New Purpose

The bridge felt safe and familiar. Various displays were spread out before the chair, and more of their kin clustered together as groups comprising the many work stations on the bridge. A hologram the size of a boulder dominated the bridge's centre, with the image of a planet displayed in a blue hue. Nothing else, nothing more; the bridge's design was simple enough. A crew of sufficient size could work here productively and work together with efficiency, as was the case right now. Dozens of Sangheili thralls tended to their work, absorbing data and interacting with the displays, with some others walking to and fro to pass on critical information.
This had once been a constant reality for Takra 'Ravakrae, giving out orders and coordinating operations in orbit. He served the Covenant well by destroying or invading many of humanity's worlds, and yet in the end he failed by allowing the treacherous Jiralhanae to instigate a war for control of his fleet during the Great Betrayal. Half of it was lost. Afterwards, he ventured into the shadows along with his warriors, intent to stay hidden and recover. Eventually he was discovered by Atriox, the leader of the Banished, who sought his talents. The Jiralhanae, who was unique and legendary among his kind, granted the ex-Supreme Commander another chance; a new purpose. Takra followed the Warmaster in every sense of the word, completing his tasks with dilligence and travelling all the way to Zeta Halo. But sometime into the occupation of the ring world, Takra lost everything. His brothers, Kavar and Kham, two of his most trusted allies, no longer stood by his side. A significant chunk of his forces no longer lived. And Escharum humiliated him with a demotion for his failures. A supposed "incompetence" to prevent human forces from striking critical blows against the Banished.
He leant forward in his shipmaster's chair, feeling an impulse to punch the displays despite being aware of the fact that they were not solid objects. He clenched his hand into a tight fist, the thing shaking with rage. Eventually his fingers were released, and he splayed them out, feeling the rage within subside. He shifted his attention to a thrall on the approach, who bowed his head as a gesture of respect and loyalty.
"Battlemaster," the Sangheili said, "Uthravik is within range. You may proceed when you are ready."
"Thank you. You are dismissed." Takra inclined his head.
He focused his gaze on the hologram of the planet, which was the aforementioned Uthravik. It was the birthplace of the so-called Battlemaster, Takra, and his brothers. They were members of the House of Ravakrae and the sons of its ruler, High Kaidon Tuza 'Ravakrae, who Takra knew to be long dead at this point. He and his siblings left their father long ago to pursue a career in the Covenant military, believing they could bring glory and honour to their house's name in combat rather than in mundane colonial politics. Decades later, the world was now ruled by the iron-fisted hand of the Tyrant, Cortana, or it was. After her downfall at Zeta Halo, the planet had fallen into disarray and sought new leadership.
"Open a secure channel. I shall now speak to Zuart 'Siovar."
The thrall had already departed and was now at his station, where he relayed an affirmative. Within a short moment, the main display shifted from alien text to the face of a Sangheili, who appeared younger compared to Takra and very displeased.
"Ravakrae, you return to us unexpectedly and at the most convenient time," he growled, staring directly into Takra's eyes. "Why?"
"You already know the answer to that. I am here to claim my father's throne and have you disposed." He replied, curt but stern.
"You are very late to pursue that ambition. I have rallied the people to my cause. Your clan is weak and will never rule again. The change that Uthravik needs will finally come to pass." There was a tone of great certainty in the noble's voice. He wasn't arrogant but saw the matter as pure fact, even though his greatest enemy was at his door.
"Changing our ways to align with the Arbiter's ideals is something I cannot let you enact, 'Siovar. As of this moment, you have the choice to surrender. As you are well aware, I come with a vast fleet and an army hardened by many battles." Takra spoke matter-of-factly, but he knew this wouldn't phase 'Siovar in the slightest.
"Ravakrae, even if you slay me, my clan and all of Uthravik will never submit to you. You betrayed us when you and your brothers joined the Banished."
"Even so, I will be the first to show that there is redemption for Sangheili like myself. I will strike swift and hard, like a blade. Uthravik's way of life will not be erased by your hands."
Siovar's head recoiled as he laughed. His mandibles splayed outwards like a smile, looking at the camera once he composed himself.
"I look forward to seeing such a disastrous outcome. It will be your downfall, Ravakrae."
"A disastrous outcome for you in actuality. Dhav, is the 'Siovar keep within range?" Takra's gaze travelled to the same thrall he had spoken to previously.
"Affirmative, Battlemaster. The excavation beam is primed and ready to fire." The thrall replied.
Looking back to the screen, Takra smiled as he witnessed 'Siovar's visage pale. He turned around and yelled something at an unseen person in the background. He peered back, sweat beginning to envelop his features.
"Y-you would not dare! You still have honour, as little of it remains."
"My honour is my own. Renewed. Compared to yours, it is superior." Takra said. He looked at Dhav once again, nodding.
"Activate the beam."
He tapped the screen and ended the transmission. The last thing he heard before 'Siovar was cut off was a pathetic plea for mercy. Many decks below the assault carrier's glassing beam was activated, Takra felt its release of energy as it shot raging plasma onto Uthravik's surface. Several quarter-centals passed before news of 'Siovar keep's fate was delivered.
"'Siovar keep is destroyed, Battlemaster. Shall I order our forces to deploy?" Dhav inquired.
"You may," Takra replied.
It was only a matter of time before Uthravik was once again under the banner of the 'Ravakrae clan. This was a new beginning for the Battlemaster and his followers.