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Heretic or Hero? (Half 1)
Posted By: Sergeant Murph<murphquake21@yahoo.com>
Date: 4 September 2008, 6:57 pm
Read/Post Comments
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---- ----------Prologue--------------
I Regret Nothing
I admit to myself now that I was a coward, afraid to face the greatest warrior alive. My mind was seemingly frozen. All I did in that tower was watch as the noble Prophet of Regret was being massacred by the Demon. What could I do? Stand and fight as all others of my kind had tried,
and failed?
No. Any attempt to stop the Demon would ruin everything. Things were hard enough as it was for myself. Dying was out of the question. My intent was no longer to protect Regret, but to flee, to save my own life from a painful death.
"Scared, Demon? Are you afraid of me? Afraid that I will wipe you and your cursed race from existence?" Bellowed the Prophet, a blinding smile spreading across his face. Suddenly, there was a loud crunch, followed by an irritating groan from Regret. The Demon had landed his fist upon the holy Prophet's face! I saw him wince in pain, surprised by the Demon's quick assault.
"Guards!" he croacked, "Kill the Demon!"
As he said this, two Honor Guards, who shared the same image as me, red armored with gold attachments on their heads and arms, hurdled over dead bodies, swinging their swords at their Prophet's assassin.
Both were viciously slaughtered by the Demon, shot to death with a powerful human weapon. They bled uncontrollably on the surface.
I couldn't watch anymore
I crept out from behind the pillar I had been hiding behind, very slowly, so as not to draw attention to myself. Screams from dying Elites could be heard throughout the giant room. Grunts ran around in fear of being slaughtered, Regret and the Demon were battling it out down on the ground floor, and I was watching it all from the top. Watching my religion being defeated. My options were shattered. What was I supposed to do?
I ran.
I ran as fast as my legs could carry me, across the room, ignoring other Honor Guards who sprinted past me, giving me a suspicious look. I ventured past the Prophet and Demon, and up the stairs to the exit.
"Coward! Coward!" bellowed a grunt, bleeding all over. I saw the sadness in his face, that look that said 'I'm going to die. It's over'
I shoved my lesser aside, not even thinking about his emotions, or anyone elses, for that matter.
I continued running for only a moment until I felt something I hadn't felt for a long time. Something that really got my attention. Something that made me stop and breath.
I felt the Holy Prophet of Regret's eyes on my back. I could feel his helpless glare as the Demon delivered his final fatal blows. It was like the second he gazed upon my red and gold armor, leaving him in his time of need, he knew that all was lost. I couldn't gather up enough strength to look my master in the eyes.
They never respected me. I won't respect them.
"Fool," I muttered under my breath. I cast aside my gold attachments and left the room, with Regrets last scream echoing behind me.
Chapter 1
Adrift
For days it haunted me, the death of the Prophet. Would I take the blame for his death, simply because I was the last Elite alive that was in that tower? Would the Prophet of Truth have me executed for betrayal against a Covenant Hierarch? What was worse, the only place I could thnk about this was in a lone Banshee, Soaring just above the ring world.
My escape had been out of pure luck, just as the temple was about to be destroyed, I escaped in a Banshee docked on the backside of the building. For the first time something had actually gone my way.
I sighed. What had I gotten myself into?
Unlike most others, I didn't want to join the Covenant. Of course, I never told anyone this, in fear of what others would think. It was not my choice, but the choice of the Hierarchs, who had come to our planet, demanding another loading of Sangheili warriors. Our race had been a part of Covenant Hierarchy for some time then, while I was only young. Soon after I was told I would experience the war up close, my father was killed as a result of rebelling against the Prophets about loading the young Sangheili. That was when I lost everything, and was sentenced to serve Regret.
I soon approached High Charity after flying in circles for 3 days. I could already feel the sting of Truth's gaze as I landed in the hanger.
There was much confusion , with several Phantoms taking off, infantry scurrying around, and Truth broadcasting a message over the entire station. Some were listening, many were upset and screaming.
" A covenant hierarch was recently attacked by the demon. The Prophet of Regret was indeed...
"You. Major," interupted a SpecOps Officer, "come with me,"
I gazed around for a moment, looking for the red armored Elite Major that the officer was talking about. I then realized that he was talking to me, simply because without the gold attachments, I looked like a normal red armored Elite Major. I acted normally, avoiding the fact that I wasn't actually a major.
"Yes sir,"
The Sangheili take full responsiblity for the assassination. Any remaining members of the battle will be punish...
"I cannot stand the ignorance of that creature. Always blaming our race for everything!" The officer said in a voice that only I could hear.
I nodded, trying to be as polite and agreeing as possible. Who knew what would happen if he found out?
Suddenly, we both stopped. He turned his head slwoly until he was facing me. "Where did you just come from anyway?" He asked, a look of suspicion in his eyes. What was I to tell him? If i told him I was in the tower, I would surely be executed. It had to be kept secret.
