Post-M6 Covenant Intermission: The Warded Sect

[Huka]

Slipspace route to Ward Colony Indomitable Sentinel, Foremost fringe of established Covenant Space
Several cycles since the Battle of Refuge…

The Reticent-class cruiser Harbinger of Absolution and her fellow survivors in the ill-gotten naval battle appeared from the warps of space and time to find themselves approaching a waiting fleet of fellow vessels serving to protect the colony behind it. The lumbering carrier took the front and sent out a welcoming sermon, to which Shipmaster ‘Vadamai answered with religious fervor, “And may the Gods grant the spirituality of purity and enlightenment.”

The welcoming party’s foreman, a stoic-faced Sangheili with the gilded armor of a Zealot, saluted respectfully, “Welcome to the Indomitable Sentinel, wary travelers. Your arrival have been noted and waited for some time now…” He said. That was natural but something in the other’s voice didn’t make it seem so...beneficial. “The Magistrate of Vigilance and a welcoming party will be meeting you and Reticent Lance at the Shipyard 003-A.”

Bowing, the Shipmasters ended their transmission before Xytan sat down and exhaled slowly, feeling wary and disappointed. Glancing at his sub-commander for a moment, they began the entry.

His ship and the accompanying SDV-class corvette Burning Lineage pushed through the stratosphere and clouds of the world, welcomed to the site of a large metropolis; a carefully planned glyph made from the buildings of many purposes, militant and civilian of the holy Empire’s design with the heart being a sky-reaching spire of alien material that belonged to only one, very revered, culture once untouched untold ages. While the city itself fearfully kept a reverent girth from the holy site.

It was further restricted from even daring to touch it with a thick garden of exotic beauty, possessing one piece from every client race’s world: from the blood-locus of Sanghelios’ Anjar Monastery to the sparse giants of the Kashyyuk trees of Doisac to the honey-dewed trees of Palamok’s second moon Oquiu with linking from the vined tropical um-ka trees of Eayn; populated with regulated ponds of large multi-whiskered koi from the freshwaters of Balaho and beautiful scaled koi of High Charity with the meditation spots dotted with shaped rocks of Te metals.

The city of Standing Grace always been a place of peace...and forebearing vigilance for heresies on the colony and beyond. Some call it a fine resort to warriors on shore leave, others call it a veiled prison. Today, the Sect of Lamenting Consecration will find out which as the phantoms flew them down to the port’s entry docks.

A few cycles of good rest and restored hygiene did little to improve of the Sect’s mood, anxious of the higher officers’ reactions to their critical failure of securing a holy artifact from the humans’ grasp. When everyone was loaded off the ships-with the notable exception of Reticent Lance, who were moved to another hanger. Waiting for the somewhat confused soldiers were a Sangheilian war-priest and a small entourage of decorated guard.

“Well, warriors of Lamenting Consecration. Your exploits are widely known in the empire and I have the...distinct honor of being your greeter. The recent tragedy have come to our ears and we bear no ill will to such commendable and worthy champions of the Forerunner faith…” The robed individual said, with such practiced vocals of high bass and great power that seemed like lilied praise with a serpent coiled for the moment to strike down the barest sight of corruption to the white lily. When a war-priest is involved, there was something wrong.

“You will be housed in the barracks closest to the Holiest of Artifact on this planet, the Tower of All Tongue. There you will rested, cared and meditated for during the duration of your stay until this terrible matter with your Commanders’ trials are dealt with.”

Few whispered amongst the ranks, having noticed their absence since the first couple cycles aboard the ship. Some even looked visibly disturbed but the priest simply twitched his armored mandibles. If he had any mercy for this situation, he didn’t show it. “You may speak with your families and clans about your safety. The still wounded will be delivered to our best healers and those in need of proper counsel will be taken care of...but for your safety and the secrecy of your mission, I implore you to stay in the city’s central limits.” Something about that last warning sent a creep down Spiritualists’ spines and rose the hair of the more perceptive of Jiralhanae and Kig-yar.

With a moment of letting that sink in, the War-priest gestured. “Please..this way.”

[deceit]

There were explosions. He tried to stand up, but he had fallen down, face in the dirt again. He'd tried to at least look outside of the tents, but then everything was a visual hell, his sight a blurr, nothing made sense, and he suddenly got the sensation that, along with the loud noise, his body was being torn from him, piece by piece, and he was no longer where he had been, and may never be anywhere again. Pain. Agony. His Sangheili armor was stifling, and he could feel his weight quite acutely. No. That wasn't his weight, it was the weight of something else. And then darkness swallowed him whole once again.

He woke up later, darkness, still...Was he dead? It was hard to breath, but he still felt the need to. Did a spirit have the need to breath. He blinked a few times; at least he thought he blinked a few times, but nothing changed. He twitched his fingers. He could feel them moving, and he felt...he felt a sensation underneath the armor and gloves. He touched his leg, and then ran his hand and finger up his torso. Good, it was still connected. The shouting, screaming, and shooting seemed much more distant now. None of it seemed clear though. He could not focus.

He stopped moving for a few seconds. It was still very painful. What was going on? Why was there so much darkness. Why was it hard to breath? Why was it so hot? Where were the stars and sky, the space that stretched endlessly on staring ever long into the space that stretched on into his own heart? Why was it just this blanket of darkness. Blanket. Fabric? Fabric! Tent! He had been in a tent. There had been an explosion.

His fingers reached up and clutched, feeling the pull and tensity of the fabric. As well as something else. He was buried underneath a tent, but above him was something more solid. He suddenly became aware that he was slowly suffocating. Panic. He moved his leg, but his torso screamed in pain. Right, he was wounded. He tried to sit up, but between the pain, and a sudden, overwhelming nausea, as well as an extreme feeling of fatigue, he could not push whatever it was that was above him.

He heard things. He heard...voices. Some kind of Sangheili dialect. They were...searching for survivors? Or corpses. It sounded like they were giving up, like they were leaving. In a hurry. In a big hurry.

If he didn't say something, get their attention. He was dead. He would be left here to die, suffocate under a goddamn tent in this goddamn planet on a goddamn suicide mission for a goddamn zealous regime that didn't give a goddamn about anything other than their goddamn...

gods. And their artifact. Their cursed piece of rubble from an ancient world which had removed all of their technological; their STOLEN technological, advantage.

No dying. It was against the policy of his Lance. He was a lance commander, it would set a bad example for the rules of the lance if he were to die.

No, it was more selfish than that. That was just some kind of sick humor. He wanted to LIVE. He wanted to see the stars again, he wanted to breath clean fresh air again. He wanted to drink, and eat, and be merry.

He tried to thrash, but he could barely move...

All he had left now...

was a little bit of oxygen...

No, he needed to take a risk, and sacrifice that. He needed to call out. Ra'ab Xirsasee sucked in all of his breath and prepared to bellow out, bellow out as loud as he possibly could, his last, final grip on life. His last chance. He felt his lungs fill with air, and prepared to bellow out...


The healers were in asbolute shock when the wounded, one armed Sangheili suddenly snapped to life, bellowing out a sudden roar that would be heard for miles if he were out in the wide open wilderness of the Xirsas homeland. The sudden roar and noise and movement scared the shit out of the other patients, healers, and personell of the ward. The 600 pound, famished, half starved, half crazed, half armed Sangheili jumped out of his bed and reared his head, continueing his roar for life.

And then he felt the smash of cold hard metal as he hit the floor. No armor plating to absorb the blow. He was near naked, wearing a simple robe to cover himself. He'd used every bit of energy he'd had left in that roar, for life! Only now was he remembering that he'd passed out. That he'd awoken in the ship. That he'd been saved.

He felt the Sangheili guards pick him up, and restrain him back on the bed. He did not have the energy to answer their questions. He heard them ask what was going on, why he suddenly jumped up. They couldn't understand. His memory...his dream...it had been so real. He had lived that hell again. His eyes flicked several times.

Unfortunately there was no stars and no sky. Just a cold ceiling with a bright light.

"Where am I?" he finally managed, after the guards had left ( one of them stayed near the door ) and the healer had returned. The healer, a Huragok, ignored him. Instead the guard folded his arms.

"Safe." He grunted out, not being particularly responsive after Ra'ab's outburst.

"The walls and floors...they are different. This is not the ship I had been brought too...Reticent Lance...The Sect of Lamenting Consecration...are they...?"

"This is the City of Standing Grace." The Sangheili guard responded, "Reticent Lance lives...Many died, but the Sect lives on, as far as the foreseeable future goes."

"Foreseeable...I hear no accolades. Then, we failed. Our leaders will be tried for Heresy? Our sect will be split?"

"That is to be determined. But you...can do nothing about this. You've lost an arm and taken many wounds. It is a pity you did not die, for you will never see another day of combat. The gods should have spared you this shame, and---"

Ra'ab found the strength to stand make a step to the Sangheili's face, breathing out a growl and putting a clenched fist against his own chest, "I am Major Domo Ra'ab Xirsasee, of Reticent Lance and the Sect of Lamenting Consecration." He growled out in his defiance, "I did lose my arm in any battle. I was born without it, and these wounds are nothing compared to what I have endured. And shall continue to endure, and fight. There is no shame for me to bare, warrior. I fight on the fields of battle, and not hide in empty halls. What your name, Sangheili."

The Sangheili was shocked, dumbfounded for a few moments. He four jaws opened wide, then clicked with annoyance as he suddenly caught on to the insults, "Minor Kree'en Undalee. Were you not in such a pitiful condition, I would accept your challenge and insult with a duel of my own...but what a waste it would be to fight a wounded, one armed fool."

Ra'ab stared at Minor Kree'en for a few more moments, before taking a step back and sitting upon the bed, "Forgive me for snapping, brother. My lance, my sect, and my life have made a lot of recent sacrifices in the name of the Covenant. We will make more, mark that. Forgive my impatience, your pity is only natural. But it is quite...misplaced."

The Minor stood there for a few moments, then grunted in a begrudging acknowledgement.

"Major Ra'ab Xirsas?" He asked.

"Yes, brother."

"Rest well. Food and water will be brought to you. You've been unconscious for a while. Hurragok. How long do you estimate until this Sangheili will be fit to walk?"

The Huragokk signed back, Once he has regained stamina, his wounds should not pester him unless he pushes himself too far too soon. it seems these recent wounds are not his only, though. I would recommend care, for old wounds did need to be closed again. You will find yourself fatiguing at a rapid rate.

Ra'ab nodded, "thank you. I must...rest..." Ra'ab laid down, mumbling as he felt the sleep begin to claim him...

[BetaWülf]

Unggoy Major Dakek

Dakek lay limp in small life support pod that hovered above the ground, designed for transporting critically wounded over short distances. Talnay had this tethered to his wrist and dragged it along behind himself as he followed the somewhat questionable Kig-yar that said he knew who could fix Dakek. Talnay hoped he wasn't being led into a trap, but he was prepared regardless. Slung over his shoulder was a large sack filled with 'goods' he would trade for anything needed to make Dakek better, though the knife in the head of the Unggoy wasn't exactly helping Talnay's optimism.

