Mark of Shame (Earth-5875)

"This armor suits you, but it cannot hide that mark. Nothing ever will."

- - Rtas 'Vadumee and Arbiter Thel 'Vadamee

The Mark of Shame was a brand of punishment given to Covenant commanders who either betrayed the empire or turned away from the alliance. It is permanently engraced onto the bare chest of the individual with a massive branding iron. After the individual is branded with the Mark of Shame, they are executed out of humility.

History
Thel 'Vadamee, former Fleetmaster of the Fleet of Particular Justice, was the most notable commander to be branded with the Mark of Shame, following his failure to protect Halo from the humans during the Battle of Installation 04. He was also the only exception to the tradition of execution, however, as he was named an Arbiter by the Hierarchs to destroy the heretical movement led by Sesa 'Refumee.

Ironically, the Mark of Shame became a rallying symbol of honor and resilience by the Swords of Sanghelios upon the Great Schism as a sign of deference to 'Vadam's honor, being used in the armor of file sangheili and unggoy soldiers in battle.