Ice Bucket Challenge -- Yappa's Style!

[SuperCommando]

This is an extremely non-canon creative writing exercise in which we feature our RP characters participating in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, just for fun. If you don’t know what that is, a quick google search will tell you everything you need to know.

RULES

- If you are nominated to partake in the challenge, all you have to do is make a post in which your character gets a bucket of ice water dumped on them in some way, and then you must in turn nominate three other characters to do the same.
- For consistency sake, you may only nominate a character with an approved profile for the Main RP. This means no Side RP stuff or PvP personas.
- A member may be nominated multiple times, as long as each time is with a different character of theirs.
- If you have lots of them, you are permitted to nominate your own characters. It’s more fun to nominate other people though.
- If it has been a long time and your character(s) have not been nominated by others and for some reason you really want to post, feel free to do so.
- Have fun with it!

> XX/XX/XXXX [MILITARY CALANDAR]\
> UNSC FIREBASE GEHRIG\ UNDISCLOSED LOCATION
> 1935 HOURS


“SPARTAN zero-zero-nine, your latest assignment is one of critical importance. ONI Section Two requires your service for their latest project. Today’s mission is code-named OPERATION: ALS.”

The electronic voice belonged to MIL-AI-0665 Bifrons, an AI from the Office of Naval Intelligence. Silas listened carefully against the rushing wind as he sat upon the Pelican dropship’s open rear hatch, watching the shimmering ocean water zoom along below. It was a late summer evening, and the final rays of the vibrant orange sunset on the horizon flashed upon the Spartan’s golden visor.

“ALS?” he repeated questioningly.

“It stands for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. It is a neurodegenerative disease that rapidly causes weakness and atrophy of the muscles throughout the subject’s body, eventually leading to paralysis and the inability to speak, swallow, or breathe, and ultimately death from respiratory failure.” Whenever Bifrons spoke, an icon appeared in the corner Silas’s HUD – metatron’s cube, an intricate geometric design of thirteen interconnected circles, glowing blue.

“I thought stuff like that was cured long ago due to advances in medical technology,” said Silas.

“That is correct,” Bifrons replied. “Modern neurosurgery has been effective at restoring the upper and lower motor neurons before degeneration occurs, if treatment is administered early enough. However, there has been an outbreak of a new variant of the disease, one that baffles our scientific understanding. We need help if we are to combat this medical threat. That is where you come in.”

Him? He was a soldier, not a doctor. “Why me?”

“As a SPARTAN, you are not just a military asset. You are also a pop-culture icon to the UEG public. And because your Gold Team is one of the more illustrious SPARTAN units, the admiralty board has asked for you personally.”

“Hmph,” Silas grunted. “In other words, the brass wants to make me the Yappa’s ALS poster boy, huh?”

“Like it or not, you have no choice now,” said the AI. “Over ninety percent of people die within three to five years after developing ALS symptoms. This disease is spreading unchecked, and it affects not only humans, but other species such as the Covenant races as well. If it goes untreated, nobody will win this war. That’s why this mission is so important. We need you Silas, the universe needs you.”

Silas sighed. “Now how can you argue with that?” he muttered to himself.

The Pelican soared over dry land, soon arriving at a coastal UNSC research base. It hovered down to the ground, the grass along the edge of the tarmac danced wildly in the gale of the roaring downward thrust.

“So what am I supposed to do?” the armored supersoldier asked as he slid off the ramp.

“Your objective is to raise awareness for ALS research,” Bifrons explained. “If the majority of the Yappa’s cast gets involved, we will have successfully averted intergalactic disaster.”

“And how exactly do you expect me to raise awareness?”

Silas approached a large doorway in the side of the complex’s main building. It slowly hissed open before him, and the two Marine guards flanking it saluted the Spartan as he passed inside.

Silas found himself inside an empty danger room, the kind used for weapons testing. As the door sealed shut behind him. Warning lights began to flash all around.

“By doing something to catch people’s attention,” said Bifrons.

Silas tensed, ready for anything. He bent his knees and hunched into a combat position, unclipping the MA5B assault rifle from his chest plate and lifting it to his shoulder. He glanced around cautiously, seeking out whatever danger lay in wait for him. A loud countdown alarm then proceeded to ring out across the room.

DOOT!
DOOT!
DOOT!
DOOOOOOOT!!!*

At the final tone, the warning lights turned red. Immediately, a hatch in the ceiling overhead snapped open, abruptly dousing the Spartan in under torrent of water. Little pings echoed in his ears as a multitude of ice cubes bounced off his helmet.

Just as suddenly as it started, it was all over. Normal lighting returned, and Silas was left standing there, armor dripping wet, head tilted in bewilderment.

“Ice water…?” he mumbled, examining the puddle and ice cubes around him.

Silas turned to face the security camera in the corner of the ceiling and shrugged, palms up, as is to say what the hell was that?

He then replaced his weapon, and reached up to remove his helmet. He tucked it under his arm, revealing his buzzed light brown hair and the mission-specific eyepatch he had been issued to wear instead of his normal one. It was embroidered with a unique design.

Silas thrust his pointer finger directly at the camera, his right eye narrowed into a challenging teal glare. “I now nominate Colonel Johnathon Killinger (MrKill), Field Master Sorsa something-something – that alien bastard whose name I can’t pronounce (Spartan 999), and Agent Christopher Hyde (Faclan) to take on this challenge! You have twenty-four hours to comply; otherwise you will be obligated by peer pressure to donate 100cR to the ALS In Space Association!**”

“Excellent work SPARTAN, mission complete,” Bifrons announced as Silas slid his helmet back on.

