of finding him aboard this infernal human vessel.

agreed to it. The situation was not developing to his advantage. He needed help, swiftly, if any sort of bargain was to be struck.

After the negotiations had ended for the day he had quickly sought out Khovo. If there was anyone aboard that could make things work it was him. It was only a matter-

have to worry about the politics.

Disabling his sword, Loquen returns it to the thigh armor where it had been resting. As blasphemous as his words may be, it would not hurt to show he had no ill intent.

“What are you doing here on this world, Spirit of Ceaseless Glory?“

all what God laughs at the notion of their own worship? The Arbiter was right.

“No,” he began slowly, but steadily. Not hostile but far from pleasant. “For you are real and I know the gods to be false.”

It was… liberating to say it aloud. No matter the consequences. To speak the truth and not -

Of all the twists the galaxy could have thrown at Loquen. He could tell just by looking at her, that she was a Forerunner. His whole life had been spent searching for their artifacts and worshiping them.

Oddly enough he did find some comfort from her laughter. The Forerunners were not gods. After-

path, as we have for millennia and will for millennia more.”

At least neither guard seemed too incensed at his words. That alone seemed worthy of celebration later. Should there be a later.

tensions between the devout and the non believers.

“Were you to ask me that in the past, I would proudly stated it was the gods. The Forerunners. The ones who claimed the very holy land we trod upon. Now I make no such claims to have such knowledge. Now I only know that we each must walk our own -

trap. Only they were so slippery and deceitful to decide now was a time for riddles.

“I will play your game.“

If only to buy more time. What was taking these Banshee’s so long?

The question was difficult and one that could easily shatter the unity he had been struggling to build. Reignite-

the sky, trying in vain to spot the stranger. The yellow light that bathed him was a stark contrast to the blue that covered his two guards.

“Does your shame know no end? That only hidden from view and shielded by anonymity do you dare speak?”

Perhaps he was mistaken and this was some San'Shyuum -

the state of Sanghelios as a result of these human AI, perhaps he would feel less amusement over it.

“It is too large a risk. The demon will have to suffice. I thank you for your counsel. It has been most invaluable.”

regard. If he is given misinformation he knows it has all been for naught. If he is given nothing or perhaps even receives things of use, then perhaps there could be a bargain struck.

None could be said for the human’s artificial intelligence. A blight on the entire galaxy. If Khovo had seen-

engage with him, but he did not expect that to trickle down. Especially by one experienced in politics.

“You have a narrow mind for what constitutes the worst but we shall see what this Dayne has to say.”

The opporu would be illuminating for one reason or another. Khovo was correct in that-

prohibit them."

no better choice than I will heed your counsel."

The suggestion of turning to the human's AI disgusts him, and he makes no attempt to hide such disdain from his voice.

"I think not. Those cursed pieces of technology have caused enough problems. For all their faults the Prophets were right to -

they would be much help."

So ill-prepared he was. What a folly this was. His original plan after gaining the support of the Arbiter was to acquire mercenaries. Still shameful, but no where near as having to rely on the humans. The Arbiter did not think kindly of that plan.

"If you think there is-

a human in combat in many years. Since even before the end of the war. Once it had ended I thought it may never happen again."

Humans will bring them in line once and for all."

The Kaidon followed Michael into the ring, a subtle click of his mandibles telling his guards to not interfere. He was reluctant to get into a fight with any human while he was aboard. In this case he felt he had no other choice.

"I have not faced-