Mission 7: Protector

[Huka]

Field Marshal Til Je'at Ze'ta 'Muramai
Covenant Staging Area
Prepare for Personal Assault

Til clicked his mandibles as if a rush of cluster phobia came late as he heard Kael’s report about the dome. He was becoming impatient right now and felt something amiss that it made his blood boil. Tapping a tusk against his inner controls, a line to the overhead destroyer came on. “Shipmaster, can you read me?” He questioned. There was static for a moment before the line cleared itself for the brutish officer’s voice to answer, “Yes, Field Marshal.” “Why haven’t you bombarded the city dome yet?” Til asked with a dark sternness that even gave the answering Shipmaster a moment to form the right words. “I didn’t know if the Humans’ defenses would rebuke my arsenals...Honorable Marshal.”

“I can understand that concern, Shipmaster but you’ve forgotten one key component in that line of thinking.” The higher Zealot said with a waved gesture, fingers popping on flex. “We are the Inheritors of our Gods and their technology of ballistics and thrusters tells us that they aren’t on par with us...yet. Now, before I loss my higher senses and tactical thought, would you kindly position for assault. I want another pair of Scarabs ready for drop as well as your attached field master to prepare his troop for urban combat. On my mark, you will unleash the magnificence of our Gods’ fire upon their lesser shield and if that fail....excavate around it till the damned perimeter sink like my fallen brothers down in this chasm right by my feet! No more sipping on your coral teas!”

The Shipmaster stumbled for a retort but even with seeing the Field Marshal, he knew better and let it out in a dismayed grunt, “As you command, Wise one.” Then Til abruptly cut the line and his shoulders dropped in a sigh as they shook.

It was uncontrollable right now. Failure, repeated failures of personal and mission-related, just built under the hard skin of a young warlord. He despised it as much as he despised lost potential. To see his young soldiers die out of their personal skill and unexpected factors was something one could not fight. Every Sangheili, Unggoy, Kig-yar and Jiralhanae under his command. Despite his views on the other species, he had several exception and it burned deep like a energy sword. Right now, the Spirit of Tibur touched his soul deep and the Paragon of the Storm demanded a outlet.

His clawed hands tightened and his head reared back before unleashing a powerful, piercing shrill of a roar into the open air that amplified with his mask’s filters to a electronic undertone. A holler to the Spirits and Homeworld beyond the skies and stars, lightyears away.

It lasted a half-rook’s time before his lungs burned and abruptly ended to a painful cough that forced Til to hold his chest. Mind clearing some, he needed to get this done or more lives would be lost outside of honor. 

Rebuilding his wall of stoic discipline with his wrath returning where it belong, he strutted away for the groundside command center; currently a large war-tent of obvious Jiralhanae inspiration with weapon crates, short communication arrays and holo-projecting table of the region, in the heart of other tents and a good number of methane suites for the Unggoy.


Special Operations Commander Praem ‘Nikyasee
Aboard the Field Marshal’s stealth Spirit The Harbinger

“The humans are retreating, Commander.” Ordo reported while the white-armored operative watched from the sky, “Permission to hunt?” “Denied, Major. Let the creche keep their function, we will strike when required.” Praem said, observing the humans’ movement in dark amusement while their war-vehicles fell in ones or small clusters to the advancing forces as they continued without pause or mourn for the dead.

The assaulting phantoms continued their plasma bombardment ahead of the forces despite their damaged hulls and borderline entrance to Death’s destruction. The near mindless-suicidal tendencies of the Faithful was always a intriguing and useful attribute in the Covenant. Especially in war.

“Pilot, activate stealth systems and take the safe distance.” Praem finally ordered to which the pilot gladly closed the side-doors while his scarred craft moved to leave the immediate battlefield in the return to the blending of light along its skin like a bored chameleon. With that movement, the grounded Special Operatives knew their duties. The snipers quickly re-positioned themselves when the humans finally started to fire back on discovered, maneuvering with agile fluidity and the invisible troops in the front climbed and took higher grounds to battle the humans in close-quarters or hurtle phantom grenades in their retreat.

Gake Council of the Kagama Body
Excavation of the Stairs 

Eating through the deep collapse of rocks as their kindred, the squirming colony of lekgolo squealed and chirped in individual delight at the minerals and metals that dared to stand in their way. Savoring but swift as per their Master's command, keeping themselves in tight serpentine clusters to keep their intelligence enough to remember their duties, recording the crushing bodies they find with a pictogram-like memory while sensing their more wholesome brother behind. His mighty bulk digging through with the assault cannon's pseudo-fingers and shield, nothing could stop them in their assignment. Until finally the squirming clusters emerged on the other side to find not just a clear opening...but a tunnel. While the typical protocol was reshape to help their bond-brother, animal-like curiosity in sync with command demanded to find living bodies of the Covenant and so, their five thick meter-long bodies slithered along.

[MrKill]

Colonel Johnathon Killinger
Seventh Marines
Kristopher Airfield
TAGS: Guardian Cat of Yappa's

John signed frustrated. No one that he had contacted were able to divert to the objective the president had assigned for him. That was bad news but he understood why. The rebellion in the domes had started to escalate and the Covenant were pushing inwards with their air support. The UNSC airforce was likely scrambled at this point and any longsword still in the area was either destroyed or returning to base.

"I'm out of options," John muttered to himself. The channel between him and the president had been terminated and the cards he was dealt weren't very good. He had received Reaper Actual's transmission but judging from the quality he too was buried in rubble. "Shit."

"Alright, Reaper Actual. Can you get to the East Haven Mountains within the hour?" John asked. His radio crackled on a different channel, informing him of an incoming message. He switched over to the channel before the sender had a chance to say what he needed to say.

"Guardian Actual, you're broadcasting on the 7MEB command channel," John scrolled up information about the channel. The sender was broadcasting to John on a personal channel. John realized he hadn't switched off the command frequency. "But I can get there in time to help. First Lieutenant Terrance Pain, sir. Anvil One Actual."

"Standby," John replied into the private channel. He accessed the information and displayed it on his retina. Anvil one actual, a tank platoon commander. The same commander Jennifer was a part of. John nodded. "Okay, you've got the mission Lieutenant. Be advised: Two scarabs have been spotted near the mountains. A team of SPARTANs is engaging the Scarabs so be careful at what you shoot. Expect Covenant ground forces as well. Over."

"Roger that, sir."

"Guardian Actual out." John said, Good, we've got two assets in the area. Gold team and a tank unit. Hopefully they'll be able to take the Scarabs down before we lose those scientists. The Marine allowed himself a sign of tension relief as they arrived at the bulkhead doors that granted access to the beta dome behind them. There was still one problem he had to think of: Getting out alive.

The tunnels had collapsed. Air support was likely the only option at this time but in order to do that they'd have to deactivate the dome for a moment to allow the pelicans in before reactivating it. That was the easy part. To escape they'd have to sacrifice someone as they'd need to lower the shield again to allow the pelicans to leave. And those pelicans, without air support, would be destroyed either on approach or on departure.

John wasn't worth those lives. He'd have to find another way back towards ALPHA cluster. Perhaps he could get to the surface just beyond the BETA domes and use the Warthogs to traverse the distance between them. That was another option but for now he was satisfied as the door opened and light hit his skin; fresh air entered his lungs.

