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Instalation Zero Six-Chapter 3:Searches of the Covenant
Posted By: Samslink14<Samslink14@AOL.com>
Date: 15 September 2006, 4:32 am
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Fleet Master Huta Fumamee stared at a large video display, showing a dark green planet with bright yellow near its center. The planet they were approaching. The ten half-dozen boarding craft he had ordered the launch of earlier could be seen visually now, descending onto the planet's only large city along with five flights of ten Seraph fighters and nine flights of Banshee's. Two of the boarding craft were particularly protected by large numbers, holding the battle group's dozen pairs of Hunters. A third was also well-protected, directly in the center of the formation, transporting the three special individuals Fumamee had sent to the surface: Yuthru Rummamee, a Ship Master just below him, second in the chain of command, and a Sangheili' that the Fleet Master liked. He was there to negotiate with another Elite on the surface. A particular Elite, one known to be traitorous to his kind, an individual who was said to know far more than he should, more than the prophets wanted him to. Perhaps something about the other Halos. And that was why Fumamee's forces now descended on a planet of Covenant rebels, preparing to find the Halos in the glory of all speed. Also onboard was Yura Ujamamee, a very useful assassin that Fumamee had kept a secret. He had the greatest of combat skills, was as stealthful as the wind, and the greatest living asset he had in his fleet. Last and also the least was an Elite named Uta Lummamee, one who was there simply to observe and record, his combat skills considerably lower than average. He was a mere assistant on the bridge, not one of any real value.
A com channel opened at communications, and the Elite standing there looked at it for a moment and turned to Fumamee. "A transmission from the planet surface Fleet Master." Said he.
"Run it through." The Elite reached forward and activated it, opening a light monitor next to the Fleet Master's face. Standing before him in miniature size was the cross-armed form of a tall Elite, clothed in dark blue armor, so dark that is was almost black. The being spoke quickly, thankfully saving a bit more of Fumamee's precious time.
"What presence do you have here Fleet Master? This is an intrusion of our exile life. Your prophets will have your head when they hear what you have done. You may be powerful, but we have great power of our own, and if you continue your way, we shall be forced to defend ourselves. Answer quick! Your forces shall go down farther than they intend if they enter our atmosphere." Fumamee laughed loudly.
"My orders are vague, but they come straight from the Prophets themselves. What have you to say for yourself betrayer of your brethren? We do not come to fight. We wish to negotiate with one of the individuals on your planet for some information." As Fumamee spoke, another com opened up. That would be Field Master Fura Rudamee reporting on his battalion's enter into the atmosphere. "If you resist we shall simply take what we want, either way works. My troops could use the practice."
The Elite's eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Negotiate? For information? With whom do you wish to speak?"
"That will be answered by my representative coming to you now. I warn you of attack on my forces. They will not hesitate to use the assets that they have taken."
The Elites appeared to grow in anger. "One does not take sixty boarding craft and fourteen combat aircraft flights to negotiate for information." He said. "You cannot do this."
"Oh but I will." Said Huta. "Security is essential. And it may be necessary to take control of your capital city in order to secure peaceful and uneventful completion of the negotiation. Do not respond. You may reserve all other questions for my representative when he arrives. Now if you will excuse the absence of my contact, I have things to do." He then ended the transmission and entered the other. The image of a slightly stocky but powerful looking Elite was inserted into Fumamee's display. A Human would not have noticed the difference. Field Master Fura Rudamee was in a craft glowing with red infrared lights, Grunts and Jackals in the background speaking in hushed tones, clinging to the sides of the boarding craft.
"We have entered the atmosphere Master, and are preparing for landing on the city structures. Any word yet from the locals?"
"Yes." Fumamee replied. "They are suspicious and frightened, but that is to be expected. Be prepared for any ambushes. There should be no danger to such a large group, but surprises could be in wait. Have a quarter of the Seraphs and Banshees fly ahead to the dropzones in order to secure. Then allow two drop ships to enter, the Hunters next, and continue randomly after that. This should be fairly easy Field Master Rudamee. Do NOT let it ruin my day. We will burn the city if we must."
"Very good Fleet Master."
***
Tremaine's comet-like appearance bobbed above a projector in Beta base. She was not really there, it was a transmission from the Victor, but she could communicate with the ground troops below easily enough. Now she spoke to Sergeant Conner, who stood beside Major Carter, current leader of ground forces on The Ring and resident of Beta base. "Sparta base had some trouble with the cold, getting the permacrete to dry correctly, but the Marines pulled through with some adaptation, and the base is completed now. Bravo was of course easy to complete and the first to finish, around 089:44 on the mission clock. Echo is nearing completion as well, though it is taking a tremendous amount of work to clear pathways through the trees. It has an estimated nine hours remaining until completion time. As for Charlie base, we don't expect to finish her for another week at most. It's not only the digging that is hard, but the equipment and walls are difficult to put in as well. Anyway all in all, things are going excellent. Alpha, Delta, Primary, Basis, Sidewinder, and Kevin bases are all a few hours from completion, and things are still secure. Research has begun, and will increase as each base is completed, especially Charlie."
