Mission 7: Protector

[MrKill]

Colonel Johnathon Killinger
7th MEB, 7th Marines
Regiment Briefing

John stood alone in a room meant for fifty, running through the briefing he was expected to give to the individual battalion leaders and their officers in his head. Overall, there'd be forty officers with the pay grade of Captain or higher in the room. Most of them, obviously, were commanding officers and their staff. First through fifth battalions were expected to arrive. The meant the Lieutenant Colonels and Majors associated, and also included their S1, S2, S3, S4 and S6 officers. One battalion, seven officers. The remaining five officers were from the Lieutenant General's staff, Johns direct superior and the man in charge of the seventh marine expeditionary brigade. Unfortunately, the LTG. couldn't be here himself.

John had already briefed his own Regiment staff and they were expected to then brief the twelfth reconnaissance battalion, 153rd ODST Company, and other elements of the regimental combat team. Fortunately, his staff were one hell of a staff. Capable of briefing the Marines that he could not personally brief, as they'd be doing the briefing at the same time below decks in another briefing room. They're deployment was about to start, but everyone needed information.

An hour passed and the platoon strength of officers had taken their seats, waiting on the Colonel to make his briefing. John allowed one of the General's plans officers take charge, a Lieutenant Colonel, and begin the briefing. John sat back in his chair in the cramped room as the LTC begun to speak.

"Yesterday evening at 2102 hours ship time a Marine Sergeant, one 'Sergeant Allen', downloaded data that revealed the location of a UNSC populated planet on the rim of this solar system. This planet in question is not significant in terms of resources but is strategically important. This system we've been fighting for is the fifth highest slip-stream entry point for UNSC forces." The LTC said. "That is why we are fighting hard to keep it. Two fleets have nearly been destroyed, but for now it is ours. We've got the Covenant on the run"

"We know now that the Covenant remotely downloaded the information after Sergeant Allen accessed the files. It was brief, nearly untraceable, but our AIs caught the discrepancy in the patterns. In the milliseconds Allen accessed the file the Covenant had what they were after. Obviously, after the Covenant broke free, they took orbit over this planet. We assume they know the importance of the technology on the surface..."

"Upon further research, I've been granted access to otherwise classified documents. Protector is home to the 'Neo Haven' project -- a project that is attempting to design a 'Covenant-Proof' dome. These domes have three layers based on the shield bubble still being developed. The first layer is a standard strengthened shielding layer, acting almost like the shield bubble exactly. The second layer is a heat-sink that disrupts orbital plasma torpedoes thermal equilibrium. The third and final layer of these domes act like a lightning shield, destroying -- or at least that's what was intended -- the plasma's magnetic structure."

"These domes are a high priority development in the UNSC, and this is the only planet to have this state-of-the-art technology. We've completed a community there, from agricultural facilities to towering industrial and residential skyscrapers. We cannot lose this technology as it may lead to, eventually, other military technological developments. At there current state they are purely a defensive planetary technology. These domes each have their own atmospheric processor planet that grants the populace of the planet the atmosphere they need to breath when they're inside the domes... Outside you'll need equipment for prolonged exposure." The LTC finished, looking at John.

The Colonel stood up and took his place behind the microphone.

"The 7th MEB has been ordered to investigate the possibility of this unique planet's status. From reports that we have been given... they are under siege. Once this briefing is complete you will return to your ships and prep your units for immediate combat. Continuing... The ground combat element for this operation will be the Seventh Marines, First and Second Battalions - Alpha through Bravo companies in each one. The rest of the Regiment is returning to Reach on damaged vessels, so this was the most we could accommodate with the limited vessels we had available."

"The air combat element will be provided entirely by the UNSCS Tassafaronga. The UNSC fleet will consist of the UNSCS Kilimanjaro, UNSCS Athenian and half a dozen supporting Frigates along side the Tassafaronga. The Navy will not be a significant contributor if a Covenant Navy is present. Four of our ships are damaged but are here for the long run. The Athenian is running on a skeleton crew as per Admiral Klix's orders."

"The Navy has suffered near total losses. Both Admiral Vardy and Admiral Klix are running with sticks and stones. A refit and repair station is on the way with an escort of four destroyers and a Carrier but I do not know when it will arrive. The UNSC Navy is down to a mere six vessels, gentlemen. I think you get the point now."

"There is only one primary city that I know of, and another one being constructed. First Battalion will reinforce the first city, third will evacuate the second city and the UNSC Army will likely provide company level support for us during our operation on the planet."

"Once we've established a LZ A-Co, First Battalion will ride four Albatross Dropships to the northern pole of Protector. Once A-Co has landed they will establish a defensive position inside the dome where an industrial water plant that provides the entire world a water source will be present."

"Reinforcements from B-Co, Third Battalion will be available if they are not engaged. Local Army units will not be able to provide reinforcements at the company level. Any questions?"

"Yes sir," First Battalion's commanding officer said. "What about Sanctuary? There's still combat going on down there."

"We're redeploying there with most of the Regiment. They've requested for reinforcements so pulling the entire regiment back was, as it turns out, useless. What ever the Covenant are after they're putting up one hell of a fight, so we can't let them have it. We know it's some kind of artifact like the one we saw in Refuge. However four companies, roughly eight hundred to nine hundred Marines, will deploy on Protector. Battalion Commanders can choose to return with their Battalions or lead from the ships CiC." John replied.

There were no further questions.

Field Marshal Til Je’at Ze’ta ‘Muramai

Legion of Redeeming Vigilance 

The Coming Vengeance

The small fleet of spirits and phantoms escorted by a choir of Iron Discipline banshees and vampires cross the thin-aired planet with a soft ripple of disturbed gravity trailing behind as they passed seemingly featureless grounds with the only exception was the distant and sparse mountains that dotted the dirt, leaving behind the dark looming destroyer that belonged to the remnants of a beaten fleet. Within the leading Spirit, with scarred chitin and the marking of the bloodied Redeeming Vigilance, her master-Field Marshal Til ‘Muramai-was reviewing a collected piece of information for the fifth time to make sure there was no mistakes in this particular mission.

Already, his proud warriors have eradicate a cult of renegade offsets who thought themselves above the Covenant’s brotherhood and broke all draping of honor in his eyes when they employ Human warmachines into the battlefield. After ripping the information out of a small cluster of Kig-yar smugglers,the lowly selfless creatures that they are, pointed the way to a Human colony. A human colony, not the remnants of one and its spoils taken. A legit, whole colony full of the heretical creatures. So...the Fleet rained a proper cleansing upon them all while the legion personally assaulted through their heart-city via drop pods and ships to make sure every bit of information concerning anything even remotely close related to the Empire was erased from history in enemy hands. However, the Reticent Lance learned of some important data from the creche with the access of one human officer who appeared of the low-tier. It was stroke of pure blessing from the Gods, the fool was trying to erase the information before Legra caught him.

Til recalled the intricate interrogation that he had to personally perform on the defiant creature while digesting on its contents. Humans are tenacious things, but their bodies are frail. Like Kig-yar.

Using his claw on an appearing map, he commanded the appearance of a structure. An airfield near the smaller of two cities...or buildings similar to Kig-yar planetoid settlements, protected by disturbingly similar energy shields that the Covenant employed to protect important sites. The sight of them brought back memories of the human world Arcadia, they were close of conquering and acquired the needed artifacts but the accursed humans were persistent.

Nevertheless, he was here, plotting this world’s ruination in honor of the fallen. Tapping on the airfield, it zoomed in and showed a detail appearance of its exterior. The Field Marshal knew he had the general information of the planet but he need to acquire more...precise details for his own pleasure of strategism. Finally, when he was done checking for any possible escape routes besides the airfield’s underground mechanism, in similarity to the Humans’ quick-assembling base machinery.

Fastly approaching, Til reached over and grabbed his helmet from his assistant before slipping its avian motif over his scarred face for a well-practiced sealing. His mandibles tapped and accessed the battlenet;

“Choirs of Swift Wing and Hunger Revenant, take front and prepare for blitzing on my mark.” He ordered before accessing the officer-wide HUD map, targeting landing coordinations several meters from the enemy space, enough for cover at least while the banshees made their terrorizing.

Walking towards the cockpit, the Zealot grabbed on the back of the swooped seat while the experienced major in it, commandeered with silent professionalism. Looking out of the viewscreen, he saw the humans already scrambling in fright of the sight.

“Mark.”

The banshees screamed forward with their dashing on full blast, proud specialists of the Iron Discipline with long service to the Imperial airforce and it showed on their crafts with past scars on their plating, the moment they were in range, rained bolts of destructive fuel rod energy upon unfortunate prey that were atomized into memory or blown into burning pieces before making for a turnaround with new oppositions rising to fend the airfield.

A brilliant distraction and distraction while the dropships made their entry load with the Iron Discipline and volunteer creches, the rest of the legions coming after this assault.

“Field Masters, warriors, bring honor to the Covenant and our fallen brethren. Today, we begin our vengeance!” The Field Marshal roared on the legion channel as the battle of the skies wrecked over their heads, human troops making for cover and shouting out to their comrades about the coming ‘aliens’. With Til’s spirit activating its communications jammer, there won’t be much help for their prey.

NOTE: Since most of the fighting will be inside the domes, room for vehicular and areal warfare will be reduced.


// NEO HAVEN TACMAP M7v2, PROTECTOR NORTHERN HEMISPHERE //



NOTE: There are unit specific objectives for this mission. MARINES: means that only MARINES can complete this objective. PILOTS: means only pilots can complete this objective, and SPARTANs: means, well, only spartans have a realistic chance of completing these missions. If objectives do NOT have a unit specification, they can be completed by anyone.

NOTE 2: Since the UNSC Army is underground the need for 'armor' wasn't a priority. The MARINES have deployed with armor to compliment the UNSC Army's own armored units. Since the majority of the Marines are returning to fight either on Sanctuary or returning to Reach only one Battalion of MARINES will be available.

UNSC Objectives:
1) Secure the key strategical positions! (Alpha Cluster, Beta Cluster, Space Elevator and Water Plant) [Incomplete]
2) MARINES: Secure the water plant. We'll need it to stay hydrated. [Incomplete]
3) Secure the transit lines between the clusters! [Incomplete]
4) Maintain control of AT LEAST one airfield! [In progress]
5) PILOTS: Maintain effective combat air patrol over the domes! [In progress]
6) SPARTANs: Hit the Covenant where it hurts! [Incomplete]

UNSC Military Strength (Ground):
-- GROUND SIDE --
3, 750 x UNSC Army Personnel
800 x Marine Personnel (7th Marines, 1st and 3rd Battalions, A and B Companies)
30 x ODSTs
50 x Various light armored vehicles ('Hogs, APCs, Mongooses, etc, etc.)
10 x Pelican Dropships
7 x Albatross Dropships
15 x M808B Scorpion MBTs
3 x M850 Grizzly MBTs
12 x GA-TL1 Longsword (External support outside domes, escort and airborne)
40 x GA-LT1 Longsword (External support outside domes, grounded)
-- Orbital Support --
- Various atmo-capable Frigates (Paris, Charon and Stalwart Classes)
- Numerous GA-TL1 Longsword (External CAS only.)
- Numerous dropships
- Numerous available reinforcements (Provided by new vessels)

Covenant Objectives:
1) Conquer the human domes and strategical positions, eliminate all opposition (Alpha Cluster, Beta Cluster, Space Elevator and Water Planet) [Incomplete]
2) LEGION: Infiltrate the Humans’ protectively little airfield and rip a path into their BETA cluster! The Iron Discipline will serve as vanguard. [In Progress]
3) Eradicate all humans that stand in your way! [Incomplete]
4) AIR SUPPORT: Keep our air traffic secure and wait upon my command. [In progress]
5) RETICENT LANCE: Lead our warriors and be wary of any Human folly, Brothers [Incomplete]

Covenant Military Strength (Ground): 
3, 816 x Covenant Army Personnel 
336 x Jiralhanae tribesmen
35 x Special Operations Personnel
60 x Various light armored unassociated vehicles (Ghosts, Revanants, Spectres, Choppers, Prowlers)
12 x Wraiths 
5 x Locust Anti-Fortification Walkers 
140 x Phantom and Spirit Dropships
20 x Iron Discipline Banshees (External support outside domes and escort)
20 x Vampires (External support outside domes and escort)
-- Warship Support --
- Numerous Seraph Fighters
- Numerous Banshees
- Numerous available reinforcements

KEY LOCATIONS

Alpha Cluster: Alpha Cluster is filled with skyscrapers, and each one is different. Some have many floors for multiple purposes, while others focus on a specific task. The city isn't entire 'big', rather than 'tall'. Each done contains a section of the city, while the empty fields in between was area they could not develop for various reasons.

