Joining the Covenant wasn't what I expected.

It turns out, there wasn't any sort of standard recruiting station anywhere since all of the races of the Covenant were vastly different. A big sign that says "Covenant Armed Forces Recruiting Center" wouldn't make very much sense considering there were many differences between how the sangheili warrior clans and the yanme'e worker society decided who would join… not to mention every race in between.

Unsurprisingly, most of the kig yar population among the Covenant military were paid mercenaries, so in order to join I would have to go about it in the same way most others of my race would. A contractual agreement between myself and the Covenant for a set amount of time of service for money.

Sadly, as I was someone who had little to no actual proof of any combat experience and no prior service, I was going to start out where everyone else did. A form of quick basic training on a world where I would be taught the ins and outs of how the Covenant actually worked.

With no other options, and my mother's reassuring words telling me that's how she started out, that's exactly what I did. I talked with my mother about it, and the two of us negotiated a contract with the Ministry of Resolution. Eventually, we were satisfied with the terms stated in the contract, and I was told to report to a ship docked to High Charity.

"You will be alright… right?"

My mother smiled brightly at me. "Don't you worry about me Sohm. I will be fine."

Glancing back to the large tentacle-like entry platform behind me in apprehension, I realize that the moment I step foot onto the corvette, my life changes. Around me, I saw various people all making their way onto the ship, leaving me to feel as if the universe was moving on without me as my mother and I attempted to say our goodbyes.

I know I have already signed the contract, so I really didn't have much of a choice but to leave… but there was something very different about taking the physical steps toward my new future.

My muscles tense as I feel something wrap around me. I quickly realize my mother is giving me one last hug before I leave, causing me to lean my head into her and give her a loving nuzzle.

After a moment, we break the hug and my mother gives me a light push. "Go, sweetling. I will be here when you get back."

Promptly ignoring the lump that has formed itself within my throat, I nod. Feeling like this is the last time I will be able to talk to her, I decide that in case anything happens, I speak up. "I love you mom."

Hearing a small whine come from her throat, she gives me another smile as tears start to fill her eyes. "I love you too sweetling."

Turning and making my way to the ship before my nerves got the better of me, I forced myself to board the ship.

((*v*)/)

I do not belong here.

I was standing in a large open compartment intended for cargo storage among around a hundred or so other unggoy and kig yar. The stench of the room was atrocious as the smell of rotten meats and body odor permeated through the air.

The two races in the ship were segregated by choice, as they stuck to their own respective sides. I was ineffectually trying to blend in with one of the bulkheads between the two groups in order to remain out of the way.

The kig yar population of the ship was definitely bottom of the barrel material. Each one of them made the thugs that attacked her a few months ago look like stand up citizens. The lack of armor on the majority of them and diminished muscles on them signified a lack of funds and malnutrition.

The majority of them squabble away at each other, with small fights breaking out between almost all of them that the small contingent of sangheili watching over us all simply ignored. More than once I could see some of them sizing each other up. Most of them appeared to be between the males that have decided to try and assert their dominance over the rest.

I could see a few trying to figure out their chances of winning a fight against me, but deciding once they saw my armor and strange weapon on my hip to not try and pick a fight.

Smart.

Listening up from my spot leaned up against a wall, I tried to glean as much information as I could. Sadly the only conversations I managed to overhear from the group were muttered moans of the losers of the squabbles and the squawks of victory from the victors.

The crowd became quiet and the fighting ceased as one of the sangheili's voices boomed throughout the compartment.

"We will be arriving at our destination within the next unit. Recruits will begin making their way to the gravity lift shortly. kig yar first, then unggoy."

Realizing that the doorway to the room where the gravity lift is directly next to me, I take a few steps and line up before anyone else can.

Suddenly, I feel someone grip my shoulder and forcibly turn me around. Tensing my muscles, I can see an angry looking ruuhtian behind me snarling a challenge.

"What makes you think you can go first?"

Quickly glancing him over, I can see a few scratches still weeping blood and he appeared to be breathing heavy. It took me only a moment to realize that the male in front of me was trying to start a fight over nothing to keep whatever credibility he had from his previous fights.

Keeping myself ready for anything, I give him the most deadpan stare I can manage. "I didn't think the order we left mattered. I simply got here first."

The ruuhtian didn't appear to be even listening, as he snarls a challenge to me. Taking a split second to glance over to the sangheili guards, one appears to be paying attention but only in amusement. None of them seemed to care about fights breaking out.

This must happen often for them not to care at all.

The ruuhtian appeared to be done with his small tantrum as he attempted to grab my shoulder again, only for me to quickly pull back and make his hand grip nothing.