They went further and further from the Spire and towards the reaches of the city, until finally they were in a slightly rundown area, filled with Kig-yar, a slum of sorts. The Kig-yar watched from all around as Talnay was lead down a set of stairs to the basement of store, Talnay didn't like the looks of this and guessed what he was about to do was less than legal. He was however uncaring of whether he was committing crime, since he was saving a comrade and friends life, which surely was a just act. A dim light was all that illuminated the doorway he found himself at, passing between two crocodilian Kig-yar as he followed his friends only hope through the door. They were now in a room, also poorly lit, that had several Kig-yar playing some sort of game at a table. The T'vaoan among them perked up at the sight of the Sangheili and his Unggoy baggage, and extracted the smoking pipe from his beak.

"Ah, I see we have a client, good work Reb" the powerfully built T'vaoan said, aimed at both Talnay and the Kig-yar that had brought the Sangheili to them.

"What service can we provide you, Sangheili?" She said, looking him over as he did the same to her, he had forgot the reptilian avians were dominated by the females but wasn't surprised really.

"I need you," Talnay said to the female T'vaoan,"to fix him" he said gesturing to the stasis pod containing Dakek.

She casually strolled over to the hovering stasis, and rubbed a clenched fist in a circle to clear the foggy obstruction of sight, so she could see what she was going to do business for. She scoffed as she looked at the Unggoy inside, stroking her chin with one claw as she contemplated something. Talnay watched as a little twinkle lit her eye and sinister grin spread across her face, Dakek stirred slightly, his digits twitching.

"We might be able to help you, of course, we don't work for fre-" before the last word left her beaked mouth the sack slung over Talnay's shoulder dropped and spilled out onto the floor.

Her eyes lit up with delight at all the shiny objects within, mostly of Sangheilian make with some of the other Covenant species design as well. Most of it was Talnay's own personal belongings, but the rest of his File had offered up some of their own belongings as well, not knowing it would be used to pay for unlawful treatment of their friend.

"Well?" Talnay said with an annoyed twitch of his mandibles"will you do it?" Talnay said with a venomous tone.

"No need for anger big boy," she said as she circled him "We'll fix your little friend, though, you could consort with more... respectable sorts you know" she said in a manner that suggested flirtation to Talnay, he hoped that wasn't part of the required payment.

"It is a deal then" Talnay said, with a twinge of remorse in his voice.

[Faclan]

SSA - 012 – Yanme’e Swarm
Slow city flight and search.

Four survivors, four of the Swarm had made it through the mission out of the original twelve, that was it. The Ultra, one Engineer, and two Soldiers. By the time they landed on the rest planet their sorrow and rage had been moved past on the ship ride over. They had secluded themselves in an upper corner of the hanger on a small decorative arch for the journey. Quietly clicking and hissing out their anguish to each other. When it was time to eat they would take turns flying off to retrieve food, but with The Master secluded away in his quarters they had nothing to do with the rest of the crew and so remained in their own little world.

The vessel finally arrived however, the swarm watching the troops file out of the ship as they looked for The Master – but he was no-where to be seen. Neither were the other Zealots of the Sect. Clicking and hissing in annoyance they boarded the last Phantom, with a few of the ships Huragok huddled together clutching each other in the corner, as they made their way down to the city. The Ultra didn’t even need to try and keep her Swarm back, they were all too busy thinking of other things than to try and get cheap shots at the Huragok’s.

When they were dropped off the rest of the force has already left, and the Unggoy workers who were tidying up the landing zone only looked at them in fear as they quickly pointed them toward the small Nest just on the outskirts of the city. But SSA didn’t head there first. There was still much to mull over before they returned to a Queen and their own kind. Dropping off the pad they soon took flight with their thankfully functioning gravity generators. Slowly flying around the city as they chittered and clicked back and forth to each other; half looking for The Master and half examining the city.

(Feel free to see them and perhaps interact with them my Covie friends :>)


Cad - Kig-Yar Major
Soul searching.

Stepping off the Phantom with his new and old file mates Cad winced a little as the little drop made the pain in his knees flare up a little, but it soon passed as he walked off with the others. His legs had been healed as well as they could be in transit, Pad as well although she would have a little limp for a few more cycles at least. Nas and Kot had only received lighter injuries and so were just walking normally. The large amount of cuts on Cads arm had also been bandaged and after they had listened to the Presists words they nodded and started to walk off toward the Kig-Yar section of the city. It was during this walk that Cad started to fall behind, Nas and Kot talking about the clans each of them came from as they went, but Pad noticed him and called for the others to stop as they turned to their file leader and asked what the problem was.

“I need to just walk and clear my thoughts,” he started, looking at the tip of the Gods structure just visible over the building tops. “Enjoy this rest…go to a tea house and relax – get to know each other more. I’ll join you later.” Nas and Kot just shrugged and said they would meet him later before walking off again, seemingly taking more of an interest in the other. But Pad stayed behind for a little to see if Cad was really ok, but was eventually shooed off herself as he said he would be fine, just needed to do some praying.

Starting to walk off in the other direction, toward the Holy Site, Cad returned to his thoughts as he slowly walked. His cuirass armor left behind as he walked around in just his long sleeved shirt and light leg armor, canteen and knife on his belt as he went. He had most of the ship journey to mull over what had happened on that Planet; how they had failed the Gods and they likely foresaw that their artifact would be destroyed and so tested the Sect. But surely they could have helped to save the Artifact and the lives of so many of the Sect…was there a reason as to why they wanted the Artifact gone? Was it tainted? Cad only focused on the road ahead enough to not walk into anything as he mulled these questions over in his head.

Unknown to him he soon wandered into the Jiralhanae section of the city on his way to the Holy Site, a perhaps dangerous place for a small Kig-Yar in the land of furred giants.


Eugenius - Jiralhanae Advisor and Mystic
Preparing for a certain Ceremony.

Unlike the grand majority of the Sect Eugine was actually in a rather good mood as he disembarked the Phantom with his Nephew and a few of his more trusted soldiers. They had suffered terrible losses of course, but on the whole those lost were those that had betrayed the Faith, so it was fine by him that they were dead. Breathing in the warm air the elder smiled as he only half listened to the Sangheili priest. In his bad hand, the arm bandaged a little and the round removed, he held his staff but a much more important item was held in his good hand. The badly damaged and scorched helmet of the traitorous Chieftain was held under his arm as he started to walk off with the others, speaking to Garatus as they walked.

“We’ll have to send out word Nephew,” he said as they went, looking up a little as a group of four Yanme’e buzzed overhead before looking back at Garatus. “Word of the ceremony that will take place to formally crown you the next Chieftain. It will be different because you did not bring down the former Chieftain, but an effigy will have to do.” He patted the helmet before continuing, rambling a little in the way Elders do as they approached the Jiralhanae section of the city, in sight of the Holy Artifact. “There would be a good location, we will likely have it next cycle to let the word spread – may as well have the entire sect know of your new station as Leader of our people.”

They had now entered the Jiralhanae section as Eugine smirked a little, not noticing Cad out of the corner of his eye, as he finished his little speech. “Let us hope the power won’t go to your head like this ones.” He tapped the helmet again before raising his staff a little. “Or else I’ll have to beat it out of that head of yours, and despite what you may think Nephew I would prefer not to.”

(Lemme know if you want me to change anything Beta since it was a bit of a Power-Play movement D: )

[BetaWülf]

Jiralhanae Captain Garatus

Garatus lumbered forward before taking a small jump and landing heavily on the ground below the Phantom, along with his Uncle and a few of his closest Pack mates. Garatus inhaled deeply once before a series of more rapid sniffs issued from him as he familiarized himself with the scent of this Holy city he found himself in. He walked alongside his Uncle as they headed for the section of the city designated for the Jiralhanae, Garatus's wounds had been mostly dealt with on the from the Human planet to the City of Standing Grace he now found himself in. He was unbandaged now, he arm had only been fractured and a broken rib was no deterrent to a Jiralhanae, especially after it had been mended awhile past. Garatus turned his head to look to his Uncle as the older Jiralhanae spoke.

"If only I had the chance to do so, I would gladly have done the traitor in" he said with malice in his voice towards their former leader, "and I would be honored to be named Chieftain in such a Holy place Uncle, it would make my ascension feel blessed to me" Garatus said, pausing for a moment before continuing as he recalled something.

"Hopefully my Mate and cub will be here by then, once I knew we were heading to this colony after we would be done with the Human world Refuge I sent them a transmission, so if it was received they may well make it or already be here" Garatus said with a grin on his face, it had been too long since he had seen either of them.

He continued to walk alongside his Uncle as they made it to the Jiralhanae district, he noticed the familiar scent of Cad, and waved to his friend as they passed. He hoped Cad was fairing well after the end of the battle for Refuge and the destruction of the Holy Artifact. He turned his head again to look at his Uncle as he spoke to him, listening intently before responding.

"I know Uncle, you only do what you do to protect me, and I appreciate it even if it stings a little," he said with a grin,"As for the filth that betrayed us, I will never allow myself to fall so low as to betray our brothers, even if the Sangheili are unfair to us at times" he finished with rumbling noise.

[Faclan]

SSA - 012 – Yanme’e Swarm
(SSA will continue to fly around for awhile if someone wants to interact with them .)


Cad - Kig-Yar Major
Reunion.

Still walking as he poured over his religious conundrums Cad nearly ran smack into a Jiralhanae minor who stepped out in front of him; an evil smirk in his maw. But before the ape could do more than start to open his mouth and raise his arm before he quickly turned around and thumped his chest with a Sir to both Eugine and Garatus.

This brought Cad out of his thoughts enough to see where he was as he blinked rather stupidly, as if he was really lost, before turning to see his Brother and uncle standing a big ways off. Shaking his head a little he smiled and tapped his beak as he bowed his head. "Good to see you Brother and Elder." Letting his arm fall back to his side he stood a bit ways off as he listened, his previous sour mood evaporating a little as he heard the news and bowed deeper this time.

"Congratulations Brother, you deserve it and I know you will lead your people down the righteous path." Standing back up straight he adjusted the bandages around his upper arm and looked around this section of the city. It was interesting how everything was upsized for their size...or more likely the Kig-Yar section was just downsized - they even had their equivalent of a tea house here...though guessing from the hooting and hollering coming from the place it served something a bit stronger and in likely bigger mugs.


Eugenius - Jiralhanae Advisor and Mystic
Still planning...and thinking about a nice break.

