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Over the planet of Menagerie a battle raged. A fleet of Covenant ships fought an opposing UNSC fleet. The Fleet was led by the Fleet Master, Keloth S'Vamee. S'Vamee's flag ship, a CAS-Class Assault Carrier called the Unflinching Sanctity, was at the head of the battle, blasting down any and all fighters that neared it. By now it had also taken down a several much smaller
UNSC Frigates.

"We need to destroy their Flagship." Keloth hissed. "Perhaps if we engage in direct combat?" Offered one of the Sangheili on the bridge. "With the number of their frigates and fighters surrounding it we wouldn't be able to get in close enough to do anything before our shields have been taken down and the ship has taken too much damage." Keloth said. Soon, the door to the bridge opened. In stepped a rather slim and short Jiralhanae. He wore a body suit under armor that was clearly inspired by Sangheili armor. "Fleet Master." The Jiralhanae said. "I have returned with Da'tresee." The Jiralhanae said.

Keloth turned. "Thank you Barrus." He said approaching the Sangheili ranger. "It has been too long since we last saw each other my friend." Keloth said, placing a hand on the Ranger's shoulder.

The UNSC ships were on the losing end of the battle. Losing several of their frigates the remaining cruisers began to form a defensive formation. Using the remains of the destroyed ships they hid in a defensive circle. Once they managed to establish a defensive line they started a counter attack. Firing a total of three perfectly aimed MAC rounds they managed to destroy one frigate and cripple the other. The destroyed one was hit head on and once it was pushed another round right through its center leading to it exploding into three sections. The crippled one was hit in the engines. Blasting all means of movement from it and leaving it a sitting duck.

Back aboard the Unflinching Sanctity Da'tresee had greeted Keloth.
"It has been Keloth. Is fitting it happened over what seems like such a holy location." The rangers mask modulated the voice behind it. It sounded too deep and slightly muffled. This was caused by the helmets use as a space suit. It caused some issues with the vocals. Da'tresee wielded a Carbine on their back and a plasma pistol and three grenades on their waist. "What is it you requested of me?" While this conversation happened Banshees zoomed past the command deck with their ghostly hum as they went to combat the UNSC fighters.

"I wish to cripple the Human fleet by destroying their flagship." Keloth began. "However, none of our ships can get to it with its own defenses and the ships around it." Keloth explained. "If I were to draw their attention and fire, do you think you and your rangers could slip by their defenses and take out their flagship's weapons?" Keloth asked. "If you can, once the defenses are taken out, I could have the rest of the fleet overwhelm them, and engage the flagship in direct combat." Keloth explained.

Keloth let out a snarl as the frigates were destroyed. "If need be I have more than enough Seraphs and Banshee interceptors to launch with you for covering fire." Keloth added.

Da'tresee gazed out over the UNSC fleet. The super carrier they were in would be more then capable of taking out their ships. It would be easy to crush them with it's fire power. But the wreckage they had for defense was causing problems. "The space between us is too great. My team would need transport to get closer. Their main gun would be an issue to take down. It's build would mean we need to infiltrate and destroy the controls at the bridge." Da'tresee explains. The Ranger had good knowledge of UNSC ships. The team of theirs lead espionage to destroy numerous. From crippling weapons and engines to over loading cores. "We will only be able to take down one. So if we aim for the flagship we'll need time to sabotage the systems and escape." They explain moving to the fleet master.

Meanwhile in the communications room on a nearby cruiser called Pure Resolution the Brute general Vydus who was in charge of Brute forces on board was called in for a message. This was a highly classified call coming from the Prophet of Truth himself.

Keloth nodded. "Very well." He said. Keloth sat in the Captain's chair and pressed a button on the arm rest. "This is Fleet Master S'Vamee. All ships move forward. Try and draw the enemies fire. When I give the order, launch all remaining fighters." Keloth ordered, his orders being sent to the bridges of all the ships in the fleet. He pressed another button. "Hangar B, prepare several boarding ships. Do not launch until Commander Da'tresee has arrived and ordered to launch." Keloth said.

