M6: Battle for Refuge (Ground)

[Faclan]

SSA-012 - Yanme'e Swarm.
The Sleep and The Search

Watching, though that was all she could do, as the world collapsed around herself the Ultra of SSA was strangely calm about it. She could see that none of the rubble would fall on her or that damned Kig-Yar - so she would just have to wait for the shock to her system to pass before she could get up and check on her charges. Though after the world had finished collapsing again she froze on the ground. This time able to move but frozen in terror and sorrow this time...The voices of the swarm were lessoned...Some were dead or in mortal peril. Hopping up onto her feet the Ultra immediately hopped up and took up, thumping her wings hard against the dust filled air as she left the Kig-Yar and now slain Sangheili behind, caring not for the stealth or who saw her as she searched for her wounded Swarm...But the thought of The Master was ever present as she went on her own mission into the amber sky.

The two in the boss had similar revelations as they regained their senses and stood up in the bus. Although not in as much of a mad rush as their Commander they both hopped out of the bus and took to the lightening sky as well. The sleep they had been kindly allowed to have by the Human with the broken leg allowing them to easily lift off and fly toward the last known position of some of the wounded and trapped Yanme'e.

Still keeping up its glare as the Soldier lay helpless on the ground the hate filled looks were directed evenly at both Humans. The Elder for shooting the Soldier with such speed and skill and the younger for holding off the assault just long enough to save its own skin. If only the knife and legs were still impactful in the fight, the human would surely be dead. Both none of those matter now as the younger Human moved forward with his knife raised intent on slaying. But before anything of the sort could be carried out the rumble and soon arrival of water made all of them tumble. The water unfortunately only added to the Yanme'e's inability to move as the Soldier ended up on its stomach facing the slowly rising human. A new weapon was picked up and it approached again. The Soldier knew it was over, and rather than try to escape or plea like some Scum Unggoy or Kig-Yar the Bugger narrowed its bright eyes and assaulted the human with fast Clicks and hisses - and it didn't take a Linguist to guess that they were curses and swears before the Yanme'e was bludgeoned into unconsciousness. Its head soon after stoved in by the brick as blood, bits of brain, and carapace shards splattered over the human as it carried out the execution. The bug would twitch occasionally as the strikes were laid down, but finally lay still as its head was mostly reduced to mush and shards strewn over the courtyard and the Human.


(NPC) Nas - Kig-Yar Markswoman.
Moving despite the real danger, not like its anything worse than anything else today.

Finally managing to open her eyes as the ringing started to die down Nas slowly looked around to see that the Yanme'e Ultra she had been with was gone...had she flown off? Or been grabbed? If that was the case why wasn't she also grabbed? Leaving that alone for now she slowly got to her feet, see that the collapsing highway had just missed her and where the Yanme'e had been since they had sprinted...lucky.

Though as her hearing returned her attention was turned to the side as what sounds like quiet voices were speaking...Sangheili? Reaching for her knife she grabbed only empty air as she figured out that it was gone forever now, buried somewhere under all this rubble...Q'ai! Immediately forgetting the lack of a weapon and the fact she may be seen as a enemy or traitor she took off at a sprint toward the voices. The Kig-Yar stumbling a little as her senses weren't 100% she headed toward the two crouched Sangheili minors, her breath catching in her throat as she assumed the worst. Her mind not processing the hints of dawn.


Cad - Kig-Yar Major.
^ Hates water

The cold grasp of death had a hold of him, the water flooding into his beak as Cad shouted for help, everything still black as it all flooded in. The water slipping into everything as he kicked and flailed in the water. Doing everything your not supposed to do in a drowning situation to waste his available oxygen and make it even harder to make it to the surface. But of course to the Kig-Yar everything was still ringing, cold, wetness, and burly blackness. By sheer luck, though Cad would later say it was the Gods, his waving arm managed to find itself into Web's outstretches arm as Cad instinctively grabbed it and was hauled from the water to the road his fellows were recovering on.

Hacking and coughing loudly all the water Cad managed to force himself onto his hands and knees as he tried to purge his system of the foul liquid. Time to thank Web once more for saving his life would come when he could actually breath again.

Pad meanwhile finally sat up as she shook her head so her vision would clear, hands still clasped over her ears as she looked around and tried to figure out what happened, helping Webs spotter sit up with a hand as she breathed deeply - the bitch black clouds finally starting to part to allow the light in.


Eugenius - Jiralhanae Advisor and Mystic.
Awake, smacking, and looking for the stragglers.

It was a good while after the speaking and shaking that Eugenius showed any sign of waking up, likely worrying Tantarus that the Elder had been killed by the knock or possibly knocked into a coma. Both of them would put Eugine into a fury if he was still alive that he survived nearly being run over, his entire soldier career, the damned marsh, and being a scholar on Doisac only to be killed by being tossed into a wall. But thankfully for all involved he eventually twitched his hands as his left holding his staff tightened around it as he started to breath more deeply as he slowly opened his eyes.

Looking around as he awoke he say mostly blurs as he raised his free hand up and held his eyes as he massaged his temples and sat up. Taking some more breaths he closed his eyes and moved the rubbing hand to the back of his head to lightly check the wound. It seemed to just be a cut, and the bleeding had mostly stopped though the silver fur on the back of his head had a patch of red on it now as he finally opened his eyes again to see that one of his other brothers kids kneeling beside him making sure he was alright. A nice gesture although most of the rest of the pack seemed to have moved off. Planting his staff in the ground Eugine grunted as he pulled himself back up to his feet then stretched.

Turning to face the youngster Eugine nodded at the retreating pack and quickly found out what was happening - and after another question that Garatus wasn't the one leading his pack...what? Smacking Tantarus across the head he 'nicely' asked where he was before he held up a finger to his other nephews answer and protest for being smacked as Eugine turned his head and without a word started to move off.

Following the scent and sound he had picked up he was surprisingly able to locate Garatus quickly now that the scent of all the other Jiralhanae had left. Widening his eyes a little he stood to his eldest nephews side as he waved the butt of his staff in front of his face to be sure he was still alive before nodding and tossing his staff in the direction of Tantarus, though it may have gone wide and headed toward the still slumped Major that had grabbed the Kig-Yar, as he squatted down near the Captain. His knees popped a bit as he knelt but Eugine pushed that from his mind as he gripped the collar of Garatus's armor and wrist and after a quiet 1...2....3 sucked in a large lung-full of air, growled deeply, and yanked up hard. Pulling Garatus back to his feet as Eugine helped to hold him steady as he nodded,

"On your feet Nephew, once your back with us fully we have your pack to catch and a Artifact to liberate." He said semi quietly as the sky finally started to brighten again.

(Hope ta was alright BetaW, if Kot is still alive feel free to have him join the happy home group Huka )

[Huka]

Field Master Til 'Muramai

A clawed boot stepped on the charred helmet of a Jiralhanae captain before crushing and grinding it to dark golden dust. "Behold the folly of delying the Zealotry's holy mission." Til said grimly with a dramatic gesture of his hand before depressing sight of a massive crater practically in the heart of the city with sewers and blackened group under the human city of metal and stone.

Everyone under his guidance gasped and muttered to themselves, especially the Jiralhanae in self-loath, annoyance to the Field Master's words or a mixed of hated respect of human resolve and firepower, wishing they could just hail the Covenant navy outside of this accursed city to cleanse it once and for all.

A learned veteran of this familiar resolve, Til turned his head to the Jiralhanae with a click of his mandibles, "Your Chief is no doubt dead and certainly won't be remembered." He said callously, "As you see, even the devilry of Humanity comes for the doubtful. Prove your repentance and find our holy Gods' mistreated artifact." "B-But the artifact must be destroyed from that kind of power!" Someone exclaimed.

Til's head snapped to the origins and zoned his sighted sights on a young cooper-furred Jiralhanae like a kig-yar sniper, and the others knew as eyes quickly fell on him. The Zealot's good eye gleamed with a poisonous heat under its shell in warning but he remained cool regardless, "Your ignorance is telling, young one. The holy artifacts of our Gods are resilient and sacred, this firepower no doubt weakened it however, which further your imparted role. Now go and don't question me again."

Most of the Jiralhanae quickly moved and difficultly trekked into the hole, careful not fall to their death while others went to a more safer path. "Captain Rex, keep your eyes on them and our borders. I don't need another little rebellion to slow our goal anymore, the humans are making their move and I refuse another event like last time. You see any...kill them on sight. Also send a couple runners to find Field Marshal 'Katolai-if he is alive-and the other to see if he exit the city and try to hail the fleet." Til ordered and the Skirmisher bowed his head before looking to his forces, who gladly perform the long-enjoyable task of overseeing the weak while the more treacherous of their brothers were forced to help with the apes.

Inhaling deepening as dawn broke, Til looked to the horizon, "And to the Dawn, fate comes."

[BetaWülf]

Captain Garatus

Garatus blinked his eyes tiredly as the butt of his uncles staff waved in front of his face. Garatus winced as his uncles hands grabbed hold of him, and then growled loudly as he was pulled to his feet from the pain. He was heavily supported by his uncle, Garatus listened to him speak and noticed his young cousin holding Eugenius's staff and rubbing his head, at least Garatus wasn't the only one to get staff smacked it turned out.

"Valorus has taken the Pack to the Artifact, hasn't he" Garatus said softly, he wasn't surprised by it at least, "I must get there quickly, Valorus doesn't have enough experience for this" Garatus said as they limped back to where the Pack had formerly been gathered.

He sat down on a large piece of rubble and took a rag out, and handed it to Tantarus who proceeded to wipe the blood off of Garatus's face upon his request. He picked up a piece of glass with his right hand and looked at himself in the reflection, the gash across his face would certainly leave a scar. Garatus's arm was splinted with two boards wrapped tightly on either side of his arm, then a cloth sling was applied. He could manage with his cracked ribs even if it hurt like a son of a bitch.

"Get me my Bruteshot!" Garatus bellowed as he stood now bandaged.

Jiralhanae Ultra Valorus(NPC)

Valorus led the Pack towards the right side(from their angle anyway) of the Atifact, to take the attack to the Heretics on either side. They had only encountered the odd Kig-yar who either submitted to them and joined them or were crushed as their foes. A small patrol of Heretical Jiralhanae happened upon them. They didn't realize the green armored Jiralhanae were allied with the Sangheili, but soon discovered it when they took note of their different armor and opened fire.

"Take them down!" Valorus roared as he jumped up onto a vehicle to command the Pack and started laying down fire with his Spiker Rifle.

The Heretics held their ground and used their surroundings as cover, but Valorus and the Pack pressed the attack and one by one they fell. As the Heretic patrol dwindled to but three left they fled, but if they made it back to the Artifact they would warn their Heretic brethren and the element of surprise would be lost. They fired at the fleeing Heretics and two fell but the last one was getting away.

"Oh no you don't!" Valorus said as he ran as fast as he could in pursuit of the runner, he pumped his legs like the pistons of an unstoppable machine. The gap between them was closing and Valorus made a running leap whilst drawing his combat knife. He slammed into the other Jiralhanae and they both tumbled to the ground, Valorus was faster and buried his knife in his opponents neck. The rest of the Pack caught up and Valorus stood triumphant, they continued to move on towards the Artifact, nearly there in fact.

Sangheili Minor Talnay Wodamee(NPC)

Talnay stepped forward and bowed eagerly and respectfully to Ra'ab, he was honored to accompany the Major. He waved Dakek over, and once he was next to Talnay, Talnay lowered himself to one knee to speak to him.

"Dakek, your riders will take point as scouts, be wary my friend and you shall survive this most honorable task" Talnay said placing a hand on Dakek's shoulder, he did not outwardly say so, but he doubted Dakek would survive it, though he still hoped he would make it.

Unggoy Major Dakek

Dakek nodded to Talnay, then saluted both him and Ra'ab before riding back to his tricycle riders. He looked them over and was most satisfied by what he saw, his elite force of riders, the mightiest Unggoy to ever grace the Covenant with their presence! He grabbed his pipe and rested his newly acquired spear over the handlebars of his tricycle, tied in place with some cloth.

"We ride forth as the scouts of this most... most... Most excellent warband!" Dakek said, triumphantly finding a word that worked.

"So... ride forth now!" Dakek said, starting his tricycle riding scouts up the Human road.

[Cabel]

[City of Refuge: Captain Mark “Spade” Seamus Sorelson: Seventh Marines: First Battalion: CO of Alpha Company, Mixed with Adhoc Surviving Units: With Survivors: En-route to the Farm House: Current Situation: In an abandoned Office Complex]

“What was that?” one of the teenagers, Katy, asked looking up from a fairly fresh deli sandwich and chips with a coke she’d wrestled from a vending machine in one of the employee lounges. The young woman had with the other civilians decided to find their way into a nearby employee lounge for some much needed dinner, even though most it had been M&M’s, candy bars, fairly fresh deli sandwiches and whatever else had been available.

“What was what?” Katy’s mother asked.

“It sounded like thunder…” Katy began before the condiments in a stand in the center of the table, and the liquids in their beverages shook a bit. Dishes in cabinets, items in refrigerators, to chairs and the LED ceiling fixtures rattled in their places as the two families worth looked on in a mix of surprise and confusion.

“Incoming!” shouted a Corporal that had been standing at the counter in that particular lounge filling up his plate after his relief officer had arrived to relieve him of Sentry duty. The Corporal dropped his plate and raced under a nearby table while the civilians slid under the one they’d sat at not a moment too soon. Something impacted against the eastern wall of the office complex, causing the previously inert white-LED lights in the ceiling fixtures to flicker on briefly before fading, and the LED camping lamps that had been set up in the employee lounge slid from the table yet didn’t break. A few of the unoccupied tables slid from the force of the impact across the tiled floor slamming against bare walls, and one even flipped end over end to land where the Marine Corporal had been standing a short time before.

“What was that? That wasn’t thunder and I doubt a car hit us,” Katy’s mother asked having protected her daughter and herself beneath the table.

“That was ordinance, and it had to be pretty damn close,” the Marine Corporal replied.

“You’re dropping bombs on us? I thought the UNSC was here to protect us…” the thirteen year old male teenager began.

“We are here to protect you, son, and the last I checked our birds were grounded from the EMP wave,” Mark said having been helped to his feet from the couch and carried by one of the police Detectives to the lounge. The pressure cast on his thigh had kept the stitches from being pulled, and the Detective had been aware enough to keep Mark from setting any weight on the shattered right thigh. “I’m going to find out what knucklehead gave authorization to drop that ordinance, and I‘m going to make him wish he were back in boot with me as his D.I. . We have to assume that ordinance drop was a distance from us, or the walls and this complex would have been flattened by the impact waves alone,”

“How do you know it was one of yours, Captain?” Katy’s father chimed in.

“I’ve been fighting this war for a while now, and unless Intel’s truly FUBARed we last knew the Covenant lacked any conventional ordinance. They wouldn’t have dropped a conventional bomb, but would have bombarded the planet with high plasma glassing it. In their eyes, our technology is beneath them and even offensive. I’ve seen Elites turn down picking up one of our high powered sporting rifles or a machine gun in favor of their hands, and I won’t even get started on the Brutes. My point, that was ours. It’s the only option,” Mark explained being held up by the Detective.

“You mentioned your planes were grounded by the EMP, but if a bomb were dropped that must mean some of your planes weren‘t effected. That would mean there‘s some place in the city where an evacuation is being held. We can get out here,” Katy‘s father explained.

“I wouldn’t get my hopes up so quickly. If that ordinance was dropped, it would mean it came from an altitude above the city. I don’t know how far the EMP field extends, nor can I tell you how long it’ll last. If there’s an evacuation planned, it won’t be until the Fleet can figure out a way to disable or bypass that EMP field. Either way, we’re stuck here. We saw the lights flicker, meaning the EMP field isn’t as strong now…perhaps the ordinance affected it,” Mark explained. “We aren’t going to find a sturdier structure, with four-star hotel qualifications and running hot water elsewhere in the city and there are some of us who wouldn’t be able to make the journey in the flooded city again myself included. We‘re safer staying here than trying to traverse over leveled buildings, uprooted streets and running into the Covenant,” the veteran Marine replied. “Detective, if you could send one of your men to report on the other sentries and have someone go around, not your runner, to make sure everyone’s alright,”

[MrKill]

1LT. K. Killinger
Seventh Marines
Wounded In Action (W.I.A)

Yeah, Kyle thought to himself, in an outright hysterical laugh. My fucking leg is broken from the knee down. He concluded, the pain becoming so great he was actually able to ignore it for the most part, but tears trailed down his face to wash the grime and muck that had formed there. His leg felt cold, and he couldn't feel his feet.

Kyle shifted, felt a surge of pain through his whole body and realized the crap that had fell on him sliced through his leg as well. His heart was racing , beating nearly twice as normal and it wasn't due to adrenaline. The junior officer tossed what little debris was around him away and sat up, his muscles screaming in protest. The roofing panels had sliced into his leg and it was drenced with blood.

He counted to three and yanked the panel away and was thankful there wasn't a steady stream of pressurized blood erupting from the open wound. The son of a bitch panel had missed anything critical down there, but his leg was broken. Half of his shin bone was protruding from his skin and he was certain his knee was completely shattered.

"Kyle!!" Jay called.

"I'm up!" Kyle yelled in response, "Fucked up, but I'm up!" He added.

