by dinoman666 » Sun Dec 23, 2012 2:07 am
"I suggest you make haste. Next time we meet, I may not be so lenient," Jul said, before the transmission cut off. Regardless, the Covenant ships did not move, keeping a careful eye on the Imperial fleet until they were gone...
Jul 'Mdama's hologram faced the Assault Carrier's Ship Master, who knelt before him. "Lord 'Mdama, why do we let them flee?" "Because, Ship Master," Jul began, "They are doing our job for us. We will have another chance to destroy them, I assure you." The Sangheili looked up. "Why could we have not destroyed them then? We had an advantage!" Jul shook his head. "A small advantage. Not enough to guarantee success, and even if we were victorious, we would have lost several ships in the process. I refuse to make such sacrifices unless we have no choice." The Ship Master dipped his head again. "I understand, Lord 'Mdama. Will you be joining us on the venture to the human colony?"
Jul 'Mdama had only told the Empire part of the truth. They were searching for artifacts, yes, but they had tracked one to a small human colony of Alliance origin. It was undefended, on the fringes of civilized space, but the Covenant had intercepted communications that they had uncovered an ancient alien artifact. Two Corvettes had been sent to the colony in advance, hiding from the humans and blocking their comms to keep them in the dark. The Ship Master's job was to get to the colony, wipe out the humans, and take the artifact. "No," Jul said. "But take the Supercarrier as my blessing. You will not need it, I think, but one can never be too careful. Report to me on the moon of Qikost as soon as the mission is complete." The Ship Master looked confused. "Qikost? Are you not--" "Did you truly believe I would show my face to the Empire without having an overwhelming advantage? I sent the Supercarrier as a ruse, Ship Master. As far as Darth Revan is concerned, I am out and about, not in hiding. It will keep the Empire off our tracks should they decide to try something." The Ship Master said nothing, but bowed his head once more. Before Jul cut the transmission, he added, "And one more thing, Ship Master: never use my name when speaking to the enemy again unless ordered to, or I will have you executed." "Understood, Lord 'Mdama..."
"Heroes have morals. Villains have work ethic."
-Megatron