Terrence

In June of 2568, the human city of Little Rock on the planet Reach was assaulted by hostile forces of Sangheli Elites under the command of the Fleetmaster Ulas 'Krudom. A Sangheli rebellion led by Field Marshall Uhze 'Nostrom, combined with human forces under the command of the UNSC special ops squad Phoenix Team, managed to defeat 'Krudom and so end the Third War. However, this victory would not have been possible without the contributions of an obscure Army Trooper from Little Rock. His name is Terrence, and this is his story:

On June 14, 2568, Field Marshall Uhze 'Nostrom was jailed by Fleetmaster 'Krudom for his refusal to execute unarmed human civilians. His jailing and demotion sparked a rebellion amongst Sangheli forces who objected to this violation of their honor code. On June 15, rebels freed the Field Marshall from his prison cell and attempted to escape with him. However, 'Krudom cut off their escape and stabbed the Field Marshall before throwing him off a bridge. Without their stalwart leader, the Sangheli rebellion was doomed, and 'Krudom turned his attention back to his assault on Little Rock.

However, the Fleetmaster did not realize that an extensive network of tunnels existed underneath the city of Little Rock. One of these served as an underground shelter for a human Army Trooper and sniper named Terrence. He discovered 'Nostrom's body and dragged him to his shelter, hoping to revive the Field Marshall and question him about the war aboveground. After a quick run through the city for medical supplies, Terrence nursed the Field Marshall back to health. On June 17, after learning that 'Nostrom was a rebel, Terrence agreed to release him. Before their parting, Terrence gave 'Nostrom a shotgun and several rounds of ammunition as a gift. The Field Marshall would continue to use this weapon for the remainder of the war as a token of his friendship with the humans. With his strength restored, the Field Marshall rejoined the flailing rebellion and drilled it back into an intimidating fighting force. Terrence, however, stayed behind in his shelter, admitting that he wanted to "stay here where it's safe."

However, Terrence's role in the war was not finished. Eventually, news of the Field Marshall's rebellion and its fight against the Fleetmaster reached his ears. Inspired by the Field Marshall's efforts, Terrence scrapped together a small group of his Army friends. They armed themselves with whatever weapons and vehicles they could obtain, then joined the Field Marshall's forces. Their support came in the nick of time; the Field Marshall has cornered Fleetmaster 'Krudom and his Second Commander, Kosos, inside a large fortress. Together, the humans and Sangheli forged a new Separatist Alliance and vowed to defeat 'Krudom.

In the early morning of June 18th, the Separatist Alliance pressed their attack against the fortress. They sustained heavy casualties in their charge but overwhelmed the fortresses' defenses and broke inside. Terrence and 'Nostrom attempted to kill 'Krudom, but were separated by a trap. While they were separated, 'Krudom ambushed and mortally wounded Terrence. Just before he breathed his last, however, 'Nostrum found him. Terrence charged 'Nostrom with keeping the Separatist Alliance alive. "Don't give up," were his last words. "Don't ever give up."

While Terrence did not survive to see the liberation of his city, his contributions provided 'Nostrom with the drive to continue fighting. The Separatist Alliance he helped create would later form an alliance with Phoenix Team, an alliance that brought about the Fleetmaster's defeat. Thus, Terrence was no less a hero than the other icons of the Third War.