"The other side of the station," I said without thinking, hoping he would believe me. I could feel my heart racing as he squinted for a moment, looking hard into my eyes as I did the same to his.
to my relief, he nodded, and continued walking. I followed.
I followed him down a series of hallways, accompanied by many other Elites, Brutes, Grunts, and Jackals. All of them carried weapons, tightened their armor. We then turned left, as all others turned right, and walked down one blank hall. Finally we arrived at the Armory.
I looked at him, baffled. What was this all about?
"The Humans have taken several outposts on our ring. Grab your weapons, get ready for combat," said the officer, then he left the room swift and quick, leaving only me with my mouth wide open, staring at the weapons in awe. I lifted my head to the heavens.
"Ugggghhhhhhhh," I groaned "After all of what I've just been through, he wants me to fight?"
I looked carefully at the weapon choices. Plasma Rifles and Pistols, Needlers, Carbines, and many other weapons. Just the thought of firing a shot at the enemy made me cringe. The only times I had ever actually fired were in training. I took a Plasma Rifle and a Needler anyway, putting them both on my belt as I left the room.
Retracing my footsteps, I made my way back to the hangar, and climbed on board one of the docked Phantoms, already accompanied by many others.
I eyed one Ultra, decked out in shining silver armor. I watched him shove an Unggoy aside as he took it's spot. The Grunt didn't think to rebel for a moment, as the Ultra had an intimidating, frightening look in his eyes.
He looked over at me for a moment. I nearly tripped and fell when our eyes met.
It was going to be quite a ride.
To be Continued...
End Transmission
Chapter 2
Frontline
The constant bickering going on in the Phantom was distracting, Elites expressing their personal feelings about Truth's broadcast. Of course, none of them had anything kind to say.
"Full responsibility? Isn't it the Honor Guards' duty to protect the Prophets? Why should we be the ones taking the blame? Our infantry was doing all we could to stop the Demon!" shouted the Ultra that had given me that strange look.
"Calm, Kovalee. All we can do now is show the Hierarchs that we are their greatest warriors," replied a SpecOps Elite. I noticed he said this very carefully, as if he was afraid to upset him.
Then, the one called Kovalee, shook his heads, and continued talking.
"Cowards, the Honor Guards were. If they're job was to protect the Hierarchs at all costs, why is Regret dead? Obviously they are not so honorable."
The instant I heard cowards and Honor Guards linked together, I was steaming, annoyed that this soldier would dare insult the Honor Guard of the Covenant in such a manner. What did he know?
Calm down, I thought to myself, taking a deep breath. Fighting would only get me into more trouble. I sat against the wall, drowning out all other voices, and waited.
************************************************************* ***************************************
Hours later we landed in the snowy peeks of Delta Halo. It was an amazing sight, being so high up in the mountains, looking back at the lake.
Looking back at where the temple once stood. Four day old memories were brought back.
"My brothers, recently we have been unfairly blamed for Regret's death. But now, we shall regain our honor, and continue our quest to salvation!" shouted the SpecOps officer that had brought me to the armory. He looked around at all of us.
A battle cry came from every soldier there, except me. I remained silent, just as I always had. I looked ove
"We shall split up to find these outposts. They are the key to taking back our sacred ring," the officer stated, gathering us all together to split us up.
Every squad was made up of two elites, eight grunts, and two jackals. My partner just happened to be the one I hated most. The only one I hated for that matter. Kovalee, the Ultra Elite.
Immediately, he stepped up in front of us, giving us all a quick scan. I heard him grunt when he saw me. Apparently, he was the leader of our squad, and no one argued.
"We shall make a path southeast. I suspect the Humans are camping somewhere by the lake. There are plenty of forgotten ruins for the cowards to hide behind."
I saw him look over the mountain and sigh, as if he didn't want to leave. As if he wanted the Humans to come to him.
We parted ways with the rest of the crew, and began our march. Kovalee walked beside me, making me feel very short. He was at least a foot taller than me and was very broad shouldered. His legs were tremendously strong, as if they could jump across planets.
For a good amount of time we walked, all of us rather silent. Every once and a while Kovalee would shake off the pure white snow that stuck to his armor. My red armor was almost completely drenched in a blanket of white.
As if out of no where, the sound of unfamiliar voices echoed throughout the mountain, coming from the river right below us.
"Humans! We shall burn them all!" shouted Kovalee, drawing a handle off of his belt. He ignited his energy sword, sending out a burst of blue light. It seemed to fit his personality perfectly.
A grunt crept over to a rock and spied down towards the lake.
"Enemies! Enemies here!" he screeched, running back toward us. No sooner had he said that did I hear Humans yelling and guns being loaded.
I drew my Plasma Rifle, although I had no intent to shoot with it. I simply peeked just above the rock to catch a glimspe of hundreds of shots coming in my direction. I ducked behind the rock, breathing hard, sweat pouring down my face.
Kovalee leaped over both me and the rock. His giant figure soared over me with ease. "Engage!"
