M6: Battle for Refuge (Ground)

[Huka]

Field Master Til 'Muramai
Dig site

Til didn't seem to wait long before he lifted his head at the muffled sound of buzzing in the midst of rain, the skies blackening some at the return of the SSA swarm. Clicking his mandibles, the Sangheili was glad to know that they did return. That meant they were successful in their given order and seemingly no casualties. Watching as some of the more senior members of the swarm landed on a wall of rubble, the Field Master sensed eyes on him and turned to see the old Jiralhanae Eugenius passing by. The two met eye-to-eye and returned a nod of acknowledgment himself; a venerable individual-regardless of species-deserved respect, this thought was well-known and proper in Muram manners. He recognized Eugenius as a individual of wisdom and earned knowledge amongst his pack, somewhat sadly unlike Til, he didn't pursue the way of war but that of a teacher; a respectable vocation for one of his age. Unlike Sangheili, Jiralhanae seemed to have more purpose with their pursuits while Sangheili remained the military's first and last line of defense for long generations while everything else was a simple hobby...even the Muram with its Spiritualism is starting to degrade to that mindset, particularly with the youth.



When the brief eye contact broke, Til returned his attention to the forward Yanme'e Ultra, recognizable with its cyan chitin and prominent forked horn. "Very good." He praised to the language of chirps and insectoid gestures with a very soft tone of affection to the creatures, he enjoyed the Yanme'e for their mind of unity to craft a living machine of a society (and more precisely in his slowly degrading patience of incompetence; get objectives done proper!). Each piece was as vital as the whole itself. That was very important and he tried to instill this to the sect in its training. "Your swarm may rest for now. I will need you all ready for any surprises, go somewhere warm till I call."

[BetaWülf]

Captain Garatus

Garatus hadn't noticed his Uncle come up beside him, it was unerving, then there was the unexpected stick smacking, though he would have expected it has he known his uncle Eugenius was next to him. Garatus stumbled forward a step as a great force struck the top of his helmet, enough to knock out a lesser species, or even a lesser individual of the Jiralhanae, but it only made Garatus's ears ring. He turned with a fire in his eyes and bared teeth, but it subsided as he realized who had bashed him atop his head.

He straightened himself and readjusted his helmet as his uncle told him his idea was fine, but the execution of it was flawed. He frowned, then realized his uncle was correct somewhat, he crossed his arms and raised one hand to stroke his beard in thought about where exactly would be a better place to put them higher up the hill. If he thought his uncle was wrong they probably would have been in a heated argument at this point, but Garatus was one to admit his own failings and to praise others who were in the right, luckily this was family so he didn't have to praise them really.

"You are right uncle, and where would you suggest we put them? Just further up the hill or somewhere specific up the hill?" Garatus said, uncrossing his arms and standing in front of his uncle.

Dakek

Dakek had been riding his tricycle for around an hour now with the rest of his file(save their commander who had ran ahead), having to carry their rides through the knee-deep mud when the paved roads ran out, but finally at last they had arrived at the artifact and base. They saw their commander speaking with other Sangheili and showing them an arm, most likely ripped off of a human soldier while they still could feel it. They huddled for a brief moment and all decided it was best not to intrude, but they did wave when he looked up so he knew they had made it.

They remounted their tricycles and patrolled the inner defenses, being stared at by many, since it was a strange site to say the least. Dakek was not overly fond of rain, but was enjoying to his surprise. He decided it was due to the amount of freedom he had because of these strange happenings regarding the artifact. He sighed happily at this as he rode through the mud with his friends.

[Faclan]

SSA-012 - Yanme'e Swarm
Moving to a certain fire to recuperate.

Still with head bowed the Swarm all dipped down a little lower from their perches as they thrummed their wings in unison in understanding, the Ulta looking up and uncrossing his arms as he came out of the bow. "As you command My Lord, our wings await your command."

The ones that could still muster the strength to fly did so while the rest dropped off the wall and began to do their strange hop waddle walk toward one of the large light sources around the camp. The female that had been here before anxious to be here again, the Swarm looking back at her pheromones and twitching wings as she explains the Jiralhanae worker that was near this particular source of heat. A few of them clicked about the apes but it was the closest fire, and the overall exhaustion of the Swarm made it a ideal spot. It was warm, out of the pounding rain, and had an activity going on that they could observe without just having to watch the rain.

The Blacksmith would likely look up from his hammering to see that the place where the bug had sat before now held four, while the rest were either on the adjacent wall or on the ground near the forge, crouching down and resting as a few of them, with bandoliers filled with tools, watched what he was doing with very keen interest.

(If Mr. Blacksmith through one bug was annoying, well there is now twelve )

(NPC) Nas - Kig-Yar Markswoman for Cads file.
Resting after a hard day in the rain.

A few tears sprang into Nas's eyes as she crained her beak around to see the human uninjured, her knife having jhust glanced off his thick armor while he raised his knife. This was it, she was going to die. Sucking in a breath the water dripped off her beak, nearly indistinguishable from the rain splashing against her as she shut her eyes and waited for her throat to be cut, neck broken, or just a hard stab in the back of her head.

But neither of those came as she was smacked in the temple right behind her eyes, the Kig-Yar sighing as she flopped limp under the human, knife clattering from her grip onto the rumble below her as the human stood up and left her alive. Of course to her file she was dead, but she may still become their fears as she lay in the rain on a pile of rubble, breathing steadily as she waited for her fate to be decided.

(As long as it makes sense that whoever happens to find her would be around that area, UNSC or Covie, now has a lone soldier to either try and save, kill, or other)

Cad - Kig-Yar Major.
Spotting salvation, but still alive for now.

As Cad continued to lay on the damp ground under the bridge, curled up in a ball and praying to the Gods that the fire in his legs would die, he heard the faint sounds of gunfire as well as Needler fire. But due to the fact it was barely audible over the ringing in his ears and the fact he was focused on other things he didn't do anything about the noise. He did finally look up when Pad had managed to drag herself over to him and set a hand on the wet sleeve of his arm as she whispered what they would do now?

Gritting his teeth Cad slowly lowered his legs back to the ground as he hissed, he knew both of them were in a bad spot. Even if he could stand back up again he doubted he could support Pad to get her far. He wouldn't leave her however, they just needed to find some place close to try and hide while they waited to try and recover enough to move again. "W...we wait. The humans have left so we are momentarily safe...just Pray that some kind of help arrives soon." Reaching up to rub his face Cad only seemed to ntoice now that his helmet was gone, it must have fallen off during his drop and he didn't care much about that now as he rubbed his closed eyes and offered a quick Prayer to the gods to send some aid.

This time the answer was quick to arrive as they heard the rapid steps of their race approaching, both injured soldiers looking over to see what appeared to be two Kig-Yar Marksman quickly making their way over to them. Managing a smile Cad nodded at them as he sat up a little and held a hand out to the front runner to help pull himself up, gritting his teeth as he limped heavily once standing. "Thank the Gods you arrived Brothers..." He managed to gasp out through heavy breaths as he was sure Pad would be being helped as well.

Eugenius - Jiralhanae Advisor
Discussing real-estate with his Nephew.

Grinning as Garatus stumbled forward Eugine would have to tell him to stand more square so he would be able to weather sudden impacts better, but that would be a lesson for later as he hummed at the question and turned around to look back at the artifact. Shielding his eyes with his empty hand from the rain he squinted to the area around the artifact before nodding and looking back at the catapults. They seemed decently powerful at first glance, so they may be able to reach the exterior of the deployment zone from right beside the Artifact, but that would be a very long shot as he turned to face his Newphew again and nodded. Pointing with his staff he indicated three areas, one right beside the artifact excavation site, one further out on the roof of a abandoned building, and one on a large hill on the fringe of the zone the Covenant were patrolling.

"Where the Locust's sit would be a good location for your strongest throwers, where as the building would be a good base for your Pack, the hill way out there could be where you set up your eyes for the humans." Nodding again he looked over his Nephews pack and nodded as he looked at Garatus again. "Good work, they listen to you and work well, you have their trust and loyalty. Be sure you don't loose it no matter what."

(If the racial tensions spring up, I'll probably have Eugine give a lecture on working together, or at least try to warn Garatus XD.)

[Huka]

Q'ai 'Muramee
Returning to the Digsite

Q'ai led the march back towards the Digsite after spotting the wide-spreaded Yanme'e as they screeched the demands of the Field Master. The sight reminded him of an old legends of Kaidons using their whole flock of trained Tilum-Hawks to warn the entire territory of a summons, he knew the meaning before a couple of the Yanme'e approached him earlier. Tracing along the humans' highway, Q'ai heard the sounds of gunfire in the distance and turned his head. Narrowing his keen eyes, he could see the discharges in the thicket of rain. "Sir?" Labus questioned, almost thinking the same thing his mentor was.

"Letting out a unexpected sneeze and frustrated growl from the endless rains, Q'ai inhaled deeply while the rain ran down his combat harness like the ancient statue resting at the Temple of the Wise near the river clan of Muram. "Labus, continue the march. I will investigate..." He said with the lack of his restraint or patience; now he was ill-tempered and wet. A Muram only should be wet for long travels and bathes. Too much rain isn't healthy or wanted for most desert-dwellers like himself.

