Covenant Intermission-POST M5

[Huka]

COVENANT COLONY WORLD THRAV; HUSA THOV SYSTEM
MILESTONE OF REVELATION

Appearing from Slipspace, the Task Force of Tireless Seeker moved into the Husa though system with the CCS-class battlecruiser Spiritual Sanctity at the helm of the small fleet. Her commanding officer Jhen 'Aquirai stood at the edge of his CIC platform, rubbing at one of the water-disposing tubes on the side of his helm thoughtfully. "All ships of the Tireless Seeker, we've made it to Thrav." He alarmed and all ships signaled their relief. 

The force has lost one of its Destroyers and a couple corvettes in that battle with several others damaged. Better than he thought with the stolen Supercarrier. Thankfully the fools were too arrogant to use immediately before the Zealots destroyed. "Communications, call in the colony's space control to alarm of our approach." He ordered and the helmed officer did so with a firm salute, "Aye, sir." 

The Shipmaster moved his stump of an arm, feeling its phantom limb, and he lamented for a moment. "Sire, we have the Magistrate." The Communications Officer alarmed. Returning to reality, he looked forward to the viewscreen. The appearance of stars was replaced with a surprisingly smooth-skinned-a rare young-San'Shyuum wearing gray-green robes with bright white markings, depicting a swaying ocean on the shoulders and sleeves. 

"Excellency..." Jhen greeted humbly and the Magistrate replied with a bow of his tiara-adorned head. "Shipmaster Jhen, welcome to the Husa though System. Have you come to spend your relaxation cycles here?" He asked with a soft-spoken benevolence. "Thank you for the offer, Kind Magistrate, but no, I've come to drop off a sect from battle." The Shipmaster replied. 

"I see. Bring them to the Summit of Reserved Sanction; I will meet with the sect's current commanding officer immediately." The San'Shyuum said with a smile and Jhao bowed, "As you command, Excellency. I will alarm them immediately." "Them?" The other asked with some confusion. 

"Yes, Excellency. Zealots of..." The Shipmaster said, pausing a moment to remember the group's name, "Reticent Lance, I believe." The San'Shyuum's face paled abit before he quickly restored his expression, "I-I see. I will meet them there..." With that, the Magistrate ended transmission. Concerned to that, but Jhao was more than aware to keep out of Higher Zealots' business. "Communications, alarm Sailing Blade to take our guests to the Keep of Reserved Sanction." He ordered. 

CPV-class Heavy Destroyer Sailing Blade, en route to Covenant Keep of Reserved Sanction 

Breaking through the colony’s stratosphere, the Sailing Blade beheld a beautiful supercontinent of greenery, few patches of different biomes in the north and eastern south. In the day light, the large patch of urban life was in the center of the continent with a slow pulse of blue light at its heart.

The Capital City of Korri Val.

There were four other, but smaller, city-states on the planet. However, these weren’t the ship’s destination. Lumbering toward the northwest of the capitol, the destroyer headed for a large clearing centered with a highly-developed Covenant Keep.

The large structure made of purple alloy common to the Imperial vessels’ hulls, crafted from a mixture of Sangheilian and San’Shyuum architecture. Flanking of this militant facility’s sides was a number of buildings that augmented the keep’s purpose, from the humble temple on the facility’s flank to the quad of halls to act as barracks for its occupants and the raised platform to serve as a landing pad. The only sign of its true purpose was the large automated turrets resting on the corners.

“Keep of Reserved Sanction, this is Sailing Blade. We are delivering the Sect of Lamenting Consecration.” The Shipmaster warned. “We’ve received your authorization, Sailing Blade. Send them down when you are ready…” The ground control answered.

With that, a handful of phantoms left the destroyer’s sides and headed down towards the awaiting Summit. Three moving and lowering down on the platform’s lower ‘wings’, the drophships opened their rear-hinges and let the wounded out first. The security stepped out to assist the newcomers, led by Mgalekgolo bond brothers.