"Sir," A marine from earlier said. "It's good to see you made it out."

"Likewise," John replied. "How many Marines are here?"

"I don't know, sir. Staff Sergeant Adams has taken command of the Marines topside." The PFC replied.

"Alright... take me to him."

First Lieutenant Terrance Pain
7th MEB
East Haven Mountains
TAGS: SuperCommando, TinCanHitman, @tracker

The trip from Alpha Airstrip to the East Haven Mountains only took minutes with the pelicans speed pushing new limits. This was a priority mission for a team of scientists and the First Lieutenant, along with his platoon of tanks, had ever intention with helping the SPARTANs out. Pain just wanted an excuse to fire his 120mm high velocity gun but he knew that he had to be patient and collected for the upcoming battle. The Scarab tanks were extremely well armored and the only real vulnerability they had to the UNSC tank platoon was their leg joints. A few well placed shots would bring the walking tanks down but it was never for long. Usually another tank would have to fire at the rear and hope to get a penetrating shot into the power system.

Obviously they would fall even if they never got the shot at the power core. Pain's goal was to blow one of the legs clean off, rendering at least one of the Scarabs useless. He just hoped that the one he shot at wasn't the one with the SPARTANs on it. "Alright, Anvil. Listen up. We've got friendly SPARTANs on one of the Scarabs so we need to identify which one they're on and fire at the other one. If you think you have a shot at the legs of the contested Scarab take it but only if you have a guaranteed hit." Pain said into the team-comm.

"Roger that, sir."

"PFC Killinger won't be joining us today. As far as I know she was either wounded or killed when Kristopher airfield was lost." Pain added, informing his tank platoon of a potential permanent casualty. "As a result the Army has loaned us a tank and will use her callsign for now."

"Bastard Slayer," Pain said. That was the childish name of Anvil One-One since the shuffle. It used to be a man he trusted, Miller, but he had been reassigned to another unit. Now he was stuck with Bosama - a fresh boot right out of basic and occupational training. "Nevermind... What does everyone have for ammo loads?"

"Anvil One-One's got mostly APBC. A few HEAT and a surprise SABOT or two for heavier armored targets."

"Anvil One-Two, we're loaded with HEAT and APBC."

"Anvil One-Three. Armies got a bit different setup. We've got HVAP and HEAT."

"Anvil One Actual: I'm loaded with HEAT and APBC."

Pain thought for a moment. The UNSC Army tank had a 105mm canon on it while the two Marine tanks, Anvil One-One and One-Two had the standard issue 90mm gun. "Okay, Anvil One-One, One-Two: Use APBC and try to jam the leg if you can. If you do switch to HEAT and blow the fucking thing off."

"Roger that, sir."

"One-Three use HVAP and try to hit the same legs. When it goes down take your HEAT and shove it up the Scarabs tail pipe if you can."

"Roger that."

Pain was loading his APBC in an attempt to clog the legs as well. It seemed to be the only viable option. HEAT would bounce right off the surface of the target and explode harmlessly away from the Scarabs. They needed a place to land the HEAT shells before they started firing them.

"Two minutes!" The pilot called out... and they went quick. It wasn't long until the pilot was shouting for the Marines to get their boots on the dirt. They had landed on an in road, hidden by the forestry nearby. Pain was the first one out, in his tank and loaded by the time the other three pelicans even deployed their burden.

"Good shooting, devil dogs!" The pilot enthusiastically said. His pelican nosed up and gunned away from the tank platoon with the other pelicans. Pain winced as he saw a Seraph fighter chase one of them down, gun off one of its maneuvering pylons, and crash into the mountain in a flaming wreck. The other three pelicans managed to get assistance from a longsword... which wiped the Seraph out of existence.

Fortunately, Pain could be able to use the smoking diversion. The Scarab operators would be more interested in rising black smoke than rising dirt trails from speeding UNSC main battle tanks, but it wasn't a plan Pain wanted to bet on. This was war, and war was unpredictable enough that he wasn't comfortable with the idea.

"Okay, let's go! Stay near the treeline. We're one and a half clicks out on these mo-fo's." Pain said. The tanks engines roared to life and the gears shifted. The cannons loaded and the crews took their place. Together the four tanks proceeded along the tree line, dodging the frequently protruding tree, branch or root. Yeah, they were in multiple ton tanks, but the element of surprise wouldn't be the element of surprise if the enemy saw a tree getting knocked over in a forest of steady trees.

Within a few minutes the tanks had advanced to an accurate firing range. Five hundred meters was a cake walk for these high velocity guns. "Okay, boys. Get yourself into the forest and cover yourself best you can. We're going immobile to fire on these walkers. Make sure your line of fire is clear for four hundred meters left and and two hundred right to give you some adjustment room."

"Copy that, sir!"

The tanks pulled into the canopy. Pain disembarked, grabbed as many twigs as he could, and chucked them onto his tank. He repeated the process until the front of his green tank was covered in twigs and leaves. It was improvised camo and hopefully it worked long enough to disable one of the walkers.

"Do we know which one GOLD is on?"

"Negative. I'm not getting IFF codes."

"Sir?"

Pain thought for a moment. He had to make a choice. If he radio'd them he wasted this opportune moment to hit both of them at the same time. He made the call. "Hit both of them. Aim for the rear left leg and let 'em have it. One-One you're firing on the most left tank with me. One-Two, One-Three you got the other one. Remember, clog those limbs up!"

"Oorah!"

"Hooah..." The Army tanker replied silently.

"Use your targeting computers, wait for my command to fire."

Pain's display winked at him. He had two APBC rounds ready to fire. "Gold Team, Anvil One Actual. We've got a tank platoon hidden in the woods firing at your location. Incoming friendly fire in ten seconds, break. Objective is to destroy the armor plating around the joints, over."

"Ten seconds!" He said back into team-comm.

Nine

Eight

"Covenant ground troops, eleven o'clock! Two hundred meters!"

Five

"We'll deal with them later! The Scarabs are our priority!"

Two

One

Four tanks and five barrels ignited in plumes of smoke and flame, stripping away foliage and branches in front of the high velocity guns. The rounds screamed onto target, ripping away at the armor that covered the joints, but it remained intact. One of the machines sparked indicating a bounced shot but the salvo was ultimately ineffective. "One-Three traverse turret use HE. Get that Covenant formation before they spot us!"

"Just a patrol. One elite and four grunts. They heard us!" One-Three replied.

Anvil One-Three let another shot go, decimating the patrol. A grime covered Grunt wobbled out of the dirt and dust as the only survivor. A Scorpion tank gunner gunned him down with quick bursts from the M247T. When the smoke and dirt cleared only a creator remained.

"Shot status!"

"One-One, Hit."

"One-Three, Hit."

"One-Two, I think I bounced!"

"Actual, I hit. Fire again."

The Scorpions had a fire rate of one round per four seconds. They had already loaded and adjusted for their next shot, but so had Pain's dual 120mm barrels. The tank position fired again. One round screamed wide, hitting the dirt underneath the towering machine. Both of Pain's 120mm rounds, however, found their mark. The APBC shell blew the armor that was covering the joint cleanly off. However the machine kept on moving forward.

"I got a shot at it's core!" Someone said.

