Halo: Ages

__TOC__
==Intent==
Covenant Calendar: 23rd Age of Doubt, 30th Cycle (2492 CE), High Charity Council Chamber
The Prophet of Tolerance rubbed his head as a new bout of complaints arose from the council.
"This heretical act can not stand! Why was the Minister left unguarded!" A San'Shyuum councilor cried, throwing the question at the Sangheili councilors opposite of him.
"He was guarded," one of them growled, 
"He ordered the majority of his guardsmen to stay at camp, while he went into the Jiralhanae fortress with a smaller unit. They claim he didn't want to appear too forceful at the peace talks."
"Too forceful, really now?" The San'Shyuum asked in mock wonder. "Have rescue attempts even been made?"
"Yes but..." the Sangheili appeared hesitant to continue before swallowing his pride, 
"They were hunted down and we have lost contact with them."
"Lost contact?! Have the cycle of Ages addled your skills in holding your part in the Writ of Union? Thou in faith shall keep us safe?" The accusation caused another round of yelling and roars, with only the stoic honor guards, still as statues, appearing unfazed. The Prophetess of Obligation floated closer to her fellow Hierarchs, a look of concern on her face.
"Brother Tolerance, are you feeling well? You appear positively ill." He glanced at her, nodding.
"Yes my Sister, I am simply amused that my attempts to ease the strain between the races of the Covenant appears to now make me an expert in hostage negotiations as well."
She gave a small smile of amusement at that, "You have done well Brother, since the days of the Unggoy Rebellion, there is no shame here."
"Indeed," Restraint chimed in, "If anything, Conversion was a fool for allowing himself to be captured."
"Perhaps Brother Restraint, perhaps, but what's done is done." The three watched the council for a moment longer before another San'Shyuum, the newly vested Minister of Gleaning, stood up.
"Have the Silent Shadow been contacted for rescue attempts yet?" The entire chamber fell silent, with even the guards now holding their staves a bit tighter. The Sangheili councilors looked amongst each other before one stood up.
"We...do not know if they have been. Such a task would rest upon the Hierarchs." Tolerance noted with annoyance the councilor's use of the word 'task', rather then honor.
The Silent Shadow, in eons past called the 'Daggers of Urs', were an ancient order. Their service stretched from the War of Beginnings, having served the Arbiter as assassins and spies. During an ancient Age of Conflict, they gained their current title when infiltrating the Inner Sanctium and eliminated the heretical Hierarch Trepidation. To the Covenant at large, the Shadows had never known defeat, and were not to be called upon lightly. Tolerance was aware of this, as he prepared to comment, before Obligation beat him to it.
"While this situation is dire, we have not yet contacted the Silent Shadow. The decision for this was, at the time; it did not appear we needed them. With these new events however, we realize their skills may be required for the safe return of the Minister of Conversion." There were a few murmurs, but no discontent.
Obligation was well liked among the council for her calm demeanor and ability to bring about cooler heads. None would decry her, in public at any rate. Restraint moved his throne up next to her,
"Thus, we shall invoke the rite of Penance, and those Jiralhanae who would threaten our noble Minister, and their own faithful brethren who now join us on the Path, will be sent on the Path of Oblivion!"
----CAS-class assault carrier Journey's Salvation, Fleet of Resolved Absolution - in orbit over Dosiac
Fleetmaster 'Tenrolee growled in frustration. His fleet had been here for seven months now, pacifying the natives of this world and preparing them for induction into the holy Covenant. The Jiralhanae, as they had come to be called among his people, had thus far proven to be a savage and vicious lot. He should have expected as much from a race who threw themselves back to the stone age in nuclear fire.
Despite this, he was reluctant to admit the aliens were actually formidable foes. It was one of the only compliments he could give them. He participated in battles where the burly creatures used their crude-bladed weapons to decimate Covenant lances. To cut Unggoy in half or, he witnessed Jiralhanae to his shock, win battles against even Evocati warriors.
He chalked those up to the planet's gravity. However, at least once, he bore witness to a pack of Jiralhanae take on a Mgalekgolo pair. With nothing but their own strength and claws, the accursed things won. While most eventually surrendered to the Covenant's might, there proved to be enough holdouts to be an annoyance.
