Departure

Context: This story takes place on Zeta Halo and several months after the events of Halo Infinite. Takra 'Ravakrae convenes with select warriors of his former legion to discuss plans of escape after being demoted by Atriox, who has resurfaced and once again leads the Banished. 
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It wouldn't be so easy to leave Oth Koronn, Takra thought. To nearly the whole extent, the Banished dominated a significant portion of the ring-world. Additionally, Atriox had suddenly returned from the dead to unite his army of squabbling raiders and mercenaries. 
The room was dimly lit and featured very little technology. Sufficient to ensure no one could be eavesdropping on the discussion that was about to occur. A small holo-table provided the only light to even see the faces of his guests, bathed in red and notably highlighted their Sangheili visage. Warriors who were absolutely loyal to Takra despite his earlier demotion by Atriox. They were secretly summoned here in the hours of the night.
The hologram on display showed a map of Sangheili space, a particular area highlighted in green and with coordinates. He gestured for his guests to examine the image. A few of the Sangheili exchanged looks before they examined the image. It took them less than a minute to decipher Takra's plan, but even less so for Karth 'Zarai, champion of the Battlemaster's Blades. 
The red-clad warrior peered up, unsure of what to say. 
"With appropriateness of my station," he began, ensuring he displayed a respectful tone, "but this endeavour endangers us all. If we are not killed, then we will be certainly captured and executed."
The others nodded their agreement. For sometime now they were aware of Takra's longing for his homeworld. What he intends to do there they did not know, but they were aware that escaping Zeta Halo was the first step in travelling there. 
"To add to my point, even if we manage to escape Atriox will want your head. He will not cease until his desire for justice is satiated. And more importantly," he raised an emphatic finger, "how will we even escape? We have been isolated on this ring for more than six monthly cycles. I am afraid we will be here for countless more."
Takra stayed silent as he considered 'Zarai's words. The Blade's points were all valid and accurate. If he gathered his former legion's forces and attempted to escape it would involve fighting the Banished, and that would surely cost many lives. But if he wanted to find new purpose in this life and start anew then he needed to leave. And that would mean betraying Atriox.
He let out a sigh, already regretting his decision. But he felt as though he had no choice. The loss of his brothers, suffering defeat at the hands of humans... a burden he chose to bear, but not here.
He held his mandibles high, an indication to the gathering that he was about to speak. They remained silent and listened intently.
"'Zarai raises valid points, but I fear we must go through with this plan. Not for only my sake, but yours as well. I wonder how long our brethren will last before they break and become disparate factions squabbling under the hammer of the Jiralhanae." He spread his arms out to indicate the others, to show them he cared for them as much as he did himself.
"And consider what the future will entail for those who do survive," he went on. "Once we reach Uthravik and reclaim it, a new empire will be born. We will no longer be beholden to the likes of the Arbiter or the Warmaster." 
The gathered Sangheili looked at each other and debate ensued. However, it wouldn't last long when 'Zarai ended it with his final remarks. He would again speak on their behalf when they turned their collective gaze to the Battlemaster. 
"We will go along with your plan, Battlemaster. As always, we will follow you." 
"I will ensure all of you live to see my dream, truly our dream, become a reality. And those who sacrifice themselves will be honoured." Takra inclined his head, grateful.
He was glad this gathering, as brief as it was, ended on a positive note. His brethren will have hope again and a newfound future to look forward to. So It was settled. They will fight the Banished and attempt to escape this forsaken world. And sooner or later, civil war will manifest among the Banished.
Category:The Weekly