[quote][b]Posted by:[/b] Wolverfrog Writing freedom is what original writing is for. One of the challenges of writing fan fiction is sticking to the canon, and a mark of a good fan fiction writer is someone who can tie the story into events in the canon, enhancing it rather than breaking it.[/quote] Need I mention the fact that Johnson [i]died[/i]? :P

[quote][b]Posted by:[/b] dangerman1337 To be fair an AU would be far more interesting and would be able to give you freedom ;).[/quote] Writing freedom is what original writing is for. One of the challenges of writing fan fiction is sticking to the canon, and a mark of a good fan fiction writer is someone who can tie the story into events in the canon, enhancing it rather than breaking it. And my Covenant call each other by first names. It makes them more identifiable and they're easier to pronounce.

[quote][b]Posted by:[/b] Mr Evil 37 Dude, seriously, stop double posting. Edit your last post if you have something else to say.[/quote] I guess but then it wont make seance being they relate to 2 different things but I guess your right

Dude, seriously, stop double posting. Edit your last post if you have something else to say.

wow I just noticed how the main characters dont follow elite name code how odd lol or are they just casual

opps forgot to quote lmao I was talking to Nocbl2 but it still works to all

[quote][b]Posted by:[/b] Axe11154 dude if your story is a hot topic or is liked its bad the advertise. How ever most of are post aren't really commented on while yours is so ya not good move advertising but its not good for any one really [/quote]^^This^^ =/= sense. What are you talking about, exactly?

[quote][b]Posted by:[/b] Wolverfrog [quote][b]Posted by:[/b] dangerman1337 Great chapter as usual from you. But i have a question is this going to be an AU (alternate universe) where things go different by any chance, or is it going to continue as the war went.[/quote] It's sticking to established Halo canon, don't fret. [/quote] To be fair an AU would be far more interesting and would be able to give you freedom ;).

dude if your story is a hot topic or is liked its bad the advertise. How ever most of are post aren't really commented on while yours is so ya not good move advertising but its not good for any one really

Wonderful read, although the last page has a section where it gets stuck in italics. Also, I hate advertising in other threads, but if anyone is interested, my story called Project Gungnir is on the second page.

Where is the next chapter?! I need to steal stuff from your stories to write my own... crap why did I just say that my covers blown. LOL But really take your time to make it epic.

consarnit Restraint Just send Sorran to go find his friends why dont ya. I mean really. lol but really it seems the 2 are trying to kill one another with regretful moves in this game of chess. [Edited on 10.28.2010 5:20 PM PDT]

Very nice, characters are coming along very nicely. I can see this beating Insurrection for the fan-fiction throne of the Gallery.

[quote][b]Posted by:[/b] dangerman1337 Great chapter as usual from you. But i have a question is this going to be an AU (alternate universe) where things go different by any chance, or is it going to continue as the war went.[/quote] It's sticking to established Halo canon, don't fret.

Great chapter as usual from you. But i have a question is this going to be an AU (alternate universe) where things go different by any chance, or is it going to continue as the war went.

yipip wants hug sorran comes to give it to him happy ending :P also great work I cant wait for more [Edited on 10.28.2010 4:15 AM PDT]

Oh, now there shall be trouble in High Charity! Great chapter, I love the Cole you've portrayed.

Graet work brah! If this was a book I'd post it as my second favorite book of all time! Right behind Insurrection!

That was worth the wait. And first to comment on this!

