- soulguard
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- Exalted Mythic Member
Since I won't be releasing a story this week, here is a nice short filler for your enjoyment. I cut this segment out of Stage 21, just before the Black Ops ventured to the Cave of the Prospects to fight the flood. Enjoy.
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Simyaldee's Report
High above the Inner Sanctum’s city, high elder Vornaldea gazed at several video screens in the seclusion of his quarters, just beyond the Sacred Hall. Reports were coming in from several locations, but it was clear that time was short; the flood would break into the Inner Sanctum at any moment.
The door opened and Vornaldea turned sharply to see his guest, "Simyaldee, please enter." Vornaldea turned off the holo-vids. The Mirratord second had just returned from the battle against the Watchmen and Vornaldea was determined to know the result of the battle. "There is much that needs...".
Simyaldee raised his hand and silenced the elder, "Forgive my rudeness, high elder. But it has come to my knowledge that there is another traitor in our midst. Is this true?"
"I see. Word travels fast.” There was no way to keep secrets from Simyaldee. The Mirratord Second was skilled at every form of combat, including intelligence. “He is a spy, however he was manipulated at a young age. Like us all, he was blinded by the prophet’s teachings.”
“Gridolee.” Simyaldee muttered.
Vornaldea was taken back by how easily Simyaldee had guessed, “Yes.”
“We spoke earlier today, within the Jogrennilee Tram station. He seemed displaced, as if he felt for the watchmen.” Simyaldee placed his hand under his lower mandibles and thought aloud. “A traitor amongst my ranks?”
“I spoke with him, but let us not become too concerned with this. I gave him an assignment, something to occupy his mind. He’s guarding the cave of the prospects.”
“Not advisable.” Simyaldee rebuked. “His mind is torn, and the Major and I have trained the Mirratord warriors to avoid such nonsense. In battle, one’s thoughts must be clear and simple. However, with the loss of so many young today, and Signs’ manipulations, Gridolee is torn.”
“Only you would know your warriors better then I. What do you recommend?”
“For now, nothing, the threat at the Cave of the Prospects is minimal. But we should place someone else in command. I will need to speak to Gridolee soon, but not now. I’ve come to report our status as well.”
“Go ahead.”
“We can not survive if we remain here. It is that simple.”
“Is there nothing we can do? This is our home.”
“I have spoken to Timnaldee, and he tells me that the parasite’s spores will fill the planet’s atmosphere in less then three days. The creature has already overrun Jogrennilee with its limbs.”
“The human doctor spoke to me about fleeing this world. This Sacred Hall is a ship, a vast one capable of supporting an entire world’s population. Belmaeda is leading teams to the lower levels and his reports have been beyond belief.” Vornaldea looked to Simyaldee with a stern glare. “You have served this council and the Sangheili race for many years. While the prophets ordered us to slay the humans, you secretly fought a darker war on the far side of our moons. You and the Mirratord protected us from the Kriedon even when the prophets said that they were of no concern. Once again, this council must put our fate in your hand. If the Major were here…”
“He would make the same decision.” Simyaldee interrupted.
“I, like elder Barremee before me, must trust you with the safety of our future. If you say we can not fight this infestation, then I will order us to evacuate.”
Simyaldee lowered his head in thought but quickly looked back to Vornaldea, “I have thought of every possible solution to this challenge. Even with every Mirratord and honor guard in my ranks, the flood would simply overwhelm us, and that creature seems to have no weakness. Soon they will break through the Inner Sanctum walls. No defense can stop a force that has no fear. We must evacuate.”
“Very well.” Vornaldea quickly responded. “I will notify elder Belmaeda to begin any repairs necessary. I will also speak to the human Doctor of this. Prepare a phantom and I will go to the city and address the civilians. I will tell them our plans to evacuate.” Simyaldee bowed respectfully and began to exit the room, but Vornaldea stopped him. “There is one more thing I must ask. We need a supreme Commander to lead our fleet. Would you be so honored as…”
“No. Forgive me elder, but I am but a soldier. If a target needs eliminating, then that is my action. I work in darkness, and if I were to lead the fleet then I would be in the light. However, might I recommend another warrior for the High Council to consider?”
“Of course. A recommendation from you would be well received.”
“Ship Master Timnaldee. The fleet is already following his leadership, and his men would die for him at any moment.”
“The council will be notified.” Vornaldea smiled with a strong nod. “Thank you, old friend.”
Simyaldee walked from the room and reflected on what must be done. Timnaldee would be in great pain at the news of his child’s death, but with the responsibility of leading the fleet perhaps he would not let his grief consume him. Simyaldee felt for his friend, but he put it behind him and continued on with his task.
End.