I lifted my head again to see all eleven of them running down the hillside. Grunts and Jackals shot furiously out of their Plasma Pistols, letting go of the green bursts rapidly. The Humans, however, used more advanced tactics, drawing away lesser fire so they could take down the important ones: Kovalee.
"God Dammit, that ones got a sword!" shouted one of them, cowering behind a ruin. I could just see the tip of his face, bright red.
I had never seen anybody fight as hard as Kovalee. In my eyes, it looked like everyone was shooting at him, but nothing worked. His energy shields glowed, but did not disapear. He slashed the sword witht the precision of a master, not swinging wildily, but calm and controlled.
"I got 'em!" yelled a dark skinned Human, aiming his semiautomatic weapon at Kovalee. He was too slow to get the shot off, though. Kovalee soared in, and felled the Human with one fatal uppercut, slicing into his flesh.
All the Unggoy had been killed, piled up by a pillar. There was one Human, a man that was short, but broad, wearing no head protection, revealing his brown hair, had killed them all with ease, using a human close-range weapon that I had become familiar with. The 'Shotgun'.
"Anderson, the one with the sword!" coughed the dark skinned soldier, laying flat on his back, completely drenched in blood. Sure enough, behind him Kovalee came sprinting from behind a pillar, teeth clenched. Only two more strides and the soldier would be in half.
"BEHIND YOU!" I shouted, not thinking at all. Anderson turned around, Shotgun ready, and caught Kovalee off guard. I ducked down so I wouldn't see. All I heard was the bullet leaving the weapon, and Kovalee screaming in pain.
"Alien scum!" Anderson shouted. I heard the sound of Kovalee's armor being kicked.
My heart started to beat incredibly fast, my eyes blurring. I breathed as if I was being choked, with each breath there was a pain in my head. I had aided in the death of my only partner.
I stood up and started walking backwards, hoping to be unnoticed, then broke into a full sprint the other way. I soon realized I hadn't even helped! All I had done was watch, just as I had last time. My Plasma Rifle's battery still read 100%.
What was I to do? That was a question I asked myself so many times. Now, I was stuck in the mountains, probably being hunted like an animal, and there was no where to go. My COM system was functioning, but who wouldmI contact? The officer, so I could tell him I was a traitor?
I stopped. Behind me, there was some sort of buzzing noise. It came closer and closer, getting louder as it did. I ran faster and faster everytime it sounded close, until finally, three Human vehicles skidded in front of me, turrets pointed at my face.
"Don't shoot!" I screamed, realizing it was the first thing I had said in a long time. Casting away my Rifle and Needler, I dropped to the snow.
I got down on my knees and waited. I didn't care anymore. I didn't care if I died At least I would finally be free from this war. In my mind, I knew this was the end.
A soldier got out of the drivers seat and stood in front of me. I didn't dare perk up to look him in the eyes.
"Thank you," he said. For moments I was stunned, confused. A Human was thanking me?
I slowly raised my head, deciding I would take the chance to look at him. Standing before me was the Human's leader, Anderson. He must have seen the hopeless look in my eyes.
"We're not going to kill you, but you're going to answer some questions," he said, stretching out his hand. I grabbed on to it and pulled myself up. It felt strange to be near your enemy, and not think of him as an enemy. The only enemy I had in this war were the remaining Hierarchs, Truth and Mercy, filling Regret's emplty void.
"Get in the Warthog. We've got some work to do before we get back to base," he told me, commanding the other 2 'Warthogs' to be on their way. Still unsure about the man, I was still frightened. I got in the vehicle anyway, my fingers trembling.
End Transmission
Chapter 3
I'll Stay in the Car
Miles we traveled in the vehicles, the three of us, Anderson, the man on the turret, and I were silent, all caught up in our own thoughts. Thinking over what had happened in the past few days was hard, as if I didn't want to remember, but it kept popping back into my head. This man, could he really trust me after what my kind did to his?
"Why did you do it?"
I perked up, startled. "What?"
Anderson had one eye on in front of us and one on me. "You know, why did you save me back there? Why didn't you just let him kill me?" He sounded uncomfortable as he said this. I could tell he was a bit nervous to be around me, even if he thought I was harmless.
"I don't know," I simply replied, turning my head away so I didn't have to face him. His eyes were the exact opposite of Kovalee's. They were calm and collected, yet fierce and determined at the same time.
"Well, you must have had a reason? It's just not normal that people of your... race... bust their butts to save Humans," remarked Anderson. By all means, he was correct. Even to myself, why I had warned him was difficult to think about. It was like I knew who he was already.
I answered without turning back.
"I don't know,"
He thanked me again, "Well, whether or not you have a reason, I owe you big time. If you hadn't warned me, I'd be in two pieces!" he laughed.
I stared into the distance. The mountains seemed to be endless around here. it was all one large cloak of snow, with no escape. I was about to close my eyes, when something got my attention. There, coming over the mountain, was a small black dot, coming closer and closer at a fast rate. FIve more came over the mountain, following up the leader.