His eyes widened a bit at my fast movement, but his angry eyes quickly returned. "If it doesn't matter, then move, female. I go first."

Looking over his shoulder, I could see almost the entire kig yar population of the compartment crammed toward the exit looking between the two of us.

At this point, I only had two options. Option one was to say no, and most likely get into a fight with an angry jackal over next to nothing.

Or back down and deal with the fallout of the entire group thinking I'm a coward, while most likely increasing my chances to be attacked later.

Mentally preparing myself for a fight, I reach down and grip Destiny tightly. I know that killing him wasn't ideal, but the basket guard around the hilt was made out of some very tough metals, and a solid hit from that to the right place would definitely hurt.

"No. I will go first."

His reaction was so quick, that I don't think that even had I backed down he would have let me go. Lunging at me, he reached out with his claws to attempt to gouge my eyes out.

Ducking, I barely managed to dodge the attack before his body topples past me and lands in a heap on the floor behind me.

Spinning around, I swiftly get into a squared stance and face the jackal who is getting up from his fall. He appears to be frothing a bit around the edges of his beak and his black needle-like teeth and quills are on full display. The male was very obviously angry at me, though I didn't really know why.

I'm not the one picking fights.

Not wasting any time, the jackal charges me head on once again, but this time I was ready for it.

Not giving him the time to react, I coil my legs and spring forward and meet his charge head on. Reaching back with my fist wrapped firmly around the hilt of my sword, I manage to dodge under his admittedly horrible guard and land a direct blow to his midsection, knocking the air clean out of him. His eyes comically bug out of his head as he falls to the ground coughing.

Glancing down at the squirming ruuhtian below me, it took me a few seconds to realize the fight was over. I was surprised at how quickly he went down, but shook it off as fast as I could when I realized that I was not the only one in the room. Looking around, I could see the majority of the jackals around me not meeting my gaze.

Suddenly, the hatch leading towards the gravity well opened and the two sangheili casually strolled passed me and the still coughing form of the ruuhtian below me without a care in the world.

"Follow us."

Placing my weapon back onto my hip, I follow behind closely.

I hope the rest of my service isn't spent fighting other kig yar for dominance, or this is going to be a long few years.

((*v*)/)

"So full of hate were our eyes,

That none of us could see.

Our war would yield countless dead,

But never victory.

So let us cast arms aside,

And discard our wrath.

Thou, in faith, will keep us safe,

Whilst we find the path."

I was standing in a massive open building that reminded me of a gymnasium, hundreds of different races around me from distant planets all brought here to make their oaths and start their military careers. Everything from stoic sangheili to blubbering unggoy had their hands placed over their chest in a salute as we reaffirmed the oath made thousands of years ago in unison. The words were the same as those spoken between the sangheili and san'shyuum at the forming of the Covenant, and were spoken by all those who joined it afterwards.

The Writ of Union.

The words were intended to be our oath to the Covenant, the first thing we did to declare our allegiance to the prophets and the Great Journey. Even with the words being spoken mere moments ago, I could easily tell that the words meant very different things to those present simply due to what happened immediately afterwards.

The sangheili seemed awed to speak them, humbled as they spoke the same phrase their ancestors did for generations. Once the small ceremony was through and the oath was taken, each of the elites turned to those around them for congratulations as they tried out their new suffixes aloud.

I personally thought it was a rather silly sight to see a hundred elite warrior aliens all turning to each other and happily saying their names over and over again. The sheer amount of times I heard the "ee" sound coming from that group caused a few giggles to escape my muzzle.

The jiralhanae all had mixed reactions. You could easily see the chieftains we're proud to take the oath, but once you look past the religious fervor from their leaders, the average brute was barely caring at all, even dropping the salute and jeering at others who were taking it so seriously only to do an about face once their leaders notice them.

The unggoy as a whole seemed to be the least chaotic, as half of them didn't appear to even be paying any attention at all… Though I couldn't help but wonder if that was simply because none of them couldn't see anything beyond the person in front of them due to the large methane tanks strapped to their backs.

Finally, my gaze turned to the large kig yar group behind me.

Most of them were actually paying attention, though it appeared as if they thought it was merely a hoop they must jump through in order to get what they want. The awe and fervor that burned within the sangheili simply wasn't there as they blandly said the words in a dead monotone around me. A few of them gave me odd looks when I put emphasis and feeling into my words upon taking the oath, leading me to believe that the majority thought of this as if this was simply a business formality.

Which, in a way, I suppose it is.