"Negative! We do not know which one has GOLD on it!"

"Copy."

Both the walkers seemed undamaged by the sudden assault. Perhaps they were trying to pinpoint where the tanks were firing from - an aspect that didn't sit well in Pain's stomach - but he knew if the tanks moved now they'd be detected regardless of where they moved too. Only option was reversing back into the forest without knocking down foliage.

"All tanks, hold position. Aim for the left walker and prepare to break formation. Fire when ready!"

One-Two was the first tank to fire. The 90mm round bounced off the metal around the joint. One-Three, with the 105mm cannon, fired next. The round surprisingly tore right through the joint but the machine continued to move forward. Scarabs were tricky to bring down and even though Pain knew about the 'lockdown' mode he was aware of the amount of damage it took.

"All tanks: Load APBC and aim for the second walkers joint armor."

"Roger!"

The tank formation fired again. Pain swore as three of the four APBC rounds bounced off the metal and slammed into the dirt where'd they'd explode and shower the belly of the walkers with shrapnel.

"One more salvo! One-Three, let's blow its armor cover and retreat back into the forest! One-One, One-Two: pull back towards the in road ninety meters to our rear. Your mission is done for now," Pain said. He switched to GOLD teams freq. "Anvil One Actual to Gold Team. We've managed to expose the leg joints on one of the walkers and are aiming for the second one right now. Be advised: We'll be pulling back into the forest to await your fire mission after the armor cover is gone, out."

Pain loaded two more APBC shells. They were at a range where the HEAT ammo wouldn't be able to blow the joint covers off effectively and reliably, but the APBC shells had the energy to do so and the chance to clog the joints at the same time. The Army Scorpion fired first but a brief moment later Pain's 120mm cannons fired as well. One of the three rounds ricocheted off the armor but the two APBC shells penetrated the armored knee cap. The piece of armor hung lazily for a moment before falling off with a thud into the ground.

"Reverse, reserve!" Pain said.

The two remaining tanks moved back into concealment and onto the in road. Top cover wasn't as good but the green tanks would be hard to spot regardless with how thick it was near the road anyways. Pain returned to GOLD Teams frequency. "Anvil One is standing by for fire mission."

Pain hoped the SPARTANs called them quickly. He didn't know if the Scarabs had identified where they were shooting from.

[LaxKnight]

CPL Toby ‘Mick’ McMillian Jr
153rd ODST
Tunnels Somewhere
And Then There Were 7
Tag(s): @tracker, Faclan

PVT Maria Connelly kept up with Mick as they advanced with vigilance. All the team had VISR mode activated to see in the dark without any light to give away their position. While Mick kept his focus forward, Maria took a look behind her to not only watch her NCO’s back but see how everyone else was doing. Dr. Mays seemed less than pleased and kept to the back of the group with Kali following closely behind. Chris seemed attentive to his data pad as he tried to find his friend. Luckly Brit was next to him to keep an eye on his surroundings. Then there was something else further down the tunnel behind them. There was a green outline in the distance. A friendly. “Uh...Corporal?” she inquired.

This invoked another exasperated sigh. “Rookie, how many times do I have to keep reminding you?” Mick said.

“Well...uh...there’s a friendly behind us,” she said.

As if on cue a voice called down to them from that direction. Mick whirled around to see a familiar green outlined figure clad in ODST armor heading toward them. Her IFF tag introduced her as SSGT Willowbay. It was slightly amusing that she of all people would be down here. While he’s been there when she addressed them in formations, Mick never had the opportunity to talk to her personally and didn’t really know her beyond reputation. Too busy hanging out with First Squad, his thoughts tinged with a hint of sourness.

He saw Dr. Mays point her weapon at the newcomer. “Don't shoot!,” Mick said, “She’s an ODST.”

Mick waved for Connelly to follow and they briskly went over to meet with her. As they went, he said to Connelly over the private com, “That’s your Platoon Sergeant, Staff Sergeant Willowbay. Just let me do the talking.”

He met up with her and said, “Welcome to the party, Staff Sergeant. CPL Mick McMillian, First Platoon, Second Squad.”

He walked with her as they went to the rest of the team. “We got assigned to work with a couple of ONI scientists. I’m sure they would want to fill you in on what’s up if you are willing to join us in our little adventure here,” he said.

[BetaWülf]

T'vaoan Major Roh Gel.
Condescending, mocking, taunting little ape shit....

Roh looked to Eal as they moved, and tried to simmer down a bit. "I know, I know. And I would not kill him just because, I would only kill him if he left me no other choice, I would rather knock him out and restrain him" he murmured to the older T'vaoan. He was not at all a fan of being sassed by a lowly Human, no less a vile ONI Human.

"What, you think are nests are protected? By who? The Sangheili? Did you not hear of the Chieftain Garatus and his sorrow? His mate was captured by these ONI monsters and tortured to death, in Jiralhanae space! They do not care, Eal, we're on our own when it comes to the Covenants so called protection, if you aren't a testicle-chin or finger-face you are on your own" Roh said, mentioning the San'Shyuum and Sangheili.

Roh was becoming more agitated with Mike, he was becoming more transparent as the conversation went on in the T'vaoan's opinion. "Now that is just false from you now, we both heard the boy say he and his allies didn't know what they were going after, their rich higher-ups sent them, and if their minions were so poor and desperate they never would have sent them after money. But whatever it is, is something important, isn't Mike?" Roh probed, feeling closer to the edge of the precipice that was his rage.

His color changed notably when Mike taunted him about what had ONI done to him, his face flushed with anger and the only thing that stopped him from getting in the Humans face was Eal's hand on his shoulder. "You want to know, do you? You want to know what you ONI people have done to me?" Roh said, dangerously close to the edge.

"You monsters killed my sister! One of your damn stealth Prowlers destroyed the ship she was on! It was a civilian transport in Kig-yar space! We don't even want to be a part of your damn war, you Humans and Sangheili are hell bent on this idiocy... you fooking scum raid our nests and try to blame it on your Rebels, but they are our friends! I know the truth about you ONI beasts" Roh fumed, hissing with arched claws and pupils narrowed to slits.

[Llau]

First Lieutenant Alex Bishop
1 / 7, Alpha Company, Third Platoon
Airfield, Protector
So very close...
Tag(s): @tracker

“That's good,” Bishop replied, making his way toward her.

After several minutes or so passed, he eventually arrived to where Elms was at over by the concrete slab at the end of the tunnel. He glanced around, seeing light appearing from out of the corners, while he moved his hands around it. He then glanced over at her.

“Put your hands up against it and push as hard as you can,” he told her, “Looks kinda heavy, so I'll need help with it, Elms.”

He shifted around, so he was sitting on his knees; thankful for finally having more room here, instead of being on his stomach any longer than he had to. He pressed both hands against the slab on one end, and then waited for her to do the same on the other end.

“On three...”