COL. J. KILLINGER
Seventh Marines
Wounded In Action (W.I.A)

John slid down the wall and sat in the steadily increasing water now that the shock wave had dispersed. More arrivals had shown up, and on the bright side, Miller had survived. John would never forgive himself if he had let the young Sergeant die.

Now that things had calmed down, there audible ringing in his ears returned and the Colonel felt dizzy again, refusing to stand up because it seemed like the entire world was spinning a hundred times faster than what it should have. He ripped his gloves off and massaged his temples with his pointer and thumb.

"We need to find somewhere safe," Killinger repeated. "I know I've got a concussion, so I'm a liability at the moment. Miller, lead the way." The Colonel ordered. He hoped that the Sergeant could find the ODSTs and himself a safe place to hid while he recuperated from his injury.

He refused the staff sergeants weapon as he spotted his M6D. He stood up and walked, though slightly wobbly, towards it. He grasped the handle, ejected the nearly spent magazine and slid a new one home while placing the ejected one back in his ammunition pouches.

"Don't worry about me, just find us somewhere safe." John reaffirmed, seemingly staring at spinning Miller even though he was probably standing still. He chuckled at the amusing sight.

[CloseQuarters]

[Fire Team Charlie]
[7th Marines]
[Entering North-East corner of the Covenant Zone: Refuge]
["No, no I'm not okay. That was scary as hell."]

Harada was about two-shakes finished when the blast occurred. Being that they were in an alley, the glass flying everywhere was merely a spectacle, and not projectiles of consideration. Even if he didn't go number two, however, Harada did utter "shit!" aloud when that happened, buttoning-up as everyone crouched and looked alert.

"Everyone up?" Zerueyun asked, looking around and counting them before they could respond. Matsushiro looked as if she could have done without the jarring experience, while Timothy looked as if he was wishing for another kind of boom-boom, not necessarily the concussive type.

"Lets get moving then, before the sarge worries about what the hell that was" Harada said, causing Zerueyun to give him a stern look, even if he did motion for them to continue down the street, staying to the buildings as they unknowingly walked inside covenant-held territory.

[RiddL]

Staff Sergeant Kai (Wolf) Blacklock

Kai looked to the Colonel and readied his rifle and moved up to the Sergeant, "We narrowly avoided a Covenant patrol before we got here and the are on the hunt, Keep an eye out for Jackals" He walked back to the Colonel "My spotter will stay with you Sir, I'll bring up the rear"

Kai ran back about 50 meters and kept an eye out for any movement that could be friend or foe. He looked around for any grunts on the ground, bugs on the buildings and jackals on both. They wouldn't catch the survivors surprised.

[HollowSaber]

: Corporal Jake Furrow :
: Task Force 77, Nova Squad :

: Condition :
Moderate Disorientation

: Location :
Unable to locate

: Objective :
Unknown

: Tags :
HollowSaber

The rifle which dangled on the slow moving ODST’s back was heavy; it pulled on his shoulders. The pistol on his thigh had mass; it pulled his leg down. The helmet on his head strained his neck; he could barely keep his head up. The armor on his chest squeezed his lungs; his breath was short and raspy.The fatigues on his legs were soaked with water and covered in mud; every step was a fight. The boots on his feet caused blisters to form on his toes; every step was a painful one. His gloves were damp, his fingers shriveled; he could barely feel them. After only a few hours of fighting, of running around, of simply trying to do his job or at least do something; Jake was starting to feel as if it wasn’t even worth it. This war was all about killing the “enemy”, about shooting up the Covenant and destroying as much of their stuff as possible. Casualties were to be expected but what about the men who lived through it? Soldiers were soldiers; they just did what they were told, no questions asked. Right?

A heavy cough exploded from Jake’s chest and he winced almost out of reflex. The man took a break, slouching against a concrete wall as the rain pelted the top of his helmet. Wet streaks ran down his visor as the water made multiple pathways over the humanoid obstacle as it journeyed towards the ground; towards equilibrium. Jake watched the small pellets lump together, slither through his vision, and then disappear into the great beyond that awaited the drops. The Trooper was tired not physically, but mentally. He was so used to running around and things going right that he never thought the operation would go wrong. There was no doubt in Jake’s mind that he would be able to get that truck running, arm the civilians, and get the artifact. Maybe it was that ignorance that caused several men to lose their lives, and nearly got him killed as well. It was a hard realization to come to, but Jake finally felt like he was nothing.

Before Jake felt as if he could do anything. There was no building he couldn’t bring down, no Covenant target he couldn’t kill, no target he couldn’t track, no objective he couldn’t complete, and there was nothing that could stand in his way. He never said it to anyone, but he felt like a SPARTAN in black armor. He was fast, silent, deadly, and kept out of trouble. He had a record, he had the skills, and he had the heart; but he had failed. That single truth brought everything crumbling down. Jake was no SPARTAN, he was no super-soldier. Jake was an Orbital Drop Shock Trooper. He had no augmentations or special training that would put him above everyone else. All he had was a will to fight and be the best. Alone, Jake charged into battle after battle with no doubt in his mind that he would succeed. Now he couldn’t help but feel like everything he did was nothing. Every operation he had been on felt so small, so insignificant that Jake couldn’t understand any of it. The Trooper was never proud of what he did, but now he hated it.

Slowly, the dangling right hand that dripped with water squeezed into a fist by Jake’s side. He was angry not only with himself, but the world. The man felt like a teenager again. It was like everything was being given to him on a silver platter, but now he was being thrown out of his castle on his face. It left a horrid taste in his mouth and his mind began to rot. He was upset in several meanings of the word; sad, depressed, pissed, annoyed, rustled, bothered, unhappy, and most of all Jake felt betrayed. It was strange, but he felt as if the universe had thrown him a curveball that he simply could not accept. It didn’t make sense compared to everything which had happened before. The difference between his victories and defeat were far too great, almost impossible. Emotionally, Jake had no idea how to handle it and his body was suffering as his mind fell apart.

As Jake leaned against the building which held him upright, his body trembled. He coughed, shivered, and had problems breathing. The air felt like ice on his skin and his teeth rattled. His mouth was dry even though water surrounded him and his vision was blurred, fogged almost by an invisible cloud that filled his helmet. Several minutes passed as Jake stood there. They all melded together between the long motions of the ODST’s eyelids and the man simply stopped registering what was in front of him. All he could see were the flashes of his “successes” shrouded by the massive cloud of his failure. It made him sick. The sputtering of his display flicking on and off was like a spark, igniting his mind and pasting another image in front of him. Like a zombie, Jake stared through the smoked glass in front of his eyes.

Then, he reached out.

The fist by his side stretched forward into the air, stretching towards the images of a little girl he had once saved. He longed to see the smile she had given him after he had saved her. He grabbed at the air, clutching the imaginary shoulder of another soldier he had pulled out of the line of fire. His fingers dug into the flesh of a woman he pulled out of a pile of rubble and he could see her tired eyes; she had given up until he had arrived and he was her savior. That light in her eyes… Jake could feel it now more than he could then. The woman didn’t see a soldier in the black visor Jake wore, did she? She saw a way out, an escape from the hurt, the pain, and a return to her normal. She saw someone who would be able to help her shoulder the pain She saw a soldier who would do everything to get her home to her family. That’s who she saw…

“Isn’t that right, Pops...?” The whisper, or prayer, came out like a plea to be saved. As if Jake had given up and a response would be his salvation. Yet, deep inside Jake’s mind he knew there would be none. His family was gone, stolen from him by unknown men. Men he had killed with his own hands before escaping his previous life. Deep inside, Jake knew there would be no forgiveness for him. So why should he stop?

“Damn it…” A pained grumble rattled out of Jake’s throat as he pushed off the wall. Staggering forward, the man took another step. He supported himself with the building beside him and walked carefully up the street. The impact location of the bombs was closer now and he was starting to see deeper water. He was almost there...

Fight for those you never see...

Coded By Saber of L33T T3@M

[deceit]

Ra'ab splashed a puddle of water, feeling it absorb between his armor and gushing on his reptilian toes. It bothered him none, for although he was not of a tribe use to the water, his species was made to withdure elements. Behind his one splash in this long rainy street, 100 feet stamped behind him, of all varying shapes and sizes; some the strong, two toed, armored feet of Sangheili, matching his stride and planting heavily forward, and others the short, stocky, clacking of clawed Unggoy feet or Unggoy boots, or the quiet patters and pitters of a few Kig-Yar. Every foot and leg splashed along the drenched, wet, flowing street. There were puddles, streams, and flooded areas all over, but the further up, the shallower they got. The artifact is...or was, on a hill. In the distance, the constant smoke made Ra'ab fear that there may be nothing but a smoldering crater when he arrived. A zealot may ask if he doubted the gods, and if he were being honest, he might say that he believed they had fought a long hard way for a chunk of metal.

But a potentially useful chunk of metal. A weapon? A Defense? What purpose was this artifact created for? The Gods, or what the Covenant had come to conceive as Gods, had made it specifically and carefully. An EMP field? What purpose could they have used that for? To wipe out civilizations? To reign in or limit populations? A fail-safe against invading fleets?

Yes, an artifact like that, placed in an enemy ship...The possibilities were endless.

Ra'ab quickly resolved himself as he saw he marched on. The EMP was still in effect, he was sure of it. The city still continued to flood, the lights were still out...No, he the artifact was durable, and it still very much existed. And it needed to be relocated before the Humans could bomb it again.

And the Covenant Fleet needed to hurry up and rescue them from this terrible situation.

It was always terrible situations...

~*~

Jiralhanae Major Rhadabunn(NPC)

The Major eyed from the roof-tops the sizable force.

His troops were less than half that, at fifteen strong. They were still a ways down, but his scouts had reported their coming. Still...Rhadabunn was not planning on giving up his position.

He was a traitor. That much was clear. He had followed the chieftan...he had killed Sangheili. And grunts. Lots of grunts. The Chieftan, along with most of his allies, were dead, and he stood amongst a pool of blood. Other Jiralhanae knew his name and what he had done. Those seeking redemption would sing songs of what he had done.

His fifteen troops and he were gonna die on these streets or sacrificed in High-Charity.

They had chosen the streets. Die, take as many as possible.

He had eight Jiralhanae troopers waiting behind downed vehicles up ahead. They were hidden amongst rubble or hiding as best they could amongst whatever cover they could find. Hopefully, the Unggoy riders he'd seen wouldn't see him till it was too late. Aside from that, Rhadabunn stood with 3 of his best shots on the rooftops, and to the North, along those rooftops, another three warriors waited.

He didn't know if they could win against such a large amount of foes. But if he had the element of surprise...maybe he could take their numbers down by even half! What a glorious harvest for his final moments! It all hinged on whether those stupid Unggoy would see his surprise attack coming...

[BetaWülf]

Dakek, Chief scout rider person!

Dakek pumped his legs to power his tricycle as his group of Unggoy riders raised a small wave in their wake. Dakek was overjoyed to have this chance to shine in an otherwise Unggoy-intolerant Covenant. He took the lead, forming a wedge formation with Dakek at the head. His black tricycle with orange flame stickers strode valiantly across the pavement while the ridiculously handsome(by Unggoy standards) Dakek sat upon it, powering it with his muscular legs as the first signs of dawn came streaking over the horizon.

Dakek surveyed the highway ahead and saw nothing out of the ordinary, human vehicles strewn about along with large pieces of rubble. Dakek slowed his unit slightly as they moved between two vehicles, but that's when he noticed something wasn't right. There was a slight musky odor, but it could have been something native for all Dakek knew. But he heard a very slight shuffling and then saw a shadow coming from behind a vehicle, back lit by the rising sun. Dakek stooped down to look and was shocked by what he saw, two large clawed feet, the Jiralhanae. Dakek kept them moving ever so slowly as to not give away the fact they know the enemy was just ahead, but gave a hand signal to Swapdap who casually slipped from his tricycle and walked over to Ra'ab.

Unggoy Ultra Swapdap(NPC)

Swapdap looked over to Dakek and saw he was doing something odd with his hand, and then Swapdap made the connection in his mind. Dakek was always coming up with strange ideas, like hand signals, also liquid drink hats but that were hands free but that was crazier than the hand signals. He slipped off of his tricycle and casually(as casual as Unggoy can try to be) made his way to Ra'ab.

"Dakek gave me a hand signal sir, it means there are bad guys ahead, Dakek is slowly moving ahead to try and keep them from catching on sir" Swapdap said, ending it with a salute.

[Ultra Quor]

Ultra Quor 'Natrunai 

In a Familiar Situation 

His ears were still ringing somewhat, his head throbbing as it tried to find its orientation, Quor didn't take too long to regain his consciousness from the powerful wave of energy the blast had left behind. Quor remembered hearing about a powerful explosive in the Humans' possession, a mighty weapon, though they seemed to historically use it as a last act, to delay the advancement of troops, or to level valuable assets before the Covenant could control them, not that much of the human intel was very important, they tended to resort to glassing things themselves so the use of the bombs sometimes seemed senseless. But the question remained, to have used such a weapon at this time, were they really that desperate, the Covenant forces had been busy fighting themselves so it wasn't as if his brothers has been bearing down on the nishum, no there must have been another reason... Observing the immediate situation it was obvious that the makeshift shelter he and the Unggoy lance were using had fallen, and he was once again in the rubble, the depth was shallow, he could move the boards and tiles, there seemed to be a large plank in the way. Shoving upward, the wooden panel fell over with a crash on top of the rubble next to him, allowing his face to meet the cool air and elements.

Why must I keep finding myself like this....

If another structure fell on him at any point in time in his future life, it would be too soon, the ultra had had his fill of such predicaments.

Sitting up and rising to a knee, Quor locates the needle rifle which was partially buried in the remnants next to him and climbs out onto the mound that only very recently was a home, you could hardly tell anymore. The bomb had ruined what was left of the city, glass littered the streets, and the buildings still standing didn't look to be in the best of shape even with their reinforced structures, the skyline was riddled with despair in the blast's aftermath.

Brothers..

Shaken from his moment of worry by some mumbling behind him in the distance, the ultra raises his needle rifle and navigates the pile toward the sound, only to lower the weapon when he sees a pair of his allies in conversation. "Yes, Ultra."

Jadap had made it out of the blast, the other remained downed and sounded somewhat feeble from this distance, that unggoys condition was dire for a battlefield situation. The smaller ultra looked to begin sifting through the destruction to locate the rest of his lance words didn't need to be exchanged to see as much, a solemness filled the air, generally he was taught not to feel for the Unggoy but he had seen this ones kind fight valiantly, and these ones specifically had taken him in and sheltered him from the elements, they weren't his lance but Quor felt responsible for their survival at the very least as a form of gratitude for their assistance.

He stood over them from a small distance for a moment, mulling through their options, they would have to rejoin the sect if they wished for their lives to make it longer than another setting sun or two, in their vulnerable state it would only take an unlucky meeting with a pack of hunting apes or a grouping of nishum to all but seal their fate or deter their objectives.

Lumbering down the pile with heavy footsteps he began moving larger chunks of rubble to assist Jadap in his search without speaking a word beforehand.

"We will find them... and we're going to survive." He tosses a weakened door off the mound, it splinters near the base of the hill of destruction and acknowledges Jadap with determined eyes.

[MorpheusDavol]

Ragnarok's Followers
PC- Loken Gnash
Situation: Alert
Movement: Mobile 

Loken was moving forward as well was his squads mates. They had lost comms some time ago and since they been at the planet, so they kept moving till they had a signal. Loken and the rest of the squad both went crouched Viktor signaled for them to up ahead. Loken trusted Viktor's called ever since Maya but this was a whole new situation perhaps deadlier depending on who you asked. Up ahead they all could see two distinctive flying creatures, most likely covvies. Loken thought to himself now would be the perfect time to find out something if they could follow them. He wondered if Viktor would make that call.

 Viktor eye'd them for a moment before looking back to his people, he let out a sigh motioning for them to follow the Covvies on ward. He got confirmation nods as they started to move out, using the shadows to their advantage. Viktor looked to Marco both of them knowing that they could be heading to a death trap being the two most experienced. However this was their only shot at learning anything new. Viktor took the chance to check his DMR, confirming it was combat ready he started moving leading the squad directing them to try aand keep a arrow head type of formation. Viktor being the spearhead. 

[Corporal Doherty]

Perfect.

That was the only term that could accurately describe the placement of his booby trap. Unfortunately his own skill at making dangerous devices couldn’t always compensate for the actions of others. Much like how the minimal pressure keeping the pin in the arming mechanism of the grenade couldn’t withstand the concussive force of a bombing run. At first Michael had no idea what was actually happening. The giant glass windows on the ground floor shattered, allowing more water from the street to flood into the first floor. The walls shook and his teeth rattled in his skull. His eyes grew a few sizes to large, but that was mostly due to the fact that they had been witness to the pin snapping away from the grenade, and the ordnance's spoon popping off into the air. Normally there would have been an audible high pitched ’ting’ but his ears were already deafened from what he assumed was some kind of sonic boom.

