Book One: Spartan Isabella Bluestar

Chapter Six: I want to see Earth and I want to meet Arbiter

Today Blue Team isn't here. That's because they are on a mission. Their first mission since she was placed in their care. Which has been almost a year now. She hopes that they are okay. She knows that they are the best of the best the UNSC has so she doesn't worry as much. But still just because they are the best of the best doesn't mean they are invincible.

After Blue Team was deployed, she went to hang out with Captain Lasky and Roland. She has become their little pony express. Delivering messages and papers to others all over the Infinity. But of course Commander Palmer goes with her so she doesn't get lost. Even if she has memorized the layout of Infinity.

"So, Isabella," Begins Roland.

"Yeah Roland?"

"What is your biggest wish?" He asks. "I know a little girl like you has to have some kind of wish."

"I want to see Earth." She says.

"Can't blame you." Lasky joins the conversation. "Earth is the birthplace of humanity."

"Were you born there, Captain?" Isabella asks.

"No. I was born in an outer colony just like you. I never got to see Earth until I got older. The first time I saw her, I'll admit it was incredible. And despite having never seen her until that moment I have always thought of her as home. There so much on that blue marble. Which is why when I retire, I want to live there." Lasky explains.

"Now I really want to go there. It sounds awesome." Isabella says.

"I'll see if we're going to be heading there. Infinity will head back to Earth at least once a year." Lasky says.

"Really?! Thank you, Captain! Uncle was right you are a great Captain." Isabella states with a smile.

"The Chief said that?" Asks Palmer seeing Lasky freeze up.

"Yep. He said that Captain Lasky has great judgement and isn't afraid to do something it has to be done. Like when he gave Uncle that Pelican on Requiem."

"Aww," Roland coos. "The Chief likes you, Captain."

Lasky clears his throat saying, "I did help save Earth. I knew that the Didact was a threat and just gave Chief a small helping hand."

"But if it wasn't for that the Earth would have been destroyed." Isabella adds.

"She's got a point Captain." Roland nods.

|...|

Blue Team returns ten days later. Isabella has been sitting beside the designated hanger bay for them to arrive. She has just finished her homework for the day and is reading something to help pass the time.

The Pelican finally arrives and lands. Isabella hops off the crate she was sitting on and walks over to the Pelican as the door lowers. Stepping out of the Pelican is Blue Team. She notices the sot painted on John and Kelly's armor. She glares at it.

"Isabella what are you doing here?" John asks.

"Waiting for you." She replies.

"Where is Commander Palmer?" Asks Kelly.

"Over there." She points to the Commander who is scolding a Spartan and ODST. "Not sure what was going on, but they got into a fight as a result."

"Oh." Kelly comments. "Well, come on let's get you back to our quarters. John has a debrief to do."

"You'll have to just brief Captain Lasky. Admiral Hood has left for a meeting with ONI." Isabella answers.

"Thank you, Isabella." John says beginning to make his way to the bridge.

"Something wrong Isabella?" Fred asks as they leave the hanger and wave to Palmer.

"I wanted to ask him something, but I can wait." Isabella says.

"Ask him about what? We could probably answer it." Kelly says.

"I want to know about Arbiter." She says. "Lasky told me that the Chief and the Arbiter defeated the Covenant and the Flood together."

"Well, I don't think that they know one another as well as you think. But they do have a mutual respect I think." Linda says.

"I still want to meet him one day. I met this really nice Spartan 4 named Olympia Vale. She is the first woman to speak Sangheili, she offered to teach me how to speak it." Isabella then says.

"Sounds like you have the intentions of impressing the Arbiter when you finally meet him." Comments Fred.

"Lasky says first impressions are important. Is that insensitive or offensive to try speaking Sangheili with him?" Isabella asks recoiling.

"No, no not at all." Kelly says quickly. "The Arbiter will be very impressed."

|...|

"She wants to meet Arbiter?" John asks after Kelly put Isabella to bed.

"Yep." Kelly nods. "She heard how you both defeated the Covenant. Is already learning how to speak Sangheili from Spartan Vale. Maybe you should join her."

John smirks, "I'll think about it."