He heard the door to the bridge chime open, but didn't look away from the hologram of the planet. The clank of armor and smell that wafted in told him enough.
"My lord, I come bearing good news." The Fleetmaster's muscles tensed in anger, as his guards glanced at him.
"Tell me Chieftain Chernarum, unless the Minister of Conversion sits beside you, I fail to see how any news about this world could be good." The Jiralhanae fell silent for a few moments, a blessing for 'Tenrolree.
"Sire...more of our people see the Light of the Journey and set foot upon the Path every day. I have heard this includes some of those under Chieftain Garbadeus." That brought pause to the Fleetmaster. The beast who captured Conversion?
He turned towards the alien who had the good sense to bow before the Fleetmaster.
"Perhaps I misjudged. Chieftain Chernarum, this update could be helpful to my troops and your people."
"You honor me, my lord."
"Indeed. Now go, gather your pack and prepare them for the siege against Garbadeus. If you earn victory, perhaps a promotion is in your future." Chernarum gave thanks and left the room, but not before 'Tenrolee noticed a glint in the Jiralhanae's eye at the mention of higher standing. It was the same look he had seen in Kig-Yar who thought they could sneak out a few more gekz on a deal, or obtained a run-down vessel as their own. A craving of power, of being allowed to rule over underlings. 'Tenrolee knew bringing them into the Covenant could be a mistake. Their strength, their hunger for power, could pose a threat one day to the Covenant. Perhaps not in his lifetime, but one day.
"Fleetmaster, new contact approaching the fleet. Signature matches that of a SDV-class heavy corvette, the Atoning Chalice." 'Tenrolee turned around and marched back to his station.
"Open COMs Second, I wish to find out whom-"
"We are here on duty of the Hierarchs, Fleetmaster." A voice interrupted, coming over the COM stations. The bridge crew and Fleetmaster shared a skeptical looks.
"Atoning Chalice, you are not authorized here without-" a glyph suddenly appeared above the corvette. His blood ran cold as he recognized what the glyph symbolized, the Daggers of the Hierarchs themselves.
"Will that be enough, Fleetmaster 'Tenrolee?" The voice sounded bored, or at worst, perhaps annoyed. 'Tenrolee gulped, refusing to show fear in front of his men.
"Y-yes, Atoning Chalice, proceed as you were." He watched as the small corvette bypassed the fleet, heading towards the planet. Those on the bridge of the Journey's Salvation knew the end had come for the upstart Jiralhanae.
----SDV-class heavy corvette Atoning Chalice - in orbit over Dosiac
First Blade 'Kentai and three other Blades checked themselves over once more before boarding the Phantom. The Shipmaster of the Atoning Chalice gave the warriors a simple salute as the First Blade turned towards him.
"When we give the signal, begin extraction protocols, understood?"
"Of course Sire, we will be waiting." With that, the Phantom left the hanger, entering the atmosphere. The other Sangheili Blades stood still as their First activated a hologram of the enemy fortress. Perched in the center of what was once a forest, it was an ugly citadel of iron and steel three hundred units tall, ringed by Covenant forces.
"Brothers, we have again been called by the Hierarchs to carry out our divine duty. We are to eliminate the enemy warlord and save the Minister of Conversion. We have reports of Jiralhanae who possibly wish to join the Covenant within. If we come across such, we shall see how they can help. Prepare your weapons." The others nodded, each going about their duties. 'Kentai glanced towards the pilot, a red-armored Obedientiary.
"You know your duty, Brother?"
The pilot turned, "Station and salvation both command a heavy price, Sire. I will ensure your team gains entry to the base. The First Blade nodded, before moving to his own pod.
----Chieftain Garbadeus's Fortress, Dosiac
"Tell me Minister, how many of your servants who came to save you must die before you kneel and accept the Kraftatugi as superior?"
Garbadeus stood in front of the silent San'Shyuum, before turning to his underlings and barking a command. Passing by bits of armor and flesh from previous examples, they opened two cages, bringing forth a blue-armored Sangheili minor, a purple-armored Sangheili commando, and a whimpering Unggoy. A guard chuckled as the diminutive alien gave a small cry of fear. The Sangheili minor looked down at him.
"Do not show fear Gibab, show these beasts you have more honor then they ever could." The blue-armored warrior spoke softly, before coughing up blood.