Eugine mostly just nodded as Garatus responded, bringing the helmet out in front of his face to look it over with a squinty eye as he spotted the chicken from the city was properly bowing to show his subservience to the stronger Jiralhanae. But after looking again he recognized him as Garatus's little buddy, the scarf sure helped as he hefted the scorched helmet some more. "I have some ideas for a new helm for you Nephew, and I'll get the smith to craft you one so it can be ready. As for your family I hope they show up too, it will be good for your son to have something to aspire too and your mate to be more proud that she likely already is. They have a day plus however long ago you told them - it would be good for them to see you take the helm - as it were." He smirked a little as his joke and returned the helmet to under his arm.

Looking to the side as some commotion started in one of the ale houses Euigne nodded toward it and chuckled a bit. "Perhaps your Kig-Yar friend would like to join us for a celebratory drink?"

[BetaWülf]

Jiralhanae Captain(soon to be Chieftain) Garatus

Garatus released a rather intense musk when he noticed the Jiralhanae Minor with an evil look on his face, the musk was intended for him and it reached him. It was a hateful and aggressive scent, meant to intimidate and it worked in this instance as the Minor turned and saluted with a thump to his chest. Garatus stared at him for a moment, making direct eye contact to which the Minor immediately averted his gaze. Garatus would tolerate no inter-species violence, as they were all brothers within the Covenant and it was the duty of the greater species to protect the lesser ones. He suppressed his musk into nothingness, though any nearby Jiralhanae would have picked up on it.

"Thank you brother I appreciate your gladness for me, and I wish to thank you for your invaluable service alongside me in these days of war, for without you I might not be standing here today to become Chieftain" Garatus said kneeling in front of Cad with smile on his face. He gave Cad a light hug(so as not to crush him) before standing once more. Any Jiralhanae around would probably wonder what all that was about, but if Garatus were to explain they would probably be fine(or at least not care one way or another) with it.

"You are too kind Uncle, but I appreciate it," he said patting the older Jiralhanae on the shoulder,"That's an interesting thought, care to join us in some drink Cad?" Garatus said with an inviting smile.

(Going to leave Garatus alone for a bit until Fac gets back from his trip)

[deceit]

"Major."

Ra'ab slowly regained consciousness once more. It wasn't the sharpness of waking up, though, it was the slow grogginess of being dragged out of the darkness, and that darkness wanted to hold onto him as tightly as it could. Ra'ab shook his head slowly and blinked his eyes a few times.

"Major?"

Ra'ab focused his vision on the source of the disturbance. He stared blankly at an unknown Sangheili face for a few moments, until it started to become recognizable, like a puzzle shifting into place, "Minor Undalee..." Ra'ab finally managed.

"Your lance survives, to the man." He told him.

Ra'ab breathed a sigh of relief, "Thank you, Minor, for bringing this extraordinary news to me."

The minor nodded, "It is the least I can do to make up for my earlier rudeness. I'm afraid I must be off, now. I have guard duty to attend."

Ra'ab nodded, "Minor, one more moment, please." He said, and the minor, who had already begun to leave stopped, "Where is my armor? And where is Field Master Til Muramai?"

"Your Field Master...I doubt he will be receiving visitors. He is awaiting trial. Your armor will be stored at the front of the medical station. There will be an Unggoy on duty by the name of Prax. An odd fellow, but useful enough. He should be able to show you to it." With that, they exchanged salutations and the minor left.

Ra'ab leaned forward, through the pain that shot out in his side, where the spiker round had hit. His back was sore and he felt a few pops. Must have been some damage from getting blasted into the wall by the bomb. He'd have to take it easy for it to recover properly. Ra'ab slowly brought himself to the edge of his medical pod, and threw his feet over. Taking a deep breath and then sucking in, he rose to his feet.

"Time to get my armor back." He muttered.

[Huka]

Chata ‘Aquiree
The Hall of Residing Passions, Clinic


“Keep your head down!” Moi ordered to a couple of Unggoy before one of them actually lost it to a burst of ballistic projectiles, crouched behind a ruined pillow with a high-powered marksman rifle in hand. His dark eyes looked at a temporarily-shell shocked Chata, who was staring out in space as pieces of another Unggoy clung to his battle-scarred armor and breathing was becoming difficult with his downing water-recycling systems.

“Chata! Get a hold of yourself!” The hunter roared out from their close proximity. Jerking out of his spell, the Aquir soldier stared at his comrade and nodded before immediately pointed out his needler in his dominant hand while a Jiralhanae spiker was held tight in the other. The crystalline quills speared through the air and managed to only hit a couple, all unvital but it was enough to draw some out of cover as their wounded brethren screamed like wounded animals. Most falling pray to R’od and his accompanying Kig-yar snipers from a nearby roof.

“Excellent work!” Moi laughed before joining in with a few armor-piercing shots himself until he jerked his head to something trailing into the air. “Everyone move!”

Before Chata would physically react, the entire room exploded and he was thrown off his feet with debris pelting and slicing at his flesh. Everything went dark from there…

Chata blinked his secondary eyelids and regained his composure, looking around to recall where he was: in a medical clinic residing in the Hall of Residing Passion. Salvation for soldiers, forbidden taboo to most, if not all, Sangheili. Blood was precious and practically holy to the Sangheili, to lose it is like losing a child or a piece of one’s self for every drip, unless it was in the field of battle.

The Aquir clansman glanced and finally returned his focus on the Huragok healer who was just finishing the application of more Rudakk gel to his scars, that would once festering wounds aboard the Harbinger of Absolution. Looking down at his bare legs, Chata blinked again in confusion and chuckled softly to himself with a unnatural drone to it when he remembered he had his armor and jumpsuit off.

It so solemnly often that a Sangheili would take off their harnesses that it was practically second-skin to them. Breaking through his nostrils once, then his gills wrapped by a medical collar, Chata looked at the healer, “When can I leave?” He asked with a slight click of his mandibles.

The Huragok turned with a soft flex of its sac before flexing its tentacles. Nearby, its translator replied: <<“Your examination is complete, Minor Chata of Clan Aquir. You are efficient for standard combat physically, get rest of 34 units approximately and the mind will follow.” >>

The Sangheili nodded in confirmation before sliding down to his feet and went to slip on his simple tunic and trousers. Sadly his harness was still being worked on by the more arsenal-savvy Huragok armorsmiths elsewhere in the military hall, so he had to wear this brace to keep his lungs working for full efficiency. Is this how Field Master ‘Muramai feel under that mask?

Shaking his head at the thought of the Zealot, he walked out of the office, passing a few waiting patience; from those with concerned health issues to missing limbs and low souls, Chata didn’t-and couldn’t-look at them without risking his own spirit failing some in ache to them. His coral-red eyes forward, the Minor kept walked until he saw Moi and R’od waiting for him in their own casual wear. They had their share of battle scars but weren't as ‘at risk’ as Chata was. Being on an aquatic world with sterile cities can do that. “How goes the examine?” Moi asked with a soft tone to his otherwise bass-deep voice. “It goes quite well, brother. And you two?” Chata asked, trading glances between two.

Moi clicked his lower mandibles indifferently despite his still low demeanor with the loss of the lance’s living spirit. “Same.” Chata looked at R’od, but the silent Anjar chronicler used the human version of the previous gesture; what humans call a shrug before nodding with a serpentine movement of his head. Seeing R’od out of his armor, Chata found him abit surprisingly well-toned for a Anjar clansman despite the common belief of their thinned appearance, those bright orange eyes staring like shrill-hawks to the others.

Quite looking away with a slight clear of his throat, provoking bubbles from his quills. “Let’s find something to do with our time...a proper drinking for Thesu.” He suggested after abit of standing around. Moi looked Chata for a moment and nodded. “Capital…”

With that, the three survivors walked out to the city for some youthful relaxation and mourning.


Labus ‘Adantee
The Hall of Residing Passions, Training Room B-2 “Targeting Range”

The human-shaped figure gained a fist-sized hole into its chest with cauterized sizzles and the stench of atomized material that mimicked life-like resistance and human armor filled the air for a moment in Labus’ earbuds while similar-minded soldiers trained their sights on their own targets with various weapons.

Staring for a moment, Labus felt unsatisfied. No screams of terrible agony as organs were vaporized and blood boiling in the veins from a mere flash of the plasma searing through one’s body, nevermind a fully charged bolt from a plasma pistol outright killing them. No stench of their soft heretical flesh joining in the aroma of war. No tributing number to add for his mentor and uncle-figure’s death.

Outwardly he was callous and angry, inside...the Adant soldier was sad and felt a real part of him ruthlessly ripped from him. An important piece, but it was the cost of war. A very painful reality that ate at Labus like moonbeast hatchlings to a dragged prey still alive in a paralyzed state.

When the pistol cooled down with a hiss and exit of its green gases, the Sangheili placed it down on side of his bench before grabbing a plasma repeater. Holding it upwards and against his shoulder, he pressed on a glyph, and watched the hit target become replaced by another but this time moving in a cover-to-cover movement as plasma-resistant barriers appeared to further simulate the situation.

Lifting his weapon in the standard protocol, Labus narrowed his sight with his HUD contacts disabled for real training, he watched the target run side to side. Side to side.

“Remember, Labus. Never let your prey escape your sight or it might escape you.” The venerable huntsman, Miji 'Rhadamee, said with his raspy voice aged from a lifetime of military shouts and clannish calls. His clouded eyes watching the youngster as he kept his javelin back while trying to keep his wide eyes on the zipping janu bird. "A-And if there is more than one?" 

 The old man simply chuckled, "Well...then you will need to choose the most important prize...or your life." 

 Those words always came to Labus' mind at critical moments like this. Bullets were flying. Good soldiers were dying. Worthy foes taken down by the quills of needlers and gory strikes of their own unrefined weapons. Labus lost his helmet from near shot to the head by a sniper and some of his given soldiers were dead, adding to the bloody river that pooled towards into the Artifact's former resting spot. Jhao was near, he could barely hear the snaps of his composite bow string as crudely-made arrows flew into the skulls and limbs of their enemy; from the seemingly endless interference of the humans to their black-armored Imps that appeared from the shadows almost as well as the Sangheili's own Special Operators.  

 He had to come out of cover or die from the weight of the fire. Spinning out into the open and side-walked towards another, more stable, place like a dancing snake through the tall grasses with his stolen scattergun blasting a nearby human clean off its feet with gore splattering from the made blackened hole. Another backpedaled with barks of bullets pelting his body, pinging off the rounded surfaces of his superior armor but the warm stings of others stabbing into his jumpsuits. With a snarl, Labus hastened his movement with a hard tumble along the ragged surface of the street before throwing a fragmentation grenade.  


 He had the satisfaction of hearing the human screaming in the midst of its running before the long-awaited explosion deafened the scream. The Adant soldier didn't know if he ever killed it but the explosion gave him the time to get into his wanted cover with blood weeping from his already compromising wounds. Tightening his abdomen muscles, Labus pumped the scattergun and held it one-handed while snatching one of his spikers from its hanging holster. Counting to five as if to wait for his inactive shields to miraculously regenerate before getting out of cover again. There he saw another human moving side-to-side in cover until the Covenant firepower, his eyes narrowed and handgun aimed down his sight. A claw to the trigger....


