Mission 7: Protector

[Cute Huragok]

Ryan Willis, 7th Marines
Holding steady and strong against Banshee Onslaught.

Ryan shifted his foot as he started seeing some purple outlines in the bright sky, marking that the Banshee's and other air force were coming. Based on his briefing, there were about forty Covenant air units, but briefing has proved that it isn't necessarily accurate. "I'll fly towards them but will continue evasive maneuvers, and Alt you fire on them with Anvil missiles if they are crowded."

"Jake, cover our back and make sure they don't fire on our ass."

"We must protect these domes at all costs guys, it might be the only good enough defense against the Covenant." Ryan said with his usual pep talk during battle. As soon as the Pelican was about 600 feet away from two Banshees, they fired plasma at it and Ryan tried to do his best to dodge it. The metal groaned as some hit the exterior metal, burning some of it. Alton fired the Anvil rockets, and since they were near each other the impact blew up one, and the heat made the other fail and start crashing towards the ground.

"More are coming, be ready" Ryan said as his crewmates nodded.

[Kart]

Field Master Legra 'Adantai
Finalizing plans

“Now for the hard part, Brothers. I sense you have a plan building in your heads.”

Legra nodded, his heart soaring at the sight of his old friend. If he had doubted victory before, he would not doubt it now. Additionally, Til might be the thing his strategy needed...

"You are the tactician, my friend, and it is ultimately your decision to choose our plan of attack." he said self-effacingly.  "But you are correct. I did formulate a strategy for attacking the Humans underground.

My plan was to send three waves down the dozen lifts against them, each one led by one of us." Here, he gestured in a circular motion, indicating Garatus, Til, and himself. "The first wave would be our 'breaker' wave, designed to cause havoc and create an opening. With your consent, Field Marshal, I think you are most apt for that task.

I will lead the second wave, bringing our Sangheili, Jiralhanae, and Mgalekgolo. I will also take our Spectres and Revenants. This wave will bolster the ranks of the first wave, and provide covering fire.

The third wave will bring to bear our mass of infantry, such as Kig-Yar, Yanme'e and Unggoy, led by the Chieftain Garatus. The Humans will likely have a series of defenses as much as we have a series of offenses, so we should expect to repeat this pattern of attack until such time as we are victorious.

Additionally, we will use the two elevators and single staircase to deploy our T'vaoan, who will constantly harass and wreak havoc amongst the Humans.

Does this meet with your approval, Field Marshal?"

[BetaWülf]

Chieftain Garatus the Deathless.
Meet 'n' Greet.

Garatus rumbled as he contemplated Legra's question, one clawed hands digits twisting and twirling his beard thoughtfully. Garatus went to open his mouth to speak when the General Cav Vo’ha ‘Olamutee approached, the Sangheili bowing his head respectfully was pleasant and Garatus returned the gesture, he recalled fighting the Heretics with the General not too long ago. Garatus turned with the rest of the high ranking warriors as a Spirit descended nearby, sending a small plume of dusty air through the Chieftains orange Mohawk and ruffling his fur in general. Garatus's lips curled into a fanged grin as the Field Marshal Til Muramai dropped down with his special operatives, the one Sangheili he knew well enough to be called friend. Garatus immediately saluted Til, slamming his right fist into his chest and bowing his head.

Garatus held Til in the highest respect, regardless of his current feelings towards the majority of the Sangheili, though there were a select few others he felt little to no animosity towards. Though... they literally all stood within arms reach of him, save for that odd Bakee Major who was probably dead somewhere by this point. He had grown more fond of the Kig-yar as a whole over the others, given his friendship with the tiny Zealot Cad, and his newer friendship with the T'vaoan Captain Nek Dal who helped him find... find the truth. Garatus listened to the Sangheili Warrior Commanders, his hammers head resting on the ground with his overlapped hands over the pommel. The thoughts of his late mate caused his face to scrunch up as his internal rage simmered, he took the time to grunt deeply in acknowledgement of Legra's plans for Garatus to lead the third wave.

[Huka]

Field Marshal Til ‘Muramai
Meeting of Three before the Entrance

Til could feel the confidence and spirits rising from his fellow commanders, it was blissful feeling on the battlefield as a curse to try to keep all under his command with hope and strength. A commander is as vital as his individual soldiers. All were one for the Imperial machine.

Stroking his clawed fingers along his respirator tubing in thought as Legra’s plans, envisioning and thinking on the possible threats waiting in the Humans’ pit. He almost shuddered to the thought but no fear dared to show its disgusting head to his soul. Zealots had no fear of mortality; not for their enemies, not for their doubts, and not for the infernal fires of their opposition. Their only fear was the retribution of the Gods themselves for failure and heresy.

“Whilst this strategy remind me of one worthy of the Arbiters...” he said to his near suicidal part in his Brother-in-arm’s plan, a nod came after, “I will take it. The Iron Discipline’s Mgalekgolo will join me in my advance and require your specialists, Legra. Their heavy arsenal will prove vital.”

Pausing a moment and looked towards the horizon, the Field Marshal pondered and clicked his mandibles, making a quick call to Battle Priest ‘Ahjaree. “Cleric.” “What is thy command, Indomitable Field Marshal?” A harsh but reverent trained voice answered that sound like it was fresh from a speech. “You will be joining me in the initial attack. Are you ready face our enemy in their hole?”

There was a pause and in the midst of the armies, the Battle Priest was burning passionate in his soul as he answered, “I am always ready to dive to the 1000th Hell to clear a path for my fellow brothers and seniors of purity and knowledge!” Til chuckled with the dark rasp of his mask before replying while signaling for the T'vaoan championess to appear for this meeting, "And we will prevail. Meet me to the air field's central elevator immediately and we will prepare." 

With that done, he looked back to Legra and Garatus, primarily the latter, "Chieftain Garatus." He addressed with professional firmness before a slightly softer tone, "Fight and kill well enough to feed your warriors. Keep your mind and soul intact with your fury...remember you are the face and symbol of your tribe, you shape your future generations and the young in your midst. I trust you because you remind me of another Jiralhanae many rotations ago; he was strong, honorable and true to your virtues, worthy of any Sangheili fighting in this crusade. Don't let it die for anything, for your tribe and her. The Gods and your Spirits will guide you till the end."

[Faclan]

Cad - Kig-Yar Major
Owowowowowo...oh Aecor its her...

Growling as he staggered back from the turret hit on his shield he cheeped in approval as it exploded from a few well aimed grenade shots from their Jiralhanae allies. A quick glance around showed him that the turrets were down and that they were momentarily safe. So without further ado he shut down his shield and started to hop around a little near his file as well as Rohs file waving his shield arm up and down as he held his aching wrist and quietly hissed. He was thanking the Gods that his shield had just barely held up against that shot. It was quiet comical, and several Jiralhanae guffawed at the little dancing chicken as his own file snickered a bit at it. But were silence with a glare as Cad slowed down. Just taking deep breaths he kept shaking his hand a little as he nodded back at Roh.

"Good job Roh," He said, voice a little distorted because of the long mask, under his normal helmet (more of a beak bag really), he wore to keep him supplied with air out here. "Soon the rest of the Humans will be driven from their holes and into the light of the gods to slowly choke on their own accursed air!" His little rant done he reloaded his needler and started to move around the injured looking for those he could help. It wasn't long before he was distracted by the Field Master arriving on the battlefield. Quickly standing to attention and saluting as the Sangheili walked over to Garatus he then returned to his work. His file doing the same but doing a bit more looting that he was as he helped the injured Unggoy or Kig-Yar to their feet or closed the eyes of the fallen. Though he was distracted as Field Marshal Til arrived on the scene as well. Surely a meeting of Greats here as he saluted once more before returning to the task needed.

Though he did look up again as he heard several unmistakable Kig-Yar strides coming through the earth their way, Cad looking up just to see Mistress Kael and her personal file jog past him on the way to the Field Marshal. Although he couldn't see her eyes past the full face helmet she wore it didn't take an expert on Kig-Yar posture to know she was very annoyed. Quickly averting his eyes as she moved past he quickly moved over to Roh and tapped his shoulder as he pulled one of the last Injured Kig-Yar to their feet.

"She's here Roh!...Seems Marshal Til has a mission for her." He said quietly, remembering that Roh just wanted to be told if Cad saw her, though Roh probably saw her herself running past. It wasn't hard to guess the female T'vaoan in golden armor with golden feathers was Kael.


Eugenius - Jiralhanae Advisor
Back to sour...Careful Field Marshal.

Eugine hated this mask. It was uncomfortable, made breathing tricky to do as he had to wait for the system to cycle before he could breath out, had to carry around a damn tank for the air...and he couldn't drink! That was the worst part, normally he could get through his grievances with drink but not this time. So he instead had to rely on gratuitous destroying of Heathens to make him happy. The burning turrets were nice, but the lack of squishy Humans to squash was still irksome. Grunting a bit as he shifting his staff to his good hand to lean on it he only half listened as the Field Master spoke of the plan that would be set in motion with the new force that Garatus would be commanding. He really should have been paying more attention but his mood on the Sangheili had turned sour again and instead he took out his notebook and started to make an entry in it about what had happened so far.

He did however look up when he heard Tils voice, and slipped the notebook back into his bandolier bag and moved over to his Nephew side as he respectfully nodded at both Sangheili. The plan seemed solid to him and he had faith...no not faith. Trust? Even that was shaky...he would listen to the Sangheili commanders then - and if Garatus thought their plan was solid he would go along with it. He served like Garatus had but his Nephew had seen more recent combat so he would trust him on this issue.

However, when Til brought up a her Eugine for once narrowed his eyes at the Sangheili. He was treading very dangerous ground right now as Eugine reflexively put a hand, his bad one, on Garatus's shoulder lest he do what Eugine wished to do right. The Sangheili had likely suffered loss himself. But both family members were of the same mind to have some of the blame for the tragedy on the Sangheili for not patrolling the system...but besides that Euigne just waited at Garatus's side.