"Silence, whelp!" One of the guards punched the young Sangheili in the gut. His pack brother laughed, jeering at the minor's pain. As a reward, he found his own world swallowed in pain, as the older Sangheili headbutted him. Leaping forward, the commando activated a small energy dagger, aiming for the chieftain's neck. Garbadeus grabbed the Sangheili's outstretched arm, using the momentum to twirl the warrior around, right back into the two captains. The pair quickly knocked him out before restraining him. The Chieftain turned back to Conversion.
"They are the last of those who attempted to come save you, and you now have the chance to save them. All you have to do is kneel, Minister, and hand over those dusty alien trinkets you have so heavily cling too." He leaned in close to his captive, "This planet belongs to the strongest of the Kraftatugi, as do all things." The Jiralhanae underlings raised their double-bladed weapons, pointing them at the three Covenant soldiers. "Including their lives...the choice is yours... Conversion."
The prophet looked up into the alien's eyes, an unflinching gaze that caused his captor to growl in annoyance.
"Garbadeus, I came to your world to bring the salvation that the Great Journey provides to all who believe. Many of your people have embraced our faith willingly without bloodshed. It was not until they and my fellow Covenant came under attack that proper military action was needed."
Garbadeus growled, his eyes becoming slits.
"I care not for your sputtering of rings and journeys. We Kraftatugi are a proud people ruled by only the strongest. If one proves too weak to rule, they are overthrown. To be under the rule of an alien race, worse, a feeble alien race, is utterly unthinkable." He pulled back, giving a huff, and turned towards the Sangheili.
"Perhaps I waste my breath though. Maybe your underlings, as warriors they may under-"
"Chieftain! Enemy dropship inbound," the call of a Jiralhanae AA gunner crackled over the primitive radio strapped to the leader's belt. Annoyed, Garbadeus glanced out the nearby window. Indeed there appeared another Covenant aerial craft, heading straight for the fortress. He noticed it looked different, bulkier then the others.
Garbadeus brought the radio to his lips. "Then shoot it down you damn fool, I wish for our...guest to witness this."
Moments later the roar of multiple cannons echoed throughout the meeting hall, and all six watched as the vessel was peppered by the large, super-heated spikes. Pieces began to chip off, and soon enough entire chunks fell away from the dropship as it appeared to lose control. Catching fire like a brilliant comet, it plummeted down out of view. The rumble of impact brought a smile to the chieftain's face.
"Report gunner, where did it land?"
"The main hanger leader, salvage teams are being sent now."
"Excellent!" He turned towards the Minister, "let us see who made this newest attempt."
He turned to a wall and flipped a switch. A series of screens appeared, revealing various areas of the base. The group focused on the one with the burning wreck.
Below, the Thrall Chief Farnadus gave a smile at seeing the crumpled enemy craft at the entrance to the hanger. True, it would be a pain to move, but the metal would provide excellent additions to the fortress defenses. A small bonus would be whatever charred remains of the passengers remained inside. It had become an odd game among his pack to see who could stomach the smaller, crunchy aliens the longest, before becoming ill. His brother held the current record of three hours. He watched his sibling nearing the craft as the fires began to die away. He smelled the air and gave a whoop.
"Praise the Skull Lord Tesh, pack brothers! Tonight, we feast again!"
Other Kraftatugi cheered, before Farnadus's brother suddenly jolted and stilled. A look of surprise and confusion emerged on his face. This was shared by the rest of the pack, until in a flash of red, their comrade fell in two pieces. Out of the dying fire, a new figure materialized. Wearing a smooth set of combat armor, it gazed upon the Kraftatugi through a single, glowing blue visor.
For a few moments, a heavy silence permeated throughout the hanger. Farnadus's mind only had enough time to register the new arrival as a Sangheili, before rage overwhelmed his senses. With a roar he charged his brother's murderer. The Sangheili simply cocked its head to one side, before bracing itself. Stepping aside at the last moment as Farnadus neared, it smashed its elbow into the larger opponent's face. Teeth shattered and blood flew as Farnadus howled again, reaching over to grab his query.