The Combat Engineer cursed under his breath as he threw himself out the door. The grenade was duct taped to the wall and the staircase would take too long to run up, so he had to hope that the thin walls of the office complex would be enough to shield him from the blast. The grenade detonated just moments after the Marine through himself behind a cheap desk. The concussive force of the grenade hit him like bag of bricks, but the shrapnel missed him entirely thanks to the wall it had been behind. The cheap cubicle partitions were less lucky. The walls of the cubicle had collapsed on top of him, covering him in dust and particles but leaving him more or less intact. The only real damage seemed to have been to his ears. All he could hear was a familiar high pitched whine that accompanied most of his close encounters with explosives.

Which was probably why he hadn’t heard the Covenant forces.

His blue eyes regained their focus in time to see Tourre hop down the battered remnants of the staircase, her combat boots splashing in the slowly rising water. For a moment he didn’t realize why she was raising her rifle. The weapon snapped twice, the round flying past him. Pink needles flew back at her in response. One long shard ripped into her lower thigh, causing her cry out in agony, a second slid under her armor and into her abdomen. The combat engineer turned his head in time to see the Elite.

He was massive, his eyes white. The needle rifle in his hands was pointing towards Tourre, moments away from sending another barb that was surely meant to end her life. Despite his handicap, the young Sergeant wasn’t inclined to let that happen. Normally he would have said something sarcastic, instead he let the shotgun speak for him. The slug round impacted the elites arm at the elbow, a plume of purple blood erupting from the wound as the creature howled in rage. With a grunt Michael pushed himself to his feet, particleboard walls and heavy dust falling off of him as he stood. His gloved hand pumped another round into the chamber but he wasn’t fast enough. The Elite had already crossed the moderate distance between the two of them, the needle rifle held by the barrel like a club in his uninjured arm.

The swing came in fast, and hard. The needle rifle struck the shotgun with enough force to not only knock it from his hands but send it sailing across the room where it landed with a dull splash. Or maybe it was a loud splash. Despite regaining a portion of his hearing SGT Doherty was having a hard time determining volume.

Fortunately he had more pressing concerns, like the giant Sangheili foot that slammed into his chest plate. The impact was, beyond astounding. The creature moved so quickly, so smoothly that Doherty had had little chance to even think about dodging, or recognize the fact that a small Grunt in orange armor was charging towards the wounded Tourre. The creature had apparently decided for him. The impact knocked the wind from his lungs and not only caused his vision to go dark, but sent him sailing several feet into another group of cubicles like some poorly inflated football. He landed hard, but getting to his feet was easy, thanks in no small part to the massive Sangheili hand that lifted him from the watery debris.

The thing howled at him. No, laughed. As though despite its injury Michael Doherty was nothing but an insect. Something to pull the wings off. Killing Doherty wasn't on the agenda at that moment, humiliating him was. Normally a kick from an elite would have killed a human. The only reason the Marine was alive was because the Elite didn't want the hunt to be over so quickly.

the creature spoke in it's alien tongue, but because Sergeant Doherty was a professional, he answered in an universal language.

He spit blood at its face.

The alien offered a counterpoint to the Marines argument the only way it knew how.

It threw him three yards backwards, through a wooden door and into what looked like a kitchen area. From somewhere in the distance Sergeant Doherty could hear laughter as he tried, and failed to pull himself to his feet. It was a dark and guttural sound that seemed completely unwarranted given the circumstances. As the creature marched through the ruined door frame, head held high as though it were royalty, the Marine staggered to his feet. With legs still like jello he reached for the first weapon that he could think of, a long combat knife he kept strapped to his upper thigh. The engineer was no slouch when it came to melee combat, but he wasn't an eight foot tall velociraptor wannabe either. Had their positions been reversed, the Marine might have found the sight comical as well, but that didn’t mean his blood didn’t start boiling when the monster laughed at him.

Again.

The creature dropped the needle rifle, apparently preferring to beat Doherty to death his its bare hands, and lunged towards the Marine. Doherty dodged the first strike, a lazy swipe from the creatures uninjured arm. It made the Marine overconfident, encouraged him to go for a lung thrust for the creatures neck. Which apparently was what the creature had wanted to have happen. The long alien arm swept back in the opposite direction, hitting Michael at the ankles, forcing his feet into the air and the knife spinning from his fingers before the same arm came down like a hammer against the Marines torso.

While the Marine was still airborne.

The human hit the ground trying to scream in agony but not finding the air in it’s lungs to do so. It barely had the strength to draw the pistol from its holster on the opposite thigh. So it didn’t, it just got the trigger free, lifted its leg and began firing through the bottom of the holster. Right at the Elites ugly face. First round took a chunk from the monsters mandible, the next three missed completely. The Marine didn’t get a chance to fire any more as a massive Sangheili foot slammed into his chest plate again, sending him sailing through the air one more time and into the steel frame of the large walk in freezer at the back of the kitchen. The kick had been erratic, almost instinctual, so much so that it barely managed to connect with him, the upward motion catching only the plates of his armor. Even still, it was enough to send him sailing like an oddly shaped football. It was still enough drive the air from the Marines lungs.

This time Michael laughed. Or at least tried to before it devolved into a hideous orchestra of hacking coughs as he tried to drag his battered body further into the freezer. He could taste copper, but he didn’t care. Moments ago he had been desperate enough to pull the pin on his own grenade. An explosive device that was currently counting down somewhere beneath the water. He heard heavy footsteps splashing behind him. Then he heard a loud bang that caused the room to shake all over again.

When he regained consciousness Doherty couldn’t tell if he had been out for seconds or days. The light in the freezer was flickering off and on, but he couldn’t hear anything. Which was likely a blessing. He tried to sit up but failed miserable as crippling pain shot through his abdomen. He had to roll onto his stomach to reach his feet instead. It was worth the effort.

In front of him was a trail of bright purple blood staining the thin layer of water that filled the kitchen area and at the end of that trail was the pale eyed Sangheili. Or at least most of him. He had lost a leg in the explosion, and the remaining limbs weren’t doing much better, but he was still alive somehow, trying to drag his body towards the needle rifle he had abandoned earlier in the fight. Michael didn’t laugh. He was too tired. Instead he simply staggered forward through the stained water, put a boot on the Covenant soldier’s only working hand, and took the fingers off thanks to an entire magazine from his pistol.

If the creature was howling in pain Michael couldn’t hear it. Not that he would have cared anyway.

”You know, shit like this used to bug me,” he said to no one in particular as he grabbed the aliens armor with both hands and dragged him out of the kitchen and into the office area. It was only a few feet, but it was exhausting. The creature struggled against him of course, but with barely any working limbs, and after such substantial blood loss, all it really managed to do was spread its brightly colored blood against Michael's face and BDU’s. Still, it was worth it. This room had what he was looking for.

Enough water to submerge the monsters head. An ignoble death for a creature that had moments ago held itself in such high regard.


He dropped the creatures into the deeper water, letting the weight of its armor keep it submerged. Reloading a magazine into his sidearm the Marine made his ways towards Tourre, his stone faced expression making it perfectly clear that he didn’t expect to find her or the rookie still breathing. A grunt in unfamiliar armor lay at the foot of the stairs, a massive exit wound in the back of its mask. A few feet away were the remains of Tourre, her dark skin stained with her own blood, a large gash across her neck from what appeared to be some kind of improvised weapon the Grunts had been wielding. The world was spinning as the Marine knelt beside his fallen comrade, trying not to look into her open eyes before he forced them closed, trying not burn that look of absolute sorrow on her face into his long term memory. He didn't cry when he removed one of her dog tags, he didn't break down as he moved her remaining magazines from her gear to his own. He simply gathered what essential items she had on her, slide her combat knife into his empty sheathe and stepped back into the lower level shaking. The Sergeant didn't know if the rookie had made it, he just knew that one of his Marines, one his friends had just died trying to save his life.

He knew where the closest Covenant freak was to exact vengeance.

His feet were heavy as he approached the fallen Elite. It was still alive, trying to lift itself from the water.

Michael put a boot on its back. Then, when it stopped struggling, he put a round from Tourres DMR through its skull. Which was about the time he realized the needle rifle was missing. He glanced up in time to see a grunt in orange armor attempting to wield the large rifle. It wasn't working out that well, so Doherty decided to take it upon himself to put the creature out of its misery. Which was about the time four more Grunts waddled through the broken windows of the ground floor. They were armed with an assortment of improvised weaponry, but when they stopped looking at the grunt in orange armor and turned to face him in unison, Doherty's options became rather limited.This time he didn't have to wait for someone to shout out the warning, he was already running.

The Grunts gave chase, and as the Marine burst through the exit door in the back of the building he heard the angry roar of an Elite. Maybe it found the body of its slain kin. Maybe it was just having a bad day. In the end it didn't matter. They were between him and the rally point, which meant as they gave chase, Sgt Doherty was running deeper into the city.  He had managed to put a great deal of distance between his pursuers and himself to not be able to see them. Which gave him just enough time to slump against a wall and begin coughing. Blood found its way onto the wall beside him. It caused him to laugh in exhaustion. He must have looked ridiculous, coughing up blood, carrying Tourre's assault pack as well as his own. For a moment, he wondered if he should just use the explosives in the bags to make one last going away present for his Covenant assailants. Go out with style.

[CTWDaBearJew]

//**SITREP - 25281-25369-BM : 2/153@7/7**//
Asset: 2LT McRaven, Benjamin Ian - Platoon Leader, 2/153
Time Zone: ~21:15 Hours (H+5), Refuge Planetary Time
Location: Primary 2/153 ODST RV Point - Refuge City, Refuge Colony
Current Mission: Reconsolidate for follow on operations.

"If I'm reading this map right El-tee," The shuffling of paper was heard with low cursing, "We are at the corner of no and where."

"Which means what exactly Corporal?" He replied peaking over the lip of the parapet, looking down at the free-way interchange below; placing his rifle flat against the wall he placed his check to his cheek rest on his BR55HB. "I think were right where were supposed to be," He added looking back towards the small assembled group of ODST, "Rivers to the South, and the cities laid out to the North of us." 

"I get that Sir," More cursing was heard, "But with out our gear," The clattering of a tossed helmet broke the silence, "We're shit out of luck."

Pulling his rifle from the wall, Ian turned and slid down it with his back till he was sitting; his rifle resting across his thighs. "How the hell did you pass selection with that attitude, we're trained to operate in these conditions. Hell we're trained for worse. Buck up." He hissed, doing his best to suppress the grin itching to spread across his face. 

A few chuckles and a selection of jabs followed the Lieutenant's comment, "Alright, can it Marines." The grizzled voice of one of the platoons more senior Sergeants said, "Tactically, were in the best spot possible; we've got the high ground, practically infinite fields of fire." Scraping grew closer to Ian's position, the sounds of ceramic ballistic armor being dragged over concrete. "Plus, they don't have air support to pick us off this time."

"Ain't that the truth," A round of chuckles echoed across their level of the car park, the sounds of fighting in the street below drew their attention. With weapons over the edge the assembled ODST took in the scene, a rag tag bunch of human survivors were fighting off a gaggle of Grunts. "We'll handle these freaks Sir." One of the platoon's snipers said as she settled her SR99SC-2 on the low wall, another of the platoon's designated rifleman took up position next to her. "Easy."

Ian nodded his approval and moved towards the center of the last covered level before the top level of the parking garage, they'd managed to push a number of vehicles into a stockade of sorts; with the rest pushed down the ramp to create an obstacle for any wood be attackers. The 'puff' of suppressed weapons fire was muffled by the cars. Some cam-netting had been strung over the openings, not that it would really have mattered. On his hunches Ian pushed maps apart so he could look at each, they were all marked in one fashion or another, drop zones, locations of enemy, locations of friendlies, civilians, anything and everything else the ODST thought important. 

"Sergeant Roberts on me." He said over his shoulder his voice hushed but enough to carry a reasonable distance, followed quickly by the sound of footsteps a grunt and a body hitting the ground, "Here sir."

Indicating with a wax pen Ian pointed to a series of locations on the map, "You said you saw flares marking these locations? Any signs of activity?"

The shifting of armor and a gloved hand pulled one of the maps towards the ODST, "Mostly recent, here, and here, this place looked like there was a scuffle of some kind; but by the time we got there it was empty." He plucked the pen from Ian's hand and then circled a specific location not far from their own, "We saw Marines here, squad at least; they'd holed up real tight. Not a bad position, other than that it's a classic charlie foxtrot Sir."

Nodding, "Do we risk our position?" Ian asked more rhetorically; he knew the answer. 

"Negative Sir, the boys and girls knew to make to this position if this exact scenario happened, and well... it happened;" He looked around, "We're here, that's an indication that our training and your contingency planning has paid off, anyone who survived is going to make it here we just have to give them time." 

Shuffling the maps back into an organized group, "Roger that, we'll sit tight and defend the castle. Priorities of work; you're top till Huston shows." With a nod of his head Roberts crawled back over the car he'd originally come over and set about establishing a more secure patrol base as Ian settled in to plan their next moves as best he could with no contact with any anyone.

Things had grown quite, a few more of their platoon had trickled in; but they were still no where near their full strength. It was odd to be in a city, home to millions that was as quiet as a tomb; no sounds associated with that of a bustling metropolis were any where, it was eerie. The hair on the back of his neck had been standing on end since he'd bailed from his pod which had decided to thankfully punch its way through an office building. Ian had moved to the top level of the parking structure, taking his turn in the OP/LP with three other members of the platoon. 

They sat in silence, their eyes scanning the buildings around them and then the ground below. It was boring but it was a job that needed doing, especially at almost a third their normal strength. Ian shifted his position, his leg growing numb from being sat on; straightening it out he sighed and raised the now useless smart binos to his face to scan the buildings across the river. As he adjusted the focus he felt a thump, like the felling in his chest from the bass of a loud song; he lowered the binos from his face and looked at the others in the OP/LP who were looking around as well.

"That felt like a sonic boom." One commented.

"Yeah it did." Another added, "But it felt too soft."

"Well of course it's soft, you're not riding it into hell." Another laughed.

Ian was looking into the sky at the fireball trailing smoke, "That's why." He said from behind the binos. "Its one of ours, i've never heard of theirs doing that."

"Pelican? Longsword?"

"I can't tell but whatever it is, it's coming in real hot and headed this way." Ian said lowering the binos, "Not sure what's going to happen, get everyone on their feet. Stand to."

"Roger Sir." One of the ODST said from behind Ian as he hopped over the car's hood and headed for the lower level. Now much lower they watched the fireball turn into a black spec, "Its definitely one of ours." Ian added again, this time as he observed the craft unobscured by flames. 

"Yeah it's a Longsword." Added the platoon's only current sniper, "Wonder who's day she's about to ruin?"

As if on cue, two small dots dropped away from the fighter/bomber, "Oh shit!" 

Ian's head snapped in the direction of the voice, "What!?" He'd been looking over the edge, to the lower level ensuring that the men and women of 2nd Platoon were standing to; prepared for what had just happened. 

"They dropped ordinance. It's gonna be...." The rest of the statement was inaudible as the twin almost simultaneous explosions and then almost instantaneous shock wave that followed; not only drown out any noise, but knocked, well threw people off their feet and pushed cars a few feet from their original position. Thrown from his feet across the deck of the parking garage, Ian landed on his head, doing his best to control his roll to prevent further injury. Laying on his front, Ian pushed himself up slowly, groggily, shaking his head. "Is everyone okay!?" He called out.

"Were good up here Sir!" A response followed, though it sounded like it was being shouted through a wall.

A trooper ran over and helped Ian to his feet, but they were thrown back down as the building shifted, its supporting members already damaged on a lower level by a crashed Pelican. As the building stabilized for a moment both Ian and the trooper were back on their feet rushing for the ramp to the lower level; vaulting over a series of cars to expedite their movement. Sliding over the hood of the last car, Ian looked up at the assembling group of ODSTs, "We all up!?" He shouted as the building began to shift again, a groaning noise drowning out all sound. 

"Were down one! Private Bradley was blown over the edge!"

"Roger!" Ian said looking over the group, "This place is coming down, were getting out of here!" He shouted, pointing towards the far side where they'd rigged a series of ropes for this purpose, quick egress. The ODSTs moved towards the edge and one by one quickly made their escape down the side of the building; hitting the ground in the already flooded streets they dashed for cover, what little there was. 

Pulling the remaining length of rope out of his harness Ian grabbed his weapon and pulled it to his front at the low ready as he sprinted across the street, sliding to a stop on one knee in the knee high water he looked at the Platoon's senior Sergeant, "Form them up were moving out."

The platoon had walked for many blocks, skirting around any sign of activity they came to and if they had to putting down those they couldn't. Now crammed into a lower level lobby, they eyed a walled compound ahead of their position. "That looks like a good place to make home for the night." One of the ODST commented from behind the optics of his rifle.

"Agreed." Said another.

Ian nodded and signaled for six of the ODST to come forward, "Alright, you know the drill, set up your OP, and the rest of you conduct recon; don't take too much time were burning daylight. Once you're done, the OP stays in place and you four come back," He said indicating the four with his hand, "Let us know if were good to go, and we'll move up." 

"Any questions?" He looked to each of the group, who all shook their heads no.

"Good then get moving."

The six troopers slipped from the lobby and moved out, hugging the building for cover as the moved towards the building. 

It seemed like hours had passed by when in all reality it was only 45 minutes, the four ODST slipped back into the lobby, "Alright Sir, it's green; we had to dodge a covie patrol on our way back, but if we run back into them it shouldn't be hard to handle them. Their tech is as fraked as ours is; which means we've got the upper hand. They're using spears and crude bladed weapons, a few had some firearms but not many."