“Take the wounded to the holy temple.” Their synced voices vibrated to be better felt from the leading medical lances. Keeping watch of the process-much quicker than the battle’s evacuation-which soon the phantoms’ passengers were replaced with the more stable, walking warily and glad to be off the field, the brothers looked towards a more heavily-armored dropship. Hovering in wait while the other phantoms returned to the Sailing Blade, the phantom slowly turned around and opened its rear to reveal the three Zealots of Reticent Lance and the Battle Priest standing in proud attention, their bearing individual to each deadly warrior’s personality.

The Brothers wavered their spines before stepping infront of the open hatch and gave clumsy bows, “Holy Reticence, your appearance is a glowing star to this world of clarity as the Magistrate as predicted.” R’ha bowed his head back and the Battle Priest stepped forward, “We have an important figure in stasis and we require a room to properly release him.”

“Follow us  to the high spire of the keep and we will deliver, your wise Excellency.” The 'brothers' said and the left twin moved his shielded arm towards the door.

***

The Lamenting Consecration was led through the Keep for a moment and through the doors to one of the awaiting halls by a Ultra and his lance. "Welcome to your current home, valiant warriors. " The senior soldier said, stopping in the middle of the wide center. Turning around to look the few surviving Ultras left, the guide took the wariness of war, "You all may already know of the system, but I am obliged to give it anyway." 
 
 Pointing a claw to the line of doors and a larger double-doors, "The bottom sectors belong to the Unggoy, the suites are enriched of methane and quarters suitable for you." He started to pointing to the double-doors across the Unggoy sector, sounding abit more stern to his next lines, "Those doors lead to the Kig-yar sector. We are constantly aware of weapon discharges, so please don't start trouble amongst yourselves or others." 

 The most of the sect's Kig-yar muttered amongst themselves about that warning, but the Ultra didn't seem to care. "And finally, in the upper levels belong to the Sangheili. Please...all members enjoy your time. The heavy burden you bear have been lifted...for now." The guide finished before walking off.

[BetaWülf]

Garatus stepped from the phantom with the rest of the warriors, they had tried to make him go with the wounded but he refused emphatically, his wounds were minor and others needed treatment far more than him.

When they were walked into the building he filed in with everyone else but once the guide had spoken he had not mentioned his race. Garatus looked around in confusion, his eyebrow raised. Where was he supposed to sleep? Outside? He hesitated slightly, but then decided he was tired and wanted to know and was slightly offended.

"What of the Jiralhanae?" he said to the guide who was already walking away, for supposedly being one of the leading races in the Covenant he didn't feel very large and in charge.

[Huka]

Keep Guide

The Ultra was almost out of the door before hearing the Captain's question. Turning to the large ape, the Sangheili clicked his mandibles before replying, "Ah, I am sorry, it isn't often that we get Jiralhanae...." Looking ahead, the Sangheili pointed a claw along the hall towards the exit door-often used for battle situations-and indicated the suite entrances at either end, "Since your sect isn't at full capacity, you can take the auxiliary suites. I believe they are suitable for your pack." In the auxiliary suites, they would seem more like small bed-furniture warehouses than a real suite like the other rooms, but with some requests, that neglect feeling would pass.

With that said, the Guide walked and left the able soldiers to their devices. The Hall's mechanics whining softly with its roof fins flexing softly, venting some excess energy.

[Faclan]

Cad, Kig-Yar Major.
Moving to pray before allowing himself to go off duty.

Hopping of one of the many phantoms with his file Cad allowed them to go off with their friends from other files as he slowly walked near the back of the large mass of troops, Kop and Nas moving swiftly away from Cad even if he was in a good mood. He held his helmet under one arm with his shield generator attached to his belt near his Needler. Breathing in the warm air of the Keep and its area he allowed himself a rare smile as he turned to face the sun and the rather excellent view of the lands surrounding the Keep from the landing pad. Taking another deep breath he walked to the edge of the landing pad and knelt down, setting his helmet beside him as he removed the scarf from his neck and laid it out in front of him.

The mission had been a resounding success. Compared to the humans and his unholy brethren they had lost very few troops and had managed to keep the Admiral safe though it all. Closing his eyes after laying his scarf out he sat quietly as the Sect's troops filled up the suites, Cad picking up the hoots and chirps of his kind as they likely found well cooked meat in their suites. His hair spines rattled in the small breeze as he opened one eye and quickly put a hand over his scarf, taking a Needle canister from his chest armor and setting it in the middle of it so it wouldn't blow away before he sat quietly again.

