Reach for Halo

The War Is Over

3rd P.O.V

The war... is finally over. Days after the Forward Unto Dawn crash landed back on Earth, the remaining survivors relayed what had happened to Halo. And that the galaxy, the universe itself, was safe from Halo. But at a grave cost. 

Standing on the edge of a desolate cliff, marines and Elites line up to pay their respects to the dead. A giant plane wing stands as a monument to those who died for the greater good. Lord Hood takes his hat off, his body moving with a solemn fluidity. 

Lord Hood: For us, the storm has passed. The war is over. But let us never forget those who journeyed into the howling dark and did not return. For their decision required courage beyond measure... Sacrifice. And unshakeable conviction that their fight... Our fight, was elsewhere. 

The old man's gaze falls onto the two Spartans, the Elite, the Sgt and the Commander that came back miraculously with their lives. All of whom held a sincere stare of sorrow. 

Lord Hood: As we start to rebuild, this hillside will remain barren. A memorial to heroes fallen. They ennobled all of us. And they shall not be forgotten. 

He ends his speech by putting his cap on and saluting the soldiers before him. A soldier commands a line of riflemen to "present arms". They take aim and fire on the man's command into the air. Once the service ends, many of the marines leave. Only a few remain. 

Thelya climbs up the stairs to stand in front of the memorial. 

Lord Hood: I remember how this war started. What your kind did to mine. I can't forgive you... But you have my thanks. For standing by him to the end. 

He offers his hand to Thelya for a handshake. The alien warrior takes his hand and shakes it. 

Lord Hood: Hard to believe he's dead. 

Thelya: Were it so easy... 

She turns to stare at the wing. More precisely, her eyes cling onto the initials scratched into the wing. ML. A tear threatens to build in her orange eyes, but she manages to hold it back. She turns away and walks down the path. Six stops Thelya by placing her hand on the Elite's larger chest. She looks up at the alien through her helmet. 

Six: Promise me... Promise you'll tell me if you find him. 

Thelya gently takes her hand and squeezes gently, a gesture of reassurance. 

Thelya: I promise. 

With that said, Thelya releases Six's hand and walks away, leaving Earth and climbing aboard a Covenant Mothership. Six, Chief, Johnson and Keyes can do nothing but watch as Thelya walks away. Despite Six's helmet concealing her features, Johnson could see through the visor and imagine the tears running down her face. He pats her back. He knew better than anyone that words would offer no comfort in this time. Silence was better. 

One single thought was shared amongst all of them... 

"The War Is Over". 

Aboard the Mothership, Thelya takes her seat at the head of the bridge. She opens up her palm and reveals a familiar-looking chip. A blue nude woman appears from it. 

Cora: Ready to go? 

Thelya: Yes. Is it safe to go after him?

Cora: It should be. The rupture would've sent the ship spiralling at a fast speed. By now, he should be out of the blast radius. 

Thelya: Then take us to him, construct. 

Cora: Will do. 

With new purpose burning in her heart, Thelya takes the Elites away from Earth for their new goal. Of locating Mutasim (or what remains of him) and bringing him back to Earth. 

The War Is Over... But this is not the end...