The Enemy of my Enemy (interlude)

[Mr. Prezident]

(So considering the Schism is pretty likely to be a thing here is an intermission of sorts to get the ball rolling before the MM)

Ultra Vinza'za 'Wodam
Thirteenth Unit, Milestone of Unity, 9th Age of Reclamation (November 10th, 2552)
Preparing for battle amidst tensions

Under the shade of a towering Mga'lekgolo, Vinza'za's white armor glowed dimly as he sat stoicly.  Arms crossed around the carbine in his lap as he studied the Humans across from his troops.  While not bearing the same sentiment as many of his kinsmen and the Humans, the 'Wodam clansmen could still feel the tension.  It had only been (a week) since the Covenant broke, destroying 1000s of years of tradition.  It was a strange feeling to be fighting by the Nishum's side instead of hunting them.

The Sangheili clustered around Vinza'za, speaking their native tongue in low whispers, "We should not be fighting beside these humans - it is a disgrace,"  a bold young minor stated.

The Ultra sighed, standing and placing his hand on the Minor's shoulder, "The San Shyuum have caused us all to suffer.  I hope you have not forgotten our brothers killed in cold blood, their honor besmirched.  In this conflict, we are all blood-brothers."

His words eased the troops, but they did not seem wholly convinced.  It would have to suffice.  The battle soon to come would make all their misgivings disappear.  This was a fight for survival of both races, and the Separtists had to win.

-----

Major Xintar 'Sausam

Xintar rechecked his gear for the 5th time in the last unit. He had to keep focused. Otherwise, he ran the chance of killing a Nishum outright. It was a disgrace to stand near them in peace. For many decades they had hunted the Humans, knowing they were an abomination, a blight upon the universe. Unfortunately the Covenant was fractured, and the Sangheili had little choice but to join the Humans. The Major was still in disbelief at what had occured. Everything he knew was gone.


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[Faclan]

We are currently one week (seven days) from the Battle of Voi/Tsavo
( halo.fandom.com/wiki/Battle_of_Tsavo ) 
So everyone knows the BIG events that have recently happened;

SPOILER: Click to show

(Taken from halo.fandom.com/wiki/Great_Schism )
November 2:
* John-117 tracks down and kills the Prophet of Regret on Installation 05.
* High Charity and its Defense Fleet arrives at Installation 05. Witnessing the assassination of the Prophet of Regret, the Prophet of Truth replaces the Honor Guard Sangheili with Jiralhanae. Insulted, the Sangheili High Councilors threaten to resign from their seats on the High Council.

November 2–3:
* The Arbiter and Tartarus are sent to retrieve the Activation Index. The Arbiter successfully takes the Index, but Tartarus tries to kill him and takes the Index from him, as he was secretly ordered to do so by the Prophet of Truth.
* Most of the Sangheili High Councilors are taken to the surface of Installation 05 where they are murdered by the Jiralhanae.
* The Prophet of Truth transfers command of the Covenant Navy to the Jiralhanae, while Tartarus declares war on the Sangheili, and the Battle of High Charity begins. Fighting between Sangheili and Jiralhanae forces breaks out all over High Charity. As word spreads, fighting takes place throughout the Fleet, as Sangheili and Jiralhanae controlled ships attack one another.
* The Flood invade High Charity in the middle of the battle by jumping through Slipspace in the UNSC In Amber Clad into High Charity and then afterward through the use of Pelicans to invade the rest of the city. The High Prophet of Mercy is attacked by an Infection Form and abandoned by the Prophet of Truth
* Tartarus attempts to activate Halo.
* Thel 'Vadamee, with the help of Sergeant Johnson and Rtas 'Vadumee, kills Tartarus.
* Miranda Keyes aborts the activation of Halo, placing the entire Halo Array on standby status. 343 Guilty Spark reveals the existence of the Ark.
* The battle in and around High Charity ends with the Flood in control of the city. The Jiralhanae and Sangheili Fleets remaining around the city-station continue to destroy each other.

November 3:
* The Prophet of Truth departs High Charity for Earth aboard the Forerunner dreadnought, to join the Battle of Earth. The Jiralhanae forces there are already engaged in fighting with the UNSC. Unbeknown to the Prophet of Truth, John-117 is on the ship, with the intention of "Finishing the Fight."
* The UNSC prowler UNSC Dusk witnesses the battle between Sangheili and Jiralhanae held ships above Delta Halo, both fighting each other, pausing only to escalate an immediate outbreak of the Flood from the ringworld and links up with Battlegroup Stalingrad.
* Major Voro 'Mantakree kills his Shipmaster, Tano 'Inanraree, while he is attempting to allow the Flood to enter the ship. He then assumes command of the ship, the Incorruptible, and becomes the de facto leader of the Second Fleet of Homogeneous Clarity. He leads his new forces to Joyous Exultation, pursued by the Jiralhanae Gargantum and his ships.
* Imperial Admiral Xytan 'Jar Wattinree plans to lure the Jiralhanae leadership to Joyous Exultation and plans an ambush for them. He deploys the newly promoted Fleet Master Voro Nar 'Mantakree to Onyx to recover the Forerunner technologies there and prevent the UNSC forces there from claiming it themselves. A NOVA bomb captured by the Supercarrier Sublime Transcendence devastates the planet moments after Mantakree's forces leave, the survivors joining Mantakree at Onyx.

November 8, 2552:
* The Forerunner dreadnought arrives in the Sol system, and proceeds on course towards Earth at near-relativistic speeds.

