Ossoona

"Eye of the Prophets"

— Translated Covenant Definition of "Ossoona"

Ossoona is a Covenant Sangheili (Elite) title.

Rank

Unlike most other Covenant rankings, "Ossoona" is a temporary one bestowed by the Prophets of the Covenant upon certain Elite warriors.

Due to a lack of intelligence on the United Nations Space Command, the Prophets have begun to pull a handful of Elites from active duty into temporary service as Ossoonas. The mission of an Ossoona is to collect information on the enemy while avoiding combat. As such, they are equipped with Active Camouflage generators. The Elites feel that there is little honor in this assignment, but they do as they are told.

The title of Ossoona is usually bestowed for a single mission, though a series of missions is sometimes given and it is only known to be given to Major Elites. The rationale here is that Major Elites are more experienced than Minor Elites and less likely to abandon their mission for personal glory. At the same time, Majors are less important than Ultra Elites and are, to a degree, more expendable.

The Ossoona, unlike most Elites but similar to Stealth Elites, do not have a personal energy shield. Instead they have to rely on their Active Camouflage and stealth skills for defense. In fitting with their vulnerability, they are normally slated for non-combat intelligence gathering. Becoming an Ossona usually means a promotion is on the way for that particular elite.

Role

During the Covenant attack on UNSC Pillar of Autumn over Installation 04 in 2552, Isna 'Nosolee (the only known Ossoona) was made an Ossoona and charged with three missions:

• Record footage of the human ship on his helmet recorder
• Capture the human Artificial Intelligence
• Capture senior personnel.

Even though he was killed, the presence of Ossoona in the lifepod Captain Keyes had fled, alerted the Covenant to his importance, and allowed them to capture Keyes.

Known Ossoonas

• Isna 'Nosolee

Trivia

• The name is likely inspired by the Mayan Ossoona Codex, a particular method of writing that to this day is still little understood.

• Osoona means 'Eye of the Prophet'.