A part of me in the back of my mind told me I probably shouldn't take it so seriously, but this was something my mother took pride in. If she could do so, then at the very least I would try and do the same.

The aged san'shyuum who was presiding over the large diverse group started to divide everyone up into different groups starting with the sangheili. One by one, everyone was told to report to one place or another for evaluation and basic training.

"When do we get to eat?" Someone from the crowd around me shouts, causing murmurs of agreement to start.

The san'shyuum doesn't seem to even take notice, causing the murmurs to increase in volume. Glancing around, I could easily see heavily armed and armored warriors scattered around the clearing paying more attention to the commotion.

Glancing back to the crowd of hungry kig yar, I could see some of them starting to snarl and growl toward each other again. Even the jiralhanae seemed to be more organized and calm then the group I was in, if only because their chieftains were keeping them in line.

In the small time it took me to glance around the crowd, the group behind me was getting more and more agitated. I knew simply when the prophet finished with the sangheili and moved over to the jiralhanae that he was choosing which group he went to based on the caste system…

… which means we would be second from the last.

The crowd of hungry jackals behind me seemed to realize this too, as the screeches and demands for food increased dramatically. A few fights broke out between several people, causing a domino effect to take place.

Thankfully, I was in the front of the group and not right in the middle of them. If things started to go wrong, it wouldn't be too hard for me to get out of the way.

It didn't seem to be necessary, as the armed sangheili guards closed the distance and surrounded the group, firing a few rounds from their energy weapons into the air.

"If all of you aren't patient and quiet, you will go your first day without any food at all!" A sangheili wearing polished white armor yelled out over the crowd, instantly silencing them all.

After a few moments, they all got up and began grumbling amongst themselves again. Thankfully, the threat of no food seemed to be a good enough motivation for the majority to remain quiet as the prophet made his rounds.

Hovering over to our group, I could instantly see his eyes lock onto mine. The aged san'shyuum raised one of his eyebrows as he addressed me.

"A t'vaoan? I find your presence rather surprising considering most of the clans on T'avo are boycotting joining the Covenant right now." He sends me a menacing smile, full of sharp teeth. "Couldn't imagine why… could you?"

The image of a fleet of ships hovering over my home flashed through my mind for a moment before I mentally shook it off. I knew I was joining the same organization that committed the act, but I knew deep down that I would never do something like that even if they ordered me to.

Meeting the prophet's gaze, I realized that his words were carefully chosen to get a reaction out of me, one which he was currently searching for intently. He definitely knew what happened on T'avo and was trying to see if I would react to them.

Remembering my father's words about how they were trying not to let anyone get away from the attack to prevent news from spreading too quickly. Determined not to show my unease, I simply shrug and tilt my head. "I don't, your holiness."

He nods his head, seemingly finding what he was looking for. "Indeed you don't."

He brightens up and gestures to my immediate area. All of the kig yar around me stiffen at the gesture.

"The closest hundred of you will follow this sangheili," he points to a red major standing next to him. "He will take you to the mess hall for your first meal. After which you will begin your physical assessment."

The small group nodded so vigorously, that I thought their heads were going to fall off.

The san'shyuum floated away to a different portion of the group, allowing the major to take charge. The red clad elite stood directly in front of me, and straightened his posture causing his massive muscles to bulge out from the black under suit of his armor.

"My group, follow me. If I see any dishonorable fighting amongst yourselves before it is time, I will personally break the fights up and leave you outside the dining hall in a pool of your own blood."

And with that, he turned around and started walking.

Eventually, we made our way outside of the massive building and out into the main military complex that made up this training facility.

Looking around, I more closely examined where I have found myself. There were large buildings all around me, but unlike most other Covenant structures, the precision and structure of the area was different. Everything was organized and signs clearly lead you to one place or another, making it very difficult to get lost.

The sangheili major in front of me didn't appear to be paying very close attention to his surroundings, instead focusing intently on a small half circular device in his hands. Various words scrolled to and from his attention as he tapped the large screen a few times.

I followed closely behind, matching his pace easily but quickly realizing that due to his lack of attention, there was no organization involved. No rank and file, and no marching. It was just a blob of people following an elite major. Looking behind me, I tried to quickly count how many kig yar were following, only to realize that it was somewhere around the mid seventies.

Why are we leaving without the correct amount of people? Does he even care?

Deciding to ask the question, I speak up.

"Sir, there are only about seventy of us following you. Should we not gather the other thirty that-"

The sangheili turns his armored head to look at me, but doesn't stop his pace. Glancing to me, his reptilian orange eyes assessed me for a moment before returning his attention to his device and tapping on it a few more times. "So you noticed that? Observant."

