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Brothers in Spirit
Prologue
Ninth Age of Reclaimation
Athenos, Sangheili capital, Sangheil
All was going well. Soon the two eggs will hatch. "Twins," Mi'sha Janass thought to herself, "I can't believe it… the Forerunners must have found a good reason to bless us," she said to her mate, Arnad Sajosee.
"Indeed," he replied lovingly, "I will go check on our eldest. He must be giving Yahap a good night's exercise. I'll see to it that young Linad is put down for the night. I'll tell him in the morrow he will finally be an older brother." Arnad said as he turned to walk out the door.
Meshap came running down the hall yelling, "Excellency! Excellency! The Practitioner is here."
Arnad turned to the excited Grunt and said, "See him to Mi'sha's quarters. I'll return as soon as young Linad is settled for the night."
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UNSC calendar June 14, 2531
New Rome, Alpha 1 Colony
Dale and Molly Tanner are in her hospital room. Dr. Cross comes in tom check the monitors then turns to the couple and says. "Your labor is coming along fine. You will be parents before the night is over."
Just then another contraction hits Molly. Dr Cross asked in a comforting voice, "Would you like some pain reliever put into your IV?"
Molly said, as the pain subsided, "Only a small dose. I want to have my wits when my little bundle arrives."
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Sangheil
Two Units Later
Meshap! Meshap! Get Arnad! The first egg is moving. It is time," Mi'sha said excitedly.
Meshap went running. A short time later Arnad came in just in time for the egg to burst open. In the middle of the opened shell was a small version of himself.
Mirad Denasee picked up the small Sangheili infant examined it, wrapped it in a blanket, and handed it to Mi'sha then said, "What shall you call your young son?"
Mi'sha looked at Arnad and said, "We shall call him Aron."
Arnad said, "Yes. I like that."
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At the same time on Alpha 1
Molly gave her final push and out came a healthy screaming baby boy. Dr Cross looked at the happy couple and said, "You have a healthy baby boy. Congratulations."
Molly looked at Dale and said "I know you were set on naming him Kyle. But I'd like to call him Richard after you father, who was just killed in this war."
Dale said, "That would be fine. Dad would love having his grandson named after him."
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Sangheil
When the second egg hatched and the two newborn Sangheili were fed everyone settled down for a restful few units. Mirad had told them he would return early to give the children a thorough examination.
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Ninth Age of Reclaimation
Athenos Sangheil
UNSC calendar September 9 2535
Four Years Later
The twins had grown in their first four cycles. Linad, who was now eight cycles old, had started pre-academy. Aron and Janass had the house to themselves. They occupied themselves running Yahap most of the day. But today there is something different about Aron. Mi'sha had noticed he wasn't as active as he usually was. Aron had stayed in his bed most of the day. When the morning meal was served he ate very little. Mi'sha went into Aron's room. She was there to check on her little Sangheili warrior, "So much like his father," she thought to herself. She lays a hand upon Aron's sleeping body. He doesn't move. Mi'sha yells, "Meshap get the Healer! Aron is burning with fever! Yahap get Arnad! There is something wrong with Aron!"
Arnad was sitting with his mate as she was holding the lifeless body of Aron. Meshap came to the door and said, "Excellency, the Healer is here."
Arnad said in a hushed but authoritative tone, "Send him in here."
Seeing Mirad, Mi'sha said with tears in her voice, "What is wrong with my young son? Why is he burning with fever?"
Mirad said calmly, "Lay the young one on the bed so I can examine him."
Mirad examined Aron closely. Then took a tissue sample from Aron's hand. He put it into a data disk then plugged the disk into a holo pad. Shaking his head slowly he turned to Aron's parents and said, "I'm sorry. It was as I suspected. Aron has Knarde's Syndrome. It is treatable if you choose. But it will stunt his growth."
Arnad said questioningly, "What would happen if we don't choose treatment?"
Mi'sha looked at Arnad and screamed, "That is not an option!"
Mirad looked at Arnad and Mi'sha and said, "Without treatment. Aron will die."