Beta Cluster: Beta Cluster is another cluster of shielded domes that is currently under construction. Due to that nature, it's not as active as the Alpha Cluster. Fortunately, it is fairly large and supports a completed city under one of the domes. The other domes still contain unstable, open construction buildings.

Airfields: There are three airfields. Two of them are located near the Alpha Cluster, the other near the Beta. All airfields are heavily defended as they are one of the few accesses to the sub-terrain rail system connecting the Alpha and Beta clusters together. These airfields operate much like a 21st century aircraft carrier, the surface is barren except an airstrip. Underneath the airstrip contains many hangers, and more men.

Khristopher Airfield is a large, manned airstrip near Beta Cluster.
Alpha Airstrip is a smaller, manned airstrip near Alpha Cluster.
Alpha Airfield is a larger, manned airstrip near Alpha Cluster.

Tunnels: From traffic tunnels, tram tunnels and train tunnels they all go from the Beta Cluster to the Alpha Cluster. Some tunnels run straight there, while others stop at stations along the paths in underground facilities. A few tunnels run towards the water plant, and another trail line runs underground, up the space tether, and onto the orbital platform.

Accesses to the underground networks:

At the airfields there are:
- 12 lifts (18 at Alpha Airfield)
- 2 elevators (5 at Alpha Airfield)
- 1 staircase (3 at Alpha Airfield)

At the water plant there is:
- Main pressure door (Direct surface to installation access)
- Maintenance shaft (Direct surface to installation access)
- 2 elevators (Installation to underground access)

Along the tunnels (Tram, Traffic and Train) there are:
- Maintenance Shafts (Direct surface to maintenance paths, hidden!)
- Maintenance Elevator (Maintenance paths to tunnel access, keycard required! NOTE: They're small)

[Kart]

Field Master Legra 'Adantai
Gathering the storm

Legra was apprehensive, and it wasn't because of the coming battle. No, he was a veteran of a thousand such conflicts, and time had worn his fear into a warrior's focus. It wasn't the fact that the humans had almost equal numbers to the Covenant, or that their fleets above were isolated and cut off from the strength of the Empire. No...it was the domes.

Even from here, he could see them. Opaque blue hemispheres, obscuring all sight into their interior. Whatever the Humans were hiding in their, inside their cities, was beyond their vision. The Covenant had similar tools, of course. Cloaking arcologies produced by spires were occasionally used for major operations. But he had never seen such technologies in Human hands. And he didn't like it.

He gave a low growl.

Behind him, his sub-commanders stiffened as they recognized the tension in their Field Master's tone. General Xhu 'Wamikai, commander of the Sect of Righteous Clarity, and his associated Ultras all flanked him to his left side. Urren 'Muramee, his aide-de-camp and personal majordomo stood as a silver shadow at his right side.

The various Legion commanders, Generals, and Ultras had all come to the same conclusion--the Human shields would likely be impervious to any direct assault on the cities. As such, they had sent out scouts, and identified a possible "weak" point--the Human airfields. These appeared to be the only openings to the tunnels that led into the domes themselves. But to call them weak points was misleading, as they were heavily guarded, with all the strength the Humans had left.

Only by taking the airfields would they win access into the cities. So take the airfields they must. And that meant a pincer attack--ground and sky. Til had taken the aircraft, and Legra now led the infantry. A message was sent to Chieftain Garatus, who was to lead the vanguard. This strategy was an old one, tried and tested and true. It had served them well against the heretics, and it would serve them here again.

Legra made a few gestures, signaling his HUD to patch him through the Covenant battlenet. Inwardly, he marshaled his fortitude. He would not betray his apprehension to his troops.

"Warriors of the Covenant." He intoned sonorously. "We have fought long and hard, and it appears as if we have more fighting left to do. This is as it should be--this is the path that will lead us to the Great Journey. Know that the heretics we face today are destined to fail, as we are destined to be victorious."

"The Sect of Iron Discipline and Field Marshal 'Muramai have already begun their assault. Our Legions move to support them. We march in Sect formation, approaching the Humans' Beta Cluster from the southwest. We bring with us the Wraiths and Locusts we will need to set fire to the Humans' cities. Protect them with your lives, as to ensure their safety is to ensure our victory."

"We stand at the brink of battle. Keep your eyes on the enemy, keep your weapons close at hand, and keep your faith in the Prophets. Now, march!"

[BetaWülf]

Jiralhanae Chieftain Garatus the Deathless
Protector; leading the Vanguard.

Garatus was not as he was before, at least now. Before he was kind and just, always placing his lessers before himself regardless of the personal cost. But, of late, his personal cost was too great to bear. During the time of the campaign against the Heretics unknown to him, his mate was traveling on a small Covenant cargo ship on the inner edges of Covenant space, and that's where it happened. The ship she was on was intercepted by the Shadow Imps known as ONI and she was captured while the rest of the crew was slaughtered, she was tortured for days on end. When Garatus had been notified of her disappearance he hired a Kig-yar mercenary crew to take him to the Cargo Ships last known location. And there it was, adrift and nearly powerless with only basic life support still functional. Garatus and the Kig-yar boarded and scoured the ship and it was in a dimply lit room that they found her.

He could barely recognize her mutilated corpse, covered in gashes and bruises with her blood streaked face hung forward. The Kig-yar with him fled the room when he let out a blood curdling scream, it was too late and he knew it. He carried her back to the ship and let the Kig-yar do their salvaging as he placed her in a stasis pod. Unlike their usual lack of evidence left behind there was a video recording of the torture left behind, left to torment him. The next time she was disturbed was when he carried her to her final resting place, a stone crypt with two Sarcophagi. One for her and one for him when the time came. It was a small ceremony, Garatus consoling his children while his Cousin consoled him, their Uncle giving her last rites. One thought kept entering the Chieftains mind, where was the mighty Covenant when he needed them, when she needed them?

Garatus returned to the service of the Empire when he was called upon, though now lacking his previous zealousness. He was grim, dour even, and much harsher to his Pack and allies. They all knew what had happened to him and they all knew he was still dealing with his loss, he was like a wounded beast, no matter how close someone is to them they'll still lash out if you get too close. It didn't help Garatus's mood that he had to purchase the rebreathers needed for his Pack out of his own wealth. They were shiny steel colored muzzles in jest, with ribbed vents on either side of the mouth, and a thin metal plate clung over their snouts with red goggles on them to protect from any environmental hazards. Since they were technically personal items they could be customized, many of the Jiralhanae adding warpaints, tribal etchings and even studs, bone and wooden spikes. Garatus had his own made in metallic black with two red strips running parallel down the snout-plate from the goggles to the end, with a row of three short yellowed bone spikes running down each of the paint stripes.

Garatus listened to Field Master Legra give him his orders, the Jiralhanae formed the Vanguard and were heading to attack the airfield at the Beta cluster of the Humans domes. "Acknowledged Field Master" Garatus responded, his internally housed rage brimming slightly in his words.

"Pack! We are the Vanguard of the Covenant forces, we will form a triple spearhead formation and attack from the South-West, we must take control of the Human airfield at their Beta Cluster of accursed domes! Move out!" He roared as he took position leading the tip of the middle most of the triple spearhead formation.

[MrKill]

COL. Killinger
7th Marines
Inbound on Albatross

The Marines were deploying once again, just a mere twenty four hours after the end to their battle on Sanctuary, but with significantly reduced numbers. Most of the 7th MEB was heading home on damaged warships for some much needed R&R. They had been fighting for this system for months now, officially labeling it the 'Tranquilitas Beta Campaign' and was the longest lasting battle in a single solar system since Admiral Cole's five year war for Harvest. The Covenant were still on Hope and Sanctuary, but for now the UNSC Military was holding its ground.

The UNSCS Tassafaronga carried two entire battalions plus some logistical support, totaling the Marine strength just under three thousand total personal for the upcoming operation. The first goal for the Colonel was to get as much infantry on the ground as possible and into the domes where the civilians were. He wasn't as worried about his armor deploying but it was on priority. With only a limited number of aircraft and a very strict flight path it was hard to deploy more than five hundred Marines at a time with only a handful of tanks.

Since four Covenant ships hovered near the surface at the Beta Cluster, the UNSC flight paths were extremely tight and the windows had to be precise or the Covenant vessels would swat the UNSC transports out of the sky with a laser burst. The UNSC AirForce had already lost nearly its entire contingent of fighters at the Beta Airfield, and the remaining survivors that were still air worthy had been resupplying at the Alpha airstrips.

Thankfully, the UNSC was still able to maintain a decent combat air patrol around the Alpha Cluster.

"This is it, Marines." The pilot announced. They had entered the flight path and in a moments notice could be hurtling towards the ground as a flaming wreckage. John was in an Albatross, a preferred method of deployment because of its extra armor and surprisingly good speed for such a heavy transport craft. Inside the cargo was entirely men, an entire platoon of Marines ready to defend yet another human colony.

Seconds felt like hours, and the minutes that passed felt like a life time. It wasn't long before the Albatross dropped hard onto the pavement and the engines throttled down. Since the atmosphere of the planet was thin the UNSC had built this entire colony nearly underground, minus the cities on the surface protected by the domes, so the Albatross descended into the sub-terrain hanger until coming to a stop on the lift. The doors hissed open, releasing the pressure from the basement into the transport.

"Colonel?" A man shouted as the engines on the Albatross powered up again. They were going back to the carriers in orbit and getting a load of tanks this time, and perhaps a squad of Marines.

"Yeah?" John replied, exiting the transport.

"Your H&S unit has already set up over at the command center. General Knitts wants a word with you, he's in charge of Alpha Clusters defense." The man said, before respectfully peeling away.

John entered the command center moments later, immediately finding the flag officer with two stars on his uniform. Killinger approached the man and reported in, minus the salute. This was a war zone now.

"I need the Marines in the tunnels, son. We've got reports a major Covenant offensive is approaching Khristoper Airfield." The General said. John nodded.

"It'll be done, sir."

Being dismissed, John immediately activated his comms link. He added his friend, and one of the most reliable Marines he had ever known.

"Sorelson, you ground-side?" He said.

He brought up his wrist watch. "Happy new year." He muttered.

[Faclan]

Cad - Kig-Yar Major
Preparing for deployment.