Seeing the mood change, Labus bowed his head in acceptance despite his want to have the glory in this slow operation. Turning to his attached lance, the Sangheili barked out to Widil, "Let's move swift and hard." The red-armored Unggoy nodded and patted on his fellow shoulders while Jhao and his troops remained respectfully silent. Yeg stood abit impatient himself, shielded from the rain in his armor and hood with just the tip of his beak protruding. Since the lack of plasma weapons, he've started to use his knife in replacement. The Kig-yar sniffed once before trailing after the departing lance while their commander left.

-

Leaping over the edge of the highway in a short distance away, Q'ai landed roughly on the top of a human vehicle, making it cave in somewhat under his weight. Gruffing out, he lept off and starting to follow the direction of the gunfire. Grabbing his blood-rag, he wiped the rain off his beam rifle...or rather dry enough to work, and moved to the outstretched covers of the dying buildings.

As Q'ai progressed, he looked at the plasma scars in the forms of glassed craters, fallen corpses, scorched clothes and weapons, and of course, fallen buildings from the bombardments. Now...the city was a graveyard. The darkness of coming night started to blanket the city but it matter little to folk like Q'ai. Evolution had its boons as well as its curses to species. While pride amongst the Sangheili was rightful, their blight was technological evolution.

His muses was interrupted by a sudden shot from out of nowhere. Letting a shout of surprised anger as the shot ricocheted off his crested head and into the rain, Q'ai crouched low and narrowed his eyes to see the silhouette of a running human. His lower mandibles dropped and splayed in silent wrath before a beam of death sliced through the air and the abdomen of the would-be killer.

With that threat dropped, the Sangheili felt the ringing of his skull from the kinetic force of the bullet. Thank the Forerunners for good armor!

Shaking his head in his hand, Q'ai knew he was close now and jogged onwards to a collapsed building. Inhaling the faint scent of ballistic discharge and blood, the Sangheili growled and prayed he wasn't too late to save a lost soul...or eviscerate their killers. Sliding his rifle onto his back, knowing using his weapon was unreliable right now, the Muram pulled out his clan curve-blade. Usually Muram warriors carry two of their specific curve-blades for cultural reasons, for two were crucial to stimulate full effectiveness to utilizing the whirlwind-like flurry of the Bladed Typhoon martial arts. However, one is sufficient enough for a common soldier in basic militant combat....but he had to be careful and truly use his skill to defeat the humans in this dire situation.

Hunching over, the Muram sprinted into the shadows of the buildings as he drew closer. His adapt eyes traced around the perimeter for any more of those the infernal humans. If one is around, more are no doubt dwelling. He saw two others with their rifles rised and trying to look around in the downpour rain and late afternoon darkness.

Lowering himself to his free hand touched the tip of his talons on the concrete sidewalk and legs tense hard enough to feel the veins coiling against his iron-hard muscles, Q'ai patiently waited with a slow inhale until they both turned their backs and perhaps try to walk back to their hive. Clenching his toes, the Sangheili sprung and sped across the street with three heart beats before spinning fast into a low crouch as he started, back to the humans.

To his credit, they didn't give much of a scream and looking on his blade, he did see thick blood and pieces of bone drip off with the rain and straps of their olive gear hanging from the serrated wing end. After a brief moment, twin thumps were heard wetly behind him. They were dead, he already knew that. Sliced through their spines twice in his spin, the controlling center of mobility...on the slight chance they did survive, they won't pose a threat to him.


Keeping his body low, Q'ai continued his stalking towards the building until he heard odd but familiar sounds. The back of his mind returned him rotations prior to the sight of huddled children...human children. Their big terrified eyes looking up to him; from the cyan shine of his armor to the deadly plasma rifle was held in his hand as his eyes looked down at them. Faith and Imperial training faltering to the sign of the weak...

Gasping, the Sangheili sneaked quickly the noise, in time to see a human raising its knife to a Kig-yar female. If this was cycles ago, he would burned the human down to the knees but he only had his knife...they all did. Numerous ways of killing it ran through his mind, but the Major stayed his blade when he saw the human actually falter! Falter to kill a Kig-yar...what is with this alien sympathy for the pirate-cultured avians these days? Narrowing his eyes, he was prepared to move for the kill but something made him stay his own blade, and slowly sneaked into the shadows as the human choose to punch the female and run off to its fellows. Staring out to the ruins and rain from his god-thankful dry outcrop of rubble, Q'ai sighed out;

In our infinity galaxy, all life have connection. All life hold some resemblance to each other. Emotions of love, compassion, anger, fears, greed...that is something all of us natural-born beings under the grace of the Gods have...

Q'ai remembered that one sermon from his clan shaman, who was versed in the Forerunner and ancient Spirituals as per tradition in the Covenant to avoid rivals from expressing ill-gotten speeches of heresy when there was none.

Appearing out of the shadows, the Sangheili strides to the broken Kig-yar female and looked over her wounds with his golden eyes gleaming like dull suns in the darkness. Tapping his blade on his cuisse, Q'ai flourished his blade in somewhat practiced skill and slide it into its sheath on his lower back before crouching down so his face was more visible; sympathetic but a bit harsh. "Can you move?" He asked gently, the sounds of his helmet being pelted by the rain ringing in his ears a bit.

[HollowSaber]

: Corporal Jake Furrow :

: Refuge, Dome Construction Zone :

: Nova Squad:

    The Sergeant lingered and spoke for a moment to the defiant Corporal but after a small rant and some rhetorical questions, the man turned around and walked back outside. Jake quickly turned back to his plan and set his pistol down onto the table, using the tap of the metal against the wood as a trigger to push the world back out of his mind. The rain became a clock, ticking by with every second and forcing Jake’s mind to start to run at a thousand miles a second. The Trooper released a low hiss through his lips as he grabbed his pencil. With a flick, the ODST spun the writing utensil on top of his thumb a few times before he grasped it tight. Placing the tip back to the paper, he began to draw the image he had in his mind. One line at a time, he brought imagination to reality, brought thoughts to words, and brought a world to life. His plan was simple but it would take time, it would take resilience, and it would take a lot of hands. However, in this time of war, the Trooper had plenty of that.

    Outside, he listened to the Sergeant shout to the people who were most likely the civilians. There didn’t sound like a lot, but even a handful would be enough. There would be plenty of people to lend a hand and Jake was quite sure that what he had could be handled by only a small squad of soldiers. The more people Jake had to use, the better the outcome would be. The skeleton he had in front of him was an unarmored beast, but it was expandable. Time was of the essence so he couldn’t create anything confusing or difficult on the eyes. It had to be straightforward, modular, and small yet it had to be large enough to hold the weight of a car. In such a situation, Jake’s design had to be perfect. No, it had to be beyond perfect. He needed a design that could only be described as godly. That was what he needed, and with one more swipe of his pencil; that was what he had.

    Jake grinned at the sight before him and set the pencil down. He left the design and stepped out of the tarp immediately after. The Trooper knew what he had and he knew what he needed. All he didn’t have was a head count. When he appeared out of the tarp though, the man was surprised at what he saw standing in front of him. Civilian construction workers, the people Sergeant Redsont had spoken about, stood in a large cluster right in front of the Trooper’s eyes. There was far more than he had expected to be available, but the sight was beautiful. Of course, at his appearance, it seemed that they all looked over at him. Jake didn’t know what the Sergeant had told them, but as he looked out it looked as if the Civilians were all waiting for something. What that was, Jake didn’t know. He kept to himself and simply raised up his right hand.

    Taking a step back, Jake moved away from the group and began to count. He counted every body he could see and moved to his right and left in order to look around some of the taller or wider men. When he was done counting the workers, he added the three ODSTs he saw, one of them being Redsont. In total, there were twenty-three people he had at his disposal. That would be plenty and it would allow Jake to get things done fast. All he would need to do was get things moving forward. Nervousness struck Jake as he realized he would have to speak up, but he swallowed the lump in his throat. There was no time for fear.

    “I need five people to step forward!” Jake shouted over the sound of the rain and his eyes slowly traced over the crowd. At first, not a soul moved out of place. It took almost a solid minute of the workers mumbling and whispering to each other before a man in the back stepped forward. His movement caused the others to look at him, one of them even calling out for him to stop. Rather than listen, the worker walked up right over to the shorter ODST and extended his hand.

    “John Griel. I’m a crane worker without a crane.” Jake snagged the man’s hand and shook it firmly. After, the man stepped to the side. Almost right after, another man stepped forward. He was as tall as Jake was, but his skin was as dark as charcoal. It was hard to see him without any actual lighting.

    “Devon Resol. I’m was one of the lead Welders.” Jake nodded at the worker and shook hands with him. Before the black man could move out of the way, two others began to make their way forward, standing side by side in front of the shorter soldier.

    “Dan Hastings. I work with the lumber and the piping.” The man held out his hand and was quickly responded to by Jake. The man beside him also extended his hand and Jake was shaking it before he even spoke.