"Good, lead us out." Ian said and moved further back into the building making sure they had everyone before they moved out; it wasn't far but it was slow going making towards the complex. The moved in a semi-platoon column, stopping every block to ensure they weren't followed or about to be ambushed. At one point stopping mid movement as their sniper pointed out movement in the windows of their destination. 

Ian at a crouch moved to the front and took the offered rifle from the sniper to check the window, "Yep I see it. Looks like a marine?" 

"That's what I'm thinking Sir." She replied as she dug a flare from her vest, "Shall I signal?"

"Do it."

With a pop the cap was removed and the blue flare sparked to life. She waved it back and forth over her head twice before dropping it out of sight, and then waited a few seconds before repeating the process, try to catch the attention of the Marines in the building. 

[Cabel]

[City of Refuge: Captain Mark “Spade” Seamus Sorelson: Seventh Marines: Alpha Company: With Survivors: Current Situation: In an abandoned Office Complex]

“Eric?” a marine, a Private First Class called to a nearby marine that had been taking a moment to chow down on an MRE. “Eric…”

“What?” Eric, another marine Private First Class, asked looking up from an MRE of spaghetti and meatballs.

“Get over here. I’ve spotted a blue flare,” Jerrid, the first marine that had spotted a blue flare being waved down the street near the far alley, explained gesturing the other marine over.

“A blue flare? You sure it isn’t a Covenant signal by mistake?” Eric asked setting his MRE down on a small table and grabbed his standard issue MA5C. Crossing over to where his friend stood, he slowly inched over to the barricaded window his friend had been looking out of.

“If it’s a Covenant patrol, then why are they wearing ODST gear?” Jerrid asked staring through the zoomed scope of his BR55 Battle Rifle.

“Really? Let me take a look,” Eric replied, taking a pair of field-standard binoculars from where they’d hung from a small sling around his neck. Zooming in, the young marine had been able to make out some small movements before eventually the plates of an ODST’s armor. “Why didn’t you get the Sarge?”

“I thought I’d let you take a look first before calling out for the Sarge,” Jerrid replied sarcastically. “You mind bringing the Sarge over here, Eric?”

“Why me?” Eric asked.

“I can’t leave this post until my relief comes, and you’re already on break,” Jerrid said. The other marine almost protested, but turned and left to retrieve the Sergeant in charge of that floor. Eric took off on foot to find the Sergeant in charge of that floor, wishing the com-bands could have been functional rather than having to sprint for a high ranked NCO before finding the Sergeant which happened to his Squad leader pouring over a city map. In short time, both the Sergeant and Eric returned to where Jerrid had stood manning the window.

“I’ve been told you found some friendlies?” the Sergeant asked.

“Aye, Sarge. They’re in the far alley near the intersection, and have been trying to signal us with a blue flare,” Jerrid explained.

“Marine, or what?” the Sergeant asked, taking hold of Eric’s binoculars.

“I think they’re a group of ODSTs, but I can’t tell at what strength,” Jerrid said.

“Let’s hope they’re friendlies, for your sake,” the Sergeant muttered before using the binoculars zoom function to hone in on that particular alley. “You did good for once. A number of ODSTs have been washed ashore from this storm. Invite them in,” the Sergeant replied with a small smile.

“Aye, Sarge,” Jerrid said before taking a blue chem-light from his utility belt, cracked it and shook it before waving it in the same manner towards the alley.

“Eric, go downstairs and inform Spade we have guests coming for dinner,” the Sergeant said before Eric took off.

* * * * * *

“ODST’s? You’re certain?” Mark asked, looking up at the young marine that had been sent as a runner, and whom at the moment seemed to be catching his breath.

“I’m certain. The Sarge and Jerrid…Private First Class Nellins were certain. Private First Class Nellins spotted them, and Sergeant Rannier confirmed it. There’s an ODST group, of unknown strength in an alley waiting for confirmation,” Private First Class Eric Stiles reported having double-timed it down the stairs to the first floor of the complex and after having entered the lounge where the couch was Captain Sorelson had been laid out on.

“Did you return a signal?” Mark asked. The veteran marine knew even the presence of a few ODSTS could bolster the morale of the men and women, both UNSC and civilians that had sought refuge in the abandoned office complex and increase the group’s numbers.

“The Sarge thought we shouldn’t leave them out in the cold, Sir,” Eric said.

“Good. You did the right thing,” Mark said. “Get back upstairs, and let your Sergeant and Private First Class Nellins they did a commendable job. Keep an eye on them, and tell the men to keep their weapons at hand until after we can ascertain their unit,”

[CTWDaBearJew]

//**SITREP - 25281-25369-BM : 2/153@7/7**//
Asset: 2LT McRaven, Benjamin Ian - Platoon Leader, 2/153
Location: Exterior of Possible Friendly Position (Office Complex) - Refuge City, Refuge Colony
Current Mission: Confirm Position is Friendly

"Hey get the El-Tee," Maya said over her shoulder as she watched a blue chem-light waved back in the same pattern as she'd waved the blue flare in. It was coming from the same window she'd spotted what she though was a marine, well it was a marine unless the ugly little grunts and jackals had started waring ballistic plates. As the ODST she addressed moved towards the rear of their line, she pushed the flare into the water that surrounded her lower legs, it quickly went out as she sat watching the window, this time through the scope of her high powered rifle.

*****

The splashing of running feet caught Ian's attention, he looked up as one of his troopers came to a sliding stop next to him facing his direction of travel; the young trooper popped his helmet off and held it against his chest. 

"Sir, we got a signal back, it looks like those are marines up ahead in that building."

"You're sure?"

"As best we can be at this range and without our gear."

"Very well," Ian replied as he looked over his shoulder, and then back to the trooper addressing him. Taking off his helmet to scratch his head, "Alright grab your fire team, meet me up front." He said and pushed the ODST back towards the front of the line, pausing on his hunches he took in a deep breath before reaching down to his vest. He popped open one of the pouches and dug out the can of snus he kept on him at all times. Trapping his helmet under his arm, he popped the lid on the can and pulled out a fresh packet, using his tongue he pulled the old one out of his upper lip and spit it into the water. He pushed the new pouch into place, and sighed as he felt the nicotine hit his system; closing the tin he slipped it back into his vest before placing his helmet back over his head.

Feeling a hand on his shoulder he pointed towards the building, already knowing the question. "The marine signaled back, I'm going to take Corporal Dodd's fire team and Sergeant Slayers forward and scout it out; if we make contact come get us, if you make contact just fall back we'll find you." He reached back and pulled the ODSTs arm forward checking the old school wind up watch attached to his wrist, "We'll be back in 30 minutes from when we leave, if we're not back, come bail us out please."

Chuckling as he pulled his arm back, "Roger that, we'll come get you Sir, after we get our laughs of course."

"Ha ha, very fun Sarge. Come on count us out." Ian replied, rolling his eyes in his helmet; gripping his weapon he followed the Sergeant towards he front of their line. 

The Corporal had assembled his fire team and Sergeant Slayers was still watching the building through her rifle optics, Ian thumped his armored leg piece to get their attention and brought them in, he pulled off his helmet once more to address them. "We're gonna go recon the building make sure everything looks hunky dory and were not walking into an ambush, we've got 30 minutes to get this done; Slayers lead us out, everyone else wedge it up, but keep it tight."

"Roger that." Slayers said as she turned around and prepared to move, Ian fell in behind her as the rest of the ODST formed a wedge off of them, two with Slayers and the other two behind Ian with Corporal Dodd.

With the wave of his hand the formation headed out, moving forward; weapons up and at the ready. Ian kept one eye on Slayers and the other on the building with the Marine, it was still a distance off but it was close enough. He sped up his steps slightly and thumped Slayers on the shoulder, she turned to look at him and he gave her the arm signal for speed it up. With a single nod she stepped off this time with clear haste in her step, they made good time arriving at the wall surrounding the compound.

They took cover inside a shelter at a bus stop across the street, each of them eyes on the complex but also watching up and down the street, "Sir were clear."

"Good, up and over boys and girls." Ian said with a grin as Slayers and another ODST sprinted across the wall, Slayers arriving first slammed her back into the wall and moved into a crouch her hand forming a stirrup for the still running ODST who vaulted towards her. She caught his foot and pushed upwards, sending the ODST towards the top of the wall, catching the wall with his hands the ODST pulled himself over the top one leg on the outside still he lowered his free arm. Slayers took a few steps away from the wall and sprinted at it, planting her foot on the wall she shot upwards grabbing the other ODSTs hand and was hauled over the top of the wall. 

*****

Landing Maya rolled and came up on a knee with her M6C SOCOM at the ready, her battle next to her raised his MA5C and the scanned the area around them. It appeared to be a small court yard, a small food cart was off to one side surrounded by a few tables and chairs; most of which had been knocked over, by either the people who'd vacated the area of the shock wave from the bomb. She looked up into the window where the Marine stood joined by another she pulled off her helmet and waved, blowing them a kiss. Turning she rolled her eyes, "Signal all clear."

With out a word the other ODST pulled a red chem-light from his armor and cracked it, shaking it till it glowed an angry red before tossing it high over the wall.

*****

Ian watched as the red chem-light landed with a splash, he nodded and turned to his battle buddy and with three fingers indicated go. He gave the trooper a few second head start before following, it was the same process as before. Easy.

He was meer paces from the wall when the sound of shouting was behind him followed by weapons fire, stumbling he tripped and fell rolling into the wall with an 'umph'. "Contact right! Contract right!" He heard shouted as he came up, fumbling he couldn't grip his BR55HB so instead he grabbed at his right thigh, his hand finding purchase on his own side arm which he ripped free from it's holster and presented it. 

A brute and two jackals had rounded the corner just mere meters from their position, armed with crude weapons the brute roared at the remaining ODST before it charged, it's two companions hanging back. Rico one of the platoon's smallest members, turned to bare his M280 machine gun; he was little but he had the attitude to use the thing; screaming back at the now charging Brute he laid on the trigger spewing 7.62 mm bullets at 800 plus rounds a minute. Next to him his battle buddy leveled his MA5C with undermounted grenade launcher and fired a 40mm HEDP round at the charging Brute.

The brute didn't stand a chance, Ian and his battle turned their attention to the two jackals; the Jackals knew they were in trouble and turned to run, but were whipped out by Ian and the other ODST. The smell of cordite and burned flesh hung in the air as Ian stood from the knee, dropping the magazine from his weapon and stowing it in his drop pouch before reloading and holstering it. Shaking his head, he looked over as Rico walked up to the Brute and unloaded a small burst into the back of it's head, "That's right Ape who's the big guy now!"

"Over the wall trooper, fun times over." Ian said as he flicked his hand in the direction of the wall before crouching down for Rico to use him as a boost, his battle buddy doing the same for Rico's battle.

*****

Hearing the roar and the gunfire Maya sprinted into through a set of busted out glass doors her eyes on the stairs up to the next level, while vaulting the hand railing she holstered her side arm and hit the ground running, taking the stairs three at a time. She broke onto the second level and pulled the huge suppressed SR99SC-2 from her back, she walked straight up to the window and pushed the two marines aside as she pushed her rifle through the window to find Rico standing over the Brutes twitching body as he put a burst into the back of it's head. She chuckled softly, "Uh, never mind boys." She said leaning against the wall leaning her rifle against her shoulder, holding onto the barrel.

Leaning out the window slightly, "You're late." She said with a smirk, "Oh by the way, they are friendly, though quite ." She added looking back at the two marines.

*****

Having cleared the wall, Ian and the rest of the recon patrol head up the steps to meet the two Marines and Sergeant Slayers. Simply shaking his head at Maya's grin Ian pulled off his helmet and let his weapon hang from it's sling as he addressed the two Marines. "2nd Lieutenant McRaven, 2nd Platoon, One-Five-Three ODST Company; I'd like to speak to your highest ranking officer or NCO."

[Cabel]

[City of Refuge: Captain Mark “Spade” Seamus Sorelson: Seventh Marines: Alpha Company: With Survivors: Current Situation: In an abandoned Office Complex]

“A sight for sore eyes, El-Tee. Sergeant Jim Terrance, and Corporal Faller. I do apologize for the long wait, El-Tee, but we had orders from the Captain to make sure you weren’t some Covenant trick,” the gruff Sergeant said, introducing himself and the young Corporal next to him though he didn’t salute. The NCO knew one never saluted in the field, even in a seemingly friendly area or they might pose a target for unfriendly snipers. With the help of Kevin, the young Corporal, the two had managed to remove some of the wooden two-by-fours and some of the barricade that covered the shattered glass of the doors to allow at least a Fireteam of ODSTs safe passage. After the last of the Fireteam had cleared the doors, Corporal Kevin Faller with two other marines replaced the boards over the doors. “You look flesh and blood to me, and you haven’t sprouted antlers or mandibles like those ugly Elites,”

“Spade…I mean, the Captain’s in one of the lounges,” Jim began before leading the ODSTs through a few of the first floor hallways. “I will warn you, Sir. The Captain was pretty banged up when we first found this place. It’s his thigh. I wouldn’t expect him to stand, but he’ll be certainly pleased to meet you. We do have working showers, with a hot water furnace. There’s chow, from vending machines,….” The Sergeant continued explaining what they had, as he led the group of ODSTs through the halls, and through rooms with weary and surprised marines to Army troopers.

The first floor had been barricaded, fortified and had amenities such as couches, cushy chairs and the like more to ease the civilians that had either arrived with the column or had arrived after. There had been a decent spread of Marines and Army Troopers along with police officers…a group of SWAT officers to street officers and a few detectives as well as firefighters and quite a few civilians either resting, planning strategy, or doing whatever else they could to stave off boredom both on the first floor and four floors of the six floor office complex. There were a few machine gun emplacements behind overturned desks near the entrances to the complex, and as the Sergeant led the group of ODSTS they could probably see the place was fairly well set up even if there were areas that had been damaged by the bomb blast. Eventually, the Sergeant knocked on a wooden door to a lounge and opened it after hearing a bit of confirmation from within. Holding the door open, he’d let the ODSTS step inside the fairly economically yet comfortably furnished lounge featuring a couch Spade currently tried to sit up on using throw pillows to support his torso to more than a few easy chairs and a glass table. “Sir, this is the commander of the ODST group we spotted. He wanted to come down and say hello personally,”

“Thanks, Sergeant. Please, stay,” Mark said as an Army Sergeant had been having a little lunch in one of the easy chairs nearby whom happened to look up at the same time when the new group arrived. His weapon, an MA37 lay on the floor and leaned against one of the arms of the chair. Mark's own MA5C had been set on a small end table near Mark's head, and at the end of the couch. “I see you’ve met Sergeant Terrance, and the trooper sitting in that chair over there is Sergeant First Class Tipson..." he recited the unit Tipson had been in from the planet's Army Garrison. "I’m Captain Mark Sorelson, of Alpha Company, First Battalion, Seventh Marines…and do pardon if I don’t get up to greet you. I seem to have a nasty habit of having buildings collapse on me. Make yourselves comfortable,”

[zataro]

Second Lieutenant James 'Merc' Hudson.
West ODST LZ
Hope
Time and Date unknown.

James woke up inside his HEV pod. Quickly looking outside the window he could make out the shape of a pelican's wing covering his pod, propped up against a building making a sort of lean-to over his pod. Shaking himself awake he tried remembering what happened. Him and his squad were falling towards the western most LZ but then something from the center of the city shone with the light of a thousand suns, followed by a massive airborne collision with two pelicans sent debree everywhere and knocked him off course. Worst of all, his pod never set off the booster rockets. He couldn't recall many details of the impact itself, so he could only guess that he was knocked out cold then. With no clue of how long he was out cold, or let alone the time of day, thanks to the pelican wing blocking out his view of the sky, James pulled the door release only for it to fail. Opting to use the explosive method, James punched the four buttons of his pod. The door shot off the pod and ricochet off of the pelican wing landing a couple inches to the right of the pod. Now outside of the pod, M45E in hand he quickly took cover taking a quick look around the Pelican debree that was unintentionally serving as his shelter. The coast seemed clear so he tried contacting his squad.
"Helljumpers you copy?" All he got back was static. "Mary, Zeke. Do you copy?" He tried again. Again he was answered by static. "Any UNSC forces, this is Helljumper Second Lieutenant James Hudson, if you can hear me then I am seperated from my squad and require imediate assistance." James spoke loud and clear, but again his ear was greeted with annoying static. With his radio dead, he took off his helmet and discarded it, the static was only going to drive him insane and his Hud wasn't as useful to him, just due to how close range he got.
'Well, could this get any worse?' He thought. Just as he thought it, he heard footsteps to his flank. 'Of course.' He said, pumping his shotgun. Spinning out of cover, he pointed his shotgun towards the noise, and blasted an Elite on it's ass. Taking the advantage, he pumped another shell into the chamber and stuffed the barrel into it's mouth and pulled the trigger. The Elite's head exploded into a gory mess, staining the concrete with it's blood. But something didn't seem right to James. He had faced his fair share of Elites, and he knew that on shell from his shotgun was not enough to knock out it's shields from the distance he shot at, but he could see blood coming from it's chest from multiple entry wounds. Curious, James looted the aliens plasma rifle and pulled the firing mechanism, the thing didn't make so much as a spark.
'So, that light was an EMP.' He thought, discarding the now useless technology. Deciding to at least try and group up with somebody, anybody he turned in the direction he hoped was to the LZ north-East of where he was. As he was about to set off, he saw a green flare rise up in the sky, towards the marine LZ. That had to be the better option so decided to head there instead.