Chapter 1
Ninth Age of Reclaimation
Slip space Assault Cruiser Blessed Redemption
Faith… something Aron never had. That was for his mother. She sat by his bed praying the whole time he was sick with Knarde's Syndrome. His twin sister was another faith was for, she became a priestess. But not for him. He went to all the religious ceremonies but he didn't have the faith. Even his dreams betray him. If anyone knew he had dreams of a human he would have been tried for heresy. He had dreams of a Human even before he knew there were Humans.
Aron sat alone in his quarters, something he was used to. He is shunned by everyone. Knarde's Syndrome had left him shorter than any other Sangheili. But Aron didn't let his size keep him down. Instead he plunged into studies very early. Mastering all three forms of Sangheili martial arts, Taltus, Fazule, and Knate. With his small size of seven foot two he was more agile. His movements were quicker, he was able to strike faster. Aron used this to his advantage. He also studied everything he could at the young age of seventeen cycles he was an engineer. He could modify the most complex of weapons and armor. His first set of armor and every set there after, he modified to be more light weight.
But his dreams… he couldn't shake them. Every Human he had killed he looked for the face that had haunted him since childhood. However, he knew the human was still alive, he still had the dreams.
Aron's thoughts went back to faith. Hiss mother and sister had faith. His twin sister, Kierra, was a priestess of the Sangheili faith. He had heard from his mother, Mi'sha, that the priestess had found records of the original Sangheili Gods. Now they are trying to rebuild the original faith. Their job is trying to find out which prayer and ritual goes to what God.
Aron's thoughts were interrupted by the buzzing of his personal communicator. It was his mother. "Hello, Aron. How are you feeling today?" Mi'sha said lovingly.
Aron answered as he turned to look at the hologram of his mother, "I'm doing fine, Mother. I wish you would stop worrying about me."
Mi'sha replied in a patronizing tone, "I'll worry about you until I take my last breath. Now to the reason I needed to speak with you. You know of the betrayal and our expulsion from the Covenant? Kierra has found where the Prophets were planning to do this all along. Right now the Convent she is at has been locked down."
"Mother, I can't abandon my mission. We are going for reinforcements to bring home," Aron cut in.
"I know dear. I'm not calling for that. Our platforms are fully operational. Your Father has arranged for our safety in case of attack. And those who go into hiding will have no outside contact until the threat is over and our reinforcements arrive. Take care my son. We love you."
"And I you, Mother," Aron replied as the transmission ended. He was both worried and relieved.
Aron began to do some simple Knate exercises to relieve his thoughts. His exercises and thoughts were interrupted by the intercom, "Exiting slip space in two units."
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Aron went to the debriefing room to be debriefed on the stealth mission. Even though the Humans were their allies now there still could be some pockets of resistance. So caution was no option.
The Spec Op Field Commander, Rava Sadosee, began to speak once everyone was seated, "Warriors. Our mission is one of great importance. We are here on this Human world to seek out and find a Human named Captain Wilson. His squad of Human Warriors will be accompanying us to Sangheil to help protect our home world. We are not to harm any Humans. That is an order. This order comes directly from the Arbiter."
"There is a new Arbiter?" one of the Spec Op warriors asked.
"Yes," replied Rava, "He was appointed by the Prophets before the betrayal. Now he is the Arbiter of the Sangheili. What he has done so far for our people is more than the Covenant done for many Ages."
Aron sat and watched as all the Sangheili murmured amongst themselves. Rava not wanting to try to talk above them said loudly, "Listen up! Listen up!" when all were quiet he continued, "I want the squad to stay together on this mission. No one is to stray off. There could be Brutes hiding. Aron do you understand that order?"
Aron looked up seeing all eyes on him answered, "Yes, leader, I understand."
Rava said, "This meeting is adjourned. Be at the Phantom in two units."
Aron left the debriefing room. He went straight to the armory to gather his weapons he would take on this mission. His choice of weapons were dual energy swords, he was the most lethal with those. He placed the sword hilts on his belt. He also chose dual plasma rifles. He placed them in the holsters on his upper leg armor. His final weapon for the mission was a carbine which he slung over his shoulder. Aron grabbed a few extra batteries for the weapons and some extra clips for the carbine. He placed those in a pouch that he hung on his belt. he proceeded to leave the armory and go to the medical bay. There he replenished his medical kit that he keeps on his belt.
The medical officer said, "Aron, are you expecting to come upon a large resistance with a cease fire?"