SSA-012 - Yanme'e Swarm
Not enjoying this planet.

Once they were out of the warmth and air filled Phantom the mood of the swarm took a sharp decline. They had their masks on before they disembarked so they could get used to the feeling of them. But many of them had to work hard with their wings just to keep from hitting the ground. The air was so thin any kind of flight was nearly impossible even with their gravity generators. If they were going to do their normally tactics they would land exhausted and be very vulnerable to counter-attack before they could pick up and begin to fly again. But the Ultra quieted down their annoyed clicks quickly and they just began to do a little waddle hop after The Master. Doing what the best they could to keep up with his long Sangheili strides.

Thankfully he soon stopped and allowed the Swarm time to catch up as they slowly opened and flexed their wings to try and get used to this air as they clicked through the masks and breathed. Thankfully The Master seemed pre-occupied with the others to notice that they were complaining again as the Ultra just stayed quiet...the swarm was right to be annoyed right now. She just hoped that they would get over it soon - killing some Humans would help.


Kael Gel - T'vaoan Champion
Quite miffed about the operation so far.

So far the mission to this damned Dome planet had been nothing but hardships for herself and her Entourage. Those without oxygen masks had to stay underground in the ventilated locations as they waited for a mission. Though by now most of them had stolen the items they needed from the dead Kig-Yar who had them or the live ones who wouldn't put up a fight. So one problem down. But there was still nothing for them to do that wasn't front line work. Like they were common Kig-Yar. So instead Kael and her Entourage had kept to the underground near the Covenant landing spot, doing some short reconnaissance and also looking for maps so they could try to have a basic idea of where the tunnels would lead when they were finally sent out. Or when Kael got too bored and went off by herself. That was the glory of having Operation Freedom in missions like this unless Til had a specific mission for herself and her forces.

The map searching had not gone well, so her forces were resting for the brief time they could before Kael would just begin the operation with them. The Champion currently pacing again as Lil Roh wormed his way back to her minds attention. The momentary distraction of Field Master Legra letting her know that she was under the command of a Jiralhanae helped to get Roh out of her mind at least as it was replaced by rage. Herself, commander of a group of Specialists....under the command of a Jirlahanae!? She didn't care if it was a Chieftain, the bloody War Chief, or some Major it was still a; bumbling, thickheaded, slob! Likely a devout one at that. Hissing in anger Kael gave the signal anyway as her troops got up and checked their breathing masks or full helmets as they prepared to move. If it was just some Jiralhanae that told her he was the commander now she likely would have ignored it - but Til had the authority and enough of Kael's respect for her to listen to him. Kael glancing at her own full helmets readout before moving up the surface and starting the jog toward the taken airfield.

When she finally arrived she gave the signal and her main force stayed a distance back as herself and her personal file ran the last distance to be at the Field Marshals side. Saluting Kael gave a simple; "Field Marshal," greeting as she waited to see what was so improtant. Kael glad that her helmet covered her entire face so the Jiralhanae and Field Master couldn't see the narrowed eyes she was sending at them. Vesa however glanced over the forces gathered at this airfield and stood up a little straighter as she noticed Roh among them beside a common Kig-Yar. But before she could say anything Tel gave her a little cutting motion with his hand and then they both fell silent behind Kael...She didn't need to know that now as she apparently missed seeing him herself as she approached.

[Kart]

Field Master Legra 'Adantai
Setting the stage

Her?

Legra pondered the words shared between Til and Garatus. There was a story there, one he had not heard. Had he more time, he would have pursued his curiosity, but now was almost certainly not the time. Legra had a duty to attend to, and whatever secrets Garatus and Til had were theirs to keep.

With the Field Marshal's approval, Legra swung into action. Like well-oiled clockwork, Urren 'Muramee swiveled into step behind him. Legra swept his eyes over the crowd of Covenant in the airfield, then started calling out deployments over the battlenet. Generals and Ultras alike snapped to attention, rallying their respective warriors into fighting formation.

Legra called out each command, hearing it echoed through a thousand throats...or carapaces, or voice machines, or exposed vocal cords, depending on the species.

"Wraiths to the central lifts!"

"Iron Discipline Mgalekgolo to the outlying lifts. All of the first wave are under the personal command of the Field Marshal!"

"T'vaoan, begin attack through the staircase. Kig-Yar files, form up under your Majors and enter the service elevators!"

As the first wave began to assemble, Legra gathered his personal Unsorrowing Creche to his position, additionally pulling out and preparing all extra Mgalekgolo, Spectres, and Revenants. He wanted no time wasted should Til require reinforcements.

The first stage would be the hardest, but Legra trusted his old friend. Even now, Til looked fiercer than ever. If he had thought to do so, he would have pitied the Humans. Looking out over the assembled first wave, he felt the adrenaline begin to rush as he readied for the battle to come.

"Your warriors await you, Field Marshal." Legra said to Til. After a moment's pause, he added a final phrase.

"Tooth and talon."

[Arbiter124]

Shandian 'Muramai
Sangheili Major

Shandian searched frantically for the Unggoy, hoping that the little creature heard his orders. He found the white armored Unggoy standing in the middle of the battlefield, holding the dismembered arm of what must of been one of his soldiers. That didn't matter to the Major nearly as much as the other observation.

He didn't have the fuel rod.

"Fuck."

Another explosion, close to Shandian. It sent him into the air, but he was able to land back on his feet. He bent down and used his clawed hand to balance himself as he skid along the desert sand. With his other hand, he fired off inaccurate shots of his semi automatic rifle, dealing minuscule damage to the fortification. The Major snarled out loud, and aimed his rifle once again. The turret fired far before Shandian could fire off more pointless rounds. The Major grunted, and leaped to the side, landing on his shoulder and rolling back to his feet, quickly transferring to a sprint to the right.

"COME GET ME!" The Major called out. The turret turned, and fired its explosive weapon once again. The Sangheili dropped his rifle and began a full sprint to the side. He glanced back, seeing it about to make contact with the ground not far from him. In a last ditch effort, he leaped forward. Before he could back contact with the ground, the missile exploded, the sheer force sending him farther through the air.

The Sangheili landed in the sand face first. He rolled along the ground until he was laying on his back, shield systems completely depleted.

"Ugh..." The Major groaned, as he lifted his head up, to face the turret that would rip him to shreds.

"Do it." He spat at the automation.

In that moment, three explosive rounds hit the turret in its base, tearing the machine down to pieces of shrapnel. The thing screeched from metal grinding on metal as it collapsed in on itself.

Shandian dropped his head, laying in the desert. He smiled.

"Good job, Unggoy." He mumbled, as he rolled onto his stomach and pushed himself up. He was on his knees, brushing himself off when Bok trotted over, holding Shandian's needle rifle.

"Missing something, boss?" The Kig-Yar tossed Shandian his weapon. The red armored Sangheili caught it, and let out a quick, abrupt chuckle.

"Thank you, Bok. Status report."

"Kog, one of my men, has left us. I do not know as far as the Unggoy's forces."

"I'm sorry for your loss, Bok. However, we cannot dwell on those who have departed. We must regroup with the Jiralhanae forces."

"Will do, boss. I'll get my men together."

Hunter Knight
Backed in a corner

"I am so ready, man." Andre yelled out over the wailing of the engines. Hunter gave a half smile and nodded in response. He unsheathed his combat knife, and looked at his reflection. He did that sometimes. Just to see himself one more time, to see what he would look like if he was to die.

About a year ago Hunter's gut would have dropped at the idea of dying. He joined the marines, sure, but that was only because he wanted to really do something with his life. Of course he didn't want to die. But now, after all he'd been through, he'd consider himself a warrior. Not a good warrior, but a warrior nonetheless.

The back of the pelican hissed to life, and slowly opened itself. Hunter's eyes adjusted quickly to the glare of the sun on the sand, and a desert landscape was revealed to him. A large, barren world.

With Covenant.

He could see explosions in the domes that they were supposed to protect. The savage aliens charged through, destroying
the fortifications on the smaller group of domes.

"We're too late." Andre muttered, his face astonished.

"Not yet, Dre." Chaz responded, standing up and latching onto the safety grip on the ship's ceiling with one hand. The other lightly clutched his marksman rifle, and his face was brooding.

"We've still got a chance to protect the larger group of domes, as well as the water station to the north."

Hunter nodded to himself, and stood up as well. The Pelican was flying towards the water station, where they were sent to occupy. The Private closed his eyes, and sighed heavily.

[BasedGoody]

Unggoy Ultra Yaddap

"WOOOO!" Yaddap yelled out, jumping into the air. His fists pumped into the sky. Although he was an Ultra, he was not above the celebration of a well-earned victory. Yad grabbed the Fuel Rod Gun and rested it on his shoulder. His unseen smirk disappeared as he flipped around to his men. Tabban was sitting on the sand, hands in his lap. His expression was blank. 

Yaddap walked over to him and tossed the heavy weapon to the side. The Ultra plopped on to the ground next to him.

"We have done well! Haven't we?" Yaddap remarked light-heartedly. Tabban still sat still. The Major wasn't showing emotions, so Yaddap was having a hard time reading him.

"I can't find Kayab or Judded." Tab muttered silently. Yad stood to his feet, a frown growing across his masked mouth. The Ultra spun around to the dunes behind him, and hobbled forward. At the top, he searched down for the missing soldiers. Upset at not finding anyone, the Unggoy turned back to Tabban. In the process the Ultra slipped on the sand and was sent tumbling down the dune. Not but halfway down, he was stopped with a thud.

"Ahk! Don't kill me!" The bump beneath Yaddap yelped.

"Oh my Gods don't scare me like that, I thought you had died." The Ultra sighed, pulling Judded out of the sand.

