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[Papa Papa, the Arbiter is coming!]

Ed could only smile in amusement as Khala ran about excitedly, Naya and her bridge crew watching with smiles on their faces. [Okay, okay!] he told her, grabbing the girl under her arms as she was about to fly right by him again, the Spartan-III lifting her easily off the ground. [Don't worry Khala, I know the Arbiter is coming! He just wants to make sure we're a good colony, and to see if other humans would like to settle here.]

Khala looked up at her father, confused. [But Papa, why would other humans not want to come here?] she asked innocently. [The War is over, so why can't we be friends like the Arbiter is with the Demon?] Almost instantly, the jovial mood the adults had died as the Sangheili and human looked at each other uneasily.

[Little one,] Naya began, walking over to her daughter, kneeling in front of her. [The Arbiter and the Demon are… an unusual case. They are warriors, bonded over a common foe. Many humans… and Sangheili,] she said hesitantly, [Are not able to cast aside old hatreds.]

[But you and Papa… ?]

Ed cut in, hugging his little girl. [Our love is the exception, and I'm proud of it,] he explained to her gently. [What you mother is saying is that the fear and distrust that humanity and the Sangheili have for each other is simply too great to just forget. Remember your lessons about the feud between the Takum and Moram Keeps?] Khala nodded as one of the officers, Vela 'Moram, grimaced as the others gently ribbed her. [Well, right now, it's like that,] Ed continued. [Over time, the scars will heal. But right now, the wounds are… .] Ed paused, taking a deep breath as he sighed.

[But do not be discouraged little Khala,] Beha commented as the little girl's face fell, newborn son in her arms. [You can have the honor of healing those wounds as you grow older!] Khala blushed lightly at the statement as the adults chuckled, her father smiling mischievously.

[Besides,] Ed added, [There's only one other Demon equal to the Master Chief in battle prowess.] Khala gazed up at him expectantly.

[Who Papa?]

Ed smiled, kissing the top of her head as his ladies watched and listened in. [His name is Noble Six,] he told her. [He fought on Reach, on worlds that have no name, all to defend the innocent. Those who sought to cause strife, to destroy the innocence of people who couldn't fight, they soon feared him, for they knew he wouldn't stop until they were destroyed.] Ed's face softened. [He died on Reach so that humanity would have a chance to survive… and they did. The Master Chief would hardly have ended the war alongside the Arbiter had Noble Six not saved his vessel from enemy attack.] He stood up, lifting the girl up in the air as he did so.

[Now, it's almost your bedtime, and the Arbiter and his retinue arrive tomorrow. Don't want you to miss meeting a hero now, now do we?] Khala shook her head excitedly as she hugged her father tightly.

[Okay,] she said only somewhat petulantly. [But Papa?]

[Yes?]

[Aren't you a hero?]

Ed's heart stopped as he closed his eyes, the Spartan tearing up. “Oh sweetheart," he whispered, taking her out of the livig room and towards the staircase,"You… truly are a gift." Khala yawned happily as Ed looked back at his mate, who nodded.

[We will wait,] she said, looking at her crew. Ed nodded back as he carried his daughter up to her room. Sighing, Naya rubbed her brow. Beside her, Beha rested a hand on her shoulder.

[Shipmistress, are you well,?] she asked. Naya shook her head.

[My father is in the Arbiter's retinue,] she explained, drawing looks of sympathy from her ship-sisters. Most of them had abandoned their families, escaping arranged marriages so that they could serve on Naya's ship. And so far, considering that most of them had either had a child by Ed, or were expecting to have one in a few months time, they had not once wished to have their old lives back. [I fear for Khala's safety.]

[Ha!] barked Ran 'Roram, one of the colonies precious few teachers. [If your father thinks he can harm Khala, then he's an even bigger fool than the Prophets! After all, she is as a niece to us all, and we will all fight and kill for her! To say nothing of your mate!]

[Although, I have to wonder why he didn't tell Khala the truth?] asked Vela, crossing her arms across her chest, resting them on her baby bump. [He is a grand warrior, we all saw the images of his battle. Any one of us would have been proud to have a father capable of such skill.] Naya chuckled as she reached a hand up to her neck, touching a single metal tag hanging from her neck.

[Ed is… well, he is only human, as their sayings go,] she stated with a fond smile. [He doesn't see himself as a warrior seeking honor. He is a man who seeks peace, and I think that this,] Naya gestured to her home and crew, [Is the closest he's ever gotten to that in a long time. I do not force him to accept our traditions, and he has not forced us to do the same, with some exceptions.] The women all chuckled in unison, and they continued to chat amongst themselves until Ed finally came back down, rubbing the back of his neck.