Silas slightly shook his head to himself. How did he get himself into these things?








*Intended to recreate the Halo multiplayer countdown timer, in case you didn’t notice.
**Game-time, not real time. In other words, there actually is no time limit.

[Faclan]

(Just so it is know I am going to be doing this, hopefully when I wake up - I'll delete and replace this with the proper post and nominating.)

[MrKill]

> XX/XX/XXXX
> Killinger Family Home
> 0753 HOURS

"You're telling me that a SPARTAN nominated me for a disease that was long ago cured. It's ancient!" John said. Jennifer and Beth were eating the meal that he had provided - some Canadian bacon with eggs and toast, a classic... literally as old as this disease itself. According to a news report, a SPARTAN who was not identified had taken the ice bucket challenge to raise awareness of a new spreading disease. A new string of the old, ancient disease from five hundred years ago. Certainly humanities medical technology would correct it, but they couldn't without the money. John understood why it was being done. "I'm honored," John added. "Bit surprised, but honored."

John set the news paper down and looked out the kitchen window. Media reporters and their floating cameras were clustered on his lawn preparing for John's reaction. It tends to happen when an icon of humanity speaks publicly. The news report also stated that the Covenant were also fighting against the disease - probably blaming it on the 'human scum' they thought humans were anyways. Good John thought, let them perish.

"Dad," Jennifer said after finishing her mouthful. "Let me pour it on you. Please?"

Travis shouted from the living room, 'I already called it!"

"When..." Jennifer replied.

"Right now. Dibs." Travis said, laughing.

John grinned as he finished his morning coffee.

"Whatever," Kyle said. "Just don't nominate me."

Beth shot a glance at John and he returned the concerned look with a shrug. There wasn't much he could do about his son hating him, and John didn't blame him. As a career military officer, he wasn't exactly around a lot. For any of his kids he simply existed. Beth was the true parent in the family, and John respected that.

"He needs his father, John." Beth said sternly. John sighed in response and nodded.

"Yes, but not right now." John replied.

Jennifer simply stared as the two conversed, eating another bite of her meal. Adrianna walked in, about seven months pregnant, and immediately went to the fridge for orange juice. That was her craving: orange juice. On the bright side, she had plenty of vitamins in her system for the baby. John wasn't happy about it - seventeen and pregnant. He didn't care how, he knew he was just too young to be a grandpa. Travis had already begun bugging him about it, as did Beth from time to time.

"All four of you can do it," John said. "Beth can you get me my cheque book? I don't know where you keep them."

"How much are you donating, dad?" Jennifer asked.

"Uh... I think five thousand credits would be a good donation. I clearly have the money," John said - looking back into his house. It was more luxurious than the average house, he had used his 'colonel-pay' to purchase it. But, he had values money couldn't buy. A family, support from a faithful wife, protection from the elements away from the Marine Corps. There were only two places John felt safe in: The Iowa and his own home.

Beth agreed and went to retrieve the cheques. John stood up and looked out upon the media, before straightening his casual shirt and tucking it in. He opened the door and realized he was still in his pajamas, some comfortable material with Calgary Flames logos on it. Whoops he thought, berating himself for the slip up. He was approached by the half a dozen reporters but he stopped them quickly.

"I accept your challenge, SPARTAN." John said into the camera. "If you'll excuse me, I have to prepare for it..."

> Fifty minutes later <

Beth, Adrianna, Travis and Jennifer stood on the balcony with the biggest buckets the Killinger family had available. They were fair sized, and had been 'cooling' for about five minutes as John answered some questions about the SPARTAN that had nominated him. He told the truth, he simply didn't know. He hadn't heard the voice and only served with three SPARTANs in the past. So he assumed that if he guessed all of them, he'd be right.

The reporters cameras begun to role.

By now, John was dressed in his Marine Dress Uniform to truly identify who he was.

"I am Colonel Johnathon B'Sheau Killinger. I was nominated by an unidentified UNSC SPARTAN and I am proud to accept the challenge." John said, and Adrianna dumped her bucket. John felt his spin tighten as the cold water soaked through his uniform and draining his body from any heat that was still in it. He had to admit; it was cold. Jennifer followed, dumping her bucket of water onto John.

Next came Travis, but he let it pour onto his fathers head slowly. John continued to wipe his face and swore inside at the cold... and Travis. Beth giggled a little and dumped what seemed like an ocean onto his head in seconds. John stumbled backwards, shivering and cold - completely drenched.

"I N-nominate," John said as his teeth clattered. "Captain So-Sorelson (Cabel), Tra-vis Killinnger (Wax™) and Sergeant Jonathon M-Miler (Armory)." John said, clearing some water from his eyes. "You have twenty four hours t-to do this challenge."

[Faclan]

(Possible future yey)

Agent Christopher J. Hyde, Professor Hyde.
ONI (Section 1) Scientist, Xeno-linguist.
Wheatly University, first year Alien course, culture.
How...bracing.

"Keep in mind that Kig-Yar words like ɛmivi-iti(Mev-oit), will always sound different when you say it because your dental palate isn't nearly a foot long with an equally long tongue," Chris said, pointing up at the board with an exaggerated gesture with a laser pointer at the Kig-Yar skull diagram he had projected for the classes convince - getting a few chuckles. "But that shouldn't matter too much because the Kig-Yar will see that we all have a flat-face - their slang for us, and not expect perfection. Most will be glad that you are just making an effort to try and learn their own language rather than just shouting at them that they don't speak your own." Clicking the button ont he computer beside him the screen split horizontally and vertically to show the Kig-Yar skull in the upper left, T'vaoan in the top right, and two other breeds of Kig-Yar skull in the bottom two quadrants. "But they all don't sound the same either, which both makes your job easier and harder. Easier since they will be used to hearing discrepancies in their day to day conversations with the different races in their species, but harder since you will also have to get used to hearing them yourself as all of these," big circle with the laser pointer. "Are more spread out these days so trying to just stick with T'vaoan pronunciation for example will be really hard unless you get a friend or only stick with certain areas. Yes Peter?"

