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To their well-deserved credit, none of the lost rebels complained or even expressed discontent with their situation, though they would certainly have had a hard time doing so even if they weren't concentrating with all their being on putting one foot in front of the other. Mikka had a hard time grasping the concept of how Urien and Tras'Lok could continue to not walk, but jog down these claustrophobic tunnels two miles after the battle with that building sized beast. His guess was not an approximation either, shortly after they'd distanced themselves from what he'd dubbed the 'Flood Chamber', their equipment had begun to function again. Breathless, the three companions, a Hunter, a Hari-Key, and a Torra plodded to a stop and flopped on the ground. "Arms-Master." He could barely manage out of his depleted lungs. "We require a brief respite."
The great warrior paused in mid-step, turned in an extraordinary feat of flexibility, and nodded. "Hold this position, then. Urien and I shall forge ahead and see if we can't locate the index chamber. Our communications gear should be in usable condition, therefore you will report every even interval you feel prudent, Lord Masanee'."
"Understood Arms-Master." He wheezed, and turned to the others. The two were already gone before he had completed his simple gesture. After he felt he could speak without stuttering, he looked over his charges. He had obviously been placed in command. Kodos seemed well enough, his heavy armor had made him reek of brine and sea flora, the smell associated with his race's perspiration. He carried himself stoically, as always. He did not anticipate there being any trouble with him. Snuggle was a different story, she would be running out of methane by now. Field operations where the rebreathers could replenish their supply using local vegetation, or at least keep the depletion thin enough for a use of two days were fine. Confined spaces with physical exertion she would not normally be used to would have a significant effect on her equipment's performance. With each breath she would be wasting much more than a trained member of her race. A concern that needed to be addressed immediately, in his opinion.
"Snuggle." She did not reply. He glanced over in her direction, dragging his eyes off the various blood stains covering Kodos. She was sleeping fitfully with her head nestled in her paws. He nudged her, eliciting an annoyed sounding garble. It had the desired effect, she came to and turned to him. "Your methane reserves seem to be running out. If they aren't refilled within the hour you will die of suffocation. Any suggestions?"
"Oh, so glad you remind me." She snapped. He expected her to be on edge, all of them were. The confined space and tedious march without any real leadership had drained them mentally and physically. He glanced at Kodos in a silent plea for assistance, fortunately, the massive Hunter did not desert him. He lifted his shield, pulled himself to his feet and picked the grunt up by her rebreather.
"We will press on." Mikka dragged himself up much as Kodos had, feeling his muscles protest most adamantly. They felt like rocks, were loosing feeling rapidly. The only advantageous thing he'd gained was air in his lungs that did not sting. With the Hunter carrying Snuggle, she would lose significantly less methane, considering she would not be exerting herself overmuch. He envied his large companion, carrying heavy armor, fuel-rod, shield and Hari-Key with added weight. His endurance was impressive, even among his own race.
They traveled through twist and turn, passing humming things, strobe lights, flashing indicators, flickering markers- ultimately finding no sign of either Tras'Lok or Urien. It allowed them time for their minds to imagine, something which they were given very little time to exercise, occupations being what they were. Mikka cared little for covering his back, even mounting sufficient watch duty was an effort beyond his capabilities. He was in short exhausted. Snuggle's quiet snoring brought a smile to his face.
"I did not think females could snore." He was going out on thin limbs by addressing the Hunter, who would either refrain from answering, making him look like a fool, or continue their conversation. He was glad Kodos chose the latter.
"On my homeworld, it is widely believed that most indigenous wildlife is completely female. Asexual. Incredibly strange, our scientists have devoted years to studying the phenomenon."
"On my homeworld, I once heard of a warrior who could snore so loudly that with each breath, the very mountains would shake. There is a folktale where the warrior's snoring ended up destabilizing a mountain so much, that a large rockslide fell onto an army bound for a prominent Lord's stronghold. Needless to say the prominent Lord never made it home."
After a curiously curious guffawing sound, Kodos turned his visor onto him. "Your vibrant tale possesses an adequate moral?"
"Yes." He searched briefly, finding the appropriate quote from his brain. "Never bring a warrior who snores very loudly on a trip through mountainous regions prone to rock, mud, or landslides."
"Very wise precaution." There was no sarcasm involved, only appreciation. Simple sentiment, simply stated. He knew Kodos would appreciate just such a story. What he did not know was that he would bother to initiate another subject. "In our conflict with that... creature, you fought well. Fought like the very spirit of death itself. Tras'Lok, I am aware his capabilities. But I daresay without you we would have been lost."

Mikka felt his eyes register uncertainty, his bones electrify with embarrassment, with gratitude, denial. Surely he was but a minor piece of the grand puzzle. Without the others, he would not have been able to do what he had done. More than probable, his actions, and their apparent success were based off pure luck more than any other thing. He would tell his companion this. "I think not. I am merely a humble Torra, nothing I could ever do has any merit. It is thanks to you, and Tras'Lok and Urien, that we were successful."