Kael Gel - T'vaoan Champion
Sangheili section
Well this has been a fun week.

Currently sat at a table with some of the other Sangheili officers Kael was annoyed. Left arm in a sling and in only the leg portion of her Champion armor and with no weapons on her at all. She was doing her best to stay calm as she occasionally glanced to the side where her badly damaged Entourage sat under guard and unarmed. It had been a violent few days with her force being attacked by the Sangheili for being suspected Loyalists and from the Jiralhanae themselves for Kaels known relationship with the late Marshal Til. And despite it potentially being over now that doesn't mean she was pleased with how her sixty four T'vaoans were now down to only twenty six. Her Commandos had survived but two were badly injured and needed medical attention now.

"You would do best to hold your snapping tongue T'vaoan, you have no rights here." The Sangheili Major across from her hissed. Before leaning back when Kael dug her claws into the table.

"Listen here you Child of an Officer I've been fighting this thrice Sunk war since you were barley figuring out you'd never meet you real father! The Covenant has collapsed so your old 'the Kig-Yar are beneath us' Skittershit is going to stop right now!" It would be clear she was working on very little sleep before she had managed to find a force that wouldn't immediately kill her. This was not the greeting she had expected but some part of her mind knew it was reasonable because they had two other small captured forces of Kig-Yar who had been dangerous to the Sangheili. "Do you REALLY think I would walk my badly damaged Entourage into your arms just so you could sit there and act superior! I came here to have a chance to actually rest after we were attacked by YOUR friends on nothing but assumptions! And then attacked by the Jiralhanane for them knowing that I helped you in the past! SO," pointing back at Ultra Vinza'za before hissing and holding her slung arm. "You are going to walk over there and tell your boss to stop holding my fighters at gunpoint so they can eat and rest. And get the medical attention they need. We gave up our weapons as a sign of trust and came to you with the Oar of cooperation. How DARE you assume this is all a ploy when some of us carried the dead bodies of our friends!"

The Major seemed taken aback by this and looked to the other Sangheili for assistance or anything in regards to Kael.


Cad - Ruuthian Radio Operator
Sangheili section
Hernfnmp.

In a much less favorable position that the Champion Cad had had very little experience or dealings with the current Sangheili officers. So in addition to be disarmed and dis-armored he was also bound sat on the floor against the backs of two other Kig-Yar. Still in the under armor clothes but that was it. And muzzled to stop some of them cheeping that this was idiotic they all served together before. One bad apple fish spoils the whole damn fishing trip. He couldn't really do much as he was the unfortunate one that was facing the wall. So all he could do was listen and try to keep moving his hands and feet so they wouldn't go complexly numb.

It gave him time to think at least about how the Covenant seemed to have completely collapsed. The Sangheili may have been arrogant but they were leaders. And now they had split. The Jiralhanae may have been strong and driven but they would eventually fall to infighting unless a new War Chief was found fast. It kept Cad quiet as he looked at the ground. Thinking about how all could be lost.


Chris Hyde - ONI Xeno-Linguist
Human Section
Ohmaigaaaash.

It was a terrible time for the Covenant to be sure. Which was a good thing. But the little he had gleamed from ONI reports and what he could currently overhear he couldn't help but feel sorry for the Sangheili at least. Around a Millennium of cooperation and conquest undone in less than a fortnight and now they had to fight and kill their former allies. He doubted they cared much for the Jiralhanae but he was sure some of them called the large apes friends. And now it was all murders and betrayals.

The scientist would occasionally glace over at the Sangheili as the whispered to each other and planned something important. He desperately wanted to go over and talk with them but he had been told not too. He had so many questions to ask not only them but their Unggoy forces too. And the Kig-Yar they seemed to be reviewing. Hopefully that went well he really wasn't sure how the UNSC would react to a mass execution if the Kig-Yar were deemed to be spies or something of the sort.

Then again, he glumly mused as he kept writing, he was sure a lot of the Marines would run over and ask if they could do it themselves. Drive their combat knives into the Kig-Yars throats to get their anger and stress out. Glancing back at their side of the room they were often sitting there with hands on weapons as they talked about how insane this was. How a lot of the more senior officers and grunts still looked like they couldn't believe it.

But here they all were...allies now against the threat of galactic extinction not just Human. Weird how the times change. Another glance at the Sangheili as he debated going over to try and talk to them again. This glance longer as he tried to pick out the words among the anger cheep shouts coming from the alien side.

[MrKill]

CPT. KILLINGNER, K
17th Marine Infantry Division
Earth

Tensions had been high for a while, Marines had their safeties 'off' despite officers and NCOs alike proclaiming they were now allies. Trust didn't build overnight, much less against a race that was hellbent on exterminating yours. Kyle himself had his BR-55 HBSR ready to fire - and unlike the troops under his command - his safety was actually engaged, but the 9x5x40mm rifle had a round in the chamber and an extended magazine in the magazine well. If 'shit hit the fan', the Marine Captain had his primary weapon ready to fire with the experimental rounds.

His dad had taught him nearly everything he needed to know about the Covenant, and the Corps had filled in the rest. Prior to his parents fatal accident, John had invested more time into training Travis and Kyle about the Covenant and their tendencies... on top of leadership the UNSC struggled to accept. Being a Colonel and refusing to lead from a headquarters building was against Killinger Sr's nature, and the UNSC hated him for it - but it was a love/hate relationship, Johnathon Killinger was an effective officer because of his leadership style. Kyle's father was a superior officer to himself simply because his dad did something Kyle - more or less - did not do: Inspire greatness.