ONI Section III Field Operator, Lieutenant Michelangelo Moretti
Operation Lead
Protector // Alpha Cluster // Alpha Cluster Tunnel System
This is some kind of joke, right?
Tag(s): Faclan , BetaWülf


He started walking away from them, firmly gripping Skyler's arm to keep him from falling, but then he gradually slowed to a stop when he overheard the name. Garatus. He tensed up, the blood in his veins quickly moved throughout his body when his heart skipped a beat at the name that was dropped by Roh. He then heard pack-mate, then ONI again, followed by tortured and death. His eyes widen at this, releasing his hold on the young rebel, who slowly looked up at him curiously as he took a couple of steps back. Moretti clenched his hands tightly into a fist at his side, while the other tightened around his handgun. His jawline set tightly, and his lips were pressed into an angry smile. He breathed in and out quicker, to match his rising heart-rate at the disclosure of such a thing. Garatus...he found out the name in 2546, when he was completely obsessed with murdering the Jiralhanae or his pack-mate, until the anger was getting to him, and then he ended up thinking about his daughter more before finally giving up on such a quest after he ranted to Agent Taylor about it, where he realized that Sage wouldn't wanted him to continue on this downward spiral. She would have berated him so much if she were alive. He told Taylor that he changed his mind about wanting to do such a thing, and she told him that she understood.

Understood...? No, no she didn't. She's a cold-hearted bitch who knows nothing of restraint.

His eyebrows creased, first he looked disgusted, but then anger made him look up at the ceiling for a moment as he realized what might have happened. It didn't take a Linguist to know what the Kig-Yar was talking about.

She did it...she went against my wishes. She did it anyway. For what? To please me? Make me happy that she revenged for me? For Sage?

He continued to stand there, not wanting to look at them, while he stared down at the ground in growing silence. He heard the two talk more, mentioning their thoughts on the Sangheili, but right then, his mind was too focused on something else. He then listened to what Roh said about him knowing something that he won't even share with them, no matter what.

He growled under his breath, “I'm not telling you...anything....at all.”

Moretti soon closed his eyes when Roh explained to him what ONI did to his sister. A Prowler destroyed the ship she was on. He remembered. He was on that Prowler when it destroyed a civilian ship in Kig-Yar space. He inhaled sharply at that, holding it in, while he reached a hand to cover his mouth, and then another hand as he went to cover his face for a moment before gradually moving them up and through his hair. He cringed, gritting his teeth a little when he felt his stomach turn into a tight knot and it felt like it was traveling up his throat. He could have heaved right then and there, but he swallowed it back down instead.

“Dio. E'una specie di scherzo del cazzo? Una specie di scherzo divina su di me, o cosa ? Perché...” Moretti quietly murmured in Italian, pressing his fingertips against his temples as he fought to control himself.

He then switched back to English, whispering under his breath, “This isn't very funny.” He groaned slightly, wincing as he shook his head; hands dropping back to his sides. It felt like God had it out for him all this week. Things just keep getting worse and worse, and now, it seemed like a big joke with how two things have popped up right now. He really felt like giving up right then and there and put a bullet into his head...after shooting Roh and the others of course, but no. He didn't. He couldn't.

He slowly turned around finally, glaring back. He bit his lower lip.

“You think you're the only one suffering from loss? Not a day goes by do I not stop and think about my loved one who was killed by you Covenant assholes,” He let out a short, painful groan, grimacing at the thought. “So...Roh...I suggest you to shut your beak. I'm sorry, but, don't accuse me with what happened to your damn sister. Because I didn't do it! I didn't kill her!" His eyes widen, wild with anger of being accused.

He then blurted out, "You think you know the truth, huh? You weren't there...you didn't have to hear it...you didn't try and stop it from firing on an unarmed civilian ship...you didn't get into trouble for trying to stop it. You don't know the truth, you stupid animal!" 

[Faclan]

Chris Hyde - ONI Section 1 Agent
Officially underground.
This is a very peculiar situation...oh hey more teammates.

And still Mays was going at it! Sighing a bit as they all started down the tunnel proper Chris just directed his hand away from his helped in time so he didn't smack his helmet in his attempted face palm as he responded to her. "You may not be, and I may not be really but kindness and interest in them makes them more willing to work with you and hopefully not keep inf...Wow really Mays?!" He grumbled to the shut down line as he realized that his entire response was cut off from reaching his fellow ONI. Thankfully the ONI's discussion between each other was mostly silent to their comrades thanks to the helmets. Turning to see her in the back he glared at her and sent an odd gesture back toward her; it started with his left hand, as his right still held the SMG, with him holding his middle and pointer finger together so he had four 'fingers', like a Sangheili, and he then pointed at her with his joined together fingers while holding his pinky and ring finger to his thumb. With the point and hold finished he flicked at her with the pinky and ring finger, Mays and the ODST's likely wondering what the hell he was doing before he turned back around and walked with Mick at near the front of the group as they went.

He glanced back at Mick as the other ODST's joined them, Hyde nodding at them and welcoming them back. "Good, now if we need to leave quickly from the subway entrance we can. Lets head on then so we reach the signal as soon as possible." But before he could once again start moving the tac-pad on his wrist spoke up with another message from Mike's open data-pad. "...Cause...ble...remove...cuffs." Then there was some static before more Kig-Yar language spoke up, Hyde catching Understandable and move out. So Mike was making friends with Kig-Yar now? Great if that was the case but Hyde tapped at his tac-pad a bit to shift it from being on his speakers to his helmet so he could keep listening in as he nodded and started to type out a message for Mikes pad...Hopefully it would receive it. The short text message was as follows; 'Nrd 1 on way, hell team with, try keep signal strong'. With that done he looked back up at the ODST's as he filled them in as well.

"The Section III seems to be either with or near some Kig-Yar, we should be on alert for them as well as innies. But since the Sec III doesn't seem to be getting attacked by them...maybe the Kigs aren't attacking him. Just be on guard for that." Nodding again, and glad that his pad would be silent he got back into a ready stance before once again being distracted by noises. This time coming from behind them.

Spinning around with weapon ready and aimed but finger off the trigger, as Mike had showed him, Chris waited for his VISR to identify the new person. But it didn't take much tech to see that they were in ODST armor and were soon identified as Staff Sergeant Jessica Willowbay. Well...more proper soldiers the merrier at this point. He rolled his eyes a bit as Mays pointed her weapon but was mostly silent as Mick did the first intros. With that over Chris nodded at her as, after checking the motion tracker, nodded to her as she joined up.

"Good to meet you Staff Sergeant, ONI Section I Agent Chris Hyde. We are currently searching for one of our own missing down here. A Section III Agent that was captured by the Insurrection but we have got a weak signal from his data-pad and have heard him on the other end so are heading toward that. There may be more Innies on the way to him and they may have him again when we get there. But there are also some Kig-Yar near him as we have heard them on the signal...but they don't seem to be hostile currently so be wary of that." He then nodded at everyone else. "Any questions before we head down into the underground?"

(Yey making up obscene gestures.)


(NPC)Eal Tas - T'vaoan Murmillo.
Underground and scouting.
Oh Aecor no...

Still with his bad hand on Rohs shoulder Eal was starting to look horrified that the tales he had heard through the Kig-Yar grapevines we're being confirmed. And not only that but the Jiralhanae were left without protection as well!? The Jiralhanae who were often held at a decently equal station to the Sangheili were left without protection too...And the Sangheili always told the Commodores that they were looking out for them on the fringes of space - the bastards.