    “Terek Hux. I do a lot of the metal work. Welding, bending, cutting, you name it.”

    “Corporal Furrow.” Jake introduced himself as he looked at the men.
    “You four are with me. Redsont, organize the others into four groups of four. Put each of them at a station with the materials. Get the wood dry if you can and get all of the non-electrical tools by the work stations. We’re going to be cutting metal without power.” After he shouted towards the Sergeant, Jake felt a little awkward telling an NCO what to do, but he pushed that out of his mind for now. He had to remain focused on the end-game. Rank didn’t mean anything anymore; this situation was far too frail for the military bullcrap. Jake was already prepared for repercussions anyways due to him abandoning the other UNSC forces and going off on his own.
    “You two ODSTs.” Jake adjusted his gaze to the two Troopers that had appeared. Jake didn’t know who they were, but he would make use of their presence.
    “Search the immediate surrounding area for any signs of Army or other Troopers. If you come across any dead, collect any ordinance you can and bring it back. Rifles, grenades, explosives, all of it. If we can use it, I want it.” The Trooper’s voice was already starting to grow hoarse from the stress on it and he had trouble keeping his volume high. He wasn’t cut out for order giving. Yet it was over once he was done with speaking aloud for the time being. Now he just had to focus on the four next to him.
    “Redsont, when you’re all set with the organization come inside the tarp. You four, with me, gentlemen.” The Corporal led the four men that had stepped forward into the tarp, leaving the others behind to do what he had asked of them.

    “Here’s what I have in store. Nearly two miles away in the immediate center of the Covenant controlled territory, there is a power source that’s around the size of the car. It’s dense and it’s big. In front of you…” Jake placed his hand beside the construction sketch he made and stepped out of the way, allowing all four of the men to look at it.
    “... is what I need built. We’ve lost all electronics due to an electromagnetic pulse that the Covenant device used so your vehicles are useless. This vehicle is light and can run off just pure horsepower. I know full well this site has backup generators that run off no electricity, only fuel. Due to the size of this site, I assume you guys have more than six. Am I right?” The question caught some of the men in front of him off guard, but one of them was on point; the lead welder Devon Resol.

    “We’ve got ten scattered around inside the dome. Some are larger than the others. You don’t plan to build an engine, do you?” The man’s question was a sound one, but Jake shook his head at it. He had no plans to do that as it would take far too long.

    “No, I don’t, but the generators are going to run something else but they will work without electricity. We already have an engine.” The Trooper’s statement made the four men stand up and look at him.

[BetaWülf]

Captain Garatus The Restorer

Garatus looked at the spots his uncle had pointed out and looked over them before deciding for himself they were good positions, just to make sure the old man hadn't gone crazy, yet. Garatus barked the new positions to his pack who all sighed as one it seemed before doing what was needed, he assigned his two strongest soldiers to the catapult nearest the artifact with two back ups should the need arise.

He assigned three smaller and fast Jiralhanae to the hill, that way they would be forewarned of an attack by the Human scum. He picked up two of the shafts of one of the now disassembled catapults and left eight of his pack to help in the defense of the artifact, though Garatus's pack would be able to fight oncoming Humans from the abandoned building.

"Are you ready to move uncle?" Garatus said hefting the logs for the catapult.

Bahtarus, Jiralhanae BlackSmith

Bahtarus was nearly finished with his hand and a half sword when he noticed that the Yanme'e were back, and there were four now where the lone one had been before, and the rest were all around, on the walls even, and ground around him. He pulled out his flask and took a big swig before laying the on a fold-out work bench. He opened a compartment and pulled out some leather strips.

He found some fruit he had planned to eat in the drawer as well, but since there was ample meat to eat now he decided the Yanme'e could use it more, they were working hard.

"Here, I have no need of this fruit Yanme'e, you can have it" he said, the niceness was near painful to him, he was unused to such things since his long stent in prison for a crime he did not commit, sentenced to die in the depths of the pits. Luckily he was freed for 'good behavior', A.K.A. he was used as an executioner for rowdy prisoners.

He sat the bag down next one of them, he counted around a dozen of them(give or take) and knew there was at least enough for them to each get one, if not more. He returned to wrapping the handle of the Bastard sword to make the grip.

[deceit]

They had long since lost their ODST pursuers. In the heavy downpour of the rain it would be difficult for them to see which direction Ra'ab and his Lance had fled, let alone be prepared for an ambush. His suspicion was that the ODST troops had secured a perimeter but decided to peg this one on the board and remember it for later. He hoped he would not be seeing them again, even if there was no way they would really know who he was and what he had done to their two troopers. Either way, he knew he would not be seeing them soon, as the mist and the debris cloud reduced visibility drastically.

On that front, Ra'ab couldn't see a damn thing either. Their run had slowed to a quick walk. The last thing he needed was to run smack into a human patrol, or worse, coming right into a Sangheili patrol and being called a coward. Tansy, the wounded Unggoy, had slowed them significantly, so his brisk pace quickly died further down to a trot. If the Unggoy weren't with them, Ra'ab knew him and the Kig-Yar would have reached the 'base' of operations and the artifact long ago.

His footsteps were heavy, and they splashed puddles around with each forceful stomp. At this point, with their closeness, he was hoping to be heard coming. The last thing he needed was to be shot by a jumpy Unggoy or Kig-Yar. He glanced from time to time to see that the Unggoy were still there. He turned one such time to see figures growing quickly in the mist. He squinted, pointing and making a distinctly Sangheili noise, "There!" He said, making sure to sound as Covenant as he possibly could. The Unggoy all hopped and turned. As the figure grew larger, he saw that it wasn't a thing, perse, but some kind of tripedal vehicle with three wheels and two bars for steering along the front. He stepped forward with his sword a few steps shouting, "HALT!"

As he ran up to the Tripedal vehicle and put his foot on the front wheel to stop the vehicle, he saw that it was indeed an Unggoy who was driving the vehicle. Ra'ab lowered his metal sword, which he'd raised in case it was some attacking human, "Unggoy?" He asked, "What is this foolishness?" he was rather baffled, "Take me to the artifact!" He ordered.

[BetaWülf]

Dakek

Dakek was surprised when a massive foot slammed down on his tricycle and a metal blade was lowered to his face. He was too scared in the moment to even squeal in fear as was customary with his people. He paused as he was questioned about his epic vehicle choice and commanded to take the Sangheili back to the artifact.

"Ye.. yes sir, the umm the artifact is this way" Dakek said pointing back from the way he had come from, "I'll take you there, we can follow my tracks back" he said, the nervousness gone from his voice and sitting position.

"As for my umm, "ride", it is only for the time being you see Sir, I am disgusted to have to use it, but I can move faster and report more easily, and all the Covenant are forced to use diabolical Human stuff!" Dakek said, letting it flow naturally instead of over zealous or forced. He pumped his legs and lead Sangheili back towards the Artifact.

[deceit]

Ra'ab grunted in response to the Unggoy's comments about his vehicle of choice. It wasn't entirely illogical. He could see the simple but effective construction of the vehicle. Unggoy *were* slow creatures in comparison, afterall, and without the vehicles such as Ghosts and the like a lone Unggoy patrol was near useless, in many wells. Unless the Unggoy was either well trained, well endowed with luck, or simply placed tactically. He had to give the Unggoy some credit for the idea and use; hell half of his lance, himself included, were using some kind of human technology, barbaric and unrefined as it was.

"Very good, Major." Ra'ab said, being able to distinguish the Major by his armor color, he turned and spoke into the rain, "Lance, on me! Jib, follow at a short distance." He turned back to the Unggoy, his stub of a left arm hanging loosely just under his shoulder, his right hand with the 3 foot curved steel blade falling down to his tibia, blade pointing down toward the street, water running along the handle and down the back of blade to trip off of its tip. He did enjoy the feel and weight of the blade, "Do not ride too quickly, 9 infantry follow your movements." He reminded the Major, "What is your name, Major, that I may thank you proper."

Behind him, the Unggoy ( Ransy leading and Rigby and NamNim carrying poor Tansy along as hurriedly as they could ) stumbled after him trying their best to keep up. Small figures in the low visibility could be seen stalking around their perimeters; the jackals with their hunting rifles and Needle Rifle, fanning out as they made sure nothing deadly was amongst their peripheral settings. Ra'ab could always count on this band of Kig-Yar to move with caution and efficiency; he hardly needed to ask. The only problem, was that sometimes Jib thought he was the leader, and there was a small power struggle between them due to this fact.

[Deleted]

*** City Integrity Report ***

Due to the EMP, the flood gates through out the city are locked. Causing the massive rain build up to result in heavy flooding along the river and by the UNSC Marine LZ. Expect rushing torrents, flooded buildings, and water levels up to ten feet in certain areas for the Marines. Also, it is possible for building structures to collapse from the pressure, causing further flooding in some areas. The Covenant forces are on higher ground with more spacious sewer ways, resulting in floods up to two feet. Although the artifact is becoming submerged, the covenant will have to come to a decision on what to do.