Being a Killinger, expectations for him to be his father were overwhelming, and over time Kyle seemed to slip from that grace. Travis had gone on to be an efficient officer for the ODSTs.

"What is going on, sir?" Kyle's XO asked.

"I don't know," Kyle admitted. "You know the drill. Standby to standby."

His XO chuckled. "Wait five minutes to wait thirty!"

Kyle smirked. "Oorah, XO."

During the exchange Kyle didn't take his eyes off a white Elite stationing himself next to an oversized Hunter. From this distance he could see their... mouths moving but couldn't hear anything, not even with his active headsets on the highest sensitivity. I don't want to be shot in the back, Kyle thought. What the fuck is going on.

[soundflare]

Minor Meenor 'Hidohee
Sangheili section
What to do?

Sitting on one of the crates he looked at the nearby humans who were talking amongst themselves before gazing at the nearby Ultra clad in white armor. The Ultra stood beside a Mga'lekgolo who provided some shade. He turned to look at wounded kig-yar as there leader, a female T'vaoan champion as she yelled at a major who must have said something to set her off.

He smirked before seeing his Major return with a few rations. His helmet off as his mandibles first joints curled forming something akin to human jays. "Here." Duran said before handing a ration to the Minor. Meenor took it before taking a bite. "How are you holding up?" Duran turned his head gazing at the humans before sighing. "to be honest, not so well. First the noble Prophets betray us, and now we are fighting alongside the humans who we used to kill."

"But i'll make it. The betrayal of the Prophets won't put me down. I'll make sure they pay for there deceit!" He proclaimed. Meenor was in silent agreement. The Prophets must pay!

A loud clatter of objects was heard as two Unggoy ran away in fright as a marine chased after them. "Hey get back here!" He shouted. "You shouldn't have knocked that armor rack over!" Duran shook his head. "I better go and get them before they get hurt." Meenor agreed with him as the Major began making his way over to catch the two Unggoy.

Sighing. Meenor looked around. Wondering if maybe he should talk to one of the humans. It would be better then sitting on a empty crate.

[wearyzombie]

(Erso 'Te Vetomiee
Heretic Major, Formerly a supporter of Sesa 'Refumee until his demise, elder sibling to Vensoi 'Ka Vetomiee, contacted by aforementioned sibling to aid against the Jiralhanae Loyalists.
9'2" (9'6" with Harness), 595 lbs (795 with Harness) (Hopefully this is sufficient, otherwise please feel free to critique. Thanks!)

Paranoia plagued the thick cranium of Erso, dozens of questions tormenting his already jostled mind, brought on by his current situation. Was this a trap? Would the Sepratists even be accepting of him?
As of now, he was standing beside his smaller, younger sibling Vensoi. And while he had most certainly felt a sense of longing to meet his estranged brother once more, that longing was overridden by the stress caused by the Separatists within the hangar. He still had vivid memories of Rtas 'Vadum's forces entering the Threshold mining compound, slaughtering his fellow comrades, and leaving the newfound Arbiter to slay his leader, Sesa 'Refumee.

After that, Erso had watched his brethren, his lance of four other Sangheili, be either picked off by the disgraced Arbiter, or assimilated by the Parasite. It was a miracle he hadn't been infected and converted himself, or met the same fate of Sesa. Visions of his Minors screaming and thrashing about as the infection forms burrowed through their flesh terrorized him on a daily basis, and even as he stood within the hangar, his brother idly informing him of their plan, he found himself lapsing into memory.

Jaras, wielding one of the strange, but effective beams the once holy Forerunner sentinels utilized, had taken down a carrier form, not accounting for the parasites dwelling within. He was virtually consumed in the miniature abominations, wailing and falling to the ground as they writhed over him. It was not too long until the twisted, violated form of the ignorant Minor had gotten back up. Erso, determined to put his once valued subordinate down, unleashed a blaze of fire from his rifle, before swiftly retreating, finding himself fleeing through countless doors.

"-Brother, rest, your journey has been an unfortunate one. You are safe here, regardless of the foul gazes you will receive." Remarked Vensoi, large purple hues looking his sibling from head to hoof. Enso's own sizeable amethyst orbs, courtesy of a pure Aquir descent alike his sibling, were cast around the hangar. He saw a larger white Ultra resting beside a Mgalekgolo, and across the room, Humans. Whom he himself had memories of culling. His rifle, of which was resting upon its magnetic lock on his hip, had claimed many lives. His brother had made him aware of their young alliance, which only added onto his paranoia. His weapon, albeit deathly low on charge, was ready to open fire at a moment's notice.
Shaking his heavy head swiftly, his scratched vocals pooled out from his pronounced mandibles.

"As you wish, Brother." The large Sangheili found himself lumbering towards one of the tall, violet shaded crates favored by the Covenant and it's remnants, resting his large hump against it with a quiet, dull thud. The Aquir Major was one of the more... peculiar sights in the hangar, along with the T'Vaoan Champion yowling at a Sangheili. For he still was in the specially designed, brighter yellow combat harness issued to those upon the Threshold gas mine.

