Jul 'Mdama

Jul 'Mdama was a Sangheili shipmaster and warlord who became a notable political opponent of the Arbiter, Thel 'Vadam, in the decades that followed the Human-Covenant War.

While initially allied with the Arbiter, 'Mdama was ideologically opposed to the Concord of Reconciliation's decision to allow Humanity to remain under an independent government, instead campaigning for the species' forced integration and assimilation into the Covenant collective, which he believed should continue to persist as the hegemonic force within the Orion Arm. After being betrayed by elements of the Office of Naval Intelligence, 'Mdama spent years as a mercenary in the marches between the human and Covenant spheres. In the years after the Great Schism died down, 'Mdama was able to gradually assemble a formidable support base among ex-Covenant disgruntled with the Arbiter's policies.

He is most notorious for his attack on Earth in 2584 in order to seize control of the Kenyan Excession and setting in motion the events that led to the second human Diaspora and the second conflict at the Ark.

Biography

 * Was a shipmaster in the Fleet of Unwaning Glory, one of the fleets left to guard the Pleiades Corridor. Openly distrustful of humanity and especially the decision to leave the Excession to them, but loyal to the Arbiter
 * Late 2550s, ONI had flagged Jul as unreliable and his fleet detachment were ambushed after ONI gave his location to a more UNSC-friendly faction operating in the region
 * Jul was defeated and disgraced, most of his warriors killed. Turned mercenary to survive. Grew even more bitter of the UNSC.
 * Gathered allies during hard times as a merc, became a leader of a new group including survivors from his old flotilla, gave them purpose.
 * ONI tried to take him down a second time, failed. Saved from a UNSC attack by a captain from the Via Casilina community. Doesn't love humans, but respects these ones.
 * Returned home, found his homeworld occupied by a rival faction, his clan driven from their homes.
 * Gathered a coalition of allies with the implicit support of the True Communion over the course of several years. Caused trouble to the Concord in the Covenant Sphere.
 * Eventually returned to human space. Crosses paths with Via Casilina captain again, saves them and forms a tentative alliance.
 * Continues to be a thorn on the UNSC's side, gathers more allies especially with Via Casilina / colonial groups. Has to politic with more extremely anti-human elements in his coalition on one hand, and those who reject the Truth Doctrine (i.e. all-out eradication of humanity) but want to see the portal secured on the other.
 * Eventually attacks Earth to take possession of the portal. This is during an overall time of increased tensions with various ex-Covenant elements attacking human colonies. Sacrifices most of the anti human extremist elements in his coalition during the assault. Employs some kind of deep infiltration/sabotage to overwhelm Earth's defenses and convinces a Concord-aligned fleet element to stand back. May also have some piece of Forerunner tech as a symbol of authority to rally behind. Home Fleet is driven off.
 * Jul's stance to humanity has softened and he's no longer interested in revenge, but he is interested in securing the portal under Sangheili rule. Purges remaining extremist elements from his ranks or sends them elsewhere around this time. Rejection of "Truth Doctrine" helps convince several fence-sitters to his cause.
 * Occupation of Earth/Sol initiates a massive deluge of refugees out-system. Jul starts figuring out how to open the portal. Involves getting a keyship or the "key" part of one from somewhere else, sends someone to do it for him. Still, opening the portal takes a few years. Meanwhile, mainline Concord is dealing with other issues and can't spare forces to help.
 * Fends off a couple of UNSC prodding attacks but remains in control of the system for a while. Eventually gains access to the Ark, which spurs a UNSC/Concord response. Either dies or undergoes further character development at the Ark after learning some hard truths.