Governors of Contrition

The Governors of Contrition were a radical, fringe section of the Covenant who believed that all creations of the Forerunner are sacrosanct. They also believed that the Flood were a creation of the Forerunner and, as such, a perfect life-form, and that it was the duty of the Covenant to protect and embrace the Flood.

Despite these radical beliefs, the Governors of Contrition are apparently accepted into society so long as their beliefs do not endanger others. Members of the group have even ascended to the rank of Ship Master, like in the case of Tano 'Inanraree. But, Tano 'Inanraree's beliefs led to his death during the battle of Installation 05 when he wanted the Flood to board his ship. His junior officers then killed him to stop him.

The Governors of Contrition may have been influenced by the Forerunner AI Mendicant Bias (much like the Heretics were influenced by 343 Guilty Spark) who also thought that the Flood were a perfect life form. Mendicant resided in the Forerunner Dreadnought in High Charity(although Mendicant Bias had repented of his aiding the Flood as he confessed via the Terminals).