Because of the recent flooding, the artifact has become submerged. This has led to a conflict between the Jiralhanae and the Sangheili about what to do with the artifact. However, due to the Jiralhanaes' weaponry remaining functional in the EMP, they are able to over power the Sangheili and force the remaining Covenant forces to their side. The Sangheili, and the remaining Covenant that side with them, must now scavenge the city for weapons to take the artifact back from the Jiralhanae that now guard it. 

[BetaWülf]

Dakek

Dakek listened as the Sangheili told him to slow down, which he of course did, and was surprised when he was asked his name by the Sangheili, who seemed nice.

"Major Dakek at your service sir" Dakek said saluting, "Uh Oh!" he said as water gushed towards them, Dakek had an idea to help out the nice Sangheili and the poor wounded Unggoy. Dakek had earlier had a wagon attached to his tricycle and it was very near, after a minute of looking he pulled out of a bush and reattached to his tricycle.

"You can put your wounded soldier in here sir, we may be able to get to high ground faster that way!" Dakek said, the water was only about a foot deep now, but it was most definitely rising.

[Martial Virtue]

Second Lieutenant Gabriel Hawk, UNSC Marines

City of Refuge

Aiding a comrade

Gabe and his Marines dropped the slab of concrete to the side as soon as the wounded Marine was free. 

"Thank you. I thought I was going to die under that thing," the guy said. "Wait, did you see any other survivors? Anyone? I was with- oh, what's his name from the pelican crash and the rest of my squad. Anyone?"

The young lieutenant shook his head in return, taking his assault rifle off his back and holding it loosely in his hands again now that they were empty. "Nope. Not that we've seen so far. You're the first friendly we've found. We figured there must be more guys around here though."

Hawk shifted his stance, leveraging one boot on a piece of higher debris than what he stood on. "I'll get our platoon medic to you now, take care of that arm. But we have to move soon, Sergeant. Place is crawling with Covies and as you well know, things are a little unstable around here."

The distinct sound of rushing water far-off made Gabriel's pulse suddenly spike. "And we might have a new problem to tackle, too."

Lieutenant Colonel Adrienne Jackson, UNSC Marines

City of Refuge

In the street

Jackson ducked as the grenade went off, hearing the shrieks of several Jackals as it did so. When the dust finally cleared, she opened her eyes again and moved, gripping the top of the debris pile under her to peek out above it. The Army SFC beside her stopped her.

"Ma'am, please. Let us handle it first. It's not safe yet."

Adrienne frowned but understood the sentiment. This time she waited until the gunfire died down to take a look. When she did, her aide, Sergeant Costigan, glanced back at her, weapon in hand. 

"Colonel, we got 'em. Survivors ran back into the alley. Want us to pursue?"

Her head throbbed steadily from the close detonation; the Army medic had warned her about that. Still, coherent thoughts formed somehow. "No, David. We have to get back to the crashsite. Saving our own is more important than mopping up right now." If the alien bastards ran off of their own accord, all the better. We've still got a mission to complete. 

Slowly and carefully, she stood. "Let's get back on track, everyone. Quickly. Besides all the Covenant around, the city's becoming more and more unstable. Building's have already fallen and all this rainwater is likely to give us trouble soon. We need to move."

[BasedGoody]

Kig-Yar Sniper Web

"Comrades." Web hissed quietly. "We have little time. The humans think we are still at the building. We must move immediately." He finished. As he stopped he checked the damage report. It wasn't good. They needed a plan to get out of there. Back to the building? Out from the other side? Try to ambush the marines and help out the other Kig-Yar up there? The teammate seemed to be in a bit of a predicament, but not yet dead. Leaving a man left behind is, well, acceptable at this point.

"Rrrg," He growled, "What are your names, fellow creatures of the Covenant? And what do both of you have for weaponry?

Sgt. Garret Gizinki

"Yeah, I hope they're still out there." He mumbled, mostly to himself. He turned himself 180 degrees and looked around, soon finding his favorite piece of equipment. The Sergeant grabbed his Assault Rifle and spun back to the others. Garret almost started to speak before he heard the sound of water. A lot of water. Coming very quickly. His eyes widened a little bit in a small panic before regaining his calm.

"And we might have a new problem to tackle, too."


"Shit. You're right. Let's be quick." He said, waiting for the Lieutenant's orders.

[David]

Space Action Report 
**COVENANT FLEET INCOMING, PREPARE FOR ACTION"**

Bridge - UNSC KILLIMANJARO

SLIPSPACE SIGNATURES DETECTED.

"Confirm Again Lambert." David ordered.

"Aye sir" Lambert replied, A tinge of annoyance lacing his voice. This was the third time Vardy had ordered a check. Vardy wanted to be damned sure it was the Covenant, so that he could act.

"Contact the fleet." David ordered as he walked over to the holo-table that showed the possible entry vectors for the ruptures.

"All ships. This is Admiral Vardy. We have detected what looks like Covenant ships inbound on our position. It looks like a fleet of I'd estimate to be 12-14 ships. Everyone is to come to battle readiness and to report to designated positions. Charge your MAC guns and hang on. Keep your head, and we just might win. Vardy out."

Slashing his throat with his hand, David cut the channel and then went over to the tactical board. "Lambert, issue Contingency 14-A. Send fleet positions and keep me apprised."

"Aye sir." Lambert replied. "Fleets responded, Awaiting your command."

Scowling at the tactical board, He nodded and turned to Chakotay. "Get those MACS hot. Take off the safety on one of our SHIVA'S and prep our remote longsword."

"Aye." was Chakotays reply as his fingers flew over the keyboard. 

David then noticed one of the crewman stood still, Fingers balling into fists. "Crewman. Look alive! We have Covenant inbound!" David barked. The crewman jumped and went about. David frowned. He needed everyone at the top of their game.

"God help us." David uttered.

[Huka]

Field Master Til 'Muramai
After Jiralhanae Tribe Betrayal


It happened so fast. One moment, most of the Sect returned and the Jiralhanae Chieftain and his Captains were returning from a recent slaughter of humans-the blood and stench was enough to make that clear. When R'ha was about to gives orders, and a rebuking to the Chieftain in his leisure return, before the rush of water came crashing through the streets as if the Gods wailed out their sorrows in a prelude of a great flood. That alone alarmed the more spiritual members of the force, Til leapt up to his perch and was forced to watch the Artifact become submerged under the water. Its holy light muffled and left at the mercy of this planet's rain. Needless to say, none of the commanding officers was pleased.

Then...the unfortunately expected happened; The Chieftain revealed his true ambitions infront of the Zealots and at least some of his Captain joined in his savagery. The two commanders of the Covenant's force was face-to-face with the great ultimatum. Many members of the creches joined the Chieftain and this treachery was vowed with retribution; the Zealots fought for their rightful powers but the currently weaponry-superior Jiralhanae chased the two and their loyalists away from the Artifact site.

However, neither side was going to lose their respective beliefs without shedding blood; the Reticent had their taste of the pack before forced to retreat into the flooding city, casualties were bearable but now...they were effectively exiled from their charge while the howls of their usurpers echoed behind them.

-

Til grimaced as he inhaled sharply. One of the treacherous savages flanked him and sliced one of his gas-pumps, thankfully the fail-safe ended the flow to transfer in full on his remaining system. However, that wasn't his immediate woe. Tossing his cloak over his shoulders to cover his armored harness, the Zealot used one of his telescopic spears as a walking staff and quick resort in case one of the Chieftain's stalkers were following.

Halting from his walk to watch his troops move, bloodied and disheartened in most, vengeful in all possible way in others. For the honorable, blood was demanded to restore the Jiralhanae's stalkers at their pride and absolute audacity of their action while those very few Jiralhanae who didn't see eye-to-eye with their more bold brethren probably sought to redeem themselves. For the Forerunner fundamentalists, this was an appalling betrayal against hierarchy and break of rightful command, a purge of the corrupt was required. For the others, it was mix of many things.

For Til, this was just as personal. How dare those barbaric cannibals with their unrefined clubs and bayoneted pistols think Reticent-one of the most deadly strike forces in the Covenant-was unfit of reclaiming the Artifact for their mutual lords. Only thing that saved them from a proper death was the flooding and the main force's lack of proper weapons. Now they were forced in a separated exodus. The fighting made several scatter, weak to the Jiralhanae's machinations while others kept their officers.

The Zealot had half of a creche with him, look like mostly from the Burning Resolution Creche. They have been in the rain for too long, "Seek cover! Look for a stable building to shelter in before something else happens." He ordered before another howl, this time closer, was heard. Growling, the Field Master whirled his spear and pulled his second tube from his mask, feeling the escaping gas hiss and flail its distributor about for a brief moment. Inhaling meditatively, Til reached up and pulled his war mask from his face. The tropical rain pelt on his scorch-scarred face. His lower mandibles twitched with a flare and neck covered in the flexible but durable covering of harness and jumpsuit.

"Field Master?" A Major asked in shock to this, stepping forward with a splash of his foot in the running river, "What are you doing?"

"Spilling blood. We will success..." Til answered before looking at the Major with a passionate emerald eye, its amethyst-rimmed pupil narrowing tight, "And we will be hailed as champions. Now do as I command and prepare for war."

