HOME | DD

Description
Truth and Reconciliation

Chapter Two
Vecr ‘Xemoree was now in a Spirit Dropship and was speeding back to Truth and Reconciliation. He had left Righteous Fury where his lance had been restocked and he patched up.
From the information he could gather, Vecr discovered that the human ship had crashed onto a gargantuan plateau it the middle of a desert region. The humans had bailed out though, over the Holy Ring. It was in their cowardly nature so this came as no surprise to Vecr.
The Spirit carrying Vecr and his lance entered the Holy Rings atmosphere as the construct hid in the shadow of the glorious planet it danced around. He watched the holo-cam that covered the inside of the Spirits bay doors. It showed the midnight ocean beneath and land far off in the distance. He stared into the distance for so long that when he looked back an image of the Truth and Reconciliation superimposed over the view screen.
“This is pilot  Ntmi ‘Nuposee. Requesting permission to land within Truth and Reconciliation.”

A security Sangheili answered back,
“Permission granted, proceed to Hanger 22.”

The Spirit slid seamlessly into the hanger as its shielding dropped to allow the spirit entrance. The Spirit opened its bay doors on the deployment level. Vecr and his lance jumped out of the Spirit as it slowly lifted itself and made a thunk as it was held aloft by a gravity clamp.
Vecr was preparing his lance when the Ship Master, Idso Zuludee, roared over the cruisers intercom.
“Alert! All warriors prepare for battle. Humans are attempting to board the Truth and Reconciliation!”

Vile beasts! Vecr thought.
“Everyone! Form up, we are heading for the Grav-Lift.” He shouted.
If the humans thought that taking the cruiser would be an easy task then they were wrong. Vecr led his lance through Truth and Reconciliations winding corridors as he listened to reports over his com-unit.
“They have penetrated the first… trying to… demon…”

The particular link ended in a painful howl, then nothing but static. Demon? Vecr wondered. Could it really be here?
The “Demon” was a human in a special armor and was the last of its kind. Vecr had met these Demons before, he saw the grievous casualties they inflicted. And wherever the Demons went, the normally cowardly humans fought with a ferocity that was almost comparable to his species. It was these traits that caused Vecr to ask himself, was it really just to call them Human?
“The humans have broken through our defense and are proceeding up the Gravity Lift! Prepare yourselves, seal all exits!”

As his lance filed out into another hanger Vecr tuned into another open-com transmission.
“They have broken through. I can see the Demon! Kill the… I… demon Fla-… GET IT…”

Another scream as the transmission died. Vecr retraced its origin point. It came from the nearby halls just one level down! He rallied his lance.
“Everyone form up on the deployment level! Kig-yar form a defensive barrier around the Unggoy!”

They did as ordered without hesitation. There they waited. Vecr heard energy blasts and shouting through one of the lower doors. He held a grenade in his left hand and a plasma rifle in his right as the sounds of battle intensified.
“When the humans enter light holy flares and try to kill as many as you can.”
Suddenly all was silent. Vecr’s muscles tensed in anticipation for the coming battle. A door one level down slid apart and out walked the demon.
“Kill the demon!”

All Unggoy in his lance primed their grenades and threw right at the Demon. It rained fire as the demon deftly ducked back through the doors he had entered. They slammed together as a chorus of light and flame exploded into existence, one by one.
Damn! The demon was fast, but outnumbered, there was no hope for it. Out of the corner of his eye, Vecr saw three Unggoy waddle towards the doors scarred entrance. He instinctively raised his free hand and was about to shout at them to fall back when a small round object bounced through a tiny gap as the doors slid apart. The Unggoy flew apart then were illuminated by a secondary explosion as their methane tanks erupted.
The demon stepped out of the corridor and fired a long barreled weapon. Its high powered round  smashed through two Kig-yars skulls in a hideous explosion of purple blood and bits of brain tissue. The demon, meanwhile, ran for cover presented by weapon containers littered about the hangers floor.
Now humans began sprinting out of the corridors entrance, firing through the lances now compromised defense. Two Unggoy received bullets to their heads and a Kig-yar was forced of the edge of the deployment level. As it fell to the ground below, the two Unggoy who had been killed moments before fired a few bolts of plasma into the backs of their fellow comrades as the shock from their head wounds caused their fingers to spasm. Two more Kig-yar fell dead.
Curse his luck.
“All, fall back to the bridge!”