"Friends? I thought we were just supposed to see them as equals and business partners at most since they are known for trying to cheat you?"

Frowning a bit Chris learnt back against the wall as he shrugged, "What did we talk about on the first day? Some of the aliens did bad, tried to kill everyone yes, but that was then - and stereotypes are bad. But if you want to only ever get a surface experience sure treat them like that, but they are people just like me or you - just more dinosaur bird than ape. They try to cheat because that's their culture, to shiest the uninformed and the dumb so that the intelligent can run off with all the money. Sounds familiar doesn't it?...Yes Marcia?"

"Any tips for getting to know them better? So they won't try to rob us when we meet them?"

"Yes actually, their culture is based very heavily on their maritime past - if you know our own history you know we had a lot of maritime ourselves and an important part of that was the trading of spices and tea. Kig-Yar love tea, as odd as you may think it is for them to drink down those long beaks they have. Tea houses are a common sight in their compounds and keeps and all the ones I've personally met have loved some tea." Chris glanced up at the clock and nodded, as he had noticed several of the back row sitters starting to pack up. "And thats pretty much time, for next class I want you all to go and do some research on the Kig-Yar on Waypoint, anything you want really, but come in next class with two pages on what you learned. Next week we'll be doing some more Kig-Yar before we move on to Yanme'e."

After everyone had left the class Chris himself headed out, intending to get some lunch, before he glanced down as his tac-pad, saying that he received a message. Humming a bit he tapped a few keys and nearly walked into the small camera crew that was heading over to him as he watched Spartan Silas have water poured over his armor. Thankfully stopping himself before they collided the situation and campaign was quickly explained to him, several of his fourth year culture(language) students happily standing behind the camera crew as Chris smiled a bit and nodded as they headed out to the commons space between two of the buildings and quickly got set up. Chris nodding a bit as the cameras turned on, the group of stendents standing on a bench behind him - though unfortauntly no-one told him the water had been iced at all, and not only that it was ice and salt, to make it colder.

"This is Former ONI Agent Christopher John Hyde, Professor of Xeno-studies at Wheatly University, here to take part in the ALS challenge after being called out by an Spartan. Its a real issue that this condition has resurfaced and that it is affecting both Humans and Alien life and it is my hope that we can all work together to get a cure out for those affected...I should probably take my glass." Was as far as he got before the students shrugged and dumped the large cooler full of ice and salt water all over his head. Needless to say it wasn't super pleasant but Chris managed to stop himself screaming that's to some of his ONI training as he just jumped a bit and clenched out a breath through his teeth.

After a few seconds of standing there with his eyes shut Chris finally opened them back up, his long hair and beard plastered down to his back and chest now as he nodded a little. "So thats why you were all snickering..." He said quietly, squinting a bit since his glasses washed away before nodding and taking them back from one of the camera people. Tossing his head forward than back, spraying some water on the camera and his students from the long hair before replacing his glasses and nodding. "I'll donate 500cR and also nominate a few different people. Since this is an issue that the entire galaxy is facing I would like to nominate; first my old ONI comrade Mike Moretti(Llau), Jiralhanae Chieftean Garatus(BetaWülf), and Kig-Yar Shipmaster Chur'R-Suf(Huka)...Hope I'll dry before my fourth year class after lunch." Chris could be heard saying as he started to walk off, wringing his hair out a bit.

[Llau]

(I'll see about posting with Mike doing the challenge as soon as I'm more awake later tonight...hopefully.)

[Armory]

>Aboard the UNSC Antietam in Transport back to UNSC Camp Patton, Reach
>1052 Hours

The ship was quiet as Miller's cryo pod slid open with a hiss sending the cold chill of the pod out into the bay. Most marines weren’t concerned today about the promptness in which they awoke, but instead most had decided to sleep in today as to be frank none were quite concerned about the morning wakeup call after what they had been through on Refuge. Hell John was still washing the mud out of his BDU. To most if there was a place that could break a man’s morale to fight Refuge on that day fit the bill, he could still smell the lingering air of gun smoke and the stench that rose on up from the dead and dying leaving behind a mental image of that day burned into his brain. The marine rose on up out of his pod before slowly placing his feet down on the steel floor before he started to hack up the built up fluids from the trip in cryo. The taste of the built up liquids reminded him of the grape cough syrup he used to take back when he was five and to be honest the stuff could trigger his gag reflex faster than anything else he knew or had seen to date.

One John had finished forcing the liquid out of his lungs he managed to stumble over to his locker thumbing in the code to unlock the small metal rectangle. The door swung outwards revealing the few personal belongings he had as well as his tank’s sign out papers which he knew he’d have to fill out sometime or another in the near future. Miller began to gather his clothing before shoving his fatigues on quickly with the thought of morning chow on the brain as he slid his dog tags over his neck before grabbing his papers and their respective clip board and closing the locker. With that he went about lacing up his boots and making the twenty minute trek from the Cryo Bay to the mess hall. There was an odd air of silence that hung over the ship as he wandered through the usually busy halls passing by a few groups of soldiers who would throw a quick glance in his direction before quickly turning and whispering among themselves.