[deceit]

Ra'ab ordered the Unggoy in his lance, "But Minor Tansy in Major Dakek's wagon." He said, "And hurry!" The three Unggoy hastily made their way over, hoisting Tansy into the wagon. He groaned from the pain, but otherwise did not mind.

There was a loud sound far off in the distance, coming from the direction of the Forerunner Artifact. It was...a scream. A Sangheili death cry. Ra'ab tilted his head back and listened. The sound of shots could be heard exchanging, along with explosions. Oddly enough, most of it did not sound human. It sounded like...Jiralhanae weapons.

Jiralhanae weapons, from the direction of the Artifact?

A sick feeling lowered in Ra'ab's gut. He looked at his Kig-Yar, and quickly closed the gap on Reevar, "Minors, place your rifles on the trailer." He said, his grip tight on his sword. Reevar turned to him strangely, Jib took a step forward, but Ra'ab raised his sword closer to Reevar's face, "Do it now, Minor." He rasped out. Reevar looked to Jib for a second, then resigned, walking with Ra'ab and placing the weapon on the wagon. Ra'ab looked at Jib. He had no idea what the major was thinking, but if what he suspected, and there was some kind of coup, was true, he couldn't trust the Kig-Yar. Their allegiances were with whoever they thought they would survive with. So far, it had been the Covenant andx its Great Journey. But he could not know that if in such a situation, the Kig-Yar would join the fearsome, furried warriors. Jib nodded to the others, and they placed their rifles on the wagon as well.

"Lance, on me. Jib, take the rear, behind the Unggoy." He grabbed Tansy by the shoulder and took him off of the Wagon, "Sorry, Minor." He told him, as the fighting ahead had intensified and the waters beneath ran swifter and deeper, "Stay with your Lance. Major Ransy, you are in charge while I am away. Follow if you can. If the Kig-Yar try to move ahead of you, use any means to stop them."

"Major Dakek, ride fast and hard, and keep up with me, and don't let those weapons fall off." His tone was harsher, with more gravity than normal, and his blood was pumping quickly from his encounter with his own file. If Jib had decided to fight back, he would have been able to kill one, maybe two, but he would have died. It was a rather sobering and adrenaline pumping thought. He placed the Needle Rifle in a slot where it would be wedged in.

With that, Ra'ab charged forward, determined to reach the base. The Fighting ahead was actually dying down now, but that only made Ra'ab even more nervous.

[BetaWülf]

Dakek, the wind rider!

Dakek listened to the Sangheili, and was slightly startled by the not so distant weapons fire and minor explosions, but he put it out of his mind because he had a job to do, and he would die to complete it if he had to! Probably...

"Yes Sir!" Dakek said, he began pumping his legs as fast as he could to keep the pedals moving and to keep up with the Sangheili. He brought his right arm back behind him and put it over the weapons so they wouldn't fall out as they went along.

Mud and water parted around Dakek and his wagon like a blade through flesh, it was almost an intimidating sight and most definitely a confusing one. Dakek could see the pile of tricycles he had taken and his File was nearby to it.

[deceit]

Unggoy Major Ransy
Slowly Trailing Ra'ab and Dakek

Ransy huffed and puffed as he moved on all fours in the water, splashing wildly. NamNim and Rigby were following on his left and his right, trying to keep their heads above the waters as they splashed forward on all fours. Tansy was slowly following them, and Ra'ab glanced behind every so often to check on him. The poor guy was wounded, and Ransy really felt for him. None of them should be having to run all fours through a foot and a half of water, least of all poor Tansy! Not at all! DIRTY WATER, nonetheless, although Ransy was use to dirty water, as he rarely ever really got the chance to bath, so he only ever got to get in rain water. Rain water sucked.

Ransy kept his eyes on the Kig-Yar, who were making sure to stay within a visible distance and well behind Ransy. That was weird. Jib and the others rarely followed orders very well, they usually did things their own way. But Ra'ab had been so scary back there! Why did he threaten the Kig-Yar like that? It didn't make much sense disarming the lance while nobody had weapons.

All Ransy knew was that they were in quite a hurry. He stopped suddenly, as he saw more Unggoy, more of his kind. And they were all on the strange vehicles as well. Ransy was losing Ra'ab and the others anyway.

"Brothers!" Ransy announced, splashing to them, "My minors and I tire! We follow a fast friend, and we see you have vehicles we can use! Can we try to ride these strange vehicles?"

Sangheili Major Ra'ab Xirsasee
Making Haste to The Battlefield

Ra'ab took note of the Unggoy on their bikes, but ignored them entirely, "Make haste, we do not have time for distractions!" He ordered, his large legs moving even faster, taking him well ahead of Dakek for a moment. Water splashed behind him as his powerful Sangheili legs threw up small waves of water. He hoped the deluge would not continue at its current level, because he did not know how to swim. Luckily, the water levels were getting slightly lower as they made their way uphill. Slightly.

Jib, Kig-Yar Major
Seething With Anger

Jib followed Ransy from a short distance.

Damn Ra'ab. How DARE he. How DARE he threaten him and his file. HOW DARE HE! In all honesty, Jib knew exactly what Ra'ab was thinking, and why. The sounds up ahead could mean only two things; either the humans were attacking, or there was infighting going on. If side choosing were to occur, Jib knew that Ra'ab did not want a bunch of Kig-Yar at his back with guns while he stood alone with nothing.

What he found MOST insulting was that Ransy had been left in charge of him. An UNGGOY giving orders to a Kig-Yar? It was unacceptable. Jib could hardly accept that Ransy was even considered his 'equal' let alone his better. No. No Unggoy was his better. Not even a Sangheili was his better. Nobody was. Kig-Yar were a strong and resourceful race, and they deserved a high place in the ranks of the Covenant. He had been born to the insult of his race, but this, this development was absolutely heinous. It was a good thing that Ransy had not yet dared to give him orders yet. If that damn sack of useless flesh gave him any attitude whatsoever, Jib didn't know if he had it in him to resist tearing his Unggoy face off and feeling his throat between his teeth.

With such little information, though, Jib was not willing to risk his career, or his life, on anything. For now, he would accept this disrespect, and when things were different, he would talk to Ra'ab. With words or with weapons, he did not know.

[Huka]

Pack-Ultra Manyus (NPC)


Stepping up and over a stationary vehicle, peppered with plasma scarring and melted on one side, Manyus growled as he smelled only the wet pheromones and stench of wet pelt from his own pack. Despite being Ultra, he wasn't given the honor of wear Prophet-blessed power armor like the higher members of the Pack but he hoped after this holy assignment, and the reward of killing off one of those slow-minded Sangheili curs, will heighten his rank in the pack. The thought fueled Manyus' ambitions and blood against the constant rain that had a couple of his lance-brothers somewhat sickly.

Flaring his large nostrils, the Jiralhanae warrior inhaled deeply to try and find the scent of that loyalists that escaped the Chieftain's rightful taking. The Sangheili was being too cautious and slow for everyone's tastes, even some of their own had the scent of infuriation. Just then, the scent of the Yanme'e came to his brain. Hmm, the bugs must be around aimlessly since their masters shattered. Chuckling under his breath, Manyus lowered his spiker to look at some of his wary-eyed troop but after a round about, he noticed one of his younger members missing. "Where's Naradum?" He questioned, the others looked around before the bandalier-wearing major Jenforus pointed out to a youth leaning over a barricade, "Over there, lazy fool decided to rest his little legs some in the middle of a prosperous hunt!"

The Ultra sneered to this laziness and roughly pushed pass his lance, "Naradum, get your lazy hide up!" He ordered. No answer but the loud rain and occasion thunder claps. "Did you hear you!?" The senior growled in frustration and went to box the young soldier's ear straight before the boy finally decided to get out...a bit irregularly but it was satisfying. "Good. Now get ready to be up in right with the rest of us. The fools aren't going capture themselves!" Manyus said before blinking when realizing in the darkness of the pouring night that Naradum was still hunched over and taller than usual.

Suddenly his body flopped into the high waters to reveal his throat cut deep to the bone and eyes wide in terror, standing there in his place was a Sangheili. No. The smaller Field Master! They were eye-to-eye. Wide red eyes meeting with a poisonous green eye and in the other was milky-white in blindness. In that brief second of facing one of the Zealots up close, Manyus felt misplaced and captivated as he stared into the other's eye, a shrill and menacing noise growled out of the Sangheili's throat. Sounded like the venomous child-eating vipers that rustled outside his door in his youth...the memory of those cold, evil eyes froze his body for that brief...fatal moment.

"Manyus!" Someone cried but it was too late. First the sharp pain of the Zealot's spear began under his jaw and it end there as it pierce up and through his skull. His last thoughts was of paralyzing fear.