I sat up fast. "They're here," I muttered. No sooner had I realized what the dots were, a green blast from a fuel rod cannon came sailing back at us.
It hit the snow directly in front of us, causing Anderson to make a quick jerk of the wheel , then another to get back into place, while not stopping the vehicle.
"What the Hell?" shouted the young man controlling our turret.
"Banshees! Floor it!" came a voice that seemed to be in the distance. The other two Warthogs faded away through the snow.
"Hold on, Four-Lips, I'm takin' you for a joy ride!" yelled Anderson, grinning hard, as if he had been hoping for this.
Another quick jerk of the wheel made me find myself holding onto my seat for dear life. Three more Fuel Rods erupted around us. The Warthog shook furiously, being damaged by the splash of the cannons into the snow. Anderson gained speed, while the Banshee's followed, swarming around us like we were dead food.
"It would be helpful if you could take out one of the goddamn Banshees, Burns!" Anderson shouted at the young man on the turret.
"Yes sir!" said Burns, followed by an uncountable amount of shot rounds coming from the gun. From every direction I could hear the sound of Plasma and Fuel Rod cannons being shot.
At this point, I would have been happy to abandon the Warthog and run for my life, but there was something about Anderson that kept me there, that made me want to stick by his side. Still gripping on to the soft leather cusion of the seat, I took a breath, and could only hope.
There was a long pause, where everything was quiet. There were no more plasma eruptions, no more snow being flung into the air, just the soft humming of the Warthog.
"Thats four. There were six," I told Anderson, knowing that we were not out of the battle yet.
"Well maybe they cut us some slack this time around,"
I shook my head, "No. They are here."
Just as I had predicted, two more Banshees swooped down from the skies, attempting to escape, knowing they couldn't stand up to Burns's turret skills.
"Burns...-"
"On it, sir!"
The Banshee's must of realized they were spotted, and took off at full speed, leaving a blue trail as they went. Burns fired again, just nicking the edges of both Banshee's sending them both whirling toward the ground.
I sat there, taking in what had happened. Had they been coming for me? But how could they know what I had done so quick?
Coming to a sudden revelation, Anderson stopped the Warthog.
"The other six... They're gone."
Anderson tried to contact them, projecting his COM system so we could hear.
"This is Sergeant William Anderson, do you read Delta Squad 13? Repeat, this is Sergeant William Anderson, do you read me Delta Squad 13?"
"Sir... Help...Please...!"
There was a horrible crying noise, then the line went dead.
"Crap! I lost 'em! Alright boys, we're heading back to base. We're not giving up on them until we see them all with sticky grenades on their faces!" he shouted, and the Warthog took off over the mountains again.
The terrain seemed to change dramaticly as we came to the top of the mountain. One side was snow, while the other was desert like, built on dust and sand.
And then, at random, my COM system came on. A familiar voice spoke, sounding furious.
"Major Solonee, you will not escape us after your acts of heresy!"
Chapter 4
Hide & Seek
Covenant Holy City, High Charity
Ninth Age of Reclamation
"He betrayed us. Betrayed us all. I could tell he was a coward from the moment I stared into his filthy worrying eyes,"
"What are you charging him with?" said an unimpressed Truth, fiddling with his fingernails.
"Heresy on the highest mark. He aided the Human in wounding me, then left me there to die. But that is not all. Our Sangheili pilots said they spotted an Elite 'held captive' in an enemy vehicle. No doubt he has joined the Humans,"
"Is that all you have?" asked Truth, who could care less about the conversation. What did it matter if one Sangheili joined the Humans?
"No. I have come to a conclusion that he has committed yet another crime recently. Our Commander told us that he had come from the other side of the station in a Banshee, and yet the Banshee's propulsion drive was nearly burned out,"
"What are you trying to tell me?" said the San 'Shyuum Hierarch, losing patience with the conversation.
"He was in the tower with the High Prophet of Regret. He was the one that fled. The last living Honor Guard serving him,"
Truth's eyes widened for a moment, then went back to their normal state, as if the boredom had escaped for a moment, but was then captured. Regret's death hadn't even seemed like a flaw in the plan to him. The Sangheili always went on about the stupidest things, involving their 'honor'. What honor was there in being held responsible for the destruction of a Sacred ring?
"If you're assumption is true, then what do you suggest? I shall not deal with a heresy out of my grasp."
Kovalee looked Truth straight in the eyes. "I shall dispose of the heretic,"
************************************************************* ****************************************
I waited for the next words to come out of my helmet, but none did. The SpecOps Commander had broken our connection. I held my breath, hoping everything would just go away, waiting for my troubles to crash and burn. I saw myself on Sanghelios, at peace. Home would feel better than heaven at this point.
Anderson had stopped driving when he heard my message. He was calm, as if everything was going to be fine. As if the storm had already passed.
