The Day Before

The Day Before is a flash-fiction story included in the Halo Wars: Official Strategy Guide. The story depicts the Prophet of Regret as he watches over a forerunner shield world that has been dormant for many years, but now the Covenant has been in need of it’s treasures inside.

Story
Regret looked out over the world rolling before him. His plans, his dreams, and his secrets were all tied to this place. This world had been found many years earlier but lay dormant and still, its treasures locked in place and unreachable with Covenant technology. But now the need for a fleet to battle the humans and find a way to unlock the world had taken precedence over all other tasks, even the search for the rings....

“This world, it is secure from the infection?”

“Yes, Hierarch, the interior is sealed. The surface outside, though, is another matter, and the Flood are nothing if not persistent.” The Arbiter bowed his head slightly toward the Prophet as he talked, but he watched him carefully, like prey. His armor had been fitted properly, but it still did not feel comfortable. The prison he had been sentenced to before being anointed to Arbiter had not been kind to his body, and the armor was sharp and unforgiving.

“The treasures here and the bounty they will bring are part of a larger plan. We must not waiver.”

The Prophet watched for a moment, his hand clawing at the control panel in front of him, the controls snarled reddish and faded as his hand swept over them. He quickly moved away, not wanting the Arbiter to question the limit of his knowledge. “And what of your search for the key?”

“Hierarch, we scour tirelessly. Just today I have heard word that the human planet we set ablaze has a temple hidden under the ice. I have dis—”

“You have not deemed such a find important enough for your own eyes to see? Do you fear the humans? Do you tremble at the very thought of battle with them?”

“No, Hierarch. It did not seem necess—”

“Not necessary? NOT NECESSARY?! You bask in the glow of the ancients and yet you do not understand where and what you are! You are the Arbiter. Go to the temple; bring me my key. Do our bidding!”

The Arbiter clenched his fists and reached down for his weapon but pulled back. “I will leave at once.”

Characters

 * Prophet of Regret
 * Ripa 'Moramee