Nabbing the Sangheili's arm, he swung the Covenant soldier through the air. He smashed the Sangheili into the floor before flinging him into the nearby wall. The Sangheili attempted to right himself, but Farnadus was faster. He pinned his enemy to the wall, a wicked smile on his face. The smile vanished in a flash of red, along with his arm. The rest watched as Farnadus fell to the ground, gripping the burning stump neatly cut by a red energy blade; the bisected arm rested in the Sangheili's grasp.
Watching as Farnadus roared in rage and pain for a moment, the alien looked up at the rest of the pack, before silencing his challenger with a swipe of the weapon. Silence reigned, with only the sounds of smoldering metal and the hum of the curious blade carried by the Covenant warrior. Finally, one of the Kraftatugi roared, and fired. This was followed by others, filling the space with hot metal spikes.
The alien vanished, only to reappear moments later behind those near the back of the group. Slaying three as they let out cries of fury, the others turned towards the new location. Like a ghost it again faded from existence, only to materialize right next to the last five. They froze, anger turning to fear. What kind of creature were they facing?
"It...its some kind of spectre, Chieftain!" The radio operator in the room above the hanger claimed to his superior.
"Nonsense, you childish whelp! It is merely a lackey of the Covenant. Now do your duty before..." the rest of his chieftain's words were drowned out as a loud sizzling arose behind him. Turning, he saw a red blade, slowly cutting through the sealed door.
"No...it couldn't be this fast?" He looked out the window, the entire pack was dead. He prepared his grenade launcher, facing the door. Garbadeus watched, a frown on his face as the operator's doors were breached, and his fellow Kraftatugi fired their weapons until they ran dry. For a moment nothing happened, until a bolt of green lanced through the officer's head. The Covenant soldier appeared through the doorway, glancing up at the camera before taking aim with a new rifle resembling his own people's mincer. The feed was lost in a flash of light.
"Well...that was certainly an impressive performance," Conversion spoke from behind him. Not for the first time, Garbadeus wished he could just end this creature's life, but he kept his anger in check. He needed the Minister alive. Instead he took his frustration on the commando, the only one durable enough. He attempted to punch the Sangheili, only to be headbutted by the warrior again. The commando lashed out, freeing himself from his two captors despite his grievous wounds. Crushing one's foot under his boot, he grabbed the fallen captain's weapon and swung for the Chieftain.
The handle of a hammer caught the blade midway, with Garbadeus smiling. Punching the Sangheili back, he moved in and began to pound the warrior with his fists, stopping only when the felt the commando could take no more. He glanced over at his captain, nursing the wounded foot.
"You are not some young whelp. He freed himself from you, fix your mistake yourself."
Glancing at the fear across the other two, he turned towards his captive, his tone was measured but laced with warning. "You dare mock my warriors, Minister?"
"Oh no Chieftain, my comment was not on their actions." For the first time, a smug smile graced the San'Shyuum's lips.
"It appears you have run out of time. I had hoped to convince you to surrender peacefully, but it appears you have attracted the attention of the Silent Shadow." He now noticed a new look in the eyes of the other two prisoners at that name...a look of hope. Concern flashed between his two captains, as they looked from the static-filled screen to their leader.
Garbadeus grabbed his radio, "All warriors prepare for battle, we have intruders!"
----Silent Shadow
The First Blade walked through the door, past his brother and examined the controls behind the dead Jiralhanae officer.
"You did well, we shall bring a Huragok in shortly to deal with this more thoroughly." He looked over the keyboard, watching as a holographic overlay appeared within his visor. The armor's software used what data it had to translate the words of the Jiralhanae's barbaric tongue. Entering the proper commands, the Blades watched the nearby screen flash through multiple images before settling on what they desired. The Chieftain and Minister.
"Level 5, room 7, sire," one his underlings spoke as the hologram vanished.
"Very well, let us finish this hunt, slay all who fight." The Blades separated, appearing to vanish down different hallways, and into the ether itself.
They were getting closer, Garbadeus realized this sad truth now. He watched through camera feed as his warriors attempted to fight these shadow beings. How the end came varied, but it came every time. Melted with plasma, cut to steaming chunks, and sometimes just dropping dead from a clean long range shot. He wouldn't admit it to his men, but he felt a small coil of fear in his stomach. He quickly crushed it though. No more talk, no more games.
"All remaining warriors, converge in the Tusk Hall. We make our stand there." He grabbed his hammer, and reached for the Minister.
