User:Ghost sangheili/Holy Swordsman

Fannon
Introduction

The year was 2541 and I, V'tar Zornam was finally enlisted in the Covenant as a Minor Elite. After years of training and study, I had finally succeeded. In these years I had put all my effort into my war college in Iruiru and passed with flying colors, earned countless honours and was second-to-none. Little did I know that those years would only be the beginning.

New In The Field

My first battle was on Emerald Cove. I fought valiantly and bravely against the human forces under the command of Talak 'Huranamee, an Ultra Elite. We were going towards an Orbital Defense Generator to remove power to the Orbital Defense Platforms. After hours of fighting, my superior fell. In attempt to slash a marine with his Energy Sword, 'Huranamee was peppered with Assault Rifle rounds. By that time, all that remained of our squad was me, a five Unggoy and a trio of Kig-Yar. I was in control, and I was afraid... but I would not let the humans know. I drew my own Energy Sword and leapt out of cover. My adrenaline was pumping, my sword was weaving and humans were falling.

After berserk for an hour, my team finally reached the ODG. Only a pair of Jackals and a single Grunt remained. As ordered, I placed a bomb and detonated it. Because I was too exhausted to fight, I called for evacuation. For my "heroic actions" on Emerald Cove, I was immediately promoted to the rank of Major Domo as soon as we glassed the planet.

Return

Once I had returned to High Charity, I thought about many things. I wondered why the Prophets didn't allow humans into the Covenant; humans fought with courage and have nothing apparently wrong with them. I wondered about all the lives I'd already taken. I wondered how many more I'd take. But an interruption alerted me. I got up from my bed in my dorm and looked to the door.

A visitor had come. When I saw who it was, I frowned. It was Rovlar 'Huranamee, brother of my fallen leader. Rovlar was a Zealot Field Master, and a large one at that. He was 9'2'' and a fearless Sangheili. All he said to me was "You killed my brother, and now I will kill you". Then he drew his Sword, and I drew mine. We circled each other in the small space that we had, each waiting for the other to attack. Suddenly, the wait was over. Rovlar lunged but I took hold of his fore-arm before the weapon connected with me. Using his left arm, he punched me in the stomach and I doubled over, losing control of his wrist. He grabbed me, smashed and pinned me against wall with one hand, and I dropped my sword. Rovlar's grip was like that of steel and my efforts to release myself were futile. He raised his weapon and roared "I pity my brother for being killed by an infidel so weak". He stared at me, seeming to savour every moment... then, I noticed something. On his belt hung his Plasma Rifle. Instantly, I commandeered it, aimed it at his large head and fired and trio of bursts. His iron grip slackened. Then, he slumped to the ground. Dead. The first Elite I'd ever killed was crumpled of my floor.

Immediately I informed the local authorities of my actions. And I was taken into prison. After two days of waiting in my cell, listening to the insane screaming Jackals and barbaric Brutes, I was brought in front of the High Council. I was told that I was released because what I did was in self defence. I was even asked to join the Honor Guards for killing Rovlar 'Huranamee because the Prophets claimed that he was preaching heresy openly, but I declined; I knew the Hierarchs were corrupt. I was dumbstruck by what I heard. I was promoted for murder.

The Battle Of Miridem



We lay siege on Miridem in 2544. I was in command of two Minor Elites, four Grunts and a dozen Drones. We were slaughtering the human defenders for hours, until there was only about half remaining. Then they came. Like an immense wave, they turned the tide. The Spartans were here. They moved like lightning, killing all those who came in their way. As the wave drew nearer, I could see the juggernauts' inexorable killing spree. Then I had enough. I drew my sword and ran toward towards the onslaught. I targeted the nearest foe and roared, getting its attention. It looked towards me and move at unimaginable speed. I closed my eyes and lunged. All I felt was my ribs break and skull throb. I fell on my back and lay there waiting for the killing blow. It never came. My Minor Elite, Yorah 'Ptedree raised his Plasma Rifle above his head and brought it down on the unprepared Spartan. The demon fell and 'Ptedree shout in triumph until he was silenced by a Sniper Rifle. He fell in the mud, his head spewing blood and his companion, K'Var 'Tsronamee, stared, speechless. The injured Spartan struggled to its feet, as did I. Then I grasped its shoulder and forced my blade through its chest. Gore leeched out of the suit it wore as I dropped the carcass, stunned. My gaze remained on the corpse, then on 'Ptedree. My Drones swarmed around the fallen demon and began hauling in back to base for the new technologies it possessed. That's when I saw the Spartans running. I instantly started sprinting back to the Covenant controlled land and ordered my soldiers to follow. But I was too late. The dead Spartan exploded and all my troops fell. Drone wings, heads and limbs flew everywhere. All I know was that the detonation hit me from behind. Then black.

