall of the chamber and activated them. Several screens appeared, and a recorded video was shown.

On the screens several Unggoy were fighting inside a Forerunner structure, against several small unidentifiable creatures. They were holding their own for a moment before the creatures eventually overwhelmed them. The scene then shifted to several pairs of Lekgolo. They put up a far greater fight than the Unggoy, but they too eventually fell to the creature’s onslaught inside one of the Forerunner structures. Gasps and cries of outrage came from the assembled Sangheili and Prophets. The Prophet of Truth and Grief watched with grim faces as the recordings played, and Kinlumee merely watched in shock.

Suddenly the recording faded, and the Oracle floated back to the middle of the chamber.

“If a Reclaimer is not found, and the Installation activated, then you shall all be destroyed. Because of this creature,” Atoning Deviant said, indicating Kinlumee, “and your ignorance the Flood have been released. I would recommend taking your primitive ships and fleeing for now. When a Reclaimer is found then you shall be eliminated along with the rest of the life in these galaxies.”

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Without another word, Atoning Deviant activated some kind of hidden grid and disappeared.

Shocked silence filled the chamber, many of the occupant’s eyes falling on Kinlumee. The Prophet of Truth in particular was staring at him, his gaze tight with thinly veiled reproach.

"Tell me, Commander, is what the Holy Oracle said true? Did you release the Parasite?" the Prophet of Truth asked, his tone dangerous. Kinlumee fought to keep himself from swallowing.

"I inadvertently did so, holy one, but it was without prior knowledge that I committed such an act," he explained, hoping his voice was calm.

"The Parasite are a very affront to the Gods themselves, and they were imprisoned on the Sacred Ring by the Forerunner," the Prophet of Truth said. "By releasing them you have disobeyed the Forerunner themselves."

"That was not my intention," Kinlumee said, his voice weak. "I would never act out against the Forerunner in any manner. If I had known that what I was doing would cause such an event I would have stayed my hand."

"I believe that you would," the Prophet of Truth said, surprising Kinlumee. "You are an honorable commander Kinlumee, and you have served the Covenant faithfully for many years. I will speak with you in a moment, please await me in your private quarters."

With no response ready, Kinlumee bowed low and exited the council chamber. He kept his pace even and relaxed, not wanting anyone to detect that he was anxious. Whatever the Prophet of Truth wished to speak with him about, Kinlumee knew it would not be good. His desire to please the Gods was all that kept him from delaying the trip to his quarters. He would have rather returned to the bridge, and assumed command, but to go against a High Prophets order would be heresy. An act guaranteeing him a quick death.

What have I done? By releasing the Parasite, I have delayed the Great Journey and put its completion in jeopardy. Shame is all that awaits me now.

Stewing over his thoughts, Kinlumee reached his chamber and awaited the Prophet of Truth. Thankfully, for Kinlumee, the High Prophet did not keep him waiting long.

"I have spoken with the Prophet of Grief, and he and I have reached a consensus," the Prophet of Truth said as the doors to Kinlumee's private quarters closed behind him. "The release of the Parasite was an error in judgment on your part, and it has adversely affected the Great Journey. Your lapse in judgment shall surely cause the Covenant great strife in the future. This error however, was not entirely your fault. The Prophets as a whole are not always indulgent of some of the finer details about the Forerunner legacy, and because of that we may have let the Sangheili make mistakes in the past. This is an error on our part as well."

Kinlumee felt his body relax slightly at the Prophets words. He might not be entirely blamed for this mess after all.

"The Oracle's speech has confused us however. In none of the ancient texts that the Forerunner left behind has there ever been mention of a Reclaimer. The necessity for one to complete the Oracle's tasks is troubling, and we must now dedicate ourselves to figuring out the intent behind the Oracle's words."

"I shall lend my assistance as much as possible to that task," Kinlumee said. He was taken aback when the Prophet shook his head.

"No Commander, you shall not," the Prophet explained, as Kinlumee felt his body tense. "While the release of the Parasite was not fully your fault, the burden of your actions shall fall upon your shoulders, and forever be carried by you and your line."

"But I did not intend to affront the Gods," Kinlumee protested weakly, even as he knew what the Prophet would say.

"Be that as it may, it was you who released the Parasite, and no other. You must take responsibility for your actions, and as of this moment, your actions have affected the Great Journey. Shame and humiliation is all that awaits you now, perhaps even torture at the hands of your brethrin. I can offer you no solice, aside from the fact that you may make things easier on yourself."

"How might I do that, holy one?" Kinlumee asked. His body felt weak, as if he were to convulse any moment.

"There is always an honorable way out of all situations commander," the Prophet of Truth said, his gaze slipping down to the Plasma Rifle attached to Kinlumee's waist. "As a seasoned commander, I am sure you will take the path of the warrior."

The Prophet of Truth stared at Kinlumee for a long moment before wordlessly turned and leaving the private quarters. Kinlumee fell back, and sat upon his bedding. His hands came up and cradled his face as he began to slowly weep.

I have shamed my family and my ancestors. When the Great Journey is complete, I shall be left behind.

Kinlumee's hands left his face, and went to the Plasma Rifle at his side. Wiping the tears from his eyes, he got to his feet and turned to stare out the small window along the wall. Outside laid the landscape of the Sacred Ring, and for a moment, Kinlumee concentrated on that, even as he brought the Plasma Rifle up under his chin. Taking a deep breath, his eyes fell shut as the trigger was pressed.

The lifeless body of Gao Kinlumee slumped to the ground. The Plasma Rifle fell from his grasp and clattered to the ground, the only sound within his quarters.

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The Prophet of Truth returned to Kinlumee's quarters several hours after he had previously left. He took notice of the Sangheili's lifeless body, and the quantity of blood staining the ground. After he checked to make sure Kinlumee was dead, he reached into his robes and extracted a small orb.

Activating it, a display was projected and the image of another Prophet, this one far greater aged than Truth, appeared.

"It is done, the fleet commander took his own life," the Prophet of Truth said.

"Good," came the raspy voice from the image. "Ensure that anyone he might have spoken with is put to death as well. The ships that have touched Halo must be destroyed before the Parasite has a chance to escape. Have the Kig-yar, Unggoy, and Lekgolo that are still on the ships eliminated. The Sangheili that remain shall be instructed of Kinlumee's treachery and betrayal. Do not speak of the Parasite."

"Understood," the Prophet of Truth said. "What of the fleet commander's family, their line has proven troublesome in the past."

"Do away with his mate, but leave his child be. We may have a use for him later on."

The Prophet of Truth nodded. "All right. Shall we be abandoning Halo for now?"

"Yes, this has resulted in a failure, but we have the location of the other installation, and we will 'discover' it when the time is right. For now we will direct the rest of the Covenant to the annihilation of the humans."

"I shall return once all this has been taken care of," the Prophet of Truth acknowledged, deactivating the orb and returning it to his robes. He cast one final glance at Kinlumee's body before exiting the room once more.

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Author's Notes: Sorry for the delay everyone. Far too many delays occurred, but now things are somewhat back to normal.

Just a few notes in regards to this chapter. It marks the end in my introspective look into the Covenant's past, and Chapter 15 will resume the action with our favorite characters.

As for Kinlumee, all I can say in regards to what happened with him is, Like father, like son.

Thanks to everybody that has been reading so far, and a special thanks to everybody that's reviewed.


[Edited on 4/3/2005 12:49:07 PM]

  • 03.30.2005 1:52 AM PDT