But Eal and Talz, who was currently sending a report back to Mistress Kael about what was going on; 'Found Human, ONI, fought Inside Humans, making ONI show way out', were now about to be bystanders to the storm of rage that was Roh and the Human Mike as it was clear they were both getting each other worked into a frenzy. Squaring his shoulders Eal moved to be facing Roh as he set both hands on the Majors shoulders, trying to look Roh right in the eyes as he spoke, unfortunately when Mike was shouting something at Roh. It didn't take knowledge of what was being said to see that it was quickly enraging Roh.

"Roh..Roh! Look at me Roh! You are the son of two Commodores! You are bett," but that was as far as he got before Roh shoved him hard to the side and made his move toward the Human. Squawking in surprise Eal staggered to the side as he tried to regain his footing before his head banged into the insta-cret wall of the tunnel. With his vision all hazy he could just barely make out the red blur of Roh as he rushed at the Human. Though it was impossible to mistake his screeches of absolute rage as he threw himself at the Human...whatever was said was clearly bad as Eal held his head to try and stop his ears ringing with one hand and steadied himself with the other. The times he wished he had his damned helmet on

The Murmillo was forced to watch as the Human and Roh engaged in hand to hand combat as his vision started to clear. His calls out to Roh inaudible over the T'vaoans screeches and the Humans shouts as he tried to move over to try and do something to stop this. The other voice being drowned out unfortunately being Talz, trying to tell them that the Human boy was running away...

(Yaaaaaaay lets get reaaaaady to ruuuumble!)

[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: Situation: Engaged]

“Napalm grenades, if you got ‘em,” Mark relayed across the encrypted Company frequency to the defenders of the Plant. Reaching down to where he’d stored his own napalm grenades, which thankfully weren’t on his person, he’d picked one up and lobbed it over the sandbag and instacrete barriers downrange amidst the Covenant troopers. At least several dozen napalm grenades, far more incendiary than the M9 fragmentation pineapples every Marine and trooper had been very acquainted with followed suit having been lobbed over the barriers at the advancing Covenant forces and while Mark knew that any marine or army trooper that had remained alive beyond the barriers had hopefully managed to get to safety or rather the more accepted reality the aliens had gone through and killed the stragglers he knew the safety of his remaining men had been a greater concern. They had to force the Covenant back, whether through cooking the aliens alive, by burning the oxygen from the surrounding atmosphere or in pummeling them with a combination of suppressive fire of small arms fire to heavier armor fire and through the good looks of the Marine Corps.

The plan had formed only very recently in his mind, that the individual marines and troopers would lob napalm grenades towards their Covenant counterparts which would explode sending napalm jelly capable of igniting anything it came in contact with forcing the Covenant to fall back while the M319 teams lobbed their own grenades at a higher trajectory behind the Covenant lines encircling the entire group and hopefully allowing Mark‘s men to get some much needed payback. The thumping from the M319‘s, that sound familiar to so many marines and troopers fired on a few seconds delay while the series of waves of napalm grenades had cleared the sandbag and instacrete barriers before landing in front of and among the Covenant forces. The lobbed grenades exploded, igniting as expected either on the ground or on some unfortunate aliens. The incendiary jelly had been one of the toughest, most stubborn accelerants known to humankind and hopefully to alien kind that refused to be put out. A series of grenades launched by the M319‘s, napalm grenades each, sailed over the barriers and over the heads of the Covenant before impacting behind them or amongst then.

“Let ‘em have it. Open up with everything you‘ve got. Send these guys an invite to Hell, with your own post marked full metal jacket!" Mark stated over the encrypted Company frequency. Picking up the MA5C rifle again, he‘d squeeze back the trigger and opened up on the Covenant forces. “Snipers and Marksmen, take up the role of anti-snipers and take out those uglies upstairs,” He’d relay the orders to at least one of the warthogs, one that had been held in reserve by the under strength Army platoon that had been there before his own company had arrived to assist the snipers and marksmen in their counter sniper roles. That particular warthog armed with an M41 LAAG angled its fire towards where the Covenant sniper fire had been coming from and raked that area with fire while the snipers had taken aim and targeted their counterparts while the marksmen kept up their fire assisting the men on the ground.

[BasedGoody]

Unggoy Ultra Yaddap

"You have served honorably and fiercely Yaddap, you are a credit to your species and the Covenant, and I wont forget your name and deeds when troop evaluations come up, I'll put in a good word for you." The Chieftain spoke before placing a kind hand on Yaddap's shoulder. The Ultra shivered in excitement and jumped up and down. His hands clapped together.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Yad smiled, "You won't not regret this, Sir Chieftain Leader." The Ultra said seriously. Before awaiting a response or dismissal, the Unggoy waddled towards his file. Sand lifted up around his feet as the alien attempted a speedy return to his allies. The two awaiting his return sat on the ground, taking turns punching each other on the shoulder.

"Brudders!' Yaddap spat out, "I fear I will be leaving you soon." Judded gasped and leaped to his feet. The Minor began to run around, wailing and waving his hands in the air. The Ultra solemnly nodded at the despair of the orange-backed comrade.

"Yes, I  know it will be diffic- di- difficull-" The Ultra stammered, failing to pronounce the word.

"But Yaddap...?" Tabban spoke in a questioning tone, "What rank is above Ultra?"

Yaddap put a grubby hand to his chin and stared off into the sky. His slow mind worked overtime to think of a rank above the one he was already at. The Ultra considered Special Operators, but he was probably too ruthless for that. Yad concluded he was too much of a cold-blooded mass murderer, and would be too much for Spec Ops to handle.

"Oh, but of course! I will be the first Unggoy-Prophet." Yaddap finished with his arms outstretched and a toothy, hidden grin under his mask. Tabban responded with a look of awe while Judded continued to cry with the fear he would lose his favorite Ultra.

"Just don't fuh-get the little guys when you get famous!" Tabban yelped.

Shoutouts to - BetaWülf

[SuperCommando]

CPO SPARTAN-009

GOLD ONE

PROTECTOR, TRANQUILITAS BETA SYSTEM

EAST HAVEN MOUNTAINS

Silas blinked a green light on the HUD as Roy helped him up to quickly indicate his gratitude. That was classic Roy right there; he always had your back. It reminded Silas that even when the unexpected happens, they could always pull through as a team. Together, the Spartans faced off against the pair of heavily armored Hunters.

As the enemy charged their fuel rod guns, Roy and Silas rolled to opposite sides and avoided the bright green blasts that fired between them and arced out behind the Scarab’s rear end. As Roy ducked behind one pillar, Silas took cover behind the other.

“Damn,” Silas muttered as he peeked around at the Hunters. “They’re not moving position.”

The alien shock troops remained stubbornly in place, hunching behind their shields in front of the ramp. They were smart enough to keep their exposed backs to the ramp where the Spartans couldn’t attack them from, and knew that in the confined space of the Scarab’s upper deck they didn’t need to go chasing after the humans either. As their weapons again began to glow, Silas realized the Hunters were about to fire at them indirectly, aiming at the ground beside their cover to hit them with the splash damage.

“Up!” Silas exclaimed. He reached for the overhead platform their pillars were supporting and quickly pulled himself onto it, hoping Roy did the same. Immediately after, there was a pair of green explosions below. Having narrowly avoided the blasts, they were now safe for the moment.