They turned to run, hop, and waddle their way back to the door through which they came. Three more Kig-yar fell during the unorganized retreat.
Vecr stopped and fired a rapid stream of white-hot plasma towards the humans. One gargled in agony as its face was melted off and another screamed in pain as its entrails spilled out of its now open gut. Three humans retaliated, their primitive weapons flung projectiles that simply ricocheted of Vecrs shielding. He laughed heartily as another humans death was added to his tally. Though he still yearned end the lives of the miserable beasts below, his shield indicator showed that it was dangerously low. As he turned to follow the rest of his lance one last bullet sprang up and smacked him in the back of the skull. It drained his shields completely. As he passed through the doors he turned back he turned back and shouted,
“I would personally see to your demise Demon, but then it would only be removing the torture of letting you live as you always have: alone!”

Another bullet pinged off the second levels short ceiling and hit Vecr square in the thigh. Although it simply bounced off his armor, without so much as leaving a scratch, he was still angered by the audacity.
“A low blow Demon.”

And with that he turned to leave.

Of the seven Kig-yar that were, all were dead or dying, Vecr didn’t know what had happened to the Minor that fell of the deployment level. And of the six Unggoy only two were left. A Minor named Teru, and Corte the now promoted Major. They regrouped at the bridge where Shipmaster Idso Zuludee and two Majors, Erod ‘Serosee and Lewo ‘Opaadee, stood watch.
“The humans are forcing their way through Truth and Reconciliation. The Demon is leading them!” Vecr reported breathlessly.

“Then we had best be prepared. You two!” He said with authority, “Monitor the humans progress.”

He turned to Vecr. “You, I need to guard a particular detention cell. A few days ago we captured the humans highest ranking officer traversing the Holy Ring. He was easily captured and placed here. But it is probably why the Demon has come.”

Idso placed his left arm on Vecrs corresponding shoulder. A sign of friendship. “I doubt that my battle with the Demon will be successful, but I need you to guard that prisoner. He is vital if we are to secure the Holy Ring without significantly damaging it. For honor and the Journey”

Vecr returned the gesture. “For the Home World.”

Idso nodded slightly then returned to the bridges raised platform. Vecr waited a moment then signaled Teru an Corte to follow him. They took the far right doorway and marched past two detention centers. They came to a third that was locked down, signified by the dark red light that emanated from the door. Vecr simply walked up to the door and it automatically registered him. It slid apart and revealed two rows of six detentions cells on each wall. In the center was a raised platform with a holographic podium that controlled the cells. Behind it was a Field Master, his gold armor glinting in the soft ambient light.
Vecr looked to the two Unggoy.
“Guard the door. Shout if you hear anything beyond it.”

They both waddled back towards the door and took up positions behind two pillars. Vecr turned his attention to the attentive  Field Master that was prodding the holographic controls. Vecr genuflected before him.
“Rise Half-Commander, there is no use for pleasantries at the moment.”

Vecr rose, holstering his plasma rifle.
“I wish to speak with the human commander.”

The Field Master pointed a long finger towards the last cell on the left. “Good luck with extracting any information. The damned thing might as well be mute.” he grunted going back to work.

Vecr strolled over to it and looked through the cells almost transparent plasma shields. Inside was an aged human, as far as Vecr could tell, that was seriously wounded. Probably after interrogation. Vecr tapped on the shield gaining the humans attention. It stared at him with bruised eyes.
“What is your designation?” Vecr questioned as he turned on his integrated translator.

The human seemed like it was going to remain quiet, then it opened its mouth.
“Jacob Keyes.”

Vecr studied the human for a moment more then turned away. He was about to ask the Field Master about where the human was found when Teru yelped,
“He’s here! I can hear him!”

Sure enough, there were the screams of Kig-yar that had been patrolling the corridor. Then silence. Vecr brandished his plasma rifle as the Field Master activated his energy sword. It hissed and crackled as the air around it was burned away. He shouted,
“Come Demon so I can send you to your dead brethren!”

Suddenly the door that had produced a red light signifying locked, flashed a pale purple as it slid apart. And there the Demon stood. The Unggoy fired wildly at it, but the green plasma was simply absorbed by the Demons own shielding. It fired back its primitive projectiles even as the plasma dissipated against its shield. The two Unggoy went down in barely any time.
Vecr roared as he unleashed a volley of blue-white plasma at the Demons head. It ducked behind a pillar while picking up a plasma pistol Corte had dropped upon his death.
“Damn you Demon!”

