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The Death of Brothers
Posted By: alimination602<alimination602@gmail.com>
Date: 12 December 2007, 6:06 pm
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Chapter 1
Location: Sigma IV
Human City of Cote Azur: Residential District
The hundreds of Covenant banshee's flew over the city like a swarm of wasps as the cruisers in orbit danced with the pathetic UNSC fleet. In the center of the city a squad of elites ran through the broken streets under the command of General Snaglin. They ran up the stone steps towards a grand human structure. The words "Galactic History Museum" were engraved into the archway above the door. The squad ran towards the door as they took positions on either side. Snaglin raised his hand and pointed to the large door into the building. He fell back behind a pillar as another member of the squad approached the door and set a demolition charge. He hit a large red switch as he moved back from the door; the other elites raised their plasma rifles. The charge detonated sending shrapnel in every direction as the elites stormed the building. The dark room they entered was lined with primitive human weapons that were of no importance to them. In the center of the room lay a large statue of a human holding a sword above his head in triumph as another human was crushed beneath the weight of his boot. Snaglin didn't recognize this human though something about him, seemed familiar. While in his daze his second in command approached his side.
"Sir is everything alright?"
Snaglin shook his head to clear his mind "It's Nothing"
He motioned his squad deeper into the human building.
Snaglins squad grinded to a halt at a large metal door. "The gate to the holy rings is beyond this door. Open it" He ordered as a tech specialist approached the terminal. He removed a small computer as he interfaced it with the computer and began hacking. Snaglin looked down at the specialist as his hand danced over the controls like his arm was an extension of the computer. Suddenly a loud series of beeps was heard from the door as it slowley hissed open. He marched into the room with his squad in tow as he scanned the room. The room was a large dome with an ancient roman design that seemed even more primitive to him than the rest of the museum. The walls were lined with pictures of human victories in their past. Being surrounded by images of the humans brutish past sickened him to the point of vomiting. He approached the pedestal in the center of the room as he reached for the egg shaped rock on the pedestal. It had a dim red glow and was lined with forerunner symbols engraved on its surface. He removed it from its resting place and turned to his brothers "This is what will lead us to the halo rings. Be proud my brothers. You have lead the covenant one step closer to salvation!" A loud roar came from his squad as they raised their weapons in triumph. Snaglin tapped a switch on his wristband. "Command come in. This is General Snaglin; we have secured the artifact and are ready for extraction". "I'm afraid that we can't allow that" a voice boomed from the shadows above them. Snaglin recognized the voice as that of one of the Prophet Hierarchy commanding the fleet.
"Sir?"
"I've received an intelligence report that the humans have a military stronghold outside the city and are preparing to attack this city. We must not allow them to get this artifact. Your squad has been retasked for guarding this room until our research team can decipher the symbols"
"Yes commander we will comply"
"Good" The voice faded as quickly as it appeared as Snaglins squad began to reinforce their position.
The next few days were the worst his squad had ever experienced. Endless routines of patrolling the interior of the facility or pulling sentry duty. They had joined the military to fight the human threat and bring glory to all the people of the covenant. As Snaglin passed the reinforced door into the chamber where the artifact rested the purple glow of covenant equipment impacted him like plasma fire. He approached the technicians to request an update on the situation.
"Learnt anything?"
The elite turned to his superior officer and snapped a salute "I'm afraid not sir. But we have confirmed that this artifact is the key to locating the halo constructs".
"Very well. I want an update in 5 standard hours"
"Yes sir" the elite returned to his work as Snaglin approached the computer terminal. It was again time for the squads to report in. He tapped the holographic symbols as he opened a COM link to Beta Squad
"Beta Squad, repeat beta squad come in"
"Beta squad reporting in sir. No activity in the east wing"
"Roger. Snaglin out"
He tapped another switch and opened another link
"Gamma squad, Gamma squad"
"Gamma squad here. All systems are green sir. All clear on the front door sir"
"Excellent stay alert"
Next was delta squad. "Delta squad". All that filled the COM was static.