In fact, he had to angle his back just right so he was not merely propping himself against the crate via the tapered fins attached to the armor. Unlike the brighter, far more ornate armor choices worn by the Sepratists, the industrial mining harness stood out drastically. It was beat up, covered in scorch marks and heavily dented plates. The shielding, if it had survived the lengthy span of time between the Threshold raid and now, seemed to not have been doing it's job very well. The respirator, albeit looking less worn, hung from his harness, resting without restraint beside his leftmost, rather dented chest piece. The shaded goggles were nowhere to be found, lost in his journey to his brother. A replacement set of armor was most definitely desired.

"Erso, tell me, how did you make it out of the facility? I've heard the stories of it plummeting into Threshold. And what of your lance?" Rumbled Vensoi, before a dismissive grunt left Erso's chest.
"Vensoi... another time. I do not wish to discuss it. Please, leave me. I would appreciate time to myself."

With an irritable, frustrated sounding huff, Vensoi stomped away, off to speak to some other poor soul. Leaving Erso, gazing ahead at nothing, to retail the violent events of the past few months in his head, awaiting interaction.

[Huka]

General Lev’en ‘Muramai
Joint-Faction Neutral Zone - Earth, the Human Homeworld
Thirteenth Unit, Milestone of Unity, 9th Age of Reclamation
The discord continues…

“Championess Gel, please calm your voice.” A firm baritone voice spoke from across the open area that held two former enemies so close to each other with the tension thick in the air. Eyes would see the golden visage of General Le’ven, the Sangheili clad in a thicker plated combat harness from his rank’s more elaborate command harness. At either side of him were the familiar sight of his personal guard - or rather, what remained of it. From the two remaining Sangheili of the original four and the only Jiralhanae daring to show his face since the great betrayal. Scars marred their armour and bodies, the weight of this event was heavy upon everyone and moreso on the General.

His violet eyes looked to the distressed Kig-yar first before falling on the security master, “Provide them of the Huragok medical assistance and some water.” He instructed without lifting his voice, strained of war and dutiful obligation to ensure the survivors of the present sect were taken care of.

Standing before his fellows, the Muram leader rested a hand onto the table and centered himself. He wanted to lean, rest his body but sheer willpower kept the general broad-backed infront of his peers and former enemies. The Jiralhanae in their midst kept his helmed head low and the spine-headed cudgel kept in the hand of his Sangheili counterpart. The skull of his former entourage brother hanging by chains wrapped on the shoulder and chest. Others spoke about this naturally and Le’ven told them enough, if he is a traitor, he will die. Simple as that.

“News from the Inner Empire has been as expected. This horror has stretched far.” he spoke softer in their more coded tongue. It was known by now that the Humans had found the initiative to translate their language, but that was the imperial-wide dialect. “However, this mudball is of certain interest. From the Bladed Wind,’- the special operations group of Ekdo’s Rest - “and my interrogations, we have concluded there is a trove of relics. Enough to call the Prophets here...this does not bide well or the Spirits provides us an opportunity.”

Le’ven allowed this news to sink in for the officers before rolling an aching shoulder. His eyes falling on the one noticeable aspect on their side of the room, the former Heretic - now, another brother in this grave situation. His claw curling, beckoning him over while making sure his guards were further back to signal the benevolent intention.

---

SPOILER: Click to show

Name: Lev’en ‘Muramai
Faction: Covenant Separatists
Rank: General

Appearance: General Lev’en is a sturdy specimen of his clan, powerfully built with the tattoos of the Oath of Tibur lining his limbs in dedication to open warfare. Inheriting his mother’s pallid hide with intense violet-irised emerald-green eyes, the Muram warrior have sprinkles of dark spots in similar to freckles on his face and neck. Scars of his military life crossing here and there, from blades to bullet-grazes. Despite his rank as a Sangheili General, Lev’en prefers a more streamlined variant of his command harness for mobility’s sake. His thoracic cage and deltoid protectors enscrolled in writs to his campaigns with a clan’s mantle linked under the left shoulder by a recently replaced Jiralhanae’s skull. Even this trophy has been scribed in Muram dialect in litany of blood-due justice. Typical of his clan, Lev’en’s gauntlets and boots end with combat claws to fit his own.

Bio:

Lev’en ‘Muramai is a Sangheili veteran of several decades. His military career comprised of the great war against Humanity from the first colonies discovered to the last bastions, dedicated and skilled in battling the unconventional enemy. Born in the human calendar of 2511 around the end of the decade-long Heretic Rebellion, the young Muram rose in the glories of his uncles from the civil war and when Humanity was condemned, he was driven to live this same glory like so many of the Sangheili.

In 2551, after the unfortunate death of Til Je’at Ra’ha ‘Muramai - his perceived uncle and in reality, his father - Lev’en vowed vengeance on the murderers to the clan’s esteemed hunter and war hero in his honour. After a long debate and acceptance from the Master Council of Redeeming Vigilance, Lev’en was foremost in the ground operations under the command of the Sect of Carving Glass. Often working in jointed support of the Special Operations auxiliary, a number of victories were secured in thoroughly-executed successions.

In 2552, recently, that march of vengeance was halted during the Redeeming Vigilance’s most prominent involvement as one of the Prophet of Regret’s Invasion Forces on what he believed to be the gateway to the Ark, only to discover it to be the Humans’ homeworld itself. The Army of Redeeming Vigilance was lunged and attacked with a baneful vengeance. During the assault on a Human city where the Prophet deemed as a prime objective, Lev’en was nearly killed by one of his own bodyguards - one of the Jiralhanae - if it wasn’t the other to intercept and kill the traitor.