"You are coming with me," before the San'Shyuum could protest, the Jiralhanae grabbed him by the neck and pulled him out of the chair. Marching to the door, he turned towards the captains.
"Throw them back in the cage, we will show this minister how we Kraftatugi deal with cowardly vermin like these creeping shadows." They compiled, pushing the Covenant back into their prisons. They, along with the intruders, would make an excellent victory feast. The thought cheered Garbadeus somewhat.
The Jiralhanae were retreating, what cowards, 'Uzakai thought as he impaled another on his blade. The others didn't even bother to turn, just ran through the nearest doorway. The First Blade followed, just in time to see elevator doors closing at the end of the hall. leading up to level 5.
The sound of metal on metal came from behind, as he turned to watch another group of Jiralhanae come forth. They paused on seeing him. Rather then fire though, the group threq their weapons aside and shockingly bowed.
"Liege, we have come to assist you." 'Kentai snorted, amused. These were it for the Covenant loyalists? Still, best to make sure...
"You serve the Cheftain, do you not?
We did, but we see his path leads only to damnation for our race. We seek their salvation." 'Kentai paused, pondering the words as he glanced behind the group.
"What can you offer us and the Covenant?"
The captain looked up,
"Garbadeus has a small armor above. Small arms and heavy weapons. The hall is narrow, it would be a death trap."
"Hm we shall see how true your words hold, what say you Second?"
"We have not come across any more First Blade, the rest must be gathered above." The voice came from behind the Jiralhanae, who whirled in shock as the three other Blades appeared out of thin air. 'Kentai nodded in agreement.
"Activate the cherubim, let us see what awaits us." All four unclasped small, flat ovals from their armor, which began to hover and glow. The tiny devices were recorders, gathers of knowledge on a surrounding area. Both mapping and recording, they worked in a way similar to their larger Kindler Cartographer kin. Like miniature serpahs, the cherubim took off, two vanishing into ducts, while the other pair cut through the elevator doors and moved up the shaft. The group watched as a 3d model crafted itself on the armband of 'Kentai. Alongside it, they watched what the drones saw on their visors. What they revealed brought a smile to 'Kentai.
"It looks like this may just be a fight worthy of our skill brothers. Alert the Fieldmaster to begin moving his troops back and armor forward. Prepare your gravity tethers." The other three remained nodded, as they watched the view caught by a cherubim in a vent. 'Kentai turned towards the odd Jiralhanae allies.
"Grab your weapons, you shall now serve the Covenant."
Garbadeus watched his men set up ripper turrets, load their spiker pistols, bladed grenade launchers, and even three skewer shredder rockets. He could smell the panic in the air. Only twenty Kraftatugi had managed to get to the Tusk Hall, an area dedicated to trophies of his pack. Consisting of a narrow passageway leading straight to the larger curved end they were standing in, it made a perfect choke point for these...assassins, he refused to call them warriors now.
"We are as ready as we can be chieftain, with the elevator being the only way up, victory is within our grasp." The captain turned towards the Minister of Conversion, still in the chieftain's grip. Giving a jeering smile, he spoke over the others,
"Tell me alien, what sauce would go best for their mea-" the building suddenly shook, throwing everyone off balance. Glancing out a nearby window, the captain showed surprise.
"Cheftain, they are assaulting the base in full!" Garbadeus moved next to his Captain. Sure enough, the covenant army that had sat still for three days was now active. Their mortar tanks bombarding the base, although their infantry appeared to be falling back.
"Cheftain, the assassins, they are coming!" Whipping around, he saw the elevator was indeed active, bringing someone up.
"Prepare yourselves! Today we fight for the might of the Kraftatugi! And the honor of The skull-god Keshia!" He handed the minister off to an underling, lifting his hammer. Everyone was silent, ignoring the enemy mortar tanks outside taking another volley. The tension built as the elevator's car grew slowly closer. It lurched to a stop and all froze as it opened. Rather then the ghostly aliens, a group of Kraftatugi emerged from the elevator.
"Forgive us Cheftain, we had to proceed with caution to get here." Garbadeus watched them quietly for a moment.
"FIRE ON THE TRAITORS!" he yelled, his men unflinching launched spikes and grenades at the newest arrivals. Only a few spikes were returned in defiance, and within moments the group lay dead.