From Murderer To Hero

I awoke in my room, starring at the ceiling. I was alive. I did not know if I should be happy or sad. I sat up, and instantly pain tore through my ribs, head and back. Then I noticed it. On my table lay a perfect, unscathed golden Combat Harness. I was curiously drawn towards the unblemished armor when I saw a note on top of it. It read:

V'tar Zornamee,

''The Prophet Hierarchs wish to have word with you, please meet with them in the High Council Chambers when you are ready. And wear the Harness.''

High Councillor,

 'Ranomee 

I put the note down and started to don the Zealot Harness. I knew what was coming and I was happy, but disgusted at the same time. I looked in my mirror and weakly smiled; the battles had left my face untouched. I then proceeded to the High Council Chambers.



Once inside the holy room, the slow process of promoting took place. Finally, a Prophet spoke the words I had been waiting for.

"V'tar Zornamee, I bestow upon you the rank of Zealot, Ship Master. This is rewarded to you for slaying a demon, as they have testified." Hierarch Mercy pointed to five Elites witnesses that had battled alongside with me. Among them stood the deformed and battered K'Var 'Tsronamee. I did not believe that he had not died, but I'm sure he wished he had.

After the meeting, I summoned 'Tsronamee. The first thing he said to me was:

"I have retired from the army of the Covenant, Ship Master."

"I presumed so" I replied. "Why did you testify? The demon would not have been slain if not for Yorah 'Ptedree."

"I testified in what I saw. And I saw you kill the demon, when no one else could" he stated simply. "You are a devil slayer, a Holy Swordsman."

He then turned and awkwardly and painfully walked away. Holy Swordsman... I would never have guessed that that name would follow me for the rest of my life.

Siege Of Paris IV

My next battle was in 2549, during the Siege of Paris IV. We had over a hundred ships in our fleet, but our losses numbered to countless. After a full day of fighting in space, we had destroyed all of the Orbital Defense Platforms along with most of the human fleet. As we glassed the planet, the few enemy ships that remained retreated and escaped.

In this battle I received no promotions or honours, but I was more content with myself than ever before. I did not enjoy watching friends die and having to massacre the brave marines. I enjoyed being innocent.

Final Battle

In the beginning of the year 2552, I started my last assault with the Covenant. We arrived at Troy and realized it was completely undefended. And not as populated; they had fled. My commander, a great Fleet Master with a short temper was mad beyond reason. We hastily set fire to the guiltless citizens and killed every one of them. I was petrified by what was happening. Once we were assured that all humans taking refuge on the planet had been evaporated, we made ready to return to High Charity - until one scout ship reported finding another human planet.

I felt horrible; I had enough blood my hands for many lifetimes. Nothing deserves this. Nonetheless, I went on with the rest of the Fleet towards the other planet, known as "Harmony" to the humans. This planet was defenceless, too. My superior officer, now delighted, ordered us to melt them, like all the other planets we met.

While was on that ship, I had made an important decision. I was only thirty years old now, but I decided I would retire from the military. I did not what I would do, but I could no longer bear this burden.

The Shattering Of An Oath

I returned to High Charity and was welcomed like a hero. Our logic was so flawed... I should have been rejected like an outcast. I was escorted to my room by a pair of Brutes, who led my down a hall and to a gravity lift. I did not hate the Brutes, but nor did I like their barbaric behaviour. I had already learned that they had assumed the position as the Prophets' Guards due to the failure of the Elites on the Halos. This angered me, but I knew it was coming eventually.

