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Dr. Halsey strode down the hall of the aircraft, to the Conference Room, finding the irony of the upcoming interview amusing. After all, who would have thought that the Covenant would have dredged up something like THIS? Just to combat her Spartans. A self-mocking smile flashed across her face as the old guilt and protectiveness resurfaced, but only briefly. She quickly pushed the feelings aside as she arrived at her destination.

She kept her face blank as she entered. Eight heads turned to greet her. The most noticeable and the one standing closest to her was the Arbiter, leader of the Elites who were allied with the humans. Approximately seven feet and ten inches tall standing, he easily dwarfed the other two humans in the room. In addition to his reptilian yellow eyes and the elegant silver armor, he cut an impressive figure.

Next was Captain Serin Osman. Her brown eyes barely contained the ill feelings that she and Dr. Halsey shared toward one-another, a faint look of disgust crinkling the corners of her eyes and nose. Recently promoted, the O.N.I. agent was a sly and very influential person, who was suspected to oppose the human-elite alliance. Her stark white features and tightly pulled back hair gave her an appropriate, if unflattering, no-nonsense look.

Sitting next to the Captain was Lieutenant Markus Thorson, a guard of the classified ship that they were on. He was young for a Lieutenant, and at first glance seemed a little naive. But Dr. Halsey wasn't really interested in him. She was here for the remaining four room members.

The four were not noticed at first, as they had been mostly hidden behind the Arbiter's bulk. They were all in the black armor that marked the Special-Ops Sangheili warriors in the former Covenant army. There were, however, some distinct non-Elite features.

One of the first things that stood out, almost instantly, was the hair. No previously seen Sangheili ever had hair. The one standing next to the Arbiter, black armor trimmed with commander gold, had blonde over-the-shoulder loose ponytails, one over either shoulder, bound with thick gold metal bands. The second Spec-Ops over with the red-trimmed armor had a hint of deep red hair peeking out from the mostly concealing helmet. The last in the line, who also red trimmed armor had long, black, stringy hair, brushing the top of the warriors' shoulders.

The next thing was the eyes. Two of them had the regular reptilian eyes, but the other's had at least one or both pupils rounded, not the normal slit-pupils. The blonde grabbed Halsey's attention as it gave sharp jerk of its head in disgust of the presence of a third human. The black helmet obscured most of the Elites reptilian features, but not its eyes. The right eye was golden, slitted affair that seemed to burn with an inner fire. The left was a blue eye, with a dilated, rounded pupil. A human pupil.

"Dr. Halsey. I didn't realize that you had been, invited, to this little interview." Halsey's attention was brought back by the thinly veiled anger in the Captains voice. "Of course I was Osman. Who else is smart enough not to butcher this? Besides, I've heard this had to do with my Spartans, and considering my involvement in that project, I believe I have every right to be here."

The venomous silence that fell between the women became almost tangible when the captain finally broke the tension. "If we could please get on with whatever this is? I think we could all appreciate it, as we all have things we need to get back to." The Lieutenant said gently."Of course."

...

'This is the most uncomfortable thing that's happened since before the death of the Minister of Penance.'

Hans's eyes followed 's progress to the empty chair next to the human Shipmaster. The following silent stares from the humans made her irritated. She allowed herself to shift weight from one foot to the other, the only show of her restlessness. Finally the human Admiral spoke first.

"Thank you for allowing us to talk to your soldiers Arbiter." "It is not I you should address Captain. I'm only here to observe." "You plan to stay then?" "Yes Captain."

Han could tell that this Captain Osman did not like the Arbiters presence, but obviously didn't dare argue his decision. After all, it was at the requested favor, or silent threat, of the humans that they could talk to herself and her team. She'd not dare request him to leave.

"Very well, if we may begin-""Which of you do we address first?" abruptly cut in, to the annoyance of the Captain. Han couldn't believe that a mere Doctor dare interrupt such a powerful figure. Then again, they were just mere humans. Han stepped forward.

"That would be I. I am Commander Han 'Vadamai" "A female?!" The lieutenant yelped in shock. Captain Osman raised an eyebrow, Dr. Halsey showed no reaction. Han felt the familiar twinge of temper at the reaction to her gender. Whether human or Sangheili, it was the same wherever she went, to her eternal annoyance. Dr. Halsey was quick to make up for the Captains slip. "I apologize, Commander Vadamai. Yours is a rare circumstance to us, in more ways than one."