[So, did I miss anything?] he asked.

Naya shook her head. [No my love, you didn't,] she told him, the human sliding into a seat next to her. [We merely waited for you to return so we could discuss what to do tomorrow.]

“Ah," Ed deadpanned, drawing a giggle from a couple of the younger officers. [Well, let's get it over with. With Beha currently busy with the little one there, that leaves Vuha in charge of the weapon systems. As far as groundside security, I would believe that Jetan would be the best choice. He's the most mild of all our experienced soldiers, and he can follow my orders far better than most of the other men.]

[I concur, my Kaidon,] Sheia stated. She was the oldest of the women, old enough to be Naya's mother at least, and was one of the few who was content not to be bedding Ed like a helioskrill in heat. Frankly, it suited Ed just fine, as he usually talked to her as a source of advice. [I suspect that while the Arbiter himself may be progressive by our society's standards, I doubt that many of his retinue would share the same opinions as he.]

[But what of the Arbiter himself?] Vela asked, looking at Ed. [How will he react to you?] Ed shrugged in response.

[Whether he accepts me as Kaidon or not isn't my concern,] he replied. [Frankly, I'm more concerned about the UNSC delegation arriving with him. If I understand things right, Lord Hood himself will be arriving with his own forces. Which means he'll be guarded by ONI spooks at the very least,] he added with disgust.

[You do not like this 'ONI?'] Beha asked, tilting her head in curiosity.

Ed huffed angrily as he looked out the window to the starlit sky, Harmony's triple moons in view. [They… are not the agency they should be,] he admitted. [They do not obey the laws they are supposed to uphold. To be fair, when they first did so, it was by necessity. Now?] Ed shook his head. [They are paranoid, afraid of attack from the shadows when the attack they fear comes from within themselves. I have a sneaking suspicion that this 'Storm' Covenant is a ploy by ONI that is going to backfire and bite them in the ass soon.]

Naya and Ran both came to him and engulfed him in their hugs. They were glad that their human mate and Kaidon was fond of their hugs, as their combined breasts, restrained only by their night dresses, smothered his head in their sensitive flesh. [Well worry not Edward,] Naya told him, breaking away to let her mate catch his breath. [Whatever they plan, we shall be ready for it.]

Ed smiled at his ladies as they all smiled back comfortingly. [You know, I am likely the luckiest damn human alive right now, to have all of you like me as much as you do,] he commented, standing up. [Now, let's all get some rest. It's going to be a busy day tomorrow.] The Sangheili all got after him, with only Naya and Sheia staying behind. [Elder Sheia? Why are you still here, if you don't mind me asking?] Ed inquired, seeing the older woman look at Naya with a glint in her eye.

[Kaidon, I have advised you to the best of my ability alongside your mate for these past two years,] Sheia stated, standing up slowly. Ed couldn't help but look at her mature, voluptuous curves as she moved. [I have seen the man that you are, and as the eldest here, I must say,] she stopped in front of Ed, his eyes forced to look up at her, [That I was wrong to deny you myself.]

“…say wha?"

Kneeling on the ground, Sheia lowered her head submissively as she held a fist against her chest. [Kaidon, I have spoken with your mate, and my Shipmistress,] she said, with a tone of reverence that Ed had never come from her lips… well, mandibles before. [By the rites of our people, by the grace of the Mistress of the Keep, I offer myself as your faithful servant, to use as you see fit. Your faith is my faith, your desires mine, my life is yours. I seek to be yours, until the void comes.]

Ed was confused as hell, and it showed on his face as he looked at Naya. [Naya, what's she talking about?] he asked her. Naya nervously clutched her hands together, looking at the pair in front of her.

[My love, it is an ancient rite,] she explained. [In the ages before the Prophets and their lies, a woman may seek to bind herself to a specific male, usually a warrior of grand renown. If he accepted her offer, then the woman would be his for life. A concubine, a personal guard, whatever the male sought to use her for, she would perform without question or hesitation. Since the advent of the Swordsman Rite, it has not been used much, but most daughters of Sangheilios have some familiarity with it, if only in passing.]

Ed glanced back at the still prostrate form of Sheia before scratching his head. [So, she'd be like a slave then?] he asked. Naya tensed, knowing her mate's thoughts on the subject.

[In a manner of speaking,] she said, moving over to rest her hands on his shoulders. [Edward, I know you are not the kind of man who would dare treat a woman as anything less than a goddess. Sheia… knows this, and is offering to be by your side, a member of your family for the rest of her and your life. I may be the one who can allow her to ask, but you must be the one who decides her fate.]