The two were soon leading me through places I did not recognize. Desolate places. I soon grew suspicious and kept my hand on the handle of my Energy Sword.

"This is not the way to my home" I said. "Take me there."

One Brute growled "We will take you there, but we have been ordered to show you something, first."

At that moment we drew a Brute Mauler and turned to face me. His head was removed from his shoulders and hot blood fountained out of his open neck. The body fell backwards and twitched twice.

"You killed a brother of the pack!!!" roared the second Brute and he threw his weapon aside.

He leapt towards me and I dodged him, attempting to slash at his stomach. I barely cut the Brute, but the heat of the blade rendered him howling. The Jiralhanae rolled over and quickly jumped to his feet, preparing to attack again. He lunged, and this time I could not dodge him. The force of the blow sent my sword flying from my hand as I fell under the beast's weight. He was on top of me and grabbed my neck. As I gasped for air, I threw a first at its head. It was a perfect punch and the Brute screamed as dark blood spattered over my face. The Jiralhanae released his grip and staggered to his feet. I too, got up as fast as I could. But this time he was not on the attack... It was me. I jumped at him, grabbing his throat and smashing his head against the wall. He roared in agony as his skull shattered, knowing his life was nearing an end. Then clumsily he pushed me off and quickly threw a punch at my chest. But it was futile. I caught his arm and snapped it at the elbow. Finally, when I struck the Brute on the head where he had been wounded and the killing blow had been delivered. Gore flowed out of its mouth as he slowly slid down the wall.

These were assassins. They deserved death, I reasoned. I had my suspicions of who sent them. The Prophets.

Then, I heard a voice on the other side of the radio.

"Ship Master! The Brutes are attacking the Elites under the Prophets' order! Please, come to our aid."

It was K'Var 'Tsronamee. "I'm on my way" I responded. I knew 'Tsronamee couldn't fight. I had to help him fast. "Where are you?" I inquired

"I'm near the Mausoleum of the Arbiter. Come quick, Zealot. I have Elites, Grunts and Hunters with me. But the Brutes press us hard. We cannot last much longer."

In half an hour I had found 'Tsronamee and his team. There was a large battle where they had been, I could tell. Dead Brutes, Hunters, Grunts, Elites, Jackals and Drones lay everywhere. The floor was slippery with blood and covered in carnage.

"Ship Master!" addressed an Ultra Elite. "We are glad you found us, "Holy Swordsman". Your friend told us you'd come."

"Indeed. What is your name, Ultra? And are you the commanding officer of this group?"

"I am Gehsar 'Harokee. And I was the commanding officer, until you arrived."

I looked at the squad of Covenant. We had three Hunters remaining, twenty-six Grunts and nineteen Elites in total. Some were wounded but more were dead. A Hunter had been killed, along with seven Grunts and three Elites. "Well then come. We have blood to spill and vengeance to claim" I replied to 'Harokee.

The Fall Of The False

"Open it up" I said, pointing to the locked door leading to the Prophet of Objection's room.

Without hesitation, the three Hunters charged their Fuel Rod Cannons as the Covenant Separatists got out of the way. As the large green beams hit the door, it crumpled and fell.

Two Brute Honor Guards stepped out and were met with a rain of plasma, immediately killing one of them. A Hunter smashed his shield-arm into the other's face. A loud cracking noise was heard as the Brute's head exploded.

The rebels stood outside the door, waiting on guard. I went in alone. No more Brutes stood guard; Objection was a Minor Prophet.

"Please don't - don't hurt me" a voice weakly rasped from the corner of the room.

"I wouldn't... If you hadn't hurt my people" I answered as I approached the Prophet, who was huddled in the corner of the room, like a coward. So I drew my blade and drove it through Objection's chest.

Once I returned outside, I told the Ultra Sangheili 'Harokee that I had another target - the Prophet of Supposition. 'Harokee eagerly agree, then asked.