After a few more rounds of steady breathing he opened his eyes and began to speak out his small prayer that was embroidered on his scarf. His Sangheili a little high pitched because of his race but there was good conviction behind his words as he went through it. To his knowledge he was the only Soldier still on the landing pad, and once his prayer was done he stayed knelt, thinking about what their next mission would be...

[Huka]

Major Q'ai 'Muramee
Medical Wing of the Keep's Temple

Groaning softly, Q'ai squeezed his already closed eyes for a moment before opening slowly, greeting by the soft light of a lamp over his head. Angling his head to lessen the brightness, the Major felt light and with a soft inhale, knew he was out of his armor. "Ah, Major. You're alive." A familiar voice said and his yellow eyes looked over to see a Jhao sitting next to him. Clad in his polished cyan combat harness, the Tilam clansman straightened up with a relaxed expression on his dark face. "Of course..." Q'ai chuckled softly. His eyes slowly getting use to the lighting, looked around to see other soldiers of the severly-wounded Sect worked on by Huragok healers and San'Shyuum clerics.  Looking at himself, just bandaged around his abdomen with some specks of blood. "Thank the Spirits." He praised under his breath. 

"Indeed. Handful of soldiers were amputated due to the forest's infections into their wounds, but others were saved from the Clerics' healing talents." Jhao informed, looking over to one such amputee; a Sangheili resting with deep angry breaths, missing his right leg with bandages wrapping around the wound and the left side of his face. Nodding to this, Q'ai looked to his subordinate, "Where are the others?" He asked. 

"In the assigned halls, getting rooms for us." The minor answered, jerking his head towards the head. "Good, hopefully I can get out soon." Q'ai said with a click of his lower mandibles before relaxing. 


Field Master Til Je'at Ra'ha 'Muramai
Escorting to the Keep Control Room

After a moment of uplifting into the air, the Reticent Lance were brought into the heart of the Keep by the Security Masters, and with a soft swoop forward, the doors opened to bring in the cool air of the control room greet the three Zealots. The room was large and no different from a ship's CIC, with consoles lining the front swoop of the wall.  In the middle sat a sizeable war table and at least five chairs on either side with the front of the table occupied by a floating San'Shyuum. 

 The Mgalekgolo took either side of the room and bowed respectfully as before. The Zealots separated into a wide line before giving their respective greetings to the visiting Magistrate. Til, in this case, gave a swooping bow and spoke in a controlled tone, "Magistrate..." 

 The young Magistrate, while he appeared more sociable and respectable than most of his status, had a barely contained sense of anxiety that the senior veterans could no doubt sense a mile off. "Welcome, Reticent." He finally said, opening his arms. "Welcome to the Keep of Reserved Sanction. The planet's most...luxurious of bases. This is a fine reward for your devoted victory...and losses. As you know, I am the Magistrate of this colony and I will be your honored host for your rest cycle here." He said, moving his dark-hulled throne around the table, his eyes looking at each of the Zealots before him. From the immense size and ornated armor of R'ha to the unsettling coldness that associated with Sorsa to the dreaded sight of Til. 

 Stopping before R'ha, the Magistrate nodded for them to be at ease of his presence. 

 

[BetaWülf]

Garatus bowed his head respectfully to the guide as he departed, the rest would be nice he thought. He started to walk in the direction of Jiralhanae wing but stumbled slightly, the thick, dry, white saliva clung to his lips as he blinked slowly as the world began to spin. He fell forward with his arm at his sides, everything blurred and streaked as the floor leapt towards his face.

When his face hit the floor he blacked out, the blood loss and dehydration had taken its toll upon the poor creature, not to mention the stress and the alien air he was breathing while on that hellish planet. The other soldier crowded around him as he lay there on the floor breathing erratically from shock, as tough as he was that planet was tougher.

[Faclan]

Cad, Kig-Yar Major.
Helping a comrade.