-

Field Master Til 'Muramai

The Zealot let the cur drop on his back with one of his many spears lodged in his skull before slowly pulling out his inactive energy glaive, a bolt flashing to illuminate the street and his functioning eye until everything went dim again. "Prepare for the pains of Inquisition, fools." He shrilled out and the vengeful pack howled before beginning to fire their hot spikes at the Zealot. Twisting back and flipping onto the nearby warthog for better position. "Kill him!" One of the older barbarians ordered in their native tongue and their aim started to move towards the vehicle. Til squeezed down and summoned the staff to full length of nearly twelve feet with a menacing shank of metal extending before swatting a trio of hot spikes from midair. With fast flourishes, the Spearmaster swatted four of the red-hot spikes out of the air before flipped away into the darkness with a demented laughter and splashes of his leaps.

"Don't let him escape!" The voice ordered and heavy splash of the lance pursuing their leader's killer. However, by the turn they made it to the corner of one of the crumbling buildings, the Zealot was gone and they fell into his trap.

***

Several minutes in the pack's hunt for him, Til was watching them from the top of a tall building's ledge. Waiting...watching. The Jiralhanae was impressive in their own way, but the flood was making them more sluggish and rain hiding his scent well. Lacking his dark vision, they were practically blind in the narrow alley. Holding his staff underhanded in the left hand and his second spear in the right, the Zealot slowly stalking them along the roof and halted for a brief moment. The second the third-to-last hunter passed under him, Til somersaulted from his position with slight movement to the right.

Several meters in a swift fall, Til flipped three times before uncurl and stabbed his entire spear through the flank-trooper's neck. A shocked gurgle was all that left his fang-filled maw before his body splashed into the water loudly. "Hm?' The dead traitor's comrade questioned, turning in time to have Til's hook-blade slip across his throat in one fluid swipe of his now-freed arm before the cruel weapon snapped the back of his scruff and ripped him down into the weapon.

A savage roar shook the small area around him and Til lifted his head to see the maddened Major of the lance lunge with his spiker blades eager to skewer. Springing his staff up at last, the Zealot managed to block both handguns' blades on either side of his weapon but the force and weight of the barbarian fell on him. Suddenly water took his entire sight and hands grasped around his powerful neck in two heartbeats. At first, the Zealot panicked as he found himself being strangled under the flood waters. Holding his breath before his sudden excitement pushed all of his breath, Til lifted a taloned boot and started to stomp on the wall of muscles that was the Jiralhanae's stomach.

Sangheili weren't as compact as most Jiralhanae, hand to hand encounters was sometimes suicidal for the typical soldier but...Til certainly wasn't typical. Snatching his free hand out, the Zealot felt his clawed fingers grabbed and digging into the ape's neck. He could feel the blood pumping through his excited arteries, the infamous berserking taking effect and making his opponent reckless and stronger with no care of death. Curling his fingers and digging deeper, the Sangheili feel blood gushing along his hand and the beast's grip weakening.

However, air was becoming precious and vision blurring . With a curl of both legs and bubbling roar, Til kicked the major away from him with strength given to him by his Xirsas forefathers. Quickly rolling and emerging out of the water with a deep inhale, perhaps the deepest he took for cycles. His lungs burned worst than usual but the sensations weren't the least of his woes as the Jiralhanae came tackling against his armored chest.

The two dragged out into the open streets but this time, Til had his own fury manifesting into his being. Snarling out, he planted his feet into the ground and felt his boots' talons digging into the stone under the rushing waters. Finally the sliding ended in a halt. Cracking his tense neck, the Field Master slammed his elbow hard into the Major's spine, just between his shoulder blade and under the base of his neck. Arching his upper back in pain, the Jiralhanae receive a elbow smack to the head for his trouble and legs kicked out from under him, followed with a painful kick to the side of his unprotected ribs and hips, bladed toes slicing durable flesh.

Then nothing.

Emerging his own body out of the water, the Major looked to where his assaulter was but saw nothing but flooded street and city. Turning around with the intent of warning the rest of the lance, a armored fist slammed and broke his lower jaw with a sickly crunch. Recoiling back to meet his foe, a large four-fingered hand grasped his face, and in the painful gasp, the thumbs retracted with curved talons before stabbing into his eye sockets. Til purred as his prey screamed and viciously slammed the spasming brute into the water's depth. Arms flailed and tried to grasp the Zealot but the fingers missed his flesh each time.

His eyes were heavy-lidded and distant as he drowned the blinded traitor, reversing their positions dramatically. Til tilted his head so slow and mandibles flexed as his hand squeezed tighter, feeling the warmth around his hand and bubbles rumbling like a volcano. Durable creature. Pulling his thumbs back a inch before curling sharply into the brain. The hands instantly fell limp and bubbles stopped.

[BetaWülf]

Dakek

Dakek followed the nice Sangheili as quickly as he could and noticed his File leader Talnay Wodam'ee falling in behind Ra'ab. While he was not very fond of Talnay he was glad he was here now since they needed more firepower. Dakek waved to his File mates as he passed them, he had missed their company.

Swapdap(Dakek's NPC)

Swapdap watched as Dakek rode by at a fast pace following an unknown Sangheili, then a strange Unggoy approached looking for tricycles to ride, luckily there was a pile of them they had brought back for all the Unggoy to use.

"You can use any of these ones here friend, we are gonna follow Dakek and you can follow us" Swapdap said before pulling out to follow Dakek. Swapdap saw the Kig-yar following the Unggoy and made a point to swerve and splash water all over the leader of the bird brains, it amused him to no end to do so.

(The Kig-yar Swapdap splashes in the face with muddy water is Jib)

[deceit]

Jib, Kig-Yar Major

It was on purpose. That little Nipple-suckling shit-stain purposefully splashed a face full of water into the already angry, hurt and frustrated Kig-Yar. He was livid. His blood boiled, and as he rubbed the muddy waters out of his eyes, his teeth bared in his rage. He looked up at the insolent whelp. He could see nothing but a red vengeance and hatred. He took a deep breath. That did nothing to calm him, but it prepared his body for what was to come. "Don't do it!" Reevar plead of Jib.

Jib craned his head...and launched himself forward, splashing through the water with abandon and ease. He caught up to the Tricicle in seconds and easily leapt a meter through the air before landing on the of the Tricicle, wrapping arms and legs around the Unggoy and digging both claws into the pits of the Unggoy's arm, trying to rip through the armor and flesh beneath. He threw his weight to the side, attempting to bring the Unggoy clear off of the bike, while biting at the Unggoy's breathing mask in an attempt to rip it off of his face.

Reevar was right behind him, shouting, "NO, Jib! Stop! This is not the time!"

Unggoy Major Ransy

Having mounted his own Tricicle, Ransy was watching the fiasco that occurred ahead of them. This was a disaster! Ransy had seen what his fellow Unggoy had done, and in that sense understood Jib's feelings, but knew this was not a healthy, or a responsible, way to outlet his feelings! He just didn't understand why the bird creature was so rash and destructive when typically he showed such clarity and caution! Ransy pumped his legs the way he had seen Dakek do before, bringing himself close to the two conflicting warriors, "Major Jib!" Ransy called out in his high voice, "Stop that now!" So far, Jib hadn't killed or even seriously damaged the Unggoy, and he knew that Jib could probably have easily killed him by now, "Ra'ab will kill you if he see's this!"

That seemed to stop Jib. He released the Unggoy, hissing at him the whole time. Then he turned his fury on Ransy, "Shut your foolish mouth, I will be taking control of this Lance from this point on!" Jib hissed at Ransy, jumping on top of Ransy's tricicle and baring his fangs in Ransy's face.

Without a weapon, all Ransy could do was scream and shrivel back. Jib was a fearful creature. Ransy had seen him kill many enemies and do many things before, and that knowledge put a spark of fear in Ransy.

Reevar was holding a rock and standing between Ransy and all of the rest. If anyone tried to come at Jib, he was planning on smashing them hard with his stone weapon.

[BetaWülf]

Swapdap(Dakek's NPC)

Swapdap hadn't expected the Kig-yar to attack him for his prank, which he had decided wasn't very responsible of him, but apparently this particular Kig-yar was having a very bad day before Swapdap had made it worse. Before he knew it he had been pulled from his tricycle and clawed under his arms, and before he knew it(again) the Kig-yar was off of him and threatening one of the other Unggoy and saying he was taking over.

Swapdap stood up, blue blood under his arms, and brandished his lead pipe he had gotten earlier in the day. Another Kig-yar had a rock and seemed intent on preventing anyone else from getting involved, but Swapdap was already close to Ransy an Jib. He raised his pipe in a readied position, Swapdap was a seasoned fighter and wouldn't be caught off guard again.

"Step away from the other Unggoy or I'll crack your pudding skull!" Swapdap said, ready to fight Jib if need be.

[David]

Admiral David Vardy
Bridge - UNSC KILLIMANJARO
Clenching tightly.

"Sir! Contacts coming in!" Kim said, his voice cracking a little. Understandably so, Covenant had that ability to strike fear into peoples hearts. David knew it all too well.

"Acknowledged Mr. Kim. Give me a count." David replied calmly. In truth, He was scared too, But he had to maintain some modicum of decorum. For his officers sake. As he looked at Mr. Kim, He saw the same crewman he had just shouted at, over in a corner muttering something to himself while he worked a console. Shaking his head, David brought his attention back to Kim.

