Usze 'Taham
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- Otar 'Bemet: "You are the Arbiter's soldier?"
- Usze 'Taham: "I am my own soldier."
- — Otar 'Bemet and Usze 'Taham[4]
Usze 'Taham is a Sangheili of the Swords of Sanghelios who has been famed as one of the deadliest Special Operations commandos alive.[3]
During the final months of the Human-Covenant War, he was assigned to the Fleet of Retribution's Special Warfare Group.[5] During the Great Schism, he joined Arbiter Thel 'Vadam's uprising against the Hierarchs and took part in the Battle of Earth and the Battle of Installation 00. Usze continues to serve as a skilled warrior and valued liaison of the Swords of Sanghelios, as well as the Ascetics.[3]
Biography[edit]
Early life and military career[edit]
- "Prior to the Great Schism, others sought to punish me and even take my life, but they would not succeed. My actions in combat, in the war and against my enemies, silenced all those who would contend with my standing."
- — Usze 'Taham, reflecting on his declination of the title of Honor Guard[1]
Usze 'Taham was born on October 31, 2519[2] into a respected merchant family in Sumai keep in the state of Bothaes on Sanghelios.[1] He was fathered by Toha 'Sumai, one of the most prominent swordfighters of this age.[2] Toha mated with Usze's mother, a privilege granted by being a swordsman, and Usze was raised by his mother and her husband. Per Sangheili custom, Usze did not know that Toha was his father.[5] Instead, Usze believed that Toha was an uncle and was trained by him in swordsmanship. When he was of age, Usze traveled to the top war college in the Iruiru region of Yermo on Sanghelios and graduated with honors,[1] a distinction he shares with Rtas 'Vadum.[5] Upon graduating, Usze's skills attracted the attention of influential individuals and he was posted on the Fleet of Faithful Ardor.[1]
After only serving a single tour in the Human-Covenant War with the Fleet of Faithful Ardor,[1] several politicians offered Usze a place in the Covenant Honor Guard,[5] putting him in service of the High Council.[1] He declined, despite warnings against his decision, citing "lack of practical experience". In truth, he had no desire to be part of a largely ceremonial unit. At the end of his third tour, Usze 'Taham again refused the post, even though his superiors warned him such behavior could be misinterpreted as apostasy. Ultimately, no charges were ever filed or pursued against him.[5] Some Sangheili believed that superiors of Usze who felt "protective" towards him were responsible for the lack of punitive actions taken against Usze. He became respected by certain circles for dismissing the Honor Guard's offer in favor of pursuing combat.[4] Since that time, Usze evaded countless punitive actions, as well as at least two assassination attempts, and served with distinction for two additional tours before the Great Schism.[5] Usze's actions in the aforementioned combat tours against humanity eventually led his superiors to resign to his decision. Usze came into service of the Ascetics as a liaison for the Covenant.[1] Prior to the Great Schism, 'Taham served under Covenant Special Operations Commander Rtas 'Vadumee.[3]
Great Schism[edit]
- Main article: Great Schism
On November 3, 2552, the remaining Hierarchs of the Covenant denounced the Sangheili and ordered the massacre of the Sangheili High Councilors.[6] With this revelation, Usze sided with Arbiter Thel 'Vadam and Commander Rtas 'Vadum.