* * * * * * * * * * <[i]High Charity, Grand Council Chambers[/i]> "I have some most troubling news that we must attend to first," the voice of Truth spoke, ringing throughout the halls of the Council Chambers. A podium stood before him, holding a voice amplifier that increased the volume and strength of his voice. Sorran stood next to the Minister of Restraint in a private stand high up in the expansive chamber, gripping the railing tightly as he stared down with hatred through the energy shields of the cubicle at the Prophet who had ruined his old life. He felt a soft hand brush against his shoulder. "Peace, Sorran," Restraint told him quietly, and Sorran forced himself to relinquish his hold on the poor railing and draw back, resuming his post next to the Minister, Hem standing on the other side. [i]My first Council meeting. Back when I was a scholar I had dreamed of one day becoming a Councillor and having my own voice heard throughout these halls. A foolish notion, in hindsight. My ancestry is not nearly noble enough for me to become a Councillor. And I wouldn't want to anyway. See their corrupt faces, how they eagerly lap of every lie-laden word Truth utters.[/i] "The occupation at the human planet, Eridanus II, has gone quiet. Undoubtedly this is the work of the humans, who have clearly retaliated with an armada and destroyed our fleet there," Truth began, and immediately his words were drowned out by the cries of thousands of Councillors and their Honour Guards discussing this news. Sorran felt like he had been punched in the stomach. [i]Savara... my love. Her ship has left that system, and so she should be safe. But Ahkrin... Zharn. They were stationed at Eridanus II,[/i] was all he could think, his mind shutting out the uproar cascading around him. He looked up and saw that Restraint and Hem were staring at him grimly. "They may yet live, Sorran. Take heart," Hem smiled sympathetically, and Sorran forced himself to recover, staring back out at the Council chambers. Truth held up his hands, moving the frail, long fingers down as he signalled for order. Finally, the youngest Hierarch and the one who had inadvertently revealed the secret of Halo to Restraint spoke. "Order! We demand order!" Regret shouted, his voice carrying loudly throughout the hall. The Sangheili Councillors reluctantly fell quiet. They respected Regret as he had once been a warrior in battle, one of few Prophets to do so. In recent years though, the new Hierarch had become more and more slobbish, to the point where he almost needed a gravity chair like the other Hierarchs. [i]Were it not for us, the Prophets would never be able to survive,[/i] Sorran realised, chuckling as he imagined Truth or one of his ilk doing manual labour. They were weak, but their promise of the journey and supposed connection to the gods made them strong. "Thank you, noble Prophet of Regret," Truth intoned with a forced tone of camaraderie. Regret nodded, moving back slightly. Recently, Regret had seemed very irritated, and the prevalent rumour was that he had allowed a Forerunner world holding artefacts and weapons that could end the war with the humans instantly be destroyed by a lone human ship which had followed them from Harvest. An Arbiter had also been killed. That would explain why Truth seemed displeased with him. But of course, Regret couldn't just be replaced. He knew too much. But Sorran suspected that some day Truth would have Regret killed, if not directly then through some other, slyer method. "After conferring with my fellow Hierarchs, especially the wise consul of Mercy, who unfortunately cannot be here at this present point in time, we have reached a hard yet unquestionable decision that is the only option. Eridanus II houses few of our lords' artefacts, and there is little reason to remain. Sending reinforcements would be a senseless waste of life." "No!" Sorran cried out, his speech drowned out by the uproar that surged through the Council. It was once again quickly silenced by Regret. Truth sighed heavily. "This is not the perfect solution, but it is one we have deemed necessary. I take it no High Councillors have objections?" There was silence. Sorran stared at Restraint incredulously, who looked troubled. Hem caught Sorran's expression and grimaced. Still, Restraint did not object. "Minister!" Sorran cried out, causing Restraint to flinch. "Surely you will not let this stand? Zharn and Ahkrin are there, as are countless others who need help! You cannot--" "Sorran, it is not that simple. When Truth asks if there are any objections he does not truly mean those words. Despite what I know Truth does not believe that I will ever act upon this knowledge, which is why he only sends lone assassins occasionally to remind me of what he shall do if I become defiant. If I challenge his words--" "I can't believe I'm hearing this! I thought you were a