Confused, I continue to follow him for a moment before simply shrugging it off and following. After all, it isn't my job to worry about anyone else right now.

((*v*)/)

When I was told that we were going to be physically assessed, I thought that we would have to do a sort of timed run and maybe some body weight exercises to find the average among our peers… Not fight in a hand to hand combat in a massive free for all against the rest of the people in our division to see who was the best.

Surprisingly enough, the sangheili major didn't seem to care very much that I had a weapon. In fact, he seemed rather amused when I brought it up, simply telling me to listen to the rules of the bout and follow them.

It seemed as if I was the only one that was out of the loop, as I remained alone during the meal. The entire room seemed to be dividing itself into small cliques and groups based around their clan affiliations, leaving me completely alone. Sadly, that had the unfortunate side effect of leaving me without anyone to help me in the upcoming brawl.

Standing alone in the center of a large field surrounded by trees, I took the time to examine my surroundings closely as I try to get a better idea of my terrain. I was fighting alone against a group of a little over seventy opponents. Thankfully, if I played my cards right, the most likely scenario that would happen is the groups would fight amongst themselves allowing me to pick off the stragglers.

"Attention recruits!" The sound of the sangheili major tasked with training us yells from a post near a floating sniper tower. "You all seem to be riled up for a fight since the moment you arrived, so we are going to burn out some of that impulse here and now. The rules of the bout are simple. No killing. Anyone who yields or is knocked out is to be left alone."

Remembering how the major told me to listen to the rules, I quickly realized that even though I had a sword, there was no way I could use it if killing was off the table. I was yet again limited to using it to punch people.

I don't think this was exactly what Timore had in mind when he gave me the sword. I thought bitterly, but quickly suppressed it. This was a simple bout among peers, and using a deadly weapon against them would obviously be against the rules.

The crowd of bloodthirsty mercenaries around me don't seem to react even a bit at the news, the previous mood of loosely contained tension remaining strong as everyone scans around them for threats.

The sangheili didn't appear to be finished, as he continued. "To make it a bit more interesting this time, the winner of the bout will become your division leader for the duration of your stay."

The small cliques that had formed appear to instantly begin sizing each other up with greed and ambition showing clearly in their eyes. It only took me a quick moment to realize that was the intention behind the major's action. He was trying to sew division between everyone, though the reason still went over my head.

Why is he trying to divide us? Isn't the military supposed to be all about using teamwork to overcome impossible odds?

Sadly, I didn't have much time to ponder the question before a loud "Begin!" was heard and all hell broke loose.

Immediately squaring my stance, I grip the hilt of my sword and swing my arms up in a defensive position. While I couldn't use the blade of the sword, as I found out before, the basket hilt was a very good substitute for brass knuckles.

I know for a fact that the only way I will be able to make it through this fight would be to react to what happens and not go on the offensive. There was simply too much happening at the same time to form an actual plan of attack.

Thankfully, the entire group began attacking one another as snarls and squawks sounding all around me. Clusters of former allies all turning on each other in an instant actually left me as the only person in the entire field unharmed for the moment.

Spinning slowly, I focused my attention on all of my senses as best I could. My eyes could only cover so much, and if someone was going to sneak up on me from behind, I needed to be ready.

The seconds ticked by as the groups fought each other around me. I could see jackals getting beaten and yielding, but yet none of them even batted an eye in my direction.

I felt as if time itself had slowed to allow me to witness the ferocious spectacle unfolding before me.

The coppery smell of blood filled my nose as I saw a particularly brutal display from Ibie'shan biting into the shoulder of another, tearing into him with reckless abandon. Another latched itself onto the back of the attacker and ripped into him with his sharp talons, causing two of them to fall to the ground in a heap.

The sounds of yielding participants were largely ignored as the snarls and enraged squawks of the bloodthirsty crowd continued to beat each other to pulps. The screams of several similar victims filled the area as my blood froze. None of these people seemed to care that they were breaking the rules of the bout, simply attacking out of a furious rage buried deep within them.

Realizing that I'm in a much more dangerous situation then I previously thought, I mentally composed myself and continued scanning my surroundings for threats. These kig yar didn't seem to care very much about the "no killing" rule, and I wasn't exactly feeling up to seeing if they would be lenient on me.

Finally, a particularly bloodied ruuhtian branched off and headed toward my direction, screeching a high pitched battle cry that nearly made my head split in two. He had no weapon, but the purple blood coated around his claws was a clear indication that he wasn't letting his lack of proper armament stop him.