After some more breathing exercises to calm himself Cad smiled and scooped up his scarf. For once he was in a good mood; neither him or any members of his file were that injured during the mission, they had listened to his calls when they were under fire at the final defensive line, and most of them had left that dam forest alive. Methodically wrapping his scarf back around his neck the way he liked it he started to remove his upper and lower arm armor as he headed towards the suites, intending to join his brethren for a meal - probably clean himself up as well then change into some lighter clothing and see what the Keep had to offer.

But as he entered, carrying his extra armor in arms, he noticed a large group of soldiers gathered around something. Humming a little he jogged over and crouched down low, just like he would for his shield to peak through creatures legs to see a huge mass of brown fur face down on the floor. Widening his eyes a little he jogged over to the wall, setting his armor down near a dispenser as he grabbed a hydration pack off it and moved back to the large group.

"Move back, give him some air, call a Cleric in case he's injured!" He quickly said in Sangheili as he slid through the mass of troops as best he could to get to the Jiralhanae. He was glad to see the big alien was still alive as he crouched by the head and slowly opened eyes as he waved his hand in front of them a few times.

"Still with us Jiralhanae? Here, drink this, should help you get your feet back then we can get you to a Cleric." He said as he held the pack near the large head, his good mood helping him be helpful but the fact it was one of his 'superiors' helped as well to keep him there.

[BetaWülf]

Garatus's eyes slowly opened to a blur, looked to see what turned out to be the hand of a Kig-yar. He coughed and spluttered a little as the hydration pack was poured into his mouth, but drank deeply from it once he realized what was happening. He breathed deeply as he looked up to his savior, a smiling Kig-yar with a scarf covered in holy glyphs. Garatus propped himself up against the wall as the other soldiers started to mill away to there perspective suites, He looked to the Kig-yar and smiled, a small chuckle escaping him.

"Than... Thank you." he said breathing heavily, "Your kindness is mu.. much appreciated." Garatus said patting this kind soul on the shoulder, He tried to stand but ended up on his knees, other Jiralhanae passed by without a second glance.

"My name is Garatus, you have my thanks" he said, breathing more regularly now.

[Faclan]

Cad, Kig-Yar Major.
Continuing assistance.

Nodding as the Jiralhanae was able to prop himself up Cad moved back as well to give him some space. It wasn't like he could try to help him up; he may be strong but he had no chance of lifting something that heavy to its feet. His fellow soldier seemed like he was already, perhaps the exhaustion got the better of him, but it was still odd that it happened here and not on the rescue ships on the way here or the phantoms so there was still cause for some worry.

The fur ball managed to get to his feet enough to move over to the wall though so he seemed to be recovered a little. Most of the onlookers had left now, perhaps annoyed that he wasn't more badly injured or maybe happy that he was alright. But Cad was just glad they were gone as the Jiralhanae staggered a little before resting against the wall. Walking with the still shaky hulk he crouched down to pick up his armor again, before being knocked flat as he was lightly 'patted' on the shoulder. Offing a little he managed to contain a growl as he just left his armor on the floor and quickly stood back up, hoping his superior didn't catch his anger. The Jiralhanae still looked a little shaky so Cad moved over to the dispenser that was now right near by as he grabbed another hydration pack and offered it to his comrade as he was thanked and then told his name. Once the pack was taken he stood to attention and gave a small salute.

"Cad, Sir, Major. It was no problem, our fellows seemed content to let you lay there...terrible. Are you alright Sir or do you wish for me to help you to a Cleric?"

[Dufflepud]

Field Marshal R'ha Katolai
Meeting the Magistrate

Recognizing the gesture, R'ha put on a show of "relaxing" his body - in reality, his body was never tensed, as a body in such a state was far less ready for a sudden attack than one who was relaxed and centered. He knew, however, that the already unnerved youngling of a San'Shyuum would feel only more so if he were to ignore him.

"We recognize that the burden on your resources our sudden presence might present is much to ask, so we graciously thank you for your hospitality," he said in his deep, smoothly rumbling voice, bowing once more. It wasn't low enough to denote inferiority so much as respect of the magistrate's authority in his own keep. "I'm also certain that my comrades would be most pleased if we could be shown to our quarters, unless there were any particular matters your holiness wishes to discuss with us."