Han gave a Sangheili grin, which consisted of a slight arching of the neck and crinkling around the eyes. This Doctor knew more then she was letting on to her superior, who, judging from the earlier reactions, was a political opponent of this Dr. Halsey. Han knew then that she had to be careful of that one.

"Indeed Doctor. What is it that you would ask of me and my team?" "We would just like to know if the stories are true." "What stories?" The Captain scowled. Han had no intention of fully cooperating with these humans. The process of their Conversion was still held somewhat sacred to her and the team. More importantly thought was that the Conversion would never be repeated. Han highly doubted that such a high ranking official wanted to just talk to them. replied bluntly,

"The stories that you, and your team, have been infused with human DNA." "That would be wrong Doctor." Han removed her helmet. A gold mane tumbled down to reveal a face, framed by two over-the-shoulder ponytails, that was basically Sangheili, but with some notably human features. These were eyes that where slightly more round than an Elite's, with one gold-slitted and the other blue with a round pupil. A strange triangular shape that was reminiscent of a human nose was also there, and though she still had the quadruple mandibles, they were less distinctive, blending into the face more evenly.

The most noticeable thing was that this unique blend of human and reptilian features allowed for more of an expressional face then the original Elites, enabling the present company to see the angry bitterness in the human-reptilian eyes.

"We were humans, Converted into the beings you see before you." "What?!" "How did this happen?!" "It's not possible!" Dr. Halsey remained silent through the Captains and lieutenants outburst, staring at the female warrior with a hungry look in her eyes that made Han feel just that much more irritated."How did this happen Commander," Halsey asked firmly, quieting the other two, but not without another scowl from Captain Osman. Han suppressed another grin. Dr. Halsey appeared to be a good opponent. This would be interesting.

"It's a long story Doctor. Surely would not wish to hear the whole thing." "On the contrary, I would like to know everything. Where were you born, where were you taken from, how were you taken without notice, how old were you when you were, as you said, Converted? What was your training like, everything." "It will take some time to recall everything." "Time is not an issue to me, and we have that as we journey to Sanghelios."

For once, it seemed that Halsey and Osman agreed on something as the Captain nodded her head in silent, though grudging, agreement."As you wish. I will begin at the start of our tale."

...

Marian ran through the tall weeds to the woods behind her family's house, where her friends were waiting for her with her little brother, Dillan, pushing himself to keep up. It was late in the afternoon, which was the best time to play capture-the-flags-tag. As one of the two ten year old kids in their group, they needed her to help make sure the rules where followed, unless it would be more convenient for her to break them.

"Mare!" Ian called out, grinning at her approach, stood next to their Meeting Tree. Ian was the other ten year old in their group, standing a little taller than she, with a mop of chocolate-brown hair and mischievous pale brown eyes. He also happened to be her closest friend.

The other friends where there as well. Sierra, who was the shortest, with her deep red hair that Marian always wished she had, and sparkling hazel eyes that gave her an innocent look, making her able to fool any adult who didn't know her. Markus, the tallest, had thin, long black hair, and pale narrow face that made him look almost like a girl, except for his half-closed emerald eyes and slight scowl that was always there. He never said much or at least anything good, and was so good at blending in, that he was always picked first in capture-the-flags-tag team version.

And then lastly there was Dillan. He was the most distinctive of the group, though not in a good way. Almost the same size as Sierra, he had dirty-blonde hair in a bowl cut. He was also rather chunky, coupled with a chubby, freckled baby-face that always looked ready to cry, making him a target for bullies and trouble.

"Did you have to bring your little brother along Mare?" whined Markus. "I didn't have a choice, it was the only way my parents would let me out of the house." "Just leave it Mark. You got the flags Ian?"

"Sure thing Mare, don't sweat it. Are we doing teams this time, or individual?" "We did teams last time," said Markus dully."Individual," piped Sierra excitedly."Let's do teams. I'm no good by myself. I'll be the first to lose my flag," whined Dillan fretfully. He always struggled with outdoorsy games.

"That's because you're a porker, Dill-pickle," sneered Markus."Hey, be nice Mark. I don't see you beating his math scores." "Shut it Ian!" "Make me grease stain!" "Alright knock-it off! Let's just play ok? Dillan, if you get out first it's ok. That just means it'll be over quicker," soothed Marian. Dillan nodded his face a pout. The group quickly tied on their different colored rag "flags". After Marian helped Dillan tie his around his wrist, they huddled together.