Then, all of the Covenant fell into a sudden civil war. Sangheili fighting for their lives and Jiralhanae murdering their former commanders with a unbridled bloodlust and jealousy-turned-savagery. Even a portion of the Jiralhanae in the infamous Redeeming Vigilance were traitors. The Covenant in disarray and the Sangheili are forced into an unexpecting and uneasy alliance in this dark time, Lev’en can only speak the wisdom of the Ancestors as he stand with everyone in the threshold of something...different. And it frightens him.

[Faclan]

Kael Gel - T'vaoan Champion
Sangheili section
FINALLY!

Finally hearing another voice that asked for calm with a please Kael snapped to look at the goldie before taking a breath and nodding. He was willing to be calm she could be too. She needed their help after all they held all the cards. And she visibly slouched in relief when he told the others to let her Entourage heal and rest. Her fighters quickly setting to work when Rudakk gel and staking out a section to lay down their wounded and a section for the dead that had made it to the hanger.

"Thank you General," she spoke out before flopping back into the chair behind her. Good hand over her eyes as she sighed. So much had happened over the last few days and perhaps now they could finally relax at least a small amount. When she lowered her hand though she blinked and squinted. That was an ape betrayer next to the general...well his crushed skull. But for now she just remained seated. Finally able to at least not have to worry about her Entourage bleeding more fighters as she looked over at nodded at Vesa as she worked on getting aid to those that needed it.

Now not at her wits end she looked around some more before noticing the Heretic armored Sangheili in the corner...what a motley crew in this hanger and that wasn't even counting the humans. She gave him a half salute before shakily getting a nutrient bar out of a pouch on her belt and slicing off the top of it with her beak. She looked absolutely exhausted.

(Chris still around to prod for Humans (Or aliens he would love that) and Cad too.)

[wearyzombie]

Erso 'Te Vertomiee
Sangheili Section, Earth
Unspoken Horrors, Savage Memories

Grim images passed through the ridged cranium of Erso, tormenting his thoughts, and providing violent recollections of rather unwanted memories. The hefty Aquir Major had desperately attempted to rid himself of the memories, yet, never succeeded. One could not blame the purple-eyed Heretic, his experience had been brutal, terrifying, even. Definite trauma was to be expected. Even now, he found himself recounting the events involuntarily, despite valiant efforts to suppress them.

It had begun with receiving orders from Sesa 'Refumee to muster stations atop one of many bulky spires, attached to the main Threshold mining structure via various corridors and beams. A platform, of which was reached by a swift, soundless Forerunner door, held various crates for cover, and a duo of plasma cannons to provide air support. Two files, effectively forming a lance, were to arm and defend the position from the inevitable Covenant attack force. And above them, along the small roof of the area, rested two of the Heretic aircraft, labeled "Banshee"'s. Erso would be leading the aforementioned battle groups, forming a rather impressive standard lance. Unggoy manned the cannons, while two other pairs of Fuel Rod wielding, rather small specimens, would act as further anti-air support.

Of course, Erso had done his task, and had done it rather well. Their goal was to deter the disgraced fiend Thel 'Vadam whom had made use of an altered Heretic Type-27, while a Covenant Type-52 Phantom acted as assistance. His lance had unleashed a superheated, fuel-rod supported Hell upon the both of them, albeit the sluggish radioactive fuel had done little against the zealous Arbiter. The Phantom, however... A pair of its undercarriage mounted heavy plasma cannons had been blown apart, swirling down into the unholy vortex of gaseous winds below. But alas, they had ultimately failed. With minor casualties, but with the second of two lances being disheveled and distraught, they had retreated.

Erso was suddenly ripped out of the literal flashback by a sudden increase in movement around him. The strange, wounded T'vaoan Champion had been sated, her lackeys given the luxury of unrestraint and immediate hydration. A golden armored, impressive looking Sangheili, obviously a General, had waved the worn Heretic down. And along with that, the lanky, feathered specimen had also offered a half-hearted salute. Out of the two, the General, whom had signaled his soldiers to retreat a meter or so, seemed the most... demanding. Offering a barely audible, reptilian growl, the large Aquir began to make his way over. The lumbering gait of Erso 'Te Vensoiee held a notable limp, arising from a stiff looking hooved left limb.

A three fingered(counting the thumb) hand rested mere inches beside his holstered plasma rifle as he approached, resembling some Earthbound spaghetti western film hero, ready to pull the weapon and fire relentlessly. He was cautious, fearing a sudden ambush, brought on by weeks of surviving, even if just barely, ready for an attack by the idiotic zealots of the now wrecked Covenant Empire.

The Sangheili had stopped, not too close, yet not too far to the Sangheili hierarch, viewing him with an anxious, rather irritable expression. Only after a few moments of peculiar silence did the Aquir speak.
"... What is it?"

[soundflare]

Minor Meenor 'Hidohee
Sangheili Section
Curious.

Swalling the final bit of the ration Duran gave him he stood up, grabbing his plasma rifle and holstering it to his side before walking towards the human area. Curious about what they were doing. Overhearing two human soldiers talking about a Captain named Killinger he grew even more curious. This time about a person. "Killinger." Wanting to meet this Captain he walked into the human area. He heard footsteps as a marine walked up to him. "Hey Squid head!" The marine shouted out. "What are you doing here."