"Seems like you've got a little problem here. Don't worry, I'll protect you from the bad guys," he laughed, seeming as if he didn't care, though I knew, for some odd reason, he did. But why? Why was I even still alive? So I saved him, but he had all the rights to kill me. I assumed he would, eventually, betray me. I didn't blame him either.
Anderson informed me of our plan along the way, mentioning stopping at their base, known to them as the 'BeeHive'. From there, we would arm ourselves properly and storm the Covenant interrogation tower, an idea that I did not approve of. Often, these towers were heavily guarded in fear of being breached.
But what would happen if I was found on the way? I was probably already being searched for. Would I fight, or run?
************************************************************* ****************************************
The Warthog pulled up against a rock wall. Anderson got out and began to inspect it, feeling every inch of it, stopping every few seconds as if he were looking for something. I could hear him mumbling human curses under his breath, frustrated. Finally, he nodded and pulled on something: It was a handle that was completely camouflaged into the rock wall! In one yank, a door slid open. I looked up at Burns, who grinned back at me.
"Well, you didn't think we were gonna make it visible, did you?" he asked, chuckling. Anderson turned toward me, noticing I was still in the passengers seat in the Warthog, still gripping the seat.
"You can get out now, Sol, as long as you don't rush in and do one of those wort wort wort things," he laughed.
Never had I been addressed as anything other than 'you' or 'Solonee'. The name Sol excited me, as if it was a symbol if a new start: a symbol of my breakaway from the Covenant and the war.
I slowly made my way out of the Warthog. Both marines were looking at me, waiting for me to enter. I stopped before the door and urged Burns to lead the way. He shook his head.
"Alien races first," he remarked, hopping in the drivers seat of the vehicle, "guide me down."
We guided the Warthog down the metal ramp to the second door, this one being large and metal. Anderson entered a code on the keypad, triggering the locks, opening the door. It revealed a giant room with soldiers running about grabbing weaponry, Warthogs and large metal vehicles, referred to as 'Scorpions', being driven out the opposite way, and the occasional wounded marine being helped through a side door into another room. Every soul in the base was doing something, no one relaxing. So this was what it looked like from the enemies point of view.
The ceiling had Automatic Turrets, similar to the ones we used on High Charity. It looked relatively amazing for a structure that was thrown together in only about a week.
My fascination was interrupted by shouts from passing Marines, some aiming guns at my face, some just standing there, stumped.
"Elite!"
"Somebody kill it, quick!"
"Don't let it get away!"
I looked all around, hoping there was a place to run to, searching for a hiding spot.
Not this time. Anderson grabbed me by the arm as I started walking backwards.
"Hey, he's with us!" he shouted.
Several Marines gasped, and one yelled "Sarge has gone crazy!"
"Yes, that's right. He's not an enemy. This is Sol, the Elite that saved my life. If any of you has a problem with that, you can come talk to me!"
The room went silent.
"Well, don't just stand there! I know I'm extremely attractive, but you don't have to look at me the whole goddamn day!"
He turned to me. "Welcome to the UNSC, Private Sol,"
Transmission interrupted: Please Stand By.
Searching for signal... Stand by
Signal found. Continue Transmission
Chapter 5
We're not that Sneaky Anyway.
"Welcome to the UNSC, Private Sol," said Anderson, clapping his hand on my back. He turned and strode away, accompanied by Burns, leaving me out in the open. I felt everyone's eyes focused on me.
Just as he made his way into another side room, possibly his private quarters, a soldier, bearing a furious look on his face, approached me, bringing four others with him.
Even as he stood inches from my face, his scowl didn't budge.
"Maybe Sarge is fooled by you. Maybe he thinks you're harmless. But in reality, you're a demon. You're a murderer."
"But..."
"Your race is the enemy, whether you think so or not. Just because you saved one of us does not mean we trust you. Your damned race killed my brother!" he yelled, and although he didn't mean or expect it, a tear dripped down his furious face. He wiped it away as quick as he could, still not losing the scowl.
I stood there, hoping he would leave, hoping for the worst to be over. It wasn't.
"You make one move against us, you fire one shot in our direction, I won't hesitate to kill you, no matter what Anderson thinks."
He gave out one more small tear, then shook his head and stormed away with the others.
************************************************************* *************************************
Kovalee paced back and forth through the Interrogation room. Surely Solonee would be here within the hour, along with the Humans, to try and rescue their fellow scumbags.
Two of the prisoners were killed when trying to fight off the guards and escape. The other four remained in their cells, tortured and weary. Soon they would be dead, along with the Heretic. For Kovalee, it was payback time.
He walked over to the cells, where the prisoners were being held.
"One of you will come with me. I have a job for you."
An entire Human alliance would soon be trapped within his grasp. His intent was to leave none alive.
************************************************************* **************************************
The room was at its loudest, everyone running back and forth, taking weapons of their choice. Anderson gathered about thirty marines, all huddled around him. I joined beside Burns.
