Lighter Than Some

"I help because that is who I am"

- Lighter Than Some, to the AI Sif

Lighter Than Some was a Huragok onboard the missionary ship Minor Transgression in the Epsilon Indi System, near Harvest, during the 23rd Age of Doubt. Unlike other Huragok, who normally keep to themselves, Lighter Than Some approached the Unggoy Dadab and made a "Hello!" gesture to him repeatedly until he understood. This started the beginning of their friendship, thereafter Lighter Than Some taught Dadab the Huragok language, which is a form of sign language. Dadab is the only known Unggoy to understand their language (Contact Harvest does however indicate that at least some ascetic San 'Shyuum priests also communicate directly with the Huragok via their sign language). After he and the Unggoy Deacon Dadab were rescued by the Brute Chieftain Maccabeus' ship, Rapid Conversion, Maccabeus put Lighter Than Some in charge of his ships repairs, the job previously held by the Drones. His pacifistic nature eventually led to his death when he was discovered helping the UNSC forces evacuate the colony of Harvest.

During his time on Rapid Conversion he designed and built a plow (which would later be converted into the Chopper) out of spare parts from a broken Spirit dropship and Rapid Conversion. He did so with the intention of presenting it to the humans as an offering, as penance for the death of Henry Gibson, only to have his creation of peace transformed into a machine of war.

Death
It was in the aftermath of the failed meeting in the gardens that Maccabeus pressed the Drones into combat service. In order to return to their former duties aboard Rapid Conversion the Drones came to the conclusion that their usurper, Lighter Than Some, must be eliminated. It was after the extent of his betrayal came to light that their wish was granted. So it was aboard the Tiara that several jealous Drone engineers tore him to pieces. Because of his sorrow Dadab gunned them down to avenge Lighter Than Some. He then attempted to kill Tartarus, only to be crushed by the Fist of Rukt. This act, however, managed to drop Tartarus's shields so he could be injured and be, subsequently, forced to retreat.

Trivia

 * According to Huragok designation schemes, Lighter Than Some's name literally means that upon initial completion he was more buoyant than other Huragok.
 * Lighter Than Some is the first and only engineer recorded in a violent act when he threw a rock at the head of Henry Gibson to save the life of Dadab.
 * Ironically Lighter Than Some attack on Henry Gibson makes him the first member of the Covenant to kill a Human.
 * Lighter Than Some was the first known alien to attempt to help the Humans, by making them a plow as a peace offering.