Stomping on the Heels of a Fuss: Difference between revisions

'''''Stomping on the Heels of a Fuss''''' is one of several short stories in ''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''. It tells the story of an [[ONI]] operative named [[Connor Brien]], who is sent to a [[Jiralhanae]]-captured human world, [[Beta Gabriel]], only to find himself the subject of their violent sports. Noticing unrest in the local Brute hierarchy, Brien conspires with fellow captives to make an escape while the Brutes argue amongst themselves. It was written by [[Eric Raab]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''', "Stomping on the Heels of a Fuss"</ref>

Learning of the Jiralhanae invasion of [[Beta Gabriel]], Connor Brien was granted permission to land on the planet and study their behavior. He is caught by a group of Brute hunters while he observes from a tree, and is brought back to their encampment around a landed Covenant vessel, the ''[[Valorous Salvation]]''. While there, he witnesses the slow breakdown of the pack's unity.

Facius outlines the plan to Parabum; to Ceretus's amazement, the Chieftain actually appears to consider his words. Immediately after Facius finishes, however, Parabum shoots down the plan and, following a confused objection from Hammadus, declares that there is no reason to leave the planet, for the Covenant will soon be no more and there is no will of the gods: The Forerunners abandoned them all long ago. This causes Ceretus to erupt with pious outrage. Parabum kills Ceretus with his [[Type-2 Energy Weapon/Hammer|Gravity Hammer]] before being tranquilized, along with Facius, by Brien. Chaos reigns, however only Brien and Dasc are able to escape - the remaining survivors are killed while either running away or attempting to take revenge on the Brutes. The two survivors make it back to Brien's camp, where Dasc shoots Brien in the head with his own [[M6 Series|M6 pistol]] before help can arrive in order to preserve the secret of his disappearance, preferring that one man die so that the faith of his millions of followers can be preserved. Shortly afterward, UNSC reinforcements arrive, and though they find no human survivors, they slaughter the remaining Brutes. Dasc hides from them and wanders amongst the corpses, feeling more lonely than he ever has in his life.

==Trivia==