"All right. The Covenant barricade is North of here. We'll be outnumbered by at least a hundred if we try to go through it. The only other option is to break North-East to get around it. We'll have to be extra quiet, though."
"Not such a good idea, Sarge. Our group tried the same thing a few days ago, attempting to steal from their armory. They've placed enormous guns on the peaks. One shot and the Warthog nearly was flipped over the mountain." said a man, leaning against a wall, completely outside of the group. His entire body was painted with bloodstains.
Anderson pondered this. For a moment, I thought he was going to inquire that we try to take that route, but he didn't. He said something much. much, worse.
"Men, new plan. We're gonna cut clean through the Covenant barricade," said Anderson, to my horror.
"Sir, last time we tried that we lost almost a quarter of our marines!" said Burns. I hoped that would cut though the Sergeant's idea. it didn't.
"Yeah but last time we didn't have a kick-ass Elite with us! Am I right marines?" Many eyes turned to me. Some groaned, others laughed.
Anderson shook his head, then yelled even louder than before " Am I right marines?"
"Sir yes sir!" many said in chorus. The group immediately split, while we all went to our respective Warthogs.
"Nervous, much?" asked Burns, as I climbed into the Warthog, a spare Carbine in my hand. He must have noticed me shaking in fear.
I didn't answer. Just shook. Believe it or not, I had fired maybe, ten shots in my life. I just wasn't the violent type. Hurting people was like hurting myself, in a way. I was once a peacful race. When I put on that red and gold battle armor, that all went away.
When we finally got going in the Warthog, Burns on the wheel, me in the passengers seat, Anderson beside us,we prepared our plans.
"I'm gonna take out those guns before anything. If it's placed on a peak, it should have a clear shot at you." said Anderson.
I looked up. What was I going to do? Hide behind rocks? No. This time I would fight. I would show them I wasn't afraid. Although, deep down, I was like a frightened young boy.
************************************************************* ************************************
He could sense that they were coming. The plan was going perfectly. He had sent one of the of the prisoners down to tell their leader about the fake guns, knowing that the man that shot him was ruthless, and wouldn't mind going through our barricade. Solonee would be an easy kill, now.
Kovalee felt the handle on his energy sword. With that weapon, he would clear the name for Elites everywhere.
It didn't suprise him when he heard "They're here! They're here!"
He drew his energy sword and ran to a window. In an upcoming Warthog, Solonee sat, a Carbine in hand. The leader wasn't driving, it was a younger man. Even better.
************************************************************* *************************************
I hopped out of the Warthog, not knowing what to do. Their were 'enemies' all around me, shooting furiously at the Humans, and every once in a while, at me.
"Snipers! Take them out!" yelled a marine, just before being felled by a purple beam. Sure enough, there were four jackals standing on top of the tower, picking off lazy marines. Within seconds, the battle was in full force.
"Sol, take them out! Quick!" yelled Burns, ducking behind the Warthog for cover.
Uneasily, I followed orders, aimed my Carbine right for the the Jackals head, and fired.
Down it went, rolling off the slant and down to the battlefield below.
I did the same with the other three. Every time I killed one, I ducked behind the Warthog so that the next didn't see me.
"Nice shots, man!" said Burns, getting up and firing an 'SMG' at an approaching Unggoy.
"The Heretic is mine! Do not let him get away!" sounded a loud, booming voice from inside the tower.
I didn't worry too much. I had my new allies to protect me from whoever that was. I continued firing my Carbine at grunts and Jackals. I didn't kill a Sangheili.
Under the armor, I knew that they were still a peaceful race. That they didn't want to be engaged in battle. I spared their lives, today.
Until it happened.
A figure stepped out of the building, energy sword in hand. His armor was shining silver. I knew who it was the second I made eye contact with him.
"Kovalee," I bellowed, watching him approach. Various people fired at him, but it was as if he didn't care. He just kept approaching me. For some odd reason, I didn't shoot.
"Remember me, Heretic? Remember how you abandoned me?" he said, gritting his teeth. He didn't waste much time. He charged at me, swinging wildly. I jumped to the left just in time. He swung again, this time at my neck. I dropped down, then pushed off my legs, rolling away and out of reach for his third attack.
"You coward! First you give our race a bad name, then you don't help in clearing it?" he snapped, unhappy with his first few misses.
"The prophet's death was not by my doing!" I yelled, attempting to clear my name.
"Liar!" he charged at me again, lunging at my legs. I jumped up and to the side, avoiding yet another attack.
"You are a liar and a coward. You don't deserve to serve the Covenant! You still think we are harmless, am I right? You are so wrong! We are a war species, and thats all we'll ever be!"
The words seemed to fly out of his mouth. That was all I could take. I felt that same rage I had felt on the Phantom, only fifty times worse. I finally stared him in the eyes. All the fighting had stopped, and everyone turned to us. I sprinted directly at Kovalee, then faked left an went right. He fell for it, swinging left.