Things had been going pretty well for Cad if he was honest over the past few weeks. Roh turned out to be very willing to allowing the common Kig-Yar to work by his side - and true to what he had heard about the Gel he was one storm of a warrior. In the charge that was the remaining mission against his fallen brethren and the Heretic Sangheili Cad had used his shield bearing file as a distraction or cover for Roh's T'vaoans so they could flank the enemy or get close enough to leap against them. Cad being reminded of the tales of old when the subspecies of Kig-Yar joined forces to fight back against the Covenant when they first invaded. United behind a common cause irrespective of Social Standing. The entire Sect pushed forward without abandon or mercy as they crashed against the heretics base and flowed inside to cleanse the un-holy. It was when they finally breached the inner most scatum that the victory was nearly snatched from the Sect's grasp as the Master of the Kig-Yar Mercenary's and Heretic general nearly escaped to a jump craft. But fire spitted from their escape hallway before several T'vaoans Murmillos and Commandos stalked down the hall, a female Champion at the head as she delivered the enemy Commanders to Til. Apparently the Entourage had boarded and taken one of the heretic frigates then used it to land on top of the small jump craft then just walk into the base. It was when the battle was winding down that he took another look at the Mistress Champion that he remembered that she was the other Gel he had heard about - but when he told Roh of this fact all he got back was a stare and then silence. Sensing the animosity between then two as the Mistress and Roh locked eyes for a moment then moved on Cad didn't broach the issue further - and just fell in with the other soldiers to extract and have a short celebration.

It wasn't until the Sect was taking a short break that he saw Roh again and was filled in on the relationship. Cad was surprised first of all that Roh was as young as he was but still such a terror, but after being told about his training it wasn't that surprising. And he was surprised once again when he was told that the Legendary, for Kig-Yar, warrior Kael Gel - butcher of Sangheili Generals, survivor of Demons, and leader of one of the most deadly Entourages of recent history, was Roh's mother. But as more of Roh's past was explained to Cad he quickly understood that it wasn't something Roh was pleased or proud of. It made sense to him, not wanting to be stuck always being compared to another - but the abandonment was something Cad wasn't expecting. One would have thought that a Mistress like Kael Gel would want her chicks upbringing to be done personally to mold them into legendary fighters like herself.

Cad had done what he could to console Roh as it seemed like telling Cad was hard for him, and the two of them had gone out for drinks afterward and mostly left the unpleasant memories behind. But right now they were coming back as on the phantom down the two files of Kig-Yar, Cad's and Roh's, had been told that Kael was being deployed as well. Holstering his needler after checking it Cad gave Roh as good as smile as he could from his side of the Phantom as they descended. His helmet on but not fully attached with a little attachment of air in case the outside atmosphere entered the tunnels but currently de-activated.

"...No better time to forge your own Legend eh Roh? Than right in the shadow of Kael..." He said, a bit of nerves in his voice as they neared the drop off point...Cad hoping he haddn't distracted Roh.


Eugenius - Jiralhanae Advisor
Reeling but prepared.

Similar to his Nephew Eugine was still trying to come to grips with what they had found on that near powerless frigate. He thought the Humans were heathens and often not better than animals...but that was a new level. The video showing that they had kept Jornarus alive for days just to prolong the torment...now they were worse than animals and more unclean that he had ever dreaded during his soldiering career and mystic one after that. The little snack that Garatus had hired, Nek or something, was more sympathetic that he expected Kig-Yar or their sub species to be, sticking with Euigne and Garatus as his crew did their salvaging. Leaving when requested and staying through the worst of it. He may have even stayed through the service for her...but Eugine was too busy to notice as he had spotted Garatus's tortured face on the way down. His pained expression as be began the ceremony to help Jornarus's soul onto the Path. So Eugine made a call that happened to be correct and left the Covenant prayers behind and instead fell back on traditional Jiralhanae psalms and omens that Jornarus's spirit would return to the Earth, and then be re-born into a mighty tree to strengthen the land. It seemed to ease Garatus in the moment, and the new Chieftain had shared his doubts with the mystic after the service - and although Eugine's initial reaction was to try and steer Garatus back to the path he had to concede that his Nephew was right. The Sangheili guard that was supposed to be on lookout for things like this, as the Jiralhanae weren't allowed craft to patrol their own systems borders, had let that ONI craft slip through and hadn't found the stricken frigate. And so during his recordings of the event Eugine did some re-arranging of his supplies, adding in more traditional Jiralhanae mysticisms and just keeping enough Covenant materials for the pack that were very devout - the Elders faith equally shaken by the event.

The weeks preceding the deployment to this bubble planet hadn't done anything to ease the Elders trepidations about the Covenant Faith, or Faith in the Sangheili, as he stood near his fully armored Nephew as they entered the deployment zone and started to unload. The Elder's equipment mostly the same except he had a breathing apparatus attached to his bandolier just in case. He had tried to offer some of his own funds to ease the drain on the Chieftains coffers but was declined - as Vengeance was on the table and Garatus wanted his coin to be the catalyst for it. Rhythmically tapping his staff on the ground as they started to disembark he raised his voice to spur the troops on after Garatus ordered the charge.

"The Bastard Humans are dug in deep, like old Trees, but any tree can be felled with the right tool - and WE are the tool!" Another example of the Elder falling back to tradition rather than the Covenant religion.


SSA-012 - Yanme'e Swarm
Standing by for The Master.

Swaying slowly as The Masters transport moved toward the battlefield the re-stocked Swarm of SSA just hung from the ceiling with eyes closed as they quietly clicked and chittered back and fourth with each other about the location they would be assaulting. The outside air terrified them, with air so thin they would be forced to the ground and would surely die there. There had been no time for masks to be made for their mandibles so they just had to hope that they wouldn't be sent out into the air...But if necessary they would to as Master commanded and pray that their wings could cary them far enough to get back into full air.

But their fears were quieted as the female Ultra fluttered her wings for attention and explained The Masters respect for them, the new members voicing their concerns were still welcome in the Swarm - but there would be no disrespect for The Master here. The new Engineer and soldiers just nodded and closed their eyes once more as they waited. The Ultra nodding at her fellow four veterans as she glanced down at The Master.

"Ready to Swarm and Maim at your command, Master."

The Swarms time in the intervening weeks had been mostly filled with hanging in a nest being tended too by the drones. The veterans deserving a proper rest and re-cooperate time as the new Swarm members were integrated into the group so the twelve of them were ready to fight for this mission; weapons primed, claws sharp, and wings restless.


Kael Gel - T'vaoan Commander
Rainbow of emotions.

Kaels personal file of Commandos, and the group of Murmillos in the other side of the phantom - were dead silent as Kael paced up and down the middle of the craft. Normally at this time Kael would be going through a mission briefing for them so the Murmillos could relay the orders to the Entourage when they disembarked and so the Commandos would know what their specific mission would be. But nothing had come from the Champion as she kept pacing. Her mind wasn't on the mission right now and she knew it. But she had to get this settled. Get the issue sorted if she wanted to leave this battlefield.

'Lil Roh' was in this Sect, the child she had left behind to be brought up as a Gel warrior - but she left for a honorable reason. To get revenge on the ONI that murdered Qesa...so why did she feel so conflicted? Hissing a bit she kept walking as the dropship edged closer to the extraction point - most of the Entourage having small packs on their belts with breathing masks for them, all of the upper ranks having them and the lowers that could afford it. Tal watched his Mistress with worry, knowing she had done the same thing several times in the past week, the same quiet mutterings, but he could never help Kael make sense of it as she would just shove him away saying she had to do this her self.

It was the conflict of being right on both sides. She had seen the look Roh had given her, he hated her for what happened - and he was right to look at her with anger for not being there for him like he was when Qesa was growing up...But she had a mission to accomplish, a mark our for the lives of those on the ship - Roh being a Gel would understand that despite his Hul family as well. Kael was right to go on the quest and Roh was right to hate her for it...Kael could never decide what she wanted more. Resting her head against the wall of the Phamtom she sighed as she took her helmet from her belt and glanced down at it...She needed to talk to Roh. But every time she saw him during the short break time all that came back was anger that he dared be resentful towards her. The sigh quickly turning into a growl and hiss of anger as she jammed her Champion helmet on her head and turned to her forces. She needed to murder some Humans, upstart Roh would come later!

"We will be moving through the tunnels and slaughtering all the enemy forces we find." She started, her troops perking up and listening intently as she talked. "We have no map, so split up your lances into different tunnels so we can find out the layout of this accursed place. If you think a Human knows the layout or any information about their troop movements get the information quickly before slitting their throats. The Jiralhanae will be clearing a path for the force, move in behind their thick-headed charge and spread to cover the flanks!"

Her troops just nodded and began radioing out orders for their specific lances as Kael tugged on her rifle and then pistol holster and dropped down the gravity lift with the squad leaders behind her. "We will just be following with the force," she radioed to the Commandos behind her. "Until a task that needs us comes up, likely cutting off a groups escape or sabotaging a station." Simple conformation clicks followed as the Entourage moved out behind the Jiralhanae charge...She couldn't help but be a little proud of Roh at least that he had decided the warrior path and not a poet, if it was a poet then Kael would have to kill him herself to not taint the Gel name...

(Also got my ONI I will be posting with once I figure out where he is P: .)

[John]

Captain Malcolm Walker
Company C, 1st Bat., 7th MEB, 7th Marines
On the way down

Captain Walker had attended th Regimental briefing, and hoped that the technology being tested on this planet would prove to be succesful. It would help the war effort a great deal, and people would have to worry a little less about being attacked. He received orders to move to the Space Tether upon landing, and to defend it at all costs.

After briefing his own Company, they were packed into the Pelicans, and landed on the airfield. First Platoon was sent ahead while Second, third and Fourth platoon were still landing. They were taking the tunnels to the tether. The tunnels were a maze, though. It would take a damn damn fine navigator to get to their target in time.

[Kart]

Field Master Legra 'Adantai
Remembering the motto

Victory is secured not from the throne, but the front lines.

Legra and his bodyguard has been marching double time, clearing a path to the vanguard of the Covenant army. The Field Master fully intended to be at the head of the charge when it came time to engage the Humans. His various Sect commanders and Ultras had already reached their positions, whereas he was yet to reach his.

He was close now, though. The tight formations of Sangheili had now given way to the looser packs of Jiralhanae that made up the spearhead of the Covenant army. There were a few grumbles as the primate warriors made way for the Field Master, but one look at Legra's golden armor and steely demeanor was enough to quash any truculence.

The Jiralhanae had assembled themselves into a trident formation, with their Chieftain leading the forefront, now visible over the ranks of his soldiers. Legra pondered the Jiralhanae for a moment--he had commanded Garatus back during the battle with the heretics, but he had not had the chance to meet him. Now, that chance would come.

The packs at the very tip of the spear were filled with large, battle-scarred veterans, either brimming with ferocity or radiating an aura of cool anger. These may not be the finest warriors the Covenant had to offer, Legra reflected, but they were certainly the fiercest. Some part of him pitied the Humans.

Garatus himself was marching across untrodden soil. Here, the ground was still rocky and rough, not yet pounded into dust by a thousand Covenant feet or hooves. With a gesture, his bodyguard lance fell slightly back as Legra approached the lead pack, with only Urren remaining as silent as ever behind him.

He called to Garatus. "Chieftain Garatus. I am Field Master Legra 'Adantai. A word, if you will?"


From-Sky-Falling Swarm
Attending to the Field Master

They had been assigned their duty. They had the strength to complete it.

All is well. Yes, yes, yes two dozen times. All is well.

They wheeled in a small cloud over the heads of the groundpounders, their members zig-zagging their way across the sky as they followed the path of the yellow Sangheili. The yellow Sangheili was named Legra 'Adantai, this they understood, and it was their duty to protect him. This they also understood.

Protecting him meant killing Humans. This they understood, and appreciated. Humans had killed many of them before. Three who had once been part of the swarm were now part of the dirt. Three new Yanme'e had been hatched and now flew in their stead. Few concepts translate well from an individual mind to a hivemind. Revenge was one of them.

The Humans had hurt the swarm. So the swarm would hurt them.

Even if that meant protecting the yellow Sangheili.


Minor Phran 'Amasee
Left hoof, right hoof, left hoof...

Phran, of course, was praying.