Aron replied, "I just want to be prepared. Those filthy Brutes could be anywhere. It pays to be safe."
Aron left the medical bay and went to his quarters where he modified all his weapons to have a stronger blast and longer battery life. He wasn't going to take any chances. Just then Aron had a strange feeling come over him. He wasn't sure what it was but he couldn't shake it. It made him feel like he does when he has one of his dreams about the Human.
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Alpha Base
New Rome, Alpha 1 Colony
UNSC calendar November 25,2552
Captain John Wilson was in his office when there was a knock on the door. Corporal Rick Tanner came in and saluted. Captain Wilson said, "At ease Corporal. Now to the reason I called you in here. There is a squad of Elites that will be landing here. I want you to take a small group to the coordinates and escort them here."
Rick replied, "Sir, yes, Sir" he saluted and walked out the door to get a group of his best men. Then proceeded to the coordinates given to him by Captain Wilson.
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Orbit around Alpha 1
Assault Cruiser Blessed Redemption
Aron entered the Phantom and took his seat. When the Field Commander entered the pilot was instructed to proceed to the surface. Their landing coordinates were already given to the Humans. Aron still couldn't shake the feeling that hit him in his quarters. The flight to the surface was uneventful. When Aron stepped from the gravity lift he knew why he had that feeling. For staring at him was the face of the Human who haunted his dreams.
Brothers in Spirit
Chapter 2
Ninth Age of Reclaimation
Alpha One Colony
Rick was taken back to see the Elite that was shorter than the rest. He couldn't shake the fact that he felt as if he knew the Elite. But the way the Elite looked at him, one could say was shock.
Aron thought to himself, "He must be a demon." He had never thought he would actually meet the Human who had haunted him.
Rick was looking at the short Elite when a gold armored Elite came up to him and said, "Human, I was told by my ship master that I was to report to you. I was also told that you will be taking us to a Captain Wilson."
Rick replied, "Yes, follow me," they all turned to walk to the personnel transports that were waiting. Rick could have sworn he heard the shorter Elite growl at him.
Aron gave a low growl at the Human that was in charge. All he wanted to do was get away. He was extremely uncomfortable in the presence of the Human.
Rava sensing Aron's conflict said, "Aron keep a watch as we board the transport. Nai'del you and Aron will ride near the rear of the transport. Watch for enemy."
Aron was glad he didn't have to sit near the Human. But he still kept an eye on him.
Rick turned to the gold armored Elite and said, "Do you have a clue as to why the smaller Elite reacted the way he did?"
Rava replied, "I've no clue. But I can say no Human will be harmed. We shall keep an eye on him."
That made Rick feel a little better. But he couldn't shake the fact that the Elite looked familiar. He said to himself, "I will have to try to speak with him before they leave."
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Upon arrival at Alpha base, Rick escorted the Elites to Captain Wilson's office.
Captain Wilson said, "Come. Come. Everyone take a seat," Rick was just about to walk out the door when Captain Wilson continued, "Corporal that will include you."
Rick turned from the door and took a seat at the large conference table. To Aron's distaste the seat was next to him. Aron gave another low growl. Rick looked at the Elite and said, "Have I done something in another life that has made you want to bite?"
Aron having a conflict going on inside thought to himself, "That voice, I've heard it before. It is him." Aron turned to the Human and growled again and said, "No, Demon. I won't bite you."
Captain Wilson called the meeting to order. He turned to the Elite in gold armor and said, "What is it we could do for you?"
Rava said in a tone that was both deep and commanding, "We were sent here to gather reinforcements to take to our home world to aid us in our fight with the Covenant."
Captain Wilson said, "That is the same orders we received from Admiral Lord Hood," he turned to Rick and continued, "Corporal your squad will accompany the Elites to their ship and go with them. The rest of the fleet will follow in their ships."
Rick said, "Yes, Sir."
Captain Wilson turned back to Rava and said, "We will need the coordinates to your home world."
Rava replied, "We will transmit the coordinates as soon as we return to our cruiser."
Aron looked at Rick and gave another low growl then thought to himself, "This is going to be a long trip. Not only do I have to put up with this Human, this Demon in my sleep. Now he will be on my cruiser as well."
Captain Wilson stood and said, "This meeting is adjourned. Go make preparations for an immediate departure."
