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The fleet under Krag'Zarak loomed menacingly in the orbit of Doavyn. The Jiralhanae chieftain stood on the bridge of his flagship, his fiery gaze fixed on the enigmatic Halo ring. Its surface shimmered faintly, a silent monument to the Forerunners' mastery. Moments later, the ominous hum of slipspace rupture echoed through the void as another Covenant vessel emerged, its sleek design signifying the arrival of someone of immense importance.

The Prophet of Truth descended into the command center, flanked by honor guards wielding energy staves. His smirk was one of smug satisfaction as he floated into the room. "You shall be rewarded for your service, Chieftain Krag'Zarak," Truth said, his reedy voice laced with both condescension and anticipation.

Though his words were diplomatic, Truth's true motives were far more sinister. He had come not only to marvel at the ancient construct but also to indulge his growing obsession with the humans who defied the Covenant. Reports of a human soldier—this "Halsey"—who had dared to challenge the might of the Covenant piqued his interest.

Truth’s mind danced with possibilities. The idea of displaying the corpse of this audacious human as a trophy was tempting. But more intriguing was the prospect of keeping Halsey alive. A human fluent in the Sangheili tongue, capable of engaging in dialogue—such a specimen was rare. He envisioned Halsey as a living symbol of humanity’s inferiority, an exhibit in a grand zoo of his creation, or even a personal pet to parade before the Covenant’s elite.

And, of course, there was the pragmatic truth behind his interest. The Luminary had foretold the necessity of a human to activate the sacred ring. Perhaps this one might prove useful in more ways than one.

Truth’s musings were interrupted by the routine chatter of the fleet's officers. Turning to Krag'Zarak, he issued a command: "Send landing teams to the ring's surface immediately. Have them scout for the Control Room and secure any structures of interest. The Great Journey awaits, and we must hasten its arrival."

The chieftain nodded, his massive frame bowing slightly. "It will be done, Hierarch. The ring shall be ours."

As dropships began descending toward the Halo ring, Truth watched with a sense of exhilaration. He had no doubt that the Forerunners’ ultimate gift lay within reach. Soon, the ring's secrets would be unveiled, and his vision of divine transcendence would come to fruition.

---

"Parlamus!" roared a Sangheili lieutenant, his deep voice echoing through the ancient Forerunner corridor. His mandibles flared in anger as he confronted the towering Jiralhanae.

Parlamus, a brute whose bulk seemed to fill the entire passage, turned slowly, his crimson eyes narrowing at the interruption. "What now, Sangheili?" he grunted, his tone dismissive.

The Sangheili jabbed a clawed finger toward the sealed Forerunner door that Parlamus and his Kig-Yar subordinates were preparing to breach. "This is a sacred relic! You dare defile it? Your actions border on blasphemy!"

Parlamus growled, stepping closer until he loomed over the Sangheili officer. "Blasphemy? Your precious Hierarch is not here to judge me. This door stands between us and the treasures of the gods. It has to go!"

"You overstep your bounds, Jiralhanae!" the Sangheili hissed, his hand inching toward the hilt of his energy sword. "Whatever lies beyond that door is meant to be preserved, not desecrated!"

Parlamus bared his teeth in a savage grin. "I outrank you, Mii Slomie! Truth himself entrusted me with command. And whatever punishment the Hierarch might dole out will pale in comparison to the glory we’ll claim if we uncover something of value. Now, step aside, before I make you."

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