Vydus entered the communications room. He saw the Hologram of Truth and Mercy. He knelt down. "Holy Hierarchs, I am honored that you would contact me." Vydus spoke. "What is it you requested me for?" Vydus asked, looking up to the pair.

Da'tresee bowed to the fleet master and turned. "My team will be ready we shall get this mission done. Then we may make claim to this great relic world below." They say marching out. As they leave they glare at the Barrus through the corner of their helmet. Brutes always were such aggressive looking creatures. But that one was different. The fact S'Vamee trusted them was enough for Da'tresee to see him as even an equal.

Aboard Pure Resolution Vydus bowed to the large holograms of High Prophets of Truth and Mercy. With red robes and crown on Truth spoke.
"Captain Vydus. I have to come to you with a heavy heart to inform o the death of High Prophet of Regret. Who perished on one of our sacred rings when the Elites failed to protect him from The Demon. The same that destroyed another sacred ring." He explains to the captain.

A snarl escaped Vydus. "Those incompetent fools!" The Brute snarled. "In light of these events, we have elected that the Elites are no longer fit to protect us. If only a few of their best had failed to protect one of us, whose to say the rest won't fail?" Mercy asked. "Because of this we have decided that the Elites are no longer fit to lead the Covenant in times of war." The Prophet of Mercy said.

Truth moved forward as Mercy finished. "It is with this that we have made the order to put the Brutes in the position of power to fill the void left by the Elites." He looks down to the bowing Brute. He smirked. "This position shift will mean you shall receive a promotion. As you will now be leading the fleet you earn the rank fleet master." But before the Brute could reply Truth had one final gift to give. "You shall also receive the title of Chieftain. Now Fleet Master Chieftain Vydus." Truth says allowing the full force of the title to sink in. "You're instructed with informing the Elites and putting your Brute forces in control of their ship. Should they refuse the order." The worm like High Prophet seems to smirk. "Kill them. Kill them all."

Vydus had a look of shock on his face, and expression rarely if ever seen on a Brute especially not an experienced warrior such as Vydus. It took him a moment before he regained his composure. He nodded. "They will be shown no mercy." Vydus said.

Truth smiled at the Brutes response.
"Very good. Now then onto your mission. Report back when it is done." He says as the hologram fades leaving the Brute cloaked in the glow of the Covenant ship. Back aboard the Covenant holy city of High Charity the High Prophets would receive the news they waited for. Wandering off the massive albino Brute Tartarus bowed before the Hierarchics he served.
"It has been done my Hierarchs." He says standing to present a a small 'T' shaped device. Truth's eyes widened as he gazed at the item. He reached forward and was handed the device.
"The sacred icon." He says admiring the device. "I wish for a full broadcast organized now. On all networks." He declares staring at it. His eyes locked. "This is a glorious day." He says as they head off into High Charity at this time of celebration for the Covenant Empire.

Vydus rose to his feet, a smirk spreading on his face. He left the room, soon returning to the bridge. "Lekus." Vydus spoke. A Brute on the bridge turned. "How many Elites are on the Unflinching Sanctity?" Vydus asked. Lekus shrugged. "I am uncertain." He said. "I do know that it has the highest concentration of elites is on hte Unflinching Sanctity. Why?" Lekus questioned. "Attention all ships, this Chieftain Vydus." Vydus said, pressing a button on his Captain's seat, though he kept the Unflinching Sanctity out of the included ships. "All Elites of all positions are to stand down, and allow the Brutes to take their place." Vydus said. "If you do not comply I give full permission for my Brutes to kill you all." Vydus said. "All Brute commanders, once you have control of your ships open fire on the Unflinching Sanctity." Vydus ordered.

There was a several minute pause after the message had been relayed. One of the Frigates in the fleet opened fire, followed by a Corvette, and then another Frigate, then a Cruiser. Soon, the Unflinching Sanctity was being fired upon by all the ships in the fleet.