Catching him off guard, I tackled him, knocking away the sword. He fell to the ground with all my weight on top of him. I threw punches so rapidly I couldn't even feel my hands anymore. Every punch gave me that feeling of hatred, delivering blows to his head.
"You will always... be a... heretic!" he bellowed in between punches. That set me on fire. I went berserk, and tightened my hands around his neck.
"I will kill you!" I screamed, tightening my grasp every few moments. But I didn't get more then ten seconds without 2 elites on top of me, pulling me off their leader. I tried my best to shake them, but with Kovalee squirming and two others, I had to let go, give up. The commotion came back into action, both armies shouting at each other, all racing toward me, whether they wanted to help or kill me.
The fighting started again, this time all directed at Kovalee and myself. I found myself sprawling on the ground, the two Elites holding me down for Kovalee . who ignored the pointless rounds being unloaded toward him. Rising to his feet, he smirked, raised his blade high into the air, then slowly guided it closer and closer to my chest.. It was the worst feeling I had ever felt, knowing I was about to die, knowing there was not escape.
Until he came by.
Kovalee toppled over me, the tip of the blade just missing my face by inches. I heard two Shotgun bursts go off, then the Elite Minors loosened their grip, and dropped dead beside me. I looked around nervously, only to find Anderson standing before me, shotgun in one hand, grenade in the other. He held a dark look on his face.
"Sol, get to a Warthog, go back to base. Don't look back," he said calmly, helping me to my feet and rushing me over behind a rock.
"But..."
"Now, Sol! You're a soldier now, and that's an order!"
I did his bidding and climbed into a Warthog. The controls weren't too complicated, and I was out in a few moments. I did look back, however, to see Anderson fighting off several elite majors. A Phantom took off moments later. I knew Kovalee was on board, probably watching me. Spying down from the ship, probably staring deep into my eyes.
"Who is the coward now?" I screeched, turning back to the wheel. I guided the Warthog back the way we came, not looking back. Uneasily, I pulled open the passageway and entered the code on the keypad.
I immediately sat down, right there one the floor, looking back into the base, which was almost empty, save for the few wounded marines. I breathed heavily, awaiting Anderson's safe return.
End Transmission
Chapter 5
Since you been gone
I didn't sleep much for three whole days, exploring the possible things that might have occurred. If Anderson was alive, why wasn't he back? If he was dead, then...
I stopped myself at that. Sergeant William Anderson was not dead. To me, it was almost as if he couldn't die, that he was invincible. He was the one that picked me up in the Warthog only six days ago, sparing my life, giving me food and shelter,
believing that I meant something to this world.
And then there was Kovalee, who had narrowly escaped in the Phantom. Surely he wasn't finished with me. No, by the power in his voice, I could feel that his ultimate goal was to watch me draw my final breath. I wouldn't give it to him so easily.
"We are a war species, and thats all we'll ever be!" the words still sounded in my ears. I began to feel as if I were the only Sangheili left. Those monsters on the battlefield were not Sangheili. They were nothing more then pawns for the Prophets. They were Elites. And although we came from the same world, our intents were different. Mine being to end the conflict in peace, and their's being to wipe out the entire Human race.
************************************************************* ***********************************
"Failure!" screeched Kovalee, pounding his fist on the wall of the Phantom. He had come so close to regaining his honor, when the Human leader had showed up.
Hatred filled his mind, filled his heart. Killing Solonee was all he cared about now, whether or not he died in the process.
The pilot was flying the Phantom around, going no where in particular, giving Kovalee time to think of his next plan.
This time, the Heretic would not escape, and Zens Kovalee would prove himself the Covenant's greatest warrior.
************************************************************* **************************************
"Don't worry about it man, Sarge isn't dead. He's probably on his way back right now!" said Burns, attempting to turn my emotions around. He had seen me sitting blankly, staring at the wall.
I didn't say anything. Just stared at the door, imagining Anderson opening it, appearing out of the air, being greeted by all his men, a smile spreading from ear to ear.
But it didn't happen. The door remained closed. When I finally lifted my head, I turned to Burns, frowning.
"What do we do now?"
He shrugged, "I don't know, I guess we just wait. I've never really done anything important without Sarge. He sorta guides me through things, helps me when I need it. Without him, I don't think I can fight."
I looked around the enormous room. No soldier smiled. They all had grim looks on their face, as if Anderson was already dead. As if they had lost the war. From time to time I would see them striding about the room, talking to each other silently. There was no laughing.
That night, when everyone retired, I swiftly snuck out of my room.
I managed to enter the main room unnoticed, and opened the doors, driving one of the Warthogs out into the night.
If Anderson wasn't coming back, I was coming for Anderson.
************************************************************* ************************************
When the anger finally died down a notch, Kovalee thought up an idea.
"He came in a human vehicle. He stopped at a human base," he said to the pilot, feeling a rush of adrenaline.
The pilot turned, "So? Wait, you're not insisting that we try to..." he never finished.
"Scan the ground. Find the base."
