'Vadumee had already stepped back into the line of Sangheili, so Vishumii again took this oppurtunity to speak.  "Demon, you are correct in that aspect.  We need samples of the Parasite in order to build a worthy offensive, yes.  However, we already have these samples."  'Vadumee inhaled sharply at this, but nodded for 'Vishumee to continue.<br/><br/>"On the Halo, both of them, we may find these Flood in unfourtunate abundance.  I'm also sure your commanders," he said, shooting an accusing glance at Lord Hood.  "...have several samples catalogued.  Until we may create a worthwhile weapon to eleminate the Parasite, we have to control them with conventional means.  I suggest recombining our Fleets and forming a blockade over our worlds."<br/><br/>'Vishumee stepped back into the line after he finished even as mutterings spread across the room.  Recombine the Fleets?  Since the Battle of the Ark, Human and Covenant ships had remained with their respective species.  Bad blood, racism, and underlying tensions made the possibility of a permanent interacial fleet seem very slim for the near future.<br/><br/>'Vadumee stepped forward, his inspiring, yet intimidating, presence silencing whatever sub-audible whispers were circulating the room.  'Vishumee waited on bated breath.  Being the highest ranking Sangheili here, an official representative from the Council of the Covenant, 'Vadumee's word carried considerable weight.  "Recombination of the Fleets may seem a little extreme..."  Scattered nods and remarks of approval came from the Humans.  "...but given our current circumstances, we should not disregard this because of pure prejuduice.  To quote the Old Scripture, 'United, we excel.  Divided, we fail.' "  'Vadumee's eyes blinked rapidly, quickly remoisturizing them in the dry air.  "Perhaps, if we set aside our bad blood, we can unite and hold our ground against the Flood.  However, we stand no chance divided into our varied factions."