As all within the room fell silent.
"Fools," a young whelp named Lucius commented. "Did they try think that would work?" A few nervous chuckles came from his kin, until a new explosion rocked the room, consuming them. Heat burned flesh and the blast sent everyone to the ground. Garbadeus was tossed forward, smashing his helmet saving him from a fractured skull. He wearily got up, turning to the source of the mess. A large hole in either wall exposed them to the outside. Within the holes materialized the Silent Shadow. No words said, no time wasted. Only enough to lift his hammer and charge. Two Shadows had already begun to slay their nearest foes, still stunned. A third grabbed the minister, pulling him back into the safely of the control room. The last, sporting a red visor, stated at
the chieftain. Igniting his own blade, he pointed it at Garbadeus, a clear challenge.
"Lay no hand on the red one, he is mine!" The Jiralhanae yelled, charging forward with his hammer. The large cudgel barley missed the Shadow, who ducked out of the way. To the Sangheili's surprise, Garbadeus quickly attempted to tackle him, managing to knock the sword out of his grasp. The two wrestled on the floor, before 'Kentai delivered a powerful kick, causing Garbadeus to stumble back. Fumbling for a new weapon, he found a empty grenade launcher as the Shadow moved in closer for the kill. He brought the blade of the weapon down on the commando, who was too close to dodge. Bringing his hands up, he caught the chieftain's arm and moved his neck aside. Despite his best efforts, still came down, abiet slower. 'Kentai managed to move his head out of the way as the blade bit into the chest harness, slowly crafting an ugly gash on the once emmaclute armor. Struggling under the Jiralhanae's weight, 'Kentai brought his knee up hard between the chieftain's legs. Garbadeus winced, his strength waning only a bit, but that was enough for 'Kentai to turn the weapon aside, causing Garbadeus to tumble to the ground.
"On your feet Jiralhanae, I will at least give you the honor of dying, facing your better." He glanced around, seeing multiple slain Jiralhanae. His team was gone, likely having fallen back into the control room.
The rest of the enemy simply stood, watching the duel.
"I tell you...Sangheili assassin, you shall not prevail."Garbadeus lept to his feet, kicking 'Kentai to the ground and moving to his hammer. Grabbing it, he whirled around and charged. Getting to his feet, 'Kentai barley had time to get to his feet and bring his arm out towards the chieftain before the hammer hit. The impact sent him sailing into the wall. The First Blade glanced up weakly at the Chieftain, the shattered visor revealing eyes that appeared satisfied. Garbadeus's grinned as the Sangheili went limp, and was about to let out a victory howl when he realized he couldn't draw breath. The shocked stares of his pack brought his eyes down, where the red sword jutted from his chest. He felt his body spasm before giving out a chocked cry, toppling to the ground as limp as his opponent. A rising anger filled the group, as they trained their weapons on the doorway.
"Minister, are you injured?" One of the Blades asked, carefully checking him over.
"I..I am fine, sore in the neck but unharmed. Those two however, need more care then myself." Hesitate at first, seeing the capture as a dishonor, the Shadows relented after hearing what had transpired. Rubbing a healing gel on the minor's wounds and providing fresh methane for the Unggoy, they all listened to the duel outside.
One of the Shadows activated a beacon, and cut out a hole in one of the large windows.
"Dropship inbound, five units." The other two nodded, and began sealing the door shut with plasma rifles. The trio suddenly passed as everything went silent outside.
"First Blade 'Kentai...is dead," one spoke quietly, bowing his head with the others.
"Fear not, he is now on the Path with his ancestors." Conversion comforted the team. They nodded, as sudden thumping began against the door. The minor Sangheili limped in front of the Minister, using himself as a shield if need be. The Blades joined him, while the Unggoy meanwhile, kept watched for the safety of the phantom. Small dents began to form in the door, growing rapidly larger.
"Leader, phantom here!" The Unggoy squeaked, as a purple dropship arrived at the window. The tiny alien attempted to leap onboard, before being grabbed by a Shadow and pulled back.