“They can’t hit us up here,” observed Silas. He laid down on his side and leaned over the platform, releasing a short burst from his MA5B at the nearest Hunter below. It let the bullets bounce off its shield, content to hold its ground. It aimed up at Silas and charged another shot, prompting the armored soldier to disengage.

They were now at an impasse. The Hunters blocked off the ramp at all costs and refused to chase after the Spartans, and the Spartans couldn’t expose themselves without getting blown away. Possible strategies began to flash through Silas’s mind. Since each member of the team had a pack of explosives he considered either he or Roy could drop their pack down at the Hunters and the other would still be able to take out the Scarab, but the resulting explosion would likely be too great for the platform they were on to shield them. They needed a different option. Maybe another of Roy's pipe bombs? Silas doubted those had enough stopping power to take out Hunters though.

He turned his attention over to Target Bravo to see how Courtney was doing. He was about to radio for a sitrep, maybe ask if she could get a shot at the Hunters for them, but as he gazed at the other Scarab and noticed two hulking blue masses advancing across its deck he realized Courtney had Hunter problems of her own. Since she was on her own over there, there was nothing stopping those Hunters from flanking her and flushing her out. Nothing, of course, except for her teammates.

With a pack full of C12 strapped to his back, Silas quickly used his rifle’s strap to sling it over his shoulder and then drew his M6D sidearm again.

“Gold Two, covering fire!” he called out to Courtney as he opened up on her Hunters from across the other Scarab, hoping to their draw attention away from her and perhaps hit an exposed area.

Just then, the Spartans received a sudden radio transmission.

"Gold Team, Anvil One Actual. We've got a tank platoon hidden in the woods firing at your location. Incoming friendly fire in ten seconds, break. Objective is to destroy the armor plating around the joints, over."

For the second time in a row during this firefight, Silas found himself surprised. He hadn’t been expecting allied support. He turned to look over at Roy when they heard the part about friendly fire in ten seconds. Then he looked down at the small platform they were on.

“Ohshit…”

With no time to do anything else, Silas hit the deck. He dropped flat onto his belly, holstering his pistol as he did so in order to grip the edge of the platform with all his fingers.

The platoon of Scorpion tanks proceeded to unleash their salvos upon the Scarab walkers. Although the shots were directed at the legs and not the main body, the force of impact was still great enough to shudder the massive walkers. Had he been standing, Silas would have been thrown from the platform for sure.

After two quick rounds of shelling, Silas could easily see the sparks and smoke rising from the ruined and slightly limping joint of the Scarab he and Roy were on. He rose to one knee as another transmission buzzed over the COM.

"Anvil One Actual to Gold Team. We've managed to expose the leg joints on one of the walkers and are aiming for the second one right now. Be advised: We'll be pulling back into the forest to await your fire mission after the armor cover is gone, out."

“Roy, what’s the status of those Hunters below us?” Silas asked, wasting no time. If there was any chance that they could have been shaken by that barrage as well, they could exploit it if they react quickly.

One more salvo impacted Target Bravo, and now both Scarabs had exposed knee joints "Anvil One is standing by for fire mission." Reported the tank platoon.

“Roger Anvil One,” Silas responded. “Hold fire until my mark, over.”

We can use that… Silas thought. If the tanks could inflict enough damage on the exposed joints, it could send the Scarabs into an emergency “lockdown” mode which would immobilize the walker and expose its core. Then again, that was a tactic mainly used against the more common Type-47 Scarab, but Silas figured it should still apply to these Type-36s as well.

“Gold Team, heads up,” he declared over the COM. “Prepare to move fast.”

TAG(S): TinCanHitman, @tracker, MrKill

[BetaWülf]

T'vaoan Major Roh Gel.
Animal?!?!?!

Roh was bristling, ever feather on his body was standing up, and deep and steady hiss issued from him all the while. He listened only because of Eal's hand on his shoulder, almost leaping blindly at Mike when he was called an asshole. He didn't even have an asshole like the filthy ape, he had a Cloaca dammit! But then Mike made a terrible mistake, he admitted to having been there, then he called a Gel warrior an 'animal'.

Roh shoved past Eal and strafed swiftly to the left into the wall. He crouched at the base of the wall and launched himself forward with lightning speed, rolling into the Humans legs. Roh scrambled onto the Human and wrapped his hands around his throat, throttling him. "You want to see an animal? You are the animal, you uncultured, repulsive, primitive, damn dirty Ape!" Roh screamed at Mike.

[Llau]

ONI Section III Field Operator, Lieutenant Michelangelo Moretti
Operation Lead
Protector // Alpha Cluster // Alpha Cluster Tunnel System
So mad...so angry...so upset...
Tag(s): BetaWülf , Faclan


The swiftness of the raging T'vaoan was surprisingly impressive to see up close, despite being the receiving end of it. His eyes darted toward the left where Roh quickly strafed over to the wall, as Mike started to unholster his gun. Just as the alien launched himself toward him, he raised his gun, holding it in both hands, and started to fire rounds, but the T'vaoan had managed to roll into Moretti's legs to knock him over. The field operator yelped in surprise, firing a stray bullet somewhere as he rolled head over heels and landing hard on his back with a thud. He groaned in pain when he was quickly reminded of the knife gashes all over his back, shoulders, and arms that he received during one of his days being tortured by the Insurrectionists. He struggled to sit up and before he could aim and fire at Roh again, but the T'vaoan had already moved onto him, and the Italian stared back wide-eyed as he felt the alien's hands wrapped tightly around his neck to choke him.

Moretti instinctively grasped his hand around Roh's wrist as he began struggling to breathe and gasp for air. He tensed up, struggling beneath him as he felt immense pressure in his face and throat; his skin slowly turning into different shades of red. His lungs were aching, eyes bulging, as he felt like a fish out of water. His head was starting to spin at each little gasp he fought to take when his lungs were burning for air, while he ignored as the T'vaoan shouted at him.

While the two started to fight, Skyler looked on, greatly confused, but then looked around, and then started to continue off without them, slightly quicker as he was desperate to get away – wincing in pain, but ignoring it all at once. He'll be back though...with the other group of insurrectionists who had split up searching around the tunnels. The second-in-command would be happy to know that the ONI agent lived, and was currently per-occupied with those Kig-Yar. Maybe he'll make it back with the rest of them in time to get him. Doing this would certainly make them proud of him.

Fuck, fuck, fuck...I'm going to die! He realized.

He thought fast. Although, he wasn't really thinking, and just allowed his fight or flight instincts to take over.

“Get...off...of me!” He cried out in between short gasps of air.

The first thought that came to his mind, was using his gun, but not to shoot it. If it worked, then he can fight back. If it didn't, then he'll either repeat it again, or use the blade in his TAC-PAD that he was glad he was able to get back, and lodge it into Roh's neck if all else fails. The thought even brought a small, evil smile to his face that was mixed in with his pained and desperate expression. Using the tip of the barrel of his handgun, he focused his blurring vision on the red vocal sac along the T'vaoan's throat, and then while he gripped the gun tighter in his hand as he used it as if it were brass knuckles to make the force of his punch even worse against the sensitive area, he swiftly struck two jabs toward the vocal sac to get him to loosen his hold from around his own neck. 