The Field Master charged the Demons position as a bright green glow flared into existence behind the pillar. Vecr trotted to the end of the platform as the Demon jumped from behind its cover with an overcharged plasma pistol. The Demon released his grip on the pistol and a blob of burning green energy slammed into the Field Masters chest. He howled in outrage as his shields failed while the Demon placed the plasma pistol on its hip and drew a large rifle from its back. It then unleashed a barrage of projectiles into the Field Masters abdomen. Vecr tried to shoot the Demon but he was unable to get a clear shot.
It mattered little. The Field Master made one last howl while falling back. He made a wet slap as his bleeding body slammed against the detention cells steel floor. Vecr shouted in rage and sprinted towards the Demon, his plasma rifle spewing bolts of energy. The Demon hid behind the pillar once more as Vecr came closer, his rifles plasma splashing harmlessly on the obstruction. He slid by the pillar and fired aimlessly. When his rage cleared he found no Demon lying on the floor. Vecr realized the Demon must have gone around the pillar as an armored fist connected with the back of his skull.
Spots danced across his vision as he fell to the cold metal floor. His head smacked it hard, causing him to lose consciousness. The last thing Vecr remembered was the sight of metal green boots turning away.

“That’s true. The Covenant kept saying whoever controlled Halo, controlled the fate of the universe.”

Though it was immensely painful, Vecr remained conscious as the voices spewed more nonsense.

“Cortana, Chief; You two have a new objective. Find the Cartographer. We’re gonna need it. Your point Chief.”

Vecr heard the scrape of boots and the sliding of a door. As he heard the door slide shut Vecr struggled to get up. His back of his head throbbed as he brought himself to his knees. He reached out and retrieved his fallen plasma rifle. He shakily got to his feet while holding his head. It hurt so much! Damn that Demon!
Vecr swayed for a moment before dragging himself to the door. As it slid apart Vecr leaned against the wall it retracted into. He spotted the two unfortunate Kig-yar who had been patrolling the detention block, their bodies riddled with bullets. At first it was hard determining the direction in which the prisoners left, but as he moved farther through the Truth and Reconciliation he developed a simple system of tracking. Follow the bodies.
He followed them all the way back to the hanger in where he encountered the Demon. There he found that the Spirit was gone and a Mgaleckgolo pair were crushed to a pulp. He watched in the distance as a soft purple light began to fade away.
Vecr stood up straight and unleashed a mighty roar.
The Demon would pay, even if it meant his life.

Description
Truth and Reconciliation

Chapter Two
Vecr ‘Xemoree was now in a Spirit Dropship and was speeding back to Truth and Reconciliation. He had left Righteous Fury where his lance had been restocked and he patched up.
From the information he could gather, Vecr discovered that the human ship had crashed onto a gargantuan plateau it the middle of a desert region. The humans had bailed out though, over the Holy Ring. It was in their cowardly nature so this came as no surprise to Vecr.
The Spirit carrying Vecr and his lance entered the Holy Rings atmosphere as the construct hid in the shadow of the glorious planet it danced around. He watched the holo-cam that covered the inside of the Spirits bay doors. It showed the midnight ocean beneath and land far off in the distance. He stared into the distance for so long that when he looked back an image of the Truth and Reconciliation superimposed over the view screen.
“This is pilot  Ntmi ‘Nuposee. Requesting permission to land within Truth and Reconciliation.”

A security Sangheili answered back,
“Permission granted, proceed to Hanger 22.”

The Spirit slid seamlessly into the hanger as its shielding dropped to allow the spirit entrance. The Spirit opened its bay doors on the deployment level. Vecr and his lance jumped out of the Spirit as it slowly lifted itself and made a thunk as it was held aloft by a gravity clamp.
Vecr was preparing his lance when the Ship Master, Idso Zuludee, roared over the cruisers intercom.
“Alert! All warriors prepare for battle. Humans are attempting to board the Truth and Reconciliation!”

Vile beasts! Vecr thought.
“Everyone! Form up, we are heading for the Grav-Lift.” He shouted.
If the humans thought that taking the cruiser would be an easy task then they were wrong. Vecr led his lance through Truth and Reconciliations winding corridors as he listened to reports over his com-unit.
“They have penetrated the first… trying to… demon…”

The particular link ended in a painful howl, then nothing but static. Demon? Vecr wondered. Could it really be here?
The “Demon” was a human in a special armor and was the last of its kind. Vecr had met these Demons before, he saw the grievous casualties they inflicted. And wherever the Demons went, the normally cowardly humans fought with a ferocity that was almost comparable to his species. It was these traits that caused Vecr to ask himself, was it really just to call them Human?
“The humans have broken through our defense and are proceeding up the Gravity Lift! Prepare yourselves, seal all exits!”