"Thanks much for finding me, sir!" Jud tried to say, but found himself falling back down the dune. The Ultra did nothing but sigh and return to Tabban. The Major was noticeably more excited at the voice of the Minor. 

"We got Jud? Great, but where is Kay?" The Major questioned. Yaddap sat down on the ground, trying to remember. After being thrown back at the first explosion he had no recollection of another Unggoy, except for the lone arm the Ultra had acquired. Yad suddenly grew very worried and stood up.

"I think he's right here." Yaddap uttered, motioning towards the blue blood covering the right side of his body. Tabban gasped and leaped back. The Major put his head in his hands, saying 'No, no, no." over and over again. The Ultra spun on his heels and hobbled over to the Sangheili. Yad understood that casualties occurred in war, but never realized how hard it would hit him to realize he lost a man under his control. He didn't really know what to do. What he did grasp was that Sangheili always knew what to do.

"Major! Kayab is dead!" He yelped, still in shock.

Barry Barrington

"We made it!" Harry yelled, throwing his hands up. Barry fell to his knees gasping for breath. Corporal Goodwin followed suit. Harry stood with his hands above his head, taking in deep gulps of air. Other Marines ran up to the fire-team. One noticeable soldier, most likely a Sergeant, spoke to them. 

"Shit boys, didn't think you guys had a shot. Even with a dozen guns here covering you." Barry flipped over onto his back smiling. He was so shocked he had survived that it almost made him forget the PFC and Private back in the fallen pelican, or at least sprayed over the side of it. Goodwin got to his feet and turned to the Sergeant.

"Phew," He exhaled, "We still have men back in that thing, we need to go-" Barry cut him off.

"Sir, with all due respect, they're done. Michael took shrapnel to the neck and O'neill's guts are all over the airfield." The Private muttered. His adrenaline was slowly dropping, and anger took it's place. It was a whole new feeling to him. Both Fear and Hope had since retreated to fighting in the alley while Anger reared it's red horned head.

Barry's hands curled into fists and he picked up his Assault Rifle. The AR strap had broken and had since fallen from it's position on the Private's back.

"When are gonna fight these guys?" He asked the Sergeant. Barry had almost forgotten who he was speaking to, "Oh, I mean, sorry Sergeant. What I meant to say is, I'm ready and able to fight." The Sergeant's glare ceased.

"Doesn't look it." He eyed Barry up and down. The Private looked at himself to see blood covering his arms, along with metal etched into some parts of his skin.

"But," The Sergeant spoke up, "We do need help. Get fixed up, kid." He said. Harold walked over to Barry and put his arm around the Private.

"I can't believe they're gone..." Barry shut his eyes tight.

"I can't believe how many Covvie's are gonna fall to my Rifle." Harry muttered back.
 

[Guardian Cat of Yappa's]

Sergeant Maximilian Drake Fields

1/7, A Co, 1st PLT, 2nd Squad

Inbound to Water Station

Protector, Tranquilius Beta System

The Albatross remained in a dim red glow, as they descended to the surface, their destination was a water supply station on the edge of the A.O. Drake didn't like it though, the water station is a good distance from the rest of the combat, but if it was to come under attack it would take time for reinforcements to arrive if they were needed, but the sergeant wasn't gonna argue with orders from the colonel, the man knew what he was doing. As they descended closer to the facility, Drake felt a needed to address his squad of men. "Second Squad listen up," he yelled, attracting the attention of the men who were in the albatross, "Command has decided to retask some of our forces to protect a water station on the edge of the A.O. We were the S.O.B.s to get selected." A series of yeses and fist pumps occurred within the blood tray of the albatross. "However, that doesn't mean we are out of the fire yet men, the covvies will come for it. From what I know, seems as though we are gonna be on our own marines, so whatever comes our way we gotta deal with it." 

The marines of 2nd squad went silent after hearing this information, and then Drake continued, "Covvies aren't gonna be able to do shit to us though if we dig in, so the first thing I want done is for all of you to find a defend-able position, dig in, grab whatever supplies you need to hold that position, and prepare to shoot anything that moves." He said, before returning to a seat.

The voice of the pilot came over the loud speaker "ETA to LZ 3 mins marines." 

"You heard the man, get tactical marines." The sound of a clip slamming into his MA5c reinforced his announcement.

[BetaWülf]

Jiralhanae Chieftain Garatus the Deathless.
Choices....

Garatus lifted his head when addressed by the Field Marshal, straightening up out of respect and a sense of professionalism, showing his great size in the process. He listened with a peaked interest as Til spoke, at first curious but then he realized the Field Marshal had sensed his internal rage. Had it been that obvious? No, Garatus had more control than that, Til was just the perceptive he realized(not that it surprised him or that he was unaware of it in its entirety.) He wondered who this Jiralhanae was that Til once knew, though he felt greatly honored Til trusted him and found him worthy. But when he mentioned her he struck a nerve, a very raw, exposed nerve. Garatus's gut clenched and his nostrils flared, he took a deep breath and as his Uncles hand rested on his shoulder he let it out slowly. He turned his head to look at his Uncle and tipped his head slightly before turning back to Til.

"I wont let it die," he said with renewed composure "let them guide me if they will it" he said with a nod. While his faith was not restored to its previous fervor, it wasn't entirely gone either. He had always kept Rukt in his heart though, so the tribal beliefs and traditions were still strong with him, but he had loosely been raised to believe in the Forerunners.

Garatus watched as the warriors of the Covenant moved about at Legra's commands, vehicles and Mgalekgolo trundling hither and fro. Garatus noticed the T'vaoan Kael Gel nearby, giving a respectful nod to her as he stood near the others with arms crossed. He had heard of her before, she had quite the reputation for killing, Garatus could respect that.

T'vaoan Major Roh Gel.
Lovely, just lovely....

Roh nodded to Cad after the turret was a smoldering heap, before going to see if there were any shinnies to be had from it. He ripped out some wires of many colors, tossing the blue and red ones away to covet the yellows. He stuffed them into his satchel bag, looking up as Cad went a tad Zealous on him. "Indeed, hopefully the air wont ruin the meat too" he responded, trying not to be downer but still stay true to himself.

Roh looked up from looting a dead Sangheili with avian menace when Cad said she was here, there could only be one he meant. His mother walked with her entourage over to the Sangheili leaders who seemed to be planning, along with one of those hammer apes too. His eyes locked with one of Kael's pity party, Vesa he believed, and his gaze was heavy and fierce. He just watched her for the longest time, breaking his glare abruptly and only because he had more important things to do. "Thanks for the heads-up Cad. I wonder what they're planning?" before he could throw out any ideas about their scheming Legra began ordering everyone to their places.

"Well, so much for the fun. May the gods favor you in this endeavor Cad" Roh said as he jogged over to the staircase, unfortunately he realized his mother would be there too.

Unggoy Ultra Dakek.
It's loitering time!

Dakek had only really waddled about taking pot shots at the turrets from a distance. He watched a Sangheili Ultra as a living shield, and added him to his mental list of people he'd kill if he could get away with it. He watched the evil Sangheili, but was saddened he didn't die. Once the turrets were down Dakek knuckle-walked over to nearby the various leaders of the Covenant in this engagement and watched fondly as Field Marshal Til arrived. He ever so slowly side walked while they leader people were talking, inching ever closer to Til until he was nearly within arms reach. He simply stared up at him in awe.

He was sad his cape was gone, but understood why given the combat they'd be facing, though Dakek desperately wanted a cape of his very own. It would be red and scary! Blood soaked from Humans! He scratched the chitin around the metal plate that patched the hole in his head, still unaware of the alterations done to him.

[Huka]

Special Operations Ultra Praem ‘Nikyusee
Aboard Stealth Spirit Harbinger, en route to Human Water Processing Dome

The moment the Field Marshal left the dropship, the warmth of a caring spirit left with him. The Harbinger seemed to come to a low chill as the unquestioned commander of the Special Operations creche Black Winds strided past the lining of two Sangheili-dominant lances and an extra lance of explosive-laced Unggoy, who twitched and mumbled in their restrained madness after being picked from the Heretics’ fallen troop and tortured for their heresies by the Black Winds.

A tall and lithe spectre amongst the silent wraiths of wars, his uncaring orange eyes peered through the visor of his enclosed helm. Staring each and every one of them down with his piercing gaze as if daring fear to peak into these hardened warriors. Praem were particular to his new troopers, picked from the cesspool of potentials to replace those who died for the greatness of the Empire and the betterment of the Field Marshal’s forces. There were few true veterans in Praem’s force, those who’ve been serving him since being a officer of his last creche-commander’s reign. They knew better and suffer from the tortures of it all.

“Hunters of the Covenant,” He began with a low, detached voice that was almost as bad as the Field Marshal’s, distorted by his helmet’s hardened communications. “We are commanded by our esteemed Field Marshal to infiltrate and destroy the humans’ water processor. Obviously used to supply their domes’ hiding populations, we take that and this will prove a fine boon for the armies.”

Passing by a couple Plasma-chargers, the Ultra grunted in amusement at their gibberish distortion under their methane apparatuses, gases slightly visible but nothing compared to when they’re active. Stepping closer to the cockpit as he continued,

“Stealth is key is this objective and from recent report from the ground forces’ officers, typical airfield defenses have surface-to-air missiles and a number of anti-personnel turrets. Be prepared for anything and do not hesitate against our enemies. For we are the shadow of the Redeeming Vigilance and our wrath is absolute!”

At the end of his small briefing, Praem clenched his fist with a righteous pride and his soldiers thumped their boots on the ground thrice in acknowledgment while keeping their expression stoic and fearless with a gleam of zealous bloodlust in their eyes.

“Ultra,” The Harbinger’s pilot alarmed, “Contact; Human heavy dropship several deca-meters off. Do we open fir-” “Where is it heading?”