Ed took a deep breath, closing his eyes to think. He turned back to Sheia, arms crossed. [Sheia, are you absolutely certain that this is what you want?] he asked her. [If I do this, you won't have much choice in your life anymore.] The older Sangheili nodded her head calmly.

[I am certain, my Kaidon,] she answered. [I will do as you command.]

Ed sighed, letting his arms fall to his sides. [Very well then. Sheia 'Marum, do you revoke your clan in service to mine?]

[By the blood of my fathers, I do,] she answered.

[Sheia 'Marum, do you submit yourself to your Kaidon, in both body and spirit?]

[By the blood of my fathers, I do.]

Ed moved forward, and rested a hand on her shoulder. [Then I, Edward Elricson, Kaidon of the planet Harmony, accept your oath. From here on, your name is mine, your body mine, and your spirit mine. Rise, and stand proud.] Sheia did as she was commanded, standing at least a clear foot taller than he. But the look on her face was not one of disdain, but one of barely restrained elation. [Now, please, Sheia,] Ed whispered, nervous, [The truth. Why did you want to go through all this?]

The Sangheili huffed in laughter as she grinned. [I came to fall in love with you,] she told him. [Nothing more, and nothing less. If I were elsewhere, I would not have that chance. Here, I did… I choose to live at your side, alongside my Shipmistress.] Ed looked over to his wife, his eyes asking her in this was true. She nodded.

[Well then, I suppose it's time we… consummated our new bond, yes?]

Naya grinned as her newest sister grabbed Ed and wrapped him in what would normally be a bone crushing hug. [Sheia, you may use our room for tonight,] she said, grinning as Sheia nuzzled the top of Ed's head. [I shall return before the morning, there are a few things I need to check up on with the Endeavour.] Ed gave her a thumbs up as Sheia dragged him up the stairs to the master bedroom, not to be seen until the next morning.

[][][]

November 12, 2555

Harmony Orbit

Shadow of Intent

The Arbiter stood in the middle of the bridge, his gaze fixed on the corvette on the vessel's scanners. [Brother, our status?] he asked to the Sangheili warrior behind him. In response, the white-armored Shipmaster grunted as he strode to his leader's side.

[We are well,] Rtas 'Vadum stated, standing at attention as their other guests exited Slipspace next to them. [We shall be arriving in the planet's orbit shortly.] The Arbiter nodded as the ship's communication station opened up a channel to the blocky human vessel beside them.

“Arbiter, are you receiving?"

“Aye, I receive your transmission," the Arbiter replied to Lord Hood. The leader of the UNSC forces, Hood had elected to join the Arbiter in seeing the viability of the colony below them. Escorting him would be several civilians, and members of his military. Many, if not all, veterans of the Great War. “We shall transmit landing coordinates as soon as we receive them from the colony."

“Very well Arbiter, keep us posted," Hood stated before the channel cut off.

[Open a channel to the Resolute Endeavour,] Rtas ordered, and his crew responded with professional efficiency, as the hologram displaying the corvette shifted into one of a Sangheili… a female at that. [Who is this?!] he asked in surprise. While the Arbiter had allowed females to gain rank in the Swords of Sangheilios, most of them were still members of their Keep's guard. This one though was clad in the armor of an Ultra, a small cloak draped across her left shoulder.

[A thousand pardons, Fleetmaster,] she said, bowing her head down and saluting Rtas. [I am Shipmistress Naya 'Ludum, mate to Kaidon of Harmony colony. I welcome you to our home.]

[Shipmistress, where is your Kaidon?] the Arbiter asked, his eagle-sharp eyes focusing on her. [I was hoping to meet with him personally.] Shipmistress 'Ludum nodded.

[He sends his apologies, Arbiter. There was a matter that he had to attend to on the ground,] she replied. [But, he will still be meeting you there after his business is concluded.] The Arbiter nodded back in response.

[Then I await our meeting. Shipmistress, if we may have the coordinates for my and the human's craft to land?]

[Sending them to you now Arbiter. We shall see you there. Shipmistress 'Ludum, out.] The Sangheili's form fizzled out as their helmsman brought the Shadow of Intent to a cruising halt.

[Tell Lord Hood where we will be landing,] Rtas commanded as he and the Arbiter turned to leave the bridge. [Arbiter, what are your thoughts on this woman commanding this ship? Or her Kaidon?]

