Enter Reticent

[Spartan 999]

((OOC: This is the social thread for Reticent Lance, in case you couldn't tell.))

Sorsa 'Xirsasai, for once, was walking ponderously instead of with his usual quick, deadly efficiency, for his thoughts were turned inward. He had just finished speaking with the Hierarchs, whose words had essentially turned his world upside down.

"We realize you are not the most pious Sangheili, Sorsa." Regret said, fingers steepling as he studied the Special Operations Assassin intently. "But right now, we need skilled warriors more than wholeheartedly devoted individuals, though it pains me to admit it."

"For now, we have decided to transfer you away from the Special Operations division and back to the regulars." Truth continued after the other Prophet paused. "Your skill is required in Reticent Lance."

Sorsa blinked once, then tilted his head to one side. He had heard of Reticent, certainly. It was a Zealot Strike Team composed of some of the most skilled warriors the Covenant had to offer.

"How long will the, ah, transfer last, holy ones?"

"Until we deem that you should be removed from Reticent, or die." Mercy replied in his harsh, wheezy voice, back slouching from the weight of the ornamental crown-like device on his head. "For now, we grant you the rank of Field Master and title of Zealot."

"Do not fail us in this, Field Master 'Xirsasai." Truth said, hovering slightly closer to the Sangheili.

"I swear by my life, I will not fail you." Sorsa rumbled, bowing his head.

The newly appointed Field Master's thoughts halted abruptly as he stopped in front of a doorway. He had been sent to the first meeting of Reticent, in which the four Zealots would converse and essentially get to know one another for their upcoming mission.

He knew he couldn't let his near heretical lack of piety show, as the Zealots would probably dislike him already for being transferred from Special Operations, regardless of the fact that the Hierarchs themselves had moved him; he wouldn't give them more ammunition for their enmity.

Sorsa sighed once, then walked through the sliding doors and into the meeting room.

[Huka]

In the meeting room, the shorter of the two Zealots turned from the larger to look upon the Sorsa. Tall and managing to look lithe in his armor and cloak, the helmed Sangheili breathed deeply with a wheeze of a built-in respirator.

"Welcome brother..." The Zealot greeted, his soft voice darkened with the mechanical undertones, "It have been too long."

Pulling off his helmet, his face was revealed to be the somewhat recognizable Til 'Muramai, his face horribly scarred and flesh recovered from nearly melting. His left eye blinded but his right remained functional. The cause still fresh and vivid in his mind.

[Dufflepud]

As Sorsa strode into the room, R'ha rose to greet him.

"Welcome, brother," he said, warmly as he crossed the room. However, as he clasped hads with the newly appointed Zealot, a low, barely audible, rumbling growl formed in his throat.

"I am not one to disobay the heirarch's word, Field Master, but should you jeopardize us, I will not hesitate, for I walk the divine path."

With that, he led the other warrior to the table, sitting down and putting on a false grin.

[Spartan 999]

"Til." Sorsa greeted the shorter Sangheili, nodding once. "It is a pleasure to see you again." He was slightly worried to see the breathing apparatus built into Til's armor, but the Zealot seemed to be handling it fine, considering the injury happened only about six months ago.

His gaze switched to the larger Zealot, who proved himself to be even taller than Sorsa, though not by much; his own brother, Kaidon of the Xirsas Keep, would have loomed over both of them. He tentatively reached out his forearm, then finally grasped R'ha's hand firmly. Sorsa's spine stiffened when he heard the Field Marshal's threat.

"Try not to concern yourself with my performance, Field Marshal 'Katolai." Sorsa replied in an equally low voice. "I will not disappoint."

The new Field Master took a seat opposite R'ha, arms folding as he considered the two other Sangheili; he kept his expression firmly neutral.

[Huka]

Til looked at the two as he put his helmet back on and noticing Sorsa's very subtle body changes, he knew it was not good. While his instinct was to defend his brother-in-arms, he kept himself reserved and neutral, going to sit between the two with his arms on the armrests.

Looking to R'ha to hear him first. Til felt the tug of his lungs that starting to act and quickly used his tusks to readjust the inner workings of his mask, immediately feeling the calibrations fixing up.