There was a pause of calculation. “Seems to be similar to our path.” Praem twitched his mandibles in quick thought and murderous intent before giving his orders, “Keep our distance and trail the shuttle, it might be of some use to us. Yamne’e, prepare your wings. Flight is inevitable and we will need any turrets that our destination might have disassembled one way or another.”

Field Marshal Til ‘Muramai
Towards the Massacre

Til knew he was touching a very sensitive; it would be for any good husband, including himself, but it was necessary. The last thing he needed was a very good warrior killing himself to meet his mate early than destiny foretells and that would be quite a pit for his troops as a whole. Besides, this army was his child and he will be damned if he let it fall because of his lack of care! It didn’t matter who, from the lowliest unggoy to the fiercest Jiralhanae to even his cousin-blooded nephews.

Nodding in approval of the Chieftain, he turned towards Legra to give a chest-pounded salute and the common departing words before entering battle between the two, “Tooth and claw.” With the first wave assembling for him, the Field Marshal was able to fully put attention on his requested arrival.

“Championess.” He greeted with a respectful bow of his head, “Good to have you join for the first strike. You and your warriors will be assisting me personally as marksmen. With the Mgalekgolo and heavy specialists are our shield and hammer, you will serve me as the plague-down all who dare to oppose and stick their heads out to fire their infernal weapons. When we crack down their defenses enough, you will deliver a personal talon to their deaths as you please until further orders during battle.”

The Sangheili commander tilts his head slightly and took in every hint of body language that the Kig-yar T’vaoan made, quite keen on it from his long service to the Covenant Army. “Any questions and grievances before engagement?” Just then, he felt the edging of someone creeping on him intensfy, looking over once to see a Unggoy with a metalwork patched on his head. Squinting his hidden eye, Til immediately recognized as Dakek. Giving the little soldier a respectable nod, he quickly put attention on Champion Gel. 

All the while, the summoned sect stationed their mixed units of Sangheili and Jiralhanae with the Mgalekgolo, growling and eager for first blood but restrained by the sanctified command of their War Priest, who stood towards the central lift with his red-and-purple tabard fluttering in the light winds over his lightened golden combat harness.

[Guardian Cat of Yappa's]

Captain Kelvin Duncan

1/7, 53rd CE, A Co

Protector, Tranquilius Beta 

Setting the last set of charges

The tunnel had stopped shaking minutes ago, meaning the last of the canons from Khristopher Airfield had been destroyed, and that meant that the 53rd was running out of time. They had set 3 other traps since the first placement, and they were almost at the location for the last one. Duncan was expecting Split lips and crocodiles in the tunnels any minute now, which meant they would have to get out of the tunnels and find a site to dig in at. Why did they have to drop us at Khristopher airfield, why couldn't we have been at the airfield by fken Alpha cluster. "Final package here, get them to it Benson." Duncan spun around and dropped to a knee, his Battle rifle leveled at the ready position incase something reached them.

"Wilco sir." escaped the Lt's lips as he gave out orders to his platoon, Duncan's radio coming alive at the same time.

"Reaper One Actual reporting in, Final charges are being set now." 

"Reaper Two Actual reporting in, we're almost in position to set up our final charges."

Duncan replied with a "Copy that, report in when you're inside beta Cluster out." Duncan wiped the sweat off his forehead, let's pray that god almighty buys us some time to get dug in inside the dome.

---

PFC Joseph Sherman

1/7, 12th Recon Battalion, Sniper Team 

Protector, Tranquillius Beta 

Underground tunnels

Joseph carried his rifle on his back, sticking to the wall to avoid blocking other marines that were moving into the tunnels. He messed with his beard alittle as he watched the faces of the marines that passed, some looked scared, others looked angry, and there were some facial expressions that he just didn't understand. The amount of people in these tunnels had him at awe, "Savannah, I can't believe that so many people can fit down here still."

The scolding tone of his spotter, who was about half a foot to his left on the wall, instantly killed that awe. "Sherman you loaf, we're here on a combat mission, keep your head in the game. Remember what happened last time you zoned out." 

He did, that was their first op, and she never let him live it down. "Yea... Got our order's yet Savannah."

She turned her head slightly and leaned forward to look down a tunnel "Orders haven't come through yet, means the covvies are still outside the domes atm." 
 
Sherman nodded, afraid to say anything else he just stayed quite and continued watching the faces of passing marines.

[MrKill]

Colonel Killinger
Seventh Marines
BETA Cluster

The Warthog jumped and jolted as the light reconnaissance vehicle roared over the underground pathways on route to the airfield itself. The man in charge, a Major in the UNSC Army, had already set up the military response for the sudden and swift attack on the airfield nearby. Apparently, they were well armed as well, but the lack of even basic armor like tanks or infantry fighting vehicles made it all the more concerning. How did the UNSC Army Garrison not have any armored assets when a war with a genocidal group of religious fanatics were trying to wipe the human race out.

To say they had no assets was inaccurate, they just didn't have any there at the particular moment in terms of armor. What they did have, however, was rocket launchers, missile pods, auto cannons and various defensive structures that would hurt anything that came down those lifts. Mixed in with a deadly cross fire from other nearby defensive positions, not to mention the hounding of the fifty calibre light anti aircraft and the sheer force of the Gauss cannons various Warthogs were armed with, the military stationed below the Kristopher Airfield weren't defenseless.

The Colonel watched in the distance as a red probe light lit up and a massive blast door opened to reveal the internal structure of the entrance to the underground hangers, repair stations and dozens of men moved about. The Warthog sped through the entrance and halted to a stop mere minutes later in front of what appeared to by the control tower for incoming flights. It had obviously been re-purposed as the command building.

From above, however, the burning wreckage of what were the turrets were inaudible. Meters of titanium plating, soil and even concrete separated them from the surface, but it wasn't a defensive measure. It was a protective measure to ensure cave-ins were literally impossible, at least in this area.

"Colonel, sir!" A MP shouted as he approached. "What are you doing here?"

"Came to inspect the defenses, Specialist." John replied.

The Army Trooper didn't have much to say, and the Colonel was technically cleared in the area, but restricted to enter the command post - which was weird. Some secret topics must have been being discussed and being a Marine he was expected to fight the Covenant and ask questions later, but not him.

"Specialist, can you tell what ever Major is in charge I'd like to see him."

The specialist acknowledged, but had something to say after: "I must remind you, sir, that this is a UNSC Army operation."

John shrugged and watched as the specialist retreated to his door post, informed who ever he got a hold of on the radio, and gave the Colonel the thumbs up. Great John thought, what foolish plans has a Major who's probably never seen combat come up with.

[Llau]

First Lieutenant Alex Bishop
1 / 7, Alpha Company, Third Platoon
Inbound to the BETA Airfield, Underground Tunnels


The warthogs his platoon were all riding in trembled as they sped through the underground tunnels. His warthog he was riding 'shotgun' in was leading the rest, and not too far behind Colonel Killinger. The First Lieutenant held on tight throughout the bumpy ride, while holding his gun in the other, as he kept his eyes ahead. The ride down to Protector from UNSCS Tassafaronga was uneventful for the Third Platoon, fortunately, but he doubt they will stay that lucky throughout this engagement.

“Lieutenant. Sir,” The private who was driving him voice filled his headset, getting his attention.

He glanced over at her, and then back toward the front as the massive blast door opened, revealing the underground hangars where the Colonel was now. He nodded, and waited until the vehicle stopped to jump out. He glanced back at the row of other warthogs, and raised his hand up to wave his hand to tell everyone to get out of the vehicles.

“Let's go, marines! Move it.” He ordered, watching as they did what they were told for a few seconds before he shouldered his weapon and made his way further into the hanger. 

His Staff Sergeant and the rest of his Sergeants from his four squads he commanded formed up on him, while the rest stayed behind to await further orders. Bishop glanced around, but was stopped by an MP just when he spotted Killinger not far from his position.

Bishop glanced at the MP, and his eyebrows furrowed slightly when the young man spoke to him. “First the Colonel and now you...”

“It's First Lieutenant. Private,” Bishop muttered, smiling a little, but he wasn't in the mood for this guy's attitude. “And...I'm not sure if you guys have noticed yet, but Protector is being invaded by a bunch of aliens, and we're here to you know, protect it. So, what the problem?”

“I...” The Private stammered a little. “Look, it's not for me to say. The Major ordered it.”

Bishop tilted his head to the side somewhat. “So, about the major,” he asked, “Has he ever fought before? Let alone against religious, alien fanatics we've been at war with for...it seems like forever now.”

The Private was about to say something, but thought against it. “Sir, uh...stay here.”

Bishop quietly watched the young man leave, heading off toward the Specialist Killinger was talking to earlier.

“Pff. Army.” muttered Sergeant Sasha Dmitri in amusement.

Bishop shook his head in disbelief. “They aren't as equipped to fight against an invasion as I thought they would.”

“It's odd,” Staff Sergeant Liam Richardson commented, looking around. “Even more odd is that the Colonel isn't allowed any further than here in the hangar.”

Bishop silently nodded in agreement, and continued waiting. 

Dmitri went on, "This place is probably going to be raided soon by the Covies, and we have some Major clowning around."

"He's certainly not the smartest tool in the shed," Bishop glanced over at the Russian. "In fact, he's probably asking directions to that shed." They both smirked. 

[Faclan]

Cad - Kig-Yar Major.
Gods protect me!

Glancing in the direction of Mistress Kael and her group Cad noticed one of the females catch his eye, the one that was looking at Roh, but Cad was the one to avert his eyes from her unlike what Roh had managed. Instead he directed his attention back at Roh as he looted around the Human filth for...wires? Probably best not to press the issue or to warn him of the Human blasphemy rubbing off on him as he just smiled a bit under the breathing mask and nodded a bit.

"No trouble Roh," he started before quieting his voice down so Kael and her group wouldn't here him. "I don't mean to pry or anything Roh but...is Mistress Kael always like that? Always so standoff-ish and cold?" He suspected that the answer would be yes, since she had abandoned Roh, but even the Sangheili occasionally looked at the troops under her command while Kael had only focused on Marshal Til and just moved past everyone.