"So, the Prophet of Objection has fallen?"

"Indeed"

We continued the various hallways, following the many twists and turns for about ten minutes. Then we met a Brute pack.

I counted sixteen Brutes standing guard in the hallway. I loved all Covenant species, but I knew what I had to do.

"Unggoy, swarm them. Aim for their heads and be brave" I ordered them - to their inevitable death. "Sangheili, follow up behind them and the Mgalekgolo will remained in back"

As the grunts charged, the Brutes turned and drew their weapons. In seconds, weapons fire filled the room along with screams of agony. The twenty-six Grunts peppered the Brutes with needles and plasma bolts while they, too, were cut down by the deadly grenades being fired out of the Brute Shots.

By the time the Grunts had fallen, nine Brutes were dead and the Elites continued picking them off. K'Var 'Tsronamee wielded a Covenant Carbine and even with his many deformities, he was a sharp-shooter. As a third Brute collapsed under his fire, the remaining pack members noticed him. he continued to fire bravely... but was met by a wave of grenades and red plasma. He fell forward, soaked in blood.

I roared, as did 'Harokee and we both drew our swords. Five Brutes remained now and only one Elite had perished. The Hunters' beams took care of two more foes before we reached the pack. 'Harokee jumped on a Brutes and tore him open with his sword while I impaled a Brute through the stomach, withdrew my blade, then lunged the final Jiralhanae. The last enemy was decapitated by my blow, but not before he fired his Carbine and took down a second Elite.

Shortly after defeat the pack, we reached the room where the Prophet of Supposition was guarded. He was a lesser Prophet, but an important one at that and I assumed there would be more guards.

Four Honor Guards stood at the door, scanning the area. All four Brutes gaped when they saw the three Mgalekgolo running towards them. The Hunters fired as they ran and one guard fell under the onslaught, while another was wounded. Once the behemoths made it to the door, one Brute ducked under a blow and stabbed a Hunter through the stomach with his Honor Guard Pike. The great Mgalekgolo tumbled backwards and died. But the victorious Brute had another problem: a Hunter had just impaled him with its shield-arm, going right through his entire torso. He hung limp the monster's arm, before he has thrown against a wall. The final two Brutes were cut down by the merciless Hunters and stayed dead on the floor.

As the Elites arrived at the door, the Hunter were already firing and breaking the only thing that separated me from vengeance. I walked in as the door broke, only to find the Prophet sitting on a chair, waiting for me.

"You will die, Supposition, and so will all your kin"

"Your kind never believed..." his voice trailed off as my sword sunk deeper through his flesh. I turned off my sword.

"Holy Swordsman, I have received word that the Elites are holding up in the Mausoleum!" announced 'Harokee excitedly.

"Then we know where to go" I said.

Tainted By A Demon

Once we reached the Mausoleum, I realized that an immense battle was unfolding - dozens of Elites and Brutes were fighting. Once my squad arrived, it was a slaughter. All the Brutes were dead in minutes.

Thinking that the battle was done, I went on counting the dead. But then a door opened every being in the room looked at the figure that stood in the doorway. A demon. The demon. It was Spartan-117.

'Harokee was the first to react. He roared, drew his sword and charged. The demon stood his ground. As 'Harokee neared him, he drew a shotgun and pumped it. The Ultra's blade came down, but the Spartan took hold of 'Harokee and broke the Sangheili's arm. The demon released 'Harokee's arm, then hit him in the face with the shotgun. 'Harokee's shield shuddered then died. The Spartan raised his weapon the Elite's head and fired. Blood and brains flew everywhere and there was a hole so wide through 'Harokee's cranium that you could see through it.

"No... You will die, demon! Just as I defeated your kin before you!" I yelled.

I drew my sword as 'Harokee did, and ran as 'Harokee did. But my fate would not be the same.