[BetaWülf]

Garatus drank the hydration pack quickly, he didn't finish it though, he was feeling a bit better. He leaned against the wall and forced himself into a standing position, his skin was cold but felt warm to him, he would tough it out though. He looked to the Kig-yar and shook his head.

"No need to state your rank, at ease Cad, and I'll be fine, no need to get a cleric." Garatus said wiping the sweat from his brow and slowly removing himself from the walls support, he extended his clean hand to the Kig-yar.

"It is my pleasure to meet you Cad, we need more good people like you, I'm in your debt." Garatus said shaking the reptilians hand.

[Faclan]

Cad, Kig-Yar Major.
Little helper Kiggy.

Watching the big alien carefully Cad was ready to dive to the side of he looked like he was going to collapse again. He knew his comparatively tiny and fragile frame would get crushed under the Jiralhanae's bulk if he happened to fall. But once Garatus spoke again Cad relaxed a little, returning to a slightly more slouched posture as he was told to be at ease. If the Jiralhanae was able to form sentences like that it was also a good sign that he was alright...mostly. He certainly didn't look tip top from the little he had seen of their kind before. They weren't normally so slouched or sickly looking. A Cleric would probably be a good idea regardless, but if he didn't want one to be called, it wasn't Cads place to call for aid for him. That is unless he collapsed again, glancing to the side as a Unggoy brought a soldier in he shook his head and quickly whispered as Garatus drunk down the pack.

"He says he's alright, but if its not too much trouble Holy One could you stay near the hall in case you are needed?" He didn't take the time to look for a reply but could hear the clomping of the Unggoy and the Cleric's feet/hover chair walk off as Garatus extended a massive mitt in his direction. Without any hesitation Cad placed his small hand into it and shook, making his arm limp so it could be jerked up and down by Garatus's shake without him being in too much pain. Smiling again once his hand was released he bowed his head a little with one hand resting on his scarf. 

"The Path is broad, and we all walk it side-by-side. We should all be working with each other for that goal not squabbling amongst each other for it. No debt is needed Garatus," Cad hummed a little as he looked over Garatus's face, he still didn't seem that well, but he didn't want a Cleric so perhaps some air would do him good? "Perhaps you should get some air on the main landing pad?"

[Spartan 999]

Field Master Sorsa Ra'ha Je'at 'Xirsasai
With Reticent

Sorsa could almost smell the Magistrate's anxiety as Reticent entered the control room, his eyes flicking from wall to wall to ceiling and back again to learn the layout, mainly on instinct since he didn't think there would be much danger there. He stood flanking R'ha, standing almost as tall as the Field Marshal. When the San 'Shyuum nodded for them to be at ease, he stayed practically in the same position, unlike R'ha, who made a great show of doing so.

He remained standing tall, appearing to almost be a statue clad in dark, threatening armor that moved only slightly every now in then, his features impassive behind his helmet. After all, that was basically in his job description to do so. R'ha or Til took care of most social matters, while Sorsa added an extra intimidation factor. Not that they needed it to spook the seemingly timid Magistrate even more.

[Huka]

Field Master Til Je’at Ra’ha ‘Muramai
Meeting with the Magistrate

Til watched as the San’Shyuum waved a hand in dismissal to R’ha’s humble statement of the Sect putting a burden to his resources. The Zealot remained relatively quiet with his half-brother while his commanding officer and the Magistrate spoke. “Your presence is never a burden to this world, but a blessing, Honorable Field Marshal.” He said with his tone of equal standing, a rare thing compared to typical tone of higher power and righteousness from the older and more powerful Prophets and governors. “You have full command of this keep in your stay, the Halls are yours and if you require training staff, I will provide.”

Despite his friendly disposition, Til didn’t completely trust the Magistrate. Truthfully, he didn’t trust any San’Shyuum completely, as painful and seemingly heretical as it was. The Uprising vividly not even the Prophets were beyond corruption. At least, he and other veterans of the war knew that. The public and majority of the Covenant were completely ignorant or stubborn to that revelation.