Miller glanced over his shoulder at the latest group before he reached the steel doors of the mess hall. They the automated sort, so they slid open with ease when he approached them, giving him a full view of the sight in front of him which made him quite tempted to just go ahead and back out of the room. A grouping of hovering cameras along with some sort of reporter stood in the middle of the room. She seemed to be talking with one of the Lieutenants, or chewing through him to put it correctly as she was the one who seemed to be doing most of the talking in that scenario.

However just as he was about to make a quick exit the woman turned spotting him in the doorway and started heading his direction in a surprisingly quick manner with the cameras following until they stopped midair in a hover boxing him in as the woman came up before shoving a clipboard towards him.

“Are you Sergeant Johnathan Miller?”

He paused for a moment as if pondering why she would even be asking in the first place, but finally gave a slow nod and a “yes ma’am.”

He watched the woman gave a slight smile before rummaging through her pocket and shoving what seemed to be a miniature business into his hand. “I’m Lisa Thompson from the ALS foundation, as you know your High Command has in the past month began a campaign to raise awareness among the Colonies and even Earth itself. As of such you do know of our Ice Bucket challenge?” The woman said extending her hand which Miller gave a cautious shake.

Miller gave a slight nod to that as he as he took a glance up at all the floating camera that hovered around his head. They seemed to not be live now as the light that usually designated that was not on at the moment, but Miller had a sneaking suspicion they would be rolling soon. Not only that, but the mention of the Ice Bucket challenge and the way he was boxed in was a dead ringer for what was about to happen next.

“So Sergeant you have been nominated by….uh…” The woman paused before pulling out a clip board and running her finger down it before giving a surprised look. “One Colonel Johnathan Killinger…my do you have some friends in high places”

Miller was shocked slightly at who set him up for all of this thinking it would be one of his buddies from his company rather than the Colonel had spent a few days running from Covenant patrols with. Still to be honest it wasn’t that he was bothered by the cause, and he’d do the challenge as well as donate in a heartbeat though the name did throw him for a loop.

“So anyway…” The Woman started up hoping to get the show on the road so to speak. “I’ve managed to get the Lieutenant there to go along with this and we already have the ice water ready for you.” She passed him an assortment of papers. “Just sign these forms and select your option.”

Miller looked down at the papers with a nod, “Just hand me a pen….”

>25 Minutes Later<

Miller stepped onto the floor of the mess hall the camera’s rolling live now, their lenses zooming in to him as he did. Now with all eyes watching there was no turning back, not here at least. He could hear the chuckles of the marines holding the tub of ice behind him as they no doubt were eagerly awaiting his reaction when they dumped the water on him.

Miller cleared his throat slightly as he began to speak “Now I was honestly quite surprised when I got nominated to this great cause because of the one who nominated me. I can’t say I know the Colonel other than when we were on mission together, and to be quite honest I wasn’t even sure if the man remembered my name.” He said jokingly as he then moved to continue his speech he had thrown hastily together.

“Now I’ve never backed down from a challenge before and I sure hell won’t start now, so today not only will I be taking the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, but I will be donating a sum of 500cR to the Foundation. So I best not keep you waiting any longer to watch me get drenched, so bring the rain boys” He said jokingly at the marines flipped the tub of ice water sending the water rushing down like a torrent sending a chill down her spine as he held back as swear. The water felt like he had just hopped into a tub of ice. The marine spat out water from his mouth before giving a slight smirk “As far my nominations go I’d like to nominate one Admiral David Vardy (David), one Rear Admiral Frazer York (Frazer), and finally one Staff Sergeant Kai Blacklock (RiddL).

[Armory]

(Will tag people in posts when I get to a better internet connection )

[RiddL]

Kai walked through the ship towards the cryo pods and said hi to everyone he walked past and turned as he reached the cryo bay he was stopped by a technician,

"There has been a few problems with some of the pods such as sudden blackouts and water leaking into them."

"Little water never hurt anyone" he replied curtly as he walked to his pod.

He tapped the pad and stepped back as the pod opened, 'So far so good' he thought to himself as he got into the pod and watched the door close as he layed back comfortably. He waited for the sleep that usual found him. However this time the pod just made a whirring sound and went pitch black.

He called out to the Technician but he seemed to disappear. That was when the water started pouring on his head. It was bearable for about half a second until ice rained on him with the water.

After about 8 more seconds of the cold, the water and ice subsided and the pod opened. Kai jumped out of the pod and was greeted by laughter. Cub and a couple of others stood there laughing at his shivering ass.

"Miller had challenged you to the Ice Bucket challenge, but I had the Technician rig up the icey water." Cub said as the grin that split his face in two lessened.

"Dick move guys... Dick... move" Kai muttered. "Let the men know i'm freezing my ass off and that I challenge Travis Killinger, major Lucas Blakley and finally, Vivian Nyro... Get to it boys."

(Will add tags when I can)

[Frazer]

(Will do challenge in the morning. This post will be edited with it.)

[Jakob]

Major Lucas Blakley stood with his arms crossed in his elephant, a steaming mug of coffee sitting on the table in front of him. His assistant looked at him fearfully, having just given him the orders from high command. If this was the 1700's, Blakley would have beaten the man to hell and back and then had him do menial and degrading tasks after, but as they lived in civilized times he had to settle for simply doing the latter.

"First you have me drink coffee made from beans from REACH of all places, then you actually try and send this faker message through? What are you, a fool?" Blakley tossed the pad with the orders to the side, going into a coughing fit as it clattered against a table. As it fell a voice crackled against it.