Gods, I go now to battle. This is the oldest and purest sacrament to a Sangheili, and I seek to do you honor. Grant me endurance that I might fight long, ferocity that I might fight hard, and wisdom that I might fight well.

He was repeating that mantra, and several others, the entire time they were marching. He had taken to simply saying the prayers in his head, rather than muttering them under his breath, which might irritate his new Major, the somewhat frightening Gjanee 'Bakee. Their position was amongst the rank and file of the Covenant, with hundreds of lances just like their own marching in lockstep. This was, admittedly, a bit intimidating for Phran.

It was not that he was frightened by the thought of battle. He was frightened by the thought of power. There was more power than he had ever seen amassed right here on this field--how could the Humans hope to win? He felt intimidated by the strength of his own side. He could only imagine what the humans felt.

Ah, well, there's only one cure for fear.

Gods, I go now into battle...

[Cute Huragok]

Ryan Willis, First Lieutenant, 7th Marines
On Approach of creating defense vector above domes

Ryan sighed as he had to go back into the field again, this time to protect the Covenant yet again from another planet. He could feel the squad of marines fidgeting at the blood tray, while he could hear the nervous foot of Jake, manning the M247 and protecting the back. Alton almost gasped at the sheer magnitude of the blue globes, thinking that this was the Covenant's planet, not ours. Almost hitting one of the globes, Ryan did a sharp bank and started to land.

"All right men, this is as far I can go as your trolley for the day." He quipped at them, while unlocking his weapons as he saw something blip up on his radar. The hangar then opened, as the Marines started running out and the Corporal barked orders. Ryan then closed the hangar, and nodded to Alt, who gave a thumbs up sign to indicate the weapons are hot and ready. After lifting off, Ryan felt a bump as the metal groaned on the ship, as plasma started hitting it.

"You got to be kidding me." He said as he started shouting orders to both Alt and Jake. "Jake, check to see if it came from our back, and start firing at it." "Alt, shoot it with the miniguns as soon as we see it, I'll bank us to find it." They both monotonously said the generic "Yes sir." While Ryan got to work. He banked, while Jake got as many shots off as he could. Ryan soon saw the Banshee that caused this trouble, but then it blew to smithereens from Alt's quick more than average reaction time. Ryan sighed, and started hovering it above the dome, horrified to see the great Covenant warships in Orbit, but they seemed to not notice him for now.

Ryan then gasped as the radar slowly filled up with blips, more blips, he rubbed his eyes to make sure he wasn't dreaming. He snatched the radar to make sure to report this to command. "Command, this is Apocalypse-666, there's a SHIT TON of air-born actuals, I say again." Ryan hoped they would reply, as he would be thinking their side would be as corrupt as this side.

[BetaWülf]

Jiralhanae Chieftain Garatus the Deathless, Restorer of Tribes, Slayer of Shadowed Imps.


Garatus marched at a steady pace, he would not wear out his warriors before they wet their blades or discharged their projectiles. But he wouldn't let them linger like an old shovel either, sitting in the corner until needed, utterly disgusting and useless. The Chieftain would tolerate no such weakness in his Ranks. Garatus let out a rumble of agreement at his Uncles words and nodded his head, the mighty crest bobbing in the dusty air. The old ways were his ways now, the Covenants ways would be adhered to only as needed. His prayers were to the Universe and Rukt, the spirits of the dead and the elements. He would include the Forerunners as well, but... not as prominently as before. The Human skull his necklace bore now had the symbol of Rukt's fist seared into it over the glyph of Faith he once carved into it(though the metal filling of the glyph still shined strongly through the scorching.)

It was not long into the march before a Sangheili Field Master was near, the Field Master signaled for his personal bodyguards to hang back somewhat before he spoke directly to Garatus. The Sangheili addressed himself as the Field Master Legra that Garatus had previously worked with while combating the Heretics, and requested to speak with Garatus in person. This peeked the Chieftains curiosity as the Sangheili often held the Jiralhanae in low regard, but for all he knew he could be about to be scolded. Garatus nodded and started his approach towards the Field Master, his stride unbroken as he barked at his Pack "Keep marching or I'll reupholster my throne with your hides! I'll rejoin you before the battle begins in earnest!" he roared, many of the Jiralhanae looking fearful of their Chieftains new attitude, but all saluted with a fist to their chests and continued their marching.

Garatus walked to Legra alone save for one creature, his pet, a truly ferocious beast he had hatched from an egg from the planet Hope of the very accursed star system he found himself in now. Six legs, six eyes, massive fangs and thick scaly hide, the beast was the size of an Earth Tiger but much deadlier. It followed lazily at its masters heels. Garatus stopped six or so feet away from Legra, and saluted with a slam of his gargantuan fist into his breastplate and a nod of his head.

"Greetings Field Master," he said in his own rough way, "you wished to speak with me?" he concluded.

T'vaoan Major Roh Gel.
Shadows of the Past....

Roh sat in the Phantom as it trundled through the air, his legs spread out before him and his Gel blade resting across his lap. He looked at it, the notch broken out of it, the reflection of himself. He found himself thinking of the last world he slaughtered on, the Heretics he felled and the person he saw there. He was so angry, consumed by rage in the moment. He never expected to see her there. Kael Gel, his mother. The mighty warrior. He looked her dead in the eye and wordlessly passed her by as if she didn't exist, anyone else would have died for that. He knew it, and he didn't care. He didn't know why he didn't, but truly it meant nothing to him, all he could do was hate. His hate consumed his fear, it seemed.

He hated her for not being there for him, for abandoning him when he needed her most. He understood her reasoning, he felt the same way and even has the same goal to avenge Qesa if he can(albeit not as obsessively.) Part of him desperately wished she would have taken him with her when she left, but he still knew he was stronger today for having been left behind. He was independent and proud of that fact, he would not be ruled by 'ifs' and 'buts'. He aspired to one day lead, forge his own path and legend and make damn sure Kael wasn't credited in the slightest for it. He attributed all of his Gel influence and training solely to his grandmother, and his Hul experience to his father and aunt. Roh looked up to his new(ish) friend Cad as he spoke.

A small grin caught the corner of Roh's mouth at the words of the Kig-yar "So it is, and from that shadow I shall make a light to sear the Humans and any who woul... yes it is a good time to make my own story" Roh said, his odd pause due to power hungry thoughts of conquest, what he could be some day.

[Vertickly]

Minor Marglurum
The march to battle

Marglurum marched with the pack, a Sangheili skull hang from his belt after the battle with the heretics. He had honour now and respected his elders more now, after gaining the respect of others who had yet to collect such a prize as his. Through the battle with the heretics though, he lost respect for his major. Him having to come in and save him. But for now he would have to still follow of his orders.

He saw Chieftain Garatus move towards an approaching elite, obviously of high rank with body guards and with Garatus telling then to march on he gave a loud fist to his chest plate. He liked the new attitude of his chieftain, made him seem more furocious. Though he wasn't at all sure where it recently came from. But that didn't bother him.

He marched on with the pack, his brothers at his side.

[Kart]

Field Master Legra 'Adantai
Conferring with the chieftain

"Hail, Chieftain." Legra said, skipping all the pleasantries. Had Garatus been a Sangheili of equivalent rank, Legra would have probably been forced to introduce himself formally, as he was meeting him face-to-face for the first time. Fortunately, the Jiralhanae were less attached to the ornate wordplay and mincing speech than the Sangheili aristocracy. An aristocracy that Legra was...uncomfortable with, to say the least. His new full name alone would have wasted valuable minutes.

Appraising the chieftain, Legra found him much as he had pictured the fierce Jiralhanae in his head, if perhaps a bit larger and a little bit more grim. He reflexively nodded with approval. It was good to have a large and grim warrior leading the charge. Keeping his stride, in time with the marching of the rest of the army, he walked alongside Garatus.

"We are met with a dilemma." He said, skipping straight to the point. He made a sweeping gesture with his arm, indicating the thundering horde of Covenant around them. "Our numbers, for the first time in my experience, are nearly equal with the Humans'. This is troubling, not because I fear that our soldiers are inferior, but because I fear handling such a large force may be beyond my own ability."

Such a concession would be tantamount to admitting weakness, a move that would have made another Sangheili jump at the opportunity to challenge Legra's position as Field Master. However, that seemed an unlikely possibility from a Jiralhanae. Legra gave Garatus another searching look, before continuing on.

"In this battle, the Covenant has no margin for error. We cannot afford to simply storm the Human structures--no, we must handle this with finesse. Unfortunately, I alone cannot devote enough attention to the individual divisions of our army to succeed at this task. As the Field Master commanding, however, I have no other equals on the field, as they are occupied elsewhere. So, in order to accommodate  this, I am going to do something unprecedented, chieftain."

"I intend to give you command over non-Jiralhanae troops, Sangheili included. I want you to lead our entire central column, while I attend to the flanking forces."

"Do you believe yourself up to the task?"

[BetaWülf]

Jiralhanae Chieftain Garatus the Deathless.

Garatus nodded to Legra respectfully, the Chieftain finding it unusual(but certainly welcome) that the Sangheili made no mention of his titles and many honor names. Garatus watched as he was observed by Legra, his head tipping slightly to the side as the Field Master nodded in seeming approval. He took an incredibly brief moment to look at Legra, and deduced he was of sound body and that was all that really mattered to him. He was pleased that they continued walking, as he had once heard of a Commander stopping an entire force just to talk to another(though he had also recalled hearing of that individuals execution later), wasted time was no time at all.

Garatus looked over with his flame-orange eyes as Legra brought a dilemma to his attention, watching the sweeping of the Field Masters arm warily before looking back at the masses of Covenant warriors at his back. His eyes narrowed at the mention of Humans, he would have many skulls taken to satisfy his rage at the tiny hell beasts. Garatus did not expect Legra to admit anything that could be misconstrued as weakness, especially since he was not only a proud Warrior and Field Master, but a Sangheili. He looked Legra up and down, sniffed the air and returned his gaze to the Sangheili's face, his quick search for any sort of apparent illness or physical distress was for not. The Field Master was in good health it seemed and he had made that statement of sound mind, quite interesting to the Chieftain.

Garatus was unfamiliar with the word 'finesse' but got the basic meaning from the Field Masters statement as a whole. The Chieftains eyebrow rose at Legra's proposition, something entirely unheard of before. Garatus mulled it over briefly in his mind, and came to a conclusion nearly instantly, taking one look at Legra before responding. "I do, yes" he stated.

"It is... certainly an unheard of honor you're bestowing upon me Field Master, I hope it will be... well received" Garatus said, he doubted the Sangheili he would be commanding would be anything but resentful. He wondered if perhaps he should double his personal guard before Legra were to announce it? He could think of several he already had his eyes on within his Pack for perhaps joining his Bodyguards at some point, a young Minor coming to mind specifically.

[Huka]

General Cav Vo’ha ‘Olamutee [NPC]
Commandeering the Vanguard Assault; Human Airstrip of Lesser Dome

“Fire!” The General commanded with a mountainous-honed roar, Iron Discipline’s heavy Unggoy firing their handled fuel rod guns with the musically ‘whoof, whoof!’ of release to the bolts of green rods through the planet’s thin air. Arcing and falling upon the hiding lance of humans with destructive hunger. Periodically getting down into cover behind deployed energy shields, the green-armored methane-breathers huddled in three groups of two on either side of the General in his stoic command.

In retort to the music of war, the small advance pack of humans returned fire with propelling rockets and sharpshooter projectiles that punched against the Covenant frontline cover and bit at flesh and armor to those unfortunate to be caught in the open.