Giving a wary smile, the Magistrate hovered back towards the table and turned around, “My Security Masters have told me of your stasis pod. It is none of my business, but the Hierarches might believe otherwise.” He said, his face growing grave to the mention of the High Prophets. “I will…leave the room for a while. Call me when you are ready to speak more or have any questions.”

With that, the Magistrate moved around the three, towards the gravity lift and closed the door behind him. Til clicked his mandibles the moment he was out.

[Deleted]

Ultra L'Sae Fulthamee
Searching for other ultras

L'sae stood among the wounded, assisting when assistance was needed. Of course the doctors would decline his help, but he did what he could, directing the lost to numerous areas. He had tasked his creche with assisting with this. It was what he could do to minimize the organized chaos that came with the sect that came from the ship, Sailing Blade. There were many wounded moved to the medical wing, and some could not be helped. Casualties must have been high as L'sae was recently assigned to the sect that just arrived. There were only a few Ultras left in that division, or so rumors told, but L'sae needed to know for himself.

L'sae navigated his way out of the Medical wing, followed close behind by one of his Majors, Zera 'Taralumee. So far the search for others his rank had not gone well, so he slowed his pace and turned his gaze over to Zera, who was dodging those in the crowed they were wading through. "This madness should be over by tomorrow, when these people familiarize with this place." L'sae said, continuing to make his way through torrent of beings that threatened to run him over.

There were few familiar faces, and even those he recognized turned out to be from his creche. L'sae snorted in frustration and stopped,moving to the side of the wall to allow more wounded make their way to the medical wing. Zera cought up with him and stood by him, watching them pass. "When will we fight?" Zera asked almost eagerly.

"Soon young one, very soon. This sect has been hurt badly. They are recuperating, healing. We will get our chance soon." L'sae said, crossing his arms in front of himself.

[Ultra Quor]

Sangheili Ultra Quor 'Natrunai
On Arrival

Stepping off onto solid ground was refreshing, stepping off onto solid ground that wasn't in the middle of a humid flora infested hellhole was a pleasure. Quor held his helmet to his side, revealing his rough dark brown-red complexion as he looked over the view to the horizons. He and his brothers had achieved a hard fought victory, the Field Master had even bested a demon, a harbinger of death among Covenant ranks. Victory was great, even if it was one of the hardest the empire had fought to achieve to this point. The cost however was great, with the Sect still licking its wounds it was easy to look around and see the sharp drop in rank. Upon looking over his own creche once more, while more up beat, it still had obviously been crippled. The Arbiter and General Ekdo had perished on the fields of battle, it was understandable if the demeanor of many was soured by those losses alone. Even in this moment of peace and relaxation he was almost itching to get another crack at the Nishum, so that he could crack their lances personally once more. That time would come.

A thud brought the large Sangheili out of his half-daze to see the floored Jiralhanae, Kig'Yar by his side. A moment of weakness stemming from a long grueling battle and an even longer flight "home" would do that to you.

Waving a hand, Quor's Pious Creche went their own ways to do as they pleased with their free time. He stayed behind for awhile as the ranks were scouted by the receiving party. Leaning against a wall he began to inspect its helmet. There was something appealing about the look of battle scars, whereas some may opt to replace equipment that didn't show in top form.. there was character about wearing your past battles with you as you fought onward.

Lowering the helmet he proceeded to stay off to the side, thinking and watching. Taking in this moment of peace before it was gone again.

[Huka]

Field Master Til Je'at Ra'ha 'Muramai

Looking to his comrades for a moment, Til started to move towards the war table and pressed on a few series of glyphs. The map shifted to become the appearance of a Light of Sanghelios. "Who calls upon the presence of the High Prophets?" He asked with a deep rumbling voice, strengthened from decades of command and authority. The elder looked down to the present Field Master, recognizing him immediately, "Ah, Field Master 'Muramai. We thought you would been dead by now." "No. Our holy mission is complete...the Imperial Admiral is saved but his flagship is lost." Til answered. 

"I will report this to the High Prophets immediately." The Light said before stepping away from the screen. Til stood still, waiting for several rooks before the veteran returned. "I will transfer you to the Hierarchs." He informed and the Zealot nodded once before the vision flashed and the Prophet of Regret appeared. Til stepped back a few times and bowed to his superior, "Holy Prophet."