"Whose turn is it to be the starter," asked Sierra. "It's Ian's turn. I did it last," Marian replied. "Alright."Ian went to their tree and, covering his eyes as he faced it, started to count down."Twenty, nineteen, eighteen… "The children scattered like cockroaches when a light is turned on. Marian grinned as she ran, sure that she would win this time. Ian and the rest would never think to look up in a tree. She already had a tree picked out and everything.

Marian could only barely hear Ian's voice as she reached her chosen tree, a tall pine with her stick leaning against the trunk. She'd need that to hit anyone who might try to climb up after her. She quickly stuck the stick in her mouth, ignoring the gross taste, and climbed up the tree as high as she dared. She leaned over until she could see through the branches to the ground below and waited.

Some time passed and Marian suddenly felt anxious. The forest was quiet. Unnaturally quiet. Where were her friends? Normally there would have been something by now. There was suddenly a huge crashing noise that startled Marian so bad that she almost fell out of the tree. Something big was moving -through the forest. Then she heard a shout. It sounded like Ian.

She quickly grabbed her stick in one hand and looked through the branches. Ian was running when he tripped on a tree root and landed face first under her tree. Then a huge creature came to stand over him as he tried to get to his feet. Marian was horrified. She had seen a picture of this creature, which she would later learn was a Sangheili, on TV. Her parents had told her they weren't real! Though, in the split second that she thought of it, she remembered her parents worried glances at one another afterwards.

She noticed the tall alien lean further over Ian and reach down toward him. She scooted further forward to see what was happening. Too far. Suddenly the rather thin branches broke under her, sending her tumbling down to the scene below, stick still in hand. Marian shut her eyes and as she fell. On the way down she was stopped briefly with a sickening 'squish' sound as her stick caught on something and snapped. A terrifying roar of pain and fury ensued as she landed roughly on the ground, knocking the air out of her. She staggered to her feet and opened her eyes, instantly regretting it. In front of her stood the gigantic alien, looking vicious as the fading orange light of the setting sun reflected off his strange black armor, and skull-like helmet.

Marian was frozen in place as the alien glared down at her hatefully. She was barely aware of having to almost lean backwards just to look into the creatures golden eyes- Marian's eyes widened. No, not eyes, eye! One of its eyes was oozing purple blood and clear gel, that was actually some of its eye. In her dazed state she noticed a stub of branch sticking out from what you could see of its eye socket. A small scratch was barely visible going across its eyelid, to a part of its cheek. Terror ripped through her chest. She had blinded it! Not intentionally or completely but that didn't seem to matter to the furious Elite.

She clutched the remains of the stick that had harmed the thing and started to back up, bumping into a stunned Ian. She didn't even notice the still warm alien blood crawl over her small hands. The tall Sangheili stepped forward with deliberate slowness, toying with the two children. It made Marian think of a cat stalking a mouse. Her fear finally made her limbs unfreeze. "Run Ian!"*

Ian turned and started to run through the woods. Marian made a split second decision and darted between the monstrous creatures legs, barely dodging its grasp. She ran as fast as her little legs could carry her, when something weird happened. She ran into . . . nothing. She ran into it so hard that she flew backwards, losing her breath for the second time that day and gaining a headache in the process. She glanced toward her feet where her stick lay nearby. Just in time to see the black-encased foot of another of the frightening aliens appeared out of thin air. It had been invisible.

Still out of breath, she could barely roll onto her side in a feeble attempt to avoid this new alien. It did no good. The Elite took two easy strides and grabbed the little human girl by the throat, bringing her up to its eye level. She glared at the alien defiantly and proceeded to struggle to break the strong alien's four-fingered grasp from her neck, but it did no good except to get the hand to tighten even more. Marian was in the process of biting the restraining hand, to the amusement of the said hands' owner, when the heavy footsteps of more Elites made her stop and look up.

Three of the warrior aliens entered from the direction she'd just come from, another four coming from all other directions. Marian noticed that were the aliens armor who held her was a sleek, solid black, the others had a purple tinge. It then occurred to Marian that this particular one might be of a higher rank than these others. It was not a reassuring thought.