"Delta squad. Come in"
Again white noise filled the channel.
"Squads I've lost delta. Can any of you reach them on the COM?"
"Negative sir. Beta out"
Gamma came in "Lines dead this end sir. What do you think happened to them?"
"Unknown. But I'm going to find out. Stay alert" He closed the COM channels and opened the map of the facility. Delta was patrolling the west wing of the museum. He closed the map gathered his plasma sword and some grenades before he ran out of the room in search of delta.
As he ran through the long corridors of the museum many thoughts ran through his mind. What happened to delta? Did they go rogue? He pushed these thoughts aside as froze in his tracks. Before him lay the ravaged body of delta squad. He knelt down next to the corpse of Zammne. Blood ran from his mouth and his cold hand still clung to his weapon, At least his friends died fighting. He looked into the bullet wounds as he removed a small metal cylinder. It was one of those cursed primitive projectile's the humans used in their weapons. There was only one human who could have killed an entire elite squad that quickly. He knew he didn't have much time. He leapt up and sprinted back towards the artifact.
As he approched the room that held the crystal he saw, that he was too late. The lifeless bodies of the technicians littered the floor at his feet. And the pedestal was empty. He looked over his shoulder to see a heavily armored creature behind him.
"Mission Accomplished Sir. I'm ready for exfil, I'll meet you at the rendezvous point. Spartan 117. Out" it spoke into its helmet. Snaglin ran towards the human as it stepped through the blast door and it began to hiss shut. Snaglin sped up towards the door as it closed and he crashed into the door. He slammed his fist into the door. The murder of his brothers would be avenged. His prey had evaded him. But not for long.
Chapter 2
Location:
Aboard Covenant Flagship Silent Ambush: Deck 25
Though years had passed from that day at Cote Azur Snaglins memories of his elite brother's deaths were engraved in his mind. He had vowed to bring their murderer to justice, and would honor his promise. After his defeat at Sigma IV he had been moved into a new unit within the covenant. Though the process was slow he had been promoted to Supreme Ship Master of the 27th fleet the Covenant. His armada of three destroyers, One Carrier and Five Frigates were the prophet's personal fleet. They had been assigned to search an ancient planet for Forunner relics. Within the depths of his flagship Snaglin was in Sword combat with another elite, his Second in command Lieutenant Kasovi.
Snaglin brought his sword down onto his opponent with powerful force. Kosavi dodged the attack with lightening reflexes and slashed his sword at his opponents open torso. His sword came forward as Snaglin grabbed his arm and bring the sword back at his opponent. Kasovi used his free hand to attempt to break Snaglins grip on his weapon. Snaglin grabbed his Kosavi's wrist and flung him over his head onto his back. But Kasovi tightened his grip on Snaglins arm and brought him down on top of him. Snaglin raised his weapon over Kasovi throat as Kasovi raised his sword to his opponents back. He had a killing blow before him, but Snaglin stayed his hand. He peered over to the spectating crowd of elites as they stood with ghost like silence. "What did Lieutenant Kasovi do wrong?" Snaglin questioned the group. "Nothing commander. He can end your life with one movement of his sword. But if he killed you then your weight would have brought your sword down on him ending his life as well" one of the elites answered. "Correct though I may be dead my threat has not ended. Kasovi is a far more skilled warrior with a sword; in a direct fight he would have me dead. I had to think of another way to end him. This strategy may only be used once, but it's still a valid one"
He stared down into the eyes of his opponent, even on the brink of death his eyes still flared with fiery passion "This training session is over" Snaglin bellowed to the crowd as he leapt off of his opponent. As kasovi rose to his feet he noticed the cut on his superiors shoulder. "Commander, you're bleeding. My apologies in the future I shall handle my blade with greater skill" kasovi pleaded. Snaglin looked down at the cut "It is a mortal wound, it will heal" As he and his second in command left the training arena they were approached by a low ranking grunt. The grunt waddled to Snaglins side holding a small data pad in his hand. "Ship master. We have received a message from the prophet hierarchy; he requires your presence on the bridge" "Very well. Dismissed" Snaglin replied. "The prophet hierarchy, this is important" Kasovi looked over at Snaglin as they strode towards the gravity lift. "Yes it's a great honor to be addressed by the prophet" As they stepped onto the large floating disc it toppled slightly with the weight. Snaglin tapped the controls as it slowley rose towards the bridge.
