Brothers in Spirit
Prologue
Ninth Age of Reclaimation
Athenos, Sangheili capital, Sangheil
All was going well. Soon the two eggs will hatch. "Twins," Mi'sha Janass thought to herself, "I can't believe it… the Forerunners must have found a good reason to bless us," she said to her mate, Arnad Sajosee.
"Indeed," he replied lovingly, "I will go check on our eldest. He must be giving Yahap a good night's exercise. I'll see to it that young Linad is put down for the night. I'll tell him in the morrow he will finally be an older brother." Arnad said as he turned to walk out the door.
Meshap came running down the hall yelling, "Excellency! Excellency! The Practitioner is here."
Arnad turned to the excited Grunt and said, "See him to Mi'sha's quarters. I'll return as soon as young Linad is settled for the night."
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UNSC calendar June 14, 2531
New Rome, Alpha 1 Colony
Dale and Molly Tanner are in her hospital room. Dr. Cross comes in tom check the monitors then turns to the couple and says. "Your labor is coming along fine. You will be parents before the night is over."
Just then another contraction hits Molly. Dr Cross asked in a comforting voice, "Would you like some pain reliever put into your IV?"
Molly said, as the pain subsided, "Only a small dose. I want to have my wits when my little bundle arrives."
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Sangheil
Two Units Later
Meshap! Meshap! Get Arnad! The first egg is moving. It is time," Mi'sha said excitedly.
Meshap went running. A short time later Arnad came in just in time for the egg to burst open. In the middle of the opened shell was a small version of himself.
Mirad Denasee picked up the small Sangheili infant examined it, wrapped it in a blanket, and handed it to Mi'sha then said, "What shall you call your young son?"
Mi'sha looked at Arnad and said, "We shall call him Aron."
Arnad said, "Yes. I like that."
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At the same time on Alpha 1
Molly gave her final push and out came a healthy screaming baby boy. Dr Cross looked at the happy couple and said, "You have a healthy baby boy. Congratulations."
Molly looked at Dale and said "I know you were set on naming him Kyle. But I'd like to call him Richard after you father, who was just killed in this war."
Dale said, "That would be fine. Dad would love having his grandson named after him."
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Sangheil
When the second egg hatched and the two newborn Sangheili were fed everyone settled down for a restful few units. Mirad had told them he would return early to give the children a thorough examination.
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Ninth Age of Reclaimation
Athenos Sangheil
UNSC calendar September 9 2535
Four Years Later
The twins had grown in their first four cycles. Linad, who was now eight cycles old, had started pre-academy. Aron and Janass had the house to themselves. They occupied themselves running Yahap most of the day. But today there is something different about Aron. Mi'sha had noticed he wasn't as active as he usually was. Aron had stayed in his bed most of the day. When the morning meal was served he ate very little. Mi'sha went into Aron's room. She was there to check on her little Sangheili warrior, "So much like his father," she thought to herself. She lays a hand upon Aron's sleeping body. He doesn't move. Mi'sha yells, "Meshap get the Healer! Aron is burning with fever! Yahap get Arnad! There is something wrong with Aron!"
Arnad was sitting with his mate as she was holding the lifeless body of Aron. Meshap came to the door and said, "Excellency, the Healer is here."
Arnad said in a hushed but authoritative tone, "Send him in here."
Seeing Mirad, Mi'sha said with tears in her voice, "What is wrong with my young son? Why is he burning with fever?"
Mirad said calmly, "Lay the young one on the bed so I can examine him."
Mirad examined Aron closely. Then took a tissue sample from Aron's hand. He put it into a data disk then plugged the disk into a holo pad. Shaking his head slowly he turned to Aron's parents and said, "I'm sorry. It was as I suspected. Aron has Knarde's Syndrome. It is treatable if you choose. But it will stunt his growth."
Arnad said questioningly, "What would happen if we don't choose treatment?"
Mi'sha looked at Arnad and screamed, "That is not an option!"
Mirad looked at Arnad and Mi'sha and said, "Without treatment. Aron will die."