"That's an order major, you better get to it or fork up a hundred credits." Blakley looked to see Admiral P. Device's face sitting on the cracked screen, glaring enough to make Blakley proud. Sighing, he reached into his pocket and pulled out his leather wallet, fingering through his money.

He didn't quite notice the trio of Marines behind him, as he found a hundred and slid it out, a bucket of ice water went over his head. Blakley cried out in surprise as the Marines scattered and ran, his assistant yelling for them to slow and running after. The admiral laughed as Blakley stumbled around, swinging wildly with the bucket obscuring his view.

"IF I HAVE TO DO THIS, SO DO CAPTAIN SORELSON (Cabel), CORPSMAN PHILLIPS (AlphaWolf) AND LIEUTENANT LANCASTER (Guardian Cat of Yappa's)"

[BetaWülf]

Jiralhanae Chieftain Garatus.
Doisac, the molten jungle desert world.

Garatus sat in his large wooden chair out on the patio, the thorn-beast hide umbrella splayed open above him as he sat cross legged reading a massive leather bound tome that was obviously ancient from the yellowed pages and the fact the first entry into the book was over a thousand years old. Garatus gently flipped the page with his claws before continuing his increasingly trance-like reading session, sipping his tall glass of fruit juice as he did so. 'The Conquerer, The Flayer, The Undominated, The Ravager... how boisterous' Garatus thought to himself as he read the documentation of his ancient family over the centuries. Now on to business. Garatus flipped to the last page with any entries and searched down it with his right index claw. 'Fenarius... Fraktus... Garatus, yes, here we are' Garatus thought to himself as he laid the book out on the patio table, before pulling out a quill and inkwell. Garatus dipped his quill in the thick, dark red blood-ink before carefully scrawling the previously unlisted names of his children in the elder language of people. Garatus took his blotter and carefully removed the excess blood-ink before leaving the tomes newest entry to dry.

Garatus stood slowly, yawning before stretching his legs and rubbing his eyes. He barely managed to take a step towards his house before his data-pad lit up and vibrated. Garatus furrowed his brow as he pulled it out of his pocket and read the message. 'Let's see... from... that ONI fellow, the one with a proper mane, Christopher was it? ALS Ice Bucket Challenge? What in the hells is that?' Garatus thought to himself as he continued to read.

'So it is to raise awareness and support for those with this condition, I can sympathize with that. So Chris has challenged me huh? Puny Human will rue the day! Lets see... I have to pour ice water on myself? Ah, I see, it simulates the affect of this ALS on the person who gets the Ice Water dumped on them.' Garatus thought as he read it, before speaking aloud to himself, "Very well, I shall take this challenge!" Garatus declared.

Garatus tromped across his patio and into the back door of his home, right into his kitchen. He pulled open the cabinet under the left side of the counter to the left of the sink, rummaging around for a large bowl. But alas, there were none large enough to suit Garatus's needs so he made his way into the garage and found a ten gallon(translated for Humans) bucket next to his Chopper. Garatus went back into the house and upstairs to his indoor bathing facilities and filled the bucket nearly full with cold water from the faucet, he headed downstairs to his outdoor freezer and pulled out a bag of ice from under thorn-beast carcass from his last moon worshiping feast and put nearly all the ice straight into the bucket. He decided to wait and let the ice begin to melt so it would be truly cold, and after an hours time he carried to freezing water into his garden. Garatus let out brisk roar and his family and several friends gathered from nearby to be witness.

"I am the Chieftain Garatus, I challenge my leader Field Marshal Til Muramai(Huka), my best friend Cad(Faclan) and my Kin Karonus(Remnant) to take the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge" Garatus declared. He took hold of the bucket in both hands and raised it up above his head before tipping it down and letting the icy torrent rain down upon himself. Garatus hooted frantically as the freezing water ran down his body and matted his fur down against his leathery hide. He let out a deep breath before lowering down a bit, shaking his whole body and sending water flying all about, chuckling as his cubs mewled and were drenched in the cold water. They all walked back into the house as Garatus toweled off, "I think I'll donate seven hundred Gekz, raising awareness is only half the battle" Garatus said to his gathered Jiralhanae friends and Kin as he pulled the back door shut.

[Remnant]

Jiralhanae Minor Karonus
Doisac

When Garatus nominated him, Karonus was chuckling but at the same time, furious. He didn't know why though, it was just a fun little challenge. But instead of doing the challenge the normal way, he did it his way. He stood on a pedestal, looking down at his Kin, Garatus, and the crowd.

"To do this challenge, I will need the coldest substances available." Karonus said, as he gathered what Humans called "Ice Cream", he also got delicious frozen treats Jiralhanae usually ate, some water, lots of Ice, Popsicles, very cold "Sodas", as the Humans called them, and tons of other cold treats that were either unnamed or too long to list.

After minutes of preperation, Karonus lifted the bucket over his head, but did not yet overturn it. "FOR THE JIRALHANAE!" Karonus roared. He overturned the bucket. He froze as soon as the first cold substance touched him. By the time everything fell on to him, he was covered in sticky ice cream, and all the other cold stuff. He was quite literally frozen. His skin turned blue, his fur began to fall off. He fell over, as if paralyzed. "I...challenge, my Kin Eugine(Faclan), G-Garatus(BetaWülf)..." Karonus was ready to faint. "And...Major Tal Koserahai(Guardian Cat of Yappa's)" finished as he fainted from the horrid cold, with someone soon yelling out for a doctor seconds later.

[Faclan]

Cad - Former Remnant Major, now Prisoner.
UNSC off world prison.
A more than normal amount of terrible today.