Snaglin and Kasovi strode into the bridge as the purple glow of covenant machinery bombarded their eyes. They walked onto the suspended platform a large screen before them, crackled to life. The black sheet on the screen was replaced by the frail form of the prophet of Truth. His large red robe draped down his frail form as his grand golden headdress snuggly sat upon his head. He brought his frail fingers together as he addressed the elites before him. "Ship master snaglin, your fleet has been redirected to assist in the assault on the human planet. You will drop out of slipspace in the system and contact the Prophet Councilor aboard the Cruiser 'Bloodied Spirit'. May the Forunners shine upon you" As the screen snapped off Snaglin addressed his crew. "Very well. Charge slipspace capacitors ready for our jump. Inform the fleet and set a rendezvous point on the bright side of the planet 'Ree-ach'. Snaglin turned to the view screen as a video feed appeared of his fleet as they entered slipspace. The screen flared white as a slipspace rupture enveloped his ship, then nothing.
As his fleet grouped around his flagship Snaglin stared out at the space battle before him. The grand Covenant armada was devastating the human ships. Though victory was not yet assured, the human MAC guns were ripping through their ships one by one. He turned to his Com officer. "Contact the Bloodied Spirit and tell them we have arrived and are ready to destroy the humans". The grunt at the com station tapped in the commands as icons flashed up on the view screen. "Transmission sent Ship Master" Snaglin looked out at the pitiful human fleet, they were orders were to hold position until the Prophet gave them authorization to advance; the suspense was killing him inside. "We have received a reply from Bloodied Spirit. Playing it over bridge speakers. As the grunt tapped the final key the proud voice of a prophet filled the bridge. "Attention Silent Ambush, we have received your transmission. Our fleet is being harassed by those human cannons. You will land your ship on the surface of the planet and destroy the human generators. But beware this was the humans training ground for their demon Spartans. With those guns down I will lead the covenant armada to victory" As the voice snapped off a sense of anticipation ran through Snaglin. The home of the demons was where he was heading. There was the information he sought, the location of the demon that murdered his brothers. He turned to Kasovi, with an evil smile stretched across his face. "Inform the ship masters, and prepare all ground troops for a planetary assault. I will lead this assault and I request you fight by my side." "It would be an honor to assist you in destroying the human generators". Kasovi saluted as he left the bridge. Snaglin turned back to the view screen as he tapped a key on his wristband. A hologram of a squad of elites began to rotate before him. "Your souls my brothers, may sleep soundly tonight for I will be exacting revenge for your deaths after all these years" he whispered to himself. He closed the hologram as he looked out over the planet he was to invade, and for the first time since he let his brothers die he felt his honor return.