However, Cav demanded courage to his warriors and threatened of punishment to those who faltered under his command in honor of their Field Marshal’s Army. The stalwart General himself was keeping his own cover behind his personal point-defense gauntlet after a sniper tried to take his goggled eye. If it were not for his thick plating and powerful shield, they would have. Checking the ammunition of his concussion rifle, ‘Olamutee looked up to the sky blossoming in the deadly ballet between the sect’s elite banshee fliers and vampire anti-aerial dominators against the humans’ defensive aircrafts.

Where the Vampires valiantly battled with thermal-seeking Qikost crystalline projectile that speared through metallic skin and pilots, rarely enough to cause the infamous multitude-reactive explosion that created pink mists of fire and debris, the Banshees were ordered to blitz fuel rod bolts. However, the humans were tenacious and quick to adapt like shipborn rats. Where their unbound defenders exploded in their resting places with the lack troop-power, they answered with the deadly defense turret armed with surface-to-air missiles that were more than capable to tear about the Banshees’ armor.

“Retreat! Keep out of their attack radius!” The Field Marshal commanded through their channel after losing four to the abominable defense, but the sacrifice done its work. Burned and pocketed the stripe enough to have excess troops scramble to douse the fires and move debris for the rest of their operating crafts to allow the reinforced access door to open properly.

“Fire!” The General commanded again in the distraction but this time, the arcing incendiary gel projectiles aimed for the turrets’ armed heads. Crashing in explosion and eating at the metal plating, a couple managing to damage at least one missile carrier, but Cav was not satisfied. He desires their complete annihilation!

In the midst of his rage, he heard a loud ‘bang!’ and saw a fireball coming at the corner of his eye. Leaping as if pouncing on a prey, the General cradled himself and tumble as much as he could before the crashing star made a small crater of his hiding place. Rolling a couple meters in the velocity, Cav dug his claws into the ground to halt and locked his armor for full overcharge of his energy shields in time to have a hail of thick and small remnants of superheated debris rain on his body.

“General, are you alright!?” One of his nearby Ultras questioned through their com. “Yes! Just keep the humans busy in our direction!” Cav huffed under his helmet’s sealed respirator as he quickly made for cover, blasting kinetic bolts at the closer lances of the enemy, “If we don’t destroy them, at least weaken them for Field Master ‘Adantee’s butchery!’

“By your command!’ The Ultra growled before shouting in his clannish tongue, the crèche stepped forward to rain deadly hail of needles from his sharpshooters at the dying little pack of defenders, regardless of distance. One of the Kig-yar shrieked in triumph at a kill before the back of his quilled head exploded from a return fire with his partner sharing his fate. “Shields up, you fools!” The pearlescent-armored Sangheili ordered, giving the defensive Kig-yar time to erect their personal shields. One hearts-beat to find a target-the sniper responsible of two good shooters’ deaths-and fired a furious lance of contained plasma from his focus rifle. Tearing through the air in a waver of heat for one trigger-squeeze and melted through sniper rifle and head in one cauterizing slice. Immediately ducking into cover at the response of about five armor-piercing rounds that could put fatal danger to the officer, the Ultra could just imagine the sniper’s headless body collapse in a heap amongst its brethren, giving him a bubbling pleasure at that imaginative knowledge. All hail the loving grace of the Gods’ gifts!

The Sect was performing to expectation. The humans' lack of above-ground defense put the General at a surprise and abit insult, but he expected better under that heavy door-defense. "Keep marching. I want that door destroyed, the rest will fall into place!" he ordered with a point of his claw.

[MrKill]

[OOC: Keep in mind in your next posts: The majority of the 'human defenses' are actually underground. Other than various anti-air and anti-armor batteries and teams, the surface is literally barren. For now, the UNSC is underground and in the city. Remember that the surface has low atmosphere so if you don't have a piece of equipment to supply oxygen you will eventually faint.]

[Faclan]

Cad - Kig-Yar Major
Awaiting deployment orders.

Letting out a breath as Roh didn't anger over his words Cad just smiled as his friend replied. But he started to tap his claws together slowly as Roh's voice raised in volume before he quieted down - that not sounding that great to Cad who heard it was becoming above the Gods and abandoning the Faith...but he just nodded and gave a shakily smile as the Phantom stopped and they were told to drop. Clicking to his file they did a last weapons check before dropping down, Roh's file following as Cad clicked his shield on and scanned, but shut it down once he saw other Covenant around standing in ranks.

Falling into step with his file they waited as he looked over and noticed Field Master Legra talking with his good friend Garatus. Cad frowning as he looked over the Chieftain. He had heard of what had happened to his mate but had been unable to see or even send him a message in the intervening time...He wanted to wish him good fortune and that his mates soul would be on the path now (uh oh >:3.) but he didn't have the funds or even the authorization to get a flight from the rest zone where he and Roh had been sent to try and get to Jiralhanae space. Telling him in the middle of combat wouldn't be good either, but he would find some time to wish his friend the best.

Turning his sad expression to Roh he cleared his throat a little and tilted his head to the side as the two files waited for orders. "May the Gods give us the strength to wipe the Humans off this planet." He started with, tapping his scarf before clearing his throat a little and continuing. "If..we see you know who here...what do you want to do?"

(Now we'll see what lil Roh thinks of the Gods :3. Feel free to put Cad and Roh under Garatus's command Kart :> .)


Eugenius - Jiralhanae Advisor
Bridge re-construction beginning.

Glancing to the side after marching for a bit as a Sangheili voice called out to Garatus Eugine slowed down as well as the Field Master approached them. Eugine just nodded at the commander, not bowing his head or anything like that as he was still very disappointed in the Sangheili for not finding Jornarus. As they walked over Eugine smiled a little as Garatus's little scaled pet happily followed after its master. The little, well little to Jiralhanae, guy had bonded well with them over the break time and seemed to help Garatus get over the grief...Eugine wondered what would happen when it matured fully? It sure grew in size fast but Eugine bet they could teach it a lot - maybe even to hunt. That would be some good bonding time with Garatus and his children after their tragedy - some time Eugine wouldn't mind helping with if he could keep up.

Shaking his head a bit he watched the Field Master and Garatus talk back and fourth for a bit Eugine just sort of half listened as he took another swig from one of his three canteens - some nice strong ale to keep a body moving through this difficult time. Good stuff. The elder did perk up however when he heard the Field Master say he wasn't able to lead all the troops and that he was offering Garatus the command of troops. That was surely a step in the right direction in reforging the bond between them all as Eugine just smiled and waited for Garatus to walk back to them as he rested on his staff.

"Impressive Nephew, a good step in the right direction I think for relations - let's have a successful mission to show your prowess." Shifting his staff to a better walking position he nodded at the pet. "Figured out a name for the little beastie yet? We should maybe try to teach him to hunt Humans or see if (s/he, dunno D:) has a taste for them."

[BetaWülf]

Sangheili Major Gjanee Bakee.
The War Machine Marches Ever On.

Gjanee marched ever on, his face scrunched and focused. He was not in the best of spirits since the campaign against the so called Heretics, his two younger brothers injured and relocated within the Empires vast armies. He had two new replacements, which he hardly knew at this point. The twin Sangheili hearts he ripped from the chest of a Heretic he killed were on his belt, while a necklace swayed with each step, another victims mandibles were strung on it like beads. He never imagined killing his own species could be so... enjoyable. But it was. There was something about killing something you knew was your equal, not superior, not inferior, but equal, that was just... invigorating. He had never felt more alive than he had when he buried his mace in a Heretics head, the feeling of shared ancestral blood, warm, purple and thick, running down his face.

He'd never killed Jiralhanae before, nor did he care to try. Killing Kig-yar was fruitless, like slaying wild fowl for dinner. Unggoy were too cute, he could not bring himself to kill them. Mgalekgolo, he tried to avoid them since they actually intimidated him and he knew damn good and well he couldn't defeat one, let alone two. Yanme'e were insects, and were just as easily squashed as the rest of them. He would have loved to kill a San'Shyuum but such thoughts he would never speak aloud, he carried his Clans resentment for the frail maggots from the war of old, when the Covenant was originally born. He hummed a song from his Clans lands as he sensed the tension from one of his Minors, that boy Phran. It was a soothing, melodic tune, rhythmic but calm as well.


Unggoy Ultra Dakek.
They couldn't just let him keep one claw.

Dakek was in a sour mood ever since the Heretic shooting time, the stupid Sangheili wouldn't let him keep a single trophy from his killing. At least, they wouldn't let him keep any Sangheili trophies. He had an entire severed head hoisted onto his shoulder when he went to board a Phantom, but they took it away from him and scolded him for it. Though, they never checked under his breastplate, where he hid a full set of mandibles. When he got a short trip home after several years of constant service, he was treated as a god practically. His was swarmed by hordes of siblings, nieces, nephews, aunts uncles and cousins! His little Tribe received great honor for his acts of war, the Moonbeasts he had killed were amongst his things and their preserved heads were mounted in the Tribes common room.

He wowed them all with the glamorous and sometimes grim stories of the war against the Humans, and the tales of him killing Heretics were quickly favorites of the children. His brother(fifteenth youngest) was an accomplished artist and painted an awe inspiring portrait of Dakek, standing on a jagged rock with a spear bearing the skewered head of a Sangheili, a storm sky with spiraled clouds. It was just as Dakek had depicted his killing of a Sangheili(in actuality, he accidentally dropped a spear on a Heretic split face from a bluff, before he hacked its head off to put on the spear), he was a legend to his family and neighbors.

But as he walked with the others at the front, he was reminded of that stupid skull he was deprived of by those stupid finger faces. He just sighed and watched the new Field Master talk to the hairy monster Chieftain. He missed the old Field Master Til, he was nice and Dakek's friend, but now that Til was a Field Marshal Dakek never saw him anymore, and he doubted this new Field Master would be nice. He was probably like those mean Sangheili that took his trophy away. Dakek frowned under his rebreather, but ended up smirking when he looked at everyone else. Those silly bastard faces had to wear rebreathers too now, how did they like it? Dakek hoped not very much.

[Kart]

Field Master Legra 'Adantai
Readying for battle

They were near the Beta Cluster now. Coming up over a slight rise in the ground, they laid eyes on their target. The rough and tumble rocks had begun to give way to the open, metallic field of the Human airstrip. Legra gestured to Urren with a single upraised fist. The sub-commander relayed his orders to the relevant personnel. Over the period of a few minutes, the entire Covenant infantry force ground to a halt. Legra turned towards Garatus for a final word, rasping it out through his rebreather mask.

"Chieftain, the time has come. We are approaching the Human airfield. As you can see, it is undefended, save for a few turrets and missile sites. Your tribe alone should be enough to destroy the Human machines. I will send a Locust to support you. Once you have cleared the field, we will muster our forces upon it and prepare for our assault into the Human catacombs, and burn them out of their holes!"

He said the final words with relish, the adrenaline beginning to work its way through his body. It did not matter how experienced, how wizened he was; in the end, he was still a hunter, and his heart sang at the thought of prey. But still, some part of him remembered his hard-won caution. He had one last thing to say.

"I am trusting you, Chieftain." His tone was noticeably more dour. "And I have given you a command that would be the envy of any Sangheili Zealot. Be warned; this is no blessing. Because you have been given authority, you now possess responsibility. If we should fail in this battle, the blame will not reside on only my shoulders..." Legra let his sentence trail away.

He thought for a moment. Yes, he thought. I will trust this Chieftain.

"But these are wasted words, are they not?" He said, challenging the Chieftain with a look.

"For we will not fail."


Minor Phran 'Amasee
Pushing down the dread

The song was calming, of course. Meditative. Almost like a lullaby.

It was somewhat undermined by the fact that the singer was wearing dismembered mandibles and torn-out hearts as godsforsaken jewelry. Phran thanked the Forerunners that Major 'Bakee was on his side. He'd rather face a thousand humans than that particular soldier. He might just have to!