It pointed it's shotgun at my head and fired, but I ducked it and brought the sword up towards the devil. But it moved like lightning, and tried to melee me with its gun. But I grabbed the weapon and used my blade to break it in half. I grinned as threw the pieces to the ground and lunged. But the Spartan was ready and caught my wrist, but I still tackled it. I put all my weight into my sword; I was on top of the demon now. But then it rolled to the side and I face-planted into the ground. As my face hit the metal flooring of the Mausoleum, the demon's boot connected with my head. I shook it off and got back up, bracing myself for a blow. It swung at me and I rolled under the punch, only to see the Spartan's boot rushing towards my chest. I caught it, then flung the demon into a wall. Predicting it was my only chance, I ran towards my foe... but knew my end had come when he picked up a Brute Plasma Rifle from a nearby dead Brute and unleashed countless bursts of plasma that splashed against my chest. My shields failed. The last thing I saw was the demon's fist flying towards my head.

New Allies To Aid And New Foes To Vanquish

I gasped for air as the purple ceiling of a Covenant cryo-chamber blurred into view. The air tasted impure, but I needed it. The door slowly opened and I stumbled out of my cell and puked. My nausea was fading so I arose, in search of my Harness.

I found it hung up against a wall and I began putting it on. Then voice came from behind me.

"You had me worried, Ship Master 'Zornamee," said the voice "I thought you were dead"

"Rtas 'Vadumee," I saluted as I turned "So you have survived the Great Schism"

"It is not over yet, brother. We must continue to fight... with the humans" stated the living-legend.

"The humans? Why would we make an alliance with them after two-and-a-half decades of war?"

"They are needed," simply stated 'Vadumee. "And so are you, Ship Master. I have a mission for you."

The Separatists

By this time I was no longer V'tar Zornamee. I was V'tar Zornam; Rtas ‘Vadum had ordered all Elites to remove the suffix 'ee from their names. This signified the end of the pact between all Elites and Prophets.

I reviewed the plans that 'Vadum had given me before I left to return to my own ship. I was to stealthily attack and neutralise and a Brute encampment on Delta Halo. There, I would meet one of 'Vadum's agents, another SpecOps Sangheili. After the brief meeting, I was to go on to the Control with my Elites. Then I would stop the infamous Brute Chieftain, Tartarus.

Then I pressed the "release" button, and I was falling down, in my Orbital Insertion Pod. I closed my eyes and waited, bracing myself for the landing... Then it finally came. Pain shot through my body, then I went numb. The pod's doors hissed then popped and I drew my Energy Sword and scanned the area for any Jiralhanae. Nothing alive was left, the dead Brutes were abundant.

But then I heard something, just enough that I could barely make out the words.

"By the Prophets... what have these Brutes done...? They have shed our brothers' blood... and for that, they must die!"

I spotted the door at the top of a hill and ordered my half a dozen of Elites to follow. As I reached the top, I saw two Sangheili figures standing over a dead Sangheili. One of them was crouching and not visible to me while the other was clearly a SpecOps Elite. The Special Operations ally turned to me and said "Zealot! So much for a stealthy advance"

I knew at once that this was 'Vadum's agent and that he was trustworthy so I responded "Bah! Over so soon?"

I walked over to see who the other figure was. Then my mouth hung open.

An Elite beside me was just as surprised "The Arbiter!" he exclaimed.

The Arbiter rose to his feet and looked at us, clearly confused by all that was taking place. His unmistakable armor gleamed like a second sun and his large being turned away to continue through the doorway.

Without hesitation, the rest of us followed.

"Arbiter! Save some for the rest of us" I called and the Arbiter grinned.

As we continued through the small structure, I said "Make haste; we have more Brutes to kill!" Then, I roared "Long have I waited for this!"

The door opened and revealed to Grunt hostages at the gunpoint of a pair of Jackals. The Jackals spotted us... then two shots fired. But they didn't come from the Kig-Yar. Then came from the Arbiter's Carbine.

The rebelling Grunts commandeered their fallen enemies' Plasma Pistols and charged into an oncoming swarm of Drones. The sound of searing flesh and pain-filled shrieks echoed through the air as our group reached a platform. Hearing the sound of Brutes drawing near, we activated our Active Camouflage and prepared for a fight.