"Cite whatever non-truth, know that your company is appreciated." It felt good to hear those words, each honest statement of gratitude, or even of confirmed friendship, gave him strength. They could overcome their plights together, just as they did helping one another walk. Hope had not died for him yet. In spite of his carefully concealed emotion, he laughed.
"The Arms-Master cannot be too far ahead. Can you move faster?"
"Yes. The Hary-Key's methane supplies have stabilized, for the present. I will continue to transport her, relying on caution."
"I hear and understand. Let us go, then."
When one is unoccupied, or more precisely bored, time has a way of dragging on, making mere minutes seem hours. The feeling he was getting was very similar, only minutes were seconds, and hours were days. He held his attention to the space in front of him, each step carrying him further and further along, closer he hoped, to the surface. Or at the very least, to their goal of claiming the index Shade needed. The index that Shade wishes me to take. His sudden revision startled him, he did not normally consider himself a blind soldier following whatever orders were given. It only struck him now that this was just what he was, trusting completely in others, always faithful to authority's greater wisdom because his own insecurities clouded his sight. How young he had been before circumstance forced him into what he was now, mere hours from his past. He would have liked to reflect for a greater length on just why he had changed, but the sudden appearance of a fork in the tunnel demanded his attention. It was a complicated choice, one of the most heavy burdens to decide despite its core simplicity.
"Mikka." Kodos adjusted Snuggle's position on his shoulder, waking her up. "Which direction do you believe we should travel?"
Assuming the holographic video feeds he'd once seen from another scouting expedition onto a Halo, the area, as he already knew, was called 'Library.' Which meant that no matter which direction they traveled they would end up at a dead end. He considered the options they had for a few moments. They could simply remain stationary where they were and hope that others would come for them, but they ran the risk of having the aliens catch up to them and he did not fancy doing battle in the state he knew they were in. They could retreat back the way they had come, which to him seemed rather pointless. Moving forward was the only option they had if Snuggle was to be brought out alive.
"Forward." He allowed his jaws to click together, perhaps seeming studious. "Either way we eventually end up somewhere other than here."
"Agreed." Kodos first looked down the left tunnel, then the right. "Which direction have the Arms-Master and Urien forged?"
It was apparent to him that had they been thinking rightly when they passed this way, they would have left some marker to indicate their chosen way. He knew that Kodos was thinking the same thing by the careful searching he seemed to be doing, slowly scanning every discreet place, obvious or not. Mikka immediately decided to follow suite, his mind mostly worried for the safety of Snuggle, this did not aid him in any way, for he knew that he was growing panicked. He could not let Snuggle die, it was vital her life be saved if for no other reason than the fact that she'd probably saved his. After an age fruitlessly searching, he heard a brief clang of metal on metal. He looked up to see Kodos nursing a sore joint.
"We go left." Snuggle rasped semi-consciously.
In silence the trio moved on. Mikka was aware of his surroundings, it was just that he currently paid little attention to them. So confined were his perceptions he nearly tripped over the wire in front of him. He barely had the time he needed to stop, but as luck would have it he was able to place a shaking hand on the wall, halting any progress by desire or momentum. Every muscle in his body trembled. His eyes had only just compensated themselves to visualize the veritable net of hair-thin stuff. It was arrayed from both walls, floor and ceiling, blocking all progress. Some had already begun to cut into his skin. So sharp was each strand that even the body could not gratify itself to falling apart until several seconds had elapsed. He was glad that he'd noticed it soon enough, only his wrist and forearm bled. "Hold, go no further!" He shouted in order to gather Kodos's attention, and make his command clear. The urgency he'd voiced would be no small help. Slowly, he withdrew his lacerated flesh, preying no snagging occurred.
Wincing, his eyes narrow in concentration, Mikka gave one final tug and stumbled back, keeping as much pressure to the wound as he could manage.
"Clever ambush. A dirtier trick than even the Humans would stoop to." The Hunter was visibly troubled, but he controlled himself, calmly glancing behind them to ensure none were advancing or preparing to fire.
He regarded the Hunter for a moment, then clenched the fist of his wounded arm, causing more blood to flow forth . The tension helped him deal with the pain however, and steady his sword arm. The heat from his activated energy blade washed over him like a violent stroke, making his vision close in around him, grow dim, spotty with red.
His body began to have a fit, forcing him to drop his weapon, its very construction vaporizing it so that an enemy could not wield it. Reflexively he swore, even as he sighed with relief for the lack of strain the blade's absence allowed. "I cannot do this."