She also noticed that one new arrival was glaring at her. It was the one she had accidentally hurt, which continued his glaring as he approached, his purple blood drying and flaking morbidly on his face. Next to the now one-eyed one, another Elite was carrying something. Marian stared forlornly as she came to recognize the giant creature had Ian by the throat, bringing him along as if he was as light as a feather. She struggled to make eye-contact with her friend as the Sangheili walked past her, but to no avail as Ian was occupied with trying to slip his captors grasp.

Marian then felt her own captor start to lower her. She proceeded to try to pick up where she'd left off in trying to get away, only to be shaken until her headache made her stop struggling. As Marian gasped for air, she watched the one she had stabbed stand in front of her captor. She started in surprise as they began to speak in their guttural, fearsome-sounding language.

...

"Commander Vahn 'Thalanee, there are no more of the human young-lings in the area." "Good. We need to leave now. His Holiness has informed me that a Fleet is ready to begin the purging of this planet." "Praise the Prophets! I wish I could watch or partake in our great victory!""We each have our duty to help pave the path of the Great Journey, no matter the capacity we are required to fill.""Of course Commander."

"What was the cause of your injury Arn 'Tolarmee? Were there any of the adults about?""No Commander. It was caused by the filth you hold," Arn snarled, glaring down at the little female in Vahns grasp."She did? Ha, she's a defiant one."

Vahn looked at her curiously. The girls eyes widened at the sudden attention, then glared angrily back at both of the Elites."She's a disgusting human, who has dishonored me!""That is all the more reason to keep her. She is strong, and that is what the Minister wished for when it came to the human children under our jurisdiction. As such, you are not allowed to touch her."We already have enough. What is one more? I must regain my honor.""You will not regain it from her. Live with your dishonor until you fight again."

"Commander-""Would you argue with me," Commander Vahn asked quietly, danger evident in his voice."No Commander." Arn replied through clenched teeth."Tell all remaining squad members on ground to return to the Phantom. We have what we came for.""Yes Commander."

...

Marian's head rang as she tried to sit up straight on the metal floor of the airship she'd been thrown into. She slowly leaned her head against the metal siding and groaned, closing her eyes against the pain."Marian? Is that you?""Ow... Ian?""Oh my gosh your alive!""Sierra? Is Markus or Dillan here?""Me and Bawl-Baby are here, Mare.""Don't call him that!"

Marian's eyes snapped open. They were huddled into the back of a fair sized spacecraft, with a huge amount of Elites in front of them. It was almost overwhelming. She turned back to her small group of friends, and found her little brother. He was curled up behind the rest, biting his fist to muffle his sobs. She scooted over to him, not wanting to risk standing up. She gently placed his head in her lap and stroked his hair soothingly.

"Hey, it's going to be ok. Don't be afraid. I bet our parents will send someone out to find us.""You think so?" Dillan sniffled."Sure, why not?""What if they don't?""Then we'll take care of you, won't we guys?""Of course we will, we're friends," said Ian in a voice that did not match his bleak was a pause in the conversation as the ship took off. The children clung to one another nervously until the ship leveled out.

"What do you think they want with us," Sierra asked quietly. They eyed the Elites cautiously, but the aliens ignored them completely."Do you think that they're going to eat us?" squeaked Dillan fearfully."Don't be stupid Dillan, if that was the case they wouldn't have just gotten us," Markus snapped."Then what WILL they do?"

"We don't know Dillan. We'll just have to wait and see," replied Ian grimly.

"Agony! These wretches smell worse than Unggoy!""Indeed! Why the Legate was allowed to do this is-"

Marian felt her face grow hot. Though she could not understand exactly what they were saying, Marian had the sneaking suspicion that the aliens where talking about them. And not in the complementary sort of way.

The human children were walking down large metal corridors; having just barely arrived at the large spaceship, they would later learn was called the Penance. They were being escorted by two Elites, who seemed to be disgruntled about having to bring their small band to wherever they were going. As they walked, Marian was looking around when she felt a shove from behind, almost making her stumble into one of the Elites.

"Watch it Dill-pickle!" Markus, who had been bumped into by Dillan, had in turn bumped into Marian."Sorry, I tripped!""I don't care! Land on your fat (*%^* next time instead of me," snarled Markus, shoving Dillan onto the floor."Hey! Don't treat him like that!""Don't tell me what to do, Mare!""Guys-"

"Enough!"