If only I was that frightening. He thought. Phran was a trained warrior, of course, and he'd seen combat before. As a Sangheili, Unggoy, Kig-Yar, and even Jiralhanae (occasionally) would step out of his way, if they met on the street. He was of the warrior caste of the Covenant, as the gods had ordained it. But next to his Major Domo, Phran looked and felt like exactly what he was; some poor farm boy marched off to war.

I should have been a priest. Not that it would have helped. Most priests went to war, like all other good Sangheili. It's not even that I'm bothered by the thought of war. I'm just afraid that I won't be any good at it. If only I'd had a little more experience.

Ah, well, he thought, as the army around him ceased marching, awaiting orders.

Time to become a veteran.


OOC: According to Kill, there are minimal defenses on the airfield's surface, just a few turrets and suchlike. Jiralhanae, feel free to tear them to pieces. Include a few Locust laser blasts while you're at it. Enjoy!

[BasedGoody]

Private Barry Barrington

Waiting for Combat

"Jesus Christ Lloyd." Pvt. O'Neill moaned, slumping into his seat. Harold Lloyd was signing to the tune of the opera that played in the Pelican. Corporal Goodwin started it to soothe his mind before the shooting started, but it had rather inspired Harold to show off his talents. Talents was used loosely, it sounded more of a dying animal. Lloyd stopped shortly as O'Neill made his remark.

"Yeah, you don't like it?" He grinned evilly, "Don't listen." He finished.

"How can we 'not listen' if it's the only thing we can hear?" Barry sighed, as well sick of the attempt at music. Michael, the team's PFC, laughed out loud at the conversation. At first it appeared that he was off in his own thoughts while listening to music via headphones. His interjection proved he had at least some taste for the talk at hand.

"Heads up gentlemen." Goodwin nodded to himself, and the rest of the crew. Barry looked up from Lloyd to the Corporal. The glass of his mask fogged up as he exhaled deeply. It was more of a depressed sigh, given that the battle drew closer. The whole UNSC force had to wear these add-ons to the standard marine helmets. It was a respirator given the unfortunate atmosphere of the planet.

"Hoo-fuckin'-rah..." O'Neill looked to the ground. His sarcastic celebration was echoed through the mouths of the rest of the fire-team.

"Calm down," Goodwin smirked, "We got things goin' for us this time." Barrington, O'Neill, Lloyd, and Michael looked up to him. All four sets of hopeful eyes desired to know their advantage.

"Spartans!" The Corporal yelled in a kind voice, "We got the Big Boys on our team. Not just that, but some damn domes with civvies that need saving!"

"Hoo-rah!" O'Neill smiled, with a little more excitement. The others echoed with the same level of happiness.

[BetaWülf]

Jiralhanae Chieftain Garatus the Deathless, Restorer of Tribes, Slayer of Shadowed Imps.
To Battle!

Garatus grunted loudly in response and acknowledgement to and of Legra and his words of battle, he lifted his gravity hammer and hefted it onto his shoulder with a fanged grin. He started to return to the head of his forces when Legra spoke once more, Garatus stopped mid stride and half-turned to look at the Field Master, Legra's dour voice boded ill tidings. As Legra seemingly finished it dawned on Garatus why he was given the command... and his lips curled somewhat with mild disdain, showing the gleaming tips of his razor sharp fangs. Legra still said some parting words of encouragement and reassurance, but Garatus had seen the cold-blooded ways of the Sangheili even in one he respected much to his disappointment. "They are," Garatus said plainly "I shall succeed in this task set before me" he said as he walked back to the head of his joint forces.hi

Garatus looked over his troops, Jiralhanae, Sangheili, Unggoy and Kig-yar all were under his command, a literal first for the Jiralhanae. He stood between the two sides, his Jiralhanae to his left and the mixed species to his right. "You are my Pack, my brothers in arms and fellow warriors of the Covenant. We march now, united for the glory of the Empire, to crush the Humans death machines above, then take the battle below to the tunnels the vermin cower in!" He said in his deep, thunderous voice, "Form two ranks of triple spearhead formations, interspersed between us! There are six turrets for us to destroy, one at each corner of this pitiful 'airfield' and two at its center!"

Garatus looked at the now reformed ranks of his troops, looking over the individuals closely, the leaders of the Creches specifically. He approached a Major who looked to be of the Muram and a swordsman from the blade on his hip, standing considerably taller Garatus looked down at him. "What's you're name Warrior?" Garatus said, nodding at the response "A proud and noble Clan to be sure, I want you to lead the attack on the turret to the nearest left corner. You," Garatus said pointing to an Unggoy Ultra before ripping a feul-rod cannon from a Sangheili's hands "I want you to accompany him, do your best" he said, kneeling and gently handing him the cannon.

Garatus approached another Sangheili Major amongst the intermingled ranks "Resku, correct? I want you to take on the closest rightmost turret. Stalkers!" Garatus bellowed and a trio of black clad warriors appeared behind him "You will accompany the Major, use your firebombs to deadly affect" he said before approaching his Jiralhanae.

He approached the Captain whose Majors aided him in the fight against the Assassins. "Captain, You will lead the attack on the farthest right turret" Garatus said before roughly placing a hand on his Shoulder and briskly pulling him closer "and perhaps, if you survive, we can have that chat" he said quietly in his ear. Garatus marched over to his one his Minor's, deciding to test his mettle, after the campaign against the Heretics he had kept and eye on him. "Minor Marglurum," Garatus said, making a point to salute with a fist to his chest "You will take the battle to the farthest left turret, make us proud" he said with thump to the Minors shoulder.

"Locusts with me, we take the two middle most turrest, I will take the left one!" With that the troops charged those he had ordered to battle, the Iron Discipline waging their own battle from above. Garatus's basic shielding helped negate the turrets fire upon his and his two bruteshot wielding bodyguards, he leapt into the air, the high gravity of his homeworld making the jump quite impressive as he crashed into the turret with his gravity hammer. He landed heavily before spinning and swinging his hammer upwards into the turret, then swung his hammer back downwars, that combined with his bodyguards fire destroyed the turret with only Garatus's shield being a casualty as popped from the blasted machines metaphorical dying breath.


NOTE: All Ground forces are under the Command of the Chieftain Garatus. This Includes all the Covenant species present, including the Sangheili.

[Kart]

Field Master Legra 'Adantai
Joining the battle

I hope that was not a mistake.

The Chieftain seemed to be doing well--the assault was proceeding apace. Already the peripheral turrets were afire, and the violet lasers of the Locusts had already carved searing lines into the central defenses. The automated machines were hardly the equal of the massive army bearing down upon them. With a swing of the Chieftain's hammer, the left central turret burst into orange flames. So too fell the others.

Well, at least he has the ability to destroy machines.

The turrets were certainly frightening in their cacophonous glory, but the Covenant had come prepared. While the Locust walkers were marching with the rest of the forward infantry, the Wraiths in the rear were sending arcing blasts of plasma from their mortars at the turrets. Most of their fire appeared to be focused toward the far turrets, though, where their distance advantage would be most useful. However, that allowed a couple of the nearest turrets to go unmolested.

"Have one of the Wraiths brought up into closer quarters. That near rightmost turret needs to be removed." His aide-de-camp, Urren 'Muramee, nodded acknowledgement silently. "There is a Major 'Verekee in that position. Should I give him field command of the Wraith's targeting?" Legra thought about it for a heartbeat more before replying.

"Very well. Let the eyewitness administer the strikes. Additionally, send one of the Yanme'e swarms along for surety. I want those turrets gone as soon as possible."

Legra strode through the throng of Jiralhanae, his bodyguards clearing him a path. He didn't bother firing his own weaponry, as it would have been pointless. The large-scale deployment of infantry might have been unnecessary, in retrospect. One hardly needed the entire army to destroy a few turrets. In fact, it was the three long-legged, insectoid Locusts that seemed to be doing most of the work, their lasers shifting from target to target, illuminating everything in a mix of vermillion and fuchsia.

At least they've whet their appetite, Legra reflected. This meager taste of conflict will only serve to fuel the fires of their rage.

He had let Garatus and his personal guard get ahead of him, but now Legra and his guard had caught up. Whilst the Chieftain was occupied with smashing the left-central turret to bits, Legra simply watched as the right-central turret began to go up in smoke as well. Some of Legra's guard were taking potshots at it, but it was sort of unnecessary, given that the structure was already melting into slag beneath the Locust's purple laser. Just to fan the flames, Legra idly tossed a Plasma Grenade at the Human edifice.

He scarcely noticed that the turret stopped firing, choosing instead to direct his attention at the Chieftain, who was standing atop the pile of wreckage that had once been a bullet-spraying death machine. Garatus didn't look any worse for wear.

"A good early victory, don't you think?" He said, addressing the other. "Come, we have no time to micromanage the destruction of each turret--that we must trust to our subordinates. We must turn our attention to the orchestration of the actual assault."



From-Sky-Falling Swarm
Skies above the smoke

Fly madly!

The thought would have been nonsensical without context. But as it was, it made perfect sense. The Swarm now dove and wheeled, zig-zagging through the air. The missiles launched by the near rightmost turret were hardly aimed at them (they were far too inconsequential as individuals) but even a single detonated missile spewed enough shrapnel to keep the Yanme'e alert. Two of their number had already fallen.

Fly, fly, fly. Fire as fast as we can--do not die with unspent ammunition.

Another species might have complained of their lot in life, but such was not the way of the Yanme'e. Oh no, they did as they were told. They would fight, they would fly, and they would wait for the turret that was killing them to in turn be killed.

They could only hope that it wouldn't take too long.

[Vertickly]

Minor Marglurum
Now in charge? An honour to be fulfilled

"Yes Chieftain!" He roared back to Garatus with a strong pound to his chest.

Marglurum, had never been as nervous in his life then this moment. He was in charge of many troops, not even given a warm up with a few. But he accepted challenge and responsibility immediately, and he absolutely cannot fail this task. He will impress his chieftain, there is no other option.

He took a deep breath and looked at the troops he would be commanding. He looked to the ground in front of him, 'AGHH completely unprepared for this, time to wing it. I can do this' He looked up at his troops.

"Kig-Yar, fire from afar, be accurate and provide cover. T'vaoan, Unggoy, Sangheili, and my brothers in the pack, We will charge ahead under the cover of sniper fire from the Kig-Yar. Yanme, swarm them, don't let them breath! Move fast, use cover when available, and most of all, rip the Humans to shreds!!!" He saw the Locusts, he had 2 locusts to use in this attack. They knew how to do their jobs.

Without waiting for a response from the pack he moved out with the others following. They made it in front of the turrets on the designated side of the defenses. The Kig-Yar all took positions and opened fire, with the T'vaoan and Yanme taking the lead and charging ahead of the pack. The locusts opened fire as well, damaging the AA gun first. The Jiralhanae, Sangheili, and Unggoy all began their charge under the fire of the locusts. They were making ground, but they had to go slow with the 70mm cannons firing on them.

Marglurum looked ahead to see the Yanme were dying, thankfully not at an alarming rate, but the T'vaoan, they were being torn apart. Though they were fast moving, the cannons were tearing them apart.

[MrKill]

Colonel Killinger
Seventh Marines
Underground

"They've already taken out the majority of the turrets?" John asked as the tram sped towards the BETA dome with an entire platoon of men accompanying him. His objective was to block the tunnel accesses from the BETA dome to the Alpha Dome, meanwhile Alpha Company lead by Captain Sorelson took the water purification plant. It was a shame these little tram cars could only carry so little men and supplies, John wanted to see the size of the bigger tram car that ran to the orbital space station. They were huge, big enough to transport plenty of men and equipment.

"Yes sir, the airfield's defensive perimeter has collapsed. The men topside have retreated to a point where they've taken a lift down to the underground hangers. Not many made it back alive." The Major that was with John added. Technically, he wasn't in command here anymore with a UNSC Army general present, but he still had Marines to command.