A trio Brutes charged on the platform but found nobody. The two in the front were scanning the area in front of them, and they did not notice the Arbiter's blade digging through their friend behind them. The Arbiter turned to assassinate his next target and I moved on the other. Without a sound, the two Brutes fell to the ground, dead. We quickly threw their corpses of the platform and into an abyss below.

After fighting alongside the Arbiter against the Covenant Loyalists for two hours, we were close to our destination. Our group had just taken a Brute armory and were preparing to move on the final Jiralhanae pack. I put down my depleted sword and wielded a Brute Shot; I didn't have much of a choice.

We walked outside of the small armory only to see our foes patrolling. I fired a grenade from my Brute Shot and hit my targeted enemy in the face. The Brute crumpled to the floor instantly. My surviving four Elites and the Arbiter were already waiting to ambush their adversaries from behind a Forerunner wall. As the pack of six rushed by, my friends sprang out, their swords slashing. Three Jiralhanae were dissected by the superheated weapons but one Brute Captain blocked the hostile attack, grabbed the offending Elite and threw him off the cliff. Because his shields were already damaged, the Minor fell the twenty feet to his death. The Arbiter punched at the Captain by was parried... until I was that the fist was a diversion; the Arbiter's sword came up tore off the Brute's left arm. The arm was quickly followed by a head.

I caught up to my allies then said "Go, Arbiter. We will wait here"

Barbaric No More

I waited as patiently as possible for a Phantom to drive me and my two SpecOps Elites and Minor Elite to the Control Room. There, our fate would be decided; we would fight Tartarus and our goal was to stop Delta Halo from annihilating all sentient life in its reach.

"Holy Swordsman! There's something for you to see!" my scout exclaimed worriedly.

I grabbed his Beam Rifle and looked in the direction in which he pointed. That's when I saw them.

They were large and armoured in various colors. Their bayonet-mounted weapons were crudely shaped and appeared threatening. One of them had a spiked helmet with dark blue armor and two followers wore green. I only realized that they were Brutes when I saw the Brute Shot in the Jiralhanae Captain's hands.

Then they disappeared into the armory. I pointed my Brute Shot at the door, waiting for it to open. Then it did and my grenades fired everywhere. I reloaded then fired again, sure the "new" Brutes had died. But then the one in gold ran out, flanked by his two inferiors. My Brute Shot was out of ammunition, so, I picked up a nearby Carbine. I fired at the trio, but they ducked, jumped and evaded many of my rounds. Then my scout hit one of the Minor Brutes and the armor lighted up, then was gone. As the Brutes reached their closest foe, my Minor Elite, they fired their crudely shaped arms. Projectiles similar to that of a Needler flew out and sunk into his skin, bringing down his energy shield. The spikes that protruded from then ally grew hot and he roared before he died. The armor-less Brute jumped towards me, but I dodged its savage attack and sent it off the cliff. My scout and I back up as we watched the remaining two Jiralhanae beat our brother to death. Then they turned in our direction, their red eyes piercing holes through us. Their guns raised... But then a large blast of plasma hit the pair as a Phantom flew in. The plasma beams constantly hammered at them, until I could hear their screams no more.

The Phantom approached ad its door opened, revealing many high ranking Elites. The two of us climbed in the mass of Zealots and Councilers. Then the hatch closed.

Deactivation

All beings aboard the Phantom stared at the massive gap in the door of the control room. And then at the friendly and human-controlled Scarab that was blasting an enemy Phantom. Obviously, it had caused the hole in the entrance. The Arbiter was already there.

We quickly landed and jumped onto the platform of the Control Room, running through the rubble and destruction. After going passed two rooms littered with dead Jiralhanae, we reached Tartarus.