[Doc the Mother of Dragons]

HN Samantha Jackson
Search and Rescue
In the Tunnels
Tag: LaxKnight @tracker Faclan (hope I got everyone)


Samantha had not said much since they had entered the tunnels, she was still mulling over the death of her former squadmates. All of them had managed to live through the fighting, except for a few minor scraps and bruises everyone was good. Of course that was before the earthquake hit, she made it out of the building they had been in only to look back as it collasped killing whatever poor soul was left inside. Sam frantically tried calling her teammates on the radio but all she got was a silent response, even the IFF tags were gone.

She had quickly been reassigned to a "special mission" with some ODST's and a few scientist nerds (when she inquired as to who they where she was told it was classified), she was the only Marine in the group.. Apparently someone of value to the UNSC was missing in the tunnels and the rag tag group was sent to go find him, hopefully alive. Jackson was sent with them because the person might need a medic, and when they were getting ready to go she was the cloest medic to them, so she was quickly "voleentold" for the job.

Cpl. McMillian was on point, while Sam was near the middle of the group and the scientist (who she know knew was someone from ONI) was near the back, another spook was glued to a data pad. So far the tunnel search has proven to return nothing except darkness and the ocassional large rat, she was thankful for her flashlight, it made the creepy darkness more barable.  Their quiet walking was inturupted by the arrival of SSGT Willowbay, the Platoon Sergeant one of the ODST groups. Jackson wondered why the Sergeant was running around alone in the tunnels, probably more ONI stuff. Sam just rested her hands on her BR55, as McMillian talked to Willowbay, and waited for the two to be done.

[Huka]

Field Marshal Til Je’at Ze’ta ‘Muramai
The Covenant Ground Command Center

While his immediate sect was allowed time to rest, Til directed the rest of the immediate legion for preparation. He could see Legra’s marker handling a force towards the closer mountain with a pair of Scarabs under attack as described earlier; hit by a creche of those direct-projectile tanks while handling on-board assault by three Demons. The Field Marshal grunted out somewhat before connecting with a choir of banshees, “Choir Officer, send some support to the disembarked scarab walkers. Single fuel rod blitz upon the tanks and return to your patrols, we need to keep our air superiority.” He ordered. “Yes, Field Marshal.” A low voice muffled by the comm filters answered before Til watched the choir of six speed off to their objective.

Taking his eyes off them for the time being, he watched a pack of Garatus’ stalkers brutally ripping into one of the warned traitors. Good...he was very pleased that the young Chieftain understood and took full responsibility on his insubordinates, both victims and survivors of the last Jiralhanae brutal grasp for unworthy power. This is why they are treated so lowly; barbaric, overstepping and believe themselves worthy of the Sangheili’s place! One day they might be, but not today. Until they learn to tame their barbarism, they are but children of faith to the military masters of the Covenant. That day alone showcased both their potential and danger to the union.

Dismissing the memory with a elegant hand gesture, Til scanned along the tactical map for the northern water purification plant, seeing that a creche was marching for the front. They were pushing but the humans were resilient. “Sect of Calm Benevolence, assist the northern creche assault.” He instructed, waiting for their general’s acknowledgment before their assigned phantoms lifted up with their heavy vehicles underneath for disembarking.

In his moment of plotting, he caught sight of a transmission coming in and clicked it out of relax, bringing in the holographic appearance of Chur'R-Suf standing in midair. In attention with his combat harness on, quills fluttering as if a invisible wave was brushing through them, and old marble eyes staring down at the slightly younger hero. "Field Marshal 'Muramai." He greeted with a bow of his head. "Shipmaster Chur'R-Suf. Anything yet?" The Sangheili questioned but the Kig-yar shook his head on the negative, the two discussing on their current situation while coordinating the field. 

Special Operations Major Ordo 'Cavasee [NPC]
Human Water Purification Plant 

 The loud screams of agony and the nostril-wrenching stench of cooking flesh and armor was more than enough to have Ordo ordering a withdrawal from the unwanting encounter of human napalm explosives. One of his invisible Sangheili screaming from his perch when two smacked onto his face and legs, igniting the painful reality of mortality as his fluttering camouflage popped and failed as surely as his burning to-be-corpse fell several meters for a spine-snapping death. Ordo tore his eyes away from it and promised to mourn for his fallen brother in due time, right now he had to get his warriors out of the frontlines to join with his fellow field officer. 

 Nearby the commanding Ultra barked out to the Kig-yar to keep the front protected with their shields while heavy Unggoy fired at the Humans' heavier arsenal in their march, forced to a slight standstill as his Minors placed shield barriers for more defensive capabilities. He was losing troops and prayed for reinforcements soon. For now, they can hold keep the Human defenders trapped and on their toes till then, unless some miraculous hope to get to the seal doors were possible.

[Faclan]

Tags: BetaWülf, Llau, BasedGoody, Huka

Kael Gel - T'vaoan Champion.
Topside.
Now fully distracted.

Smiling at Til as he had his little berating time against the fools in space Kael was pleased to see that at least something was going to be done about the domes. Either will the ships in orbit or with the drilling platforms. Hopefully they could soon get those purged of Humans and then they could leave successful. Successful and then Kael could have time to get some time for her and Roh to talk so they could get to some kind of...something so they could hopefully not despise each other anymore. Honestly Kael was quickly losing her rage against her son the longer this mission went on. It was probably because he or she could die and then would go to see Aecor full of regrets. And Aecor wouldn't give them the good jobs on his eternal sail if they were distracted with regrets. Hissing a bit she nodded at Til and turned away from him, to see the Jiralhanae chieftain glaring at her after she had glared at him.

She returned it as good as she got before he looked away; but if the big ape wanted her to look favorably at him then he should get his species under control when they were serving. There was none of that from her Kig-Yar or else they would be slain on the spot before any issues would arise. But she glanced at her radio as the text to speech function spoke up, with a message Kael was both relived and terrified to hear;

'Found Human, ONI, fought Inside Humans, making ONI show way out'

The message would be audible to both Til, Garatus, and his Elder advisor if they cared to listen as Kael stared at the speaker for awhile. ONI....Roh was with ONI now!? The Champion actually staggered back a bit and collapsed on some debris as she sat down on it. Uncomfortable to be sure but she didn't care as she shakily picked up the speaker and clicked it open. It was open for awhile as Kael took a few breaths with her eyes closed before trying to respond.

"Roh...Roh...for Aecor's sake please be careful...I can't loose you to those sunk ONI too...please." Clicking the speaker off Kael let it hang on its cord a little as she looked at the ground, arms thumping quietly into her rocky seat as she just sat and stared. Now she couldn't think about the mission or leaving at all...Roh, her little chick, was down underground with ONI and she wasn't there to try and protect him.


Eugenius - Jiralhanae Advisor.
On the broken surface.
Job opportunities?

Smiling at Garatus as he took the canteen and a large draft from it Euigne just nodded as he took it back and slipped it back into his satchel after capping it. Taking a second to sort through his satchel he frowned a little as he could see that he was nearly out of canteens of that sweet sweet ale. He would need to ratio it a bit more carefully then. But at least he and Garatus were still alive, the pack was doing alright, and the Ragnus fools would be cut down in good time. Trying to look on the bright side and all that.