good man, Restraint! I thought that you had ideals and morals! But it turns out that you're just a corrupt and pathetic husk like all the rest," Sorran snarled, sweeping his arm to indicate the rest of the subdued Council chamber. Restraint's eyes flared, and Hem's expression became even more uncomfortable if that was possible. "How dare you, Sorran! I--" "You're a coward, Restraint. High Councillors are meant to defend the people against injustice, and challenge the words of the Hierarchs. You claim to hate Truth and all that he does, but when you have a chance to act against him your remain quiet. I'm disgusted." Restraint's words died in his throat, and shame swept across his face. The other Honour Guard noticed this. "Sorran!" Hem shouted indignantly, stepping forward. "You go too far--" "No, Hem. He does not go far enough. You are right, Sorran. Too long have I sat in the corner, afraid of what might happen if I do something. I have forgotten what it means to be a High Councillor. But no more." And with this Restraint stood up out of his gravity chair on shaky, thin legs, trembling as he moved slowly towards the edge of the small box we stood inside. With an unsteady hand, he activated the amplifier inset into the walls of the stand and cleared his throat. "I object!" he cried out strongly, the words ringing through the Council chambers and striking everyone in the room like daggers. As one, thousands of eyes turned up to face Restraint, wide and unbelieving. In the centre, Sorran could see Truth and the other Hierarchs stare up at Restraint, too shocked to show any rage. "...[i]What?[/i]" Truth demanded in a hoarse whisper, his throat bobbing up and down unpleasantly as he swallowed. A deadly silence had descended upon the Council chambers. "You heard me, Truth. I, High Councillor Restraint, object to this decision. Tens of thousands of our warriors are on that planet, and they may yet live. We cannot abandon them. I will not allow it." "...[i]What?[/i]" Truth asked in a quieter voice, still disbelieving. Suddenly, another voice rang clear through the chambers. "I agree with Restraint," a Sangheili High Councillor in a booth opposite them declared proudly. Recording devices were flying around the room now, attempting to capture every reaction to ever word. "As do I!" another joined in, this time a Prophet. "And I!" "This travesty cannot be allowed!" "We owe it to our warriors to rescue them!" Soon the Council chamber was full of voices demanding that the Hierarchs' decision be overturned, the objections becoming nearly deafening as hundreds called them out. Truth was shaking with rage, hands curled up into fists as the protests smashed into his eyes. Finally he could take no more. "Very well!" Truth bellowed, voice shaky with shock and anger. "It seems that we have been overruled in this matter, and I will... I will bow to the wishes of the Council. A new fleet shall be assembled and will leave for Eridanus II within the week. This Council session is adjourned!" And with that the three Hierarchs stormed away, their Honour Guards struggling to keep up with them as they flew off in fury. Applause rang throughout the Council chamber at the decision, and Sorran looked at Restraint, who turned around with an expression of glee on his face. "Thank you, Minister!" Sorran cried out, rushing to help Restraint back into his chair. The Prophet shook his head at it, brushing the Honour Guard away. "I do not want it. Too long have I sat down and remained silent whilst injustice and corruption has knocked others from their feet. I will take a stand, and support myself from now on. You have shown me what it means to be a High Councillor once again, Sorran. It is I who owes you thanks." "Restraint, Truth will not let this slide. You haven't challenged his words since you were disposed seven cycles ago," Hem interrupted, smiling but with concern etched across his face. "To emerge once again like this... you have shown him that you are not afraid of possibilities and threats. I am proud, but fear that life shall become much more difficult for us. You may wish to procure more Honour Guards and strengthen the defences around the manor." "See to that then, my friend. This is only the beginning. Truth, Regret and Mercy shall not find themselves able to do what they wish without protest any longer. I shall be dogging them every step of the way." Sorran looked back out at the Council chambers as Hem and Restraint left through the door in the back of their box where the private transport ship of Restraint was waiting outside. The other Councillors were leaving now, and the mood was uplifting. [i]I've done all I can. I may not be beside Zharn and Ahkrin any longer, but I will still protect my brothers in any way possible. Try to stay alive long enough for my efforts to not go wasted, my friends.[/i] [Edited on 10.30.2010 2:07 AM PDT]

