Halo: Indelible Past/Chapter Thirty-Eight

"All teams are advancing as planned," Umbra relayed to the Cleansing Fire's communications officer reported. "Make sure the Vigilant Acolyte is ready to cover us in case reinforcements arrive."

"Understood."

Umbra couldn't believe how quickly Shinsu had solidified this alliance with the Path Walkers. A few days ago they had been close to obliterating each other; now their warriors were storming the Incumbent Wrath as one. Umbra wouldn't go so far as to trust them completely, but he had to admit their forces were a welcome addition to the Cleansing Blade's own warriors.

"Maintain distance from the frigate," he reminded the navigation officer. "Weapons, target their plasma batteries and destroy them before they can be brought back online."

He couldn't say that he liked Shinsu's decision to lead the attack personally, but it wasn't his place to question his commander's decisions. For now he would just have to swallow his reservations and attack the ship as if his commander were not onboard.

"A message from one of our agents aboard the enemy vessel," the communications officer reported.

"Read it aloud."

"Message reads: My comrade's sabotage was successful, but he could not escape. I gave him an honorable death. The message ends."

Umbra nodded, satisfied. The sleeper agents the Cleansing Blade had put so much time and effort into placing throughout the government had been key to their success here, and their sacrifices would aid them incalculably in the future.

Smiling slightly to himself, he clasped his hands behind his back and watched the assault progress.