Another Gods forsaken day in this accused prison...with no end in site for this torment! The Kig-Yar kept grumbling as he paced around the cell, the same cell he had been in for nearing on a year now. He had been stationed on Requiem, finding purpose in Jul's Forces searching for the soon to be confirmed artifact of the Gods. He had been on his way back to the main base to get his first view of it after nearly a full day awake trying to find out the Humans deployment zone, when the creche he had been in had been assaulted by a Human force, complete with a team of Demons. A good section of the Humans had been sent to Hell, but the Demons proved their unholyness and tenacity by taking down his comrades with precise shots or crippling blows. The creche had been nearly able to fall back to a defensive position before some of the damned Black Humans dropped in behind them, the creche surrounded on all sides by cliff walls of Humans. Some of them dropped their weapons and threw themselves to the floor at this point, but Cad and many others fought on, hopefully to the end to get themselves on the Path.

Glancing over as the terrible food was slid under the door, with what looked like a note on it, Cad hissed a bit before returning to pacing, the grey t-shirt and pants that were barely cut to fit his legs swishing around a little as he went. He would look at it eventually as he thought back to the day of his capture.

The black Humans moved in swiftly, shooting at those still standing as Cad was forced to back into a corner, rocks pressed against his back, to keep his shield able to block both sides of the Humans. But it soon failed and he found himself looking down the barrels of ten rifles. But they didn't fire as he had draw his blade and was waiting for them to end it. But then one of the Black ones stepped forward, laughing in a Females voice as it dimmed its visor and smirked at him. He didn't recognize her, since he never saw this Humans face the last time they met, but after she took a step closer the smell of her came back to him, as she drew out her knife and beckoned at him to come to her. Despite not being able to feel his left arm from the pounding his shield arm took from the bullets he had screeched at her and charged, intent on wiping that smirk off her face for nearly strangling him to death last time.

Stopping to look down at the food by his feet Cad picked it up and sat down on the stuff bed as he slowly spoon some in his beak as he glanced down at the scar across his collar, just missing his throat.

The fight was short, the Human laughing the entire time as she ran the exhausted Kig-Yar through many missed swings or wide stabs, smacking him around the head each time he missed, loosening the helmet on his head and making it even harder to aim before it was finally wacked off his head. Taking a stumbling step forward Cad made a clumsy slash at her head, the Human just leaning back before diving in, slicing him across the collar before grabbing his wrist, twisting it painfully behind his back, and then slamming him hard into the ground. He couldn't do much but weakly wriggle and kick as his vision was quickly clouding from the blood loss and exhaustion as he was quickly tired up and dragged from the back of his armors collar back toward the captured troops. Only two word said to him in Kig-Yar, which he had the suspicion now was the only words the Bitch had learned just for that moment...and one wasn't even right.

"You Loose."

Finishing the terrible breakfast Cad finally looked down at the note and read it over, just as the door to his cell opened and two green armored Human grunts entered, flanked by another Human with a big recording device. They were saying something but Cad didn't understand any of it was he was grabbed, shoved against the wall hard as the air was knocked from his lungs, and handcuffed before he was led out of the cell.

"Odd that a prisoner would be nominated, but its the least we can do for our good Jiralhanae allies. This is Cad, a member of the failed uprising of Jul 'Mdama on the planet Requiem." The reporter said to the camera as Cad was marched past other cells with former Remnant members in them toward a door to the outside. "He was captured by Orbital Drop Shock Trooper Staff Sergeant Jessica Willowbay during the final days before the planets destruction. When the Warden received the request for this one he said that Cad would be happy to take the challenge one way or another, and now here we are to watch the proceedings. I doubt Cad will want to donate to this, not like he has any money anyway, but the spectacle should suffice."

Exiting through the door to the grounds between two of the cell blocks a large water tank was set up, Cad seeing it, and the shackles and weights on the platform at the top, and immediately starting to freak out and struggle, squawking barely understandable curses and surprising pleas to not drown him. Subtitles being offered for the viewers at home before his beak was bound shut by a strap. Smiling at the camera some more as he turned to face it, the camera man making sure to keep Cad in the background as he was hauled up onto the top platform and shackled more securely.

"Not to worry viewers at home, this isn't a public execution, the Warden just wanted to put the fear of his silly Gods into him, once he's tossed into the ice water it will immediately be drained and We'l retrieved him from the bottom to see if he wants to nominate anyone. So long as he read the note he should know what he's nominating them form."

The viewers would be able to heard muffled calls and squawks from Cads secured beak as the two Marine's hauled him to his feet, a good amount of metal on Cad as his bright eyes were open wide as he tried to push himself away from the edge of the tank before the Marines gave the camera a thumbs-up and shoved the Kig-Yar in, easy for them to overcome to the light aliens strength.

It was a good ten seconds before the water started to drain, Cad with no air the entire time as it had been shoved from his body on contact with the ice water. The dripping wet alien dragged from the grate at the bottom of the crate, still alive, as his beak was unbound and he sucked in great breaths as well as hacked up water. Hard to tell of he was crying or it was just water as he was held on his knees, shivering and miserable. A recording was played, subtitles again for the viewers at home, as it asked Cad in Kig-Yar if he wanted to nominate anyone for the challenge.

Cad, because of what he had just been forced through, barely remembered that there was a note as he just heard anyone else for something. Easy answer really as he shakily raised his head up and glared into the camera. Subtitles again as the space chicken screeched and chirped at the camera, with some asterisks signaling the naughty words.