"Damn," John said. "Is the BETA Cluster evacuating?" He added. If they were, it would be impossible to close the traffic tunnels that ran to the Alpha Cluster. He realized that it would also be impossible, especially considering the sheer volume of vehicles, to navigate a convoy to the BETA Cluster.

"Yes sir, traffic tunnels have reached a new peak point in traffic. We're not getting anything through them anytime soon, all four lanes are being used as a one way towards Alpha." The Major replied. John nodded and looked down at the reports, the general had his staff grant him access to informative files regarding the progression and status of various topics. It wasn't real time, however, but it presented the larger picture in an otherwise depressing discussion.

One thing that concerned the Colonel: Why weren't they bringing the fight to the Covenant on the ground?

He knew the atmosphere was thin, which was a primary reason why they weren't attacking them on the surface, but the UNSC had oxygen tanks and EVA suits. John had to consider the arriving tanks deploying topside with infantry support to attack the Covenant armor. He knew the domes wouldn't hold out forever, especially as they were untested other than in simulation. What if the Covenant ships hovering nearby opened fire on the domes? What would happen if they collapsed after one shot.

The Covenant ships would swarm the cities and John wasn't ignorant. He knew the Covenant's three thousand strong force had immediate reinforcements on the hovering ships. But, in the end, John had his orders: To deploy in the tunnels and stop the Covenant from getting to the Alpha Cluster. The best way, he though, to do that would be to block the tunnels at the source. Defensive positions running from that source all the way to the alpha cluster would be effective, at least in his head, as defense by defense inevitably got overrun.

He'd set up his most powerful defenses in three stages. Stage one would be at the beginning of the battle; the first defensive position. He was thinking autocannons, machine gun positions, mines, men and plastic explosives. That would he his most offensive position. Ten or so defensive positions down the line would be another similar setup, minus the mines. That one would be geared towards a push and a retreat if it needed too. His final position would be the most heavily defended. More machine gun positions, turrets, explosives and the men that had retreated from the first to the last defensive positions... and he was running out of time to set them up.

"We're arriving at the BETA Cluster, sir." The Major said.

"Good." He replied, listening for the distinct whine of plasma: Nothing, even though they were right on top of them. The idea was intimidating. "Let's start getting set up, then."

[Remnant]

Major Resku 'Verekee
Shock and Awe

Resku looked at the SAM Turret in the distance, firing at the Banshees and the Yanme'e swarm that was currently overwhelming it. They weren't taking very many casualties, but nonetheless, it was a dangerous task. Resku gave a Sangheili smirked, remembering how Garatus allowed him to take this turret. He figured all Jiralhanae were egomaniacs or something worse. He was proven wrong.

"Alright, lay down the hammer onto that Heretic fortification!" Resku spoke into his comm unit, to a Wraith that wasn't very far away. Apparently a superior ordered it there to help remove the fortification.

Resku noticed that the Yanme'e were retreating away from the Turret. He looked up and saw bright blobs of plasma illuminating the sky as the wreaked havoc onto the Turret. While the Yanme'e swarm took casualties from the turret, none were killed by the plasma Mortars.

"We're done here." Resku spoke aloud to Malevolence, as well as the Stalkers. "We rendezvous with Chieftain Garatus at an entry point to the underground. Move out." Resku said.

Minor Karonus
Remniscence

Karonus remembered what happened to Garatus mate. How she was brutally killed. How the cubs have lost their mother. He had a new rage for Humans. But he felt much sorrow for Garatus. This was much harder on him that it could ever be for Karonus. Karonus vowed to avenge Garatus' mate, he vowed to kill the pathetic Humans who would do such things. It was the least he could do for his sister. She didn't deserve to die, much less be mutilated.

Karonus snapped back to reality quickly. He looked at Garatus, who was standing on the rubble of a turret that Karonus helped destroyed. Waiting for an Order, he decided to follow Garatus until orders were given out. He didn't want to admit it, but he currently didn't know what to do other than follow Garatus or his File. But it didn't seem like Palcius had orders either, so he stuck with following Garatus.

[BetaWülf]

Jiralhanae Chieftain Garatus the Deathless.
Planning time.

Garatus turned to Legra from atop the broken turret before jumping down, he preferred to speak face to face and not at a distance. Garatus listened to the Field Masters and nodded with a savage grin. "Yes I do" he said plainly. "Yes, we need a definite plan to deal with these rats in their burrows. What thoughts do you have for our offensive" Garatus asked as the two walked together.


"As I see it currently, if we simply enter the tunnels through the lifts it will be a slaughter, the humans will decimate our forces and leave us nigh defenseless in the coming warfare below" Garatus said as he stroked his beard in thought. This was no battle, it was a war of attrition that did not bode well. He hated the humans and their cowardly ways, why could they not meet them on the open battlefield? They lack honor was his conclusion, better to die in battle than die in a hole.

[Arbiter124]

Major Shandian
For the Gods

Shandian looked towards the Jiralhanae, feeling honestly uncomfortable. If it was a Sangheili he would have nodded and charged with no questions asked, but it was a new feeling answering to the barbaric soldiers. He had memories come back of when Kaze and him would make fun of the primitive creatures in their youth. 

Now he was receiving orders from them.

Regardless, Shandian nodded, and turned to the turret that he was assigned to. His mandibles clicked wildly as he figured out a strategy. He called out to his Kig-Yar.

"Bok!" His Major came running to him, three Kig-Yar subordinates at his heels.

"Yes sir?" Bok asked, his milky white eyes twitching. He was eager for a fight. That's what Shandian liked about this Kig-Yar, since the day he met him battling the Heretic Sangheili some time ago. Bok was a brave soldier. Sure, he fought for his rewards, but in the end, he was a capable and loyal comrade. He trusted him more than some Sangheili.

"It's you and me, old friend. Cover me and this Unggoy here." The Major said, nodding his head towards the Ultra armed with the heavy weapons. 

"We get him in close, and he'll finish the job from there."

The Major locked eyes with the Unggoy Ultra. "Get your soldiers on the sides of my Kig-Yar. Our combined forces should be able to take enough hits to get you in close."

He looked back towards his first mate, who had his team in a phalanx formation, already moving.

"Sir!"

"Right behind you, Bok." Shandian responded, moving towards the turret. He fired four shots of his needle rifle towards the automated weapon. His Jackals did the same with their respective weapons. The turret rotated its position to aim at the mobile bunker of soldiers, and fired two shots.

Two shots were all it needed. 

The Unggoy and Jackals around him were lifted into the air at the force of the golden explosion, only a few feet from their position. Shandian felt his shielding systems break down to half capacity as he flew onto his back, the sand around him kicking up. He groaned heavily, his ears ringing from the blast.

"Shit..." The Major was able to spit out, before rolling onto his back. Everything moved in slow frames. He coughed, and managed to rise to one knee. He saw Bok carrying one of his soldiers behind a dune, and the other two Minors firing on the turret behind their shields. The Sangheili snarled and rose back up. He aimed at the turret, but then realized that they had one chance at winning.

"Unggoy! Now!"

Hunter Knight
Twenty Credits

"Guys, I want you to think about this for second." Hunter mumbled through his chewing.

"Dude, you're nasty. Talk to me when that shit's digested or something." Andre laughed from the other side of the pelican. Hunter responded with the middle finger and a smirk.

"Just hear me out-"

"We can't hear you with all that in your mouth, dude." Riley responded, as she shoved a clip into her rifle. 

"Can I have some god damn respect?" Hunter yelled out in his defense. However, any power he would've had was erased when a piece of his apple escaped his lips. He tried to think quick and grab it with his mouth in midair, but he missed once again, and bit his tongue as the chewed chunk of apple made its home in a slimy pile on his leg.

"UCK'IN PHIT. I bit vai tongue." He called out, grabbing his jaw with his glove.

Chaz shook his head in disgust, and Andre keeled over laughing. Hunter threw the remainder of the apple at his teammate, who caught it and tossed it aside, further destroying any dignity Hunter would have.

"Dude, how you expectin' to beat a Hingehead if you get your ass beat by an apple?" 

"Hey Andre, c'mon..." Riley responded. Hunter looked at her in surprise. He didn't expect her to defend him.

"...He got that one kill. That one time. So he claims." Andre and Riley both exploded with laughter. They hadn't believed him when he told them about his vicious and glorious fist fight with a toddler. It had been a milestone in Hunter's career, and he had one lone scratch in his army signifying his kill. Everyone said that it was incredibly cliche for him to do that even if he really did get a kill, but Hunter liked it. He earned it.

The Private locked eyes with the replacement for James. His name was Sam. He was a pretty good guy overall, and certainly not the least capable person in the Marines. He was new, his skin free of scars. That would change today, Hunter knew that. They all knew that.

Chaz sat in the back, holding his DMR close and staring at the ground. Chaz had been promoted to Lance Corporal, and was given command of the team following James' death. It hit all of them pretty hard, but Chaz never really got over it. Him and James were like Hunter and Andre. Closer than brothers. When James died, something snapped inside of Chaz. He never was really a nice guy, but he changed that day, and he never changed back.

"You ready, Rook?" Hunter called out. Sam responded with a nod and some sort of half smile. He was worried. Hunter understood, so he dropped it. He looked down at his weapon, and realized the chewed apple was still on his leg. He shivered in disgust, and brushed it off. 

"Yo, Andre. Twenty credits I kill a Gator."

"You said that last time, Hunt'."

"This ain't last time."

Andre looked surprised. He shook his head, and showed his toothy grin once again. "Sure, bro. I wouldn't mind being twenty credits richer."

Kaze 'Muramai
Pissed Off

Whatever Field Master let a group of savages take command would be having a long conversation with Kaze at the end of this fighting.

The Ultra charged forward firing his plasma rifle in one hand as he went. He charged past two Kig-Yar, and put his shoulder into the side of a Jiralhanae Minor as hard and disrespectfully as he could as he continued his charge. The turrets rounds kicked up dirt and chipped away at his shield systems, but he was determined to show these Brutes who was really in charge. 

The Ultra bent down and grabbed onto one of the pillars on an Unggoy Majors backpack. He lifted the cannon fodder up into the air and held him up in front of him. He continued to run, firing his plasma rifle from the safety of his living shield. The turret fired on his position, ripping off chunks of the Unggoy's flesh as he went. Blue blood splattered all over Kaze's shoulder pads as he charged. One of the missile cannons aimed towards a locust behind Kaze. 

They were too important to lose at this stage of the fighting. 

Kaze let out a deep, animalistic roar, as he winded up with his left hand, and threw the barely living Unggoy into the air between the turret and the Covenant vehicle. The AA gun fired, and almost instantly the air above the Noble was filled with blue mist, guts, and shrapnel. The Ultra was thrown forward, and he landed on his shoulder pad, skidding in the desert sand. 

He looked up, only some distance from the turret. He searched frantically for his rifle, only to find it behind him, out of his reach. He rolled to his feet, unhooked his other primary weapon, and fired at the turret, his once white armor painted in blue.

His shields were long gone, but the turret wasn't focused on him now. It was tearing apart some poor Sangheili Minor who wasn't quick enough. Kaze turned back to the turret, just staring it as the blue liquid of a Covenant martyr ran across his visor and dripped off of his chin. He holstered his rifle, and unsheathed his sword. It exploded in an array of white and blue. He raised it high, and activated one of his plasma grenades, charging the turret once more.

"For the Prophets, brothers!"

Minor Sheng 'Muramai
Reminiscing 

Sheng stood upright, staring at the show of lights as the human turret went up in the flames of a Covenant victory. He liked the flames. They were so elegant and graceful, and yet universally known as a symbol of death. A perfect mix of any warrior. 

He just wished that he could have added to his kill count some.