[I remember her ship from before,] the Arbiter said, thinking back. [It was at Reach, and took down three of their ships, one of them a destroyer.]

[A mighty foe, for a modest vessel,] Rtas stated, the remainders of his jaws quirked in a smile. [If I remember correctly, it was the only class of vessel any female of our race could command.]

[Yes. For it to be here, after all this time… she is hiding something on this planet, I am sure of it,] the Arbiter growled as they reached the lift to one of the Shadow's many hangers.

[Your will be done Arbiter,] Rtas tapped the icon for the lift to move, and the two warriors remained silent as they traveled to their Phantom, an honor guard of noble Sangheili warriors standing by. Getting onboard, the Arbiter looked at one warrior in particular.

[Kosa 'Ludum?]

The burgundy armored warrior looked at the Arbiter in surprise. [Yes my Arbiter?] he asked, his voice like shattered gravel. The doors sealed shut as the Arbiter looked at him.

[Kosa, you are the Kaidon of your Keep, are you not?]

[Yes my Arbiter, I am. Why do you ask?]

The Arbiter looked back at the now retreating form of the Shadow of Intent. [The vessel in orbit of this planet… the Resolute Endeavour. Do you know her master?]

Kosa shook his head. [I am afraid not,] he stated. [I have been busy, seeking to end the Covenant across our worlds.] The Arbiter huffed as he looked back.

[The ship's master is a Naya 'Ludum,] the gold armored Sangheili sataed plainly. All of a sudden, the air inside the Phantom went still, as Kosa stiffened. Then, all through the craft, they could hear him growl in fury.

[My daughter… my whore of a daughter… in command of a ship?] he muttered. [I will beat the sense into her when we meet!]

[You will do no such thing!] the Arbiter snapped, his voice a booming thunderclap that stunned all who heard it. [She is mated to the Kaidon! Strike her, and I shall not assist you in your folly!] Kosa back off a step, afraid that the one who slew the Prophet of Truth would draw the Prophet's Bane and slay him.

[But… very well Arbiter,] Kosa muttered, lowering his eyes. [I shall not attack her.]

[Good, now, be silent, or I shall ensure you do not see honorable combat for a year!] Rtas snapped as the Phantom hit atmosphere. The craft shook, but he wasn't sure that was what was making Kosa 'Ludum shake so.

[][][]

Khala was bouncing on the tips of her feet as Auntie Sheia held her hand. She, and the rest of her modestly small class of students, had been released from their classes early in preparation of the Arbiter's arrival, along with members of the 'U-N-S-C.' The young Sangheili for one was excited to meet the people of her Papa's clan! Maybe they would treat her far better than most of the children on the colony.

Up in the sky, a trio of dropships flew through the sky. One of them carried her mother, but the other two were as different as night and day.

The second of the craft was a Phantom, much like her mother's, but instead of the cool purple shell, the armor plating was colored a dazzling reddish-brown, almost bronze in color as it slide through the air gracefully. The other craft was plainly human in design, rugged and robust, like her Papa's preferred method of transport.

The craft all decended and landed in the field outside the colony walls, and Auntie Sheia looked down at her. [And I suppose you would like to meet the Arbiter himself then Little One?] she asked with a warm smile. Khala nodded eagerly as she looked between Sheia and the landing spacecraft. Sheia could only chuckle at her newfound niece's antics. [Well then, I am certain that neither your father or mother will mind me taking you there.]

[Thank you Auntie!] Khala cried out, jumping up to latch onto the larger woman's back in a hug. Sheia's hearts fluttered in warmth as she reached back and held onto her young charge before setting out to the gate.

The two of them reached it, along with the colony's security detail just as the leaders all came into view. Immediately, Sheia could spot the Arbiter, his armor too distinct to be mistaken for any other. The human leader stood proud and tall, his face wracked by aged lines, his stark white uniform a sharp contrast to the plains surrounding them. But what drew her eyes, and the eyes of everyone else, were the four soldiers escorting him alongside the Imps and other Marines.

Spartans.

Comparing her master to these Spartans, Sheia could draw several conclusions. They were not the Demons that had plagued the Covenant the entire war, cutting bloody swathes of death of carnage where they went, nor were they the fierce berserkers that had defended Reach. In short, they were obviously inferior to Edward. Khala didn't quite care, as she _ooh_ed and _ahh_ed at the sight of them.

Nonetheless, she respectfully made a path to the entrance of the colony as the collected soldiers, warriors, and leaders approached, the lead human speaking. “Shipmistress 'Ludum, I understand that this is what most Sangheili don't farm all that much."