As his lance filed out into another hanger Vecr tuned into another open-com transmission.
“They have broken through. I can see the Demon! Kill the… I… demon Fla-… GET IT…”

Another scream as the transmission died. Vecr retraced its origin point. It came from the nearby halls just one level down! He rallied his lance.
“Everyone form up on the deployment level! Kig-yar form a defensive barrier around the Unggoy!”

They did as ordered without hesitation. There they waited. Vecr heard energy blasts and shouting through one of the lower doors. He held a grenade in his left hand and a plasma rifle in his right as the sounds of battle intensified.
“When the humans enter light holy flares and try to kill as many as you can.”
Suddenly all was silent. Vecr’s muscles tensed in anticipation for the coming battle. A door one level down slid apart and out walked the demon.
“Kill the demon!”

All Unggoy in his lance primed their grenades and threw right at the Demon. It rained fire as the demon deftly ducked back through the doors he had entered. They slammed together as a chorus of light and flame exploded into existence, one by one.
Damn! The demon was fast, but outnumbered, there was no hope for it. Out of the corner of his eye, Vecr saw three Unggoy waddle towards the doors scarred entrance. He instinctively raised his free hand and was about to shout at them to fall back when a small round object bounced through a tiny gap as the doors slid apart. The Unggoy flew apart then were illuminated by a secondary explosion as their methane tanks erupted.
The demon stepped out of the corridor and fired a long barreled weapon. Its high powered round  smashed through two Kig-yars skulls in a hideous explosion of purple blood and bits of brain tissue. The demon, meanwhile, ran for cover presented by weapon containers littered about the hangers floor.
Now humans began sprinting out of the corridors entrance, firing through the lances now compromised defense. Two Unggoy received bullets to their heads and a Kig-yar was forced of the edge of the deployment level. As it fell to the ground below, the two Unggoy who had been killed moments before fired a few bolts of plasma into the backs of their fellow comrades as the shock from their head wounds caused their fingers to spasm. Two more Kig-yar fell dead.
Curse his luck.
“All, fall back to the bridge!”

They turned to run, hop, and waddle their way back to the door through which they came. Three more Kig-yar fell during the unorganized retreat.
Vecr stopped and fired a rapid stream of white-hot plasma towards the humans. One gargled in agony as its face was melted off and another screamed in pain as its entrails spilled out of its now open gut. Three humans retaliated, their primitive weapons flung projectiles that simply ricocheted of Vecrs shielding. He laughed heartily as another humans death was added to his tally. Though he still yearned end the lives of the miserable beasts below, his shield indicator showed that it was dangerously low. As he turned to follow the rest of his lance one last bullet sprang up and smacked him in the back of the skull. It drained his shields completely. As he passed through the doors he turned back he turned back and shouted,
“I would personally see to your demise Demon, but then it would only be removing the torture of letting you live as you always have: alone!”

Another bullet pinged off the second levels short ceiling and hit Vecr square in the thigh. Although it simply bounced off his armor, without so much as leaving a scratch, he was still angered by the audacity.
“A low blow Demon.”

And with that he turned to leave.

Of the seven Kig-yar that were, all were dead or dying, Vecr didn’t know what had happened to the Minor that fell of the deployment level. And of the six Unggoy only two were left. A Minor named Teru, and Corte the now promoted Major. They regrouped at the bridge where Shipmaster Idso Zuludee and two Majors, Erod ‘Serosee and Lewo ‘Opaadee, stood watch.
“The humans are forcing their way through Truth and Reconciliation. The Demon is leading them!” Vecr reported breathlessly.

“Then we had best be prepared. You two!” He said with authority, “Monitor the humans progress.”

He turned to Vecr. “You, I need to guard a particular detention cell. A few days ago we captured the humans highest ranking officer traversing the Holy Ring. He was easily captured and placed here. But it is probably why the Demon has come.”

Idso placed his left arm on Vecrs corresponding shoulder. A sign of friendship. “I doubt that my battle with the Demon will be successful, but I need you to guard that prisoner. He is vital if we are to secure the Holy Ring without significantly damaging it. For honor and the Journey”

Vecr returned the gesture. “For the Home World.”

Idso nodded slightly then returned to the bridges raised platform. Vecr waited a moment then signaled Teru an Corte to follow him. They took the far right doorway and marched past two detention centers. They came to a third that was locked down, signified by the dark red light that emanated from the door. Vecr simply walked up to the door and it automatically registered him. It slid apart and revealed two rows of six detentions cells on each wall. In the center was a raised platform with a holographic podium that controlled the cells. Behind it was a Field Master, his gold armor glinting in the soft ambient light.
Vecr looked to the two Unggoy.
“Guard the door. Shout if you hear anything beyond it.”