The children froze as one of the irritated Sangheili towered over them. It had spoken in English! Its deep base voice resonated in a guttural tone as it continued to speak."Close your jaws, or I shall bind them shut!"They then continued to walk as if nothing happened, urging the kids forward. The children tried their best to stay quiet and not to breathe too loudly, afraid that they'd push the tall creature too far. Then Ian piped up, "Where did you learn English?"

The Elites ignored him, as they turned a corner in quick easy strides, making the children jog to keep up with them. Marian tensed as Ian, emboldened by the silence, continued to pester their escorts, making the other kids grow ever more nervous with each passing question. The strange group suddenly stopped in front of a round, retractable door that took up most of the wall it was set in. On either side stood two Elites in elaborate orange and red armor of the Honor Guard. They paused as the Elites started to talk to one-another.

Marian took this time to grab Ian and whisper-"Will you shut-up?! You're going to get us into trouble!"Ian was about to reply when a hissing noise erupted from the door as it slid smoothly into the wall. The two escorting Elites shoved the children through the doorway, into a wide, plain room, except for the great window in front of them which showed an awe-inspiring view of the stars. However, the room was not unoccupied. Two lines of the Honor Guard made a pathway to a one step platform. Over that platform sitting in a hover chair was a different alien then what Marian or the others had yet to see.

It had pale, wrinkly pink flesh, with a head that seemed almost too big for its slim neck to support. Its face had no noticeable nose, with half-lidded eyes that protruded from the sides of the skull, framed by tiny, floppy dog-like ears. It had a stub of beard under its thin, lipless mouth. It wore red robes, adorned with a thick, golden, ostentatious collar which flared elaborately from its small shoulders to rise past its head. The collar looked so heavy; in fact, that it seemed like the odd creature was permanently hunched over from its weight.

The Minister of Penance gestured with its small, almost delicate, hand for the group to come forward. There was another shove from behind and the children walked slowly forward, intimidated by the powerful forms that flanked either side. They stopped at the bottom step of the platform and then were shoved roughly to their elbows and knees by their escort. Marian peeked up. The new alien floated in front of her not even glancing down. Beside him stood two more guards and, surprise, the Sangheili who had grabbed her.

"These are the last of the ones that we have taken, Legate."

"As I can see Commander," the Minister replied

The Prophets gaze glided slowly over the kneeling children. Then he turned his head sharply to the Commander."Why are there two females Commander? I believed that you where looking for more to be put with the Sangheili.""I was Minister. They both showed great potential for strength and honor, as well as humans can anyway.""Hmm, if you say so Commander," the Prophet replied skeptically. Then added with a more casual air, "it is of no consequence. If they are not worthy of the gifts we offer, they will not survive.""It is as you say Minister.""Bring these and the rest of the whelps to the Gathering Hall. It is time to put them on the path to their Conversion."

Marian and her friends were herded into a huge metal room. It had a high vaulted ceiling that almost could not be seen by those on the ground. A balcony wrapped around the room as well, far above the people below. It was lit by strips of florescent light that gave the room an eerie look. They didn't have to wait long before other children were led in to join them with little to no noise. As the press of bodies started to separate the confused band, Marian quickly grabbed the two closest to her, Dillan and Ian.

Elites walked through the mass of huddled children, discouraging any kind of talk just by their presence. As Marian quickly pulled her brother out of the way of one of the patrolling Sangheili, Ian elbowed her and pointed toward the balcony. The Prophet bobbed at the edge of the balcony, two Honor Guards flanking him. The others started to notice him as well. When the Prophet knew he had their attention, he started to speak in English.

"Welcome, you who will redeem your race from its fallen state. You were chosen from the rest of your heretical people to serve us and, if found worthy, to join us on the Great Journey."

Marian had no idea what the floating pink creature meant. What 'Journey'? Didn't they just take one? Why in the world would she want to come with these guys anyway? The Prophet continued to preach to the children, who barely understood half of what they were being told. Only that they were 'lucky' and 'blessed' to be here, though for what reason they weren't sure.

After what seemed like an eternity to the young kids, the Prophet finally brought his speech to a close with an announcement."It will now be determined if you are worthy to join the Covenant and, if so, where you shall be placed. You may start Commander," he finished in Sangheili."As you command Legate," replied Commander Vahn 'Thalanee replied, bowing with his fist over one of his two hearts. Chaos ensued. The Minister of Penance left the Gathering Hall as the sounds of startled and frightened children rang out from beneath him.