Sheia saw Naya nod. [Yes, that is true, but due to the relative size of our population, we all have to farm at least once in a while,] she answered, another human translating for his leader. [In fact, many of our colonists are able to perform two or three tasks for the colony with ease, if one of us were to not be able to perform our duty.]

“And where is your Kaidon?" the Arbiter asked in accented English, drawing a look of surprise from Khala. Naya was about to answer when the thrumming roar of a Warthog reached their ears, as the refurbished vehicle drove up to them from the other side of the gate. The Spartans raised their weapons, unsure as to why there was a UNSC vehicle here… and then visibly flinched in shock as Ed stepped out, his casual clothing discarded for a more… practical choice.

He was clad in his old armor, sections melted and burnt, and where it had been compromised, he had patched it up. Looking between the two, Sheia smirked on the inside as she noted that, while her Master was small compared to a Sangheili warrior, he was still taller than even the new Spartans by nearly half a head. Ed stepped up to the arrived group, and looked at the human, his helmet's blue visor shining in the afternoon suns. “Lord Hood, welcome to Harmony," he said, saluting the man. “I'm Lieutenant Edward Elricson, and I'm the one in charge here."

“That's impossible!" spat out a human female from behind Hood. Clad in a dark grey uniform, she was… different. Not quite a soldier, but clearly not one to be trifled with. “The UNSC never sent anyone by your name here, and I know every Spartan in service! Now, who can confirm your identity?"

Ed was clearly narrowing his eyes at her, his body tensed as a hand clenched. He looked up… and then started chuckling. Confused, everyone stared at him. Reaching up, Ed took off his helmet and grinned. “Hey, Noble Three, that you?" From the back of the group, amongst the human, a bald human with a fist full of arrows on his face looked at Ed, shocked.

“Six? How are you still alive?" he asked, walking towards the other Spartan just to make sure. “Reports listed you as MIA on Reach." Ed shrugged, glancing at Naya.

“Eh, I got lucky," he commented, pulling his former teammate into a relieved hug. “What about you, how did you get offworld? And what about-?"

“Lieutenant," Lord Hood interrupted, stopping the question. Ed nodded, stepping back.

“Sorry sir," he said, apologizing. “Now, I assume everyone is wondering just how the hell I got here, right?" The silence was palpable. “…I'll take that as a yes. Well, it's a story that's best done over dinner, and I'm not here to bore you with details. If you come this way, I'll show you around the colony. You four, point those things somewhere else, you'll unnerve the kids," he added, turning away and leading the assembled inwards.

Sheia glanced back and looked at Khala, the little girl's jaws splayed open in awe. Sheia could understand the feeling. There were days were Ed did not seem at all like he was a Demon, merely a normal father. But she had seen the recordings from orbit. The footage from Naya's own helmet recorder as she walked the surface of Reach. The countless numbers of Unngoy, Kig-Yar, Jiralhanae, and Sangheili fighters. The cold wrecks of proud war machines. And in the middle of it all was the avatar of war incarnate. Even when attacked by Field Marshals, the most skilled of their craft, Edward had fought them, and defeated them. It was only by luck that Naya had come to him when she did, for he surely would have perished on the surface of the planet otherwise.

Sheia was certain that this was the Ed that she was seeing lead the Arbiter and the humans into the colony. He was Kaidon, yes, but he was a Demon as well… and a powerful one.

This was shaping to be one hell of a night.

[][][]

Naya led her child back into their home, her expression grim as Khala struggled to keep up with her mother's hurried pace. [Mama, what's wrong?] she asked.

[Nothing you should be afraid of Khala,] Naya replied, eyeing her home in relief as they rounded the corner. The two Sangheili quietly entered their home, and Naya took off her helmet, rubbing the back of her neck. [Go, get yourself ready for bed Khala,] she ordered.

[But what about Papa?] the little girl asked, her eyes downcast. During the great communal dinner, she had seen her father talking with the Arbiter and that one old human, but not once did the Arbiter look her way, much less her father. Plus, Khala was used to having her Papa tuck her in bed at night, his soft songs always lulling her to sleep without fail.

[He will be home soon,] Naya promised, crouching down to nuzzle her daughter's head. [He loves you. He just wants to make sure that all of us here are safe.]

[Okay,] Khala whined as she went limp against her mother, earning a light-hearted chuckle from the still armored Sangheili.

[Alright, you can stay up until he returns,] Naya commented, standing back up. Khala smiled back up at her when someone else spoke up.