"Sir, I count 14 Covenant ships. Tactical analysis and silouhettes mach those of the following: 1  Carrier,
 1 Battlecruiser, 4 Destroyers, 3 Frigates and 5 Corvettes sir." Kim said, his face a mask of worry and concern.


Nodding, David then said "Fleet wide transmission." and then a pause. "You can see them for yourselves ladies and gentlemen. Pick your target and fire!" Catch them while they are still orienting!"

Cutting the channel, David then looked at Chakotay. "Give me a solution on that big Carrier bastard. Target it with a MAC and Archer missles. A1-A8."

"Aye. MAC and Archers away!" shouted Chakotay as the shipped shuddered and spat a bolt of lightning towards the Carrier. Unfortuneately, the carrier had anticipated David's strategy and pulsed half of the missiles before they could reach their target. Fortunately, The MAC faired better as it slammed into the Carriers shields, But did not take them down. The white film of the shields flared for a moment and then cooled. 

"Get the MAC back up, and fire again!" Shouted David. "Fire Shiva!. Helm, Increase speed to 80%, Course 320 by 201, Declination 000.2"

"Aye sir!" replied Paris. "Course 320 by 201, Declination 000.2"

David only hoped he had enough speed for what he planned next.

[Faclan]

SSA-012 - Yanme'e Swarm
Assisting Master Til and watching for threats.

When the fruit was offered to them the Swarm quickly distributed it to each member, throwing it up to them all on the walls. They ate ravenously, tearing into the food with their mandibles and teeth before swallowing most of it whole. The one that had first taking the bag nodding in thanks as they resumed watching. But then everything went downhill and right into the water.

First the waters from the day was not just falling from the sky but also flowing along the ground as the Swarm chittered a bit and hopped up of top of boxes or walls so they were not half submerged in water while they were crouched. This they could deal with. But the sudden hooting and hollering as the more unholy of the unholy haired ones was too far. Especially when they all started to run through the Covenant zone with slaughter on the mind, slaughter for the rightful Acolytes of the Gods!

Despite their exhaustion they all looked over at this noise and almost immediately and in unison stood up, opening their wings, and took fight. Quickly returning to the Field Master side and leaving the Blacksmith with his forge. Once in their correct place they moved with him and his Sangheili guard as they moved out of the Covenant zone, leaving the Artifact to be defiled but they had no choice. But the apes were soon following them, and the Field Master told his troops to continue, that he would deal with these chasers. With only a few words spoken to SSA they nodded and lifted high into the air to take up hidden positions in the ruined buildings.

Their humming, informing the Field Master of numbers and position, would but gibberish to the Jrialhanae that arrived. And even if they looked around to try and find the source or smelt them it matter little as The Field Master cut a swath through them all. The Swarm keeping their vigil. The Field Master had wanted to take them alone, and they would themselves be torn apart if grabbed, so they just watched and informed, twelve sets of eyes watching the unholy haired ones get slaughtered. And once the deed was completed they dropped off their perches to fly back down and land near the Field Master for further orders.

But two of them caught sight of two more of the Unholy beasts approach, both of them taking out their broken pistols regardless as they stopped flying and held onto the wall near them, quickly informing the Swarm and Master Til and another group of Haired ones were approaching, led by a blue armored one and a silver furred one.


(NPC) Nas - Kig-Yar Markswoman for Cads file.
Trying to weigh the odds and risks.

The dreams of the unconscious Kig-Yar were filled of happier times; well at least dryer times back on her home Asteroid where she had several nice memories of Males all to herself and no big war that had lead to her death. Or she thought so at least. But she had never thought the afterlife would be a replay of her previous just cherry picked for her viewing pleasure.

But a gruff question made her eyes flutter open a few times before they suddenly snapped open and she took in a sharp breath...She wasn't dead!? Quickly looking around she nearly smacked her beak into the helmet of the Sangheili beside her as she squawked quietly in surprise and quickly leaned away from the larger alien.

"Ye...Yes Ecxellency I was just...spared by that Human. I was sure I would be visiting the Horde in the Sky but he stayed the blade." She finished, muttering the final part of the old Kig-Yar afterlife quietly before she epped and looked back up at the Sangheili again. "My file! Excellency the rest of my file is either trapped on the bridge or leap off to avoid the humans!" By now the humans had left the bullet riddled corpse of Kop on the bridge, but the sudden roaring of the waters from below as the river burst its banks didn't serve as a good sign for the Kig-Yar under the bridge either.


Cad - Kig-Yar Major.
Trying to avoid the Holy Flood.

Nodding as best he could as he threw his arm over the Marksman shoulders Cad grit his teeth as he and Pad started to limp with assistance toward the buildings they had been in before. He agreed fully that they should move, preferably somewhere where they could hide from the humans long enough for him to be able to move again and they could find out what was going on. But he would settle for just a place to sit down now. The building seemed like a good spot, not too destroyed with a lot of places to gain a vantage point.

He glanced to his rescuer as he bowed his head and tapped the nose of his snout as he responded, still limping along. "Cad, Shield Major and file leader." Pad responded in turn, her tap more of a flourish as she was female. But both of them then presented their weapons, Pad's Plasma Pistol likely fried, but Cad's Needler likely still functioning, though he had not tried it since the large EMP blast.

Though before he could find out that the Marksman's Needle weapons were functioning, a steady rumble sounded all around them followed by a nearly equally loud pssssshing. Looking back toward the river Cad's eyes went wide as a massive wave of very deadly water was now storming their way. Gripping the shoulders and arms of the Kig-Yar beside him he nodded at their old building frantically as he moved as fast as his injuries would allow. "Go! Run! We need to get to high ground!" He screeched as they moved toward the slight safety of the walls and stairs.


Eugenius - Jiralhanae Advisor
Doing some actual advising before moving with Garatus toward the Field Masters last known position.

Eugine smiled and nodded at his Nephew as he picked up some of the rope they were using to bind the logs together and tossed it over his shoulder as he followed the rest of Garatus's pack toward the suggested spots. The construction and set-up of these machines would be a good building experience for the pack, more chances for Garatus to show why he was a good leader. It was almost as if Eugine didn't have to do anything to help, which was both good and bad. But The Gods were about to throw a bucket of water into that forge, literally in a sense, as the water and heresy arrived.

He started by simply groaning as the water sloshed over their feet, Eugine had never liked the water or rain that much as it made his broken hand ache a bit. But he had learned to push through, but he couldn't push through the current Chieftain as he rushed into the camp screaming about the Jirlahane's right to rule and holding his Hammer aloft. The Elder was oddly calm as he watched this happen, the Sangheili soon sprinting away from the sounds of gunfire as he sighed a little, letting the rope fall off his shoulder as he reached over and gripped his Nephews shoulder, very tightly as to show that this was serious as he spun Garatus around to face him - any sort of merriment in his face and voice gone as he lowered his voice so just Garatus could hear it.

"Nephew, Garatus, listen very carefully. No matter how much you would think that siding with the Chieftain will show that you are a true Jiralhanae, worthy to rule. Remember that the Ships will eventually return here, and those who dared to try and kill the Sangheili will face a much slower death than they brought. I have seen and recorded several coups like this and they have never once succeeded." Glancing to the side as he watched Master Til leave as well he nodded a little as he turned back to Garatus. "Gather those from your pack you know are loyal, we need to go after the Field Marshal." Stepping back from Garatus he drew his pistol and fired a shot into the air as he roared with triumph. "Onward Brothers! Take our rightful place as the True warriors of the Covenant!"

Eugine watched as a few of Garatus's pack ran off and he gestured for his nephew to follow him as he ducked back off the main path and headed toward where Master Til had ran, Garatus and a few of his pack hopefully in tow. The going was slower through the deeper water for the Elder, but he pressed on with his weapon still out, promising himself that he or his nephew would not become subjects in a story about failure and betrayal!

[BasedGoody]

Kig-Yar Sniper Web

The Sniper nodded as he listened to the wounded, before pulling out his sidearm, a Needler, and handing it to the Kig-Yar without a usable weapon. He continued to hold up the other soldier and tried to wait for a moment to make a run for the building. It would make for good cover, if any. At least there they could make a better decision on where to move next.

"Go! Run! We need to get to high ground!"



"Wha-" He mumbled out before spinning around. A giant crashing wave of water began rushing towards them. In it they would surely drown. They had to get to that building. Web hefted up the Kig-Yar a bit more so as he could walk easier, and started to move towards the building.

"SHIT." His spotter hissed. 

"Come on. Let's move!" Web growled, starting a small jog.

[deceit]

Jib
Seeing Red

It was damned Unggoy party over here! Jib looked at the Unggoy with his raised pipe and stance. The Unggoy was a slightly braver, maybe not smarter, and probably stronger, than a typical Unggoy. Jib was weighing the pros and cons of fighting, the risk the Unggoy posed, and how much damage the Unggoy would likely do. This time the little bastard would be ready for his attack. Jib should have killed him when he could have. He could probably still kill him, but there was and 80% chance, by his calculations, that Jib would sustain heavy wounds in the melee battle. Jib looked back at Ransy, who had stood up once again. Ransy was new to being a "major" so his authority was meek, but he knew that Ransy was a fairly brave and intelligent for his moronic race. 