Taking a quick second to react, I swiftly sweep one of his legs out from under him as he reaches me, causing him to tumble onto the floor behind me. Following his movements, but paying attention to the sounds around me, I finish him off with another quick kick to his head.

Almost like a switch being flipped, the crowd enveloped me.

My world was quickly filled with the sight of sharp talons, screeching enemies, and the stench of blood. Knowing that this is actually a life or death scenario I have found myself in, I steel my resolve and revert back to my training.

Block. Kick. Dodge. Block. Block. Punch. Dodge. Kick.

Swiftly deflecting blows, dodging swipes of razor sharp talons, and performing precise counterattacks, I proceeded to defend myself for what felt like hours but in reality was probably only a few minutes. There were times that I was simply pushed to one side or the other, throwing me off balance and causing me to gain a few injuries though thankfully none of them were life threatening.

Though that doesn't stop it from hurting.

Thankfully for the most part I was able to remain on my feet in my flurry of attacks and defenses. Falling over was a death sentence, as the crowd around me seemed to compact itself inward causing more and more cramped movement.

Due to the fact that about fifty people were all trying to perform an impromptu violent mosh pit, I wasn't able to properly fight anyone for more than a few quick moments before the jostling distraction of other fights interrupted me and I was forced to react to something else.

I need to get to the edge.

Deciding that having the slowly dwindling group of angry mercenaries in front of me rather than surrounding me was a good idea, I proceeded to try and muscle my way through the crowd. It was no easy task as I seemed to provoke the attention of anyone I touched… along with those I didn't.

Persevering as best as I could, I slowly made my way toward the edge. I could quickly see that I wasn't the only one that had the idea.

It appears as if at least one of the groups had a strong enough leader that they didn't immediately fall to infighting. From what I can see by looking for only a moment, a group of about seven jackals were herding the group inward with sticks from the trees surrounding the field we were in, using the makeshift weapons as a deterrent toward attacking them.

A quick assessment showed me that they were not nearly numerous enough to stop people from simply slipping in between them. They were attempting to intimidate everyone into piling in on each other without actually needing to-

A sharp, throbbing pain erupted from my head as someone landed a clean blow against the side of my face. I stumbled forward but thankfully kept on my feet and retained my hold on Destiny.

The world was spinning around me, but I could still see the form of a jackal pulling back his fist for another swing. Knowing I didn't have a choice but to finish him off quickly, I didn't give him the chance to follow through with his strike. I quickly lash out with lightning fast speed, using the fine tuned muscles in my leg to land a direct hit on the front of his kneecap.

A part of me is disappointed that I didn't manage to last through the fight without physically crippling someone, but it was either my life, or this jackals ability to walk.

Crunch.

The attacker fell to the ground, screeching a high pitched wail of pain that was simply drowned out by the rest of the fighting around me.

Not caring about any of the rules anymore, I smash and break and step over unconscious bodies as I make my way to the edge of the slowly enclosing group.

Eventually, I quite literally popped out of the mob directly in front of a stick wielding jackal. He was trying his best to shove a rowdy ibie'shan who had grabbed a hold of his wooden weapon back toward the main grouping.

Wasting no time, I rush over and land a right hook directly on his face.

The jackal crumpled to the dirt like a puppet with its strings cut. The crowd seemed to take notice of the opening and rushed outward, but by then I had already made my way back into the open field.

Continuing to keep myself moving, I use my speed to keep a good distance away from anyone who came close to me. At this point I just didn't want to be attacked. The idea of a feral jackal tearing into me with sharp talons was motivation enough to simply let them continue with their bout without me.

Thankfully I remained undisturbed and was able to nurse my numerous cuts and bruises. Reaching up and wiping my muzzle with the back of my wrist, the feathers on my arm came back with a small trail of purple blood.

Thankfully, I was able to assess my injury while the majority of the angry mob was trying to flank the stick wielding clique and found that it wasn't serious, so I quickly returned my attention to the unfolding situation.

Even from here, I couldn't tell if the maneuver was an actual strategy or simply everyone being mad at the same people.

The stick wielders weren't giving up without a fight as they abandoned their strategy and rushed into a group together. I was rather surprised at the actual strategy being formed by them, but even at the early stages of the fight I could tell that it simply wasn't going to work.

They had simply pissed off too many people.

The group put up a valiant fight, but even though they had weapons, they were quickly overwhelmed by the same people they had pinned not even minutes prior.

By the time that the clique was defeated, the amount of still standing jackals was down to maybe the last five. All of them were fighting over the fallen sticks, and none were unscathed. Softly bleeding cuts wept purple blood from numerous cuts and wounds littered their bodies far more than my own causing me to feel slightly better about my situation.