 The moving target lost its head, left breast and everything in that corner  as an azure burst of plasma sliced through effortless. Labus' eyes continued to watch the target as it moved to its cover like a body that have lost all leg control and the mere momentum of its attempted escape sent it sailing over too late. Despite the good kill, Labus simply snorted in disapproval. 

[Faclan]

SSA - Yanme'e swarm (survivors)
Moving off individually.

The hive on the edge of the city limits beckoned to them...but they resisted. The Queen would not be going anywhere and The Master was still missing. With some quick chittering they agreed to meet at the hive that night so the Swarm could be rebuilt, for now they would see what the city held for them.

The Ultra continued toward the largest building, she knew there would be guards stopping her, but she had to try and find The Master, tell him he had done all he could. She had let the grief of her lost swarm blind her on the vessel and had forgotten to seek him out then. So now she had to attone, deciding to try the front door first before looking for alternative entrances after - swooping down toward the gate likely guarded by Sangheili Honor Guards.
(if you want Huka you could be them, if not I will next post.)

One of the two soldiers headed toward the sound of weapons dishcharging, soon arriving outside the Risiding Passion training hall. Perched outside the door he waited until a Sangheili opened the door before swooping inside before the doors chimed quiet. Keeping near the ceiling as to not get in the way he finally settled on a very determined looking Sangheili and fluttered down to land beside him - Labus having just finished gunning down the human with the Repeater.

The female engineer, who was luckily also the attaché soon found her way to the Jiralhanae section of the town where a gathering was happening outside a building. She was always interested in seeing other cultures of the races that worked together in the Covenant. Clicking a few times she dove down and landed on the pauldrons of what appeared to be a Jiralhanae captain. "Greetings." She said simply in Sangheili, looking over the Kig-Yar and the elder Jiralhanae a bit from her perch.
(Hopefully alright Beta :>.)

The final soldier, also a female, was the only one still flying as she kept looking around the large city.
(So one still flying about for others.)


Cad - Kig-Yar Major
A bit surprised, and cautious, but willing to try.

Still smiling as Garatus thanked him in return Cad just nodded as they all stood about in this section of the city. He chepped a little when Garatus crouched down and hugged him, taken aback by the gesture for a moment. He did however get a hold of himself enough to hug back, as much as he could with his smaller body.

"It is no problem Brother, or Commander soon. I'm just doing my duty as a Faithful member of the Covenant." He hummed a little at the offer for drinks and thought about that with a claw on the end of his snout. He was never much of a drinker...and had a less than zero chance of trying to keep up with Garatus or his uncle. Would it even be safe for him to drink? He looked a bit worried but then nodded.

"I would be honored to share drinks with you and your uncle...I should ask if it is safe however? As different species we likely have different digestive systems." Before Garatus could reply however a Yanme'e landed on his shoulder and greeted them - Cad waving a little but tilted his head at the bug and let Garatus greet the bug in return or shoo it away.


Eugine - Jiralhanae advisor
Wondering about these new drinking buddies.

So...two Jiralhanae, a Kig-Yar, and a Yanme'e walk into a bar

For once it looked like Eugine didn't mind another species showing up as he slid the old helmet back under his arm. Eugine couldn't help but smile as he thought of the joke for one part but also about how Cad would deal with the very strong spirits. He'd seen a few Kigs try before but none had been able to go the distance - at least it flavored them nicely. Maybe those T'vaoan could do it? Grunting a little he looked up at the Yanme'e and just shrugged a little. "Up to you nephew - hopefully neither would fall into their tankards." He chuckled a little some more, a little exaggeration, but the tankards would most likely be larger than both of the smaller ones heads.

[Huka]

The Tower of All-Sight
Heart of Indomitable Sentinel, Outer Fringe of Covenant Space

While the Yamne'e swarm leader buzzed towards the tower, passing the lively gardens and its distinctive sweet smells perfect for her kind, the colonial guards were soon replaced by the more stoic and fierce uniforms of the tower guards; dressed in traditional attire to ancient soldiers of the Ominika Clan with their skilled application of ironwood native to this colony and Sanghelios in similar species, chosen for their unmatched nobility and dedication to their appointed lords, making perfectly adequate guards and wardens.

One of the guards, armed with a spear, turned his masked face at the Yanme'e and growled threateningly before watching her zip off. Used to the sight of the creatures always coming to feed on the honey-oaks, simply continued on his business, unaware of the lesser being's motives.

The higher she went, bits of its purpose was revealed with wondering San'Shyuum dressed in their regal robes and attires drifted on their stone chairs pampered with soft pillows and comforts to counter the rocky origins of their means of transport, accompanied with Huragok and Sangheili stewards and clerics. Young and old but all working through the ancient facility with the visible appearance of armored warriors that looked like Special Operators at first glance if it wasn't for the elegant robes wrapped underneath.

Landing on a window that helped against the harsh wind and chilling climate of the upper atmosphere, the Ultra could hear a pair of Sangheili talking in the widespread imperial language,

"Did you hear of that sect that have arrive a couple cycles ago?" "The Sect of Lamenting Consecration? Of course, their failure are well-marked within the Ministry..."

There was a silence of agreement before the first continued, "Their attached Zealot team was finally apprehended during the middle of their travel here as the Shield reports. A member of the Higher Choir himself collected the Field Masters and sent them to High Charity for their trial." "Good, their failures are starting to become a burden to the war effort and the last thing we need is further incompetence." The second hissed with clear disdain before his seemingly-younger comrade replied with a veiled defense, The reports say otherwise...and we can't afford the lose of more commanders with the humans killing some of our zealots and field officers like flies."

"We are the Covenant. We are legion. We lose the weak but we keep our strong. The Zealots were strong once but their reckless bravedo from their rank and utter overconfidence is costly, we need more smart and cunning warriors. I will admit those two are we need, their inability to properly keep their Jiralhanae pets in line and subdue their opponents have costed them good officers and soldiers. Don't even get me started on the fleet they were attached to!"

The first guard simply chuckled as if used to his comrade's attitude, "Let's not forget, Brother. They were facing one of the more cunning of the Human forces, from the references and the Zealots' own accounts, it is the same one from their last 'failure.'" The second grunted, pausing to weigh his words before speaking, "It doesn't matter...they've lost a holy relic and they will pay for it as the High Council see fit. As for their unit...I pray fortune upon them." With that, the two continued walking.

(There you go, Fac~) 

[deceit]

"Why you want that?"

The little Unggoy asked.

Ra'ab cocked his head to the side in bewilderment. Surely even an Unggoy would understand the Sangheili attachment to their armor and combat harnesses. Ra'ab shook his head, "I feel..." He paused, then shrugged, "It is mine, and I want it." He did not feel like explaining himself to the little grunt.

Prax, the grunt, suddenly hopped and laughed, "Oh well," he said, heading away. Ra'ab almost rebuked the little bastard, until Prax stopped at a large, covenant storage box, and pressed a code. The doors slid open, and Ra'ab saw his armor, "Here is...its...wearable. Not useable, but wearable." The odd grunt laughed, then seemed to shrug, "But its yours, and you want."

Ra'ab walked over and touched the the chest piece of his armor, almost reverently. His bare flesh slid over the dirty, worn out piece of metal. The purple/maroon metal was frayed and worn from many years of use. Many parts of it were dented out of their original shape. He saw a strange cut. It looked like the armor had been dented and bent so out of shape, he had needed to be cut out of it. Flipping it over, he saw the holes from his wounds. And the shield systems were completely fried, probably irreparable.

"Scrap metal!" Prax declared. Ra'ab "hmphed" at that. He turned to the Unggoy and leaned forward quite a bit.

"My scrap metal." He said, with a playful but demanding tone.

"Yes, yes of course! -your- scrap metal!" Prax giggled.

"Do I have a quarters?"

"Yes." Prax declared.

"Good, have these sent to my quarters."

~*~

Ra'ab had gotten many off stares and looks on his way to his resting quarters. Some from Sangheili locals. Some from Reticent Lance. Everybody could clearly see just how beaten and scarred he was. Without his armor, they could clearly see the scars from multiple bullet wounds from the Supercarrier, as well as his most recent, and obvious, bandage work on his abdominal region, where the spiker had embedded itself. Ra'ab was quickly looking more and more grizzled as the years went on.

There's the old, and there's the bold. But there weren't many old and bold warriors. He would have to remember that. The humans were no longer a weak and inferior adversary. Especially not this latest group they'd been fighting. When had the covenant actually been defeated? They had occasionally suffered failures...but...it was becoming too frequent and too much. If the Covenant didn't take a more cautious approach...their boldness would be their end.

Ra'ab found his armor and weapons in his personal quarters. It was a small room with a bunk, but it was some much needed privacy. He took a deep breath, and went down to sit against the wall, closing his eyes and taking deep breaths. Painful. Life was becoming painful. Watching people die, making difficult decisions. And Sangheili harbored a war culture. For millenia. What fools. What ignorant fools. And yet here he was, fully participating.

Ra'ab could almost feel a tear of regret coming out of his eyes. He could have lived so much differently. Life could have been so much better, couldn't it?

He saw no end to this war. And for that, he had to take a long moment, a long breath, and just think.

It was good that he had privacy. He would not want the dishonor of his silent tears to betray him.

[BetaWülf]

Jiralhanae Captain Garatus.

Garatus was surprised slightly when he heard a loud buzzing followed by a weight on his shoulder, he looked over to see a Yanme'e perched on his pauldron. The female Yanme'e greeted them in Sangheili-speak, the common language used by the Covenant, but still resented by many. Garatus simply said "hello" back to her in almost flawless Sangheili, which turned the head of a passerby as most Jiralhanae could only speak it in a rudimentary manner. Garatus didn't hesitate when told it was his choice for whether the other two creatures joined them or not.

"It is fine with me, *the more we are powerful I say" Garatus said with a grin before he answered Cad's question,"I've seen avians and reptiles drink it when spilled back on Doisac, so I'm sure you'll be fine Cad" he said with a comforting smile.

Garatus lead the way into the drink-house, holding the door for everyone including a few other Jiralhanae he'd never met before. There was a brief silence as everyone looked at the Kig-yar and Yanme'e, but then a belch echoed through the building and laughing ensued as everyone went back to their 'business' so to speak. Garatus found an empty table before a female Jiralhanae who appeared to work in the place took a wet rag and wiped it down for them. Garatus took a seat and the same barmaid returned with the Jiralhanae equivalent of a child's highchair for Cad, as several Jiralhanae children where running around it was obviously a common place for families to come to in their spare time.