Jib finally backed off, splashing away with a shrill cawing noise.

Ransy
Breathing a Sigh of Relief

Ransy turned slowly to Swapdap, "Thank you very much!" He said, "Fervent Creche Major Ransy is in your favor! Sorry for my fellow Major's brash actions! Lance Leader Ra'ab will...do...something, when I tell!" He nodded, happy with that explanation. Sangheili always do something. They rarely do nothing, "We follow now. We keep eye on things."

Tansy, Unggoy Minor

Tansy huffed and puffed, and climbed  a set of concrete stairs from a nearby building, taking some small shelter under the canopy of its balcony and curling into a little ball. He couldn't go any further, and desperately needed to rest. He would be relatively invisible, and this building was small. He felt nobody would come perusing into it.

[BetaWülf]

Captain Garatus the Restorer

Garatus listened intensely to his uncles words, this was not a good situation to be in for anyone, and he sure as hell wouldn't die because of it. He nodded to his uncle and drew his Jiralhanae combat knife in one hand, and held a mauler in the other.

"Go forth all you who would combat the Sangheili!" Garatus bellowed to his pack, taking his uncles lead to weed out the heretics amongst them, once they had left there were about forty of the seventy remaining.

Garatus and Eugenius headed in the direction of where Field Master Til had ran, but halfway there Garatus stopped the pack, now he could reveal his true allegiance without worry.

"My brothers! My pack mates! Heed my words or despair! Our brothers are wrong, the Sangheili are our allies, not our enemy! What shall happen to us disloyal when the fleet arrives? Death and despair is what awaits them! All you who wish to fight the Sangheili may leave without harm, I swear it." Garatus said, a distinct rift in the pack had formed as he spoke.

Thirty stood on Garatus's side and ten on the other, their hands poised, ready to seize their weapons. As the leader of the heretical Jiralhanae of Garatus's pack went to pull his weapon all of Garatus's loyal pulled their firearms with speed, the ten disloyal slowly backed away before breaking into a run.

Garatus was enraged at this point by his races apparent stupidity, at least he had thirty loyal Jiralhanae at his back, and a wise uncle to help guide him. He continued on with his uncle Eugenius and his pack towards Field Master Til to pledge their allegiance to him.

Jiralhanae BlackSmith Bahtarus

Bahtarus was alarmed when he heard his peoples weapons firing, before he knew it the Sangheili and other Jiralhanae were fighting fiercely, then the Sangheili were fleeing and the Yanme'e were flying away with them. Bahtarus was unsure of what had happened to cause this, but he guessed it was his peoples superior firepower.

Other Jiralhanae started grabbing his weapons he had forged by the armful and he stopped the Major who had ordered them to do so.

"What do you think you are doing here?" Bahtarus said angrily to the Major.

"Arming the rebellion brother" the Major said.

"That's all well and dandy but who is paying me?" Bahtarus said, crossing his arms and narrowing his eyes.

"We aren't asking or paying" the Major said, shoving Bahtarus, admittedly the last mistake the Major ever made.

Bahtarus's hand fell to the grip of the bastard sword he had just finished and with a great exertion on his part, Bahtarus swung the blade with enough force to kill the Major, who's head toppled from his shoulders. Bahtarus impaled a Minor upon his blade before pulling it free and severing the arm of another, he thrust the blade into the armless Jiralhanae's chest.

He pulled the crossbow he had made from one of the dead Minors clutches and slung it over his shoulder before running towards the direction of the Sangheili who were always good to pay and not try and kill him, but before he made his escape(which involved the death of several more Jiralhanae and a smattering of Kig-yar) he made sure to get all his stashes of alcohol from his forge and his flask of course.

Swapdap(Dakek's NPC)

"I shouldn't have started the fight in the first place, buy you welcome friend" Swapdap said smiling before he remounted his tricycle and started riding beside Ransy.

They were soon able to see Dakek and Ra'ab and Talnay again but weren't caught up yet.

[deceit]

Ra'ab Xirsas, Sangheili Major

A Sangheili minor suddenly stepped out from a nearby building, ordering Ra'ab to halt his progress. Ra'ab stopped, slushing water and skidding forward a foot from his full throttle charge.

"Halt! Where are you going? Don't you know that..." The Minor stopped as he took note of Ra'ab's distinct stub of an arm, his violet eyes, and his dark skin which distinguished him as a member of the Xirsas clan, "Were you not on an out-patrol with Fervent Creche? Are you only now returning?" The Minor asked, recognizing who Ra'ab was based on these distinguishable features. Even though Ra'ab was only a Lance Leader, his physical characteristics preceded him, although not everything spoken of him was of triumph and valor, his actions in the last few missions had been of some note.

"I am, Brother. I, and my fellow Major, heard the sounds of battle and rushed immediately."

The Sangheili took note of the strange trio. Two Sangheili Majors and Unggoy Major on a human bike, with several more Unggoy arriving as their conversation dragged on.

"The Brutes have gone heretic on us, and have seized the artifact. We follow Field Master Muramai to gather our forces and reclaim the artifact from the heretics!"

Ra'ab walked over to Dakek's wagon and grabbed one of the rifles, as well as its ammunition, and tossed it to the Sangheili, who caught it appreciatively, "It is not much, Brother, a silly human weapon. But it may serve some purpose in our Holy Quest. I need to see the Field Master."

The Sangheili Minor was hesitant at that.

"I have a gift for the Field Master!" Ra'ab told him, grabbing the Needle Rifle.

~*~

A few minutes later, Ra'ab approached the Field Master, who had recently slain a small pack of heretics. Field Master Til was standing over the drowned corpse of his most recent victim, appearing to seethe with and internal rage, and the blood staining his armor was evidence of his external rage.

Ra'ab gave a respectful bow to the Field Master, "Field Master, I return from an out-patrol. I bear a gift for you." You held the Needle Rifle out by the handle, his hand firmly gripped along the long muzzle of the rifle, "Although I have full confidence in you and your Holy Mission without it, I believe you may put the Gift of the Gods to use to end this absurdity even swifter than is inevitable."

He noticed that the Field Master had been damaged, by this fight or another and was having some difficulty breathing, and as such, the Field Master would probably be agitated. Hopefully his latest kills had in some way alleviated some of his frustrations. He had seen the Field Master in action on the hostile planet they had crashed on long before this mission, and knew the Muram huntsman was in his place during the focus of battle, less bothered by the concerns of strategy and more interested in the hunt and the demand that combat brought from ones instincts. Hopefully, the Field Master remembered Ra'ab's service in the previous mission before this, and would be lenient for Ra'ab's late appearance and inability to respond to the call of the Yanmee'e. 

Hopefully.

Unggoy Major Ransy

Ransy brought his bike to a skidding halt as they caught up with a large group of Sangheili who were mobilizing around Til and a group of fresh Jiralhanae corpses. He saw Ra'ab up ahead, bowing to a very smooth, large, and terrifying Sangheili who wore the armor of a Zealot ( although Ransy did not quite understand the full meaning of this, he knew that this Sangheili was more powerful and more terrifying than most. )

"Where is your leader?" Ransy asked SwapDap, referring to Talnay.

[BetaWülf]

Dakek

Dakek peddled hard to keep up with Ra'ab but he managed, soon they arrived to where Field Master Til was, Dakek was glad to see the nice Sangheili he had hunted with before. Though he could tell there was somethings wrong with him. Firstly he noticed his expression and apparent state of rage, secondly his breathing was wrong, though Dakek didn't see how or he might have been able to discern the problem and fix it. Unggoy were good at such things you know.

He gave a small smile to Til, he hoped his day got better internally, but decided he might get mauled if he did so externally. Sangheili were want to do such things you know.

Swapdap(Dakek's NPC)

Swapdap saw they were nearing someone important, a Zealot maybe, he slowed his speed and eventually came to a stop. He looked back to see his File mates arrive, then looked back to the Sangheili before them and Dakek, Ransy spoke to him of his commanders whereabouts and then Swapdap looked around to find him.

"Uh.... There he is!" Swapdap said pointing to a Sangheili who walked over to stand back and to the right of Ra'ab, "He is right next to your boss now" Swapdap said to Ransy.

[Deleted]

ODST Sergeant John Redsont
Dome building construction zone
Saber be scheming

John watched as Furrow instructed the workers, which Furrow seemed to do rather well. John had some admiration for how the man seemed to have plan even in all this chaos. He approached the tarp and went inside to talk to Furrow as asked. There he saw the man with the construction workers he called in as well.

"So what's the plan? I take it we're gonna build ourselves an armored wagon?" John asked as he looked down at the plans with a bit of uncertainty.

If that was the plan, John could see it working, but it would require more than four ODSTs to pull it off. Then again, they found this place so who's to say others won't. That's when John took notice, the ground had become soft and water was beginning to rise slightly. Of course with all the rain there would be some flooding. But maybe in the construction zone it wouldn't be too bad considering the various holes from digging that littered the fields. But the risk was still there, so they had to hurry.

"And we might want to move things along before it gets to wet to do anything." John said as he stared at the ground.