[I knew that you were an honorless whore who should never have earned the command of a ship,] a burgundy armored Sangheili growled, stepping out of the shadows, his bulky form dwarfing Naya's slim but mature frame, [But to know that you spawned some bitch… it sickens me.]

Khala found herself being pushed back as Naya stomped between her and the stranger. [How did you get into my home, Father?] Naya spat, her mandibles splaying in aggression. Kosa huffed arrogantly.

[All I had to do was ask where your 'Kaidon' lived,] he replied, picking up an urn that Ed had crafted during his healing about the Endeavour. [I am ashamed that you would let yourself fall for such a degenerate.]

[At least he knows about true honor!] Naya retorted, growling. [Unlike you and every male you tried to sell me off to!] Kosa growled in return as he held the urn off to the side, and let it go.

The sound of shattered memories broke through the air.

[Mama, I'm scared,] Khala murmured, trembling. Naya narrowed her eyes. There was the plasma pistol tucked onto the small of her back, but that wouldn't be nearly enough to stop her father, not at this range.

[And your little future slut of a daughter is a coward?] Kosa blurted angrily, his teeth showing in fury. [Where did I go wrong with you?!]

[Get… out…,] Naya ordered, her body tensing up like a tightly wound coil. Her father looked at her, and chuckled.

[You think you can defeat me Naya?] he asked condescendingly. He held his arms out, tauntingly. [I would love to see you try. And when you fail, I will enjoy training that bitch behind you.]

Outside, Ed was leading the Arbiter and Lord Hood to his home, the UNSC commander followed by the same woman from earlier and Jun. “So, Lieutenant, how exactly did you meet Shipmistress 'Ludum?" Lord Hood asked. Ed chuckled at the memory, scratching the back of his now UNSC regulation haircut.

“Funny story that," he answered. “It was about eight years, give or take. I was working with an ONI group in some system that doesn't exist anymore. I had just graduated training, and I was-“

“Lieutenant, that is classified information!" the woman said venomously. “ONI regulations state-,"

“Fuck off," Ed interrupted, waving her off. “Lord Hood himself asked, and as he is the highest military authority in the UNSC, he gets to know. After all, Miss Osman, like it or not, Admiral Magpie is still subservient to the chain of command, even if she acts otherwise."

“Six, you know you're insulting the head of ONI, right?" Jun asked, concerned for his teammate. Ed snorted.

“Jun, NOBLE-6 is MIA," he said, turning so that he was walking backwards. “Edward Elricson is alive and well on the planet Harmony, and is currently not a part of the UNSC chain of command. Admiral Parongsky can kiss my ass. Now, as I was saying, I was on a currently dead planet, and my job was to destroy a Covenant base holding a supply of hydrogen gas behind enemy lines. I was on my way there when I saw then Minor 'Ludum be engaged by an… less than honorable Ultra."

“And your response?" the Arbiter inquired, his tone level. Ed chuckled.

“Well, she doesn't have to deal with him anymore, not since I painted his brains all over the dirt with my rifle."

“And then?"

Ed turned face, gesturing noncommittally. “Well, I saw her again, beaten and bruised in the room of the base's commanding officer. He was asleep like a rock when I killed him, and I let her escape before I blew up the base. Turns out, I put her in a life debt, which I am happy to say has been repaid many times over," he added, with a loving smile. It did not go unnoticed.

“Six, lucky with the ladies then?" Jun asked, chuckling as Lord Hood and Osman narrowed their eyes. The Arbiter on the other hand was starting to laugh.

Ed groaned, about to clarify when a booming roar cut through the air. Snapping his senses to attention, he saw a Sangheili fly out the ground floor window of his home, burgundy armor denting as the body skidded along the ground. “Shit!" he swore, pulling out his handgun, dashing to protect his home. Behind, Jun and the Arbiter did the same, the former staying by Lord Hood's side as the armored Sangheili charged forward with Ed.

They were almost there when Naya charged out of the window, rage displayed on her face. [HOW DARE YOU!!!] she roared, her fists clenched in fury as she charged. The other Sangheili barely had time to get up before he had to dodge the angered woman. [HOW DARE YOU ATTACK MY DAUGHTER!!]

“Naya, stand down!" Ed ordered, shouting at the top of his lungs as the two Sangheili in front of him traded blows. The Arbiter was about to intervene when Ed took a deep breath. [NAYA 'LUDUM, stand the fuck down!] The Sangheili paused in their tracks, heads swiveled to look at the now furious human in their midst. [Naya, what the hell is going, and who the shit is he?!]

The two fighters began shouting over each other, their rage clouding the air before Ed put a stop to it with a single shot into the sky. “ENOUGH! You, your name!" he ordered sternly, pointing at the stranger.