James wasn't the stealthiest person, but he somhow managed to make it to the location of the flare without using any of his shells aside from the two he used to kill the Elite when he woke up. The building was a four story building of some kind in the middle of a clearing. Although with enough debree to call it more of a junk yard then a clearing.
James was happy to see a handful of marines an ODSTs in the area, pulling one to the side he asked him "Can you tell me who is in charge here and wear I might find him?"
The marine, obviously intimidated by James' ugly mug said in a shaky voice. "Colonel Johnathon B'Sheau Killinger."

[Faclan]

SSA-012 - Yanme'e Swarm
Searching and being followed.

The Ultra continued to beat her wings as she searched, diving down once to find only mush as she had a moment of silence for her fallen Swarm-Mate. Before quickly taking to the air again to continue the search. Sening out very high frequency calls to try and find other airborn members. Three others answered the call, and two had already been confirmed dead, so that left seven members that were either buried, unable to respond, or dead themselves. She was searching alone however as the other three searched two together and one other alone. More calls going out across the now very runed city as they tried to locate their Swarm.

The two from the bus, female soldier and male engineer, who were currently being tailed by a squad of ODST's, dove down as they head weak responses to their chitters. The two of them landing in the repairs of a one story convenience store where they could see a chitinous arm sticking out of the rubble. Landing they hopped over as quickly as they could and started to try and dig their comrade out, completely unaware of the ODST's as they attempted to do what the ODSTs may see as something human, desperately trying to save one of their own irregardless of their own safety.

The other solo flyer, one of the Attaché's thankfully, was flying over the Covenant zone when the dawn light reflected off the Field Master. His previous mission pushed from its mind the male dived down toward the Sangheili and banked up to land right before him, bowing low as he did. "Honorable Master, the Swarm is scattered, buried, injured. We search for our own, but await your commands." He clicked out, staying at the pavement that had a large red smear over it from a unholy ape.


(NPC) Nas - Kig-Yar Markswoman
Under new command.

The solemn time of remembrance for the Sangheili that tried to save them all eventually passed as Nas quickly explained what had happened before the two new Sangheili had joined up and how she had been trying to help the Major make it back to the Covenant Artifact zone. They seemed like they didn't believe her fully, but since she had seemed generally saddened by the Majors death and they needed to get moving anyway. Taking out her knife again Nas headed off with her new Sangheili superiors toward the Artifact site...silently praying that nothing else horrible would happen today.

(Short because its mostly a movement post.)


Cad - Kig-Yar Major
Not worth it

Finally coughing out enough water to breath again Cad spent a few seconds just breathing as his vision slowly started to return to some semblance of proper. He eventually looked down at the pavement between his hands, water dripping off all of him as he was there on his hands and knees. All of this for two humans who likely knew they were there now or were likely dead already. No. Not worth the risk. Looking up at Web he shivered a little as he took off is scarf and wiped off his face a little, getting up onto his knees as he did so.

"Thank you Brother for saving me again...but we should just leave, try to make it back to the Artifact location or just hide out. Not worth it trying to get those two now." Cad clearly didn't like being defeated by this, but the cold of the water brought out the stinging pain in his legs again and he was shivering and drenched, miserable. Looking back at the building the humans were hiding in just confirmed it. It looked like it had taken some bad hits from the bomb and the Humans inside were likely dead themselves. Sighing a little he stuffed his soaked scarf into his belt and dragged himself to his feet, hissing a little in pain from his legs as he helped Pad up to her good foot and offered his hand to Web as well if he hadn't already got up.

It would be slow going with them all now even more injured, cold, and exhausted than they were before. And Cad pretty much suspected that they would run into Humans, but it was better than staying around here to drown and go after a prize that was now gone...Why must the Gods test him so?


Eugenius - Jiralhanae Advisor and Mystic
Moving out with the rear guard.

Grinning that his Nephew was so eager to get back into battle and leading his pack Eugine helped him over to a place where he could sit down as Tantarus worked on cleaning him up a little and splint his arm. Eugine helped as well during this time, as he had some skill in this, and even took a small vial out of his bandolier pouch and dripped some on the cuts on the damaged arm to try and lesson the pain. It wouldn't heal it any faster but they would have to make due with what they had. Once the splint and pain number was finished he left the youngin to clean up Garatus as he searched around for weapons for them.

While searching he noticed the Kig-Yar that had come over to warn them of the Field Masters orders slowly extracting himself from the major that looked pretty dead. Sad really that it wasn't the other way around - but of the Kig wanted to come he could get himself out. He finally found the errant Type-25, the weapon stuck inside a red octagonal sign by its blade, though after a good few tugs it slid out. Holding it under his arm, as his bad hand couldn't really check and hold it, Eugine was pleased to see that its Grenades were still loaded and like all proper Jiralhanae tech it would take more than a bomb and being thrown to break.

Heading back to his nephew he shook his head, still holding the Type-25 under his arm as he took out his Impaler and spin it in his good hand to offer the handle to Garatus. "Once you can move your other hand you can use this, until then you'll only waste grenades and not hit anything." Nodding matter of factly Eugine retrieved his staff and started to walk off, grenade launcher off to the side as he expected his other two extended family members to start to walk off as well back toward the Artifact site - pretty good for a Elder but then he was thrown a much shorter distance than his Nephew.


(NPC) Kot - Kig-Yar Scavenger. (Taken from Huka with permission...may be moved to Cads file after the mission.)
Trying to breath and extract himself from the massive ape hugging him.

Slowly opening his eyes Kot found it hard to breath...had some rubble fallen on him? Was he trapped and doomed to die!? Squirming under the weight he soon found the same pressure around the front of his chest but he was held off the ground slightly, his snout tip just touching the ground. Looking around he discovered that he was still held by that Jiralhanae Major...and he wasn't breathing. Cheeping quietly but solemnly for his saviors sacrifice he started to panic again as the lack of oxygen problem reared its ugly head again.

Starting to wriggle and pull Kot slowly started to worm his way up and out of the still tight grip of the dead ape. It was painful and slow going but at least going it was, and once his chest was free it was pretty much plain sailing and thankfully full lungs. Sucking in great lungfull's he reminded himself that if he survived all of this he would never take air for granted again. Finally flopping out of the tight grip he rolled onto his back and sat up, checking the pulse of the Jiralhanae and shaking his head...dead.

Looking up as he noticed that the few other Jiralhanae that were around were leaving. Probably moving to the Artifact or maybe to Master Til. Quickly reaching over the Jiralhanae he removed the Impaler pistol from the holster and also the Majors large knife, more of a sword to Kot, and ran after them - holstering the large pistol and holding the knife. He stumbled a bit with the larger weapons and his still slightly stunned senses, but was clearly eager to help as he tried to catch up.

"Wait for me!"

[BetaWülf]

Jiralhanae Captain Garatus

Garatus sat still as Tantarus finished cleaning up the wounds, and sighed as he noticed the Kig-yar from earlier wriggle out from under the Major that had saved the small reptillian, the Kig-yar checked for a pulse and there was none Garatus could tell from the bird-like creatures reaction. It was truly a shame to lose such a brave soldier, one who sacrificed himself to save another. Such selflessness was truly commendable and Garatus's pack would miss such a person and Garatus would make sure to personally inform his family of his Valor.

Garatus sighed when he was told he wasn't going to do any good with his Bruteshot and was offered an Impaler instead, it was a fine weapon but Garatus was very fond of his Bruteshot. He accepted it and stood, ready to proceed to the Artifact. He walked over to the dead Major and knelt, Garatus made a deep and sorrowful rumble as he swept his fingers over the Majors eyelids before carefully placing a small stone on each one. Garatus threw his head back and let out a howl of grief for those of his pack who had died and a tear rolled down his face, several distant howls of compassion could be heard as that was the Jiralhanae way. He stood and started to walk away with others when the Kig-yar called out to them to wait up for him.

"Hurry up then, we have an Artifact to liberate" Garatus said before starting to walk away again with his cousin and uncle towards the Artifact, following the scent trail of their pack.

[HollowSaber]

: Corporal Jake Furrow :
: Task Force 77, Nova Squad :

: Condition :
Moderate Disorientation

: Location :
Covenant Territory

: Objective :
Find the
Artifact

: Tags :
HollowSaber

The water was starting to become something of a monster as it became deeper and deeper, to say the least, and it was far too difficult to really march through in some places. However that wasn’t stopping the dark black figure from sloshing onwards, trudging up the street as if he was unconsciously moving. Yet, that wouldn’t be far too much of a stretch to say as the Trooper could barely keep himself orientated long enough to know where he was. Rather than think about such useless things, he kept walking forward. His destination was close; very close. Although he could not see any Covenant forces in the immediate area, Jake knew there were some around. Somewhere, lurking, waiting, watching; the Covenant were here. Out of everything that was going on between his walking, the rain, the water, and his fatigue, Jake reminded himself that danger was just another step away.

And still, the human soldier trudged on, pushing buckets of water out of his way as he moved towards the artifact. Where was it? Where had it gone? Had the longsword destroyed it? No, if it did than the electronic systems in his helmet would have returned, right? Seeing as his display was still flickering, Jake doubted the target had been hit directly. Still there was no definitive proof that it had not been destroyed either. The Covenant, which had littered the area Jake was in only a half an hour ago, was gone. Why? Was it because the artifact was indeed missing? Or was it because of the water? It was rising, steadily, as Jake continued on and it climbed up over his boots slowly until his foot was completely submerged. It wouldn’t be long before he would have to head to the rooftops.

“Talk about advanced warfare…” Jake felt as if he wasn’t exactly in the twenty-sixth century because of his situation. His “allies” were elsewhere, probably on the other side of the city, and he was walking through water with zero electronics like a deranged zombie chasing after some faint memory. Battle was nothing more than random skirmishes and many of the people he had met didn’t have a clue about what to do or what was going on. If he could call a mission FUBAR, then this operation would take the cake. Whoever was in charge here made a mistake somewhere, and Jake was becoming more and more irritated to the point that he felt like shooting the wate--what was that?

As he looked down at the water he hated so much at the moment, Jake saw a fin. Something wiggled beneath the surface there. A fish? No, not in this water. This was practically sewer water! There were no fish here. Were there? Wait, depending on the water levels, wildlife from the surrounding rivers could potentially flow into the streets. In the deeper areas, it would be even easier. That was when another fin popped up, and then another, and then three more. Jake found himself surrounded by dozens of the little fins as if they was a school of sharks around his feet.

“Uhh…. good… fish? OH MY GOD!” Suddenly out from beneath the small waves, the creatures began to leap at him. Razor sharp teeth, and legs with bristles used for latching onto things, came at his body with the intent to shred flesh. Jake moved quickly out of the path of the fish and found himself falling backwards into a building, tripping over the low concrete wall. Because of the flooding and damage done by the storm, water had flowed into the lower level of the place so Jake found himself falling flat on his back into the water. The fish were quick to notice and Jake found himself floundering in the low water as they came to attack again.

“Sonuva… Damn it!” Slapping his hand into the water, and onto the floor, Jake pushed himself backwards and kicked at the water to try and deter the hungry, mutated piranha-like creatures. His sniper rifle floated in the water, forcing Jake to drag it uncomfortable as he scrambled away from the coming fish. They nipped at his boots, at his fatigues, and even tried to get a bit of his weapons. Of course, the hard metal was safe from being eaten but his legs were not. The ODST winced as he felt his flesh be bit into and quickly rolled over, smashing the animal that bit him into the floor with the toe of his left boot. With a bit of a footing now, Jake propelled himself forward and crawled very quickly up a short set of steps, lifting himself out of the water and out of the jaws of the fish.

On dry land again, finally, and safe from the fish; Jake lay down on his chest and breathed heavily. His body hurt and he could feel his right calf tingling from where he was bitten. It wasn’t a major wound and from just looking at it the Trooper knew he wasn’t in any danger. It was only a nibble, thankfully. If one of those things had nabbed a mouthful than he probably would have been in trouble so he considered himself lucky. Though, now he would be forced to move across the rooftops or between buildings if he wanted to advance any further. With those things in the water, it was quite obvious that wading through the streets would be suicide.

“Salufa… Ku’tama…” The alien voice quickly made Jake perk up. He glanced forward towards the hallway that stretched through the area ahead of him and narrowed his eyes. It was dark so he couldn’t see much, but he could have sworn that he had heard…

“Rek tul yeu salu. Refk’tara.”

...Elites…

Fight for those you never see...

Coded By Saber of L33T T3@M

[CTWDaBearJew]

//**SITREP - 25281-25369-BM : 2/153@7/7**//
Asset: 2LT McRaven, Benjamin Ian - Platoon Leader, 2/153
Location: Friendly Position (Office Complex) - Refuge City, Refuge Colony
Current Mission: Reconsolidate and Reorganize

Ian nodded to the Sergeant and Corporal in turn, "Completely understandable; it's a zoo out there right now." He said shifting his helmet under his arm slightly, so it would be more comfortable. He chuckled, "Yeah were flesh and blood alright, but were not all out of the rain;" He said looking as they began to replace the barricades, "I've got men and women still out there," he quickly indicated Dodd to take his fire team and retrieve the rest of the platoon, as he followed the Sergeant further into the complex.

He grinned at the mention of hot showers and food, even if it was vending machines; that was a delicacy that ODST were seldom accustomed to on deployments. Looking over his shoulder, he caught eyes with Sergeant Slayers and raised his eyebrows, resulting in a chuckle and grin from her, "Oorah to the showers Marine!" She added leaning around Ian as they walked.

As they made their ways through the halls, he took note of the condition the Marines, and Army troopers were in; they were beaten and battered but they weren't down. He was surprised to see members of the local Army contingent still alive, a good sign; a very good sign, also was their effect on moral: just two ODST.

Reaching the first floor Ian took note of their defenses, and it looked like they'd done a pretty good job with what they'd had on hand to secure their location. He also noticed the number of civilians and first responders among the group, they'd done really well if they'd moved as far as they had with that many civilians. Ian was impressed, very much so; even his platoon would have been hard pressed to do any better in the current situation, if they'd stumbled upon civilians.

Stepping through the opened door, Ian took in it's occupants and Army SNCO and a Marine Captain, he presumed was the Captain the Sergeant had mentioned earlier. "Not a problem Sir, we feel your pain; we had quite the nasty drop in today." He replied before introducing himself and his battle, "Second Lieutenant Ian McRaven; and this is Sergeant Slayers one of my platoon's snipers; were from 2nd Platoon, One-Five-Three ODST Company attached to your 7th Marines Sir." With a wave of his hand he dismissed Slayers, "Thank you for your hospitality Sir, hopefully you have room for a few more; the rest of my platoon; well those who made the RV after our drop are a few blocks off waiting for the all clear." He half lied already having sent Dodd to retrieve the rest of the Platoon, "Were not a full strength by any means Sir, but were still in this fight; there's 23 of us including myself."

"Let us know how we can help."

[Cabel]

[City of Refuge: Captain Mark “Spade” Seamus Sorelson: Seventh Marines: Alpha Company: With Survivors: Current Situation: In an abandoned Office Complex]

“The One-Five-Three…” Mark said, with a small grin. “It’s an honor then. I didn’t know if any of the One-Five-Three were able to manage a relatively soft landing with the situation aptly described as FUBAR. Well met, Lieutenant McRaven and Sergeant Slayers. We’re in strung out shape, but we’re holding in there as you’ve no doubt seen,”

“It doesn’t matter how many there are of your platoon, as we have enough room and supplies to spare. We were fortunate to find most of the civilians hiding in a grocery store, and picked up some canned foods, and other things if you’re not in the mood for vending machine candies and chips. The Sergeant has probably apprised you of the fact we have running water, hot showers and facilities. We discovered this complex had a gas hot water heater. If you can get in touch with the rest of your platoon, bring them around and we’ll do our best to make them feel at home given the conditions. I’m sure some of Sergeant Terrance’s boys will be able to keep the welcome mat rolled out for you,”

“We could use the morale, with your presence only. I doubt that’s what you meant though. I don’t want to press your platoon any harder than necessary, considering what your people have been through. I’ll leave it to you to decide what assignments to hand out, and how best to use your people. The most important thing is to allow your people to get some rest, clean up and have some chow. Oh, and don’t mind the curiosity of the civilians. We’re doing our best to keep them entertained, and to keep their minds off of what’s happening out there. We have a Corpsman, an Army Corporal, with a few civilian volunteers on hand if you need to have any of your people checked out,”

[Zero The Hidden]

Rhavik Dremdai
City of Refuge
Waking Up

The steady pour of rain fell through the cracked ceiling, there was no other sound to break the white noise.

Rhavik's eyes fluttered open, and his silent breathing increased. There was a compression on his chest, and then it was gone. A quick scatter scuffed the end of the opposite side of the room and then faded into splashing water, whether it was Human or Covenant didn't seem to matter. 

