User:BK Burger Boy/Faithless

Section heading
“Faithless”

Chapter 1: A Growing Storm

Kaidon Theron Wuntam sat in the ancestral council chamber in Vadam keep. It’s massive bronze antechamber housing all 30 of the Arbiter’s loyal lords, or Kaidons, as Sangheili tradition dictated. A time of strife had washed across the Sangheili as a whole. Their culture was split asunder at the wake of the Human-Covenant war. About half of the Sangheili wished to break away from the Arbiter’s rule of their native planet, Sangheilios. The hearts of many still lusted to continue war with Humanity, even after the Arbiter’s truce with them after the battle of the Ark.

“Telcam is a threat to the fragile peace we hold. Humanity is clearly a powerful ally to have; their uncanny ability to survive is a testament to this. They may lack our physical prowess, but their tactical resolve is incredible,” spoke Kaidon Rtas Vadum. His distinctive mandibles were missing two on his right side, a battle wound sustained during his service in the Covenant. He was one of The Arbiter’s most trusted lieutenants.

“And what of our people who have not seen what we have? We have witnessed firsthand the lies of the Prophets, but the billions who were not present at the Great Schism? It is hard to wash away millennia of religious faith, brother. They still believe in the promise of the Great Journey and see humans as a scourge, perhaps one worse than the Flood,” added Kaidon Hark Mel Jakaram. The old Sangheili was well into his hundreds, his voice quaking with age.

Theron stood at the table, his nine-foot figure was tall, even by Sangheili standards. His powerful voice boomed in the antechamber. He pushed his ancestral golden cloak aside and met eyes with everyone present at the table.

“Your words are wise, Hark, but make no mistake; this “terrorist” as the humans have been calling him will only lead to the destabilization of our homeworld. The Jiralhanae and Shan Shyuum are still out there. If they were to unite under a common banner while we were consumed with this infighting, they would have the upper-hand. I am still uneasy about keeping Brute labor on our planet. They cannot be trusted, their betrayal three four years ago nearly eradicated us were it not for our Lord Reagent’s efforts. Too allow such dissent would undermine his efforts.”

Rtas put his palms together, and responded.

“I believe we are all in agreement. We must hunt down Telcam, he is the religious heart of these Servants of Abiding Truth. They are beyond reason. They see us as much as heretics as the humans. His ally, Jul ‘Mdama, has rallied a formidable army and navy in the fringes of Sangheili space. Even though his “Storm” Covenant has not been seen for years on Sangheilios, it is not to be underestimated. Telcam’s Servants of Abiding truth will likely be the larger homeland threat, resorting to arming the brutes and using terroristic tactics learned from Human insurrection, ironically enough. “

“Perhaps exposing his hypocrisy will undermine the populace’s general faith in his cause, and seem him more as a selfish figure only attempting to advance his power. Religion is often used as a pretense for personal gain, Fleetmaster Vadum,” said Field Marshal Niokiljolm X’tan, his ornamental maroon battle armor made him appear quite imposing and vaguely insectoid. Few Sangheili of this rank survived the schism that tore the Covenant asunder.

The great twin doors burst forth, and in an instant every member of the conference bowed.

“Yes, much like the liars who shamed me and deceived our race for millennia,” The Arbiter, Thel Vadam, spoke. He was flanked by a pair of honor guards, their crimson and gold armor glistening. The Arbiter himself was clad in his ancient plate armor with a runed black cloak over top of it. What was once a mark of shame was now worn as a badge of pride.

“Rise, my friends.”

Theron and the rest of the Sangheili rulers stood up and gave the Sangheili salute, the right fist over their heart.

“I have concluded my conference with Lord Hood, Telcam has escaped Sangheilios on one of Jul’ Mdama’s ships. It appears we now have a formal alliance between The Servants of Abiding Truth, the Storm, and the Covenant Remnant. It appears we are gravely outnumbered,” The Arbiter added solemly.

Whispers erupted throughout the hall, the seeds of doubt planted in many of the less resolved allies of the Arbiter.

“And what do you propose we do, Arbiter,” a Sangheili politician erupted, his voice audibly frustrated.

“The humans have-“ The Arbiter was cut off immediately.