Meenor was rather angry with the humans insult. Having heard it before when he first arrived here. "If you must know Human." He said with a low growl. "I wanted to know where Killinger is." Meenor asked. The marine was rather confused and a bit scared. The Elite is asking where the Captain is? "Uh. He's just over there." The marine said, pointing his finger where the Captain was. Meenor then made his way towards the Captain.

As he approached the Captain the humans tensed up, their fingers at the trigger as the Elite looked at the Captain. "So you are the one called Killinger."

[Huka]

General Lev’en ‘Muramai
Joint-Faction Neutral Zone - Earth, the Human Homeworld
Thirteenth Unit, Milestone of Unity, 9th Age of Reclamation

The General's eye glanced at the heretic but didn't seem to bother as he projected a large mimicry of the area with a holo-drone. "If you wish to follow the common tradition of drawing that weapon, Brother - know I will kill you before you can get a second shot." He warned without a growl nor projection of tone. It was a promise that he was keen on keeping to all; former brother of religion and human alike. "I've called you close because you are apart of this as any of us. Otherwise, you would be dead for treason against the Fleet of Particular Justice. However, I don't see the wisdom in executing you if you are willing to stand here and fight. Do you?" 

The guards looked to the former heretic in amusement, their own bodies easily warning they are more into the bloodier example if need be. It only took Lev'en's word. Humans present or not. 

[Faclan]

Chris Hyde - ONI Xeno-Linguist
Human Section
Pen clicking noises.

Glancing up from the report he was currently writing about the 'Aliens of Interest' that ONI had thrown at him to do during this time the Linguist kept looking at the one Sangheili that looked so much different. With some kind of breathing aperatus and much more slap dash armor...what was his story? Why were the others looking at him like they were looked at the none T'vaoan Kig-Yar? So many questions he couldn't just go and ask. And it was so hard not too!

He had already worked out that the T'vaoan was the Champion Kael Gel from the General calming her down by name and after having seen her two wrist blades be surrendered as many battlefield reports mentioned her. Often with the tagline of 'kill this bitch' but hey thats war for you right? Damn wars. He hoped someone would let the generals name slip so he could record that but all the Aliens were just using his title so far...just had to be patient. But his eyes snapped up when he heard some Marines raised voices asking what a 'squid head' was doing. And he watched the Sangheili confidently stride forward into the Human section right toward the younger Killingner. Who the Sangheili then directly asked for by name.

The two would hear the quiet sound of chair wheels rolling as Chris rolled to a stop near them, pen clicked out and paper ready to record this interaction. The first interaction between the forces since the initial 'we wont shoot you now' one. And this Alien knew the Killingner name. This was fascinating! Was it perhaps the late senior Kill that this Sangheili knew or what?! The ONI glancing between the two as he waited for them to speak.

[Trooper]

Naat Gel, Heretic Raider
Human hangar bay
"He volunteered me again."

"Why are we here, Thel?" Naat asked as she walked, carefully slowing to match pace with the small progressions of Sangheili and Unggoy, Reesk had sent to this meeting of sorts. The metal corridors that they had entered reminded her of her brief time on ships.

"Reesk was contacted by one of our allies and was given these coordinates to meet with the now rebelling Sangheili. As his favorite unit he naturally chose us. Plus Badad knows the human language better than most of us." Her commander responded as the final doors opened to the large metal room where humans, and many of the 'traitors' were gathered.

What you mean is you volunteered us for this. Naat thought to herself as she let out a small sigh of annoyance. "Don't worry Raider Gel, it can't be any worse than the time they sent you and Gav to meet that Kig-yar pirate." Badad reminded as he tapped her with his hand. Gav chuckled at them mention of their misadventure. "Yea, t'was a good trashing you gave the cap'n." Gav said in his usual happy go lucky tone. Naat mused herself with memory before she looked about the room. It was easy to tell the conflict between the two groups hadn't gone over well. The tension was so thick that she felt she could claw through it.

"Thel, come with me. Gav, Naat, and Badad, try to find our contact, or at least establish if the humans are still willing to work with us." Came the order from Reesk's personal lieutenant that Naat had only seen during briefings. "Gav, try not to do something stupid." He said before he and Thel left the rest of the crew. Naat watched them go, the lieutenant in his patch work of Major/Ultra combat harness pieces. While Thel wore a salvaged Major's harness.

"Naat, I see some other T'vaoan over there, go and try to see if you can help them in any way. Ill keep an eye on Gav and do as the boss says." Badad said with his calming, yet squeaky, voice.

"I'll see if they need any help." Naat responded as she began walking at a leisurely pace. As she walked her way through the hangar bay she continued studying the collective forces. Marines, armed with the usual rifles they carried, Sangheili in massively beaten armor, including a combat harness she had never seen. The large hulking metal beasts she had heard human’s reference as ‘hunters’, even one of the apes that had caused the great divide among the covenant forces. While Unggoy scattered about doing their usual bits of boredom, but Kig-yar she had expected to see all seemed gone, with the exception of the T’vaoan whom were all clustered together, all of them wounded, some in critical conditions. Things seemed off even with the events that had crippled the empire. Naat continued along until her eyes fell on a familiar face, one she had hoped not to see for some time. Kael Gel, her adopted aunt, sat among the collective Sangheili that Thel was now hanging around with. Naat looked away until she had reached the other T’vaoan.

“Is there anything I can help with?” She asked the collective. It was quite clear from where she stood, she was the only one armed among them. It added even more questions to the apparent truce that had been formed.

OOC: Whelp here we go.