He leaned on the wall, slid down to a seated position. He could feel Kodos staring down on him with disapproval, practically feel the waves of resentment radiating off him for showing such weakness, such cowardly actions. Instead, Kodos leaned on his shield, his voice gentle but firm with conviction; and remarkably, hints of the same exhaustion he'd just allowed to overcome him. "I understand." He gently set Snuggle down, and proceeded to do the same for himself.
The Hari-Key began to mumble to herself, sentences that seemed to have no point, or even any small logic. She was beginning to show symptoms of hallucination.
The trio sat in the gloom, none daring to so much as look at another of their small company. It was like playing a game of strategy with two sides, a red and a blue. Both competitors were capable leaders and generals, but the cunning of the red inevitably overran the shrewd nature of the blue, and although the blue knew he was defeated regardless of what he did, he still did not wish to admit his position for fear of realizing that he was not so shrewd as he first thought. A grim outlook, Mikka admitted. Had they any chance at all? Even if his body had not failed him, those wires could not have stood for the many millennia he knew this Halo to be in existence if they were not resistant to whatever might contend their timelessness.

"How can we pass these?" He asked his question after finding himself unable to answer. Having addressed no one it particular, it remained unanswered.
He brought his eyes to the wire net, peering passed it Perhaps it wasn't even necessary to go in that direction, they could always double back and take the other route. Struggling to find some small hope he could latch onto, Mikka probed the depths. He could imagine a large vice closing in on him from all sides, and a large beast waiting in the tunnel to snap him in half beyond what currently blocked their progress. The vengeance of the creature he'd helped kill, he laughed humorlessly.
Wait... there was something there, he had not seen it before.
A body in the dark, unawares that they were there, thus completely unresponsive to their presence. It had not moved in some time, he noted. It could very well be dead. Seeing no other alternative, however, he decided to try the only thing he could think of. He did not need the council of his comrades, they would surely have done the same. He felt Kodos shift, in some small exhibit of intuition. He too was looking down the tunnel. If he used a tone of authority it would be more likely to respond. "You there, identify yourself!"

Little reaction followed his command. He flipped on the lights mounted to his armor. "Gods above." His voice sounded small in his ears. "It is Shade."
"And there is something moving beyond her."
Using the shadows passed her prone form as cover, figures darted across the hallway and hovered in the air. Their cold metallic chassis reflected any light that hit them, prevented it from causing undue marking of position. Despite a lack of any visible leadership, they moved in fine rank, all twelve; from what Mikka could tell.
"Ah, hello!" Came the enthusiastic chatter from above. Startled, he leapt back, bringing up his fists in defense, woes forgotten as adrenaline flooded through his system, refining his co-ordination. He could see his body being bathed in white-ivory light, subject to scrutiny by the floating monitor robot. He had seen it pass by him on a few occasions aboard the Uzumri. Only now did he care for its presence, indeed even bother to remember its name, because it could prove vital. 424 Gallant Claw.
Mikka relaxed. Slowly. The monitor gyrated left, then right; gazing at Snuggle and Kodos before settling back on him again. It seemed to be bobbing up and down, examining everything.
"What are you doing here?"
"I offer my significant assistance." Its voice was an annoying whine, but he cared less for that than the sentinel drones aimlessly waiting on their master. Contrary to their usual chrome plating, they were a rich violet, like the thin armoring on a hover-sled, or 'ghost' as some had taken to calling them. Soft blue light emanated from their visual apertures.
His concerns were now twofold, the safe return of his comrades, and locating the index. He could not, however, see to both. Surely, Shade could understand saving lives over finding a simple material item? After all, in the several philosophies he knew, life always held infinitely more value than anything one creature might possess.
Hopefully the monitor would pull his weight, listen to his request and grant it. He saw no other way of proceeding onward. "I need you to cut these wires."
"Query: In definition, requiring several precision lacerations employing laser or plasma tools."
A wave of tension crawled up his spine. Not now!
"Yes!" His agitation was plain, he had not the time for this, he needed to get everyone safely away from this place. "Move quickly."
"Affirmative. If only for the Reclaimer." His mechanical eye fluttered. In an inhuman burst, the strange violet sentinels sprang into action, weaving around one another like ghostly spirits. "The Female's vital signs are nearly fading. But stable."
In no time at all they'd cut every last strand and been duly warned to step carefully, so as not to carve pieces out of the soles of their feet. This wire is decidedly lethal stuff. Mikka, once over the threatened floor, darted to Shade and began his examination. Without her, he feared there would be some form of power struggle, and dared not think of the ramifications. Mutiny was certainly spoken of among the ranks, but without first recognizing a leader there would be brutally messy fights to determine who was capable enough for the position, which he was certain would be their undoing in the long run. He, unlike many, knew where his loyalties lie. She had done him a favor at least once, after all. He owed her a debt. It was time to ensure that contract was sealed.