“We have been a proud race for thousands of years, and you suggest we let humans meddle in our affairs more than they already have, let alone fight a war for us,” another said.

The room erupted in argument. Theron slammed his fist onto the table.

“Enough of this bickering!” He roared. “What have the lot of you degenerated to? The Brutes are more civil in matters than all of you currently. This is exactly what our The Arbiter is saying. Our species is broken! We lack the unity required to survive. It is hard enough replacing our military assets, let alone our population.”

The antechamber fell silent, and the Arbiter approached Theron.

“Lord Theron is correct. There is far too much of a cleavage in Sangheili politics. I will issue an Ultimatum. If you lack the will to stand by my side, you may leave the room now and join this petty “Storm” Covenant and return to the days of being exploited by false prophets and liars. But rest assured, I will find all of you when the time comes, and I will personally make sure I will be the one to kill you, in your own keeps in front of your wives and children. I will drag you back here in shame. And this I vow.” The Arbiter growled, leaning over the head of the table.

Five of the forty Sangheili in the room stood. Rek Yuram, Parg Vol, Faer Husam, Jar Xizor, and Grom Hoyom. All known fanatics during their service of the Prophets. The fact they were in attendance of this meeting offset many of the other Sangheili, a fact that did not sit well with Theron in particular.

“Have your humans, Arbiter. We existed without their filth before, and it was a time where we had purpose. We are a race of warriors foremost Arbiter, remember this. It appears your Mark of Shame will be an eternal reminder of what it is to lack honor. Abandoning what we were is blatant heresy. Perhaps our Gods abandoned us because of you and your allies’ insolence.”

The Arbiter stood upright, his yellow reptilian eyes fixated on the backs of the defectors.

“I expected your lack of vision. So be it.”

The chamber door sealed behind them as the rest of the Sangheili exchanged looks. Theron approached the Arbiter whilst the rest discussed among themselves. The war has aged him visibly, he bore numerous scars, and his wise eyes had grown heavy with the weight of his people on his shoulders.

“Arbiter, my you have my words?” he asked.

“

Of course, Theron, speak freely.”

“This ‘Storm’ is a threat we lack sufficient knowledge of. I wish to take upon myself to venture into the stars and gather what I can about them. We need to know their numbers, fleet positions, potential allies, and leadership caste. We can’t divert our assets here. The Servants of Abiding Truth and the Brute rebellion are our main threats here.”

The Arbiter looked inquisitive “I assume you wish to go on your own?”

“Somewhat, my only request is one CCS-class battlecruiser with a contingent of hand-picked warriors to accompany me.”

“We’re running short on heavy-tonnage warships, Theron, as well as warriors. I will not turn down support for your proposition, however I have another suggestion. The humans wish to observe this Storm Covenant as well due to their anti-human agenda. I assume you would not be opposed to some humans accompanying you?” the Arbiter replied.

“How would I maintain my cover if the Storm were to enter the ship? Human presence would only increase scrutiny amongst the Storm. I planned on posing as a rogue shipmaster and assuming a false identity.”

“I was thinking you could pose as a rogue slaver selling humans to Brute colony worlds. The Humans could have their equipment stowed away and posed as prisoners once contact is made with The Storm. Gain their trust and then report back to me. I will discuss this with Lord Hood and the rest of human leadership. Return to your keep, and rest on this. This is a massive undertaking Theron. I do not mean to offend, but what if you do not return to us and instead give into this madness that has washed over many of us.”

Theron’s mandibles clicked resolutely.

“You will find my resolve stronger than most, my lord. I come to you because I wish to resolve this strife as much as you. I will not see our people fade into what the brutes have. Eternal infighting is below us. While our culture has been misguided in the past, our strength has always been unquestionable. If we begin to question what we stand for, we will fall into the trap of looking to others for guidance. For the first time in millennia, we choose our own fate.”

The Arbiter placed his hand on Theron’s shoulder.

“You have my full backing brother, return to me tomorrow and we will discuss our plan,” The Arbiter addressed the rest of the Sangheili, who had all began to listen intently, “Return to your homes, this address has come to a close. We shall act tomorrow. It has been decided that we will act on this threat now before it lingers and can exploit us.”