"I'll have some fine Ale, largest size you've got would be appreciated" Garatus said to the barmaid with a smile and nod before setting a small yet very full bag on the table,"I'll cover whatever my comrades choose, and this bout is on me for the whole place, time to celebrate my friends!" Garatus said loudly and merrily, as Jiralhanae tended to be rowdy and loud in groups, needless to say everyone in the place liked Garatus a lot more now than they had before.

[OOC:*my Jiralhanae version of "the more the merrier"]

[Remnant]

Jiralhanae Minor Karonus
Bro Hug!

Karonus opened the door to the drink-house. After arriving on planet quite earlier, he already heard rumours escalating about the great Garatus. Departing from his File for off-time, and wishing to meet his brother again, he soon overheard a few Jiralhanae saying that he was at a local drink-house. And now he was there.

Karonus looked around the drink-house to see Garatus at a table, with another Jiralhanae, a Kig-Yar, a Yanme'e, and Karonus' uncle Eugenius. He walked over to their table, eager to reunite with his Brother. "Brother! How long has it been since I've last seen you? Six years? Haha, so glad to see you again Brother!" Karonus said, chuckling and offering a hug. It'd been so long since they've seen each other.

[BetaWülf]

Jiralhanae Captain Garatus
A happy reunion

Garatus had barely been served a drink when a familiar scent caught his nose, before an even more familiar yet altered voice came to his ears. He rose from his seat to turn and see a familiar yet totally different face before him, a Jiralhanae Minor of sixteen years. Garatus's eyes were wide as he looked at him, before he embraced him in an immense hug.

"Karonus!" Garatus bellowed in excitement as he hugged his little brother, "six years is too long my brother, and look at how you've grown since last I saw you! The cub I knew is gone and a Warrior of the Covenant stands before me" Garatus said with a proud tear in his eye as he looked at Karonus.

"How have you been Karonus, please join us brother" Garatus said before pulling a chair over for Karonus as everyone else(except Eugenius likely) looked somewhat confused as to who this young Jiralhanae was.

[Remnant]

Jiralhanae Minor Karonus
Party!

Karonus sat down, feeling welcomed by this small reunion. "Heh, thanks for the compliment. I've been quite alright. Just arrived here not to long ago with my File. Somehow I've managed to get three Minors in my File to fear me." Karonus said, smiling with pride.

A Barmaid had arrived at the table with a few plates of food and drinks, including a large glass of Ale that was handed  over to Garatus. "Mistress, may I have the finest Ale you have, largest size, please?" Karonus asked the Barmaid. "Sure thing." The Barmaid said, leaving the table to go get the newcomer's drink.

"So, Garatus, I hear you're being made Chieftain? Is this true?" Karonus asked, intrigued by the new information. "If so, I'm glad I made it just in time, otherwise I might of missed the lovely ceremony." Karonus said. Minutes later, the Barmaid arrived with Karonus drink. He began gulping down the Ale right away, and then put the glass back on the table. It was nearly half-empty now.

[BetaWülf]

Captain Garatus

Garatus sat back down next to Karonus, damn it was good to see him again, and how he had grown! Garatus was very proud of his little brother, a Minor in the Covenant even. How things change when one is away. Garatus let out a pleased growl as he listened to Karonus,"Three already? You're a dominant that's for sure!" Garatus said with much pride in Karonus.

He became quiet for a moment when asked about becoming Chieftain, he wasn't sure he could handle it himself since he was a bit young to become a Chieftain. He would try his best though,"Aye, it is true. Our former Chieftain was a fool and tried to rebel against the Sangheili and died for it, now I am to become Chieftain in his place and lead the Jiralhanae of the Sect of lamenting Consecration. Thank you for the well wishes Brother" Garatus said patting Karonus on the shoulder.

"You're just in time too Karonus, if you would have arrived late tomorrow you would have missed it. The ceremony will be tomorrow, I knew my mate and cub will be here, but you were a truly unexpected surprise" Garatus said with a smile,"the best surprise I could have imagined".

[Remnant]

Jiralhanae Minor Karonus

"Yep. I'll even tell you how it happened. So, upon enlisting into the Covenant, they assigned me to my File, which was connect to a Lance that was connected to your Creche. The recruiter had told me to meet with my File on this planet, and he proceeded to tell my File the same via Holocommunications. Anyway, when I rendezvoused with my File here, apparently, my muscular build and my large size scared the Hell out of them. I'm not kidding, one of the Minor's pissed themself." Karonus said, chuckling at the last sentence.

Karonus grabbed his Ale bottle and began drinking again. A few seconds later, he placed the empty glass back on the table. "So, the last Chieftain decided to betray the Sangheili? I know most of we Jiralhanae aren't very smart, but damn! What a dumbass!" Karonus said chuckling, saying the last sentence a little loudly.

"I'm glad you're becoming Chieftain, my brother. I can tell you're unsure about becoming Chieftain, but don't worry. You'll do fine. If you can lead a Creche, you can lead a Sect. We all may be soldiers, but were brothers and sisters too. They'll fight with you too the end, they'll follow your orders to the end." Karonus said.

"Those who rebelled, they rebelled because they were following their Chieftain. Now, since you're becoming Chieftain, Garatus, then you should know we won't have as many disobedient soldiers, cause you're never rebelling. I'll make sure of it." Karonus said smiling. "Point is, you'll make a great Chieftain. Young or old, it matters not." Karonus said.

[BetaWülf]

Captain Garatus

Garatus laughed as Karonus recounted his File mate urinating upon himself upon seeing Karonus for the first time,"You get that strong build from your Father, it runs in our family" Garatus said taking a drink, he listened to Karonus speak and felt warmed by it. It was good to have the support of his family, and he may very well be fighting back to back with Karonus so knowing he as a Soldier trusted him meant the world to Garatus.

"Your support for me as Chieftain means everything to me Karonus, you may not have been a brother I was stuck with, but you are the brother I chose" Garatus said with a warm smile, "I shall try to lead with an Iron resolve, but still be someone the Pack can actually know and talk to at the same time" Garatus said with a defiant snort, what he was defying would remain a mystery for eons.

[Huka]

High Charity, Holy City of the Covenant

The refined Lich slowly drifted from the departing frigate that brought her into the most sanctioned of Covenant locations: the mobile homeworld of the San'Shyuum and capital city of the theology's undefied worship, High Charity itself. Her insectoid shell etched with runes and glyphs defined of 'holy rites and spells of protection', this deliverer wasn't of normal military occupation. Coming towards a outstretched docking bay dotted with the ominous armor of the Prophets' stoic elite guard, the deployment platform lowered herself down like a oversized beetle and lowered her side bays to reveal a honor guard of Sangheili, all dressed in ceremonious robes of dark violet and shining silver war-silk with death-white armor of crested Special Operators. Inquisitors of the Covenant Empire, one of the most feared authority in the Empire and for good reason. They weren't unleashed unless for the direst of reason.

The leader of the entourage stepped forward, recognized by his more gilded runes decorating his harness, and soon his fellows shadowed behind like ghosts. In their midst was their reason of being off the city in the first place; the detained Field Masters Til 'Muramai and Sorsa 'Xirsasai. Both stripped to nothing but their jumpsuits and even then, that was on the edge of being taken of as well. Hardlight bonds grasping to their wrists and ankles despite willing cooperation, the two walked in their distinctive fashion.

While Til had his head slightly swooped in humility and perfectly-veiled emotion with his good eye forward, Sorsa had his high yet unimposing. Adepts to High Charity's politics and expectations in their own experiences, the half-brothers were careful to invoke anything from their captors but didn't had any intention of letting this recent failure tarnish their well-earned pride and image.

The Honor Guard remained silent and unaffected by the captives' appearance until they passed a certain few who shifted ever so slightly in recognition of the pair. Other than that, the march remained uneventful. The weight of condemning silence quite noticeable and heavy, especially on Til's shoulders and when he moved his head abit in Sorsa's direction, the Special Operator twitched his lower right mandible. Accepting the silent word, the Field Master looked forward again.

"Proceed." The High Inquisitor ordered to no one in particular and efficiently the group was split in halves-with Til still following him while the other half took Sorsa away to a waiting gravity lift for the cells. A invisible hand gripped tight at the Zealot's chest but he brushed it aside, this was a typical form of tensing the defendant and the Huntsmaster was already formulating on the tactics and case.

The convey continued its trek until the long-dreaded doors opened and revealed the fifty councilors of San'Shyuum and Sangheili on either hand of the room sitting on their high platforms. Most with condemning stares and few with barely continued wrath upon this lowly Zealot, who stared at the stoic face of Truth, the slight sneer of Mercy...and the impassioned look of his usual benefactor, Regret.

May the Spirits give me strength...


(No one but Reticent are on High Charity, will be broadcasts of the result hopefully soon)

[Faclan]

SSA - Yanme'e Swarm (Survivors)
Different ways of coping.

(Thanks awfully Huka)
Finding the tower effectively sealed at each level the Ultra was getting increasingly more frustrated and was about to take out her Plasma Rifle and smash or melt through a window, toss the rules. Though part of her mind did note the glimpses of the snipers that would gun her down if she damaged the tower. So she held off pulling out her weapon and thankfully finally found an open window and a large window ledge. Clicking happily she landed, a nice place to give her wings a rest as they folded up on her back, and then peaked her head around the window to spot two Sangheili guards who were blathering like idiots right in the middle of the floor in the sunlight beam.

She hadn't a full grasp on the language like her Attaché did, but she understood enough to get a few important things from the conversation - which she mulled over as they walked off; The Master wasn't here (the most important fact), The Master and his Swarm were on trial, apparently the larger force commanded by Master was in danger, and it didn't look good for Master. These revelations nearly made her break the window again but she instead settled for throwing herself off the window will and tumbling down toward the ground.

Unlike the other Covenant races however she had the ability to correct this and simply opened her wings once near the ground, hissing a little at the guard that had shooed her off first as she flew past him before landing near all the sweet nectar plants. She was in quite a mood after what she learned, and knew that she needed to calm down if she was going to meet a Queen. Quickly hopping over to one of the plants she did the equivalent of stuffing her face in the pie and distracted her mind will the lovely sweet taste of the plants ooze.
-----
The Attaché, who was still perched on Garatus's shoulder armor, had to duck down to avoid being slammed against the top of the door frame but soon found herself in the rather large drinks place. It was a completely new experience for her and she suspected a lot of Yanme'e but she embrace it and decided to learn all she could about it all. Once seated she left the shoulder armor and landed on a empty side of the table. She took out one of her recently re-supplied data recorders and waved it around a little as she crouched down on the table. The noise in this place was somthing to behold, as was the smell, and she kept waving the little device around a little untill the barmaid looked at her, a bit disdainfully as the bug 'sat' on the table but the Yanme'e didn't notice much as she just pointed at Garatus and asked for the same.

