Adding to my post. Elites were never sure about the Great Journey that was promised. Many thought it was a spiritual one more than Physical. Truths plans got accelerated when they found the first Halo. Even he realized the flood were a major threat. Thus his desire for power using forerunner tech drove him to many of his actions. Flood made him desperate as misguided as he was and the other Hierarchic. Elites were tools that outlived there usefulness so were replaced by Brutes. MC Killed Regret that would make Truth even more desperate. Elites began to see the political climate change knowing the flood was the true threat. Prophets did not care about Elites only the power of salvaged tech from forerunners and power over the other Covenant races to attain such. Other Covy races fallowed suit with Truths Doctrine. Brutes were installed being new followers who were jealous of Elites and did not ask questions during this period of transition. Still the disagreement over the Great Journey and what it symbolized is the true reason for the Arbiter to shift with other Elites. Realizing with out humanity there was no hope to stop the Flood nor Truth in his misguided Great Journey that would fire the Halo rings. I find it sad that even in the end Truth would not change his mind seeing things as they really were instead of the dream world he was living or trying to create. Using any one or anything to accomplish his goal of ultimate power. Also Truth Mercy and Regret all attained power in 2525 becoming High Prophets then spoke with an oracle that lead to the war with humanity. Looking back at how it started it is easy to see the pattern that would emerge as bungie has hinted at things over the years. Small teams of Elites(Zelots) who would go out to attain knowlage or items of there Religion(Forerunner Tech) in human controlled space. [Edited on 12.27.2012 5:08 PM PST]