************************************************************* ***********************************
The cool night air felt good on my face. As I drove, I looked up into the stars every few moments, catching a glimpse of the world above. So calm and peaceful, where as this ring, this was a living hell.
I retraced the path I had taken to the tower, hoping Anderson would be somewhere around that area. Over steep mountains and through narrow tunnels, I guided the Warthog to the interrogation tower.
I stopped when a large pile of rock lay in my way. It took me a few seconds to take in that the rubble was the tower we had fought at only four days ago. A simple explosion probably could have brought the entire structure down.
Over the rubble, I heard voices.
"Is it dead?"
"How should I know? Go touch it with something."
"I'm not going to touch it! It may be alive!"
"Then we'll know if it's dead."
I walked stealthily up the rocks, just enough so that I could see what they were doing. There were four Minor Elites, and a Jackal sniper. But that wasn't all.
William Anderson was lying flat on his back, motionless.
************************************************************* **************************************
There was a bang on the door. All the Marines looked up in joy.
"Sarge!" yelled a soldier, sprinting to open the door. Cheers rose from everyone as the marine typed the numbers in the keypad. Some two hundred marines ran into the main room, waiting for Anderson to come striding in.
The moment the lock was released, the soldier was knocked flat on his back, coughing and sputtering.
Nine Major Elites entered through the doorway, soon followed by Zens Kovalee, Energy Sword drawn and ready.
"Kill them all, bring Solonee to me!" he yelled, lifting up the injured marine, then running the blade through his chest.
Burns, taking action as quick as he could, made a jump for the weapon rack, extracting a BR55 Battle Rifle, only to be nailed hard with a blue plasma burst to the arm. Within seconds, the battle, or attack, rather, was underway.
Blood flooded the room, a chaotic amount of plasma bursts seemed to be endless, flying from one side of the room to the other.. To make matters worse, the attack was followed up by two Hunters, each causing mayhem with their Fuel Rod Cannons. Very few Humans had even armed themselves yet, still in shock that this could have happened so quickly.
"Where is he? Has abandoned his own damned alliance?" Kovalee screamed, showing no mercy to anyone. Anyone that came within range of him was instanly slaughtered.
Then he really lost it.
"If you do not tell me where he is, I shall dispose of all of you. You have thirty seconds."
The fighting stopped briefly.
"For the love of god, we don't know where Sol is!" yelled one brave Marine, shaking his head furiously. Kovalee slowly, carefully cocked his head toward him.
"You have given me no choice. It's a shame you all had to die like this," he said, not really meaning it.
The marines stood still for a moment, then tried to argue, but Kovalee simply turned his back to them, and started out the door.
"Take this, Squid face!" barked a marine, sprinting at Kovalee, winding up for a punch. Without looking back, Kovalee, tossed a Plasma Grenade, over his shoulder, landing square on the soldiers chest. The Humans looked away, then decided not to fight. It was over.
Four Phantoms waited outside, guns pointed at the base. When Kovalee opened the secret door, the Captain nodded.
"Burn this place to the ground."
************************************************************* ***************************************
"Let's take it back to the ship. I'll bet Kovalee will want to see it," said one. I turned my open hand into a fist, and stood on top of the rubble. I peered around. Kovalee's energy sword still lay beside Anderson, where he had dropped it. I waited for their backs to be turned, and then slid down the rocks, charging at the Elite closest to me.
He whirled around just in time so that I could deliver a punch straight to his jaw, knocking him of his feet. I picked up the sword handle, activating it, releasing a burst of plasma. The group readied their guns.
"You will not touch him," I bellowed, holding the sword to to another Elite's neck. He snorted
"Says who?"
I brought the blade closer to his neck, gritting my teeth.
He didn't seem frightened at all. In fact, he seemed to be laughing! And I found out why a moment later.
Another one of them jumped me from behind, catching me off guard. As we made our way to the hard ground, I stuck the sword through his stomach. He let out a gasp of pain, then lay motionless. I raised myself up, and stepped on his body.
The others backed off, and one pleaded "Alright, you may have him!"
"Too late," I bellowed, my heart racing.
All the feelings I had for non violence drifted away. I leaped four feet and quickly slashed twice at the third Elite's leg, causing him to colapse and roll down the steep hill leading all the way down to the lake. The other fired his Plasma Rifle numerous times, only to have me quickly step to the side and thrust the sword through him. The Jackal tried to use the Beam RIfle while they were down, but couldn't seem to hit the mark at close range. Within a second , I punched the Jackal in the head, cracking its birdlike skull.
I knelt down to Anderson once I was sure they were all dead. His face was more pale then usual. His usual neat hair was hanging down, almost covering his eyes.
I checked for a heartbeat. His heart was beating, but he was unconsious. I sighed, lowering my head.
Dead or alive, the Covenant had attacked my ally. I rose my head and gave a loud war cry that everyone within miles could here. As if to say 'come fight me,' as if to say 'now it's on.'
End Transmission
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