He was distracted however when Field Master Legra started to call out orders as he nodded, gulping a little as he glanced back at Roh, but a helmet adjustment and nod seemed to be enough for Cad to get over his trepidations as he nodded. "Thank you Roh, but as long as I fight for them they will be looking out for me. You be safe as well." Dipping his beak to Roh Cad set his hand over his scarf as he gathered up his file and moved over to the ordered location - missing the altercation between Roh and Kael. He did move past the Commanders however and gave Garatus a little salute as he moved past before arriving at the stairs. Shield de-activated until they entered as he said a quiet prayer to himself. Ignoring the Kig-Yar around him and their panicked muttering that they would be slaughtered...

(Poor Kiggies :< . )


Eugenius - Jiralhanae Advisor.
Narrowly avoided disaster.

Breathing a little sigh of relief as his Nephew didn't let his emotions take hold of his better judgment Eugine just nodded at the look as he let his hand fall back to his side. If this was the time in between Missions Eugine would have happily joined Garatus in some gentle reminding of the Sangheili to not probe recent wounds, but they had a job to accomplish here so that would have to be saved for later. He gave Garatus's little friend Cad a wave as he moved past them but then turned back to the others and nodded.

"Rukt will guide the destruction of these Humans, the fate that awaits all those not strong enough to carry his memory." Eugine said with conviction as he stood beside his Nephew - awaiting their time to move out to begin the assault.

(Blah short, also wee slight challenge.)


SSA-012 - Yanme'e Swarm.
Glumly preparing for the Water Plant.

The Swarm was pleased for once when they were directed away from The Master as it means they would be able to get out of the cold thin air and back into a craft. But once inside and the gravity lift in the middle had been closed, and the air started to warm up, some of them drooped a little as they were standing there. Now they wouldn't be fighting with The Master. But they perked when with the Ultra clicked for them to stand to attention!

They were on their way to the water plant, the Sangheili thinking that there may be more mechanical locks and computers here than in the tunnels where there would most likely just be heavy debris that would be better for the Jiralhanae to lift and move. A few more clicks sounded from behind the white ultras mouth piece as the swarm started to check equipment. The soldiers checking their weapons and grenades as the engineers checking their tools and then weapons afterwards. The Ultra nodding at this work as she turned to the Special Operations Sangheili and bowed her head.

"Swarm ready for operation. But warn, bad air make flight bad, less or slower flight." The Sangheili was no Master, but she and her swarm would serve as well as they could regardless.


Kael Gel - T'vaoan Champion
Finally...Boy

Nodding in return to Til as he nodded and her and outlined the plan Kael just listened. It seemed like a basic plan, but then again for her to do what she normally did they first had to reach the Humans, so sticking with the main force was alright for now would be acceptable. Kael just nodded ad gave another little salute with, "Understood." But she then gave a quiet hiss as Til seemed to pick up on her annoyances. But then that was common for Til as the other two seemed blind for it. But instead of making a scene about it Kael just straightened up, and returned the respectful nod to the Jiralhanae as she shook her head.

"No Field Marshal, I'll get my troops in position and await for your command - if I see an opportunity to route the enemy once inside I will take it." Finally it was time to start killing Humans, hopefully she could finally cheer up. Bowing her head again she turned on her heel and froze a bit as she finally saw Roh there, talking to some common Kig-Yar before the Kig moved off. And he was right in her way. Taking a breath, audible to the three commanders, she nodded to her file and she moved off in Rohs direction. A few clicks were all that was needed for her Entourage to move off toward the stairs as well as they moved into a further back position than the Kig-Yar. But Kael approached right at Roh and seemed like she was going to shove him aside, before she seemed to relax a little and just moved to the side to move past him.

"Roh...kill well." A simple wish for wellness as Kael removed the rifle from her back and kept walking, thankful that her helmet blocked her face so Roh and no-one else say the small tear from her eye, before her eyes narrowed and she prepared for the mission.

[BetaWülf]

Jiralhanae Chieftain Garatus.
Moving on, slightly.

Garatus returned the nod to Til, turning promptly to gather the Unggoy and Kig-yar he would lead down in the third wave. He wondered if he was in the last wave because they found him too valuable to idly risk, or because they found him lacking competence? Regardless, he would do as commanded and focus on keeping his wards alive. He didn't want the blood of his little brothers on his hands after all, hopefully there would be a measure of safety for them once they initially landed. Garatus turned his head and returned the salute to Cad when he saw him, rolling his shoulder and arm with a small bark to signal the Kig-yar to follow him. As he walked he turned to look at his Uncle "Verily" Garatus responded, popping his knuckles with fanged smirk.

Garatus gathered up all the Kig-yar and Unggoy he would be taking down the lifts in the Third Wave, barking orders and trying to boost their confidence. "Kig-yar, form a shield-wall in the front! Unggoy, get behind them and keep grenades on hand for the initial barrage. Once we're down there I want three columns formed, a center column of Unggoy flanked by two columns of Kig-yar! We will wreak havoc upon the humans, many trophies and valuables lay ahead of us little brothers!" Garatus roared, trying to peak the interests of both smaller species.

T'vaoan Major Roh Gel.
Feelings suck.

Roh paused when Cad asked about his mother, it was... a heavy question to answer. He mulled over what to say for a moment before letting out a sigh and running a hand through his mane of feathers, he didn't want to hide from the truth. "Yes, but... I cant entirely blame her, as much as she deserves me to. She's a legendary warrior from one of the most brutal and cutthroat Clans of our Home World, and as you may know she had a horrific personal tragedy, one that I shared and part of why she chose to abandon me. She is what life has made her" he said, lowering his head somewhat.

He was not at all pleased to see his mother marching towards him, soon she would busting into his side and her cronies trampling him into the dust it appeared. He stood tall and straight, his gut clenched and his face grim in anticipation of getting bowled into, but was surprised when she didn't knock him over. She simply sidestepped him, but when she said his name it was as if something latched onto his very soul, the pain unbearably cruel. He was utterly stunned by her wishing him well, his jaw hung open slightly as he stood speechless, his eyes misted from a plethora of emotions and he cursed himself for his weakness. He turned to watch her go and practically whispered "you too" before he slowly rejoined his File to go to the staircase.

[Huka]

Field Marshal Til ‘Muramai
The First Step into the 24th Hell

Nodding to the Champion’s final words, Til immediately straightened and seemed to take in the anxious atmosphere steaming off of his soldiers. All sensing the same thoughts he put in the back of his head. They were heading off to a more-than-likely death, being the first to enter the humans’ hive, and like all hives, had buzzing stingers waiting to stab. Storms of bullets and missiles were a reality with the foul creatures but in some hope, they will try to preserve their airstrip’s elevators for a escape route later. Nevertheless, the Field Marshal had nothing but confidence for his given warriors.

Striding between the made columns, occasionally giving corrections of stance and positions; Two Mgalekgolo in the front and two in the rear on the elevator corners just in case and replace when the front pair falls. In between them were most of a creche of Sangheili and Jiralhanae armored and ready to embrace death with all of their fire burning in religious fervor. A lance of the Champion’s Kig-yar standing between the columns for easy markings and a lance of heavy-armored specialists behind the Til, ‘Ahjaree, and his Second, armed with plasma suppressors and concussion rifles.

Aware of the Kig-yar moving down the stairs to act as advance lances-Shield-carriers in the front and quick assault in their flank-Til closed his eyes. It is now for Faith to guide them into another circle of this conquest. “Activate elevators.” He commanded and with that, the first glorious wave of the Covenant’s infantry invasion made their descent.

“Warriors of the Covenant,” Til began through the battlenet. “Gather thy arms and hearts. Show no fear towards our enemy. Do not hesitate to fire, do not break from formation unless ordered, do not let passion blind your skills. I am your hand and you are my shield and hammer. If we act as one, we can not fail before our Foe! May our guardians of the skies keep their flies away...”


(NOTE: FIRST WAVE OF THE COVENANT LED BY FIELD MARSHAL TIL 'MURAMAI IS ENTERING THE BETA AIRSTRIP)

[Cabel]

[Tranquilitas Beta: Planet Protector: Water Purification Plant: Alpha Company Command Post: Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 7th MEB: Captain Mark “Spade” Sorelson: Date: 1 January, 2548]

Marines and Army troopers raced into position around him moving behind barriers of instacrete, sandbags, steel barricades and any other type of barrier available. A series of three perimeters had been established, with an outer perimeter each for the main pressure door leading from the surface into the Plant forming a shallow horse-shoe, a bottle-neck inside the main pressure door and in addition to having welded the joints and track of the door shut the pressure door had been braced with titanium and steel plating. Five APCs, numbering three M13 Scout APCs and two M13A’s armed with the heavier autocannons and AT missiles that had transported the Garrison’s understrength platoon to the Plant had been arranged behind the lines not only to provide cover with their onboard weapons, but to provide shelter for the injured the moment the Plant came under fire. A second perimeter ran from a second set of pressure doors deeper inside the plant, but before the water tanks and machinery while the third perimeter had been established centered around the grouping of APCs, and the control room for the Plant. The stairwell, as Mark had observed, had been rigged with timed charges of C4 while the maintenance shaft and the two elevators had been rigged with a mix of C4 and thermite. Lieutenant Cole Rickers, in command of the Garrison’s Platoon, had left the stairwell with the maintenance shaft were a fallback point if worse came to worse and as Mark noted the Lieutenant hadn’t entirely cared for the Major in charge of the native Garrison.

