[[i]Divine Fire[/i] Orbiting Occupied Territory, Atlantis.] Klones stepped on the bridge looking about. Seeing Warlord he stepped over with anger in his eyes. Warlord looked up from speaking to the General who seemed amiss at the younger warriors actions. Klones threw the holo-locket at Warlord Izzard who caught it then turned it on." You betrayed my trust. You who i looked up to." Warlord looked at the locket then to Klones." I did what i must." Klones shook his head in disgust. " Killing my Uncle!, Even my Aunt!..Misdeeds that have been repaid in full. Your nephew is dead to his own doing. He tried to blackmail me. You even endorsed this." Throwing a data pad with the information at Warlords feet. Klones shook with rage letting out a bellow." In the traditions of our people i challenge you to one on one combat for the deaths of my family. Betraying the trust of our people. Actions taken unworthy of a warrior.". Klones ignited his energy blade its white/blue glow illuminated both the Warlord and Generals face. The General stepped back as his golden armor reflected the blue glow." Is this true Warlord ?" Unsure what was going on. The General looked at Warlord with a piercing gaze. Warlord shook his head yes." It is. I have done everything to save our people. The Great Journey requires we make sacrifices. Prophets promised us a place. I have sacrificed a great deal." Warlord ignited his energy blade looking at Klones. Yet speaking to every one. " The cost was too much. The Prophets play us like fools Warlord. We are not there pets. Great Journey for us will be different. We will not walk the path of blood to sacrifice our people. This must end." Klones waited for Warlord to respond. The General bellowed out."Clear the bridge. This is a contest of honor." Bridge crew set a course then exited as directed. Only the General stood on the bridge away from the Combatants. " I know more than you ever will Klones. I know you will not beat me. That our people have a place at the Prophets side." Klones struck at Warlord who expected it blocking the blades flared. Shrugging Klones back. Warlord went for a low strike. Klones made a improvised block. Both of them spun to clash again with a overhead move." You have improved Klones but i have the experience of countless battles." Shoving his shoulder into Klones chest he stumbled backwards before rolling out of the way of a kill strike that would have slashed his throat. " Not today you do not. I seek Justice for all those you have killed to silence the truth.!." Launching him self at Warlord, Klones body checked Warlord who's energy blade instinctively came up to slash Klones shoulder. The strike continues angled up shattering part of his helmet incidentally. Klones blade buried deep in Warlords chest griping his sword arm. " You will not take any more lives in your mad quest for power. Our path will be better." Warlords face had regret in it." I..am sorry." Klones drew out the energy sword. His face was bleeding. His right eye did not work. The General Held up Klones who rushed him to the medical center Two decks down. They took a lift down as The General half-carried Klones who was placed in a medical pod it treated his injuries. The General spoke to the half-aware Klones who was in a tube filled with medical nano-gel." We will discuss things when you get out Warlord. Rest now" Klones felt warmth then peace as his body rested from its injuries. [A few days later] Klones entered the bridge in his golden armor. He reported to the General." Sir!" Coming to attention. The General looked from the view port nodding at Klones." You have been promoted to Warlord. You hold our ideals to heart. You shall serve the Covenant with honor. I am sorry it had to end this way. But together we can finish this war with the humans. The Great Journey will happen one day but until then we will act with honor." Klones nodded standing next to the General. " I will serve as i always have. Advocate of our people. Protector of the Covenant and its ways. Honor those who came before us, Walk the true path of enlightenment." Klones looked at the field of stars. Both stood in silence as they gazed out into the field of stars. Klones felt regret yet he did not fear the dark any longer it was his ally. The Human gave a great deal of information on what happened. It seems the humans uncovered a greater threat while discovering the ruins. Once the human presence was neutralized they would possibly clear it. Yet for now it was off limits to every one. Klones was unsure what these artifacts might hold information but the threat was too great to risk another venture down there for now. Pacifying the planet was priority for now. All records were locked down for Council eyes only. They would wait for orders for now. Yet Klones had regrets. It seemed Warlord was holding out on his dealings. It seemed easy for many to fall to the promise of power. Yet some evils are necessary. It made Klones wonder if he could fall to such promises of power. He had seen what happened before. Changes would need to be made. It seemed the Prophets were too entrenched in Sangheili affairs to challenge the fact they were nothing more than tools. In secret they had to resist. They would never be seen as equals in the eyes of the Phrophet's. Those who openly took a stand were killed. He would work in the shadows. He hoped that things would change. If he learned anything it was that one must fight for equality. In his heart he knew that there will be conflict over this issue. Possibly even war, but that prospect will happen when it developed. Until then he would play along for now. [Edited on 11.03.2012 4:43 PM PDT]