She looked up when another large Jiralhanae walked in and quickly recorded that he was apparently family with the one she had perched on, who was the nephew of the silver one, and was apparently going to be Chieftain. So much wonderful information. When the large mug was placed before her she was a bit stunned by the size of the thing but hopped to be beside it regardless. Sticking a claw into the dark brown brew she removed it and licked it a little before clicking and spitting a bit. It was incredibly strong stuff...and unlike any nectar she had tasted before. But it still tasted glorious. Setting her data recorder down she tipped the mug to the side a little and started to lap up the liquid, seemed she was enjoying it.

(Labus's bug buddy and the one flying around will be in a different post.)


Cad - Kig-Yar Major
Trying not to hack up a lung.

Cad politely declined the seat as he choose instead to stand, his elbows up on the table as if it was a tall bar, as he stood near the Yanme'e who had chose to also stand (even if it was on the table itself). He was about to start asking Garatus about what he planned to do as a Chieftain before another Jiralhanae walked into the ale-house. Cad had never seen him before but Garatus and Eugine clearly had. Cad fell silent as those three talked back and fourth about combat and their own individual prowess as the huge tankard was set before him. Having to take in both hands, just to make sure he didn't spill any because it was big not because it was heavy, he brought it over to him and dipped his beak into it to take a sip.

Quickly snapped his head up and to the side he let out a long breath as he just managed to stop himself coughing up what he just drank. It didn't help that the smell of the liquid, very strong to his nose, was dumped into his nose when he drank, and both the strength and smell nearly made him drop the tankard. But he just managed to keep it on the table and on his own feet as he took a moment to steady himself before taking a breath and nodding a little. This was going to be tricky...but he wasn't going to let a drink beat him.

Taking another breath he wiped his beak on his long sleeves before gripping and tipping for a full gulp. This time he couldn't stop himself from having a few coughs even though he had managed to swallow - several of the Jiralhanae around snickering and chuckling at the small chickens attempts to down their drinks.


Eugine - Jiralhanae Advisor
Giving the traditional greeting.

As they were all seated Eugine was for once quite as he set the dead Chieftains helmet on the table as he hummed a little and turned it around d a few times. The bar-maid only had to look at him as he grunted out a drink, smaller than the ale Garatus and the others had requested but much stronger, an older drink from his youth that had fallen out of favor on Doisac after a few Chieftains had died from tainted vats of the stuff - but he wasn't going to let that deter him as the barmaid nodded a little and walked away.

As Karonus, one of his other nephews, walked in Eugine just nodded...but then the boy didn't even ackowledge him. Smirking a little he patted his staff that he would be using in a moment before he gestured for one of Garatus's pack he recognized and beckoned him over.

They shared a hushed conversation while the bothers talked before the other one left and Eugine turned back to the others, having let the other know to rouse the Smith for an important job. To the smaller creatures credit they were doing their best to try and drink down to strong booze as Eugines drink arrived. It was a much smaller glass rather than a mug and it looked as if it was steaming, even though the glass was nearly frozen from the liquid inside of it. Nodding in approval Eugine learnt over to grab it with his teeth, as Garatus and maybe Karanus would know that it was dangerous to hold with your unprotected hand for long, the barmaid taking off the thick leather mitt. Throwing his braids and head back he downed it in one gulp as he spit out the glass and caught it, turning it over and setting it back down as he breathed deep and nodded.

"Just like in the old days." He muttered happily before turning to Karonus and nodding, his staff zipping overhead to smack into the youngins head for a good crack. "Good to see you too Boy, next time greet your Elders properly."

(Thought it would be an interesting drink, and don't worry Dark Eugine still loves you as family even though he smacked ya.)

[Huka]

Labus 'Adantee
Training Room, en route to Tavern

As finishing releasing his emotions on several targets, the former File Commander extended his emptied pistol to a waiting aide, "Take this over to the armory for refuel..." He instructed dully, looking down at the Unggoy, who bowed his head respectfully and hurried off with a harness of his other depleted weapons. Watching for a moment, Labus looked over to the sound of familiar buzzing wings and found a Yanme'e landing next to him. Raising a eye ridge in the universal expression of curiosity to the lonely insect, usually they had a entire swarm nearby. Taking a moment to examine it, the Sangheili recognized it was apart of the sect's nearly exterminated swarm and chuckles to himself.

The stocky soldier rolled his stiff shoulder and jerked his head, indicate the creature to follow if it wished, speaking something in Adant. He'll need to get to that tavern Suf was speaking of or he'll miss the drinking and lowly merry.

Jadap
Hall's Atmosphere Pit

Sitting in the hall's atmosphere pit, the wary Jadap rested with his few surviving brothers of the last battle. Dadam was huddling nearby, shivering off the psychological effects of nearly suffocating to death on an alien world; something almost every Unggoy bound to the shackles of the Covenant experience one time in their short lives, especially on a battlefield. His little head nearly engulfed in his chitinous arms as he wiggled his tunic-clad body, he whimpered and mumbled in his nap. Olama was giving a high telling of the lance's hard-time survival of a Sangheili in a Unggoy's body, high-proud voice, gestures to emphasis certain actions and events and pretty accurate, if a little overly heroic, retelling to a crowd of younger Unggoy, who stared with wide eyes and mumbles of hard belief.

Yumam was next to Jadap, having said his prayers and content of his survival, suckling on a food nipple with nibbling teeth and loud nosily sound to the nasty nutrient paste. This is all the lance was left in this lowly battle...and it never felt right to replace them.

Weapon Master Phun 'Tatinee
Hanging Raga Tavern

"No." The tightly-robed female replied, absolutely as dry and expressionless as the desert her clan neighbors. The proposing swordsman blinked and looked as stunned as he felt to the swiftness of the robed female's answer before he even got to finish his gallant words. "W-What?"

The Sangheilian woman drank down her third glass of honeyed Jiralhanae mead like water before looking at the two males again with her fierce sun-orange eyes, slowly circling her armored claw around in the inner rim of her container. Giving the younger of the two another take, from his valiantly recovering face, looked a few rotations younger with that gentle smoothness that most Sangheili had in their novice cycle in the Covenant military. The lad had a good innocence about him, the very haint hint of bashful ignorance to how to approach a female. Glancing over his garbs, he wore a major's uniform unblemished of battle yet, meant he was new to this rank or never touched close-quarters yet. He seemed more desired for the sure fact of showing the world more alien than war.

Then there is his more pompous, and direct, elder; a Ultra, a almost complete contrast to the young Major's innocence. The senior wore his more dented and scarred harness like a proudful badge, nothing new to the typical Sangheili warrior, with scars decorating his almost stonelike-textured skin (a mountaineer clansman from that easy observation) and cold grim eyes glaring at the seemingly-lowly female that have just offhandedly declined him.

Looking directly into the male's eyes, the esteemed Weapon Master of the grounded Sect of Lamenting Consecration inhaled enough for her bosom push out some before repeating herself more defined. "I said...no, good warrior. Sorry to break your gusnakats but I have more pressing matters than to carry your..." She stated before glancing down once, "Proud seed."

This was one of the annoyances of being a female in the military. Even with it being a rare honor, there was a string to cling to one. Males of high libido that couldn't find other comforts or stopped warmongering enough to release their mortal needs in ill-honed discipline tend to gravitate attention in ways they can. This was a good example.

The Ultra broadened his shoulders and made a intimidating step forward, "And what would be more important than-"

"Than being your mistress?" Phun finished with a cheekish gesture of her shoulder pressing her cheek in a way a young maiden would childishly, bringing back some of her good-natured youth in a split instinct that set pause to the angry officer before it darkened back to the war-hardened engineer sitting there, growling deeply with the vibrating vocals of her own mountainous-evolved cords, "I am a weapon master grieving for the near eradication of her sect, praying for salvation for my respected officers and more importantly, getting the filth of being in human refuge and Jiralhanae touch for more units than I would like to recall!"

The Ultra stepped back some as her burning eyes and voice cut through his little facade with his aide watching in astonishment.

"U-um, quite true. I will leave you in honor and thoughts then...may your fallen rest in honor to know a fierce member of their sect lives..." He finally said before quickly turning heel and walked away with a gesture for the younger to follow, trying to save face. The Major looked back and forth, probably trying to learn something and cocked his head before he found himself trapped in Phun's eyes. Looking at the youngster, she looked absolutely indifferent with a eye ridge slowly in inquisition.

His upper mandibles flushed and bowed his head in submissive respect before walking away. When the lad was out of earshot, Phun couldn't help but chuckle to herself and mumbled, "Some males."

Tilting her glass, the Weapon Master blinked to find nothing going into her throat and looked inside to see nothing. Lifting her glass, she called out to the Kig-yar bartender, "More stronger stuff, I asked to get spirited, not full of distilled honey water!" The avian winced at the steel-cut sound of her voice and quickly ran to refill her glass before he get another smack to the head for his last comment about her gender.

Ultra Officer Usze 'Pahamee
En route to the Hall of Residing Passion

Mumbling in droll memories, eyes closed and thinking on his lost soldiers in mild sorrow during his wall to the barracks, the Sect of Lamenting Consecration's veteran Ultra-and some whisper the next General-walked through the mostly empty street with a glance up to the staring twin moons with their distinctive faces. Halting a moment, Usze stared with his fonding emerald eyes, "Sanghelios...your beauty will never be surprised...not even here." He whispered.

Letting out a chirp of sad joy at the thought of his home, Usze closed his eyes and took a meditative breath, almost smelling his homeland whilst remembering his Field Master's teachings. "As we walk, they are a step closer to the end." The Ultra mumbled before his ears caught boots walking towards him. Opening his eyes slowly and glancing over to their directions but his brows knitted when he saw no one. "Hm?"

The steps came again but in the other direction. Angling his orange eyes over, he found no one again. Staring down the street for a long time, the officer felt his mandibles twitch in slight annoyance and confusion before slowly stepping out into the open street. Slowly spinning around, Usze noticed...

There were no one here. Very few lights on...

He may not be a Spiritualist like Field Master 'Muramai and some other members of the sects, but his rotations in the Covenant Army honed the sixth sense to a good degree for the snipers. Sniffing again softly, 'Pahamee could smell his homeland and twitched his fingers. Then came the footsteps again. Right behind him and they are moving faster.

Gripping his clawed fingers around his hilt, Usze spun around into a low crouch and growled, only to find nothing again. Spatting onto the floor, the sangheili curled his lips in frustration. What is this?

Slowly stepping again, he sped his convoy to the Hall with wary eyes but it felt the shadows closing and moving around him with every movement. Doing nightly ops was one thing but getting the displaced sense of being watched and followed for a soldier was the most paranoid and blood-churling thing after leaving the battlefield.

