Unsung Hero

Cairo Station

"Another whisper, sir, near Io." Cortana informs. "We have probes en route."

Hood looks back to the Chief, Ash and Johnson. "I apologize, but we're going to have to make this quick." He turns away.

Xi looks up at Ash, Chief and Johnson. "You looks nice."

Johnson, Ash and the Chief responds simultaneously. "Thanks./Thank you./ Oh, thank you."

The three look at each other.

"Guys, she obviously meant me." Ash says. "She is my A.I. and I am the pretty one of the group."

Johnson laughs in a joking way. "Pretty my ass."

Lord Hood picks up a Colonial Cross medal from a red-clothed case containing two other Colonial Cross medals. "Sergeant Major, The Colonial Cross is awarded for acts of singular daring devotion, for a soldier of the United Earth Space Corps..." 

Hood pins the medal on Johnson's uniform. 

Back on High Charity, Tartarus is giving a speech. "There can be no greater heresy! Let him be an example for all who would break out Covenant!"

The Covenant crowd cheers once more. Tartarus barks an order, and his two Jiralhanae underlings grab onto Thel's now charred armor and pull.

Back at Cairo Station, a young woman joins the Chief, Ash and Johnson.

Lord Hood moves over to her. "Commander Miranda Keyes. Your father's actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service. His bravery in the face of impossible odds reflects great credit, upon himself, and the UNSC. The Navy has lost one of its best."

Hood hands her the Colonial Cross medal. Miranda holds back tears as she accepts the medal.

Hood then moves over to Ash. "Noble Six, its good to see you alive and well."

Ash nods. "Thank you, sir."

"But it is with a heavy heart that I give you this." Hood holds out a dogtags, with dried blood on them, to Ash.

Ash tilts his head slightly and grabs the dogtags. He wipes some dried blood off the tags and his breath hitches. The name on the tags reads Cal-141.

"She fought honorably and protected all the ODSTs that went with her, and in the end she completed her mission." Hood informs. "I'm sorry to inform you that she's MIA... Will you be okay, son?"

Ash remains silent for a few moments, before he speaks, his voice quiet. "Yes, sir."

"I'm sorry, but with a lighter note. Spartan Sierra One-Four-Two, I am promoting you to Lieutenant Commander."

"Thank you, sir." Ash replies in a quiet, yet sad tone. He puts the dogtags around his neck and hides them under his armor.

'How did this happen Cal?' Ash asks in his head. 'You... You're Unstoppable... You were the strongest there was! If... If you can die... Then is there any hope for me? You were so much stronger than me?'

Xi looks at Ash in sadness.

Back on High Charity a naked Thel hang limply from his restraints as his charred helmet falls to the ground.

 A glowing brand rises from the floor in front of him, and Tartarus grabs it and strides forward. Thel 'Vadamee raises his head weakly. Tartarus gives him a fierce look, and presses the brand against the Sangheili's chest with glee, printing the Mark of Shame in it.