[I am Kosa 'Ludumee, honored -,] Kosa began before he was cut off.

[Naya, why are you attacking a member of your clan?]

Naya's glared was enough to melt hull plating as she answered. [My… father,] she spat out, [Invaded our home, insulted my honor, and he struck Khala.]

Lord Hood walked towards him, Jun and Serin aiming at the two formerly fighting Sangheili. “Noble Six, what's going on here?" Ed's face went cold as he looked at his house.

“Khala, come on out please," he asked, his voice firm. Lord Hood saw a small Sangheili child walk out the front door slowly, trembling as her father, along with everyone else noted the hand shaped welt on the side of her face. [Khala, little one, who did this to you?]

Khala looked over to Kosa. She pointed at him.

Ed slowly began to walk forward, his voice getting colder with each step. [Kosa 'Ludum, you were invited here under the Arbiter's good word. You, a minor kaidon who barely has land to his name, and a shocking lack of basic honor. You not only assaulted my wife, you would also dare to strike my own fleh and blood?] Khala had known that her father was Kaidon, but this was the first time that she had ever seen her Papa truly angered.

[By all rights, you have attacked my Keep, and by Sangheili law, I should strike you down,] Ed continued. Taking a deep breath, he glanced back at the watching Arbiter. [But that will not be for me to decide. Arbiter, as the highest Sangheili warrior among us, what would you do?]

Kosa felt his stomach plummet as the Arbiter turned his molten gaze upon him. [Kaidon 'Ludum, you are no longer a part of the Swords of Sangheilios,] he stated darkly, the hilt of the Prophet's Bane flashing in the moonlight. [Moreover, you have broken the bonds of hospitality, and you have disobeyed my direct orders! Your honor will stain you beyond the Void! Shipmistress 'Ludum!]

[Y-Yes Arbiter?] Naya replied, her eyes going between everyone present. The Arbiter strode up to her… and offered the hilt of the Prophet's Bane to her.

[Is this man one of your kin?] he asked. Naya looked at Kosa, her eyes little more than slits.

[No Arbiter, he is no kin to me,] she replied, taking the hilt in her hand. Kosa finally snapped in fury.

[BITCH! WHORE!] he screamed, pulling his own sword out. [You were a mistake! A stain upon our lineage!] He lunged forward, blade arcing high in the air. Naya rushed to meet him.

And it was over in a moment, as Kosa's blade fell to the ground, hand still gripping the handle as he fell to the ground, clutching the burning stump with his remaining hand. Lord Hood watched as Naya stood over her father, the Prophet's Bane hovering over Kosa's neck. “For striking daughter, I should end you," she said, her English far from perfect. “But… ." Kosa looked up at her, his eyes shining in fear. “You not worth dying by Arbiter's blade. Or any blade." Naya deactivated the sword, and turned away.

“Leave. And never return."

Naya began to walk back towards the Arbiter, hand extended to return his weapon when Kosa roared, charging up to tackle her, an active plasma grenade in his remaining. Khala screamed to warn her mother when the entire block opened fire on the crazed attacker. From every house along the street, armed Sangheili, many of them Khala's honorary aunts, opened fire with carbines, rifles, pistols, and two of them even used the infamous 'Needle Rifle' her father was normally hesitant to use. Her father, along with the other two armed humans, fired into Kosa with their pistols. The resulting firestorm ensured that the only thing left of Kosa after the grenade detonated was a faint pile of ashes.

[Naya, are you okay?] Ed asked worried, running over to hug his wife. She huffed, merely taking the hug as she waved Khala over. The young girl didn't need to be told twice as she latched onto her parent's legs.

“Sir, I recommend we leave, now," Osman hissed, the barrel of her pistol still smoking as Jun looked at his former teammate in deep thought. Hood shook his head.

“Not yet," he said, walking forward slowly towards the family. “Lieutenant!" Ed looked over.

“Yes sir?"

Hood looked around the area, noting the Sangheili watching him warily. “This is your daughter?" he asked, gesturing to Khala. Ed nodded. Hood smiled, his scarred face taking on a more paternal expression as he looked at Khala. “Miss Khala, was it?" Shyly, Khala nodded, shifting so that she was hiding behind her parents. Chuckling, Hood continued. “You know, your mother and father are the bravest people on this planet that I know of."

“Sir, I doubt she even-," Osman said before Khala spoke up softly.

“I know sir," she said, her skin flushing red. Hood nodded.