"Gallant Claw." He did not turn his head, crouching near his monarch. It was a marvel she was still alive, let alone capable of making it as far as she had before collapsing. Had it been blind chance she'd found her way back into the library? Or had she simply been left for dead and in half-sensible condition navigated her way to another entrance?
It mattered little either way. They needed a way out. "If you have any sort of transportation, we need it now. Lives will be lost if we don't find medical attention."
Gallant Claw bobbed his head. "Affirmative." The sentinels lined up in two rows on either side of the hall, mimicking a standard column formation. "This direction. No shoving." Coming from anything else that would have sounded utterly childish. He settled on the fact that the construct was probably meant to be as protective as a teacher of young. When everyone was suitably ready, or in the case of Shade and Snuggle, settled on and unlikely to fall off Kodos, they proceeded at pacing to a forced march. At this point the knew they could not afford to mask their footfalls, so naturally he didn't try. They proceeded through many interesting hallways, twisting, moving up and down ramps, sometimes even dropping into pits and moving over narrow beams. He found himself concentrating less and less on the well being of others, the scenery, and just thinking about putting one foot in front of the other. Falling off was out of the question. Now was one of the times he was grateful for the rigorous training he'd been put through. If nothing else, it made him more physically capable.
"Ah, we have acquired our destination."
Mikka heaved a sigh, and increased his speed, jogging up the ramp-like tunnel until he reached the mouth, where he could stare out into the evening sky. Not quite starry nor sunny. Perfectly free of clouds. The air was fresh, and strangely animals scurried about completely oblivious. True, they had not learned to fear new creatures, yet there had to be some instinct to flee. When he saw the Dropship, T-sectioned and heroic, he allowed himself a gasp, turning back to find Kodos trudging steadily up the tunnel. Single-minded, the Hunter did not stop to admire what was around him as he had, but moved to the Dropship and relieved it of a spare Methane Rebreather. Together, they crouched near the Hari-Key healer. She was not breathing any longer. Before he knew what he was doing, he'd torn the previous mask free and replaced it with the on attached to the tank Kodos was holding. "Wake up, tiny canine." He offered. "Your life is here." No answer. But then, had he truly expected there to be one?
Yes. I won't let any comrade die. He clenched his jaws tightly, and pressed hard. A choked gasp escaped her body, followed by a tense inhale, a furious fit of coughing. Greedily, the Hari-Key clutched the rebreather mask to her face, sucking in every ounce her throat would allow as her eyes blinked rapidly in recognition. Life, it seemed, was far more appealing than the prospect of dying without the taste of the world on tongue.
"Our first pleasant news in some time." The Hunter laughed, collapsing onto his back.
"Rest, mighty Kodos. If any is more deserving it is you." On shaking legs he stood, resenting the fact that they felt like jelly, and gimped his way to Shade, where he fell on his hands, grunting in satisfaction. Rest felt good, they now had Gallant Claw's sentinels covering their backs. Time to ensure that Shade would live. During his initial cursory examination, he noted her breathing. True to the claim of Gallant Claw, she appeared stable. She took in enough, ridded herself of what was not needed. Even heart beat, which was in a scientific sense remarkable, considering what she must have been through to get here. She was strong, he nodded his head in appreciation. What needed attention were the numerous cuts, else she lose too much blood. The swelling would have to be dealt with first, however. He couldn't truly deduce her physical condition until that died down, if it was allowed to continue it might cause complications.
"My Lord Kodos!" He quickly began to remember proper respects and speech, now that he was out of danger. "I require a cold plasma pack!"
He heard the grass rustle, looked back to see Shade's eyes flutter open and quickly looked away. If she was awake, he would certainly have a problem when she came to her senses. He felt a small stab of regret, and quashed it immediately. He needed his full attention.
"Warrior, hear me," She spoke in a rasp, her every muscle tense as if the very act of speech was eating her alive from the inside. "there is a device-
"I know, my Lady. Tras'Lok is retrieving the index, fear not." He hoped his tone was gentle, soothing enough. Her eyes looked enraged, either at having been seen as she was, or being interrupted. That anger ended with the widening of her eyes, a slight tremor. With a sigh that lasted a half second, she was gone again. Just as well, this would be easier without her trying to pulverize him for what he supposed she would consider impudence. Steps heavy and mismatched, Kodos dropped what he'd asked for in front of him. Without losing a beat, he picked the cold plasma bag off the ground and placed it on Shade's head, molding it around the top and side of her swollen eye. One never placed cold objects directly on the eye when treating pain in that general area. It was from one class he'd taken to heart deeply, basic healing in the field. It seemed to him, waiting for the swelling to become more manageable, that the wounds on her body were slowly but surely knitting themselves together. If he blinked he would miss the smallest change in the size, when he stared for a time there appeared to be no change at all. It was strange. Like her body was indeed healing itself, only sometimes it was too self-conscious to bother when another set of eyes was watching it. He was immediately reminded of a Torra, incensed that they were naked.