An exciting duel between him and the Arbiter was unfolding. The Arbiter ducked a swing from the Fist of Rukt, Tartarus' fabled Gravity Hammer. A human fired a couple of bursts from a Beam Rifle that brought down the Brute Chieftain's shields. The Arbiter lunged at him, his sword raised, but the large beast was nimble and avoided the attack. As Tartarus' shields regenerated, I charged. Everyone else followed. In a couple of seconds we reached our foe and began our assault. But the Brute did not even flinch. Instead, he brought down his hammer on a pair of Elites, instantly breaking their bones to dust. The enemy was going berserk, so I kept my distance and fired my Carbine at him. Most of the Elites around me had fallen. Then, the human fired his Beam Rifle. Tartarus' shields flickered and the Arbiter lunged. An ear-splitting howl resounded through the enormous room, and the Brute Chieftain fell.

That was it, I had thought. It was time to go home. But I did not know how wrong I was.

The Fall Of The Holy City

A Spirit transported me to my CCS-Class Battlecruiser, the Vanquisher of Sins. As soon as I entered my Shuttle Bay, I ran towards my Control Room and ordered my ship to return to battle.

I looked through my camera's, and was astounded by what I saw. The Second Fleet of Homogenous Clarity was tearing itself apart and all that remained of the renowned [Fleet of Particular Justice]] was hot, floating rubble and pieces of metal. Plasma torpedoes exploded everywhere, creating a brilliant array of colors. My rear cameras observed Delta Halo and Substance, the planet over which the massive ring-world orbits.

Then, my communications officer, 'Drettar reported "Zealot, our Fleet Master requesting to speak"

"Of course. Access his signal, now," I responded, being drawn away from the battle-scene. In seconds, the ship master of the Shadow of Intent appeared on the screen in front of me.

V'tar 'Zornam! boomed Rtas ‘Vadum's voice. Return to the fight, I am in need of your aid.

"Yes, sir," I responded, then 'Vadum cut out. "Major 'Gerah," I said to my excellent navigation officer. "Bring us to the Shadow of Intent. And 'Hagorak, arm five plasma torpedoes."

"Yes, Ship Master," my officers responded in unison.

As the Vanquisher of Sins neared the havoc and arrived next to its immense ally, the Shadow of Intent, five Brute ships moved towards the pair. Three of the ships were Cruisers (the Cleanser of Hells, the Righteous Punisher and the Outcaster) and the other two were CCS-Class Battlecruisers.

The pair of larger ships closed in on the Shadow of Intent, while the other three locked on to my Vanquisher of Sins. They activated their thrusters and hastily surrounded me.

"Fire a plasma torpedo through the outer atmosphere of Substance," I commanded my weapons officer, 'Hagorak. "And officer 'Gerah, begin charging engines to 250% and prepare to activate thrusters to veer starboard."

"Ship Master?"

"Those are my orders, Major." I said quickly as the Brute Cruisers began charging their pulse lasers and plasma torpedoes.

"Yes, Ship Master."

I waited as the enemy's weapons glowed hot white. The Outcaster was the middle, the Cleanser of Hells on the left, just in Substance's outer atmosphere and on right was the 'Righteous Punisher.

"'Hagorok, prepare to fire a torpedo at the port of the Outcaster and charge the pulse lasers," Then I added "Prepare to fire at the starboard side of the Righteous Punisher."

"Firing torpedo, Ship Master. Pulse lasers charging..." A ball of burning plasma was released from my ship and began heading towards its target.

"Ship Master! Engines are at 250% and running hot!"

"Good. Prepare to activate emergency thrusters."

"Yes, Zealot."

As my own torpedo neared the Outcaster, the Cleanser of Hells fired it's torpedo at my ship's port.

"Now, 'Gerah!" My ship veered right with amazing speed and the torpedo passed by, barely damaging my ship's energy shields. My Vanquiser of Sins was now heading in the direction of the Righteous Punisher, but the Brute ship sped to its starboard side, too, avoiding the crash with my ship. But, the Outcaster was flying directly towards it. They would surely clash; they were travelling too fast to avoid it.

"'Hagorok, fire the torpedo at the port of the Righteous Punisher!"

"Torpedo away!"

The burst fired directly towards the middle of the two ships. The Brute cruisers were only kilometres apart now. The plasma was now in between the two ships... then they closed the gap. My torpedo took down their shields moments before the ships collided. They crumpled together, and then crumbled apart.