They all spread out, holding onto their weapons and eyeing each other with varying degrees of wariness.

After a moment of assessment between them, the snarls and vicious attacks resumed. I could hear a few muffled words about becoming the division leader amongst the chaos, but most of it was drowned out by the sound of pained screeches and snarls.

Unnoticed to them, I was simply watching from the sidelines. I certainly wasn't relaxing, I learned my lesson by now to keep alert even when victory appeared assured. Scanning my surroundings, I noticed a few of the less injured jackals were beginning to stand up and make their way off the field and toward the floating snipers nest. All of them appeared to be downtrodden and spent as they clutched their various injuries.

None of them appeared to be even looking to one another, acting as if this was an everyday occurrence.

How could they act so casually about what just happened? That was something out of a horror story, and the majority of them are simply mad that they lost…

Hearing the sound of someone yielding, I spot two of the remaining combatants surrounded and holding their hands up. The remaining three instantly disregard them and continue fighting amongst themselves.

Blinking a few times in confusion, I start to piece together why.

Glancing at the pile of still groaning and bleeding kig yar, I found that while a lot of them were seriously injured, I couldn't spot a single one that wasn't still breathing.

Everyone is alive… So technically, no one broke the rules.

Looking up to the sniper nest, I could see the sangheili major standing up there with his hands tapping away on his device, before looking up and staring directly at me. He appeared to be amused at something.

Before I could fathom what it was, he spoke up loudly.

"If you idiots don't start paying attention, the t'vaoan will be the division leader without even having to fight you."

The entire crowd of conscious kig yar looked around in confusion for a moment before they spotted me off to the side, not even breathing heavily. The ones that have already lost simply shake their heads at the sight of me, a few even laughed at the idiocy of the remaining fighters.

Sadly, the losers weren't the only ones who heard the major. With the threat of being defeated hanging over their heads, the group of three all began to spin around and scan their surroundings.

Quickly looking back up to the major, my sharp eyes could quickly spot the shaking of his shoulders, though his mirth did not reach his eyes. His cold, steady orange eyes were carefully watching me now.

Unable to think on it for more than a moment, I hear the sound of three angry jackals sprinting toward me with heavy sticks and the intent to swiftly end the interloper who dared to try and sneak one by them.

I quickly realized that these three wouldn't underestimate me like the ones on the skywalk on High Charity. They are pumped full of adrenaline and would know simply because I'm still standing that I am no pushover. I am outnumbered and outgunned by them as they were armed with sticks and all I have is a glorified metal… fist…

I blink twice as I seem to remember something rather obvious.

Glancing down to my extremely deadly weapon, a thought goes through my head once again.

"No killing. Anyone who yields or is knocked out is to be left alone."

Looking up to the rapidly approaching enemies in front of me, a smile forms on my face when I move one of my talons to the activation rune.

I think I can manage to win with those rules.

Bzzt-Hissss

The sound of Destiny igniting filled the field, stopping the stick wielding jackals mid stride. One of them almost toppled over right in front of me as their eyes bug out from their heads.

Giving them the most vicious snarl I could, I step into an overly dramatic ready pose as I hold the sword in the vague imitation of a sangheili swordsman. The main issue being that I did not know how to use a sword at all, so I am sure that anyone who knew anything about the art would have laughed right at my face.

But I wasn't looking at three master swordsmen. I was looking at three terrified jackals who were focused entirely on the glowing orange blade.

"Yield, or I will make you."

I was actually surprised at the ferocity of the words that came out of my muzzle, as I have never threatened anyone in my entire life. The words had the desired effect though, as two of them instantly threw their sticks down and yielded.

The third, however, took a moment to examine me more closely. After a moment, his face forms into a vicious smile. "That blade is a hologram. t'avoans are famous for them. Nice try, but this fight is over."

While the other two were walking away, he charged at me, closing the distance quickly with a snarl as he lifted his stick up and tried to bring it down onto me with both hands.

Reflexively bringing my blade up to meet his swing, the stick was sliced cleanly in half with a sizzle, the water within evaporating instantly into steam with a loud pop. Yet again, I expected resistance from the stick, but there was none whatsoever.

The jackal seemed completely stunned, looking at his now bisected weapon before glancing up to me. Before he could react, I flick the sword up to his neck.

Dropping the smoldering stick onto the ground, he holds his hand up. "I yield."

Those two words made me sag in relief, thankful that the ordeal was over. When I decided I wanted to join the Covenant to learn how to fight, this is not what I meant.