“For what it's worth, I'm sorry for what happened to you tonight," he continued. “It should never have happened. Lieutenant, if she wants, we can assign a councilor here, to help her recover."

“I appreciate the offer sir," Ed replied, his gaze settling on the ONI agent. “But I'd rather they not be in anyway trained by ONI." Hood nodded.

“A fair request," he said. “Now, we'll be back in the morning, to discuss the rest of our affairs. Do you need a place to rest for the night, or… ?"

“We'll be fine," Ed commented. “I've got more houses than I know to pick to rest until we fix the window. We'll see you in the morning."

Hood nodded as he turned and walked away, Jun and Osman following. The Arbiter stayed behind, looking at the family. Noticing him, Khala 'eeped!' and struggled to hide even more behind her armored parents. Looking over, Naya chuckled weakly as she gently pushed her daughter out. [Now Khala, that's rude to do to the Arbiter,] she gently chided. Shrinking inward, Khala meekly looked at the massive Sangheili warrior, waiting for him to speak.

The Arbiter strode forward slowly, all too aware of the potential minefield he was in. [So, you are a Spartan?] he asked Ed. [I would have thought that after you healed, you would have returned to your clan.]

Ed shrugged. [My clan of Spartans that I trained with are dead,] he said simply. [My parents are dead. Reach was burning. I don't blame the UNSC for believing me dead. If anything, it allowed me to find family I can grow with.] He hugged his mate closer, resting a hand on Khala's shoulder. [There's honor in raising the next generation to be better than me.]

[You gave up your status as a Demon to be a Kaidon?]

[No, I gave it up so I can be with theses two,] Ed countered, smiling. The Arbiter looked at them, and then nodded.

[I see. Then, as recompense, let me ensure that you are guarded the rest of our stay here,] he stated.

[Much obliged,] the Spartan stated.

[][][]

The next three days passed in a blur, and Khala had for the most part healed from her bruises. But that wasn't the problem for her now. Right now, the Arbiter and the leader of the UNSC were watching her as she lifted a beam rifle from a weapons rack. All she had to do was snipe a series of targets for the Arbiter. Maybe he'd be impressed… or not. It was, to say the least, nerve wracking for her.

Off to the side, Papa stood with a warm smile of encouragement, clad in his thick armor as Sheia watched with a cautious eye. Swallowing a dry throat, Khala went through all the checks her father hammered into her head as she found a target relatively close by her position. She took a deep breath in, held it… and pulled the trigger as she exhaled.

The lance of ionized gas struck the target, piercing straight through it to hit the dirt behind with barely a kick of the dirt. Shifting her focus, Khala nailed two more in the chest before an armored hand rested on the barrel, blocking the front of the optics. Looking up, Khala was stunned to see the Arbiter look down at her, a faint hint of a smile at the corners of his jaws.

[A good show,] he commented, letting her get back up and turn the rifle's safety on. [You make your family proud.] Khala, for a moment, didn't know what to do with the praise before she grinned and saluted her elder.

[Thank you Arbiter,] she replied humbly. [But I have a long way to go before I'm anywhere close to being like my father.] The Arbiter chuckled in amusement as the crowd chuckled at the two of them.

[Khala, it's time to say good-bye to the Arbiter!] Ed called out, spotting the dropships coming in. Turning his head, he motioned for Naya to handle the delegation while he dealt with a little… problem. “Admiral Osman, if I could have a word with you please," Ed asked, keeping his gaze level with the ONI agent. The agent excused herself to Lord Hood and approached him.

“Yes Lieutenant?" she asked snootily, arms crossed. Ed huffed humorlessly.

“Miss ?elik," he started, earning a sharp inhale of breath from Osman, “I just want to let you know that if I find any ONI agents snooping around my children, yes, children as in multiple kids, or around my colony, I will not be extending the courtesy of returning them back to you alive. This extends to Parangosky as well. I will not tolerate ONI interference with my life, no more than they already have, thank you very much."

“Is that a threat, Lieutenant?" Osman asked.

“No, Spartan, it is not," Ed replied coldly. “And it's Kaidon. Now go home to your beloved spy ring, washout."

Osman looked about ready to snap, but was called away by Lord Hood's clear shout. “This isn't over," she warned Ed, turning to leave.

“Wouldn't be a NOBLE mission otherwise," Ed fired back, walking to his family. Standing by them, he watched as the Pelican ferrying Lord Hood and his escorts took off, the Arbiter's craft hanging off to the side like a responsible wing man. [Well,] he muttered, [This has certainly been one hell of a time.]

Ed's family couldn't agree more.