- mouseboy00
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- Exalted Member
The Director of Royal Films.
Chapter One_________________________________________________
40th Age of Conflict
CCS-Class Battlecruiser Everlasting Virtue
Kalt Zarikee wore the traditional gold armor of a Ship Master. It covered most of his dark brown skin. His green eyes glared at the Major in front of him. The sounds of continuous explosions were starting to unnerve him.
The Sangheili Major spoke, "Shipmaster, two more ships have been lost, including the Fleetmaster's. You have been given control of the Fleet."
"Raughr!" Kalt exhaled violently. He sat in his chair and calmed his breathing. "How many others are left?"
"Only two ships have managed to survive."
Kalt sat quietly. Each battle had been as easy as before, until now. Human ships had been upgraded to withstand Covenant attacks and their weapons did more damage to shields. Separatists, he thought. They had to be the cause of the humans' advantage. They must be supplying them with better materials.
He had to warn the rest of the Covenant. "Tell the others to retreat."
The Major was not sure he heard correctly. "Retreat? The Sangheili Council would never accept that! What of our honor? We will be the first to flee from the humans in this war."
Kalt stood quickly and activated his energy sword. He held it at the Major's throat. "Never question your Ship Master, be it me or another. It is not your place to make decisions, Sangheili Minor."
He let go of the soldier and turned to the others. "Inform the others that we are leaving, with or without them."
40th Age of Conflict
Space Station Evangelical Advocate
Kalt entered a dark, circular room. Sitting in a semi-circle were the five Supreme Commanders of the Covenant. Each wore gold, highly decorative armor as well as long violet cloaks wrapped around their shoulders.
The Ship Master knelt in the middle and bowed his head. "Great Council," he said.
One member spoke up, "Kalt Zarikee. You have supplied us with valuable information. It is surprising that the humans have this-" he stopped. "Our technology."
"Yes," another commander said. "After all, the Separatists have avoided being dragged into the war. Most do not interact with humans at all. They made contact through trade, but they never gave up any of our superior technology."
"It appears there are a few who are sympathetic to the insects."
The Supreme Commander that spoke first looked at Kalt. "While this information is important, you took unnecessary steps. Sending one ship to us would have been sufficient. We cannot afford to give the humans hope. Seeing us flee from battle will only give them strength to fight harder. It was your duty to stand against them until the end."
Kalt looked up in shock. Things were taking a wrong turn. "Supreme Commanders, if I believed-"
The second member interrupted. "Instead, you made us, the Covenant, look like cowards. You have dishonored your crew."
"Then let me prove myself again," Kalt pleaded. "Let me lead troops against the humans."
"The only troops you will lead are those who are more loyal to you than they are to the Covenant."
The first Supreme Commander spoke, "Kalt Zarik, you are exiled from the Covenant. I understand your desire to help us. You may keep your ship and use it as you will. But be warned: you can no longer count on us for aid."
Kalt barely heard the words after his name. Zarik. They had just removed the suffix '-ee' from his last name; the part that symbolized his honor. Kalt lowered his head and left.
40th Age of Conflict
Assault Carrier Merciless Onslaught
Feren Zarikee sat quietly in his private quarters. He examined his white armor on the shelves. Each piece had elaborate designs carved into it. His helmet was modified to contain his entire head and looked similar to a flight helmet.
The Special Operations Commander of the Covenant put the armor on and walked to the bridge. Waiting for him was his brother, Kalt.
"Your story is a sad one, Brother," Feren said.
Kalt crossed his arms. "If I have your aid, it will be a story of redemption in the eyes of the Covenant."
Feren looked at his brother, puzzled. "You believe there is a way to be accepted by them again?"
Kalt nodded. "I do. But I cannot accomplish this alone. I have but one ship and half a crew."
"Brother, you have always stood by me. I would shame myself if I did not assist you now."
Smiling, Kalt continued, "We will be remembered for this, Brother. We will lead the way to Glorious Salvation."