Marian clung to her two friends, desperately looking for the others in the turmoil. Elites roared at, grabbed, and shoved children this way and that in what seemed a random scattering with no pattern to it at all, none that the children could see at least. A scream ripped through the room that froze the crowd for a split second. One of the Elites had impaled a boy on its pale-blue plasma sword, the smell of burnt flesh permeating the air.

The Sangheili quickly took advantage of the pause and finished organizing the children. Fifteen lines replaced the confusion, stunned silence filling the bleak room. The Elite who had killed the boy tossed what remained of his body into a wall with a casual flick of his sword. Those closest to the discarded body jumped at the sudden crashing sound. Marian, who was not too far away from the incident, heard someone gasp, and another whimper. The Elites who'd been patrolling between the lines pounced, dragging the two offenders before their leader, the Commander.

Marian strained to see over the line of heads in front of her. Where the two who were taken Sierra or Markus? What was happening? She saw the black-armored Sangheili gesture and heard his deep voice echo across the dead silent room like thunder. The two boys were separated into two different areas against the wall in front of the rest of the children. Marian sighed with relief. Neither of the two were her friends. Upon further inspection of the crowd, Marian spotted Sierra two rows and a little to the left of her. Markus was at the far right, at the very end of the line in front of her. Ian was two people away to her right. Then the Commander stepped forward to the beginning of the front line.

He paused for only a second, and declared something Marian didn't understand. The boy was sent to stand with one of the two previously sorted boys. The tall Elite barely paused at the second child in line, stating one word as he passed. This boy was sent to the left corner of the wall, separated from the other three. Commander 'Thalanee continued down the line, repeating the same three guttural words until he came to a sudden of the older looking boys, a twelve year-old, Marian would have guessed, had tried to punch the reptilian Sangheili. He was easily stopped. The Commander said a word that Marian hadn't heard before now."Sangheili," the Commander stated.

The boy was forced to the far right of the other boys, creating four groups. Marian started to pay better attention as the Elite continued down the rows. "Unggoy, Kig-Yar, Unggoy, Lekgolo, Unggoy, Unggoy, Kig-Yar, Kig-Yar, Sangheili-" This sorting continued for awhile, some to one group, some to another. Few went to the 'Lekgolo' group. Even fewer went to the Sangheili. As the Commander got closer, Marian got ever more nervous. She felt Dillan trembling to the left of her. She grabbed his hand and squeezed it reassuringly. She whispered, "Don't be afraid, Dillan. It'll be alright. Don't show them you're scared." Marian didn't know why she said that. Don't show your fear. She didn't understand what was happening, but something told her no good would come of letting these aliens see that they were frightened of them.

She watched quietly as Commander Vahn sorted Sierra into the Kig-Yar group, her heart pounding in her ears. He and two Elites following him were now just at the row in front of her. A sudden smell made her nose wrinkle. The boy in front of her had wet his children around him scooted away as far as they could. Even Marian and some of the others in her line dared to back up a little. One of the Elites stepped past the Commander, a sizzling sound followed as he activated his energy sword. Quicker than any of the kids could follow, the Elite sliced the unfortunate boy clean in half length-ways. Two even halves fell to the floor. Little to no blood came out, the insides perfectly cauterized. The other subordinate Elite kicked the remains away from the lines and forced the children back into place; though they all tried to discreetly avoid the spot where the boy had stood.

Marian felt numb from shock. The boy had stood right in front of her, the sword just inches from her as it had passed through the kid in a flash of blue. She snapped out of it as the Commander finished with the line that had been in front of her, Markus having been sorted into the Sangheili group. She felt her heart pick up its pace, her breath coming in short, quick bursts. Dillan squeezed her hand tight, cutting off the circulation. Dillan. . . Marian started. What would they do to Dillan?! She trembled as the small entourage of Sangheili came ever closer. Flashbacks of what had happened to the other two boys sped across her mind. She couldn't let that happen again. Not to her little brother. Grim resolve calmed her breathing and stopped her trembling but did nothing to calm her rapid heartbeat.

After what felt like hours, the Elites reached Dillan. Marian quickly darted out in front of him, arms spread out to shield him from the Commander. The Sangheili who had cut down the boy in front of her snarled and went to grab her. Vahn raised a hand, stopping the Elite in his tracks. Marian quickly spoke before anything else happened.