[wearyzombie]

(My apologies for the wait. I've been working non-stop, and I've also been getting put down by the flu. Forgive me.)
Erso 'Te Vertomiee
Sangheili Section, Earth
A Moment of Tension...

The massive specimen's right hand, positioned above his worn looking rifle, began to twitch in the slighest. It was as if in his clouded mind, he had already drawn his weapon and gunned down the golden armored General, only to be mowed down himself by the bi-racial armada within the immense hangar. Death would almost be a welcome for the wounded Heretic, at least the horrific thoughts could no longer torment him. But, what of the afterlife? Punishment was sure to await for slaughtering a mostly innocent individual due to his own paranoia.
After convincing himself he was not going to be trapped behind some brig forcefield and starved, his hand and requisitely the arm, went limp.

Safety. That was a feeling he had not felt since moments before the Threshold raid. An imaginary load was suddenly thrown off of his defined humpback, and a quiet sigh made its way from his droopy, lengthy mandibles. One could simply view the sudden alteration in his appearance. Exhaustion, agony, and sorrow, mixed together into an unholy concotion of unkempt emotion. He was still on edge, but for the most part, was allowed a brief moment of respite. Only for his jaws to move, vocals coming pouring out.
"Treason? Treason against whom? Surely you aren't referring to treason against the San'Shyuum. They've clouded our intellect with heinous lies. You all have been following them, oblivious to the proof Sesa 'Refumee presented..." His words were shaky, albeit not of nervousness. Erso found himself rather pressed for rest. He'd give anything to take a swim, courtesy of his racial background. Or merely even bathe.
"Nevertheless... your threats of murder would prove beneficial to none, brother-" The final word was nearly spit out. Evident hatred was still placed towards the majority of Erso's race, seeing as theyhad murdered and imprisoned his fellow 'Heretics'.
"-I've survived on the edge of starvation for weeks, after you fiends assaulted the Threshold mine. I've had to sleep with one eye open, and have done ungodly things to survive. I'd rather not perish here."
Yet another, much louder sigh left his toothy mandibles.
"However... as much as I'd adore to fight against the Prophets, I am in no shape to do so. My armor is barely held together, I haven't eaten in days. And my weapon...? Even if I were to attack, it's charge isn't sufficient for more than a dozen rounds."

[Faclan]

Trooper

Kael Gel - T'vaoan Champion
Sangheili section
Aint this just a happy little family gathering.

Chewing on the bar Kael was looking around some more as she did. It looked like some of the Sangheili were finally talking with the Humans and the recuperation processes had begun so that was good. Looking down at her slung arm and slightly blurry vision she sighed. Shed need to rest herself soon. But wanted to make sure her Entourage were good and healing before then. Sliding the rest of the bar ould of its wrapped held in her beak Kael stuffed the wrapper in her dump pouch before she looked over at a T'vaoan voice. Another cell had arrived?

But that was soon revealed to not be the case as she had a Sangheili with her. Kael quickly picking out her wrist blades and confident stance. A Gel then. The Champion starting to raise her good hand before she squinted. Two different colored eyes. Running with a ragtag - not that that was weird today - group and armored in slapdash armor? With Gel equipment? Tossing her head back to down the remainder of the nutrient bar Kael finally finished her half wave before she spoke up.

"Small galaxy isn't it Naat?" She beckoned her to come closer. "You run from Gel confused about your heritage and find your way back into the fold now as the Covenant collapses." She gave a little chuckle as she looked around the hanger and the bound Ruuthian and Ibie'shan forces in the corner. "This wasn't the type of reunion I would have liked but I'm glad you are still alive."

[Huka]

General Lev’en ‘Muramai

Joint-Faction Neutral Zone - Earth, the Human Homeworld

Thirteenth Unit, Milestone of Unity, 9th Age of Reclamation

"Fiends..." The General said outloud as if testing the word for himself. "Fiends." His head snaked of grave disapproval while he handled the holo-projection with the click of his inner thumb, switching to this facility's outer appearance and reviewing the defenses for third time in his personal strategies and memories. He didn't give the Heretic much thought a moment, more to keep his personal training and reaction in check - for alliance sake than one's life. 

"That is the life of a heretic, young soldier." Lev'en finally said. "You betrayed your oaths for a time and the fear of death crept far closer than without. Now, the Oaths has betrayed us and Truth came regardless. The Spirits has saved you for a reason and that will stay my blade for now. Do not waste our time with your dramatics and perceived acts of justice. The San'Shyuum and those who still beckon their command is our enemy, whether we like or not, brother." 

With a dismissive flick of his hand, the General sighed with restored weariness at the sight of more free-blades entering the room. It will take time to grow used to, even with the fire of vengeance in his veins. "Now you may go. Get your weapons charged and for Spirits' sake, go to the Huragok. It will attend to your equipment." 

Lev'en and his brothers fighting in this war is one thing, but heretics who've betrayed and left the Covenant for other reasons besides the revelation of this Truth was another experience to sand down. Dishonourable wretches, most of them. Command did not allow the luxury of hateful thought. By the Blessing of Tibur the First Wind, Lev'en endures for his people foremost. With a drum of his claws to the table, the Mgalekgolo by Creche Commander 'Wodam started to shift from their idle crouches.

The behemoths of great metal containing their squirming colonies of eels flexed their spines and made low frequency-vibrations. As much as they are the room's most heavily armoured guards, they were sentries. The Lekgolo could pick up the whole room's frequencies of heartbeats and intention like a beast to pheromones, even a little more so. One wrong move and it would be over. Most importantly, Lev'en had to keep everything safe. 