"I want that b**** Human that robbed me of the Path twice to drown! That Wh***MMPH," the rest was silenced as Cads beak was roped up again as the camera returned to the reporter as in the back of the shot laughing Marines could be seen as Cad was forced to his feet and made to shakily march mach toward his cell, carrying the shackles and still badly shivering as the reporter smiled and nodded. "That's all for us here at the UNSC Remnant holding facility, it seems Cad has called out the one who captured him - Sergeant Willowbay(@tracker), and we shall be sending a team to her soon. Thanks again for tuning in folks and that it was as fun for you to watch on screen as for us in person!"

(Such nice reporters >.>.)

-----

Euigne - Jiralhanae Tribe Elder.
Doisac garden, nice and quiet.
Oooh, Human visitors.

While not as elaborate as the Chieftain's lodgings Eugines little house had everything he needed in it. The small home was on top of a decent sized hill, one of the ways Euigne was still in shape and also the traditional location for the tribes elder so the ones seeking his guidance would have time to consider their question as they approached. It was also often far enough away from the hooting and hollering of peace time parties and occasional training that he could write and rest in peace. The old Jiralhanae was currently seated in a oval shaped seat near the front door, enjoying the sunset over the Tribes lands. His eyes starting to close in the peaceful evening.

Now very much an elder Euigne knew that even with some of the new medical advances brought on by galactic cooperation his time would soon be arriving. He had already written tomes and tomes of history and advice for the new Jiralhanae race and was content these days to write things more for him, occasionally talk with his nephew - the very successful Chieftain Garatus - and enjoy his time. His Nephew sure was successful after the war and Euigne was very proud of him for what he was able to achieve. Not only untie a few warring tribes but establishing himself as a friend and ally to the new powers of the galaxy and helping his tribe become even more successful.

But he was roused from his nap as he heard grunting English drift up to him from the bottom of the hill. Taking his trusty staff in his good hand he pulled himself to his feet with a grunt before moving over to look down. Some Humans were indeed down there, with what looked like recording equipment. Did they want the wisdom of a Elder too? Doubtful. Though it gave Eugine a good chuckle to watch them struggle to crest the hill with all of their equipment. But they eventually arrived and explained the reason for their visit. It was something that Eugine could get behind, and he had the credits to spare for the cause thanks to his nephews success...but the ice water didn't sound fun at all for his old bones. So instead they all settled on slightly warm water for his sake as everyone got set up and the cameras started rolling. Eugine standing with the sun to the left of the shot as two of the Humans crew stood behind him with the good sized bucket ready as Euigne cleared his throat and started, leaning on his staff a bit so he could better weather what was about to happen.

"Greetings all you youngin's out there, Elder Eugenius of the Jiralhanae tribe of Garatus here, to support the ALS campaign. As someone who is starting to go through what this condition will do I'll be putting fourth a good section of my savings into it, 4,000cR. I hope you all enjoy this new galactic market and at least try to get along with each other a bit. Bring on the torrent boys." He said, gritting his teeth despite the none ice water as it was dumped over his head. Leaning forward a bit on his staff he managed to stop falling over before shaking himself a bit and glancing down at all his matted down fur as he chuckled a bit and looked back up at the camera and smiled - still with all his teeth. "I would ask that the nice Human lady Woods(@tracker) - who I remember being forward about talking rather than firing when we met, my old comrade La'Ghora Viskaree(@dragontear), and young Roh Gel...or was it Hul(BetaWülf)? Can never remember the rules for their culture. Anyway, those three should do, hoping they are all doing fine and have made up with their family in the last ones case. Now if you'll excuse me I'm going to go get dry and then probably have a nap, takes a lot out of your old body to do that." He said, giving a little wave with his band hand before starting to walk back toward his home with the help of his staff. "You Humans want a drink or a snack? Got your own drinks and my peoples, I would love to share some proper alcohol with you all." Could be heard as the Camera was lowered before it was shut off.

[Faclan]

Nek Dal - T'vaoan Ambassador
Currently on a short break with his family.

These days Nek wasn't all that happy really, he was more ecstatic and loving every moment of the new life that he had in the new galaxy after the fall of the Covenant. There was still hate to be sure, and occasionally malcontents eager to stir up trouble but on the whole everyone seemed more eager to work together. It was certainly a nice change to be able to fly around with the danger of being attacked greatly reduced but Nek wanted to help more. Shortly after the war officially ended Nek was able to go through some of his UNSC contacts to talk with their command and ONI. It was a tense negotiation time, and Nek had to meet with them a few times in person by himself before they were able to try and trust him at least a little so he could start to bring supplies to rebuilding sites.

It was during this time that he began to ask around the Eyan and asteroid Nests what their stance was in this new galactic market, and he soon had a good number of them willing and actually eager to open their services to a UNSC who would pay for supplies and transports. The likes of Sav Fal occasionally talking with Nek about deals and the like, and their opposition from Chol and her dream of a unified Kig-Yar military to make the stars quake. But Sav and Nek were happy to just trade, Nek having seen what the Humans were capable off and not wanting to be their enemy, and Sav seeing what the Covenant had but they still didn't win. Nek was more surprised than anyone when the Unified Kig-Yar Trade Conglomerate, as it came to be known, nominated him as their ambassador to the Humans - and so that's been his main job instead of flying for the past few years. Being the Kig-Yars voice in meetings with Human leaders to discuss the new galaxy.

