- Sierra 312
- |
- Noble Member
Bip. Bap. Bam. Welcome to Reach.
Chapter 1
The maroon-purple interior of the Covenant cruiser Entanglement and Isolation wasn't a lively place. However, today, the bored and tired Unggoy and honorable Sangheili were to stand at attention; the deacons and the High Prophet of Mercy were returning to their craft.
The Prophet, his deacon Unggoy, and several Honor Guard were jettissoned more than a year ago, to aide in a crisis on High Charity. Today, the mighty leader of the Covenant was to return, an end to the boredom that had befell the crew, particularly one Sangheili Major by the name of Iksan Ai 'Moramee.
The ship had been devoid of missions since the Departure, as the crew called their master's long absence. Iksan was an elite Sangheili, used for high priority stealth missions only. Surprisingly, those came up a lot in the Covenant military. Since the Departure, Iksan had grown useless, lounging in his quarters for most hours of the day, yet still keeping his form perfect. He practiced daily with the only other Sangheili whom Iksan still viewed fit to be a Sangheili: Usze 'Tahamee.
Usze was a decorated combat officer, top of the class in the schools. He had participated in Thel 'Vadamee's fast rise to the top of the line, Supreme Commander the Covenant needed. Usze had participated in some of the most major battles in Covenant history, and been on seven combat tours.
Iksan 'Moramaiee was eager for Usze to teach him more of the art of the sword, however, today, was the day of the Return.
Stock-straight Sangheili, Uungoy, and Kig-Yar lined the docking bay as the refurbished luxury Phantom and two standard military Seraphs touched down in the docking bay. A lift opened under the phantom nose and four Honor Guard followed by six Uungoy Deacons stepped off the Phantom. Their metallically-striped robes gleamed instantly in the bright hangar lighting, until they had elegantly stepped into the lift that would take them to their private quarters.
The Seraph pilots removed their Ranger helmets and remarked upon the escort; two attempts of assasination in one flight was a truly momentous occasion when not one of the targets was killed. The two immediately stepped into line with the other Sangheili when one of the proceeding Honor Guardsmen tossed an intimidating glare their way.
Two more Honor Guardsmen exited the Phantom. Gracefully, The High Prophet of Mercy floated off his Phantom, "Merciful Thanksgiving." The Holy Prayer Chant of the Covenant resounded from all corners of the hangar. Mercy smiled. A good turnout for a cruel and reckless leader.
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Iksan and Usze walked down the Training Hall. New Unggoy trained plasma pistol and needler marksmanship, while Sangheili recruits held their newly acquired energy swords and carelessly swung them around, bashing the metal targets. Usze spoke, "What wild slashes and stabs. Perhaps someday they will equal you or myself in the art of the sword." "Perhaps, my brother, or perhaps they will merely become more cannon fodder for the infidels or their Demon." replied Iksan. Usze look down sadly and wistfully said, "If only it were not so. It saddens me that the infidels could even kill one of us. I must train them. I will meet you later, in the soldiers' quarters."
At that moment, an alarm rang out.
TBC...