Everyone rose to leave. Rick gave the orders to the rest of his squad. He looked at the gold Elite and said, "Would you all like some refreshments? I could show you where the mess hall is. We won't be leaving for another ninety minutes."
Rava said, "Yes, Human. We could use a little refreshment."
Rick took the group of Elites to the mess hall got them food and drink then said, "Stay here. I'll return in about fifteen minutes. I must get my gear."
Aron was glad to see the Human leave. He wasn't sure but he thought the Human acted different to him. He said to himself, "Shape up! When we return to the cruiser you will have to talk to him."
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Rick was in his quarters packing for the trip to the Elites home world. As he was putting clothes into his duffle he found the sketch book he always takes with him. When he tossed it onto the bed it opened. The picture he was looking at was the small Elite he had just met. When Rick had finished packing he went back to the mess hall to get the Elites he had left there. He went up to the table and said, "We are clear to go to the landing zone," he placed the book he was holding on the table.
Aron seeing a drawing of himself rose quickly from his seat, growled then said angrily, "Human where did you get this drawing?"
Rick replied, "I did it myself."
"No!" Aron said, "Have we met before?"
Rick said, "I'm not sure. I've seen a few Elites before."
"No," Aron said getting agitated, "If you had seen me before you wouldn't have lived long enough to draw that," he pointed to the picture on the table.
Rava interrupted and not a moment too soon, "Enough, Aron, we must be off. The Phantom is waiting."
The group of Elites and Marines went to the landing zone. They entered the gravity lift. The Phantom made an uneventful trip back to the Blessed Redemption.
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Aron was the first to disembark from the Phantom followed by Rava. Rava said, "Aron, you and Zala show our guests to their quarters."
Once Aron's task was complete he went to the gym for a workout so he could clear his head. He even looked for some mats so he could do some Fazule exercise. But to his unfortunate fate the Human was there. "Zala must have told him where the gym was," he said to himself.
Brothers in Spirit
Chapter 3
Ninth age of Reclaimation
UNSC calendar November 25, 2552
Sangheili cruiser Blessed Redemption
"What are you doing here?" Aron asked abruptly.
"The Elite that was with you showed me here. I wanted a good workout," Rick replied.
Aron gave a grunt of disgust. Then proceeded to go about his own workout. Rick looked at the Elite and said, "What have I done to you to make you so mad?"
Aron looked at the Human with utter distaste and said, "What kind of powers do you have? I know the Demon has the ability to cheat death. But what do you have?"
Rick replied in shock, "I'm not sure what you mean. I don't have any special powers."
"Lies," interrupted Aron, "Since I was a small child you have invaded my dreams."
"That's it! My sleep," Rick said loudly nearly causing the already nervous Elite to nearly jump out of his skin. He continues, "Ever since I saw you step off the Phantom, I have wondered where I have seen you. It's my sleep. I have dreamed about you too."
Aron looked at the Human, his expression softening and said, "Let's go get some cefa'. We need to talk."
Rick said, "Ok, but what is cefa'?"
Aron replied, "I'll show you."
They walked in silence to the mess hall. Rick found a table while Aron went to get their cefa' and a plate of sweet flat bread. Aron walked up to the table and took a seat. "Cefa' is a drink made from the cefa' plant. Some drink it plain. But it is very bitter that way. It is best with sweet cubes and sweetened molta'," explained Aron.
Rick cautiously took a sip of the alien drink. Shocked Rick looked up and said, "This tastes like coffee. And the way I like it by the way."
Aron said, after taking a drink of his own cefa', "You said that you had dreams of me. Can you elaborate on that? When you are finished I'll tell you my story."
Rick taking another sip of his cefa' said, "It all started when I was four. I had a fever that lasted for days. The fever came on all of a sudden. The doctors couldn't explain it. Then just as mysteriously as it came, the fever went. That's when you appeared. I was the only one who could see you." Rick took another breath and looked around the room. He continued, "You were in my dreams and you eventually became my imaginary friend. At least that is what my mom called you. But you were as real as you are now. When you didn't go away after childhood I thought I was crazy. But I never told anyone else about you. You were like watching over me. More that once you saved my life on the battlefield." He takes another sip of his cefa' and thinks for a moment. Then says, "I never got your name. I don't want you to tell me because I think I already know it. Your name is Aaron right?"