Nicoli stepped forward. "What about Reach? Are we going to send the Victor back to tell them about this or what? There is obviously no threat here, we have no need of her."
The comet turned red and turned to face the Commander. "Captain Ferald realizes this Commander, but he is wary of the fact that the Covenant could trace us here and appear out of slipspace anytime, and he wants to be sure that our presence here is strong before leaving."
"The explanation is sufficient Tremaine. Anything else you want to add?"
"No Commander, nothing at all. Things are silent on the Ring so far, and no events are imminent."
"Very well. Inform the Captain that my forces can get anywhere on the Ring fairly quick for how big it is. Meeting adjourned."
***
Inside the small purple canopy of the Covenant boarding craft, there was a sense of blindness. The craft had no windows, the friction it was built for did not allow it, and therefore troops inside had only the floor to stare at, never knowing whether or not they would explode in the next few moments.
Field Master Rudamee felt a strong jerk as the Covenant boarding craft slammed into the city walls, throwing all thirty Covenant roughly in the direction of the craft's front as their momentum stopped. There was a split second of peace, then an explosion as charges on the boarding craft's nose blew an opening through the city wall. The doors opened, and Rudamee charged into the city halls, directly behind a blue-armored Elite and a trio of Grunts. Half a dozen Jackals and other troops were right behind him.
Six of the boarding craft had already landed here, therefore the zone was very obviously clear. However, they were in a treacherous and hostile zone; everyone had weapons in their claws. Rudamme held a plasma rifle in his hands, plus a pistol and a light sword clipped to his belt. He swept the hall with his weapon, but found only a pair of Jackals with rifles at their ears. His troops flooded the area.
The Field Master turned to the blue Elite at his side. "Take the group and patrol the city. If anything looks out of order, kill it." The rookie grinned and ran off eagerly, signaling the group to follow him. With barely a half-second interval, a comlink at Field Master Rudamee's belt beeped at him persistently. He brought it to his face and clicked it on. "Yes?"
"It is Gutaree, Field Master, and I will be brief. Four Hunters are currently in control of engineering, as well as half a battle group. We are in complete control of the city's power supply. Other battle groups are pressing to take residence areas, space defense control, the barracks, and the Command Center. All other parts of the city will be ours soon. That is all."
"Thank you Gutaree, well done. You may notify Fleet Master Rumammee." The Elite ended the transmission and spent the next several units to arrive at and secure the Command area. Twelve Jackals guarded the hatch leading into the city's Command, and yet eight was what he had last heard. They had increased their security. Interesting, but not anywhere near fearsome, especially considering that the Field Master was backed by half a battle group, including six Hunters.
Rudamee arrived at the same time the Fleet Master's three representatives did, all four of them walking ahead of their group's to speak to the guards. He noted that Uta Lummamee hung back farther than the others. Coward.
The rebel Jackals were in a tight formation, holding ignited shields and light spears against the two approaching groups. The Covenant forces stopped near to the door. "Open, in the name of the Prophets." Rudamee ordered. The leading Jackal stepped forward and brought his light spear to bear on him.
"You cannot pass." Replied the vulture-like creature. "We have been ordered to keep you out of the Command Center, for our leader is very disturbed by your presence here. You have stolen already half of our city in just several units. He has decided not to see you. Our security troops are being sent to relieve yours from their positions. You may return to your ship and speak to our leader then. If you choose a different path, your forces will be engaged." There was a moment of silence, as the Field Master failed to believe that the rebel leader was this incapable in realizing that he was not in control. Then, in one quick motion, he clubbed the lower creature to the ground with his plasma rifle and ignited the light sword in the other hand. All in the same fluid motion, he thrust the close-combat weapon into the fallen Jackals chest. The remaining Jackals gave gawking bird calls and attacked him. However, he was a very efficient soldier and swordsman, and parried their blows with ease. Their shields slowed his attacks, but provided he had infinite time, they were no match for his skill. When four Jackals remained, they hesitated, as if they were previously oblivious to the fact that they had no chance. Rudammee waited a moment, then looked at Yura and gestured to the survivors. The assassin turned into a black-armored blur, a blur that past the Jackals at the same moment they died. All four of their bodies dropped to the deck, headless.
Rudammee nodded with respect to the powerful assassin as he stepped back, then studied the door. A minor obstacle. He signaled for the group to step back, then gestured to the foremost pair of Hunters. They both began charging their fuel rod cannons, bubbling green spheres of energy, collecting at the tip of their weapons. They both fired twice, and the door simply ceased to exist. Pieces of metal, stained a glowing green, were flung backwards at the group's feet. The eerily neon green explosion ripped the door apart, cracking it like a mirror, then flinging the individual pieces everywhere.