"Where did you manage to get an energy sword like that? I've never seen anything like it." My former enemy idly commented, walking over to me as his eyes examined my weapon more closely.

Muscles tensing, I grip my sword tightly before he opens his hands in a placating gesture.

"It's over. You won, and I lost. No sense getting mad over it." He nodded respectfully.

"Division leader."

My eyes widened at the booming words said directly behind me, I turned to see the massive form of the sangheili major standing there, arms still folded over his chest. He looks at me for only a moment before he continues, projecting his voice so everyone could hear.

"As of right now, you are my second in command when it comes to this sad lot. Anything you tell them is now considered a direct order from me unless I say otherwise. Clear?"

"Yes, sir!" My small high pitched voice made me feel tiny in comparison, even as my blood froze at the implication.

I'm the division leader?

It made sense, the entire reason for the crazed conflict that had just happened was because everyone wanted the title I now found myself with.

Anxiety immediately fills me as I realize that all of the people I just beat into a pulp now have another reason to hate me. There was a very significant chance that I would be attacked in the near future due to placing a large target on myself.

Seemingly unaware of my inner conflict, he gestures toward the grouping of wounded kig yar behind him in disgust. "Your task is to get all of those that need or want medical assistance to the huragok in the south medical complex and leave them there. Once they are all taken care of, you are to guide the remaining group to the Jardam barracks to rest for the night. I will meet you there."

And with that, he simply walked away.

Glancing over to the small crowd of jackals, I saw that all of them looked at me with jealousy clear in their eyes. Most of them were still foaming at the mouth, and a lot of the severely wounded were still bleeding out on the floor.

Not even knowing where to start, I flounder first a few moments before I turn to look to the jackal next to me. I was met with a small frown coming from him as he shakes his head. "Don't look at me. You're the boss. If you wanted me to call the shots, you should have yielded."

Oddly enough, the words reassured me slightly. Nodding to him, I looked back to the group in front of me, forming a plan in my head. The first task is to get medical help to those that need it, and that would require moving those that couldn't move themselves.

This is going to be a task and a half. I doubt they will listen to me simply because I won now that the major is gone.

Sadly, that didn't matter. The longer I waited, the higher the chance of someone bleeding out, and I simply didn't want that on my conscience.

Taking a step forward, I open my mouth to start giving orders before a voice from next to me interrupts.

"You might want to turn your sword off first."

((*v*)/)

Looking up, I spot the towering form of the Jardam barracks and feel relief fill me. The small group of twenty one kig yar behind me were dragging their feet, and I wasn't very far behind them either. We were all tired from hauling, sometimes literally, the rest of our division to the medical tent, then walking all the way back to the barracks.

Surprisingly enough, the division listened to me once I started to give out orders, though due to the distance we had to travel and the pain that the group was in… there was an excessive amount of feet dragging and whining.

I was actually surprised at how many of them wanted the medical huragok to look at them, which forced us to leave them for the night. Most of the ones that had major injuries made sense, but at least thirty of them only had moderate cuts and bruises.

The door hissed open in front of me as I stepped closer, revealing a red clad sangheili major standing in the doorway.

"Division leader!"

Instantly, I stand up straighter. The surprise of seeing the elite standing there shocked me into wakefulness.

"Yes, sir?"

"Is this all that remains of those that did not go to medical?"

Confused at his words, I nod.

The sangheili looks our small group over for a moment before he nods. "Good. Congratulations to those of you that still remain. You will remain in the Covenant."

My eyes grew wide at the statement. "But what about the rest of the division?"

The sangheili grunted in disgust. "Those who were wounded too much to walk on their own were weak and aren't worthy to join us on our march to glorious salvation. Those who could walk, but chose not to are even less so. They will be shipped back to where they came from tomorrow."

My eyes widened at the ruthless behavior of the elite in front of me.

All of that was simply a way to reduce the numbers?

Something clicked in my head as I remembered something from earlier in the day. "Sir, the twenty or so that didn't end up following us today... They got sent home too didn't they?"

The elite gives me another assessing look, before nodding and making his way into the building, causing the small stunned group to follow closely behind.

The barracks were extremely large, with a massive main entrance area. There were four doors lined up on each corner of the room, with several sculptures and murals surrounding the main enterprise area, each with deep religious significance. A prophet statue here, a displayed Forerunner artifact there…

Farther on there was a massive hallway with several small doors lining each side, and a gravity lift at the far end leading to different floors.

