"And what he told me that night shook me. Apparently, he, Truth, and Mercy, had spoken with the Oracle, within the Dreadnought." Sorran couldn't help but gasp. Never in living memory had the Oracle spoke, not since the Writ had been formed originally. "And the Oracle told them the truth. You have, no doubt wondered why our Covenant is so obsessed with destroying the humans? It is all because Truth is afraid. You see, Sorran, the humans are not infidels. They are our Gods. They are the Forerunner, those who were left behind." This was too much for the Sangheili to take. The wine glass he held tumbled to the ground, smashing into an infinite amount of shards. Restraint hardly took note, carrying on with his tale. "And yet still, my tale is not finished. After their ascendancy, the three new Hierarchs visited to Oracle once again, reconnected it, although had Huragok ready to disconnect it should the Oracle prove troublesome as it had last time. And this time, the Oracle told them the horrifying truth: there is not Great Journey. The Sacred Rings the Covenant has revered for aeons are not divine propellers to the heavens, they are weapons. If activated, Halo will rush through the stars indeed, as the Writ says, but is shall not place us on the Path. It will kill us every Sentient being in the galaxy. All this came from Regret's own foolish mouth, and I have since gathered evidence supporting his claims." There was a silence as Sorran digested this information. He then slowly shook his head, softly at first, then more aggressively. "No, it's not true. You lie!" the Sangheili accused, pointing a disrespectful finger at the solemn Minister, who shook his head. "What possible reason could I have to lie Sorran? I speak only the truth. It hurts, I know, I myself sat curled in a foetal position for hours after Regret had left my abode. But rest assured, I--" Restraint was then broken off as Sorran, in his blind rage, hefted his stave, and held it mere centimetres from the Minister's feeble heart. "Enough with your heresy! I should report you to the Ministry for this!" Sorran threatened, and Restraint showed no fear, merely hanging his head. "I have proof, if you would see it." the Minister said softly, and for some reason Sorran shook his head. Perhaps, deep down, he knew it to be true. But he didn't want to admit it, didn't want to admit his entire life, and upbringing, had been a lie. Still, when Restraint offered him documents, he took them. As he read, he became less and less certain. All of these words, damning evidence. Suddenly, every non-nonsensical thing he had ever questioned made perfect sense. This was no lie, it all fit too perfectly for that. And that's when it hit Sorran; Restraint was telling the truth. With a sob, Sorran let to documents fall to the ground in a heap, with him tumbling after them. He kneeled there for what seemed hours, weeping. He then felt a soft hand on his back, and looked up to see Restraint, wearing a sympathetic expression. "It is hard, isn't it? But you shall get through, even as I did. But three outside the Hierarchs know this truth, I, Hem, and now you." the Minister said, and Sorran frowned through his tears. "We must tell everyone of this." the Sangheili muttered, before Restraint snapped back at him. "Don't be a fool. Do you believe the Hierarchs to be oblivious to my knowledge? The very next day, Regret came around again, threatening to kill me should I ever reveal it. The three Hierarchs have long since tried to get me kicked off the High Council, but have been overruled by the Council in every attempt they make. Truth has been sending assassins around ever since, and whilst Hem has been able to fend them off long enough, he is growing old. You must now take up his mantle." Sorran still believed they should inform the rest of the Covenant. "I will tell the masses, you will not be implicate--" Sorran began, and Restrain cut in once again. "Do you honestly think that they would believe you, a mere Honour Guard? Truth, Regret and Mercy would merely deny your allegations, and then would have you, and most likely I, being your master, killed for high heresy. The Covenant is too brainwashed to accept such a revelation. We must merely keep the secret alive, so when the time comes, they can be told." the Minister said wisely, and Sorran finally understood Restraint's reasons. "I understand, Minister. May I retire for the night? I have much to ponder upon." Sorran asked, still weeping. Restraint softened, nodding. "Of course. Worry not Sorran, I have survived long enough with this truth. Indeed, it opens up a larger world, when you truly think about it. You shall not have to worry about another assassin for a while. Truth dares not hire more than one every two weeks, for fear of arousing too much suspicion. Good night Sorran. You are indeed a True Sangheili, to accept this with so much dignity." the Minister told Sorran. Sorran grunted. "Dignity? I feel ready to collapse onto the ground in a writhing mass..." the Honour Guard muttered as he stepped into the gravity lift. Restraint did not hear him. [i]My whole life has been a lie. Every single moment of it. However, every moment from now on shall be as true as can be.[/i] [b]END SECTION I[/b]