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Chapter 14: Check-Out Time
After being thrown into their own containment cells, the squad waited patiently for a Covenant troop to come to their rescue. However, it was not until two hours later when a golden-clad Elite walked into the cahmber.
"By the rings, Unggoy? You're alive!", the soldier said astonishingly, as he accessed the holo panel at the end of the room, freeing the Grunts from their cages. As they left their cells, the squad quickly realized that this Elite was none other than the one that had risked his life to get them off of the Pillar of Autumn, though the soldier's name was still unfamiliar with them.
"We're alive? I can't believe yer still here. How'd ya find us?", the Grunt sargeant asked.
"I traced you're signal several hours after my....incident.", the Elite exclaimed.
"But what about that fella in the strange armor? We have ta-"
"You need not worry about the human.", the Elite interupted, "He has been taken to a seperate containment facility. He is now under the watch of a much more....advanced security system. Now, if you please, follow me. The Prophet wishes the speak to us about our next mission."
Prophet? This word sounded very familiar to the Grunt sargeant and his squad, and in order to perhaps try to refresh their own memories, they followed the golden-clad soldier down a series of corridors throughout the Truth and Reconciliation, until they reached a final set of automatic doors; the doors quickly pealed open, and the troops entered.
The room was fairly wide compared to most of the ship's chambers, and centered around the middle of it was a group of blue and silver-armored Elites, and black and white-armored Grunts and Jackles. At the far end of the chamber stood a tall podium, where a strange, long-necked creature sat inside of a glowing, one-wheeled chair.
"We have arrived, Prophet of Truth.", the Elite said, kneeling infront of the Prophet. "Welcome, 'Latume.", the Prophet said, "Now, onto the matter at hand. As you know, the capture of the human has given us a strong advantage. A squad of Elites have discovered the location of the ring's control center well over an hour ago. However, we are currently missing one key figure in order to begin our Great Journey, and that is...the Oracle. I am sending each of you to the ring's swamp region, as it is one of the few regions that we have yet to search completely. Retrieve the Oracle, and bring it to me."
The Prophet waved his three-fingered hand forward, releasing the troops, as they left for the shuttle bay- all but the Grunts and their Elite companion. Something had to be done, so the seven of them walked towards the podium.
"Unggoy, I believe you and commander 'Latume have just been released.", the Prophet said.
"I undastand that, excellency, but there is something that must be explained. How did this whole war start? We were only gone from High Charity for a few days.", the Grunt sargeant said.
"By what do you mean, Unggoy? We have been fighting these humans for well over a decade now."
"Excuse me? We were just recently sent ta recruit some Jackles, with no knowledge o' these....humans."
"Who are you Unggoy?", the Prophet asked, leaning forward.
"With all due respect, your excellency, you can't say ya don't remember us. Does the Grunt Rebellion not catch your mind?", the Grunt sargeant asked frustratingly.
"Of course I am familiar with the Grunt Rebellion, but what does that- Wait- You cannot be-"
"We are.", Hackle interupted.
"But that is impossible. According to the Arbiter of your time, you and your squad were unable to escape the homeworld of the Hunters."
"That's the way it seems, but my men were able ter fly out in a Phantom. Unfortunately, the planet's explosion destroyed our ship. Next thing we knew, my squad and I were inside of one of the human ships. I guess what i'm askin' is....How did this happen?", the Grunt sargeant explained.
"Hmm....Very peculiar. Unfortunately, I cannot provide you with the answers that you want. There is one being, however, I believe that can.", the Prophet said.
"Really- Who?"
"He's the Legate, who is currently onboard a cruiser of our's known as the Infinite Succor. I can notify the Legate of your arrival.", the Prophet replied.
"That'd be fantastic. When can we leave?", Silco asked, popping out from behind the Sargeant.
"I suggest you leave immeadietly, as I am also needed elsewhere. 'Latume."
The golden-armored Elite nodded. He looked down at the Grunts, and the Grunts looked at him. It wasn't long before the seven of them were in the shuttle bay, onboard a Covenant Phantom, and on their way to the Infinite Succor.
[Edited on 3/17/2007]