They both waddled back towards the door and took up positions behind two pillars. Vecr turned his attention to the attentive  Field Master that was prodding the holographic controls. Vecr genuflected before him.
“Rise Half-Commander, there is no use for pleasantries at the moment.”

Vecr rose, holstering his plasma rifle.
“I wish to speak with the human commander.”

The Field Master pointed a long finger towards the last cell on the left. “Good luck with extracting any information. The damned thing might as well be mute.” he grunted going back to work.

Vecr strolled over to it and looked through the cells almost transparent plasma shields. Inside was an aged human, as far as Vecr could tell, that was seriously wounded. Probably after interrogation. Vecr tapped on the shield gaining the humans attention. It stared at him with bruised eyes.
“What is your designation?” Vecr questioned as he turned on his integrated translator.

The human seemed like it was going to remain quiet, then it opened its mouth.
“Jacob Keyes.”

Vecr studied the human for a moment more then turned away. He was about to ask the Field Master about where the human was found when Teru yelped,
“He’s here! I can hear him!”

Sure enough, there were the screams of Kig-yar that had been patrolling the corridor. Then silence. Vecr brandished his plasma rifle as the Field Master activated his energy sword. It hissed and crackled as the air around it was burned away. He shouted,
“Come Demon so I can send you to your dead brethren!”

Suddenly the door that had produced a red light signifying locked, flashed a pale purple as it slid apart. And there the Demon stood. The Unggoy fired wildly at it, but the green plasma was simply absorbed by the Demons own shielding. It fired back its primitive projectiles even as the plasma dissipated against its shield. The two Unggoy went down in barely any time.
Vecr roared as he unleashed a volley of blue-white plasma at the Demons head. It ducked behind a pillar while picking up a plasma pistol Corte had dropped upon his death.
“Damn you Demon!”

The Field Master charged the Demons position as a bright green glow flared into existence behind the pillar. Vecr trotted to the end of the platform as the Demon jumped from behind its cover with an overcharged plasma pistol. The Demon released his grip on the pistol and a blob of burning green energy slammed into the Field Masters chest. He howled in outrage as his shields failed while the Demon placed the plasma pistol on its hip and drew a large rifle from its back. It then unleashed a barrage of projectiles into the Field Masters abdomen. Vecr tried to shoot the Demon but he was unable to get a clear shot.
It mattered little. The Field Master made one last howl while falling back. He made a wet slap as his bleeding body slammed against the detention cells steel floor. Vecr shouted in rage and sprinted towards the Demon, his plasma rifle spewing bolts of energy. The Demon hid behind the pillar once more as Vecr came closer, his rifles plasma splashing harmlessly on the obstruction. He slid by the pillar and fired aimlessly. When his rage cleared he found no Demon lying on the floor. Vecr realized the Demon must have gone around the pillar as an armored fist connected with the back of his skull.
Spots danced across his vision as he fell to the cold metal floor. His head smacked it hard, causing him to lose consciousness. The last thing Vecr remembered was the sight of metal green boots turning away.

“That’s true. The Covenant kept saying whoever controlled Halo, controlled the fate of the universe.”

Though it was immensely painful, Vecr remained conscious as the voices spewed more nonsense.

“Cortana, Chief; You two have a new objective. Find the Cartographer. We’re gonna need it. Your point Chief.”

Vecr heard the scrape of boots and the sliding of a door. As he heard the door slide shut Vecr struggled to get up. His back of his head throbbed as he brought himself to his knees. He reached out and retrieved his fallen plasma rifle. He shakily got to his feet while holding his head. It hurt so much! Damn that Demon!
Vecr swayed for a moment before dragging himself to the door. As it slid apart Vecr leaned against the wall it retracted into. He spotted the two unfortunate Kig-yar who had been patrolling the detention block, their bodies riddled with bullets. At first it was hard determining the direction in which the prisoners left, but as he moved farther through the Truth and Reconciliation he developed a simple system of tracking. Follow the bodies.
He followed them all the way back to the hanger in where he encountered the Demon. There he found that the Spirit was gone and a Mgaleckgolo pair were crushed to a pulp. He watched in the distance as a soft purple light began to fade away.
Vecr stood up straight and unleashed a mighty roar.
The Demon would pay, even if it meant his life.