"No, its Aron. You always… got… it…wrong," the Elite said slowly, his mandibles agape as the shock of what he just said hit him. Then he composed himself and said, "Those weren't dreams. Look when I was four cycles old I had Knarde's Syndrome. I almost died. It was then I started dreaming of you. I knew even then not to tell anyone. You are the first and only person who knows."
Aron rose from his seat and said, "Stay here, Human."
"Rick. Call me Rick," Rick said interrupting.
"Very well. Stay here Rick. I'm going to grab us some lunch," Aron replied.
Aron returned with a tray and on the tray were two plates with what looked like two hamburgers. Also on the tray were a variety of condiments. He gave one plate to Rick and kept the other one for himself. "Eat," Aron said, "This is flame cooked meat on plain bread. I got you my favorite condiments for it," he clicked his mandibles into a grin then took a bite.
Aron and Rick continued to talk as they had their lunch. They learned they were identical.
Aron clicked his mandibles in what would be equal to a laugh then said, "Come, my brother. I know who we need to talk to."
They rose from the table and proceeded down the corridor to a decorated door. Aron said, "This is where the High Scholar Nastar Rijosee presides. He will be able to explain how this happened."
Aron pushed a button on the door. A voice from inside said, "Come."
Aron and Rick walked into the quarters of the High Scholar. Aron bowed in respect. Nastar said, "What can I do for you?"
Aron proceeded to tell Nastar about how he and Rick are alike, and how they knew one another before they met. When he was finished Aron looked at Nastar and said, "Nobel Scholar, how can this be?"
Nastar bowed to the two standing before him. Aron not understanding the actions said, "Nobel Scholar, why are you bowing to me?"
Nastar replied as he straightened up, "I shall always bow before the Abochrith."
Brothers in Spirit
Chapter 4
Ninth Age of Reclaimation
Sangheili Cruiser Blessed Redemption
Aron and Rick said simultaneously, "What is an Aborchrith?"
Nastar said, "Come, sit. I'll tell you the Legend of the Aborchrith."
The trio went to the table in the middle of the room. The High Scholar began, "The term Aborchrith means 'Brothers in Spirit' so in a manner of speaking you share the same soul."
"How is that possible?" Rick asked.
"Here I'll show you," Nastar said.
Nastar turned to a hologram of the galaxy. He hit a few keys on a pad and the image changed. Then he said in a voice that was wiser than his years, "Here is a hologram of the galaxy when Aron was born. Now tell me when and where you were born."
"June 14, 2551 on Alpha 1. Here are the coordinates," Rick said as he gave Nastar a holopad with the coordinates on it.
Nastar typed all the information in and the image on the hologram didn't change. Nastar looked at the image and with excitability growing in his elderly voice said, "This is why you are the Aborchrith. Your births were simultaneous. Sit, I'll finish the legend."
The trio sat and Nastar continued, "The Legend goes something like this… As the Aborchrith not only do you share the same soul but you are bringers of peace and tranquility. Therefore the Aborchrith will be born in a time of great turmoil. The unnecessary war between our races became a time of great turmoil for both races. The Aborchrith will be born at the same moment. One half the Aborchrith will be of twins. Aron has a twin sister. Rick with you being Human and the war the Prophets waged is why the Aborchrith was never found. Had the Scholars known we would have had the two of you raised together. However, you and Aron knew each other upon meeting. You found a way. You kept one another company as children." Nastar paused for a moment then called for a Grunt to bring them some refreshments. Upon taking a drink of water he continued, "To the next part of the Legend. The Aborchrith will know when the other is ill or hurt. When Aron was ill as a child you were too. Unfortunately if one dies you both will die. The Aborchrith can't live without being whole. That means Aron you can't live without Rick. This will explain why you unknowingly kept one another alive during the war. Your meeting was inevitable."
There was silence in the room when Nastar had finished. Aron and Rick looked at one another and then to Nastar. Both were in shock. They expected an explanation but nothing prepared them for this. Aron was the first to speak. He turned to Rick and said, "I have felt out of place all my life. This explains why."
Rick replied, "Yeah, I know what you mean."
Rick proceeded to show Nastar the sketches he had drawn of Aron over the years. Nastar rises from his seat and says, "This proves it.
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