Suddenly he heard the air being cut and following that pain. "Gah!" He yelped out, leaping away fast and pulling out his hilt in his opposite hand. Feeling for the pain, the Ultra wisely keep his eyes up and his feet ready at the moment's notice. On a corner from the Hall, Usze finally found the blood rolling from his side in a fine cut. With a deep inhale and exhale, he found feel the cut wounded deep but precise. Clutching his abdomen and clamp his mandibles tight, the Sangheili moved to look over to the Hall.

Very light shimmer in the corner of his eye...there!

Snapping from his fake glance, Usze roared loud at the same time his arm flicked out with a flare of his azure blade. The shimmer lept back but not without a hiss of metal contacting and sliced by pure plasma. The Sangheili glanced down at the tip of a narrow blade and pointed his own at the shimmer, "Reveal thyself, cowarding assassin. I can see through your deceit now." He ordered, ignoring his growing pain.

The shimmering figure let out a soft sound, angling itself into the light and finally turned off the camouflage, revealing a tall lean Sangheili cloaked in some kind of black robes proper for desert cultists and even darker armor to the point that Usze thought it was going to swallow the light beaming on him like a blackhole.

"What kind of-"

The assassin twitched his fingers and three claws of plasma erupted from his fists. Suddenly a very cold, clamy chill ran through the Ultra's flesh like the coldest of nights, for he knew those blades. Every well-informed Sangheili knew those blades, especially Kaidons and officers.

"Hassisian." He whispered in fear, tracing his unknowingly wide eyes up to the assassin's face, who was masked behind a white helm made of ivory with cold poisonous green eyes. Slowly stepping back, Usze felt the fear running through his blood...making it colder and he felt more sluggish. Why were they here? What vile fool called upon this ritualistic killer? Was he the only mark?

The Hassisian followed like a cornering predator with his light armored feet leaving little sound but this ear-chilling thump and the grinding of sand even though there was no sand in sight. These shadows of the elder sect that crept the dark fears of failing leaders and traitors, they walked with the sands of their homeland, silent as the night they were born from, these mute Spiritualists let their victims do the speaking with their last screams before the Void takes them.

Usze didn't have any intention to die though...but he shuddered to the thought of how many victims thought that before they did die.

Halting himself, the warrior growled. What would the Zealots think to one of their highest officers cowarding to an assassin like this. Caught like a rat by a hunting child before the claws came down. No...

If this was his death knell, he will face it with the pride of the sect and the honor of a Paham warrior.

Starting to sweat abit and pant, as for Usze thought it was just the moment but rubbing his gloved fingers, he knew it was poison. Cowardly assassins. Squaring his shoulders and brushing on the activation of his energy shields, Usze looked at his killer square in the eyes, never breaking contact before flourishing his blade into a readied stance.

The Hassisian kept his slow walk, then two more on either side materialized from the darkest depths of the shadows. They were perfect actors on one's fears and that is what make Assassins even more dangerous, besides their poisons, stealth and deadly knowledge of the vital points.

His feet shifting and stepping back a few, as if the inner core of him wanted to ran for the guards but how many have done that before? How many try to run before these assassins chased them down like a windrunner on a bloated swine? And from how a wounded veteran like Til run, he knew not very far unless they allowed it or the Gods favored your life.

Closing his eyes for the briefest of moment, Usze halted himself and shuddered again. No. Slowly lifting his crackling blade up into a vertical salute, he collected and centered himself. Never step out into the storm, my Ultra. Stand in the center and command it.

"Field Master 'Muramai...may the Gods guide and perserve us all." Opening his eyes again, Usze growled deep and strong like the warrior who've survived the past suicidal missions against those heathens. In fact...when he thought it, he preferred to by the blade of his people. He died, he wasn't worthy to serve any more. If he didn't, he will ascend.

"A warrior of the Gods does not falter!" He roared, perhaps a final cry out to the shadows, before lunging at the assassins-after a moment's noticeable hesitation-they retorted with a lunge of their own, their robe-tails fluttering.

When the guards finally came to investigate; there was a lot of blood, an Sangheili's arm devoid of any identification, and a Ultra not far...close to the Hall sitting against a building with many stab and slash wound from neck to legs, staring his dead eyes up to the sky. However...he isn't the only victim tonight.

[Remnant]

Jiralhanae Minor Karonus
Receiving the traditional greeting.

Karonus was being so cheerful, until he felt something bop the top of his head like a rock slammed full force, followed by a sharp pain. "OW!" Karonus yelled. "Good to see you too Boy, greet your Elders properly next time." Karonus heard Eugine say. "Hello to you as well Uncle, my apologies, I forgot you were here. I was just excited to see my brother, and I guess I forgot all who were at the table in the process." Karonus said, hoping to be forgiven.

"So, how have you been Uncle?" Karonus asked, before noticing the drink Eugine had. "Is that what I think it is? That's the ale my father told me about, long before he died. Spoke of how strong the stuff was. In fact, I remember him speaking of how you could outdrink anyone, Uncle." Karonus said, putting a small pouch on the table, full of Gekz. The pouch was about the size of his hand. "How about you and me have a ale drinking competition? First one to pass out looses." Karonus said, with a smirk.

[Zero The Hidden]

Rhavik 'Dremdai
The City of Standing Grace
Toying

    Rhavik sat on the small bulk of a bed within the cluttered Hall, toying with an ashen arum that refused to release it's gem. Childish as the toy was, Rhavik still enjoyed it. He carries one with him at all times, to keep him sure of who he was back in Dremd - a commemorative artifact of his childhood, a childhood that he was told to forget. Of course, as many others did, Rhavik pretended to wipe his past away to satisfy his superiors, while the whole time he kept a hold of himself - his younger self - in the back of his mind. 

    Rhavik fiddled with the thing for a few more minutes, unable to free the crystal. He tried everything, from turns and twists to shakes and tosses - yet nothing worked. Patience, the Ultra reminded himself. That was the key to the arum. Exhausted from the repetition of trying and failing at a mocking piece of wood and metal with a secret ingredient of hidden success, Rhavik let out a loud sigh. He stood and stalked his way to the small compartments in his quarters. Rhavik opened one of the multiple cabinets and placed the arum inside with a soft thud as it landed on his brown tunic and other daily clothing necessities. 

    He was never questioned why he wore his combat harness instead of his given tunic, taking the location and halt of fighting for the time being. No Humans, no enemies - other than the Jiralhanae that weren't necessarily hostile, though Rhavik was still on edge about and didn't entirely trust. The Ultra was always armed with his basics as well, a plasma pistol, his energy sword, and his curve-blades - yet leaving the age-rattled arum at the Hall for today.

    Hardly pausing from his thoughts, a knock boomed from Rhavik's door. Snapping back into reality, the Ultra snapped his head at the entrance and hesitated. He didn't know why he did, but he didn't entirely trust what was behind the door - despite the fact of being located in a secure Covenant Hall. He was still on edge, but he sucked it up. Placing a single hand on the hilt of his sword, he called over to the door. 

    "You may enter." Rhavik said with a low voice.

    The door slid open as the figure behind the solid entrance walked in. Major Resku Verekee strode in, his head held high in admiration of his superior, bowing briefly before standing once more before Rhavik.

    "Your Excellency!" Resku bellowed, his mood covered in cheer with his new, deserved rank. His actions at the City of Refuge proved himself capable, in place of poor Urno. Rhavik had liked Major Urno Xytoee, yet he knew his end would come - as that was the price for stubbornness. He fought bravely in Refuge as well, though his foolish actions led him to his demise. A warriors death, however, to say the least. 

    Rhavik knew his business here, for that was why Resku was called down to him in the first place. Thinking on his mistrust of who was standing at his door once again, the Sangheili thought of himself foolish for not knowing. For not being sure. He shrugged it off. 

    "Major Resku, are you ready?"

    "Sire?"

    "To get out of this stink hole, of course." Rhavik chuckled under his breath, referring to the Jiralhanae territory. He didn't wait for a response. "I see you have your necessities, yes? Yes. Of course, you carry your weapons as I do Major." Rhavik looked upon his inferior with satisfaction of what he's become, though did not show it on the exterior. "We should get moving, I don't wish to stay in this location any longer. You can lead the way outside, and we will walk to a more...fit area. One with more of the Sangheili taste." Rhavik rasped.
"Does that sound good?" 

[BetaWülf]

Jiralhanae Captain Garatus

Garatus cringed as the all too familiar sound of head to staff action rang through the drink-house, Garatus waved over the barmaid and asked her to get some ice for Karonus's head. He expected a good sized bruise to show up in the next few days from a hearty smack like that. He had hardly set the ice in front of Karonus before Eugenius's drink arrived. He looked warily at his Uncles beverage, knowing all too well what it was. His father had drank the stuff he recalled, he also recalled getting drunk off his ass on it as a younger man. He had woken up the next morning in the Kig-yar district of the city with a quite unusual Sangheili lass and little memory of the night before(though what little memories he had are fond to him).

"I think I've found my thirst has not been quenched, I'll partake in this drinking contest if there is room for one more" he said with a devilishly charming grin(even by Human standards) and a crack of his knuckles.


Unggoy Major Dakek

Pain....
Darkness....
Scared....
Mamma....
Mamma where are you?
Mamma I'm scared....

Bright....
Loud....
Bird stink....
hurt....
So... cold....
hel... p me....

Dakek lay stretched out on a metal table, a bright light glaring down upon him. Several Kig-yar with disturbingly oversharp scalpels loomed over him and conversed in their raspy warbling tongue on how to proceed, after not too long they all nodded in agreement and pulled out a small hammer and a spike. They placed the spike next to the knife in his head, and with a sickening crack tapped it with the hammer. His chitin split nicely, soon enough a circle of it was ready to be removed. It was pulled up the knife blade then split in half and tossed aside, a pair of clamps preventing the knife from slipping and killing him while his head was held in place through a set of bolts drilled into his head.

It was a rather ghastly site for most, his large blue brain now visible through the carved hole. The leader of this 'gang' brought forth an odd item, similarly shaped to the knife but not at all sharp. It was a place holder of sorts, but also it possessed a secondary purpose. She gently laid it on the table beside the Unggoy as her comrades nervously watched, before having a mechanical arm take hold of the knife handle.

"Time to get to work" she said as she pulled on a pair of gloves.

[Faclan]

SSA - Yanme'e Swarm (Survivors)
Boredom, interest, terror.

(Labus)
The soldier in the shooting hall just chirped in reply and hopped off the table he was situated on and trotted after the Sangheili, hoping up to flutter occasionally but otherwise dutifully following behind. He was a little discouraged because there would be less gunfire outside the training hall but it was something to do at least and if it was too boring he could just fly off and find something more exciting.