 "Field Master Til 'Muramai, once more you and Reticent Lance do not disappoint us." Regret said with a satisfying smile, pressing his fingertips together and his sharp eyes looked at the other members of the lance. "Utter failure is only worthy for the incompetent, Holy One. I made personal sure of that. The Imperial Admiral should be revived soon and return directly to your mercy." 

"Yes, but one thing concerns me..." Regret said, rubbing at his chin as his eyes fell on the Field marshal, "Field Marshal 'Katolai, what have happened with the Supercarrier? Did the humans destroy it or something else occur?"

[BetaWülf]

Garatus nodded to the Kig-yar, he shook his head to clear it, his skin wasn't as clamy as it had been which was good.

"Yes, I think some fresh air would be good for me" he said to the Kig-yar, he walked through the doors towards the landing pad going against the grain so to speak as he shoved passed others who were going inside.

He took a deep breath as he slumped down into a sitting position away from the other soldiers on the landing pad, he was glad to be out of the stuffy building. He looked over the landscape from his high vantage point and marveled at its beauty as Cad approached.

"It truly is lovely don't you think?" Garatus said to Cad with a smile, his mood had improved with his health it seemed.

[Faclan]

Cad, Kig-Yar Major.
Brute's Kig-Yar bro.

Garatus seemed for the most part fine now, so Cad once again knelt down to pick up his armor as he noticed Kop walking past then. Squawking to get his attention he handed over his arm armor and helmet, nodding as he spoke in the Kig-Yar tongue. "Take them back to the suite, I'll join you all when this Jiralhanae is alright, but don't wait for me if there is food." Kop quickly gave a little salute and walked off back toward the suite as Cad moved off to follow Garatus.

Being smaller Cad was able to weave into and out of the mass of late arrivals to the rest point and quickly caught up to Garatus once he was outside. He worried a little that Garatus would collapse again, right off the landing pad, and that would look bad to his Sangheili commanders - but he had faith that the large fur mound was strong enough not too. Moving to stand by him Cad nodded a little as he looked over the surrounding lands again. He having already enjoyed the scenery when he was praying earlier so he only took a quick look over it.

"It is," he replied simply as he scanning the keep again, wondering what would be available to them when they were allowed to explore the keep rather than the suites. "What do you intent to do with the resting time before we are called back to the fight for the Journey?"

[Dufflepud]

Field Marshal R'ha 'Katolai
Conversing with the High Prophet of Regret

After a deep, humble bow - unlike the one he had given previously, R'ha responded to the Heirarch,

"Your holiness, I regret to inform you that we ourselves were forced to destroy the flagship... we realize that it would have been a valuable asset, but unfortunately, it fell into the hands of an enemy... a new enemy." A microexpression of rage that R'ha did not miss played across Regret's face, but almost instantly, his utterly calm facade returned.

"We?" he asked.

"Field Master Til 'Muramai performed the deed, heirarch."

After a short pause, the high prophet spoke once more, "I see. That is a pity, for the vessel would have been the pride of the armada," he said, his words cutting deep despite their non-accusatory tone. "No matter. Tell me of this new enemy. How much of a threat does it pose?"

"It appears, excellency, that a sub faction of Kig-Yar has decided to establish themselves as an independent entity in neutral spa- I mean, our territory."

"You were thwarted by a lesser race, Field Marshal?"

"There were hundreds of warships. Even the human presence was vastly outnumbered."

"Well... this news is... interesting. In light of this, we will be redeploying a full strength fleet to the region."

"Very well. Is that all, excellency?"

[iamsteelius]

Kig-Yar Major Nak

In the Capital City, in the midst of the wounded

    Nak’s eyes snapped open, awakened by the groaning and movement around him. He saw the bright purple lights above him, and then looked around. There were countless injured, of every species, all over the area. To his right, there stood Top slightly marred by wounds, looking out into the crowd, brooding. Nak looked up and tried to call to him, but only a weak squawk came from his hoarse and dry throat. Top looked down, somewhat startled by Nak, and knelt next to him.