The Sanctity shook. "ALL SHIPS CEASE FIRE!" Keloth ordered over the comm link. "Fleetmaster! The Engines have been destroyed!" Spoke one of the Elites on the bridge. "Hull integrity is at 70 percent. Shields have been taken offline." Spoke another. Keloth snarled, pressing the button on his chair again. "I REPEAT! CEASE FIRE!" Keloth demanded. Vydus's chuckling could soon be heard over the comms. "That won't be happening, Fleetmaster." He said. "WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?!" Keloth roared. "The Hierarchs have ordered that you either be replaced or killed. And I doubt you'll willingly stand down." Vydus said. Vydus's ship moved into position above the Unflinching Sanctity. It's glassing cannon charged up before firing a beam at the Unflinching Sanctity, cutting through the ship's armor.

"Weapon systems are down!" Spoke an Elite. "Keloth, what do we do?" Barrus asked. Keloth thought. He pressed a button on his chair. "All hands to the escape pods immediately." Keloth ordered. "We're running?" Barrus asked. "Did you have a better idea?" Keloth questioned, before the Glassing beam hit the ship. The ship shook violently. "Get to the lifepods!" Keloth ordered. The Elites, and few Jackals and Grunts, in the bridge left, quickly making their way to the life pods. Once the bridge was empty, save for himself and Barrus, Keloth left to the life pods as well.

Across the battle field, the UNSC fleet sat, puzzled. "What the hell are they doing?" Questioned the captain of the UNSC Flag Ship, The Azure Hammer, Admiral Amanda Kenner. "No idea." Spoke the ship's AI, Gregor. Gregor was orange in color, his hologram took the form of a Spartan 2 in Mark V MJOLNIR Armor. "They're distracted with shooting each other. We could use this." Admiral Kenner said. "All ships, advance and prepare every MAC on your ship to fire into the Covenant fleet." She ordered over the comms. As Kenner had ordered, the ships began to move forward, with their MACs charging up to fire.

The chaos and fire tore through the fleet. The Unflinching Sanctity was hit in several locations as the smaller frigates unleashed their glassing cannons on them. The ship was being burnt and blasted apart. Usually these ships could survive such attacks but being out of the blue and surrounded on all angles it wasn't going to last. Hot plasma sparked and burnt in the cold vacuum giving off a glorious display of color as the ship had several holes blown in it. The hull breaches pulled out dozens if not hundreds of Covenant. Their corpses quickly froze up in the empty vacuum.

Inside the dim purple halls of the carrier Da'tresee was knocked onto their knees by the explosions as the ship was attacked by the now Brute controlled fleet. Stumbling to their feet they activated their comms trying to get a message to the bridge. However before they could a massive beam of plasma burnt through the hull. A glassing cannon tore a whole in the ship ten meters ahead of them. The heat was enough to boil ones blood if it weren't for these suits. As the vacuum pulled them out of the they activated their suits thrusters. Thrusting back to the ship they saw the fleet attacking them.

Three banshees flew by and in the vacuum their thrusters blew the technically weightless Ranger back. As the enclosed suit flew it used it's thrusters to regain some degree of control. The frigate above approached and charged its glassing beam. Da'tresee's eyes widened as the massive beam of plasma shot down. It was merely thirty meters away and in the vacuum the descending plasma had a small pull to it. Enough to attract the metal in Da'tresee suit and drag them towards it. Fearing this was the end they prepare to embrace their demise. However at the last moment a Phantom drop ship flies by. With it's side door opened a thin arm pulls in Da'tresee as it flies off with doors closed having the thruster strength to avoid the pull of the plasma.

Looking up Da'tresee saw their savior. It was a Skirmisher and it wore it's species equivalent of the Ranger armor. Three other Ranger Elites stood around as the ship flew away from the devastation. The Skirmisher gave off it's bird like cries off communication. Da'tresee nodded.
"Yes I'm fine. What happened Zohk?" They ask. The Skirmisher lets off more sounds."They betrayed us? Those filthy Brutes!" Da'tresee snaps enraged. The carrier starts to release escape pods flying out like insects from their burning hive. The Unflinching Sanctity burnt and sparked as the once near indestructible ship was turned into derelict space junk.