The Major barked some orders to the Lance, and they began to move towards the Chieftain's position. Resku seemed so accepting of the Jiralhanae as his superiors. Sheng wanted to laugh at the comparison of Resku and Kaze. His brother was somewhere on the battlefield, no doubt boiling with anger at the though of being controlled by what they had grown up knowing as only barbarians. Shandian probably wouldn't care. He isn't as zealous as the eldest of the trio. 

Sheng didn't care either. He just wanted to taste human blood again.

[Kart]

Field Master Legra 'Adantai
Readying for the battle

Legra gave the skies above the airfield a final look, searching amongst the Phantoms, as if he was looking for Til somewhere up in the air. He did not feel comfortable making decisions without the Field Marshal, but he recognized that he might as well begin planning now. He turned his gaze groundward again, addressing Garatus.

"The Humans will have every defense lined up against us. We must use every asset at our disposal." As he spoke, he signaled to his subordinates to have the Wraiths brought up. "Our scouts report fifteen openings. Twelve of them are large lifts, two of them are smaller elevators and the last one appears to be a staircase. My current plan is thus:

We will lead with our Wraiths. They have served their purpose as artillery, and they have little left to do but provide cover and wreak havoc. We will surround the tanks with Unggoy, to serve as fodder. Should we have any suicides among them, all the better.

I will lead the second wave. I will bring the force of our Mgalekgolo, one pair for each lift, along with my Unsorrowing Creche, down all twelve lifts. I will take the majority of our Spectres and Revenants as well.

You will lead the third wave, bringing the mass of our infantry down, as well as our Ghosts and Choppers. I trust that you are a capable warrior, Garatus, that much is evident, but I hope you are an adept tactician as well. You will need to be.

Throughout the entire battle, we will have the elevators and staircase full of Kig-Yar shieldmen supported by T'vaoan skirmishers, to keep the humans off balance."


Drawing breath, Legra steeled himself once more.

"Any input, Chieftain?"

[Huka]

General Cav Vo’ha ‘Olamutee
Human Lesser Airstrip

“Fine arrival, Field Master.” The General of Iron Discipline greeted when in earshot, one heavily armored wrist projecting his energy shield and inactive energy sword in the other. The scent of burnt blood and dirt clung to the high officer’s thick golden plating, eyes hidden under his pressure-resistant goggle and mandibles clicking lightly against the surface of his respirator. Flanking the stocky veteran was his pair of Sect Mgalekgolo, they looked like any other collection throughout the Imperial Army but they bore the signil of the Iron Discipline’s jutted toed boot on their shields, showing their loyalties.

First looking towards ‘Adantee and bowing his head in respect, then another for the Jiralhanae Chieftain Garatus. The General had the pleasure to fight with him once during the cleansing of the Heretical sect some time back and gave him the justly respect he deserves, having little animosity for a real brother of battle. “I killed as many of the humans as I could before they escaped my grasp...” Cav reported, fluxing his clawed fingers around his hilt as if to gesture that he personally had a hand in the personal execution, “The sect received light casualties , including the loss of good pilots, but our part is-”

Then the gravity ruptures of an approaching Spirit grabbed his attention, the pronged ship passing the flock of air control to make a slight dive and siding to reveal its right hinge; one capeless Field Marshal clad in his clan-inspired Imperialistic command harness with a white Spec-Ops Ultra on his right side and either side of the two was a lance of fully-suited Special Operatives. Til turned his avian-motif towards the ultra and the black op commander nodded courtly before the master of this assembling army stepped out of his dropship to stride with a fit erect look of purpose and power yet move so fluid and predatory. The hinge closed and the Spirit flew away to parts unknown, hull flickering before blinking from apparent existence.

Forgoing his cape for practical reasons, the Field Marshal revealed to all that he was armed to the teeth; there was a carbine butte poking over the right shoulder, twin plasma rifles, a pistol holstered the outer side of his left boot, and the clear view of four curveblades on either side of his lower back. He immediately lifted a armored hand before Cav could command for respect and attention to the Muram superior. The mountaineer clansman shifted on his heavy boots as the war master came closer and closer before finding himself towered somewhat. “At ease, General. “ The Field Marshal congratulated, his naturally raspy voice hissing and unnatural by his respirator’s communication system and tube access. His head moved to look at his soldiers' handiwork, “You’ve done what was required for your fellows to close this easy take in our favor.”

Cav saluted with pride in his chest, “All for the Empire and you, Field Marshal.” Til nodded to the long-time General in approval before his single jaded visor looked at the other Zealot and Garatus. “Now for the hard part, Brothers. I sense you have a planning building in your heads.” He said with his usual mystical fashion. The General have known the Field Marshal for many cycles and often wondered if his clan mysticism is true, ust really good theatrical know-how...or delusions to their keen minds.

[Guardian Cat of Yappa's]

Captain Kelvin Duncan

1/7, 53rd CE, A Co

Underground

"Get those charges set." 

Duncan crouched on the walkway, his rifle pointed towards the direction the enemy would be coming from. "Benson, get a squad to set up their package here. We need to keep moving." He order, keeping his attention on the tunnel before them. Intel was lagging but reports were coming in that the boys on the surface were getting their asses handed to them. There was talk that Khristopher airfield was about to fall. Trap underground with no support from above that's exactly what i signed up for all those years ago.

A drop of sweat rolled down the side of his head as he chuckled to himself. Maybe it was a bad idea to split up his company down three of the tunnels, course it wouldn't have made any sense to have the whole company in one. These tunnels were only the size of metro tunnels back on earth, so a whole platoon was also a bit of overkill for one tunnel. He didn't want to split his platoons up into individual squads either, in case some of the covvies caught up to them. Yeah don't want a squad of marines dead because they weren't fast enough, he thought. The sound of Lt. Benson calling out to him snapped him out of these thoughts however, "Package is armed and ready sir."

"Copy that, Third Platoon we're oscar mike to the next position." Duncan stood up, allowing a Sergeant to pass him by before falling in behind him. They had to keep moving to get their objective done. "Reaper Actual to Reaper one-actual and Reaper two-actual, what's your status over?" 

"Reaper Actual, Reaper One, First packages are set, moving on to second position over."

"Reaper One, Actual, Copy that."

A similar response came across from second platoon as they moved deeper into the tunnels. Let's pray we manage to stop their advance with these, he thought.

[BasedGoody]

Unggoy Ultra Yaddap

Front Lines

"Now, Unggoy!" The words ripped through the air and Yaddap leaped onto his feet. The explosions had scattered the once strong Covenant force. The Ultra had little time to ponder the thought of the location of his soldiers. They were either fleeing to cover, injured, or dead. The white-clad Unggoy, however, maintained focus on the problem at hand. His eyes darted back and forth across the battlefield in search of his explosive weapon. 

It had been granted to him originally by the one known as Garatus. He was honored to be gifted such an important device. Now in combat, it was apparent he had lost it. Blood stained the ground and Yaddap's gaze was hazy. The Ultra could barely see anything, as sand had kicked up and shortened his vision. He stumbled towards a glinting object on the ground. He dropped to his knees on the sand and placed his hands on it. 

"Found ya'!" He happily yelped, pulling it up, "Wha...?" The weapon was limp in his hands. Yaddap's mind snapped into reality. The 'weapon' in his possession was dripping a bright blood all over him.

"Oh no..." Yad gagged, before throwing the torn off Unggoy arm to the ground. The Ultra stood back up, more alert than before. With his armor coated in blue, he jumped onto an object he hoped was his real Fuel Rod. Pulling the golden weapon onto his shoulders, he fired off a volley in the direction of the turret. The recoil sent him back onto the ground, allowing the weapon to drop from his hands once again. Yaddap heard explosions off in the distance, and the Ultra prayed he hit his mark.

Private Barry Barrington

Almost ready

"Y'all ready?" Goodwin yelled to the others. The replies consisted of grunts and nods as each soldier checked their weapon. Barry stared at his assault rifle, content with it's condition. Hopefully it would serve him well on the battlefield. He hadn't heard mention of the situation down on the ground. If they were lucky their landing would go fine, and boots would hit the ground without a problem. After that the fighting would begin.

After all, how easy would the Covenant take down the airfields defenses? Barry looked around to see the rest of his crew prepared for combat. Harold was armed with an Assault rifle akin to Barry's, Goodwin seemed to be using the same. Michael was adorning a battle rifle, and O'Neill was in possession of a DMR.

Barry was silently pondering how this battle would go. Best case scenario, they land and head underground. The Private at least hoped they would be lucky enough to land without trouble. Worst case scenar-

BOOM

A hole took the place of where O'Neill sat seconds prior. Smoke suddenly billowed out and filled the ship. Screams echoed throughout the pelican and Barry could tell they were losing altitude fast. The pilots voice came out over the sound of air rushing throughout the gaping whole.

"Shit, rgh, we're trying to stabilize the ship - but prepare for a nasty landing!" The pilot yelled out. His voice cut suddenly as more explosions ripped through the air. Barrington grabbed on to a handle above his head, eyes closed tight. He prayed quickly to any God that was out there, or rather anyone that would listen. He was fastened into his seat but still felt as his he could be ripped out any minute. 

"Brace!" The pilots voice returned for mere seconds before Barry heard the sound of the pelican's stomach slap against the airfield.

---

"Come on man, wake the hell up. For me bro, wake up!" Barry heard a ringing in his ears As it subsided, it was replaced by the ever-known sound of plasma fire. His eyes widened to Harold's pleading eyes through his helmet.

"Oh thank God." The other Private sighed, "There's no one else. Me, you, and the Corporal, and he's lookin' good. The rest are gone. They're fuckin' dead!" Harold was clearly panicked as he picked up his Assault Rifle. He cocked his head to the left, the exit of the Pelican.

"What...?" Barry managed to slip out before standing up. His knees could barely support him, and he fell to the ground. Barrington looked up to see a spray of blood where O'Neill once was, and Micheal's body rested in his seat peacefully while his head sat atop a shard of metal separating the two. Goodwin appeared to be barely conscious with his arm pinned up against his seat at an inhuman angle.

The Private felt vomit rising up his neck. He was about to pull his helmet off when he remembered the planet's atmosphere. He made the split second decision to swallow his puke. Harry tapped him with the tip of his boot.

"Come on! We gotta go fuckin' now! Covvies are everywhere!" He helplessly yelped. Barry stumbled to his feet and nodded. The two walked over to Goodwin and pulled the fasteners off of his body as he screamed in pain.

Plasma still appeared to be going strong, Covenant forces were clearly advancing. The three surviving Marines stared out the doorway and towards the hangars. It was maybe 25 yards away, the pilots had done a good job of landing near the base. Wherever they were, surely they wouldn't last.

"Now!" Gerald growled. The team charged into open air. Together the Marines ran through the airfield. Barry could feel the pressure of the Covenant forces on top of him, and much more could feel the plasma pushing closer and closer to him. The Private's vision grew fuzzy, and darkness engulfed it. 

[Vertickly]

Minor Marglurum
Grrrr... Sangheili

Marglurum reacted to getting bumped into by a Sangheili, he growled but knew those originally above him wouldn't like it. But they would have to deal with it. He charged forward, behind the elite that had run into him, using him as 'cover'.after watching what he had done withth eUnggoy he wasn't even mad at him, he was impressed, but careless. As the elite staggered Marglurum ran right passed him and made it to the wall leading up to the turrets. and others began to show up as well.

"Pack, let's move!" He roared to those catching up. 

He went up a staircase and reached the top. No MG's were pointed to defend here, they were lucky. He went up to an auto turret and started to rip it to pieces until it was unable to fire. As soon as he was done the pack began to move faster. Just when they were beginning to get the MG's The locusts had manged to destroy 2 AA turrets. Marglurum roared and charged with the pack further into the defenses.