A few years that Nek has also been able to spend with his whole family. Zahl mostly giving up pirating after the war after she had seen how successful Nek had become and so often joined her now official Nest Mate on his trips with their two children. This just adding to the enjoyment Nek had been experience as he was finally seeing and helping to raise his son and daughter - the family of Kig-Yar currently on Mars, the children running around one of the gardens with a few Human children as Zahl watched, Nek reading over a data-pad as they enjoyed the day. A meeting had just finished so Nek was taking the time to enjoy his family before he was back in the meeting rooms tomorrow. It was while he was reading that he received a message, and after opening it he found it was about something called a ALS foundation. Glancing to the side with a smile as he ruffled the feathers of Yul and Posn as Zahl handed them both a sweet before they returned to playing, Nek showing the message to Zahl and also the little video attached to it showing Captain Woods asking him to do it as well. It was a fairly simple decision as the camera crew arrived shortly after.

Once everything was set up, Nek with his back to the decorative fountain in the middle of the garden, that had chunks of ice floating in it with a bit of mist rising up too as he started his little speech. The little fluffs of Yul and Posn ready to jump and shove him in!

"Greetings all life out there," he started in English - as most of the former Covenant host races would know it or have translators for it. At least more than has translators for the Kig-Yar language. "Nek Dal here, head representative of the Unified Kig-Yar Trade Conglomerate - currently on Mars after a meeting. But here now to take part in the ALS Campaign. While not being personally afflicted by the disease I think it would help us all get more used to working together in this new Universe we find ourselves all in. To this end I'll be donating 2,000cR to the cause and checking around the Commodores in the conglomerate to see if they would like to make matching donations." With that he crouched down with a smile and opened his arms. His still young chicks cheeping happily as they ran forward and leap hugged Nek into the fountain! All of them getting soaked as they quickly got out and hopped around a bit from the cold before Zahl rolled her eyes and handed them all towels, swaddling up the chicks and just tossing the bigger one over Neks head. After a quick rug, Neks feather mane now poofed up, Nek smiled back at the camera and nodded.

"I'll nominate Human Commander Frazer(Frazer) who back in the day could have easily killed me for just being an Alien but was willing to work with us unaffiliated Aliens. My good friend and former Security Chief Kex (BetaWülf), who I know is enjoying himself...somehow. And finally the Human Mark Sorelson, or 'Spade'(Cabel) - one of the few Humans I heard of during the war willing to give aid to those that surrendered even if they were aliens." Giving the camera a little wave Nek returned to drying off his beak as the camera shut off.


Yanme'e Swarm, formally designated SSA-012
Searching for home...and broken lights.

A lesser known Innie outpost, informally known as The Boreing Hole, had a very odd collection of electricians and general handy-men. The handy-bugs numbered four, the former Ultra of SSA, one of the attaches, and two of the soldiers. The other eight were spread out to other Innie stations around this collection of single planet and asteroids - doing any work they could while they tried to find the location of their home Hive. After the war had finished their Sangheili command had cast them out, un-able to trust the bugs despite their years of loyal service, and SSA was left behind when the Sangheili left. Forced to scour the planet they were left on for food Humans soon arrived there to join them. But they were not uniformed, and more and more kept arriving. SSA having to trade in their weapons for their lived after a few days of trying to communicate.

Since then the Humans set up a good sized town, and the bugs worked to keep it running. True to its name nothing much happened, but the bugs were treated fairly by the Humans and so did what they could do to try and help. Slowly earning pay so they could return to SA-Ascension. They didn't really know how much they needed, but the pile of physical chips in their sleeping location, inside the roof of the main building, was starting to get fairly large so they were confident it wouldn't be long now. Besides they had two other teams working to get money too.

The bugs flew around with belts and bandoliers of tools and wires rather than weapons now, hanging from sparking lights and walls while they worked to repair the issue. But a message arrived today from another group of Humans, and after talking with the Attaché about its content the swarm originally refused. As they didn't want to give up any of the precious credit resources on this. It wasn't until the nervous and armored camera crew arrived that it was settled that they didn't have to pay, just do the challenge and nominate. Their situation with location and cash was also an odd one as the cameras started to roll, the four bugs from the planets town standing beside a swimming pool as one of the armored Humans took a deep breath and then started talking, standing in the shot so you could still see the bugs.

"This is Tyler of the ALS foundation report from the Innie Town Boreing Hole with team two of this sections Yanme'e helpers. The former Ultra of a swarm designated SSA," he pointed to the white Yanme'e on the far end of the line. "Who were called out by Staff Sergeant Willowbay." He took another breath as some chuckles and 'UNSC puppet!' could be heard being shouted behind the camera as he tried to continue. "But since they are working to gather funds to try and get back to their home Hive they will not be making a donation, instead they agreed to just do the challenge. I'll let them speak if they have anything to say." He said, quickly moving over and setting the microphone down near the bugs before backing off behind the camera. The attaché picking up the microphone and holding it away from her first as the bugs quickly talked back and fourth for a little before nodding, the attaché moving it to get mandibles to speak.

"We jump in pool for message then back to work. We point out former friends in Swarm Fall Sky(Kart), little Human Trees(@tracker), and big female Demon Human with sniper(@tracker)." Nodding matter of fact like the Ultra nodded and the four of them jumped into the pool with the attaché still holding the microphone. The microphone receiver going a bit static and making odd noises before the camera shifted and it was shut off. The Yanme'e making a humorous scene as they flailed around in the water, just like tiny earth insects, before they were finally able to clamber out. Tylers voice coming back, sounding a bit far off as he seemed to be using a backup microphone as he nodded.

"That's it for us here, we'll be leaving now and working out who the Yanme'e nominated on the ride back....come on Pete lets go!" The camera shifted away as the Yanme'e were flicking their wings to get the water out and started to run before it shut off to the sounds of laughing and annoyed Yanme'e clicking.