"Please! Wherever you put me, put my brother there too!"She stared steadily into the Commanders orange eyes, trying not to blink. One of the subordinate Elites growled something at the Commander. He ignored it, raising his hand for silence. "You do not know what you ask for child," Commander Vahn 'Thalanee stated in English as he towered over the young girl. "Yes I do. Let him stay with me, please."

The Commander stared at her for awhile longer than started to move on, stating the two children's fates as he continued down the line, "Put the two of them in with the Sangheili. Know this, female-"he turned to look back at her wide-eyed gaze and held it."-whatever happens to that boy is because of your choice this day."

The Commander continued on as if nothing had happened to interrupt his progress. Marian and Dillan were led to the small group of children who were marked as Sangheili, Ian joining them soon after. The sorting continued for awhile longer, with no more major incidents. Then the respective groups were led through different doors. As the Sangheili group was pushed forward, Marian glanced back at Sierra, who gave her a nervous grin as she disappeared in the crowd of her new group.

Once again, Marian and her remaining friends were herded through the corridors of the airship. They were brought to a new room, this one a little more familiar to the worn out kids, a shower room of sorts. Well, at least they wouldn't have to go around dirty anymore. Taking the initiative, Ian started to strip as he headed to one of the shower cubicles. The four Elites who had guided this new group turned and left, leaving the children to fend for themselves for awhile. Marian blushed as the other boys around her started to strip as well, feeling a little more relaxed now that their escorts weren't in the room.

Leaving Dillan with Ian, she walked down the long row of cubicles with her head ducked, hearing laughter and shouts as the boys playfully fought for showers. As she reached the end, she saw another girl, the only other girl, dart quickly into the last shower. Marian hurried over to the same shower and stood around the corner, tapping the wall with her knuckles.

"Si?""Uh, hi, my name is Marian," Marian introduced herself, feeling a little awkward."I'm Iliana. Why are you way over here," Iliana asked, her sweet Latino accent echoing in her cubicle. "I don't want to shower around the other boys." Iliana laughed. "You can use mine when I'm done.""Thanks Iliana."

The two girls continued to chatter as they each took turns showering, both trying not to think of what might happen next. When Marian finished, Iliana was standing at the entrance, dressed in a black body suit with pale blue trimming, bringing out her olive skin tone. She tossed a similar one to Marian. "Where did you get these," Marian asked as she got dressed."The aliens dropped them off by the door. I grabbed a couple while you were showering."

"While you were naked?!" Iliana shrugged, "it doesn't matter to me. I'm use to being around my brothers.""You have brothers?""Five, how about you?""One and he is here with me.""Wow, I don't know if that's lucky or not. I don't think I'd want my brothers here."

Before Marian could reply, two of the four Elite escorts entered the room. Talk died almost instantly as the children eyed the Sangheili cautiously. "Line up," the Elite on the left barked. The kids scrambled to obey, not wanting to taste the end of a sizzling blue sword. They quickly formed one line, Marian and Iliana at the back, two more Elites taking up the rear. Then they were on their way once more. Marian felt exhaustion gnawing at her, making her stumble over her own feet and almost tripped up the line. The others were also showing signs of fatigue, staggering, yawning, and drooping.

They finally arrived to the last room they would see that night, a set of barracks. Waiting for them was an eight-foot tall red armored Elite. The boy in the front stopped dead in his tracks for a split second, until one of the Sangheili escorts shoved him forward, making the rest of the line follow. Everyone was awake now as they crowded into the barracks, giving this new Sangheili a wide birth. When everyone was in, the four escorts gathered behind the red-armored Elite, the automatic doors closing behind the two coming from the hallway.

"I am Major Tars 'Sughar and you will address me as such. You hundred were chosen out of the other seven hundred to be honored as a Sangheili. The Prophets, the Speakers for the Gods, have declared that you are to learn of our ways, to be raised as we raise our own and learn of the Great Journey. That does not mean I have to enjoy hauling you around."His meaning was quite clear. There would be no love lost between Major 'Sughar and his charges and absolutely no compulsion of mercy.