Mikka leaned back, using Kodos for an impromptu post. The Hunter did likewise with him, and soon they fell into a habit of staring off into the distance. Snuggle crawled over at some point, he felt her thick fur cushioning his arm from the vanguard of the cold wind that had minutes ago, began seeping into the swamp. Gallant Claw would glide by from time to time, humming merrily. After they had unsuccessfully attempted to contact Tras'Lok, it was the only break in an otherwise boring and uneventful vigil.
"Swamps shouldn't get cold like this, should they?" Came the hesitant voice of Snuggle.
"This occurs only when ill things happen." Kodos shifted. "Such as one thing partaking a meal of another."
"Great." She offered with dry humor. "I almost died down below, and now a tall fellow with big teeth is going to eat me."
Interested, Mikka offered his own comment. "I had thought, Lord and Lady, that Tras'Lok was vegetarian." He could almost feel Kodos smirking. Truly, the Arms-Master deserved respect and admiration, but somehow he recently found himself believing there was a zealously flawed component to his character. Too serious, perhaps. Snuggle let out a brief bark, half yelp half growl.
"What do we do?" She set her paw on his arm.
That was a good question, after ensuring Shade was in good condition, they had no set objective. They needed to remain with the Dropship now, if they wanted to ensure they had a ride off the Halo. He thought for a moment, and spoke only when he knew he had the right idea. "We shall remain here, and await further orders from the Arms-Master. Think. None here are in any condition to act, and doing that would force us to abandon the Dropship so conveniently provided by Gallant Claw. We will not do that."
"Organic, you exhibit intelligence. I am yet uncertain how you'd concluded that I arrived aboard this particular vessel but-
He did not listen. In fact, he kept on speaking as if it hadn't attempted to enter their conversation at all. Whether or not it knew it was being rude could be ruled later, complimenting him or not. "What made me your superior?"
Surprised, Kodos turned around completely, his inclination of his head doing all the talking for him. Snuggle was slightly more verbose. "Well, you are a capable leader."
He frowned. He was not a leader, only lucky. Kodos would have done just as well in his position, if their roles had been reversed. He was confident of that. But he soon felt an empty hole in the pit of his stomach. If he was their leader, that meant their friendship was only a temporary thing. Good for the field of battle and not growing beyond that. Before he knew the words were leaving his mouth, he was delivering a sentence he'd heard a hundred times and dismissed as cliché rambling. "None here lead any other. There is only friendship. Agreed?"
"Agreed." Kodos offered solemnly. "It is good to know there is a Torra who remains with his feet to the soil."
"Whatever you say, Great Leader." The Healer gave him a good-natured clap on the shoulder, adjusting the position of her rebreather and standing. "Although, it is a bit odd..."
He clicked his jaws in the manner of a curious gesture.
"That we haven't been attacked by the aliens yet. They know we're here." She finished.
"I do not complain." He glanced at Shade once more, listened closely. She was in far too good a condition, he admitted. Far too good. Things were not what they seemed. Now that he actually devoted his energy to reviewing their situation, nothing added up. They had made their way the library unmolested. Probably due to the interaction of Gallant Claw. But how had Shade managed to find her way ahead of them, let alone been able to move at all when the alien creatures had been so close behind them, and literally on top of her?
It was a pity that Gallant Claw picked that moment to interrupt his thoughts, otherwise he might have seen the trap for what it was before the Doomharrow lost yet another battle.

"Organics, I have recently received a transmission originating from another organic. Designation 'Tras'Lok." His speech was systematic to the point where even another machine would weep with envy. Synthesized perfectly, save for the annoying whine, which unknown to Mikka bothered many more than just his own self. Snuggle's eyes jerked up in unison with his own. He hadn't expected that to happen so soon.
"What were the contents?" His voice sounded childish even to him.
The monitor replayed the message using some sort of holographic projector on his outer shell, and waited for their response. To say the least it was hurried. Supporting one another, Kodos and himself grunted with the effort of hauling their collective bulks off the ground, then hefted Shade and stumbled toward the Dropship, Snuggle hot on their trail. Three Covenant shambling for a ship, panting and hollering like wolf cubs ought to hearten any marine in any crisis, and thankfully none were present. Otherwise they might begin to doubt they weren't dreaming.
Mikka first settled Shade securely, going so far as to initiate the gravity clamps in case they were forced into a crash landing. He settled himself in the pilot's seat and made sure the others were in before closing the pod doors. The holographic interface scrawled numerous hieroglyphs across his face. Mentally, he picked some, and let his hands do their part. The kickback he received as the hovering mechanisms engaged was minimal, meaning they were in good shape for all sorts of daring aerobatics. Hopefully he would need none. He hit the acceleration, and angled the craft upward, replaying Tras'Lok's words in his head as he leveled off, smoothing out the ship's flight path. Once they hit cruising speed, he leaned back in the odd depression where he sat.