The Ultra lay on his back, inhaling and exhaling at a rapid pace, trying to grasp all the air he could. His throat was stuffed, clogged with mucus that built up during his leave of unconsciousness. With a few blinks of the eye, Rhavik cleared his foggy vision. The Sangheili propped his arm up behind him as he pushed himself into a sitting position, his head ached and begged for him to lay back down, though the Ultra resisted. 

"Where are my soldiers?" The thought passed, surely they could handle themselves if they had survived. The thought of them not alive shook the Ultra beneath his skin, though he knew...if he had survived, they must have as well.

For a moment, Rhavik sat there - taking in what had happened. From the awakening of the Artifact, to the initial floods that poured in from the city's confinements to the Jiralhanae betrayal, and up to the bomb runs, the same bomb runs that had sent the officer into a state of silence and had scattered his creche.

Now, however, he was awake - alone at that. Rhavik smacked his helmet once more to get the ringing nonsense in his head out, then proceeded to come to a standing-point. With his crested helmet almost touching the chiseled ceiling over him, the Ultra checked over himself for all of his equipment - not that they were of any use of now. 

After he was reassured that all was accounted for, Rhavik marched over to the crumbled entry way of the room - more than likely what he smashed through to when the ordinance was dropped, sending him through the wall and into the cramped building. He peered around the shattered edge, scouring the area for any sign of movement, any sign of his formation.

He was met with nothing but a blinding downpour of rain, a flooded street, and the over-watch of towering buildings - some leaning over others, threatening to plummet at any given moment. This edged at the officer, now eager to get away from the damaged building he resided in. Then, when he concluded the safety of the area, he darted out of the structure and into the open street.

He stood there for a moment in the water swept road, eyes wide at the cold rain. It felt good on his bare hands, soothing the burns and scratches gained from his crash - it was short lasted, however, as he started over towards the sidewalk for slight concealment. It would do him better than the center of the street, attracting anything dwelling in the nightly haze.

"Gah, the steel will have to do..." Rhavik murmured to himself, glancing back at the disabled Concussion Rifle attached to his back, then a look at the twin curveblades residing on each side of his waist. He hoped he would not have to use them in his search for his creche - if his creche still existed, it would be a shame to get the fine weaponry bloodied so soon.

That was when he heard the voices of the Jiralhanae scouts, veering up just around the bend. 

[SuperCommando]

Silas-009
Gold One
Refuge, Planet Hope
40,000 feet above the city

From the air, the war-ravaged city, once vibrant and bustling, now appeared like a lifeless, drowning, crumbling skeletal corpse compared to its former glory. The toll war took upon the urban metropolis in such a short period of time was staggering – the collapsing buildings, the wide flood zones, and of course the utter lack of electric power. Under the gloomy shroud of night, the area felt less like a city and more like a colossal graveyard, forsaken and desolate.

Over seven and a half miles high, a lone aircraft soared defiantly through the darkness above the foreboding cityscape, a mere speck in the night sky.

“Flying over Refuge at angels forty, heading zero nine zero. Five minutes to drop off. Commencing internal depressurization.”

The pilot’s voice echoed through the dim troop bay over the Pelican dropship’s intercom. The three special operators waiting patiently inside could sense the impending moment of truth. Finally, it was time.

“Depressurization complete. Opening rear hatch.”

A green light came on at the back of the troop bay and the hatch released with a hiss and a mechanic yawn that was quickly lost under the scream of the high-speed wind outside. Waiting just on the other side of the hatch, Silas gripped the ceiling handhold a little tighter as the chill wind began furiously whipping at his clothes. As soon as the hatch dropped, he and his fellow members of Gold Team were bathed in starlight.

Silas breathed deeply beneath his respirator mask as he watched the scenery pass far below them and shivered. No climate control – it was that more than anything else he missed about his old armor. Instead, the Marine armor he was outfitted in left him exposed to the elements. He didn’t like it, but he’d suck it up.

“Visibility is low. External temperature minus fifty one degrees Celsius.” The pilot reported. “Two minutes to drop off. Get ready.”

Silas looked back at his teammates. He held up two fingers, signaling to Dani, Gold Two, and waved her forward. Acting as impromptu jumpmaster, he’d make sure his team jumped safely first before following himself.

There was no need for last-minute words, they all knew the plan. A final transmission from the Iowa indicated a blue flare had been observed recently, which now served as allied forces’ LKP. That was the team’s current target. All they needed to do was wait for the pilot to deliver them to the proper location.

“Prepare for drop off. Countdown… five… four… three… two… one…”

It was time for the SPARTANs to fly.

[HollowSaber]

: Corporal Jake Furrow :
: Task Force 77, Nova Squad :

: Condition :
Mobile

: Location :
Covenant Territory

: Objective :
Find the
Artifact

: Tags :
HollowSaber

 
A massive hoof stepped out through the dark hallway, entering the open area which was the messy entrance lobby of a building. Closely following that single hoof and its lingering brother, one more set followed. Their owners, a pair of fully armored Sangheili, stepped forward with their weapons raised as they scanned the half-submerged zone before them. One warrior held a plasma rifle, the other a Covenant Carbine, however both were vigilant and kept their distance from any objects. They sniffed at the air, blinked their reptilian eyes, and flexed their mandibles in thought as they slowly tore the room apart in their minds. After a patient scan, one of them made his way forward towards the set of stairs that separated him and his ally from the water. As he closed in, he glanced at the wet floor and slowly lowered himself to a knee. The dry area had been disturbed. There was a mix of blood and water going up the stairs, but nothing going back down into it. To the Sangheili, there was no doubting that something, or someone, was nearby in the building. Where they were, however, was a completely different problem.

The tracks which came out of the water reached only to the top of the stairs. Beyond that there was nothing. It was strange, but not unexpected. The Sangheili’s enemy was resourceful and he knew that the Humans were crafty. Nature was not helpful one-hundred percent of the time either so relying on the water was something he would not do. For now, he would simply have to search the entire area. The warrior’s brother was becoming ancy, and his plasma rifle was shaking. It made him chuckle at the sight, but it was not surprising. The Minor had only been brought into the creche at the beginning of the invasion. Before that the newcomer was only a recruit at his clan’s academy. How sad.

“Sorana.” The Sangheili muttered as he made his way over to the trembling child. Sorana perked up and glanced over, his body becoming rigid under his armor.

“Major.” It was almost laughable how frightened of death the warrior had become. He was originally bold and daring when he was practicing. Now it was completely different during the actual war.

“Salees fur’a ku-sha.” With a wave, the Major motioned his underling to search the other side of the room. Sorana, reluctantly, nodded his head and looked over at the other side of the room. He hesitated for a moment, but when he seemed to have settled his mind he started to walk.

One well thought out step after another, the Minor moved as quietly as he could along the edge of the wooden, Human furniture. From the Major’s position, the Minor looked as if a small bug would startle him into firing his rifle. Yet, to the Sangheili’s surprise, his underling reached the other side of the long barrier without pulling the trigger. There, the Minor paused so he could scan the entrance to the small room in front of him. Seeing it clear, he then looked behind the long desk while carefully walking to the room. The Major relaxed a little and rather than stare at his Minor, his eyes drifted to his flickering motion tracker. For the few seconds it was on, the Major could see his Minor entering the room. Glancing back up, the Major watched the back foot of his Minor lift and disappear inside.

“Sorana, des sula ceesha.” The Major spoke just loud enough for his voice to travel to the room. He didn’t like it when Sorana walked out of sight. That was never a good thing because of how much trouble the young warrior tended to get himself into when no one was looking. Back on the carrier, Sorana had accidentally blown up three fuel rods when the Major took his eyes off the bastard for a few minutes. He didn’t want to make the same mistake twice.

“Sorana!” Des sula ceesha!” The motion tracker on the Major’s display cut out, blinding the warrior from seeing the position of his underling. Cursing underneath his breath, the Sangheili began to cross the room. His carbine was tightly squeezed in his hands.

“Sorana!” After the third call, the Major became uneasy. The Minor was a fool and wandered off plenty of times but he always answered when called for. Why was he not answering now?

“Soran-” As the Major turned the desk, he raised his Carbine up and stomped forward hard, freezing just before he entered the small and dark room. Sorana stepped out at that same moment and found himself lifting his chin to avoid getting an allied rifle shoved down his throat.

“M-Major! Resha! Resha!” The apology was nothing but air to the Major. The Officer snarled at his underling and smacked the young warrior upside the head.

“Des sula ceesha!” Maybe telling the fool thrice not to walk out of sight would make it stick.

“Resha.” The Minor whimpered as he bowed and rubbed his head.

“Ku-sha fena?” At the Major’s question, the Minor shook his head. There was no sign of anything in the room. So where had their company gone…?

The Major scowled and pushed his underling out of the way, choosing to enter the room himself. Inside, the Sangheili was blatantly surprised. Several brown cubes of various sizes covered the walls. Some stacks reached the ceiling, and others had been tipped over so they could not anymore. The Sangheili grumbled at the sight and lowered his rifle, looking from right to left slowly as he looked for any sign of their plus one. To his dismay, the area looked far to untouched to be a hideout spot.

“Ana ga mira?” The Minor spat as he took a step inside the room. The Major hissed and as his display flickered on, his eyes were suddenly drawn to his motion tracker. A red dot flared just behind him and his Minor.

“SORANA!” Turning quickly, the Major was just in time to see his Minor be jumped on by some small, black figure. The Minor roared out in surprise and stumbled backwards as a small hand clutched onto the back of his harness. In an attempt to resist and get whatever was on him off; the Minor dropped his plasma rifle, leaned backwards, and reached over his head with both hands. After some stomping around and wiggling, Sorana finally grasped onto the small arm of the black figure, but before he could pull something sharp was thrust into the back of his neck. Blood splattered into the air and the Minor wheezed heavily. In the dim light, a black object shimmered as it protruded from the Minor’s throat. The young warrior stared at his Major, attempting to breathe as he fell to his knees. The Major stared in awe, hesitating as he watched his underling fall.

“Resha…” Reaching to his belt as his hands fell, the Minor grasped his plasma grenades and primed them. The blue lights flared and the Minor glanced over his shoulder towards the black figure which stood there. With a grin, the young warrior twisted and reached forward. At the same moment, a ballistic gunshot rang out, followed by water splashing.

As the plasma grenades reached their peak, the Major swiftly stepped out of the doorway and behind the wall. Not a second later, the four explosives blasted the Minor apart, filling the air with deadly shrapnel and super-heated plasma. The Major shut his eyes and turned his face away from the hot air that blew through the doorway, snarling loudly as his Minor passed. Once the heat wave was over, the Sangheili raised his carbine and looked into the open space. Aside from the blood on the floor, the scattered pieces of his underling, and the marks of where the Minor’s armor and weapons had been blasted too; there was no sign of the human again. Where was he? Had he been blown up by the grenades?

Out from the right, just behind the desk, a small black canister popped into the air and flew across the room. Before the Major could even think about what it could be, it tapped the floor at his feet and blasted apart. A grenade?! No! Instead of being hit with shrapnel and fire, a loud bang shattered his ear drums, a bright light blinded his eyes, and a small wave of pressure smashed against his chest, leaving him dazed. The Sangheili roared as he stumbled to his right. His vision blurred and the dark room swirled around him, making it nearly impossible to know which way he was actually facing. Even went he tried to freeze and stand up straight he found himself leaning or twisting. What kind of attack was that?!

When his vision finally started to collect itself and his ears started to calm down, the Major slowly oriented himself to face the door. There, the black figure stood. The Major roared and raised his carbine in an awkward manner but wasn’t able to really settle it on his shoulder correctly. Even so, he pulled the trigger. A shot which he thought was perfectly aligned slammed into the wall, producing a negative result. Before he could get another shot off, the black figure was moving towards him. Dropping his carbine, the Sangheili accepted the wish for close-quarters and stomped forward, hands ready. However, his right hoof didn’t listen to his mind correctly and landed awkwardly. He roared at the feeling and leaned forward, planting his right hand onto the floor to steady himself. In that split second that he looked at the ground, the figure had moved into his face.

A heavy knee drilled into the Major’s mandibles and caused the Sangheili to lose his balance further. He nearly toppled over but was able to keep himself steady for another second. As another kick came towards him, the Sangheili rolled to his right to avoid the hit. Without much thought to his surroundings, the Major rolled right into the stacks of brown cubes. As he smashed into them, they quickly toppled over and slammed onto his body. Confused and in pain, the Sangheili roared loudly, flailing his arms at the same time as to try and protect himself from the aerial attacks. No! He couldn’t die here! And not to some stupid inanimate objects!

With a hard shove, the Sangheili pushed the heavy pile up off him and began to roll back out of the hole he had found himself in. He was still dazed from the strange explosive from earlier, and the cubes weren’t helping, but he would still fight! The Major roared his battlecry and forced his way back out of the brown containers and was finally able to see the room again after some wiggling, but only for a moment. The black figure moved from in front of him to just above his head. Looking up towards the bastard, the Major swung his hand in an awkward grasping motion; to no avail. The figure stepped backwards and to the Major’s left, and then reached forward with much more precision. The being grabbed onto the Major’s harness and pulled hard, using the Major’s own forward momentum to yank the warrior from the pile of cubes. Surprised at the sudden assistance, and because he was unready for it, the Major flailed his arms slightly and yelped as he slammed, face first, onto the floor.

Pain filled the Warrior’s head and it pounded uncomfortable because of the fierce impact. Even so, he planted his hands on the floor and started to push up. The instant his head lifted from the floor, a heavy boot slammed down onto the back of his head. Unable to resist effectively, the Major’s head was forced onto the floor and bashed against it roughly. A pained groan echoed out from the Warrior’s throat as blood began to drip from his nose. Kicking a warrior while he was down…? How disrespectful…

“Get up.” The being muttered as he delivered a hard kick to the Sangheili’s ribs. The Warrior winced and coughed in pain before he snarled. Pushing up off the floor fiercely, the Major returned to his feet. He stumbled backwards a few feet but was able to keep himself upright this time. His vision was much better than before and his ears weren’t ringing as badly. He could now see his enemy; a Human soldier. One of the black ones that dropped from the skies.

“Domarasu…” The Major grinned and raised his fists. With a flick, his right gauntlet engaged and a small energy dagger came to life. The pathetic human had let him recover. What an idiot!

“mmm?” Strange, the human didn’t even flinch at the sight of the dagger. Did he want to die so badly? Fine then. He would make this quick…

Squeezing his fists tight, the Major sprinted forward and lunged across the room as he attacked. He snarled loudly, thirsty for blood, and swung his energy blade down towards the human soldier. Yet, unlike the others who ran, this human remained stationary for an extra second. The Major adjusted his swing because of this, pulling his wrist in a little closer to himself. In a another surprising move, the black soldier slammed his left forearm against the Major’s before the hot blade could come to close. It stalled the strike for a moment, but after adding some extra pressure, the Sangheili could feel the Human waiver. The Major leaned close to the pitch black visor and growled loudly in a feeling of victory.

“Fewl…” The Sangheili muttered. The Human only huffed. How disgraceful!

With a hard shove, the Sangheili put all of his strength into his swing and twisted his core, adding even more power! The human grunted and caved in, his arm giving out. Yes! Victory to the Covenant! The Major grinned as the air in front of him was sliced open but the sparkling, super heated blade. However, that was the frightening part; the Major had only cut air. Glancing to his right, the Major caught sight of the human. So, he had slithered his way out! No matter!

Twisting his wrist, the Sangheili cut back through the air. The human ducked underneath the swing but wasn’t able to avoid it completely. A small cut split on the front crest of the human’s helmet, leaving a mark that the Major had hit him. The Major smirked at the sight, but again the human didn’t flinch. Rather, the man lunged forward and through the Elite’s guard. The black blade shot forward like a bullet as the human tried to skewer him. Leaning away, the Major narrowly avoided his skull being pierced and his fight being ended. Clever human… but not clever enough!

Using his free hand the Major slapped the human’s blade out of the way, twisting the human to the right, and punched his own energy dagger at him. The man stepped and leaned forward, avoiding the blade barely as it slid just passed his pack. The Major hissed and cut to the right once more, this time trying to catch the human from behind. Once more, the blade only cut air as the human dove and rolled out of the way. The man swirled and twisted his knife into a reverse hold; a rare sight to the Sangheili. The Major took his own stance and narrowed his eyes on the human. There was only one warrior the Major knew who did such a motion, and it was that same warrior that had taught him how to fight.

This time, the Human moved first…

* * * 

“My turn…” Jake thought to himself before surging forward. Though, he moved in a much different pattern than his opponent. Rather than charge straight forward and tall, Jake ducked down low and skipped from his left foot to his right. As if he was skating on ice, the Trooper moved from one side to the next. Bringing his blade close to his visor, he nearly kissed the back of his knife’s hilt as he jumped to the right. As the Elite tried to keep up, the alien turned slightly back and forth until Jake was in its reach. Almost as expected, the beast thrust its blade-gauntlet forward. Jake hopped to the left and moved right alongside the Elite’s forearm.

Raising his right arm, Jake smashed his forearm against the Elite’s and pushed it in the same direction as the Elite had swung, causing the Alien to twist slightly rather than pull back. The beast snarled and roared in defiance, but it was unable to protect itself as Jake cut through the Elite’s lower abdomen. The exposed, unprotected flesh split like butter as the sharpened combat knife carved a deep wound through it. Purple blood splattered and spilled out from the wound, and a loud, angered yell filled the room. Before the Elite could retaliate, Jake swiftly stabbed his knife into the creature’s stomach region thrice, causing as much damage as possible before he was forced to drop to a knee. The arm he had pushed out of the way swung towards him, whiffing and swinging just over the top of his head.

