Halo: Minorca Saga/Chapter Twenty Three

 Burst Transmission HC37558809667306 - Covenant Sangheili Battlecruiser (remains) Glorious Crusader   Encryption Scheme : HONOR LIGHT YOUR WAY  From : Field Master Tulo ‘Kotarqee of the Kr’Rana Legion  <span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">To </b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">: Minister of Acquisition <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:36.0pt"> <span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">Subject </b><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">: Ashamed Acknowledgement <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:36.0pt"> <span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">/Begin File/ </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:36.0pt"> <span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">Majesty, I send my most profound apologies. Were it not for these accursed humans, we would have long ago secured the holy relic that lies within this world. I understand fully your demands, and will try to [accommodate] them in my plans, but I am forced to remind you that the Writ of Union still gives me overall authority in military matters. And as long as the [human taint] remains, this is a military matter. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:36.0pt"> <span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">We have located three separate entrances to the relic, and I have already sent a number of Special Operations warriors to secure it in the name of the Prophets and the Journey. The humans may have suspicions, but as always, they remain woefully ignorant of its true purpose. The relics within shall be a fine addition to our arsenal. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:36.0pt"> <span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">I have also detected a small stealth ship with Covenant active camouflage above the relic, which refuses to heed our [calls for aid], and I can only surmise that it is on a mission of its own. I am offended that you did not trust us enough to tell us of its existence, but if it is on orders directly from the Prophets then I accept that it has its own [authority separate from my own]. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:36.0pt"> <span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">Our numbers are thinning, but we have made significant gains on this world. We control a defensible location – what was once a human city shall serve as our foothold on this world. It is ironic – once a taint upon this [inviolable location], it shall now be cleansed by the Gods inheritors! I have already established Scarab and Locust patrols to secure the perimeter, and Banshee escorts sight targets for [unyielding destruction]. I await only the reinforcements you promise. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:36.0pt"> <span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">The humans are desperate. They did not anticipate us to fight with such cunning as we have shown. It sounds like [false arrogance] when I hear my own words read out to me, but I assure you, had another taken my place, all would have been lost in futile assaults in the name of honour. My service goes to the Gods and their noble Prophets. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:36.0pt"> <span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">I await your arrival with anticipation. With your fleet, we shall crush the humans on this world once and for all! <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:36.0pt"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:36.0pt"> <span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">Transmission Interrupted At Source – Unable To Re-establish Contact </b> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:36.0pt"> <span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">I AM A MONUMENT TO ALL YOUR SINS <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:36.0pt"> <span style="font-family:&quot;Courier New&quot;">/End File/ </b>