Privilege

Privilege is a flash-fiction story included in the Halo Wars: Official Strategy Guide. It’s about Ripa 'Moramee as the Prophet of Regret approaches him in a cell anointing him as the Arbiter.

Story
For him, there had never been peace, not a moment without rage. His life had been hard and difficult, and his path always murky and dark. Regret stared down at him in the cell. The plasma grid holding him back was the only light in the room, but he sat, unbeaten but purposeless.

“Have you lost your way? Does the path not illuminate your life with purpose and joy? Ripa ‘Moramee, answer me. Your very life depends on these next few seconds.”

‘Moramee looked up; his thoughts were not of his own life but of how easily he could end this noisemaker that disturbed his penance. He focused on the Prophet, standing up and straining against the roof of the cell.

“I do not believe the Journey includes one such as I. I will be left here to rot like garbage.”

Regret backed away a little, not because he was fearful but because he wanted to take in the Elite as he stood. His hulking figure was large and imposing.

“The Journey calls for one such as you.”

Regret moved back in closer to ‘Moramee, their faces inches apart. In the shadows behind Regret, the Honor Guards grew nervous, and their weapons rustled.

“We have need for a leader, one both cunning and savage enough to defeat a great threat to those on the path.”

‘Moramee thought for a second. “I have served before, and this has been my reward. Nothing has changed.”

Regret laughed. “Ripa ‘Moramee, you act as if you have a choice in the matter! Your fate is already decided. Your name, it is gone, expunged from the records of this facility. Rise up. I name you Arbiter.”

The Honor Guards muttered and whispered. They had no knowledge of this plan.

Regret shouted, “Silence! I need not explain what the Journey demands! Now what say you, Arbiter?”

The Arbiter moved his stance. “I live only to serve Holy One. What task awaits your Arbiter?”

Characters

 * Prophet of Regret
 * Ripa 'Moramee