Barrus and Keloth got to the life pods. A few Elites, grunts, and Jackals joined them, before they were shot out of the Unflinching Sanctity as it was destroyed. Keloth snarled, watching from a view-port as the ship was blasted into dozens of pieces. "Who is responsible for this treachery?!" Keloth questioned. "None of the humans entered the ships in our fleet have they?" Barrus asked. "Their AI's are surprisingly skilled in assuming control of ships." Barrus said. "I wasn't made aware of any infiltrations." Keloth said. "Fleet Master, from what I'm hearing on the battle net, the Brutes seem to be killing off the Elites in the fleet." Spoke the pilot of the escape pod.

As the Unflinching Sanctity was fully destroyed, drifting apart, the UNSC fleet drew forwards. "All MACs are ready to fire." Gregor said. "All ships, open fire." Admiral Kenner said. The ships and the fleet opened fire. The MAC fire shot into the fleet. The barrage tore through many of the weaker ships in the fleet. The Covenant fleet returned fire, taking out several of the UNSC's weaker ships.

As the UNSC fleet moved forward, a light appeared on the planet below. It started small, but quickly began to grow. A large section of the ground bellow began to shift on the planet's surface. It opened revealing a deep, massive tunnel, judging by the architecture, it was clearly Forerunner in nature. The machines whirred to life created a gravity well. Most of the Covenant ships were out of range of the gravity well. Most of the UNSC ships however, weren't so lucky. They were quickly drawn in by the gravity well. The Covenant Fleet took advantage of this, and opened fire on the ships. Many were destroyed. Soon, the Azure Hammer was drawn into the gravity well, being dragged down to the planet. The escape pods were soon drawn in as well, along with the drifting remains of the Unflinching Sanctity.

Two frigates now under Brute control were pulled into the massive gravity well with the remains of the Unflinching Sanctity. The massive forerunner construct looked to devour the ships and wreckage as they were pulled in. The majority of remaining covenant ships remained on the outside of the well staring down into it. Aboard one ship a Brute prepared to make contact with his fellow loyalists however fate wouldn't be on his side. In the communications room he began patching through to Vydus as a door opened. The steady whoosh was followed by the spark of plasma and before the Brute could turn the blade of an Energy Sword went through his chest killing him. Pulling out as the Brute dropped an Elite wearing yellow armor got in contact with the ships bridge. An elites voice came over it.
"The bridge has been secured. The Brute traitors have been slaughtered and rebellion crushed." The voice declares.
"Wonderful news. Finish exterminating the remaining Brutes on board then we must more to find any surviving brothers from the Unflinching Sanctity." The yellow Zealot explains.

Aboard the Phantom Da'tresee, Zohk and the rest of their team were pulled into the gravity well as the planet opened. The Phantom shook as it was pulled down being tossed about like a leaf in a storm.
"Hold on we're being pulled into the relic!" He says as the shuttles thrusters try to stabilize it. Being pulled in with thousands of tons of debree it was a chaotic ride. A large chunk of metal slammed into the side denting the shuttle wall and sent it into a spiral. The crew within the body were slammed around and thrown into walls. "Brace for impact!" The voice of the pilot calls as the shuttle impacts something. The sudden stop it elevated as a sudden feeling of falling is felt before another stop. The shuttle landed upside down and several massive dents were in the incredibly thick armor. Sparks flew off the walls as circuits and power cells were shattered.
"Anyone alive?" Da'tresee asks looking about in the darkness. Somehow all of the Rangers team made it. Several had cracked helmets, damaged suits, broken weapons and some broken bones but nothing to make them unusable in combat. The side doors were broken but bent in. Slamming into them the doors pushed out allowing them all out onto the planets surface. They seemed to have hit a mountain and initially slammed into a peak several hundred feet above their current location before falling here.

Keloth's escape pod bounced around all the debris. Eventually its thrusters were taken out. The Escape pod continued bouncing about until it slammed into the ground. A groan escaped Barrus. "Is everyone alright?" He asked. The few survivors chimed in, and a pained groan escaped Keloth. Only a few Grunts and Jackals survived, aside from Barrus and Keloth.

