Halo 3: ODST Operation Cup o' Doom

Chapter Three

The division stood tall in front of their individual rooms, ready for inspection.

Rha' approached Aria and Ranger Mansooree. "Where are Chief and Sergeant Peril? They are not exempt from this."

"Chief will be here soon," Aria answered. "He had a meeting with the other Spartans—they're getting some armor upgrades. Sergeant Peril is currently occupied in sickbay. The Shipmaster and some of his crew were due for their physicals." She handed him her datapad with the inspection list pulled up.

He nodded as he took it, scanning the names. "I suppose that's a valid reason for her absence, but she's not getting out of the inspection. We'll catch her as soon as she's free." He swiped to the first page. "Let's get this done before dinner. Who's first on the list? We'll take care of Chief when he arrives."

⸻

After two and a half hours of going from room to room, checking every corner from ceiling to floor, the division was finally excused.

"Ranger Mansooree, are you ready?" Rha' asked.

"Yes, sir."

They headed to the Ranger's room.

Inside, it was spotless and nearly devoid of decorations. Only a few pictures hung by his desk.

Aria stepped over and examined them. "Is this your mate, Ranger?"

He nodded, coming to stand beside her. "Indeed. And my two younglings."

"She's beautiful! I've never seen a female Sangheili. Your younglings are adorable!"

"Thank you, Sergeant. I miss them terribly."

She touched his shoulder gently. "I bet you do. Will they be on Earth when we return?"

"Yes."

"That's wonderful. I know it feels like forever, but we're getting closer."

He smiled faintly. "I know. It doesn't stop me from getting anxious."

"Your room is as clean as I'd expect from my brother," Rha' commented suddenly as he stepped inside.

"Brother?!" Aria asked, looking at the Ranger.

"Yes," the Ranger nodded. "I am his little brother."

She grinned. "So you're the older brother he always picked on?"

Rha' chuckled. "He told you about that?"

"Yes, sir. I shared a story about my sister Kayla. She used to bite me just so she could play doctor and clean the wound."

"Oh my!" Rha' laughed. "Yes, we both had troublesome siblings. Good thing they grew out of it." He shot his brother a teasing glance.

"May I ask," Aria continued, "why you two don't share a last name?"

"My father is a swordsman," Rha' replied.

"Oh! I've heard about swordsman culture. They don't take mates, but they may mate with whomever they choose."

They both nodded.

She looked up at Rha'. "You must have many childlings, sir."

He chuckled. "Actually, I do not. I have not mated yet."

She smiled inwardly. "No, sir?"

He shook his head. "Indeed not. I vowed a long time ago that I would only ever take one mate. I have not been actively searching for her either." His gaze flicked over her. But I think she may have found me, he thought.

He turned back to the Ranger. "Ranger Mansooree, you pass—as expected. Go enjoy dinner." Then he looked at Aria. "Shall we move on?" He leaned a bit closer. "Let us conduct a little inspection of your room, Sergeant." His tone carried a teasing edge.