Chapter 3
The moment had arrived. The Silent Ambush was positioned over the planets surface and the Covenant army was ready. Snaglin walked along the catwalk above the hanger as he looked down over the formations of soldiers that stood before him. As he scanned along the lines he admired how impressive his army looked. They all stood in orderly rows, spread evenly along the hanger floor. He stopped and took hold of the railing scanning down the lines he noticed the thousands of soldiers under his command. He knew that many of these soldiers would not survive this encounter, he'd heard the reports. The demon was vicious he would cut down entire battalions without even stopping to take a breath. But he would not fail the covenant, and he would not fail his brothers. "Brothers of the covenant. We have been tasked by the highest authority to eliminate the human weapons that threaten our grand armada. We will launch at the human insulation on the planet and destroy their pathetic machines. With the fall of this planet will mark another glorious step towards the great journey" An uproar of yells and growls rose fro the ranks. "I'm sure that all of you have heard the stories of the human demon that has no doubt slain members of your clans" Upon the mention of the 'demon' the crowd before him roared in a fit of rage. " There have been reports of the demons presence on the planet, and we will have the glory of ridding the galaxy of this wrench. Remember your comrades that have fallen at human feet and killed by human hands and FIGHT FOR THE COVENANT!" Another uproar came from the crowd as every soldier ran to the waiting phantom and spirit dropships that lied in waiting, ready to serve their gods. He stepped back from the railing as he took one last glance down at his army, many of these faces he will never see again. He glared at the minor elite standing next to him "Prepare my dropship for departure". He walked towards the door without another word. He walked into the armory to prepare his arsenal that will serve to destroy his demon enemy. He took 3 grenades, a plasma rifle and drew his sword from his belt. This was the sword he was given by Zammane, and had fought and trained with it for years. It was his last attachment to his fallen brother. He deactivated the device and returned it to his belt. He locked the pieces of his amour in place, took a final breath and strode out of the armory. He walked through the crowd of soldiers and paid no attention to any minor elites that tried to stop him. He walked into the hanger, before him lay his personal dropship, it was a simple Spirit dropship but it was equipped with extra armor and an updated rear turret. As he boarded his dropship he took a glance at Kosavi sitting next to him. The hatch slowly hissed closed as he was blanketed in a layer of darkness. The interior lights activated and filled the compartment with a faint purple glow. He glanced into the cockpit as he saw the pilot playing with the controls, and looked out of the windscreen as he saw the hanger move around him. He was thrust back into his seat as the ship darted forward into the dark blackness of space.
He stared at the view screen before him as he saw the devastation in orbit. The crippled hulls of human and covenant ships flew around each other in some kind of horrible dance. His thoughts were quickly broken as an explosion rocked the ship. "Ship Master" the pilot called to him. He unstrapped himself as he floated into the cockpit. "We're under fire. From one of those human ships" "Don't we have weapons onboard this ship?" Snaglin inquired. "Not enough to take on a human frigate, sir" Snaglin clenched his fists, he felt torn. On the one hand the covenant never turned from a fight, to do so would mean the highest dishonor, but he was needed planet side to lead the assault. "Continue on our present course. Increase power to the shields and engines". "Yes, sir". Snaglin stared towards the planet and watched as his fleet of dropships descend towards the planet. "Incoming projectile. Impact in 9 seconds" the pilot screamed. "Can the shields withstand it...?" He was cut off as another round struck the rear of the ship. The pilot was thrown from his seat as he grabbed onto the control panel for support. "Status!" Snaglin screamed. The pilot scrambled into his seat he scanned the control panel. "Shields at 23% and dropping at a rate of 2 percent every second. Primary turret destroyed. Engines, destroyed". The ship descended towards the surface with incredible speed, the hull flared white hot as it burnt upon entry into the atmosphere. Snaglin floated back into the transport bay as he strapped himself into his seat. "20 seconds to impact" came over the COM. He scanned over the line of elites at his sides. "Reporting to our stations all without a ascension" one of the elites began to recite the elite oath."10 seconds". "On the blood of our fathers on the blood of our sons we swore to uphold the covenant" Snaglin joined in. "Even to our dieing breath. AND CONTINUE OUR MARCH FOR GLORIOUS SALVATION" they finished as Snaglins vision darkened. Though pain coursed through his body, he felt at peace. After years he was finally going to be reunited with his brothers.
Chapter 4
Snaglins vision was shaken and blurred, everything was cold. Finally his vision cleared as pain stabbed right through his body. He rose to his feet as he crashed down against something clutching his side. He looked around to see nothing but jungle before him. He took a few steps forward and turned around to see the smoking wreckage of his dropship behind him. He stood in horror as he saw the corpses of the others that were in the dropship with him. He knelt down next to kasovi, another brother killed by human hands. This drove his rage even more. He dropped his head in shame; wasting time grieving was not what his brothers would have wanted. He rose up and searched for supplies. He rounded the ship and found some ammo and grenades; he checked his belt and found his sword was still safely secured. He tapped his wristband as the com sparked and died, sighing softly he opened a map of the area as he marked the generator facility. He left the crash site and never looked back. He trekked through the jungle hoping to come across the facility or some covenant forces.