Barrus got up and walked over to Keloth, who was clutching his leg. Alongside his leg injury, purple blood splattered behind Keloth. "Grab a med kit!" Barrus barked at one of the grunts. It yelped, before it quickly grabbed the med-kit in the escape pod. "This is Officer Barrus to the Fleet of Righteous Fury, do you read?" Barrus asked over the comm link of his helmet, taking hte med kit from the grunt.

The comms channels were dead. Nothing but static and the odd dead signal came through. The nearby mountains and electrical disturbance from the burnt out pods transmitters made a signal impossible to get through on short range comms. Anyone more then fifty meters away wouldn't get as much as a crackle of a voice.

Da'tresee wandered around to the front of the Phantom. There their worst fear was realized. The cockpit was shattered in as it seemed the shuttle impacted a large jagged rock. The impact pierced the hull and looking at the trickle of blood out the bottom the pilot was gone. Da'tresee slammed the side of the shuttle.
"Get medical attention on everyone. I want any fractured bones or anything set up so they can fight. Zohk you have ten minutes to check everyone and do what's needed." Da'tresee voice was more garbled than usual. Likely due to the suits damaged. The voice box sounded damaged. The Skirmisher nodded and chirped going to perform medical examinations on everyone to fix any immediate issues.

Barrus snarled when he only heard static. He did his best to patch up Keloth, but it was far from the best. He did better with machines than people. "That should hold you over until we find help." Barrus said. "Can you walk?" He asked. Keloth tried to sit up. He let out a groan. "No. I don't think I can." Keloth said, with a pained growl. Barrus snorted. "Then let's wait here for help." He said.

Three hours passed. Keloth's condition seemed to worsen. Soon, the sound of engines could be heard in the distance. Barrus growled, with drawing his Plasma Repeater. The Grunts and Jackals that were with him drew their weapons as well. Soon, a few vehicles came into view. A Prowler, flanked by a pair of Choppers. Barrus wasn't happy they were Brutes, but they were better than nothing.

The Prowler and Choppers pulled up, before the Brutes got off. "About damn time someone showed up." Barrus snarled. "Call in a Phantom. The Fleetmaster is seriously injured and needs medical attention immediately." Barrus ordered.

The Brute in charge, a commander snorted. He snarled as he got off the side of the Prowler. Three more Brutes got off while the gunner and driver remained. Two Brute Choppers pulled up next to it. The turret turned with a metallic groan. The other three brutes were armed with a mix of weapons. One had a Spiker and the other two held Brute Plasma Rifles. The commander had a Mauler on his waist and on his back a massive and bladed Brute Shot. There was a silence creeping over the area as the two groups stared each other down. The commander then speaks into his intercom. His own linked device being non damaged and supported likely by a beacon nearby allowed him to speak with his commanders. An order came through and he nodded letting out a toothy smirk. He reached to his back and pulled off the Brute Shot.
"Sorry Barrus." He says with an underlining joy. "You're all not leaving." He says as they raise their weapons prepared to fire.

Barrus blinked in confusion for a moment before he realized what was about to happen. His hand shot to the plasma rifle at his hip and drew it. "Open fire!" Barrus ordered the grunts and Jackals that were still alive. Her immediately opened fire. With his other hand, he drew and activated one of his Gravity axes. He threw it like a tomahawk at the Brute still in the Prowler's turret.

The Grunts and Jackals momentarily fumbled with their weapons, before opening fire, with the Jackals' shields activating.

By the time the Grunts and Jackals drew their weapons three of them combined were killed. Two grunts and a Jackal. The tossing of Barrus's gravity axe struck the gunner over his left eye. Only firing for two seconds he fell forward as his skull was pierced killing him instantly. The commander let out a battle cry as he fired two grenades towards Barrus, narrowly avoiding him. Red plasma bolts darted across the short gap as the remaining Jackals shields sparked to life in time. One Grunt fired off his needler wildly and the Brute with the Spiker got impaled across his chest as the pink crystals exploded and shattered, tearing his chest. The Brutes roared as the ones on Choppers started to circle and pulling up their spikers shot with one hand as they tried to hit in their little encampment.