Now at the Elite’s feet, Jake swung to the right, flipped his knife, and then cut back to the left. Blood flowed through two slits on each of the Alien’s thigh armor pieces, and the Elite stepped backwards to avoid being cut again. It snarled loudly, pain and anger seething from his throat as it fought to remain balanced. Jake returned to his feet and flicked his knife towards the floor, removing some of the blood from its metal edge. Then, he raised it back up in front of himself, ready to dance some more…

* * * 

The bastard! The human had actually drawn blood, how shameful! Pain filled the Major’s body and he found it extremely difficult to remain standing, but he did so anyways. Falling to a human would bring shame to his entire family, to his entire clan! He would not go down so easily… and he would not go down to such a pathetic bag of flesh! No! He refused! Even as blood soaked the insides of his armor and he could feel it flow over his skin, the Warrior held firm. Narrowing his eyes on the human, the Major could see the end. He was going to finish this quickly.

Moving forward, the Major threw a heavy punch with his left fist, swinging almost wildly in an attempt to make some sort of contact. The Human stepped backwards and to the left to avoid the blow, but was nearly defenseless as the Sangheili followed quickly with a crossing-punch from his right. Yet, due to his injuries, the Major’s movements were a little slower. Instead of cutting through the Human’s black mask and killing him, the Sangheili simply cut another line into the man’s helmet. Angered, the Warrior swung back to his right and cut across the air for the third time, but it was at that moment that he realized his mistake.

The human predicted the attack and ducked easily underneath the swing, leaving the Sangheili almost defenseless. Just as he had done before, the human jumped at him and attempted to puncture the bottom of his helmet. The Warrior would not be fooled this time! Instead, he leaned backwards and grabbed the human by the throat. Squeezing and roaring at the same time, the Major threw the human across the room into the brown cubes on the opposite side of where he had fallen into before. The fresh stack toppled over, covering the tiny man easily. At the sight, the Major grinned wide and lowered his wrist for a moment. Victory was hi--wait… Before the Warrior took a step, he saw a blue light in the corner of his eye. At first, it looked as if it was coming from the door, but then the Major discovered it was on his… his waist?

“Kasioko…” Clever…

* * * 

The plasma grenade erupted in a brilliant light, tearing through the room with a loud and vicious bang. From beneath the boxes, Jake was protected from much of the dangerous explosion so he wasn’t harmed. However, his ears still rang and he could feel a wave of heat wash over him because of the explosion’s proximity. That fight was close, too close. He had decided to let the Elite stand in an attempt to kill it honorably, as the aliens seemed to enjoy such a thing, but immediately after he regretted that decision. Thankfully the Minor from before blew himself up. If he hadn’t, Jake probably would have been in some trouble. He had forgotten where the bastards put their grenades.

Either way, the little tussle was over and Jake was able to take his time with getting out of the boxes he had been thrown into. Unlike the Elite, he wasn’t under any pressure so he didn’t have to flop like a fish during his own escape. Reaching and wiggling, Jake pushed the boxes out of his escape path fairly easily until he was finally able to place one of his hands on the ground. After that, he simply dragged and slithered his way out of the crushing weight of the brown objects of doom until he was able to lay on the ground. He felt free again once he was out of the pile, but he was also fairly tired. The fight had almost killed him a few times and his helmet had saved him.

Jake grunted as he pushed up onto his knees and sat down on his butt for a moment so he could pull his helmet off. He didn’t want to right now, but he had to see the condition of his headwear before he advanced. The Elite’s energy dagger had come extremely close twice and his visor had reacted to the radiation. If the Elite had done any serious damage, Jake needed to know. To Jake’s surprise he didn’t see much. There were only two places where he had been marked by the Covenant weapon and they weren’t too bad. He had thought the blade cut off a chunk of his helmet or something comparable, but there was only a small cut on the crown of his helmet and a decent sized line running along the right side of it. They looked almost like battle scars.

“Cool.” Jake whispered to himself.

His admiration was cut short as the sound of a quiet yelp caused the ODST to look up. He narrowed his eyes on the door and caught sight of the top of an orange methane tank peeking over the opposite side of the desk in the lobby; Grunts. Jake mumbled a curse to himself and quickly slide his helmet back on while getting to his feet. He grabbed the Elite’s legs and pulled the alien out of the way of the door, dumping it in the pile of boxes to the side where it had stupidly jumped into earlier. Then, he moved to the door and put his back against the left side. From there, he peered out into the lobby and caught sight of four Grunts waddling into the area; one red, three orange.

Jake considered drawing his pistol and simply popping them, but he didn’t know if there were more or not. Even with the silencer on his pistol, the gunshot from earlier echoed and had obviously attracted some attention. He wouldn’t risk that again. The building was quite large so he had to remain patient. He kept his blade ready and wiped the flat sides of it on his right forearm as to remove the Elite blood which lingered on the weapon. When he was ready, the ODST moved out of the way of the light and waited. He could hear the Grunts chittering and yapping at one another on the other side of the wall very clearly; if only he knew what they were saying...

* * * 

“Seep yah. Mim Mim, socu!” Major JinJin barked at the tired rascal which was MimMim. The fool had skipped out on their naptime and instead played with one of the Unggoy from the Sangheili Leader’s file. It was a stupid choice because fighting was always around the corner. After hearing the gunshot and seeing the Sangheili were gone, it was obvious they would have to check out the source. Now, JinJin would make him suffer.

“Yis, Yis…” The tired idiot yawned under his methane mask as he waddled around the table. JinJin glared at him as he passed, but the Minor Unggoy didn’t seem to mind it too much. He knew his mistake but he wasn’t one to care about such things.

“RemMem, RelRel.” The Major caught the attention of the other two Minors in his group of children and waved them to follow him and MimMim. They were arguing over who’s food nipple tasted better and it was getting pretty heated, but JinJin knew the answer to that so he didn’t add fuel to the fire; his did! How stupid! JinJin always got the better nipple! He tasted them all before he let the others even enter the room! Why argue over something you can’t even win?

JinJin chuckled to himself as he turned around the edge of the desk. Though, during the moment his eyes were closed and he was laughing, he slammed into the back of a non-moving object; MimMim! Why had he stopped? Was he stupid too?! This wasn’t a carnival!

“MimMim!” JinJin barked and snarled underneath his mask as he stopped his tumbling. When he looked at the back of his ally, the other Unggoy hadn’t even budged. What was with him?!
“MimMim, alin sai?” Walking up beside the frozen Minor, JinJin nudged and wiggled MimMim in an attempt to get his attention. However, MimMim seemed far too focused on something else. Rather than waste his time with the statue, JinJin turned his eyes forward and followed the path of MimMim’s. There, he saw what MimMim saw.

In the middle of the floor in front of them, a bright black mark was pasted into the ground. Around it, blood and flesh were strewn everywhere. There was even a plasma rifle on the floor. What made it worse was that the spot on the floor wasn’t alone. Just beyond it and through a small door, a pool of Sangheili blood covered a space on the floor in the next room. From that pool, there was a drag mark which went off into the shadows. What… what happened here?

“MimMim… chesi ti…” JinJin nudged the Unggoy beside him, ordering the underling to go check it out.

“Washi or niba?! chesi ti!” MimMim barked back, refusing the order and threw it right back at JinJin. The Major hissed and smacked the Minor upside the head with his plasma pistol.

“Chesi ti, MimMim!” JinJin grabbed and shoved the Minor forward, but before he could let go MimMim grabbed him. The two Unggoy began to wrestle on the floor, hissing and barking at each other as they rolled towards the door. The other two, RemMem and RelRel began to chant and bark after them from a safe distance. Once he had the upper hand though, and once they were close enough, JinJin rolled under MimMim and kicked him through the door.

“WAAH!” The Unggoy flailed and flew through the doorway, unable to save himself as he entered the death room. He screamed in fright for a moment and then coughed as he hit the floor. Quickly, the Unggoy rolled onto his stomach and began to crawl back towards the door. MimMim yelped and barked, frightened for his life as he tried to flee. However as he reached the final threshold, his eyes were caught by something to the side. A black hand shot forward and grasped MimMim by the throat. a moment later; MimMim was pulled out of view and was gone.

“...MimMim?” JinJin asked quietly. The chanting from the other two Unggoy had stopped, but that only made things worse. The air became heavy and JinJin could hear himself breathe from how quiet it had become. What was that hand? Was it one of the Sangheili? Were they messing with JinJin? Were they punishing MimMim for his actions?! But he had only gone to play! Why?!

“MimMim!” JinJin yelped and waddled forward into the room, turning left immediately to see if he could find MimMim. However, when he did all he saw were two black poles. Following them up, he found himself looking at… a human?
“Bu--WAH!” The black hand from before! NO!

* * * 

Much like JinJin had, MimMim was grabbed by the evil black hand from the pits of Sangheili hell. There was nothing to do now! Oh they were gone! Now only he and RelRel were left. RemMem groaned annoyed cries beneath his mask and flailed his arms tiredly as he complained. RelRel hissed and punched his file-brother, causing the unready Unggoy to stumble to the left and fall onto its face. After, RelRel didn’t waste anytime and began to walk towards the door. RemMem barked at him, telling to to stop but RelRel was far to courageous for that, he had always been that way so there was nothing stopping him now. He probably had the right idea anyways. Unless that black hand had a third, then they were safe! Right? With that logic, there was nothing RemMem had to fear!

RemMem popped up to his feet and waddled after RelRel, happily hopping from one foot to the next as they neared the door. It was time for the moment of truth! who was behind the kidnappings?! Who was the villain to this mystery?! Who was keeping RemMem from his most delicious food nipple?! Where did RelRel just go?! The Unggoy was just in front of him, but then he went left. Like the others. Without a sound. What?

“RelRel?” Stepping into the room, RemMem turned immediately to his left. Suddenly, the three bodies of his friends fell out of the shadows and slammed into him. RemMem yelped and tried to support them, but he wasn’t strong enough for all three at once! What kind of game was this?! Wait a minute! The mysterious black hand!

* * * 

As Jake shoved his knife into the throat of the fourth Grunt, he heaved in discomfort but grinned as he watched the life leave the eyes of his kill. He was surprised how stupid the creatures could be, but he was thankful as well. Initially Jake planned to charge the room and attack them as quickly as possible. When they started to simply walk into the room, Jake wondered if they knew where he was. Thought, they never shot him so many they were confused. How sad? Maybe? Whatever.

Pulling his knife free, Jake cleaned the weapon off and then sheathed it as he walked out of the room. With no more signs of Covenant, Jake was finally able to continue forward. He had wasted almost ten minutes wrestling with the aliens, and those ten minutes were precious. Yet during that time he also was able to formulate a bit of a plan. There were Covenant here and they were most likely everywhere. In addition, the Major was able to detect him earlier without seeing him when his visor popped back on so the Elites most likely had some electronic capabilities back. Jake would have to be careful on his way forward.

With a tug Jake retrieved his pistol off his waist as he moved away from the carnage and into the hallway he had avoided before. Making his way down it, Jake scanned the doors and walls for signs of stairs, or something. There was an elevator shaft but no matter how many times he smashed the call buttons, nothing happened. He wasn’t going to wait five minutes to move thirty seconds worth of distance either. So he kept moving. Jake almost gave up when he reached an intersection, but he turned left and pressed on. There had to be a way up. Relying on an elevator for vertical movement was stupid, and if there was a fire everyone in the building above the fourth floor would be screwed. That was when he remembered that most buildings had stairs in the corners. The Trooper grumbled to himself for worrying and jogged all the way to the end of the hall.

Slowing to a stop, Jake paused in front of the stairwell door that was at the end of the hall and checked his pistol; the safety was off, the silencer twisted on tight, and the magazine. Good. With his weapon ready, Jake grabbed the door knob, twisted, and pushed it open. Swiftly, he checked his right, down the right stairwell into the basement, up the stairs, and then behind the door as he slid it quietly closed. Clear, he began to head slowly north, keeping his back to the wall and his pistol pointed up.

Fight for those you never see...

Coded By Saber of L33T T3@M

[Zero The Hidden]

Rhavik Dremdai
City of Refuge
Takin' Out the Trash

The voices broke the steady night, shattering the ever-so delicate silence that has been weaved so carefully. Rhavik's hearing adjusted towards the growling language - identifying the Jiralhanae words, there was a shuffle of laughter and then an older, more gruff voice shouting. The Ultra slipped into a thin alleyway, out of sight from the main road, spotting an iron door - it was rusted over.

The Sangheili pushed through the aged entryway, entering a dark room and closing the creaking doors behind him. It was cramped and dense - dark at that - and full of quick bursts of the same scattering sound - which quickly died down once more, there were windows facing the street with boards nailed over them and mold on the sills.

The voices grew closer, they were nearby - more than likely on the same block now. 

"Ha! So that's what happened, really?" A small voice spoke, fooling around. "Yeah, there was not a chance for those mongrels! Haha!" A voice replied.

"Both of you, shut your mouths, or I'll have you both skinned on the edge! If you fools can not keep your eyes peeled for the damned lizards, you are of no use to me!" The superior voice broke the conversation, silencing the chatterboxes. Rhavik pondered for a moment, them came to a conclusion for the behemoths outside. They were hostile, talking down to their superiors like that, searching for the "lizards"! Despicable and disrespectful, they would be sorry for there poor choice of words.

The Ultra peered out of a crack in the boards, big enough for him the see out of but small enough for it not to be visible from the outside. There was a file, five Jiralhanae minors accompanied by a major - all of them were armed with their bladed carbines, and some had small axes hanging off of their belts while others had a dagger or a machete.

It was a temping gamble, and Rhavik needed the equipment. The odds of victory were unfair for the brutish creatures, unaware of the lurking Sangheili just a few meters away now. 

A few moments past, and Rhavik had now come to a decision. Gripping the twin curveblades in his hand tightly now, the Ultra waited - eager to eradicate the beasts outside. It seemed as if hours had passed until the Jiralhanae had slugged their way through the water and positioned themselves right in front of the shambled building that provided Rhavik with concealment.

Then, with a grin of content, Rhavik took his launching steps away from the window. He waited for a moment, then dashed forward with all of his speed and smashed through the weak boards and cracked glass. He tumbled to the ground with a smooth roll, landing on his knee. He peered up for a second, then launched at the surprised Jiralhanae. 

A minor of the file was the first in contact with the barreling Sangheili, there were quick shouts of readiness but it was too late. The snarling of the minor was abruptly halted as the blade of the curveblade slipped through the Brute's thick hide. Then, with a quick lash, Rhavik pulled the blade from the curled up Jiralhanae as it tumble towards the ground. Spinning around, the Ultra narrowly sidestepped the slash of a second minor's ax, then proceeded to grab hold of the outstretched arm - bringing the steel down.

The Jiralhanae pulled back in surprise, letting out a roar of pain as his forearm was severed from his body. The suffering was ended as a swift kick to the Brute's chest was delivered, crunching the behemoth's bones and sending him spiraling onto another file minor. They both tumbled to the ground, dead weight accompanied to the one on the bottom. 

The file was now catching up with the situation. The remaining two minors drew their weapons as the major already was locking onto the swift Sangheili, or was at least attempting to. The third minor on the ground was now pushing his deceased brother off of him, snarling as he did so. 

Rhavik spun around once more, delivering a quick gash on a minor's face - then bringing the second blade into the mongrel's stomach. The Jiralhanae stood there for a moment before the life flooded from his eyes and the body tumbled to the ground as the blade was pulled back.

That's when the hail of heated spikes came spewing from the Brute's firearms, two sources. The majority of the projectiles missed the Sangheili completely, while one here or there grazed Rhavik's armor as he evaded about the swirled formation. The fallen minor on the ground scrambled up from his position now, reaching for his machete instead of his carbine. Fool.

Rhavik darted for the charging machete wielding Brute, slipping past the swinging blade and behind the minor with a stunned pin to the side. As the Brute clutched a hold of his side, while at the same time craning his head to track the Ultra, Rhavik stretched his arm around the stubby Jiralhanae's neck, capturing the warrior in a blood choke and whirling him around to shield Rhavik from the oncoming spikes. 

Jolts of the super-heated metals pierced the Jiralhanae's flesh, sending quakes through out the mangled infantry-man. As the body was ripped to pieces, the Sangheili hurled the body away, zigg-zagging in the shallow street towards the two remaining soldiers. With lighting speed agility, Rhavik leaped into the air - landing with all of his weight on top of the final Jiralhanae minor, pushing the arched carbine out of the way as he collided. 

The Brute was instantly crushed beneath the force as the crunch of bones shattered the flying projectiles. There was a snarl from the minor, then a low wheezing as he faded away. Rhavik didn't take pride in this, though the savages had brought this upon themselves. And while the law of competition may be sometimes hard for the individual, it is best for the race, because it ensures the survival of the fittest in every department.


The thoughts drained as the Sangheili spun around to last last member of the file, the major, only to be met with a sever blunt force to his chest - sending Rhavik soaring through the air. He landed a few meters away, struck by the pure force as the major's fist met the Sangheili's chest. Rhavik gasped for air as the Jiralhanae major strode forwards, towering over the Ultra with it's rifle pointed at the shield-less officer's head. 