"We have obtained Shade's index, Lord Masanee'." The Arms-Master held up a green bar-like object. "Without complicating circumstances. There is something you may wish to see. Present yourself before me immediately, our focusing beacon should lead you to me."

The transmission ended there. It was vague, a thing that made him want to go there for no better reason than to find out why he was being so guarded about whatever it was he knew. Mikka watched clouds pass by, imaging their shapes were something other than they were. Giant monsters, great warships, castles. If only it could be so simple, so peaceful. But then there would be no curiosity. He disregarded the fanciful notion, straightened his posture. He kicked up the speed a notch and enjoyed the results as he was forced back into his seat. He would be the only one to feel the change. It felt good.
The landing area was so small he almost missed it, a tower peeking just above the treetops of a green forest. That was different. Usually the library remained only under the swamp region of Halo. He clicked his jaws, and considered his options. The smartest thing to do would be to clear the area of hostiles and land gently on the ground, where they could then enter the structure. But Mikka was never on par when it came to thinking smart. He slowed the dropship, and hit the comm. "Landing will be strenuous. Take hold an object."
On the ground a Quizal blinked, scratching the leathery skin that formed the plumes on her head. With a great crash of metal to metal, the U-shaped prongs crushed the tower's pinnacle between them, jarring the craft's boarding ramps open with the impact. Or so it seemed. The roar of a fuel-rod gun sounded twice, marking the fall of a tree that formed an effective ramp from tower to ground, down which Snuggle was sliding, carefully avoiding molten drops of plasma. She did a double-take, and found the infamous three checking themselves over at the base of the tree they'd just felled. Some truly did know how to make the simplest things overdramatic. Urien stalked forward, putting on her usual appearance.
"This way." She began walking.
"Gods that kick me off a high cliff, Mikka, where did you learn to pilot aerial craft?"
The Torra eyed his companions with what he hoped didn't look entirely ridiculous, an awkward expression that bunched his face with uncertainty. "I... my hands slipped." He pointedly turned his gaze on Kodos. "Tell me, what was your excuse?"
The Hunter crossed his arms, a position that looked somewhat strange as he tried to peek out from the gap between his cannon and shield. "My finger was influenced by slight of hand."
Snuggle laughed. "You mean your finger slipped."
"Precisely."
Urien wheeled on them. "This is no time for games!" Her mouth had curved up into a vicious snarl that made even the Hunter flinch. Eyes wide and angry, she pointed an accusing finger at Mikka. "Because of your outright stupidity our position sticks out like the warts on a marsh lizard."
She did not yell, nor was she cold. Angry in the way a pair of friends were when they wanted to express annoyance without hurting one another's feelings. "The aliens will be right on top of us. They should have in that tunnel, and need I remind you your conditioning is horrible, you will schedule further training sessions when we return to the Uzumri. Now come!"
There was obviously a power trip going through her head. Mikka did not bother to comment, what twisted his brain was that she was absolutely right about them. Their conditioning had to be slipping, otherwise they would have been able to keep pace with the others. It was in a way humbling, after having defeated a creature easily twenty times their size, that they had such a flaw. But it was a flaw they could not afford to allow. He followed meekly, mindful of the lesson.
"If the Quizal had paid any attention," Kodos muttered. "she would recall this neither time nor place." Gods help him if he didn't smile just a little.
His first steps into the control room went unnoticed by its former sole occupant, respectfully, he allowed his feet to clash loudly with the floor, resulting in a comforting pattern of steps. The Arms-Master, slightly taller than an average Torra, merely turned and regarded him with an enigmatic calm.

"I realize our presence places us in danger here, but until we have a means of transporting ourselves without being burned from the skies, Lord Mikka Masanee', we shall have a conversation." He clasped both hands behind his back, an uncharacteristic show of security and trust for a warrior of his caliber, who was so tense it was as if he expected a new, unexpected threat to just out and attempt to kill him at any moment.
He quickly checked his demeanor before he responded. When Torra spoke in that tone they were either about to do something two-faced or, in the case of Tras'Lok, zealous in their duty to whatever they currently believed.
"There is something you should know first." His unfamiliarity with the prose of nobility showed, he could see that from the way Snuggle flinched. The Hari-Key were far more intelligent than many gave them credit for. "The Lady survived. We've taken the precaution of placing her within the Dropship Gallant Claw... obtained. I am less concerned with his intentions than our possibility of escaping this area alive and intact."
"Noted. What we have discovered here the Doomharrow shall know as fact. I advised the Lady after experiencing the odd occurrence of time dilation that we should proceed to our forces on Biraak and assist them, which at first glance she seemed to oblige. Many questions were raised when she turned our course around completely to journey to this Halo."