    Top laid a hand on Nak’s uninjured shoulder. “Be still, you’ve suffered quite a few hits. Drink some of this.” He poured water into Nak’s open mouth, which at first sputtered but then drank it without much difficulty. Top moved the pack and waited for Nak to speak. Nak cleared his throat and then said, hoarsely, “What happened? Where are we?” Top nodded, understanding the confusion. He sucked in a breath, ready to deliver some mixed news.

    “From what I understand, I believe we won. There were severe loses but we accomplished what we went for. We made it back to some evacuating Phantoms. Right now we’re in the Capital City Korri Val. You got a broken shoulder and a cracked rib from the Spiker round. You also have concussion, my apologies.” Top waited to see Nak’s response and the most likely inevitable question. Nak nodded letting the information sink in. He adjusted the sling on his arm, looked up at Top and said in a quiet voice, “So who survived?”

    Top looked steadily Nak, and then looked down to the floor. “Obviously, there’s you and me. Maj suffered severe wounds but will survive. I doubt she’ll still be able to fight. Zax and Cad didn't make it. Bep was captured and was taken by a drop ship.” Top looked directly at Nak, giving him an apologetic look. Nak turned away, saying, “Where their deaths honorable? Or was it at least quick?” Top nodded, looking at the ground. “Cad was taken by a sniper, sudden and quick. Zax was hit with a wayward explosion, which also injured Maj.”

    Nak sat up, pushed off the floor with his good arm and stood, facing Top. He winced from the action but stood tall. He held out his arm to him and asked, “So it’s just us?” Top clasped Nak’s forearm, returning the gesture. “I’m afraid so,” the tall Kig-Yar responded. Nak retracted his arm laid on his cracked ribs and began to set off to find Maj. Top looked at him, and did not follow but instead called out, “Thank the Gods we made it out alive.” Top knew Nak was the faithful type, and was surprised by his reaction.

    Nak stopped in his tracks, his body tense, almost shaking. “Thank the weapon and the comrades at your side, Top” Nak said without turning, “not the gods.” He looked over his shoulder and stared at Top, a cold look in his eyes. “The Gods have done nothing today, nothing but provide false hope.” With that Nak turned and walked of, further into the crowd.

[Huka]

The Prophet of Regret 

 Under his facade, the young High Prophet was seething in angry to this news, but he knew the lance did what they could. Destroying a Supercarrier was a wasteful and almost capital punishable act, something none of the elected Zealots would readily perform. "That is all, Field Marshal. We will speak again in a cycle's time, for now...keep your mind and body sharp. There is no telling when your services are required." Regret said with a hint of displeasure to his tone. With that said, he ended the transmission and his holographic form vanished in a burst of stardust. 

Til was silent for a moment before breathing audibly again. "He won't forget this easily and I take full responsible on any repercussions, Honorable Field Marshal." The Zealot said as he stood up tall and unhunched his back, appearing more healthy and vital than he usually do.  

[Dufflepud]

R'ha Katolai

As ever, R'ha could easily read the expression of the enraged hierarch, but he remained impassive, bowing graciously as the holo channel flickered and then closed. There was a sudden intake of breath to his right, and Reticent's commander turned to his subordinate.

"He won't forget this easily and I take full responsible on any repercussions, Honorable Field Marshal."

"There is no need, my brother," responded Rha, reaching out to clasp the Field Master on the shoulder, "we stand in this together as one. I would not so readily throw you to the beasts for our actions." He paused for a moment, allowing the statement to sit before removing his hand and motioning towards the door. "Shall we go in search of some refreshment?"

[Huka]

Til 'Muramai



Til looked to R'ha and nodded once to his words, quiet as well. He didn't expect Sorsa to talk much, the Special Operator hardly did. "We shall." He said, abit more easy to the Field Marshal's apparent care. Taking lead to the gravity lift, the Field Master rubbed one of his respirator's tubings in thought. They had time to replenish soldiers and spirit, he had to correct the failing of recovering the carrier as well as the loss of the sect's commanding officers. He want their attached force to be the elite of the coming fleet and he will make sure they are of satisfactory by the time of their next true mission. 

So much to do, so little time...

[Frazer]

Covenant Intermission is now over. Mission 6 has now begun!