The Brute peered into Rhavik's eyes, full of mischief. Then with the crane of the head, he howled into the air with a hint of victory - just as he froze in place. The smell of burnt fur and flesh returned to the Ultra, gripping the bladed carbine that had been picked up from the nearby carcass of the previously deceased minor. A pattern of heated spikes resided on the major's chest as he tumbled to the ground beside Rhavik. 

The Ultra lay there in the now bloodied street, taking in the air around him once more. After a moment more of rest, Rhavik stood up against the nightly rain. His chest hurt, and breathing was fairly difficult. His senses were scrambled, but that didn't halt the Sangheili as he rummaged through the bodies of the file - the night was filled with silence, engulfing the Sangheili once again.

[deceit]

Sangheili Major Ra'ab Xirsasee

Ra'ab watched as the stubbly Unngoy slipped off his tricycle and moved towards Ra'ab, whose eyes had been shifting from root-top to roof-top, wary of an ambush. He focused on the little creature as it approached him. "Bad guys ahead." The Unggoy communicated, attempting not to appear too obvious.

An ambush? Just as he suspected. He looked to Dakek, who seemed to be nervously pretending he'd seen nothing. But based on his occasional glances, Ra'ab could discern where the enemy was discovered. Up ahead there were a series of well placed vehicles and rubble. Defensible locations, too. His eyes perked up to the rooftops once more. He saw two buildings not quite as high as the others. That's where the rest real danger would lurk. While distracted with the ground ambush, the enemy, Jiralhanae or Kig-Yar, would have perfect shots at his entire group. At least ten of his troops would be dead before they even knew there was danger. Likely after losing the initial surprise, if they were Jiralhanae, they would use spiker grenades or jump down into the fight in order to break the ranks.

It was a good ambush. But Ra'ab could see right through it. He turned around, "Go to the right flank, Talnay. Keep the soldiers close to the walls, near the alleys. When the fighting occurs, our more vulnerable troops can break for cover. I will be with the left group." He looked ahead. On the left side there was a pile of rubble and more to the middle a downed vehicle. He would be able to get much closer. Perhaps he and a few nearby Sangheili could even breach the rubble and vehicle.

He nodded to Swapdap, "Join your group." He told the little Unggoy, "Tell Dakek that when it begins...distract the ground forces."

He turned, moving to the left side of the road. His troops moved in small bunches, forming a clumpy line that stretched a small ways back. When Ra'ab approached, he looked for his Kig-Yar, who met his eye contact and proceeded forward, "Jib. Jiralhanae wait at the top of these buildings." He told him, "Do not look up. Make your way swiftly to the top. Kill any enemies you find. You have about forty five seconds until we reach the ambush point."

Jib looked to his Kig-Yar who bristled with excitement. Finally, a real task!

~*~
Jib

The Kig-Yar trio slipped silently into an alley-way. They found a fire-escape, a rickety one, and immediately began ascending the 3 story building, moving towards the top. They moved swiftly, but silently, using their lithe, light forms to their advantage. As they came to the top of the fire-escape, Jib poked his head over the top. Nothing on this building. With a wave of his hand, he crept up onto the roof. His two Kig-Yar followed him closely. They moved towards the edge of the building, keeping as low as they could. When they got to the other end, Jib poked his head over the ledge. Surely enough, on the next building over, which was only a 2 story building, three Jiralhanae stood clutching their weapons with oversized claws and their brooding barbaric shoulders.

"Wait...The best ambush occurs at the moment of greatest confidence..." Jib told his two fellows.

~*~

Ra'ab

Ra'ab lead his troops within ten feet of the rubble and defensive positions he knew the enemy was behind. He started walking faster. Two minors stood next to him. They increased their pace, as well, "Get ready..." He told them.

The left side was closer than the right. The enemy would want Talnay's group to get just a little bit closer before they attacked...

Those two seconds between Talnay's group stepping into the ambush perimeter and Ra'ab stepping forward were crucial, and his moment to strike, "Hold..." His heart was screaming to attack, that he was weak and vulnerable where he was. He could almost feel their feral eyes on him, intent to kill him.

~*~

Jiralhanae Major Rhadabunn

And the second group had finally walked into the trap. With drool from his eager anticipation already on his fur covered mouth, the Jiralhanae Major stepped forward, about roaring for the attack. But before he even made a sound, he saw three Sangheili on the far side of the street suddenly bolt forward, and the pained scream of one of his Jiralhanae screaming in agony and terror as he fell forward, one eye gouged out as a pair of Kig-Yar had jumped on him, ripping and clawing, and pushed him off the rooftop, "KILL THEM!" The Major screamed, but it was by now, far too late.

~*~

Jib
The big furry ape had no idea that Jib was approaching, and when Jib shoved the sharp shard of metal into the back tendons along his legs, the Ape yelped and stumble forward, while his two back-up forces, Lebit and Torbit, worked together, pouncing on the back of their foe, Lebit jumped on his shoulder and pushed his claw into the Jiralhanae's eye, ripping it out, while Torbit pushed the Jiralhanae with all of his might. The ape flew forward, having already been leaning over the ledge of the building. He fell head-first.

Jib jumped away from his current victim, who was coming to his feet and turning on the Kig-Yar. Ignoring that one, leaving him for Lebit and Torbit, Jib moved in on the third Jiralhanae.

He could see the livid look in the Apes eyes, a look of fear and hatred, desperation and confusion at the same time. And he knew that the Jiralhanae was going to fight with every muscle in his body. Jib dodged under the spikes that came flying out of the Jiralhanae's weapon, throwing himself at the big apes arm and biting down on his wrist, his sharp teeth, cutting and rending flesh until the ape let go of his spiker.

Jib caught the spiker with his right hand, but almost dropped it. What a heavy weapon!

The Jiralhanae's knee came into Jib's ribs and sent him flying back several yards. He dropped the weapon as he collided with the ground and bounced back another few feet.

Holy shit. What power! Jib could hardly breath, let alone move. he stopped his eyes from rolling into the back of his head, forced his blurry vision to make out plaster, concrete, and rain once more, and saw the weapon. He scurried as quickly as he could towards it, grabbing the SPiker. The rough concrete of this roof bit into his legs and knees and he turned around, knowing the Jiralhnae would be bearing down on him. It was too late, though. A powerful arm grabbed him by the back of his armor, tearing him away from the gun and sending him back a few feet, bouncing once more. The Jiralhnae rolled forward, grabbing the gun, and turned around to shoot Jib.

"NO!" Jib screamed, not wanting to die.

But he didn't die. Instead, Torbit and Lebit send a volley of Spiker rounds into the Jiralhnae. Three spikes caught the beast, starting from his stomach and flowing up his chest. A fourth hit him in the shoulder, throwing his aim off. Several spikes blasted into the concrete all around Jib.

GODS! That was too close. Jib scrambled away as his loyal friends moved closer, putting several more shots into much more vulnerable parts of the Jiralhanae...such as his face and neck.

~*~

Ra'ab and the two minors next to him hit a dead on sprint, launching themselves over the pile of rubble near to them as they saw the corpse of the Jiralhanae come head first, shattering its neck and spine on the ground.

Ra'ab saw two Jiralhanae laying flat behind the rubble so they wouldn't be seen, scrambling to get up on their two feet.

Ra'ab came down on the shoulders of the first Jiralhanae, pointing his spiker at the fool and pulling the trigger a few times. Five spikes his the Jiralhanae in the head and center mass, turning him into a bloody red block of cheese. His minors were on top of their enemy, one using the spear that he had gotten from Valorous' pack, stabbing into his enemies shoulder to keep him pinned and his gun down low, while the other stepped on the Jiralhanae's neck a few times.

"Get down!" Ra'ab warned, but the Minor who had stomped suddenly jerked several times as a volley of shots came toward him. The Minor fell to the ground, spiker wounds protruding from his back.

There were two Jiralhanae behind the car in the middle of the street. One of them had shot the minor, the other was throwing a grenade at Ra'ab and his remaining warrior.

Ra'ab jumped forward, tackling his fellow Sangheili to the ground as the spiker grenade landed not too far away. BWOOSH!

Ra'ab felt a familiar pain, and as he wormed off of his fellow minor, he noticed at least one spike had lodged itself into his side. He hit the ground in pain.

Ra'ab took cover behind the rubble, struggling to stand. He aimed his spiker and sent a follow in the general direction of his foe, but without particular effect.

~*~

Jiralhnae Major Rhabadunn

His glorious ambush had turned into a suicide mission! He watched as the covenant forces suddenly scattered, moving to cover and firing upon the positions of his warriors. Half of his forces were dead already! A carbine shot suddenly hit the Jiralhnae next to him. He looked up to see a Kig-yar who had killed his forces on the Northern roof-top aiming the deadly weapon at his side.

Suddenly, fear crept into him, "Jump down, kill as many as you can!" He ordered. His fellow Jiralhanae, trusting in their brave commander, followed his command without question, jumping down from the building, down onto Talnay's group bravely. It would be a slaughter. They would be killed with ease.

But not Rhabadunn. Rhabadunn turned and flew, taking the all-fours approach to decrease his surface area. "I will not die here!" Rhabadunn whispered to himself, moving to the edge of the building, and looking down to the alley. He started jumping down, taking only one last look back...

And with that last look, the last thing he saw was the final trace of a green radioactive carbine shot passing between his eyes.

[RiddL]

Staff Sergeant Kai (Wolf) Blacklock

Situation: looking for safe area

Time: Unknown

Vitals: Heart rate rising, suggesting excitement and hope. Neural pattern, normal.

Combat Situation: Hears the familiar sound of a pelican.

Kai looked up at the sound of a pelican flying, Indicating that Tech was working again, He tried his radio, but the EMP blast had Fried it completely. He moved to a high piece of Rubble and saw a pelican moving to the east of their position through the scope of his rifle, "Colonel, I have confirmed friendlies in my scope, suggest we change course and move in that direction" He said confidently, he offered his rifle to the Colonel to see for himself.

Kai also heard sounds in a two storied building to his left, and looked to follow the sound.

[HollowSaber]

: Corporal Jake Furrow :
: Task Force 77, Nova Squad :

: Condition :
Mobile

: Location :
Covenant Territory

: Objective :
Find the
Artifact

: Tags :
HollowSaber

The door Jake pulled open was nearly sucked back closed as he pulled on the knob, and when he was able to actually pull the thing open; the Trooper was smashed in the face with a heavy gust of wind. Increasing his grip on the door kept the soldier from losing his footing and he saved himself from falling backwards down the stairs behind him. The wind was relentless, unending, and violent to the point that Jake considered shutting the door and going back down a few floors. However, he pulled himself into the decimated office room and closed the door. He needed elevation and even if the wind wasn’t complying; he couldn’t risk going any lower. The Covenant were everywhere and there was no telling when he would suddenly stumble into a squad of them. So much for being patient.

A quick sweep of the room was enough to satisfy Jake’s internal wish for safety, if he could call it that. There was no sign of the Covenant in his immediate vicinity so he wouldn’t have to worry about being shot in the back for the five seconds that he was around. With that out of the way, he moved quickly across the room towards a group of shattered windows directly across from himself. The cubicles which had once been used to separate office workers from one another were completely broken apart, giving the Trooper a clear path through the room. The only obstacles were the few chairs which had been scattered around the room, computer monitors that were tilted and smashed on the floor, and every small object that seemed to have become a projectile during the storm. Very few remnants remained in the places they had been before the storm and Covenant had arrived. It was depressing to see the mess the floor was in compared to how it most likely was.

Yet, Jake didn’t focus on the minor details. He wasn’t exactly in a position to linger and feel sorry for the displaced workers. He had a job to do. Though, as he reached the collection of broken glass panes; he was seriously thinking against it. Jake had questioned his sanity before but the six foot distance between the building he cautiously leaned out of and the one that he was looking at didn’t make him feel right. Usually there was a massive case of metal surrounding the man whenever he did something like this. But right now, there was nothing but the howling wind. It was foolish, stupid, and outright dumb; perfect. The pistol the man held trembled a little, and the black visor fogged up slightly due to heavy breathing. It was time to go.

Stepping back, Jake moved away from the glass pane. Every step he took, his heart beat faster. Sweat began to drip down his face and his body heated up immensely. He was a helljumper, but he usually had some safety nets whenever he jumped. Now there was nothing but concrete everywhere. The Trooper’s stomach began to hurt as the thought of falling to his death and a large clump gathered in his throat. Maybe he should go back? Maybe if he found some other UNSC forces he would be better off. Then at least there was safety in numbers right?

“Sod it…” Clutching his pistol, the Trooper broke into a full blown sprint. Debris kicked up behind him as he stomped across the room. He ran from one side to the other, increasing his speed until he was moving at his limit. Then, he ran out of floor. With a hard kick on the windowsill, the ODST propelled himself forward into the open air and held his breath.

Time slowed. The world froze. Jake could almost see the raindrops surrounding him. The building across from him slowly started to move up across his visor. His pistol slid down, opposing the rising structure as the man flew through the air and waved his arms irregularly. The floor he had aimed for began to lift, causing his heart to nearly stop. However he wasn’t exactly able to stop, it was far to late for that. Instead Jake’s eyes dropped with his pistol and eyed the new floor down. Almost halfway through his jump, and fall, time collapsed and his life sped up. His vision began to focus, tunneling onto his landing point as if his mind had already calculated the impact point. As if he was running through air, the Trooper reached out.

Then, the gray, clouded sky vanished. Jake’s mental calculations gave way and his right foot slammed onto the floor. His ankle immediately collapsed under the pressure, causing the Trooper to wince in pain but he kept moving. Stopping would only worsen the pain. Using his falling momentum, the Trooper brought his left hand into his chest and placed his right on the floor. With care, the soldier steadied his body, collapsed his elbow, and placed his shoulder on the floor. He rolled over his shoulder, curved his back, brought in his legs, touched his heels to the floor, rolled onto his toes, and propelled himself back to his feet. Without stopping, the ODST continued to sprint forward and right through the other side of the building. This time, he was ready.

The next building was slightly further away but Jake could already see the outcome as the floors were spaced out more as well. Rather than panic, the Trooper narrowed his eyes and exhaled the breath he had been holding. As if he had jumped out of the back of a plane, Jake extended his arms and expanded his body. He leaned back, stretched out his legs a little, and stared at the incoming floor. It came fast. There was no slowing, no pausing, and no time to think. The gray sky vanished and Jake brought his hands in once more as he passed through the final threshold. Just before he hit the floor, he lifted his knees and put his feet in front of him. Impact.

Feet first, the ODST performed a routine landing, albeit with a little more movement. He buckled his knees and dropped his chest, planting his right hand on the floor. As he fell to the floor, Jake bent his elbow and placed his forearm onto the floor just as his shoulder touched it. Then, he rolled over his head and like a ball; rolled all the way over to his feet. Yet, rather than stand up like he did before, Jake rolled into a crouch. His pistol shot out in front of him and he balanced it on his forearm. Sweeping the room quick, Jake scanned from his left to his right. Clear. Move.

Getting to his feet, Jake sprinted to the right and darted through the office room. As he broke the corner to his right, the Trooper twisted around and stepped out into the middle. Leading with his weapon, the man jogged forward and headed straight down the open hallway. Glass was strewn on the floor from the windows and glass walls that had been shattered. Papers, folders, pencils, pens, and other office supplies were scattered everywhere and it made running a little difficult because of the slippery floor at points. Though, he kept moving. As he reached the other side of the long white wall that blocked him from continuing his jumping, Jake halted his advance. He turned to the right, scanned the room, cleared it visually, and then looked left.

The next building was much shorter than the one he was in and made it impossible to jump to without being discovered. What made it worse was that the rooftop had some Covenant Jackals patrolling it. The ODST snarled under his breath and considered dropping them, but stealth was a much more important thing than his kill count. In addition to that fact; Jake didn’t have an unlimited supply of ammunition. He would have to save his precious rounds for the Elites who deserved it.

Suddenly, gunfire broke the false silence of war. Jake immediately turned his head towards the direction of the noise and he instinctively moved toward it. The moment he did so, the Trooper heard some buzzing. His stomach clenched and he moved away from the window, sliding behind a tipped over desk. Kneeling there, he listened to the very familiar, and unfriendly noise of wings in the air. The sound only lasted a few moments, but it was enough to remind Jake of where he was. When the noise had become distant; the Trooper peered out to see a bugger flying through the air. Great. Now that he knew they were around, he was even more frightened of moving around. Even so, he wasn’t going to stop yet.

Crawling slowly to the edge of the building, Jake moved just to the edge of the window and peered out of it with a little of his head as he could. Down below, the Trooper could see Brutes marching in the street with only a handful of Elites around them. Grunts and Jackals marched, or were forced to walk, around in their patrol formations. From just a few seconds of watching, Jake could see that it was a tense situation. It was most likely because of the rain, the silence from the UNSC, and the lack of communications equipment. However there was something off. Where were all the Elites? There was a handful, but not as many as Jake had expected. Strange… Very strange…


“At least I’m almost there…” Pulling his head from the window, Jake backed away until he was comfortable enough to stand up. Turning away, Jake headed back into the building. He was so close now that he could almost taste it.

Fight for those you never see...

Coded By Saber of L33T T3@M