To this he had one simple response. "Justified, I should imagine."
"No. Regardless we followed her orders faithfully, as we have always done. But there are those who do not take so kindly to our mandate being further delayed by her personal vendettas and machinations. One such group was a small squad of Hunters, who for their forthrightness were slaughtered like common pests. The Hunters were immediately forced to display their dislike of the situation while the Quizal felt their rights were upheld. As always, the Hari-Key felt neutral. Needless to say, politically we are in a state of chaos. This will only be worsened once the rest of the surviving warriors know that Shade seeks the Index in order to activate a super weapon of the old race. Nothing so primitively effective as the Halos. They wouldn't be so riled up if it was in order to further their goals, but only one can control it. Presumably being Shade, you can see why they would not enjoy such an outcome. They do not like Shade."
"You follow her." Was all he could say. Kodos shuffled, uncomfortable with long social interactions be they formal or otherwise.
"Shade did have potential once. But her short life reflects upon every being around her. She is young. Can be manipulated easily if you realize how she thinks. Her passions cloud her judgment. I believed she could bring our goal to us, once; but now I know that is not so. I follow because I am honor-bound to do so."
Attempting to figure the arms-master's person was like trying to talk to a metal wall in an attempt to see if it had feelings. Mikka let loose a sigh and pushed his mind back to the initial purpose of their meeting.
"What was it you wished that we know?" He took a deliberate step back, remaining neutral in his beliefs. If he was reading everything correctly, Tras'Lok was contemplating a civil war within a civil war. Contemplating turning the Doomharrow against one another. He knew most would follow the arms-master, but it was a distraction none of them could afford if they expected to win their freedom from the Prophets and their dictatorship.
Tras blinked, turned to face the largest display in the room, and began speaking again. "Firstly, I was able to conduct several scans of Shade's current condition as we marched here. Her physiology is remarkable, she can go three days without sleep, functioning at peak capacity, needs only sparingly to consume meals. Her body destroys all unneeded nutrients, keeps her in good fitness despite not having trained for some time. Her five senses are exceptional to the point where I find it difficult to believe she fails to notice as much as she does. All sicknesses are destroyed by her body before they even reach her, but this lends an unforeseen weakness. Things injected directly into her seem to have a greatly multiplied effect. A mild sedative to you or I is akin to a lethal, fast acting nerve agent to her."
"Why do you confide this in me, my Lord?"
"Patience, Mikka. All will become clear if you would listen." Urien was quick to intervene, allowing her master to continue as if uninterrupted.
"Her DNA is just as complete, nothing has been wasted. The strange finds are rather interesting, it is not the qualities I've already mentioned that grant me a moan of disbelief, but the apparent physical and emotional flaws. She has the joints and bodily capacity to move at least as rapidly, if not three times as rapidly as the dreaded Spartan warriors who have caused so much trouble in the past. But she refuses to move even one quarter that potential speed, regardless if her life is jeopardized. Again, her keen senses are impressive, though this is eclipsed by the fact that she must constantly hold them in restraint else the flood of input drive her insane. Her world possesses a speed that neither of us could conceive. In the right circumstances, she can literally slow down the flow of time. Not literally, but from a view of her eyes. The passage of a bolt of plasma whipping by our heads would seem instantaneous. But to her, she could watch every stage of its movement and contemplate its nature, taking what would seem like an eternity. However, it is important to remember that though she can perceive the world as a slow picture in these rare moments, she cannot act with any more haste than she normally might wish. Her brain is just as great a marvel as any other thing. Effectively the container of all that she is, as you would expect. Her intelligence is remarkable, she can solve the most complicated textbook battle maneuvers in seconds, always applying every outcome. Her mind is by no means traditional, however. It works like an animal trapped in a hunter's snare, fighting with everything it has until it thinks it has lost all hope. Cunningly employing tricks even I would never imagine. If she was completely detached, completely at her center she could, perhaps, be one of the most devastating generals that ever existed."
"But...?" He'd entirely forgotten Snuggle was there. She was taking everything in with more concentration that he would have expected. Being a scientist and healer as she was, it seemed to him that he had underestimated her intelligence. She did not convey it with words, but behind her eyes he was noticing now the glint of a shy, clever genius.
"Certain components in her brain are more apparent than others. In simple terms-
"Just one question, excellency." Snuggle has adopted the role of subservient. Given the nature of the current setting, he did not think it inappropriate. "How do you have both the brain and capability to snap a lecture off like Weilan on a good day? No offense intended, of course."
He left the query unanswered. "her emotions are causing blockages. Various chemicals are in higher quantity than others, making her... volatile. She is far too passionate to be leading us. If you would forgive my disrespectful tone, it is only because we are of different races that she has not partaken in an act of carnal pleasure." The frankness with which he spoke, the dead-serious tone, made it seem as if he was just speaking to an old acquaintance about the events he'd missed the last passing cycle.
