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PM's are sent, so let the chapter reading begin. Not a very long chapter, but not short either. Just around the 11 page mark, so not too bad. Plenty of interesting stuff happening in here, so be warned.
Author’s Notes: Rolling right along here, we’ve finally managed to hit the Chapter 17 mark. I suppose the number isn’t exactly commemorative, but what’s inside should be. I always find it amusing when people question the amount of action in this story. Sure if you go by the game, then there’s a staggering lack of guns blazing and grunts dying in here, but novels aren’t meant to be some kind of action and gore fest.
The actual Halo novels, aside from The Flood, which was mainly a carbon-copy of the game down on paper (not a criticism, just an observation), are based around story progression, not action sequences. Nylund mainly put in naval battle engagements, and for those wondering where mine are, this chapter should give you something to talk about.
For those wondering, yes eventually there will be those large-scale battles in this story, but we needed to get through massive story development first. Earth’s safe for now, and as we head into the third quarter of this story we’re seeing a shift of focus towards the Covenant side of things. Don’t worry though, I won’t forget about Earth.
Also, if anyone was curious, most of the names I’ve used so far for the Covenant/Sangheili cities and planets are derived from ancient Greek cities. I just put a spin on them to make it slightly more unique.
The End of a War
Chapter 17
First Impressions Aren’t Everything
“Have you an estimate on our arrival yet Construct?” the Arbiter asked Cortana as he watched several displays signifying Honor Without Mercy’s trajectory. The cruiser had been in transit for almost a week, and everyone aboard had already been showing signs of becoming anxious.
“We’ll be exiting Slip Space in ten minutes. At that point we should be inside the system that houses your home world,” Cortana replied from her place on the main pedestal inside the bridge.
The Arbiter gave a sound of approval before turning to his thoughts for a moment.
It has been nearly twenty cycles since I last saw Silone, and yet it feels as if it were only yesterday that I stepped aboard the Covenant cruiser that would inevitably take me to Danrun.
I left as a child, ready to prove my worth to the Covenant, regardless of how many I would need to slay. Now I return as the Arbiter, and with the hope of rallying my people together so that we may strike out and eliminate the Prophets. Is this why I feel ill? But my goal is just, and the path before me is the only one I may take.
Would my father approve of this? His devotion to the Covenant was near legend in my youth, and he gave his life to stop the Lekgolo uprising on Danrun. Does he look at me now and see nothing but a traitor? A heretic that has become blind to his duty?
The Arbiter slumped back in his seat at the Captain’s chair on the bridge, his head slowly shifting downwards to stare at the cold, lifeless deck.
My father’s devotion was his folly, as was my own. Foolishly accepting the untruths the Prophets gave led us down the path of evil, and now it is up to us as a race to redeem ourselves. Whatever my ancestors may think of my actions, I know what I must do. The Prophets must be stopped.
The sharp reports of heavy footsteps alerted the Arbiter to the Demon’s arrival in the bridge, and he stared absently at the human soldier.
Even amongst allies, the Demon does not lower his guard. Each movement he makes is purposeful, and adumbrates the true power that lies within him. At any moment he could become what his title entails, and kill all those in this ship before we could even sound an alarm.
To have created such a weapon, the humans are as mad as the Prophets.
“Exiting Slip Space, prepare for exit burn,” Cortana announced, and the ship lurched forward momentarily. The displays showing the outboard monitors came online, and the Arbiter caught a glimpse of their destination.
“Proceed to bearing seven zero nine, Construct, and prepare to send the prerecorded message I gave you,” the Arbiter ordered.
“Hold on a moment,” Cortana replied, her voice tight. “I’m picking up multiple whispers near the other edge of the system. From the looks of things six capital ships are going to be exiting Slip Space in a few seconds.”
“To whom are they loyal?” the Arbiter demanded. Silence greeted him as Cortana processed his request. He noticed the Demon cast him a short glance from where he stood.
Whatever I may think of him, the Demon is fiercely loyal to his allies. I shall make an effort to step lightly from now on. It would not do for anything else to cause grief amongst us.
“Several communication relays detected,” Cortana divulged to the bridge crew. “They are Brute ships, and from what I can gather, it seems as if they’re searching for something.”
“Their purpose is no concern of mine. Ready all forward plasma cannons and torpedoes Construct; we shall destroy this pitiful fleet,” the Arbiter ordered. Bemused, the Elite turned and regarded the Demon, who was staring at the displays showing the arrival of the Brute ships.
The Demon may be skilled in ground combat, but I shall show him the prowess I possessed as a Commander.
“Remove all weapon safety locks Construct,” the Arbiter said, “And warm up all forward Capital Plasma Turrets. Ensure that the plasma torpedoes are secure in their holdings.”
There was a moment before Cortana replied.
“Done.”
The Arbiter stood stoically on the bridge, his arms folded over his chest and his gaze watching the displays showing him the enemy ships. The Brute vessels hadn’t detected their presence yet, which showed just how little the foolish creatures understood the ships they commanded.
Six capital ships against one flagship cruiser. Even with the ineptitude of the Brutes this will be difficult, speed and surprise are going to win this battle, so we had best keep ourselves off their radar for now.
“Shift engines to thirty five percent power output and keep any power conduit leaks to a minimum. Change our heading to zero four three and alert the crew that will shall be entering battle in only a few moments.”
The bridge had slowly become a flurry of activity, Elites moved quickly between the stations, ensuring that no area was overlooked as Honor Without Mercy slowly accelerated towards the Brute ships. Only the Arbiter and the Master Chief were motionless.
The Prophet of Mercy was always paranoid, and he outfitted his personal cruiser with eight Capital Plasma Turrets, along with four Plasma Torpedo stations. Along with the Holy Beam, this flagship is one of the most heavily armed ships in the entire Covenant army. It would appear his paranoia is going to save our lives this day.
“All forward plasma turrets are charged,” Cortana said. “Energy emissions are controlled, and well below detectable range.”
“Good,” the Arbiter replied. “Be prepared to fire at any moment. The Brutes may be inferior, but it will not be long before they realize we are here.”
The Brute fleet was substantially closer now, the distance between them and Honor Without Mercy had been cut in half. The ships were still sitting motionless in space however, and the Arbiter could see that their plasma cannons were lifeless.
“Alter our course to bearing zero seven nine, and bring the engines up to emergency speed.”
“That course will take us right into the middle of the ships,” Cortana pointed out.
“Indeed,” the Arbiter replied ambiguously. His position had yet to change, and a slight glance to his right indicated that the Demon himself had also remained glued to his spot.
It has been a long time since I last commanded a ship in battle. Will I remember all that I have learned in countless battles of the past? If it comes to pass that my tactics have been forgotten, there won’t be much time to lament on it. The Brute fleet will decimate us in seconds.
[Edited on 5/11/2005]