"Know your place, Unggoy, the Minister goes on the first." The Covenant reformed a semi circle around Conversion, who used his gravity belt to quickly board. One of the Blades helped the Minor on, and then allowed the panic unggoy on. As the Blades themselves finally boarded, the ship pulled back as the door finally burst. Several shots bounced off the vessel, as it traveled to a nearby corvette. The ground army was gone, with the mortar tanks having pulled back themselves. Those on the phantom watched as several plasma bolts from the corvette impacted on the fortress. After the punishment of the tanks, no more could be taken. With a roar that drowned out those of the remaining occupants, it collapsed on itself.
'Tenrolee watched a recording of the event from an eye drone hovering over the tanks at the time. The single dropship fleeing the devastation had landed near the covenant camp, dropped off two battered Sangheili and a lowly Unggoy, before departing to the corvette now on the horizon. Glancing back at the smoldering ruins, he now knew the tales of the Silent Shadow were true.
"I still can not believe it my lord How did only four Sangheili accomplishso much?" The Fleetmaster glanced at the awestruck Jiralhanae nearby.
"Of course they did, they are the best Chernarum. My people are the guardians of the Great Journey, protectors of the San 'Shyuum who guide us all along the Path. Such duty requires the proper discipline and skill. Perhaps with time, you and your kind will know such as well." He looked back at the hologram the drone shown as phantoms began bringing digging equipment to clear the remains.
"Garbadeus was one of the last to resist us, those who remain should fall in line." He made to leave the bridge.
"I must begin a report for the Hierarchs, I suggest you meet with the other Chieftains to inform them of this recent news as well. Chernarum bowed,
"As you say sire, it shall be done."
Covenant Calendar, 23rd Age of Doubt(2493)
High Charity, Chamber of the Silent Temple
Second Blade 'Xeltgai stood quietly between his two blade brothers, the group alone in the center of the room. The handle of an energy sword sitting in the center of the gathering.
"First Blade 'Kentai served the Silent Shadow well. He carried out his duties as the station demanded, and knew what was expected. The Hierarchs themselves have praised him for his last mission, that helped guarantee the Jiralhanae into our noble Covenant. May we all serve with the same honor as 'Kentai did. May we all walk the Path where 'Kenti awaits us." As one they saluted, as 'Xeltgai carefully sat the deactivated blade of 'Kentai into a slot within the wall. As he withdrew his hands, an energy shield sealed the slot, with 'Kentai's full name and bloodline engraved above on a plaque. The group looked at each other, before leaving the room. 'Xeltgai paused at the doorway, looking back.
"Though you leave this world, we shall meet again on the Journey when the time comes." The door closed as he departed, leaving the room in silenece and shadow.
== Salvation in Damnation ==
Covenant Calendar: 9th Age of Reclamation, 27th Cycle (2552 CE) High Charity, Lower Districts 
Chapter 1 
Tero 'Kanay again found his hand wrapped around the hilt of the curveblade hanging from his belt. A gift from his father, its presence helped to calm his pounding hearts as he stayed close to the other civilians, themselves following a trio of red-armored down the streets of the holy city's lower district. Looking through the eye slits of the re-breather helmet he and the other Sangheili had been given, he realized he recognized the place. The area had once been a hub for vendors and merchants, much like himself and his father. 
Traders from countless worlds had plied their wares here, seeking their fortune, now however, it was occupied only by the dead. Even the Fount of Light high above, whose once shining brilliance had rivaled that of Urs, cast pale glow through a thickening mist, as the city's remaining generators struggled to keep basic functions running. Without the engines of the blessed vessel of the Forerunners, the city, much like its inhabitants, was dying. Many had perished in the chaos since the city had arrived at the holy Halo. 
What mattered though, with the presence of the Parasite, was that none could be allowed to come back. Watching as one of the Officers paused over the corpse of a Jiralhanae priest, the soldier activated his energy blade, carving the body in two. Wincing slightly, it was something Tero was not used too. Pausing by one of the bodies closer to him, he examined it briefly. 
A fellow Sangheili, Tero bent down to briefly examine the body. Clad in a green robe, the series of glyphs along the sleeves indicated the individual as coming from one of the many shipwrights that served the Sacred Promissiory. The cause of death was obvious, a deep gash that traveled up through up ribs. Hearing the clank of the Officer's boots nearing, Tero began a prayer for his departed brethren, before the corpse suddenly sat up. 