"'Hagorok, fire pulse lasers at the remaining Brute ship"

"Yes, Ship Master"

In an instant, a dozen beams of white energy were produced. Ten reached their target, vaporizing its shield. Just then, the torpedo that had been fired through Substance's atmosphere struck with Cleanser of Hells; it had been attracted by the gravity of the Gas Giant and orbited it, putting it on collision course with the Brute ship. I observed the enemy target's massive hole that had been melted through its center as it drifted through space.

The Majors in my Control Room roared in triumph while the Shadow of Intent destroyed it's last remaining foe.

Good work, Ship Master, came the voice of my Fleet Master. But our work is not yet done...

The Breaching



Numerous Brute ships attacked my ship, but I expected it. The Sangheili numbers were dwindling, but I expected it.

But after hours of ceaseless fighting, something I was not expecting occurred. A human ship, In Amber Clad had exited Slipstream Space and crashed into High Charity. And yet it was not human... It was the Flood.

Even from thousands of kilometres away, in a ship of metal and steel, I was filled with fear and hatred.

Ship Master, Rtas 'Vadum addressed over the Network. ''Prepare to engage the parasite. We must not let it escape the city of the Prophets.''

"Yes, Fleet Master" I responded dutifully as the Separatist leader ended the communication. A second later, a fleet-wide announce was made.

''All Elite Cruisers, fire at will! If you are boarded, you have your protocols to follow...'' echoed 'Vadum's voice.

I nodded grimly; I knew what he was ordering. If a ship was captured by the parasite, the Ship Master was to ensure that his vessel self-destructed.

After another hour, the combat was fiercer than ever. All three sides perpetually attacked and as resulted, there were broken ships everywhere.

Then, it happened. One of the last Flood-controlled CCS-Battlecruiser prepared to jump into Slip-Space.

"Do not let that ship escape!" I yelled to my crew. "Fire three torpedoes and prepare for pursuit!"

But I knew it was too late; the vessel had already begun passing through the opening portal. My plasma locked on and homed in, but encountered nothing but thin air. No my luck, one of the torpedoes encountered the tip of the ship before it disappeared, severely damaging it's thrusters.

Follow that ship! bellowed my Fleet Master over the network. ''I will make sure that no other parasitic ship passes. Once you've exited slip space with the Flood, alert me of its location.''

"Yes, Commander,"

I took a final look at the carnage of the Fist Battle of High Charity then disappeared through the gateway that would lead me to whom I must pursue. As I entered the void, I inquired to my navigations officer:

"Major 'Gerah, where is this abomination taking us?"

"It looks like... Earth."

The Second Battle Of Earth



After informing Rtas 'Vadum of the parasite's destination, I hastily stalked my target. Then, at the end of my second day of my pursuit, I reached the human's homeworld, and the Shadow of Intent trailed close behind.

It was too easy to see were the Flood had crash-landed. The ship I follow was destroyed because of the crippling blow I had given it, with holes and infernos burning through it. I lay on the edge of an empty riverbed, which was now a deep abyss filled with contaminating mists. The ship's "skin" had been peeled and scrapped, leaving behind an unholy impression.

A black cloud clung above the infested area, a town the humans called "Voi".

''Ship Master, send down some SpecOps Elites, we must quell this infestation. We began it, now, we must finish it''

"Yes, Rtas 'Vadum," I answered into my communication device.

"Attention all Special Operations Units. Prepare for battle with the parasite," I announced over the ship's intercom.

Containment

After an hour of waiting in the Vanquisher of Sins, I finally received my orders.

I looked anxiously out the window of the Phantom that transported me to the Shadow of Intent. The battle field was far away, but the bright lights of countless weapons' gunfire was easy easily visible in the night sky.

Once I reached the my destination, I reported to 'Vadum in the vessel's officer quarters. Among the legendary "Half-Jaw" were the other Ship Masters and Human officers, including Commander Miranda Keyes and Fleet Admiral Lord Terrence Hood. The Oracle was even there. I never expected to see the two beings in the middle of the table. The Arbiter... and the Demon.