With the arrival of the marines of First and Second Platoon of Alpha Company complete with their warthogs and APCS, Lieutenant Rickers had pleasantly welcomed the marine reinforcements considering he‘d only been given a single Platoon to hold the Purification Plant while the rest of the Garrison had been assigned elsewhere. With the First Lieutenant‘s cooperation and the help of his men, Mark had his marines reinforce the built-up defenses and the established perimeters by using their own vehicles with sandbags as a fourth perimeter behind the platoon‘s position. He‘d placed his marine marksmen alongside their Army counterparts in shielded places the marksmen had a clean angle to provide cover fire while making it difficult for the Covenant to return it. He‘d strategically placed his heavy weapons squads in places where they could do the most good, and the most damage without being cut to ribbons while the available munitions for the three platoons had increased quite a bit. Having taking a tour of the Plant‘s command room with its banks of computers and gauges used to maintain the operations of the Plant, Mark had opted to use his personal M41 LAAG equipped warthog as a mobile command post. Noting that the Plant‘s control room had the capability of being a sound command post, in his experience Mark had known that the control room of any type of installation made it an ideal target in an attack which stood to reason why he‘d chosen his own warthog as a command post near one of the M13A‘s behind the third perimeter. He’d passed along the order for the Lieutenant’s troopers and for his own marines to keep their EV suits on with their helmets latched on even if their visors had been opened as he’d kept his on.

“Tornado Actual to Guardian Actual, apologies requested if I didn‘t reply to your transmission earlier. I’ve been a bit busy, dealing with frightened civilians. I’ve been on the surface for the last while organizing my people. Traffic was a pain, reminded me of Seattle at Rush hour. I’m set up at the Plant, and dug-in with the Garrison’s Third Platoon under a Lieutenant Rickers. He welcomed us with open arms, to say the least. Tornado Actual, out;” Mark said, opening an encrypted channel over his helmet-mic to his long-time friend, one of the most reliable marines he’d ever encountered and his commanding officer for most of his time in the Corps.

[MrKill]

Colonel Johnathon Killinger
Seventh Marines
Krisopher Airfield

"What do you want, sir!" The Major shouted as the door to the command post flew open, two MPs trailing as body guards. They were in a combat stance, and above, the red siren begun to wail it's warning to the troops below. "We don't have much time. Cameras on the staircase entrance detected Covenant Forces and the lift control to lift one was overridden on the surface. What ever you want to say... say it now." The Major added, sounding like he was giving the Colonel an order.

"Oh for fuck sake, Major." The Colonel replied in a hard tone, but he knew he didn't have time to argue with the Major. "There's only limited entrance ways, I see you have the stairs and lifts secure. Are you working on overriding the lift controls and isolating them to lower access?" John asked.

The Major threw up his hands and and turned back towards the command post. "Don't take me for an idiot, Colonel." He bickered as the doors swung open automatically and the field officer disappeared past the tinted windows. The MPs resumed their post, avoiding eye contact with the Marines that had assembled behind the Colonel. John signed, swore mentally and hopped back into the Warthog he had arrived in.

"Where to, sir?"

"Forward, Marine."

The 'Hog ignited and its engine roared before the driver slammed the accelerator to the frame. The vehicle shot forward and an MP screamed for him to halt, but vibrated as sunlight cracked down onto the concrete of the underground facility. On the lift would be Covenant, and John knew that the Army would need everything they could get.

He accessed the local communication network and broadcasted to any Marine within five hundred meters of his location. "All Marines this net, I say again: All Marines this net this is Guardian Actual. Regroup at the NAV Marker and await for orders, prepare to defend yourselves. Out."

The location he had selected was behind a building. Judging from the structure it was more accurate a mess hall, but it provided excellent cover from the lowering lifts. The UNSC had the advantage, however. These lifts were designed to lift multiple tons of weight which made them extremely slow. In favor of speed, they went with stability. That stability allowed them to carry more weight, where as speed would have reduced the lifts trying to raise grounded Longswords to rubble.

Note: Realize that the lifts are not sensor controlled, and are controlled VIA switches and commands like any other elevator would be. The UNSC is attempting to isolate the command signal to lower access only, so the waves must deploy quickly in order to not be overwhelmed.

Also realize the lifts aren't gigantic. They're just big enough to lift a Longsword to the surface, so at best you'd roughly have a platoon (40) strength on each lift.

The other option is, if you don't want to send many waved before their death, to destroy the lifts and land waves of troops VIA ship transporter or dropship.

[Llau]

First Lieutenant Alex Bishop
1 / 7, Alpha Company, Third Platoon
Airfield


Once they heard Killinger giving their new orders over the radio when the man finally left after talking -albeit very briefly - to the Major, the First Lieutenant shook his head, muttering under his breath a, "Finally."

This is it... Bishop thought, looking back at his Platoon, who were standing around waiting as the Colonel Killinger left to defend the lift.

“Tornado Three Actual to Guardian Actual,” Bishop said into the radio. “Orders received and understood. Heading out to the NAV point. Over.”

Some of his marines were already hopping back into their warthogs, while a few of them seem to be taking their sweet ass time. “You heard him, marines! Move your asses!” He yelled, quickly climbing back into the passenger-side of the warthog he rode in on, along with the gunner and driver.

Glancing back at the line of warthogs, he watched them for a moment before looking straight ahead, and pointing briefly toward where they were going. The private nodded, and sped off toward the building where they were going to take cover behind and defend the position.

[Faclan]

Cad - Kig-Yar Major.
...phew.

Only able to nod and pats Roh's shoulder as he left as the T'vaoan replied Cad awaited the starting of the battle. But then a noise made him turn his head nearly all the way around. Glancing to the side as he heard Garatus bark at him he double checked that the gesture was directed at him then nodded as he squawked at his file and they quickly left the assembled ranks and moved to his friends files.

Truth be told Cad was glad that he had been moved off the first wave. Previously he would have embraced the chance to fight and die under the direct command of Master Til and the Gods eagerly. But with Roh and Garatus as some of the only true friends he ever had he was now slightly more interested in living so he could spend time with them - and serve the Gods of course. On the outside however he only smiled and bowed his head to the large Chieftain and his Uncle as he awaited their turn to battle.

When both speeches were made Cad cheeped loudly as did the rest of the Covenant force, pumped up and ready to kill for the Gods. But they had time until it was their wave. So Cad instead holstered his Needler and set that hand on his scarf as he started some quiet prayers. Prayers mostly for the first wave that they would be victorious.


Eugenius - Jiralhanae Advisor.
The first blow is always the hardest.

Taking a deep breath Eugine lifted up his mask to take a quick swig of ale, finishing off one of his canteens, before slipping the mask back over his mouth and tightening it. With that done he was finally able to swallow as he sighed happily. "Thats good." He said quietly as he places the empty canteen into the bag on the bottom of his bandolier as he took stock of all the orders being shouted about.

"I see you are trying to save your little Kig-Yar friend. Let us hope that he wouldn't have been the lynch-pin in setting up the initial foothold." Eugine said, voicing a real possible problem that may arise, but he then patted Garatus's shoulder and nodded. "But even if he was, the second and third waves are larger, and the Humans will be swept aside by our combined might regardless." He was sure Garatus would understand the point but didn't need to focus on it now. Now he needed to pay attention to the reports from the initial encounter and be ready to move in with his wave to sweep aside the defensives once they have been seen.

"Let us hope the underground can take some punishment, the symphony of BruteShots would do wonders to clear our their entrenched positions." He mused as he, like most of the second and third wavers, waited for the first contact.


Kael Gel - T'vaoan Champion
Ready and focused.

Kael slowed slightly as Roh replied to her, the watery eyes inside her helmet starting to spring up again. There was a glimmer then. Little bastard fluff may see that she was right after all...or be able to calmly explain that he was right. They would need a time and a place to discuss it. But that was for later, her eyes returning to slight glares as she moved to Til's side. Now she had a force to command and death to deal out. As Til was busy giving his speech to the troops Kael was giving one over the radio to her troops as to what they would be doing; a few files would be going with the first run Kig-Yar, Kael telling them to use the shields even if their allies fell as they were the firepower and the Kigs the defense. But most of the Entourage was standing beside her and Til with weapons ready waiting for when they would move in. Kael herself right beside the Field Master with the butt of her focus rifle resting against the ground as she rested both her hands on the end of the barrel - similar to the old paintings of Kig-Yar captains with their favorite blades.

On the whole Kael wasn't a fan of the plan, but from what her force had found in the tunnels it was unfortunately the only way for them to get to the Humans without spending days trying to dig through the tunnels. She considered them just moving their ships over to attempt to break through the domes but they were likely busy with something and from what they had seen so far it would likely be fruitless.

Sighing a bit Kael was dragged from her thoughts on the current battle again as she noticed Roh about to descend in the first wave. She couldn't have him being killed by some Human scum - that was her right as Mother. Clicking her microphone she spoke authoritatively as to not let her worry seep into her voice. Kael couldn't have her image tarnished more than it already had been by not shoving Roh over.

"Major Roh, rotate with Murmillo Eal - their arm shields will be better suited to the close quarters. You will enter after them likely with the Field Marshal and myself."

While Kael didn't technically have command over Roh as he wasn't in her Entourage she was the de-facto leader of all the Sect's T'vaoan unless the other Commanders had specific missions for the Cells - so Kael could extend her jurisdiction a little as long as she had reason. The reason this time being that she was the one to bring Roh into this world, if he was to go to Aecor she would be the one to do it. (Motherly love >.>.)


(SSA is still on their way to the water plant. Also I'm a bit lost on the Covie plan right now, is there an elevator and a stair-way? Could we maybe have a little summary.)

[LaxKnight]

PFC Jennifer Killinger 

14th Armored Co. 

The Armor Has Arrived 

As the Marine forces began to mount up a large behemoth of a vehicle pulled up behind them. “Guardian Actual, this is Anvil 1-3,” a female voice said over the com, “Did someone order a tank?”



