- Rare_Spartan
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- Exalted Legendary Member
Chapter 3: Bodyguards and Babysitters
The three Grunts, now as clueless as ever, followed the specially armored Elite through a series of corridors, each of which looking distinctly similar.
"So," said Fisca, "You said the Prophets wanted to speak with us. May I ask why?"
"The hierarchs chose not to inform me, but suggested only that I take you to the Mosoleum."
"Mosoleum, huh?", beamed Pillow, "Sounds fancy."
Chosing to speak no further, the Honor Guard continued onward until he and the three Unggoy arrived at a rather large gravlift. The four of them entered the small space, slowly drifting downward until they reached the city's lower level.
The next passage was lined with Elite Honor Guards, who looked as though they were mere statues rather than actual members of the Covenant. This, of course, frightined the Grunts a small bit, though it was only a few moments later when they reached their destination.
The door infront of them opened like the wings of a lady bug, allowing the troops to press onward. However, once the door opened, a strangely familiar figure passed the Unggoy. It was an Elite, whom of which was coated in what looked like stone-plated armor. The Sangheili simply gave the Grunts a quick nod as he passed by, as if he knew who they were. Shortly thereafter, the Unggoy turned forward, and entered the Mosoleum.
The Grunt Sargeant, now moments away from defeat, stared fearfully into the faceless beast that was the Master Chief.
"You wanna do the honors, Chief?", asked Johnson from behind the machine-gun turret. The Chief nodded, pointed his battle rifle at the crimson-armored Unggoy, but just before he began to fire, a sudden burst of white and blue erupted in front of the Spartan. With his shields fully drained, he dived under the control panel to his right.
"Don't worry, Chief. I got 'em!", barked Johnson. However, not more than a second later, a glowing, blue sphere leaped onto his machine-gun turret.
"Ah, damn!", he growled, as the Sargeant hopped several steps backward. As the turret infront of Johnson was destroyed before his very eyes, a squad of four silver-coated Elites entered the frey.
"This is no place for a Grunt!", shouted one of the Elites, looking back at the Sargeant.
"Huh? Then why'd you guys send me here?!", the Grunt Sargeant exclaimed angrily, though still thankful that the four of them arrived when they did.
"Well, you understand that-", the Elite was cut off when a shell from Sargeant Johnson's sniper rifle blasted through his skull. The Sangheili's face hit the surface of the floor, blood pouring out of his mouth.
"Oh, geez!", the Grunt Sargeant beamed, as the Unggoy ran through the bulkhead passageway, and away from all of the hubbub.
The four troops entered the Mosoleum, with the Prophets of Truth and Mercy glued, as always, to their one-wheel armchairs. The two of them appeared to be sitting beside what looked like an empty locker. However, the only thing that the Grunts were interested in was the shere size of this (mostly purple-coated) chamber.
"Noble Prophets of Truth and Mercy....", the Honor Guard bowed before the elderly beings.
"Thank you, 'Tasma. You may leave, now."
The Elite nodded, turned backward, and left the chamber.
"So, you wanted to see us 'bout something?", Fisca asked.
"Indeed.", the Prophet of Truth answered, "You see, not but moments ago, a new Arbiter was appointed. You may have noticed the Sangheili who last exited this chamber was wearing a rather unique coat of armor."
"A new Arbiter, eh?", Fisca asked rhetorically, "So, what's the problem?"
"The true face of heresy has been revealed," Truth replied "and after receiving this holo-drone, we believe that we have found their exact location."
The Prophet clicked a small button on the left arm of his chair. Seconds later, the form of a strangely-armored Grunt appeared.
"Our Prophets are false! Open your eyes, my brothers! They would use the faith of our Forefathers to bring ruin to us all! The Great Journey is-"
The transmission ended, or rather cut off by Truth himself.
"How this one Unggoy was able to gather such a fraction of troops is unknown. However, because of your knowledge in the field-as it were-you three will be accompanying the Arbiter on his mission."
"With all due respect, your excellency," Fisca said "We just followed orders."
"Yeah. Most of the time, it was usually either Hackle or the Sargeant that came up with the plans. But, well, you all know what happened to Hackle, right?", Pillow said. The other two Grunts replied with a sigh, feeling remorse for their fallen comrade.
"Nonetheless," Truth said "each of you have survived through countless trials that many would consider suicidal......I have faith in you three."
"Thank you, your excellency. We'll get it done.", Fisca said, as he and the other two Unggoy marched backward and left the chamber.
[Edited on 07.22.2007 11:50 AM PDT]