"What? I thought the Lady was Covenant? What are you talking about?" Snuggle was almost hysterical now, for reasons he couldn't begin to understand.
Turning his attention to the smaller Covenant, the arms-master pointedly looked down. "At first glance her genetic makeup does appear Covenant, yes. But it is merely a façade. A clever one, very skillfully done, but still false. Her human appearance alone justifies that claim. But calling her human is false as well. Simply put, she is too... fantastic to be real. The forces she wields that science cannot identify should be testament enough to that point. But real she is, and identify her lineage we can. She seems to be a mix of all our respective races."
"How do you mean, Lord Tras'Lok? I do not see Torra fangs or Hunter skin." Mikka was having a difficult time understanding what he was being told now.
"Human, a select few Covenant genes, various wildlife. She is a hybrid of many different races. It is difficult to say just how much of each is in her, but we can be certain of one thing. She is a one in an infinity chance. I could see her being alive in no other light than straight from a test tube. I would even go so far as to say she resembles the aliens that slaughtered our brothers and sisters more than any of us. You've seen how she's acted in the past, reckless, confident when she should be wary. Lately, self-concerned. She's lost sight of our mandate."
He paused, looking to each of them.
"So finally, my little gathering comes to its end. There remains only this thing to say, and then I will have said all there is on my mind." He raised the index high in his right hand, unconcerned with its pulsing green glow, its undulating, gaseous interior. "This device is what has allowed me to learn as much as I have from memory, medical scan and personnel record. By using it as a key, I was able to gain the power of the vast facilities contained within this Halo; and give you such a detailed biography on our would-be leader. To literally download information from probes that the Gallant Claw monitor construct placed inside Shade. If I could do this, what do you think Shade would accomplish with the super weapon that this device activates? It must not fall into her hands, for the sake of all that is good in the universe. You cannot deny what she would become. You know who and what she is, for you have witnessed her malevolence firsthand. Honor-bound as I am, I cannot ignore injustice, for that would be a greater dishonor."
"You are a stupid, overzealous fool, arms-master!" Snuggle's eyes were practically popping out of her head. "Honor is an admirable thing, but to worship it as you do? To drive us apart because of honor!"
"Silence, runt! Do not disrespect your superior!" Urien was quick to jump to the arms-master's defense, slapping the smaller creature so hard she spun and fell.
A bestial roar gripped the room, a battle cry so loud it echoed off the walls. The serrated, razor-sharp metallic blades covering Kodos' back unsheathed from their customary niches, rasping against one another and sharpening themselves even further. His stance low and brutally graceful, the Hunter slammed into Urien with all the force his tank-crushing form could muster. Each blade played a part in slicing the Quizal clean in half, and before even one speck of blood hit the ground from the viscous mist that now floated in the air, his shield arm batted her torso into a wall, turning several fragile ribs into rough chunks.
Tras'Lok was first to respond, rushing toward Kodos with a kick that would snap his head around and likely disrupt his central nervous system in one neat stroke. Before he knew what he was doing, Mikka swept forward, anticipating the movement before it was completed.
He found Tras'Lok on the floor, just beginning to stand, Kodos shying away. What had just happened?
He did not have the time to wonder before he started talking. "Hold, all of you!" His words sounded terrible to hear, even to him. "This is just what the enemy would wish, us killing one another. Be my guest, make their lives easier, but know that as you do so your brethren will have fought and died for nothing!" This, thankfully, seemed to snap Tras'Lok out of his state of illogic. He was glad, for he knew somewhere deep inside the arms-master would have killed him in seconds without batting an eyelash.
"Now, there are issues that need to be addressed, I know. But let it be when we are out of the net that these aliens have enclosed around us."
"You have made your point, Lord Mikka Masanee'." Tras'Lok slowly climbed to his feet in unison with the others. "We shall go to this Dropship then, and return to the Uzumri, wherever it might be."
He nodded, jumping slightly when another transmission from Gallant Claw was fed through his equipment.
"I hate to interrupt your interactions, organics, but there is a large party of soldiers only ten minutes away from your landing site."
They did not need to be ordered to return to the vessel, Kodos and Snuggle were moving before either he or Tras'Lok even thought to suggest it. Deciding to remain behind until the arms-master began moving, partly to ensure that he did indeed bring the index, he could not help but notice his fellow's distant look.
"I may have postponed our debate." Tras'Lok said with such grim authority it set a chill in his heart. "But know that when the time comes, choose rightly. Honor and justice, saving trillions of lives. Or the dreams of a mere girl that I have sworn to protect, which would doom a whole universe to chaos, tyranny and anarchy?" He took a step forward and turned back. "Remember Mikka, you are with me, or against me. I pray that I will not have your blood on my hands."

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