This tank stood out from the normal olive drab regulars. On the sides the name ‘Rosey’ was painted in cursive and on the turret there was a pin up girl with a rose in her mouth. If the Colonel bothered to look back, though he knew who the driver was he would come to realize he has never seen the tank his daughter drove. “Guardian Actual, where do you want me?” she asked. Jenny didn't receive any orders beside support the infantry. Quite frankly she was surprised she even made it groundside at all. She knew that they weren't going to play a big part in the battle since most of the human forces would be in the tunnels. When the news came for her to mount up it came as a welcome surprise. She didn't know why they would change their mind or why they would send her of all people but she wasn't complaining.
She relished every opportunity to go into combat.


Jenny didn't understand why they did't send more tanks if they were going to have them at all. If a Wraith could fit down here, a M808B Main Battle Tank can sure as hell be down here. Hell, they would do better for their shots didn't arc like the Covie tanks so they didn't have to worry about the ceiling and it was perfectly capable of moving with ease through tight quarters of a tunnel for she maneuvered through such before. Now that she thought about it, maybe that’s why they sent her.



She shook her head. She had to focus. She kept her tank at the end of the convoy that moved to the Nav Point as she waited for orders from her father.

[RiddL]

First Lieutenant Alexei -Titan- Krevchenkov
153rd ODST
Protector - Alpha Cluster

Crash Landing now


Alexei stood up in the pelican as the rest of the seats in the transport were taken up by Marines and by the  ODSTs he had brought with him, his squad and Staff Sergeant Blacklock. They had limited numbers from their previous fight and so he chose to bring his squad and the SSGT for Sniper support.

He looked around at the faces around him and put his helmet on his head from under his arm. He noted that, most of the faces in the pelican were young and then he noted the hardness that could be found in most of the Marines eyes. 

He made his way to where the Pilots were sitting and pointed to to the Alpha Airfield, "Land us there then bug out, the Covenant seem to be targeting Pelica.." He was cut of as an explosion rocked the Pelican to the side and heard alarms start going through the Pelican.

"We're going down, brace for impact. Lieutenant you may want to hold on to something sir" said the Pilot as the nose of the pelican started to dip towards the ground.

Titan turned and stood against one of the walls, what ever he could and holding on for all he was worth, he jolted up a little as another explosion caught the side of the pelican and watched as a was turned to a pulp as shrapnel flew into the poor man.

The pelican started getting assaulted by Plasma fire as banshees set upon to drop the bird out of the sky,the Marine right next to Titan caught a plasma round to the head, destroying the pretty facial features she had.

He heard the Pilot call for everyone to brace for impact and felt his left shoulder dislocate as they hit the ground and came to a sudden stop. Gritting his teeth he called for survivors and was happy to hear that at least half of the Pelicans occupants, including all the ODSTS, the Co-Pilot and 4 Marines calling out an Ok to him.

He looked outside to see the Banshees retreating away from the AA turrets and going after any other UNSC air assets in the area. He gingerly extracted himself from the Pelicans wreckage and called for everyone to called for everyone to salvage what they could from the wreck and see medical attention if they needed it, like he did.

All the weapons and ammunition inside the wreckage was intact and everyone started making their way to the Elevators to get inside the Dome.

"This is ODST team Omega to Guardian actual, we have touched down at Alpha and are awaiting orders sir, Helljumpers Standing by Over" He called out over the radio to receive orders.

They arrived at the Elevators and was greeted by a medic who gave them all a quick look over before going to Alexei and looking at his arm.

"Sir it's best if I put it back into place now, please relax, this will sting a little" the corporal said.


Titan nodded and leant against the wall and relaxed as well as he could. The corporal put her hand on his arm in a firm grip and gently pulled, making Alexei groan as the muscles pulled in a way that they disagreed with, there was a soft pop as the joint popped back in and there was a small groan of relief as he gingerly moved his arm. He nodded thanks to the corporal and waited for orders to come in.

[MrKill]

Colonel Johnathon Killinger
Seventh Marines
BETA Airfield

It appears more Marines had followed the Colonel than he expected. John took Lieutenant Bishop and his platoon along with him but more squads, and even his daughters tank had arrived, along side what appeared to be ODSTs. John smiled. The Marines were only deploying roughly eight hundred leathernecks. The remaining Marines were back on Sanctuary, given a moment of breath while the Seventh Marines regrouped and redeployed. Overall, after the total annihilation a Battalion of Marines on the surface of Sanctuary was hard to swallow.

He had received Bishops response and was pleased that the young Lieutenant had begun to mobilize his platoon. On the bright side... at least there were numerous Warthogs around with both the M41 LAAG and the Gauss Cannons. It meant extra firepower and extra firepower meant more dead Covenant. What John would give for the surface of the airfield to be hit by airstrikes, but he knew that wasn't possible.

If the fleet tried to bombard the airfield with missiles they'd simply cut the salvos down with laser barrages. If they tried to MLA the surface the Covenant ships would merely hover over their deployed troops and shrug the MLA rounds off. They didn't have enough power to punch through the shielding of a Covenant vessel unless they were extremely concentrated into one area.

“Guardian Actual, where do you want me?” Came the voice of Jennifer. He replied on the open channel while she was still on it.

"Close n' tight to the infantry and the nearest corner you can find, Anvil 1-3." John replied. He hoped that his daughter knew what he was thinking. Angled armor, a barrel protruding from a wall, and a squad or more of infantry nearby to support the tank was never a good encounter. It also protected the tank somewhat from incoming plasma fire and would conceal her driver canopy... hopefully anyways.

John's radio crackled again, "This is ODST team Omega to Guardian actual, we have touched down at Alpha and are awaiting orders sir, Helljumpers Standing by Over"

ODST Team Omega? John questioned. He knew about the ODSTs assigned to the regiment, the 153rd ODST Company, and their callsign was Angel. He slumped against the nearest wall and produced his Tactical Pad. He needed to find out information on this unit before it was too late. It took a few minutes but eventually he found out the Lieutenant was in the 153rd ODST and was using a custom name for his troops. After all, there were only thirty of them left. John, however, replied on instinct when he found out the actual call-sign of the unit the Lieutenant was leading.

"Angel Two Actual, Guardian Actual. Stand-by for orders, over." John said. He thought for a moment. How could he utilize the ODSTs in a way that wouldn't get them all killed. They were highly trained Marines, given, but there were only thirty of them left. For all purposes they were Force Recon Marines for this mission. "Angel Two Actual the tunnels between Alpha and Beta domes will come under conflict fairly soon. Prepare defenses in the tunnels and either wait for combat or join the defense at the Beta airfield. Out."

John opened a private link to his daughter. He saw the tank, 'Rosy' and the pin up girl. He started questioning his daughters sexuality, but couldn't care less what it was. Unlike Adrianna, who was literally an open book when it came to her personality and interests, Jenny was much harder to read. She was like Kyle in that respect, just without the dislike. One moment the boy would show the aged father a sign of respect then yank it away with an insult or malicious attitude damaging their relationship further. Jennifer never did that, at least not to recent memories. John felt like she was trying to bond with him even though he had missed most of her life.

"Stay safe, kiddo." He said into the private link, muting his end as he listened to the reports on the central command frequency about the lift. What were the Covenant doing? He thought.

[Kart]

Field Master Legra 'Adantai
Ready for anything

Legra growled to himself as he watched Til lead the vanguard of the Covenant down the lift. The Wraiths and the Mgalekgolo loomed large and intimidating, but not quite overshadowing the quiet ferocity of Til and his hand-picked guard of T'vaoan skirmishers. As the lifts descended, Legra gave the orders for the light vehiculary and Sangheili lances to gather for the second wave.

He grunted approvingly. The Legion of Redeeming Vigilance moved smoothly and unerringly, like silk-covered steel. He watched as the vehicles hovered into place, and as the sleek Sangheili and hulking Jiralhanae moved into position alongside them. He observed as the procession of Unggoy and Kig-Yar shield infantry marched down the staircases, hard on the heels of the T'vaoan he had already seen go down first. He noted that the creatures didn't occupy the entirety of the passageway--there was room enough for another group of shock troops. Specifically, he had in mind the Yanme'e.

"Any Yanme'e Swarms not already assigned, fly down the staircase and support our infantry." The creatures' natural advantage of flight would be taken away in the cramped tunnels of the airfield subterrane, but there really wasn't anything better they could do. And at this crucial time, numbers were the key strength.

Unfortunately, only one lift was functioning, and that was simply not enough. No--he needed the lifts out of the way. Perhaps they could use their other resources...

Legra cast his eyes upward. There, in the sky, where the four gleaming jewels of the Covenant's military might--two Heavy Destroyers, one Frigate, and one Corvette. More than enough to handle a few lifts. They would simply blast through the damn machines, and then go down by Phantom and Spirit...the same strategy of waves would apply, just with a different method of travel...

Yes, he reflected. That should work.

He turned on his communicator.


Yanme'e From-Sky-Falling Swarm
Heeding the command

We are ordered, and we fly!

The command could not have come soon enough for the Yanme'e. The fast-living children of Palamok did not take kindly to interminable waiting. If they were waiting in ambush, yes, then they might have learned patience, but this whole waiting for elevators business was absurd.

Instead, they took to the narrow and winding staircase, every one of their twenty-one remaining bodies skimming over the heads of T'vaoan. A few heads were jostled, a few eyes were poked, but that was no matter. Soon enough, they were rushing down, outpacing the slower groundpounders. Their hearts sang. This was how it should be. This was the nature of the Yanme'e.

Faster and fiercer. That they were. They were faster than the Kig-Yar, fiercer than the Jiralhanae. And they were more fearless than anything. They streaked down the staircase, passing one red-armored T'vaoan Major and a more brightly-colored Champion on their way. Soon enough, they burst past their fellows into an area of clear air, where they were able to fly two at a time, one above and one below. It was with almost two dozen throats that they cried out when they reached the bottom of the staircase.

They almost immediately spread out, engulfing their limited space with their thrumming wings and carapaces. One of their number spotted a camera embedded into a ceiling--a needle was fired into it. The first of many...if the Human defenses they were approaching were any indication.