Without hesitation, the Field Master strode into the Command Center, shocked technicians staring at the troops spilling in. The leader stood in the center, frozen in shock but with all four jaws clenched. The Field Master reached the Elite and stopped before him. The leader studied the other with fear, the all black assassin behind him, the red-armored Ship Master, a Plasma Rifle in one hand, the assistant there as well, holding a documentary cube and studying the carnage without the slightest bit of emotion, then the Field Master, powerfully built, eyes full of merciless judgment, an ignited light sword in his claws. "Now rebel, we will discuss the location of a particular individual you have in custody."
***
The Jackal was old. Very old, its skin shriveled and gray. The beak was chipped and cracked, chapped skin jaggedly spreading over the beak. Field Master Fura Rudamee sneered in disgust, doubting that any Jackal could live that long. "So where is he?" the Elite asked, anxious to be finished with this pathetic being.
"Sharacole?The Crazy Young One? We are almost there Field Master, so have patience, and you may be rewarded.
"Do not speak wisdom to me misbegotten Maridocol, Traitor to Your Bretheren, I have heard enough from your kind for one day." Apparently the particular Elite which required the Fleet's attention was well known amongst the rebels, as past incidents connected to the rebel apparently had been rather explosive. The Elite was named "Tura Quagomee", otherwise known as Sharacole, "The Crazy Young One", for he was considered indeed, insane, speaking of horrors in the dark, artifacts of power being forgotten, and random articles not worth mentioning. However, this insane lowly being was probably the best lead the battle group had to any of the other Halos. But such thoughts were not Rudamee's place.
They finally reached the cell, cell number I-680. "Open it." Rudamee ordered the Jackal. It complied without comment, then stepped back. The three purple sections of the cell door opened simultaneously, exposing a mostly naked withered thing, its look being a disgrace to the Elite race. The Field Master turned to the old Jackal. "This is him?" It nodded. "Then your work is done." The Jackal's cheek quivered for a moment, in doubt of whether or not to leave. Rudamee lifted his plasma rifle and shot him twice in the face. The Jackal's head nearly disappeared, being reduced to a charred remnant. Even before its body had hit the floor, Rudamee had turned away to approach the Elite within.
It was watching him, and upon seeing the quick and emotionless murder of the cellkeeper, it had sat up and backed more against the wall, its left eye and jaws twitching. Pathetic being. Fura couldn't help thinking.
He stood above the slightly cowering Elite, waiting a moment for more fear to enter him. Then he spoke. "I am Field Master Fura Rudamee, under service of Fleet Master Huta Fumamee of the Covenant Prophets searching for the Great Journey. We are here because you have some information in your head that can lead us to what we seek." A moment passed before the prisoner, Quagomee, smiled gleefully.
"You search for the glorious Halo, yes?"
The Field Master again cringed in disgust. This fool talked like a Grunt. "Perhaps." He said. "But that is not for you to know. What you DO know are some special coordinates for a certain planet. My Master would like to have them."
"Promise to take me with you."
"What?" asked the tall one. He could not imagine why this creature wished to come with those that he had betrayed.
"Keep me in a cell, that is fine, but take me with you to Halo. Or I will never give you the coordinates." Rudamee fell silent for a moment, then agreed.
"Yes. On my word it shall be done." The Elite was persistent, and gestured to Uta Lumamee beside him, taking notes in his cube.
"Swear on his life." The caution of this prisoner annoyed Rudamee. There was no way he would do as this creature asked.
"I swear on his life." He spat quickly. "Now tell me the coordinates to that planet!" The prisoner smiled again, and flattened his scant and dirty loin cloth.
"VS-3046-2C." He said slowly.
"Good." Said Rudamee. He turned to Lumamee. "Document that." Then he turned to the prisoner, who was starting to stand. And beat him down with his plasma rifle, similarly to the way he had clubbed down the guard Jackal back at the command entrance. Once again, he ignited his plasma sword.
"What?" said Quagomee. "No! You said that you would—" The sentence was never completed as the weapon pierced his chest, leaving a gaping expression on his face, unable to breathe. Then his left arm was hacked from his torso.
Rudamee stepped back to watch for a moment as a pool of purple blood spread from the body, which fell forward towards the middle of the cell. Then without warning, he turned and beheaded Lumamee, catching the documentary cube before it fell from the Elite's claw's and leaving the body to fall near the prisoner's. A lower ranking Elite near to him watched the body in confusion. "Field Master?"
"I swore on his life." Rudamee stepped over the body and shoved the cube into the Elite's chest. "Take this back to The Illumination and give it personally to Fleet Master Fumamee. And mention that Uta Lumamee was killed in action while your at it. The prisoner got a hold of a weapon and killed him." He stepped down the hall to leave the city.
***
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