Frozen in shock, Tero could only watch as the thing's head flopped over into its chest cavity, a glazed eye appearing to focus on him. Finally gaining some control of his own facilities, the young Sangheili let out a yell of fright and stumbled back, even as the cadaver lurched forward.
"Do..not...fear," the words, slowly dripped out of the ruined mouth, as a hand reached forward, even as Tero's own struggled to free his curveblade.
"There is..peace..in our embra-," plasma burned into rotten flesh, moving down the body before it was fully split asunder. The Major watched the twitching corpse for a moment, before it finally died, and turned his attention to Tero, blade still humming.
"Check the boy," Tero tensed, as one of the other soldiers moved in, examining him for any wounds, any taint. The entire while, Tero's eyes remained on the glowing sword of their leader.
"He is clean," the other reported, the leader giving a nod of acknowledgement.
"Sangheili, look!" The cry of a Kig-Yar brought the group's attention down the street, where a thicker patch of fog was now settling over the area. Within, more bodies began to twitch and spasm. 
"By the Rings, we must go, NOW! More combat forms arise!" Tero followed with the rest, two of the Officers leading the way, the third watching their back. The cry of the abominations carried through the air, reminding Tero of Jiralhanae of the scent of their prey. Trying to confuse the parasite, the group was led through broken buildings, under collapsed walkways, and into back ally ways. Finding a tome hall, the soldiers quickly cleared it, finding it clear of the living or dead, before herding their charges within to the second floor. 
Silence settled over the group as they waited, the soldiers watching through the windows for any movement. The tension sawed through Tero's nerves, almost loosing his composure from the whimpering of an Unggoy. Silencing the small alien, they all froze on hearing a crash outside. Peeking out a window himself, he watched as seven shambling bodies, puppets of the parasite, moved into view. Stopping mere blocks away, they appeared to taste the air with frond-like protrusions emerging from the chests, surveying the area. 
Soon enough, the things were joined by smaller creatures, odd aquatic like animals who skittered across the ground. Moving ahead of the larger ones, the smaller creatures quickly dispersed throughout the vicinity, while the combat forms moved slower down each side of the street, scanning their surroundings. A sudden series of scratches were heard down below on the main door. None dared move, even as a small shadow slid by the window. 
Tero's eyes widened behind his helmet on seeing one of the soldiers slowly, ever so slowly, palm a pair of plasma grenades. None would be taken by the ancient Enemy. A crash echoed across the street, drawing the covenant and flood's attention. From his position, Tero watched in dismay as a group of five Kig-Yar fled out from a nearby building, firing suban crystals into a small swarm of the skittering creatures giving chase. 
The parasite puppets suddenly charged forward, even as a few were themselves blown to bits by combined fire. The rest however, quickly closing the gap, tore into the poor avains with razor sharp claws and twisted tentacles. Within moments it was over, A few of the remaining combat forms, claimed the new weapons as their own, while the smaller ones quickly burrowed into the bodies. Tero and the rest watching in horror as the corpses twisted began to twitch and contort, their arms withered like old vines, while the heads appeared to sink into the body, which itself expanded. 
In mere seconds, lumpy sacks of flesh stood where the Kig-yar had once been. Moving unsteadily at first, they waddled over to their new allies, before the sound of broken glass filled the air as the soldiers ignited and threw several grenades. The group of parasites had only enough time to gurgle in surprise, before they all vanished in a blaze of blue and white light. For several units the group waited, to see if any servants of the Deceiver would arise. As time passed however, and the silence remained, the tension began to ebb and drain. As one of the Majors moved outside, setting perimeter of sensor mines around the building, the other two studied a holo-map. Laying against a wall to relax, Tero caught bits of a conversation had by the two.
"We can not continue in this manner Poru," the leader commented, "we must find a way off the station, a transport we can take to either the Spires of Gifting below the dome, or one of the Haven ports along the dome's edge." One of the others nodded in agreement,
"I understand Yora, and I believe I have found a possible route to hasten our travel." Pointing at an area further down, near where the Keyship once rested, was what appeared to be a renovation facility.
"This repair station was last reported to have at least one lich patrol platform in for maintenance. If we can get there and retrieve it, we could easily escape not just the dome, but possibly find succor among the fleet." Both Sangheili were quiet after that, considering their options.
"I will prepare the others," Yora commented quietly.