* * * * * * * * * * "If you can hear this, then know that the words I, Sangheili Ultra and your commander in absence of greater authority, require that the words I speak must be followed to the bone as if the gods themselves decried them in the stars. The humans are evacuating their people from this planet. Do not attempt to stop them. Admiral Cole has given his word that you shall all be left alone if you adhere to this. Any who disobeys without provocation shall not receive any defence on my behalf when the humans retaliate. I--" The communications link was suddenly cut off, and Zharn looked up with surprise at the satisfied yet equally weary face of Admiral Cole. The Sangheili Ultra swallowed nervously. "That will be all, Elite. You have done well, and for now we're on good terms. Well, as good as they can get." [i]For now?[/i] Zharn despaired, not wanting to go through the horrible events of the night again any time soon. "Shall I be returned to my... cell?" Zharn asked aloud, glancing nervously at the bridge crew who were all staring at him intently. He hoped that the fear in his expression could not clearly be seen. "Not just yet. I would like to talk with you first; not an interrogation, just a few light questions I'd like you to answer. I have a bottle of long-fermented wine stored away... do your kind drink, Elite?" Cole added to the end of his sentence, seeming genuinely interested. "If you are referring to the consumption of alcohols, then yes. We ferment them differently to you, with your primitive natural process and basic methods of forming ethanol, propanol, methanol, butanol and such, but the end result is largely the same." "Good!" Cole enthused, although the smile forced across his face was shot down long before it reached his wrinkled, steely eyes. "We'll head down to my quarters then, and this time there won't be any agonising moral choices. That was very fun though." "I did not find it amusing," Zharn answered curtly, his old edge tentatively creeping over the cover it had fled behind when the torture had began. Cole stared at him with an odd look. "Of course you didn't -- that's why I enjoyed it." Zharn suddenly wanted to distance himself from this man. Wanted to speak with Ahkrin about what had happened. Wanted to be back on the winning side. "In all honesty, Admiral, I am tired and would prefer sleep to--" "I wasn't asking, Elite. We're going to share some drinks, and talk about things. There is no other option, unless you'd rather spend the night out in space." "No! That's not necessary Admiral, I'll come with you," Zharn replied hastily, the confidence that had been slowly returning scarpering away once again to find a rock to hide under. "Splendid. Captain Raines, escort us. We wouldn't want our new friend here getting any funny ideas, would we?" * * * * * * * * * * "[i]Admiral Cole has given his word that you shall all be left alone if you adhere to this. Any who disobeys without provocation shall not receive any defence on my behalf when the humans retaliate. I--"[/i] "Heretic," one of the Unggoy nearby Ahkrin whispered as he heard the words surge out from the intercom in the corner of the detention block. The Operative had him in a deadly grasp in a second, grabbing his shoulder tightly in a place which, if squeezed hard enough, would bring about quick and painless depth. "What did you say?" Ahkrin demanded harshly, and the small alien looked up at him, terrified. He suddenly felt a large, rough hand on his shoulder. "Ahkrin," the voice cautioned in a deep baritone, and he turned his head slightly to see Orpheus staring at him intently. Ahkrin scowled, and pushed the small Unggoy aside onto the floor before shrugging off Orpheus' haired hand. "Don't touch me, Brute," he spat venomously, using the human derogatory term for the species before wading his way through the Unggoy and putting distance between him and the Jiralhanae, whose expression was pensive and hurt. "Sangheili, I know that you worry for your friend, but taking your frustrations out on these Unggoy is not the right thing to do." "What do you know of companionship, Brute? You, who killed your own uncle in order to gain further stature." "That's not fair, Ahkrin. Our customs are not the same as--" Orpheus began, face darkening as the Unggoy clustered around him for protection from the raging Sangheili backed away nervously. "Exactly, Orpheus. You and I are completely different. Do not presume to know me." "Ahkrin--" "Hey!" the female captain from earlier barked, marching over. "You, the Elite with the attitude. There something wrong?" "It's hardly any of your concern, [i]human,[/i]" Ahkrin answered disdainfully, hands shaking as he contemplated marching over to the bars and grasping her by the throat. He could have her lying on the floor dead before the marines could react. [i]Be calm, Ahkrin. Do not let emotions overcome your training,[/i] the voice of his mentor echoed within his mind, and he forced himself to steady his breathing. An assassin such as he must be patient. The time to strike would present itself. "I'm making it my concern, split-lip. I won't have you causing trouble. Marines! Take him to solitary confinement. Elite, present any resistance and I'll personally kick your sorry ass into the airlock, or even the fusion core if I'm feeling nasty." The doors of the cell opened, and three marines roughly grabbed Ahkrin far harder than necessary. Their grips weren't fully encompassing though, and Ahkrin knew that he could break free of their grasp, kill the first two with a snap of the neck and a chop to the throat before scooping up a fallen weapon and levelling the third plus the female captain. [i]Patience, Ahkrin. Their deaths would bring about your own.[/i] And so he let them take him.