The Arbiter left with his honor guard, and the thirty-five remaining Sangheili exited their stone seats and proceeded towards the back door. One of the Sangheili, Niokiljolm, approached him.

“I wish to accompany you, I know my talents may best serve here in the event of an invasion, but if it is true that you will be accompanying humans I have the most experience in interacting with them. I have fought alongside them at Earth and can find you capable Human warriors.”

“I know you are filled with fire for battle, brother. I wish for you to accompany me, but your sympathy and attachment to humanity may be a liability. We may have to appear to be cruel to the enemy, and abuse them when the Storm is present. I don’t believe you have the heart for such cruelty. You have always been one of the more decorated commanders of the Covenant and would not resort to the barbarism many of us have. You saw no need for unnecessary cruelty when fighting the humans; you were only doing what you had to.”

“I will do what is must done. While my respect for Humanity is well known, my love lies with the Sangheili. We must prosper again.”

“Very well, my friend, contact the Arbiter. I must return home and say my farewells to my family.”

Niokiljolm saluted, and departed for his Phantom.

“We shall speak shortly, farewell Theron. I wish more had the initiative you have. You have my utmost respect.”

“As do you, Niokiljolm. Fair winds, my friend.”

Niokiljolm boarded his Phantom at the edge of the massive terrace, its engines buzzing as it departed. The late day sky of Sangeilios burned red on the terrace outside. The keep stood perched on the face of a mountain and a brilliant pearl city sat below in front of an emerald sea. Theron reflected on his planet’s beauty. He would not let it stay in jeopardy. His people have advanced so much in their thoughts after the Covenant disbanded, and having it go to waste would destroy him. As he gazed into the vista before him, it was cemented within his psyche, that he would stop at nothing to protect it.

Theron proceeded towards his Phantom, and the bay doors gently swung open, revealing his pilot, Soro Hajul, a young and well spoken Sangheili, the son of a long line of noble swordsman. Swordsmanship was a sign of status in Sangheili culture, with swordsmen allowed to mate with as many wives as they liked to spread their “sword genes.” Theron greeted the young pilot.

“Greetings Theron, I assume you have much political intrigue to humor me with on the ride back to Wuntam keep?”

Theron managed a quick laugh.

“More than I would like, let us go home. I will fill you in on the way.”

It pained Theron to lie to one of his friends, but the sensitive nature of his mission did not allow for free discussion to those not among the Arbiter’s council.

Before the door could close, a voice called for Theron. It was Rtas Vadum, clad in his stark white Special Operation Commander Armor.

“Hello Rtas, what do you need?”

He looked at Soro assumingly.

“I wish to speak with you in private, if your companion does not mind,” Rtas said. The young Sangheili in the Phantom looked slightly nervous. Rtas gained incredible respect with his commanding victory at the Battle of the Ark, where his fleet single-handedly defeated the Prophet of Truths fleet which outnumbered his three-to-one. Rtas had effectively saved all life in the Galaxy.

“Yes, Shipmaster. Excuse me Soro.”

Theron stepped off of dropship and walked with Rtas to the center of the pavilion. The last of the council was departing, their craft leaving in all directions to their homes. It was secure.

“I have many willing Special Operations units who would venture with you, and they are some of my most capable warriors. The potential scale of this operation requires a bit more… job security,” Rtas’s mandibles formed the Sangheili equivalent of a smile, “What you are doing, in my opinion, will require a more robust backing that what the Arbiter has planned. I will discuss this with him. I have a way of persuading him even when he is at his most stubborn. Rest easy, Theron, I believe you have a long road ahead of you. Longer than what you have anticipated. This is an unstable galaxy we reside in, and more like you will follow in your example. Farewell.”

The shipmaster extended his hand, and Theron met it with a firm shake.

“Thank you my friend, I am honestly surprised by the support I am garnering. I only hope to not let my planet down.”

“You must not fail, brother. You have taken a heavy baggage with you. I only hope it does not consume you.”

The shipmaster turned and returned to the keep. Theron boarded his phantom and gave Soro the word to depart.

The curious Sangheili would be relentless with his questioning on the way back, but the shipmaster’s words had pierced Theron. What truly was ahead of him?