"The real training starts tomorrow. Nurse your wounds as best you can. The sleeping quarters are that way." He gestured toward the hallway. "Pick a room and mark the door as yours. The doors can be locked, but both myself and the division leader will be able to open them."

A small round of "Yes, sir" rang through the area before we all started to head to find our rooms.

"Not you, division leader. You follow me."

Stopping dead in my tracks I turn around slowly, the entire small group begin to laugh at my misfortune.

"Yes, sir."

The sangheili seems pleased as he nods. Turning back toward the main entrance way of the barracks, he strides over to one of the doors nearest to the entrance and presses a command button to open the door.

Following him inside, I am met with what appears to be an extremely fancy office, with a massive floating desk with holographic terminals scattered on top of it. There were two chairs lined up facing the desk, and one padded cushion. There was another doorway leading farther in that was closed.

Striding over to the desk, the sangheili picks up a small device and tosses it to me. Looking down, I found a small glowing blue disk that fit easily in the palm of my hand.

"That is an access card to the barracks. Swiping it across the command terminal opens every door here except for mine." He fixes me with a steady gaze. "Tomorrow, the unggoy will be joining us in the barracks. They will take the second and third floors up, and I will be training you all to work as a successful unit together. You take your orders from me, and carry them out as best you can. Any failure from now on brought on by any of the kig yar will be your responsibility to answer for. Understood?"

Placing my hand over my chest, I bow my head. "Yes, sir."

"Good. Your room is the one directly across from mine on the other side of the entrance. I will be the one to wake everyone up tomorrow and start their combat drills, so feel free to sleep in. After that performance out there today, you earned it."

Confused, I tilt my head. "Sir?"

The sangheili actually laughs at my confusion. "Don't think I wasn't watching. You came out of that brawl mostly unharmed while personally taking down twenty four of your peers, not counting the three at the end."

Twenty four?

Thinking back to the fight, I tried to go over everything that happened, but everything was simply a blur of talons and screeches. The entire time I was simply going off of reflex, and can't remember exactly how many I brought down. I knew I got a few good hits in, but over twenty?!

He then fixes me with an extremely serious look. "I can tell you have already been trained in combat unlike the rest of the filth that normally comes here asking for money. I can see promise in you, which doesn't happen often with your kind, so don't let me down, recruit."

Feeling a bit of pride rise up at the compliment, I smile and salute again. "I won't, sir!"

"Good. You may go."

Nodding, I turn and make my way out of the room. Hearing the soft hum of the door sliding shut behind me, I take a deep breath as I try to steady my nerves. This situation wasn't exactly what I signed up for, but panicking about it wouldn't make any sense.

Besides, maybe being the division leader is a good opportunity. it couldn't possibly be too hard, could it?

I could still hear the sound of a few of my division awake and squabbling down the hallway. They were attempting to be quiet about it, but simply due to the fact that there was nothing else in the entire building that made sound, I could hear them clearly.

Jogging over, I peek my head around stealthily to see two kig yar, arguing over a strip of food they kept from when we ate chow.

"Hey!"

The two of them snap their muzzles toward me like a baby caught with their hands in a cookie jar.

"You get food every day now. Go to sleep, we have training tomorrow."

Grumbling, they turn back to their doors and go inside.

Smiling at my small victory, I turn and make my way back to my room. Grabbing the small disk-like key card, I open the door.

Only to hear more quiet screeches and angry snarls coming from the sleeping quarters.

Perhaps I spoke too soon.

—Authors Note—

Alright, so I got good news and bad news. The good news is I got a promotion at work, and will most likely be getting a lot more money in pretty soon.

The bad news is it comes with a lot more hours, so this might slow down a bit. Maybe not though, considering I wrote pretty much this whole thing on a single day off.

Anyway, this is how I would expect Covenant boot camp to go. And don't you tell me they don't have something similar to basic training. You think every grunt you face just naturally knows how to use a ghost? Or every jackal just SOMEHOW has the exact same stance while holding an energy gauntlet? Please. That's training… and totally not the fact that it's a video game.

Anyway, no blooper scene. I write them as I think of them, and while I have a bunch of ideas for boot camp fun, that will have to wait until the next chapter. I don't think I will waste more then one or two chapters on her training days before she gets thrown into the actual covenant, but there will be some funny scenes I can think of.

Also, for anyone who cares at all, I do have a Twitch that I use to stream halo (and destiny sometimes) infrequently. If anyone at all cares to see me struggle my way through campaigns attempting to find the exact mechanics of one gun or another, or staring off into the skylines for use in this story or unexpected alliance, feel free to watch. The username is: xpyreelegyx

As always: read and review, and if you like it, follow and fav!