And suddenly two seemingly separate plot threads cross paths. Enjoy. [b]Part 23 - Turnabout[/b] "Why did you save me?" "It seems I felt a need to deliver upon my foolish act quota for the month," Sorran answered sardonically, sitting down next to the Sangheili he had rescued from the zealous Prophet the day before. "Foolish or no, you saved my life. And risked your own to do so. If you hadn't, I would be lying at the bottom of that lake." "I suppose you are right," Sorran mused, a small smile creeping across his still aching jaw. Had he not chosen to intervene yesterday, the Sangheili he was talking to would be dead. And despite the hopes of Jajab and even Restraint, Sorran knew deep down that there was no Great Journey. The promise of the Sacred Rings had been a lie, and everything divine about the Forerunners had been too. But what had happened to them? If they hadn't ascended to godhood, then what had become of them? And why would they build the Sacred Rings to destroy all life in the galaxy? Surely one would have to be truly evil to do such a thing... were the Forerunners not the benevolent beings the Covenant thought them to be? "My name is Pel, incidentally," the Sangheili interrupted his deep thoughts suddenly, startling Sorran a bit. His hand was outstretched. The Honour Guard hesitated for a moment, before grasping it firmly and squeezing tightly. "Sorran," he told Pel, drawing his hand away. This was the most common introduction amongst the Sangheili. Amongst close friends a small cut would be made in each Sangheili's hands as they grasped each other. Blood was important amongst them; it signified life, battle and honour. To exchange one's blood with another made them incontrovertible brothers. Sorran had only ever done this with Zharn and Ahkrin. Yet he would never see the friends he called brothers again. Nor would he ever see Savara again. He shut the thought of her out before they could flood him with emotion. "Well met, Sorran. Indeed, the gods must have been smiling down upon me when they sent you. A sure sign that what I was preaching held truth within it." Sorran blinked, and swore within his mind. He had forgotten that this Sangheili was deeply religious, enough so to risk his life preaching about his slightly modified version of the belief in the Forerunners and their Journey. "How long will you be with us, Pel?" Sorran asked, and the smile on the other Sangheili's face faded slightly. "Until I am fully recovered. Restraint has promised me sanctuary until then. I cannot believe that of all the Sangheili who could have rescued me, it was the Honour Guard of a former Hierarch who did so!" "The Minister is a great man," Sorran muttered, turning to look out of the window. Restraint's manor was situated in the Councillor's district, and dwarfed the rest of the other Councillor's houses. The Forerunner Dreadnought, the centrifugal focus of their worship which held the key to the Great Journey, loomed just a few miles in the distance. This district was even closer to it than the Religious District of High Charity. The artificial sunlight shone brightly, illuminating the large chunk of rock which was all that remained of the Prophets' homeworld. Coupled with the numerous flora and lakes situated around the station outside of the central hub city, High Charity had a distinctly terrestrial feel to it. Sorran distantly remembered all this from his scholarly studies. Amongst the Sangheili he had had few peers. It all seemed to be a lifetime ago. "Unlike Truth and his bastard lapdogs, Regret and Mercy. What's your opinion on the war with the humans, Sorran? I suppose you haven't fought in it, being an Honour Guard on High Charity." "...Right," Sorran finally replied after some hesitation, knowing that it would seem suspicious if he told the truth. Honour Guards were usually selected in childhood. In all honesty Sorran was a protector of Restraint's secret if things should go wrong rather than a protector of the Minister himself. Sorran was a good enough warrior but knew he didn't compare to the likes of Zharn and Ahkrin, and knew that there were many far more skilled than those two. "Even so, you must have seen the 'casts and heard the news about the war. This isn't assimilation we are doing, Sorran. It's genocide. Our Lords did not want this. And if we continue down this path then it shall take us away from that of the Journey's." "Maybe so. But what can one Sangheili do?" Sorran demanded, head falling into his gauntleted hands. It was a question he had asked himself many a time over the past few weeks, albeit for different reasons. Pel sighed heavily too. "Nothing. You saw what happened yesterday, Sorran. That Prophet would have had me killed simply due to me speaking out." "Leaders don't like it when you contest their words," Sorran answered tartly. Pel shook his head. "Perhaps not, but at least the humans allow it." "They [i]what?[/i]" "I jest not. When serving in the military as we lay siege to their farming colony, Harvest, I came across records which seemed to explain the human governmental system. I believe it was a school I found them in. Apparently the humans vote for their leaders, and are allowed to speak freely without fear of being punished--" "You must be mistaken. They all follow the orders of their military leaders, and disobeying gets them a 'court martial,'" Sorran retorted, recalling a little bit of what he had witnessed whilst in human captivity on Eridanus II. "They're under an Emergency Military Government now, because of us. We're destroying everything they are little by little." "How much longer do you think they will last?" Sorran asked Pel, who seemed well-informed about this subject matter. The Honour Guard had forgotten about his hatred of this petty war recently, but speaking with the other Sangheili brought it flooding to the surface. "Each of their worlds falls within less than a quart of a cycle, and every counter-attack they initiate consists of fewer and fewer ships. But finding their worlds is a challenge, due to what they call the Cole Protocol." "I've heard of it," Sorran answered, moving to a basin and pouring himself a goblet of water to wet his dry throat. "I've seen ships which could easily escape our fleets turn back to destroy a navigation centre, even when it means that they themselves will die. Their resolve is remarkable. I know few Sangheili who would do such a thing," Pel gave Sorran a meaningful look, and the Honour Guard rolled his eyes. He wasn't a hero. His conscience got the better of his logic at times, much to his despair. "I wonder why they have not been allowed to join the Covenant then," Sorran mused, when suddenly he underwent an epiphany. [i]Do they know the truth about Halo?[/i] That would explain why Truth wanted them all dead. But he couldn't discuss this with Pel. He had to find Restraint and converse about the revelation with him. Perhaps the Minister knew more. "I must go now, Pel, and attend to me duties. Will you be okay?" "I think so, I should get back to my worship anyway. Thank you for speaking with me, Sorran. I appreciate it." "Any time," Sorran nodded, his brow darkening as he turned away. Pel seemed like a nice enough fellow, but he was as blindly devoted as religious zealots came. Once he would have admired that in a Sangheili, but now it just seemed like a huge flaw in character. [i]He can never learn the truth. Even I had trouble coming to terms with it, and I was never too caring about the Great Journey anyway. But if Pel discovers that everything that makes him who he is is just one giant farce... I fear for what he shall do, to others and himself.[/i] The door swung shut as Sorran left, and he could faintly hear the chanted prayers of Pel through the thick walls.