As he took each step a new shot of pain coursed through him. With every step he took he wished he could just collapse to the ground, but the only thing keeping him going was his honor. The honor to die fighting. The darkness of the jungle was suddenly broken by an explosion of purple light at his side. His instincts forced him to find cover. He dropped to the floor by a tree. He clutched his plasma rifle in his hand and a grenade in the other. He primed it and through it around the tree. 3...2...1 the flash of the grenade was his signal as he looked around the tree his weapon rose. He stood stunned to nothing but a burnt mark on the ground from the grenade. He took a step forward his weapon raised. No sign of any humans or covenant. A rustle came from the bush beside him as a flaming blue orb landed at his feet. He dived to the side as the plasma grenade exploded. He aimed at where the grenade had come from and fired. He ran forward and leapt into the bush in hopes of capturing his attacker. As he emerged from the bush he crashed into the dirt before a large cliff. He looked up and a shocked expression replaced any sign of pain. He looked down onto a battlefield sown with broken human and covenant technology. At the far end lay a giant pulsing cylinder, the generator facility. He looked to his side to see the broken corpse of a jackal clutching a covenant plasma sniper. He lifted the rifle from its resting place as he brought the scope to his eye. He scanned the facility for defenses as something caught his eye. He activated the 10X scope to see the demon clutching a squirming grunt in its metal gauntlet. He watched as the grunt screeched as it tightened its grip on the grunts throat. As the squirming stopped the grunts body turned limp as the demon threw its dismembered corpse from the ledge. Snaglin glared as he watched the demon walk back into the base, At last. He lowered the weapon as the flames of anger burned within him after years of searching he had found the demon that had slain his brothers, now it was his turn. He slipped down the ridge as he ran towards the base, and his prize.
As he crept through the human facility he licked his mandibles anticipation the creature was within his grasp. He suddenly grinded to a halt at a security door as he took position at its side. He tapped the keys as three lights above it flashed green one by one. As the final light flashed green the door slid apart and snaglin filled the hallway. As the door opened his eyes were filled with a faint blue glow from a computer terminal at the far end of the room. Perched over the terminal was the demon. The creature turned to him; it looked just as alien as the rest o the humans. But this one was different, half human. Half Machine. With lighting efficiency it drew its assault rifle and fired. Snaglin jumped to the side as he fired in mid-flight the rounds splashed across the demons amour to no affect as he rolled to his feet. He ran towards his enemy as it fired into his chest. The bullets bounced harmlessly off his shield as he impacted the creature he grabbed hold of his sword and brought it to bare. The Spartan saw this coming and grabbed hold of Snaglins wrist in an attempt to gain control of the weapon. Snaglin pushed the creature back as the fight for the sword continued. He stared into the creatures visor; even through his visor he could still see the burning eyes of his enemy. He fed upon the anger as he edged the sword towards the creature's neck. But slowley he lost his grip on the weapon, this demon was a formidable adversary, but the chance to avenge his brothers would not be missed. His sword grazed his struck his shoulder as the creature forced the sword forward. Blood gushed from the wound but he wouldn't stop fighting. He forced the sword into the demons exposed torso. As the creature recoiled back he struck a final blow to the creature as it collapsed at his feet. Snaglin lowered to his knees, he glanced over at the wound, if he kept losing blood he would be dead soon but he didn't care, he finally had his revenge. As he looked over at his kill he saw the words SPARTAN-057 engraved into its amour. This was not the demon that killed his brothers, there were more of them. He began to wonder, was it worth it? It had taken him years and cost him his life, but his brothers were avenged right? He realized that he had been blinded by his rage. His vision was dark and his body was cold. At last he was at peace.
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