"Tomorrow you will begin your reformation and preparation for your Conversion. Be prepared and keep silent. Your insolent human ways will not be tolerated here."Then he and the other four Elites left, the children making way for them quickly. Stunned silence filled the room for a little while until the group started to pick out beds. Marian grabbed Iliana and started searching for her three other friends. She soon found them near the front. The beds in the back and middle were already taken. No one wanted to be near the entrance where the Sangheili were sure to come through tomorrow.

Dillan was near hysterics, sobbing into a pillow as he sat on his bed. Markus sneered derisively from a bed across from him. Ian looked exhausted, his eyes devoid of his normal cheerfulness, his shoulders drooping as he sat on the bed right of Dillan's. He smiled faintly as Marian and Iliana approached. "Figures you would find the only other girl in a hundred Mares," Ian joked halfheartedly. "Hola, I'm Iliana Cassandra Delavira Dominguez but you can call me Iliana or Ana.""Hey, I'm Ian, that's Markus, and that's Dillan.""How do you know each other amigo?""We were all caught at the same time.""Ah, lucky you eh," Iliana said sarcastically.

"Hey Ian," Marian interrupted."How's he holding up," she asked, nodding her head toward Dillan."Well, he's managed not to get himself killed yet. I bet he won't last a week," Markus said casually, leaning back onto his pillow with his hands behind his head.

"Shut-up Markus," Marian snapped, glaring angrily at him. Markus ignored her, continuing as if she hadn't said anything. "And Mare, I'm not taking care of him. You heard the big guy; Dillan's your issue now.""What do you mean by that?""I mean that it's the survival of the fittest now. I'm not going to die because of Pickle there."

"No one asked you to." Markus raised an eyebrow at Marian. She ignored him, and went to Dillan, pulling his head to rest in her lap. "I-I-I'm s-scared Mare! I don't wanna d-d-die," Dillan blubbered. "I want t-to g-g-go home!""I know Dillan. I want to go home too. We defiantly can't stay here, that's for sure.""What are you thinking chica," asked Iliana slyly, sitting down on an empty bed on the other side of Dillan's."I think we need to escape."

"Are you serious," hissed Markus angrily, sitting up as he leaned in toward the four other friends. Ian turned and stared as if Marian was insane."Yes I am! We can't live like this. You said its survival of the fittest; I think that nobody is going to live at all! We need to get out!" Marian whispered, her voice rising with desperation."How are we supposed to do that," asked Ian incredulously, making his voice low."I don't know. All I know is we've been kidnapped to be raised and prepared for what? This Conversion they keep talking about? We don't even what in the world that is. One thing's for sure, I don't want to stay and find out."

"So what's the plan," Iliana asked eagerly, her eye sparkling with mischief. "Yes oh Wise One? What is the plan," Markus asked sarcastically, eyebrow cocked, his arms crossed against his chest.

Marian paused. She hadn't thought about that. How? After a short awkward period of silence, Iliana then spoke, drawing Marian out of her thoughts. "We can wait. Watch were they take us. Maybe we can find a way to sneak onto a ship that's going to a planet were we can get to our families!"

"Do you really think we can," asked Dillan hopefully as he sat up, staring wide-eyed at Iliana.

"Why not," Iliana said enthusiastically. "It's going to take a bit before we actually can Dillan," cautioned Ian. "Or never," quipped Markus. Ian shot him a glare."I think Iliana is right Markus. We can do it.""Whatever Marian. I'm going to sleep." With that said Markus got under his covers and turned his back on them."Cheerful guy isn't he," asked Iliana sarcastically. "Go easy on him. We had another friend with us but she was put in another group. She and Markus were best friends," said Ian sympathetically as he glanced over to where Markus lay.

"Well maybe he should be more nice to the friends he has left," Iliana stated as she tucked herself into the bed she'd been sitting on. Ian sighed and with a nod to Marian and Dillan followed the other two's example. Marian sighed and started to head to an empty bed by Markus, when Dillan snatched her hand. Marian glanced back at him. "Do you really think we can Mare? Can we really go back home?" Marian hesitated before answering.

"Yes, I know we can," Marian lied, smiling reassuringly. "Now I'm going to bed. I'm beat."She slipped out of Dillan's grasp. As she settled onto her bed, she felt a tug of guilt grip her heart. She honestly wasn't sure if they could. After all, they were just kids. And the odds were stacked against them. Marian tried to tell herself that she did the right thing. No need to scare him anymore than he already was.

Ok, hope you all liked it, please leave a comment after the wort, wort, wort. :)