pleace dont tell me Preston Jeremiah Cole is the cole in your story if he is then are favorite ultra is dead

[quote][b]Posted by:[/b] ajw34307 [quote][b]Posted by:[/b] steadman [quote][b]Posted by:[/b] ajw34307 Are you and Cole having some kind of bromance? [/quote] Actually, I remember Wolvers once saying 'Yes, I have a Cole fetish.' I was kind of annoying him for constantly using him as a badass character, I regret not taking a screencap now.[/quote] [url=http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/dor/objects/14276699/halo-reach/images/halo-reach-20100511105249580.html]The Marine probably saw this coming when Ahkrin was talking about shooting plasma from his eyes.[/url][/quote] Thats too funny. And WF, make that next part ASAP, I love this, keep it coming.

[quote][b]Posted by:[/b] steadman [quote][b]Posted by:[/b] ajw34307 Are you and Cole having some kind of bromance? [/quote] Actually, I remember Wolvers once saying 'Yes, I have a Cole fetish.' I was kind of annoying him for constantly using him as a badass character, I regret not taking a screencap now.[/quote] [url=http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/dor/objects/14276699/halo-reach/images/halo-reach-20100511105249580.html]The Marine probably saw this coming when Ahkrin was talking about shooting plasma from his eyes.[/url]

[quote][b]Posted by:[/b] random no337 [quote]Axe11154[/quote][quote]Ktan Dantaktee[/quote] Guys, PM's. NOW. I don't think you guys were here for the massive -blam!-storm that happened last time people had conversations in threads. And if you keep going around advertising your stuff, Axe, you're likely to get banned. Also, comments that are off topic, one (irrelevant) word and the like are also considered to be bumping, which will get the thread locked (unfortunate for the OP) and you banned. Keep it relevant (and clean).[/quote] hay hay hay we did didn't you read my post just above yours its like right there