(Drinker)
Tilting her head at the strange greetings thrown about by the Jiralhanae the female bug took a break from her drink, she had made it through about a fourth so far with no ill effects though she was drinking it very slowly, to make some notes about it on her little pad. She was sure that the Covenant already know of this and it wasn't any new research into their customs but it would help the Hive perhaps. She didn't catch most of what they were talking about as she didn't know much of the language, but it soon became apparent that a competition was about to start as several other Jiralhanae from the bar cheered and started to move over to watch. Tapping her pad a few times she left her drink alone now and watches carefully, this was fascinating.

(Flyer)
Still flying around the city the remaining female soldier was at this point just enjoying the day. The lowering star gave the sky a nice pink hue and it was rare when they had time to just relax and enjoy the world around them. The female had become partial to the world outside the nest because of all the sights she had seen different from just a wall and constant chatter...she loved the chatter of course but a change in scenery was always nice. That was normal wasn't it? She dipped a little in her flight as she had a moment of panic. She wasn't becoming un-mutual was she?! Thankfully she was drawn from this bad state of thought as some shouts erupted beneath her.

Looking down she could see a white armored Sangheili shouting at a moving shadow, and after diving down she was able to pick out a Sangheili shape in the shadow...and those two seemed to be fighting to the death. A few other shadows started to move as well and the Soldier knew that by himself the Ultra was done for, even if she swooped down to help they couldn't stop them. She needed to get more help. Screeching quietly she quickly flew off toward a security post as quick as she could...

Unfortunately with the language barrier and inadequate translation software when the soldier and the Sangheili guards finally did arrive the Ultra was already slain. Slamming her plasma pistol against the wall in frustration she screeched again at the guards as they started to investigate the area. But it was too late. Hissing a bit she hopped over to the Ultras slumped body and made her wings chirp slowly, an aplogy for being too late, before she holstered her weapon and stuck around the fight scene in case the useless guards needed her - so much for a peaceful evening.

(No Ultra this time.)

Cad - Kig-Yar Major
Trying to stay upright and now be crushed.

Similarly to the Yanme'e Cad was having trouble with his large mug of ale. But he had managed to work his way through half of it. His eyes were starting to become more cloudy however as he stopped to take some deep breaths to try and maintain his consciousness. He wasn't a lightweight when it came to Kig-Yar drinks, but these were an entirely different make up than what he was used to. Not sweet, not anything like that he was used to. Just thick alcohol on top of more alcohol. It was still an experience he was glad he was doing, if to have memories only. He took another gulp and went back to breathing as he tottered a bit. But his posture soon wasn't an issue as Jiralhanae started to crowed around the table and cheer for Garatus and his family members.

Well, that was a thing - he slowly thought as he kept watching and taking sips when he could.


Eugine - Jiralhanae Advisor
I'll take pleasure in guttin you out drinkin you, boy

Smirking as Karonus quickly tried to recover from his missteps Eugine chuckled a little as well as he gestured to the top of his head. "Now you know not to be so forgetful Boy, though as your brother will tell you I'm happy to remind you every time you need to be reminded. But it is forgiven for now."

He grunted in reply as to how he's been, as its been ups and downs recently with that disastrous mission on the human world but also his Nephew's ceremony coon. He then nodded at the drink as he tapped the upturned glass in front of him, but then he stopped and stared at Karonus and the bag of Gekz on the table before he tossed his head back and guffawed uproariously, smacking the table with his good hand as he did so.

"A drinking contest?! Well Boy, I appreciate the donation of Gekz to me." He managed once he finally stop laughing and nodded with a large smile as Garatus joined in as well. Eugine putting a small bauble next to the Gekz bag as he spoke again. "I'll match the wager, that's just so we know I have, and you challenged me Boy, so pick your drink - I'll make you hate it by tonight." He did glance at Garatus's Kig-Yar pet and the bug but both of them seemed content with their own drinks so he turned back to his family members, waiting to see if Garatus would buy in and what drink they would be quaffing.

As the bug had noted the prospect of a drinking competition sparked some life in the bar with some cheers and hooting as a good section of the place started to gather around to watch. Some Gekz changing hands as bets were made and quiet cheers for each ape made as they awaited the drink of choice.

[deceit]

The new look fit him. "Thank you, Arms Master."

The Sangheili clucked and waved him on, "Just don't trash this Combat Harness like your last one."

Ra'ab turned to head out.

"Oh, wait." Ra'ab stopped, and turned to see what was required, "Your firearm was trashed. I guess you like these? Odd. Most would use a plasma rifle."

Ra'ab chuckled, grabbing the Plasma Pistol, "Thank you, again. With a deft finger, a weapon like this is just as fast, more accurate, and less likely to overheat as often." Ra'ab responded, testing the weight of the plasma pistol. It was nice.

"You know...given your circumstance, I'm sure..."

Ra'ab cocked his head in interest, "Yes?"

"You know, nevermind."

"I am interested in what you have to say." Ra'ab pressed, slightly frustrated.

"I've always wanted to experiment with a custom weapon, but until now, its never been necessary, is all. Higher ups call it a desecration of the holy gifts we've been given."

Ra'ab laughed heartilly, "Almost everything is a desecration to them." He confessed, "But I do not find it necessary. I have made it this far without need."

With that, the two parted ways, and Ra'ab left the station armory. He was wearing a brand new set of Maroon armor that signified his rank. Shiny, no dents, no holes. It was actually a little uncomfortable. It was like slipping into a brand new skin, and he needed to get use to it. The Shields on this one seemed a little more reactive, and more reliable. That was good.

[Huka]

Security Master ‘Omaree
Investigation of Murder
Between the Hall of Residing Passions and the High Quarters

The grizzled Security Master, once a proud ultra of the Covenant army until his dishonorable discharge from his legion due to a lack of eye-to-eye with his General, now found himself looking at something that happened to only for many reasons divulged from the mind of the mad, weak and radically doubtful; assassinated.

A Ultra no less...

While the Covenant can seem like the perfect theology and commands every citizen’s mind, there is no such thing as a unified faction, even for a union of believers like theirs. There is always a lowly pack of nonbelievers to discredit faith or psychotic zealots who use the power of Faith to their own sadistic needs or self-righteous nobility who believed themselves above all. Assassination was a natural answer to test competence in the Sangheili and this extended into Covenant military. Guilds of assassins existed in probably every species, sanctioned or not. However...from the Yanme’e description, this poor fool was taken by the most feared of the sanctioned.

The Hasiss’asin, Sanghelios’ most prominent of assassins from a desert-clan of Spiritualists, studies say the first of their kind. They’ve been active since before the Covenant’s time and still preserve their secrets and rituals stubbornly, even when the Covenant-backed clans of the olden days tried to wipe both the clan and sect out. They prevailed from cunning, connections and key assassinations...and when the Covenant finally relented, the councilors who begged for this operations was assassinated with the sign of ‘Don’t step on the culture of the oldest.’

He knew this investigation have just gotten very, very dangerous for him and anyone to step into a case involving Them.

Looking at the angered Yanme’e, ‘Omaree was slightly surprised one of these bugs had conscious feeling for another individual outside of their swarm and Hivemind. It might be one of the crazies...but with a sad click of his lower mandibles, he went to tell his officers to be on the look out for the assassins whilst he report this to the Tower.

Labus ‘Adantee
En route for the Hanging Raga

With his new insectoid companion resting on his broad shoulders, much heavier than it looked and wondered by the Field Master kept one on his shoulders like some pet. Labus walked along the sparsely-populated Hall’s main hub, with few soldiers of the Sect talking to each other in some idle chit-chat while others just sat about in self-loathing. He already some were already in the middle of self-sacrificial rites to preserve their clans’ honor but the young Adant soldier didn’t feel that way...he felt like he failed his mentor more than his clan. The destruction of the Forerunner artifact was out of their control and he understood that; the humans were always such interfering creatures and their destructive weapons were a perk to their infernal nature.

In his personal thought, someone bumped into him and snarled lightly, “Hey!” But the odd individual kept going; dressed in a Major’s uniform but had a customized visor to protect his face. Halting to the Adant’s yelp, the short yet robust Sangheili turned his head, “A thousand pardons, yuru’dag.” He apologized with a familiar Muram accent that made Labus’ chest tight but he quickly turned his head and walked away from the desert-strider, just to avoid thinking about Q’ai.

The Muram major rolled his shoulder and continued his walk towards a room, just in time to catch a stepping out Jiralhanae, one of the captains that rejoined the sect after the Chieftain’s unceremonious death. The big ape blinked at the officer’s appearance and one sniff made his fur stand on end but before he could speak or move, the quick Sangheili jabbed the Jiralhanae once under the ribs. A grunt of surprised pain escaped the large male’s lips and looked down to a insignificant small wisp of smoke lift into the air from a tiny hole. Blinking again as pain started to wreck along his body, the officer gripped on his shoulder and gently pushed him back into the room.

“Treachery is rewarded with death. They command you and all traitors’ end.” He hissed eerily as the door closed behind them.

[Remnant]

Jiralhanae Minor Karonus
About to drink everyone out.

"I'll match the wager, that's just so we know I have, and you challenged me Boy, so pick your drink - I'll make you hate it by tonight." Eugine had said. "Okay, alright, I'll pick the drink. Barmaid, bring the hottest, most fiery drink here that you have." Karonus said to the barmaid. "You two ready for your mouths to be burned out?" Karonus asked Garatus and Eugine with a large grin. This was going to be fun. Karonus was glad he was also getting a donation of Gekz to him.

Sangheili Major Resku 'Verekee
Walking

"Does that sound good?" Rhavik asked. "Yes, your excellency." Resku replied as he lead the way outside. The duo walked around the city, en route to Sangheili territory. "Gah, that stench." Resku said as they walked past a trio of Brutes. "Hey! What'd you say, scum?" One of the Jiralhanae yelled towards the duo.

Resku pulled out one of his Curveblades, sprinted towards the Jiralhanae, and held the blade at it's throat. The other two Jiralhanae tried to come closer, but Resku's fierece roar kept that back. "Listen here, you imbecile. You mess with the wrong people. Hold your tongue, unless you wish for it to be cut out. Say another word, and you won't be alive to finish the sentence." Resku growled.

Resku walked back over towards Rhavik, and they continued their walk. The Jiralhanae stayed behind, with a large amount of fear placed into them. "Those idiotic Jiralhanae should know better than to mess with their superiors. The inferior scum will get themselves killed if they continue to do such things." Resku said with disgust.

[BetaWülf]

Jiralhanae Captain Garatus

Garatus grinned ear hole to ear hole, his large, sharp white teeth gleaming in the low light of the ale house. He pulled a small bag from his belt and tossed it onto the table, some coins spilling out of it as he matched the bet. He laughed deeply at Karonus's choice of drink and subsequent comment, he had drank many a drink in his day and hoped the boy would survive this one.

"I'm ready to out-drink you till the suns set backwards, but are you?" Garatus said with a laugh and a pat on Karonus's back,"by the deserts of Doisac I will conquer this game like a warlord of old! Are you two prepared for this most traditional and sacred of pass times?"