 

[Trooper]

Naat Gel, Heretic Raider
Human hangar bay
"Hello A... Champion Gel."
Tags: Faclan

Naat was given Ruddak gel and bandages. She set to work on one that seemed to need it more than most. That was until she heard the all too familiar voice of her aunt coming from behind her.

"Small galaxy isn't it Naat?" Great she must've seen me as I was coming over. Too late to turn back now. She finished applying a bandage to the wound she had been working on before turning to the older T'vaoan. Keal beckoned and Naat not wanting to cause animosity came to the side of the chair she was slumped in. "You run from Gel confused about your heritage and find your way back into the fold now as the Covenant collapses." A small chuckle came from her aunt as Naat remained silent. "This wasn't the type of reunion I would have liked but I'm glad you are still alive." Naat groaned a little, as he eyes met with Thel who had a puzzled look on his face.

"Yes, A... I mean, Champion. I left and found a new gang to run with. I was hoping to find myself among the stars, but to be honest I haven't really done much except more fighting. I'm also glad the legend of Kael Gel still carries even through this split in the covenant. How is Atl and Commodore Zaat?" Naat said trying not to refer to Kael as her aunt in front of all the high ranking splitfaces in the area. Thel was probably going to ask her a million questions once he had the chance. How's my sniveling little cousin too? Naat wanted to add but held back. truth be told she had no idea where or what had happened to Roh up until now and she didn't want Kael to have to relive those memories if something did go wrong.

[Faclan]

Trooper

Kael Gel - T'vaoan Champion
Sangheili section
Small talk between family, publicly.

And helping her troops too. Pretty much all of the old hate that Kael had for her gone by this point. Not that there was much to begin with as Naat was always something her Mama had dealt with and not her but hey. All the plusses and all that. She nodded at the short history before shrugged.

"As long as it was good fighting and hopefully you got more than just exercise out of it." She offered Naat a nutrient bar as well. "Wealth, companionship, power - something decent and deserving of a Gel made." She then chortled and shrugged. "You are too kind my young adopted Niece of mine." Well that was out of the bag now. "Right now I'm glad enough that myself and at least some of my force have survived this grand betrayal. Despite the fact that I really don't know much about it cept that everyone started to shoot everyone else." A shrug. "What a time to be alive I suppose to see the possible end of the thrice Sunk Covenant." She took a drink of water before answering the next questions.

"My fool...no. I need to stop thinking of him like that," mainly to herself before she tried again. "My younger brother as far as I know is well. We have not spoken in many years because well...I was very derisive to him publicly about his chosen career path. I don't blame him and hope I can at least live through this enough to apologies to him." Well this was turning into a little confession wasn't it. "As for Mama Zaat well...," Kael licking her beak a little. "Only a little better." She grabbed Naats arm with her good hand. "Naat - be better than me and don't burn so many bridges alright? Or else you'll have to scramble to fix them against the waves of time. And those wash away all things."

Looking a bit less gun-hoe as she was before which was understandable given her state and last few days she sighed and slumped a little more in the chair. "At least Roh and I made up well enough...just got the rest of the family now."

[MrKill]

CPT. KILLINGNER, K
17th Marine Infantry Division
Earth

Kyle shouldered the rifle, pressing the stock firmly into his elbow as an elite approached the collection of various Marines nearby.

Click.

With a simple press of the thumb the BR55 HBSR was ready to fire, the safety selector had been disengaged and the firearm primed to shoot; Kyle knew that the Elite wouldn't engage him, but it was instincts kicking in after years of training to shoot first and then ask questions, but orders were orders and the Elites were a race that displayed honor and loyalty like a badge of honor. Kyle only wished his father was here, who had experience dealing with the 'Sangheili' first hand, even eventually began a rival with another but the two simply couldn't kill each other when they tried.

"So you are the one called Killinger." The elite said.

It was a statement, the creature was absolutely certain that the man he was talking to was indeed the man he was talking too. No questions, just confidence that he had the right human.

And he did, despite the fact that Kyle wasn't wearing a rank, name, unit identifier, flag or anything that give his importance away to humanities newest allies. Most of the Marines had stripped their ranks from their uniforms, but truth be told - with the UNSCs neural lace - Marines and other servicemen and women didn't need a visible rank. All you had to do was look at someone, access the information available to you, and nearly effortlessly you had the information you needed. Rank, ID, name, age, the more sensitive the information the higher clearance you needed. This Elite wouldn't have any of that.

Squeak, squeak, squeak, squeak...

Kyle looked over to see who it was, but wasn't totally surprised to see an ONI operative clicking a pen and prepared to write down some notes on a paper pad. Normally Kyle would have told the man to go fuck his mother, but his dad had told him to respect everyone and expect it back in return, regardless of their rank or branch. It was wisdom he had accepted as he gained in ranks, responsibilities and found more and more Marines looking towards him for leadership.

"Yeah," Kyle said, still looking at the ONI Operative. He could respect the Office of Naval Intelligence wanting to get their hands on as much information as they possible could. "You've got the right Marine, Elite." The Captain added, returning his attention to the elite. It was an awkward moment, he made some observations with the surrounding Marines. Not sure whether to escort the Elite away, shoot the thing, or drag Kyle away before anything could happen.

"Did you need anything?" Kyle asked, semi-unsure but silently... he too wanted more information. How did this Elite know him?