Fly no more. Fighting has come.

[John]

Captain Malcolm Walker
1/7, Company C

Captain Walker assembled his Lieutenants, and briefed them on the mission. They were to move for, and defend the space tether at all costs. The planet surface was barren, so nobody could survive on the surface for more than a few minutes without rebreathers. In the Pelicans, the enlisted men were briefed. After several minutes, the pelicans touched down. The Captain opened a Company-wide channel and said "Alright. Masks on. Under no circumstance are you to take them off without my order. Now move out." he said.

The ramp wasn't even fully opened yet, as the Captain jumped out. He ordered Gunny Johansen to find an entrance to the tunnel system. He was unsure of just one thing, though. He opened a channel to the Battalion Commander to find out. "Assassin Actual. This is Cobra Five. We have arrived at the tether, and Cobra Seven is locating an entrance to the tunnels. Uhm, interrogative. Are we to defend only the tunnels, or the topside as well?" he asked.

Second Lieutenant Charles Callaghan
1/7, Company A, 4th Platoon

Lieutenant Callaghan was anxious to get some action. Today could be the day, he thought. A chance to prove himself to his fellow officers and his subordinates. A chance for a commendation, perhaps, so that he might be moved up. The platoon landed at the airfield. Immediately, they were all loaded onto Warthogs, and made for their target. Charles saw Bishop break off at one point, but kept on riding himself.

After several minutes, they arrived at the water purification plant. Immediately, the Lieutenant got to work setting up defenses. "Tornado Actual, this is Tornado Four. Interrogative: What's the twenty on the rest of the Company?" he asked the Company Commander while he moved a few boxes. They were, as of yet, still alone here.

[RiddL]

First Lieutenant Alexei -Titan- Krevchenkov
153rd ODST
Protector
Setting up the barricades.


Alexei received his orders immediately started ordering his squad around.

"Toombstone, gather a squad of men and start getting barricades up. Hellfire will secure a Warthog for each tunnel and gather whatever spare men we can. Staff Sergeant set up in one of the buildings and get as many other snipers as you can to do the same, Move it!" he shouted out and watched as the men clad in black armor started sprinting to get the jobs done.

Titan and Spider walked over to the tunnel closest to them and started to break into trucks, releasing the hand brake and pushing them so that they were side on to the tunnel, blocking a portion of the tunnel, they continued to do this, creating a crisscross pattern and flipping the smaller vehicles onto their sides to use as suitable cover for any retreating men as the fighting continued moving this way it would help stop Plasma fire from hitting the Marines while their backs were turned.

They continued this until they got a call saying that Barricades had been set up and that there were adequate men guarding them and that snipers were in position on various buildings. He called for them to move down the other tunnel and to start moving vehicles in the same staggered way for more cover. 

They got to about the halfway mark before deciding to stop and rest for five, taking a drink out of the water bottles when Titan had a revelation.

"Spider, get back to the other side and start filling whatever you can with water, if we lose the water plant I want a fallback plan for water." He said quickly as he pushed another car onto its side.

Spider gave a nod and started to move back at speed through the obstacle course of vehicles that they had made, there was enough room between each spot to maneuver a scorpion through but there were still a hell of a lot of turns just to get through.

He climbed up onto one of the trucks and stood ontop of it, within easy eye shot of the beta tunnel entrance as he sat down and rested his arm that he had dislocated from the crash, he rubbed it as he watched the entrance carefully.

[Llau]

First Lieutenant Alex Bishop

1 / 7, Alpha Company, Third Platoon

Airfield

When the Third Platoon arrived at the NAV point, Bishop jumped out of the Warthog as soon as the vehicle slid to a stop near a building. Holding his BR55 Battle Rifle in one hand, while directing the rest of the Warthogs as to where he wanted them to park and form a perimeter around the area with the M41 LAAG placed in certain areas, and the Gauss Cannons in other areas that he felt would be good. The remaining two vehicles, he sent over to protect the area around the tank that was driven by PFC Jennifer Killinger.

“Tornado Three Actual to Anvil 1-3,” He contacted the PFC, “I hope you don't mind the company of my two Warthogs to keep the aliens away from your shiny tank if need be.”

While he waited for a response, he soon directed the marines who weren't operating the gun turrets or driving the Warthogs to places they could take cover behind and fire at the Covenant forces when the battle starts. While everyone was taking their places, he headed quickly in a jog over to where the Colonel was.

“Colonel Killinger,” The First Lieutenant called out to him. Once he stood next to Killinger, he saluted the man and stood in attention. “Everyone is ready. Anything else, sir?” He bit his lower lip, looking like he wanted to talk about something else that was on his mind, but thought better of it.

[BasedGoody]

Pvt. Barry Barrington 

"Dammit!" Goodwin yelled, throwing his helmet against a wall. It bounced and skittered to Barry's feet. The Private slowly walked to the Corporal's side, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"You chill, Corp'?" Barrington questioned. The fireteam's leader shook his head and picked up his helmet.

"We need to be at a water plant right now, and instead we're fuckin' around in a hangar!" Goodwin responded. Barry took a step back, shocked. The Private had never seen the Corporal so angry. It was understandable though, half of their fireteam was mutilated in a pelican crash and they were supposed to be miles away fighting a different fight. Barrington deeply breathed in and poked the higher-ranking Marine on the shoulder.

"Yeah, I know. We still got time though. If we book it right now, we can make it." The Private smiled. The smile was running on empty promises though. Who knew if they would even be able to make it that far? Goodwin seemed to buy it though, and nodded to Barry. The Corporal motioned for Harold to come over with them.

"What's up?" Harry asked upon arrival.

"We're moving to Plan A." Goodwin responded.

---

Barry's feet clanged on the tunnel's floor as he jogged along. Goodwin's feet were in sync with the Private's, while Michael slowly lagged behind. The three were on their way to the water tower, a place they should have been at from the start. Barrington's expressionless face was hidden behind his mask, yet thoughts still flurried around in his head. 

It hadn't hit him yet that both O'neill and Lloyd were gone, forever. Barry's mind had kept it blocked out and to the side. Fear and Hope fought over releasing the information to the Private's brain. 

"Sergeant Fields, this is Corporal Goodwin," Barry's superior spoke, "We got a little side-tracked, on our way to the water plant now." 

---

Unggoy Ultra Yaddap

"Whadda we do, sir?" Tabban waddled up to Yaddap, cocking his head to the side. The Ultra had been sitting in the sand, pondering their next move. Their only orders had been to assist in the destruction of the turret. Said mission had been completed, and now Yad had to find a way to get Tab and Jud back into the battle.

"I'm thinkin'," Yaddap lazily replied. He smacked his hand into his head, attempting to show that he was in deep thought. Really the Ultra had no idea. 

"Are you gonna return your Fuel Rod?" Tab asked, twirling around on a dune.

"Oh Prophets!" Yaddap exclaimed, "You are a geen-euus Tabban!" The Unggoy leaped to his feet, motioning Judded to get closer. The Ultra concluded that the best course of action would be to find the Chieftain. He had given the orders before, surely he would give them now.

"I'm a 'geen-euus'? What's that?" The Major blankly asked.

"Never mind, we are off to Gerutus!" Yaddap smiled.

"Uh, Yad, his name is Garatus." Judded smiled.

"We are off to Garatus!"

[Cute Huragok]

First Lieutenant Ryan Willis, 7th Marines
Something seems to be on the arise...

Ryan squinted through his wet eyes from sweat trying to locate what appeared to be a mass of the strange Covenant purple metal. The radar proved otherwise, saying it was 4 distinct objects, most likely they are Banshees. "Alton, I'm switching pilot control to you, bring us closer while I will blow them to hell if they make one move or shot towards us." Alton nodded, and he flicked controls as well as Ryan to make the preferred switch. While the Banshees were inching towards their Pelican, a Longsword slowly flew by. Ryan knew he needed some help, so he turned on the local comms to flag the Longsword.

"This is Apocalypse-666, can you help us out by firing some missiles at those airborne actuals?" A brief pause followed, as did the crackle of the comms. "Sure son, this is Lincoln-1 and we'll send 3 missiles to blow them to hell! We'll have to go after that, as we are briefed to protect the other cluster of domes!" The fellow pilot shouted, as Ryan saw three missiles fly towards the seemingly mass, but slowly separating Banshees. About 2 Banshees broke off, most likely grunts, as they had the most timid nature even in flight. The rest, were most likely Elites as they were stubbornly staying and trying to shoot down the fast moving missiles. As they shot down one, Alton strategically went faster as they were distracted by the projectiles. The missiles then finally hit, almost completely destroying 1 and rendering 1 useless as it flew to the ground from the shrapnel.

The 2 left seemed to locate Apocalypse, and seemed to get more brave by the second. "Alt, maneuvering tactics, while I clean them up with the .50 cal!" Ryan barked at Alt, as he responded with "Yes sir!" while wiping sweat off of his brow. 'Would it kill the UNSC to install some better A/C in these things?' Ryan thought to himself while locking on to the Banshees by looking at them with the helmet on.  The last two Banshees was stubborn, and one fired a Plasma torpedo before they both finally got shot down by two missiles each.

Ryan flinched and held his breath as it impacted the bottom of the Pelican, luckily only piercing all of the outer armor, leaving inside systems intact. Although he couldn't rely on using the bottom to shield the Pelican in maneuvering it anymore. Ryan slightly jumped in surprise as he heard an explosion from behind, and Jake shouting. He almost forgot about the crewman, and sighed in relief as if he didn't have him, they would have been destroyed. "I took a Banshee trying to come up to our arse down." Came the familiar Irish accent, as Ryan nodded and thumbed up in congratulations. He had to end it though, when he saw two Vampires speed towards the Pelican. "Ah shit..." He muttered under his breath, and readied the remaining missiles prepared for a strong battle.