An Unggoy waddled up and reported successful completion of some kind of mission that Garatus supposedly gave him. Euigne wasn't that impressed, but then he rarely was these days, as the Unggoy didn't seem that much more competent than any of the other ones in the force. He was an Ultra sure but who knows who he praised to get that - like he was doing to Garatus now. But Eugine just shrugged as the happy one waddled off to join his comrades.

"Say Nephew...if you wanted a herald, like the Chieftains of old, that Unggoy could work for that." He mused as he started to pull out his book for some note taking. The Elder taking a seat beside the resting Chieftain before he glanced over at the mechanical sounding voice from the Champions radio.

Eugine just watched as the short conversation happened and he felt...sad for the female to be honest. Eugine painfully reminded of when two of his own children had been in danger and unfortunately perished in a clan feud years ago. One had survived but it was hard to glare at the T'vaoan when she was cleared so devastated by the possibility of losing one of her own chicks. The elder putting down his notebook as he sighed and frowned a little...though he was unsure of what to say to try and help now...


(NPC)Eal Tas - T'vaoan Murmillo.
Underground and scouting.
Trying to stop murder happening.

Finally able to see again, ignoring the cheeps from Talz as she once again tried to tell Eal and Roh that the boy had vanished, Eal quickly tried to take stock on what was happening. Roh was trying to strangle the Human to death and the Human still had a loaded weapon - he would need to work fast. Thankfully Roh didn't just slice the Humans throat open with his claws or with his Gel blade like he could have and seemed to want to make the Human panic and suffer before he was dead. So first job would be stopping that.

Not even trying to call out to Roh anymore he knew that it would do nothing Eal quickly moved over to the prone Humans, having ducked down during the wild firing of the Human to hopefully avoid being hit. Talz having ducked down too but then seemed distracted by a message that was trying to reach them. Finally behind Roh Eal grit his beak as he decided against trying to grab the Humans gun or use his own sidearm and just did his best to wrap his arms around Roh's chest and pull the T'vaoan off the Human.

He was worried when he saw a pistol barrel just miss his own head as the Human tried to fight back and then more scared when Roh was jammed in the vocal sac and throat by the same barrel. The coughing and gagging didn't sound good at all as Eal pulled as hard as he could to try and pull Roh off. Hopefully without Roh's claws slicing the Humans throat open. But as he squawked and pulled back Talz spoke up again now that the echo of the shots had stopped about the Human boy running away, before playing the message from Mistress Kael to everyone present...

[BetaWülf]

T'vaoan Major Roh Gel.
Fooking ape, I'll gaaaaghhk!!!

Roh was pleased as the apes face turned shades of red, and the veins in its face and neck became noticeable as its eyes bulged. He didn't want to kill him, just choke the vile little bastard out so he wouldn't spew anymore filth from his mouth, with all its stupid tiny little white teeth. Roh ignored the hands wrapped around his wrists, he was a big T'vaoan and well muscled, he'd not once met another his height.

After the Human admitted its presence on the ship, he knew the Humans place was as his prisoner, and after he tried to shoot him, he didn't feel anything close to guilt about. He almost liked the Human, almost. But that feeling was gone, now all he wanted to do was throttle the nasty little beast so he could restrain it and use the Rebel to get out.

Then Eal wrapped his arms around Roh's chest and was trying to pull him away, before the Human asked him to get off. It took Roh a moment to register what the Human said, and as he was about to release his grip, the man jabbed his pistol at Roh. It missed his throat, almost hitting Eal in the face, and cut Roh's jaw when it was quickly brought back by the ONI agent. The Human jabbed again, hitting Roh in the throat.

Roh fell back into Eal's arms, leaving a small cut on Mike's Adams apple where his claw raked the flesh. The T'vaoan was clutching at his own throat, coughing and wheezing horribly. Roh grabbed his R-4 and chambered a round and was about to aim it at the Human, the only thing stopping him from shooting was the message from his Mother that Talz was playing. He knew what would happen if she lost him too, she'd go mad. Whether a roving mad woman slaughtering ONI, or a rambling mad woman best left in a cell, he did not know. He coughed and tried to take deep breaths, but only managed to wheeze.


Jiralhanae Chieftain Garatus the Deathless, Butcher, Restorer of Tribes, Slayer of Shadowed Imps, Burner of Demons.
(To be added.)

Garatus continued to glare at the T'vaoan when the bird re-returned the glare she had originally started. He was tired of these damn aliens treating him like a beast, at least he wasn't a repulsive reptile. He didn't mind the Unggoy, Yanme'e, and Lekgolo, and he knew not all Kig-yar were bad, as evident through Cad. But the Sangheili, they were all deplorable snobs, save for Til. And the San'Shyuum... pathetically weak, barely able to walk on their own and obviously inbred in past generations. Rumbling, Garatus broke off his glare and looked over at his Uncle who was speaking.

"Hmmm, I could use one, with all these titles it seems within reason. That one is eager to serve, but I don't know if he could be content in a static position, he seems to know his way up the ladder of success for an Unggoy" Garatus said, before chuckling "Would have to make up ranks for him to achieve" Garatus said, still chuckling.

Garatus watched with crossed arms as the T'vaoan Kael received a message, but perked up noticeably with a growl when he heard 'ONI' on the transmission. He watched as the Champion staggered and fell back onto a pile of debris, and listened as she sent a response. It was a deeply heartfelt message, and he guessed it was to a child of her, and guessed she had lost a child to ONI when she said 'too'. He scratched his beard and tried to recall, and remembered hearing a story about the Mistress and how she lost a daughter to ONI, after Cad had looked into it for Garatus when he was researching ONI related incidents within the Covenant.

Garatus's features softened noticeably, and look of sympathy and shared grief across his face. It had not even three months since he laid his beloved mate to rest in the Moons embrace, and he howled every night in mourning. He looked over at his Uncle, and noted the look upon his face. Garatus placed a hand on his Uncles shoulder and let out a sympathetic rumble, recalling how two of his cousins had died in a feud and how his Uncles missed his departed children so. Garatus moved over to Kael and knelt beside her, though far enough away to not be in her personal space really.

"I... If this Roh is anything like you, I would feel more sorry for that ONI scum, as I am sure he has it well in hand" Garatus said, trying to show some caring, he was her co-worker after all. "Is Roh your son?" Garatus ventured to ask, knowing that three letter names denoted a male name.

[SPARTAN-A120]

Corporal Fredrick Mitchell
1/8, B Co, 1st PLT, 5th Squad
Kristopher Airfield
Protector, Tranquilius Beta System
What the... Dad? Is that you?


"Son, you disappointed me."

"D- Dad? I thought you were dead!" Fred gawked at his father with tears building on the rims of his eyelids. Standing before him was Thomas Mitchell with Marine Corps' Dress Blues; his face was battle hardened with a couple of scars, graying black crew cut hair, and tall stature. "I... I... I'm sorry!" Fred reached for his father, but before he could reach him, his father vanished into a cloud of smoke.

The dark world around him was unfamiliar to Fred. He had a pounding headache and he didn't know why. He looked around, but all he saw was pitch darkness. Out of nowhere, his father reappeared, this time in combat BDUs. "Dad! Don't leave! I promised that I'll avenge you." Fred ran towards his father, but he disappeared again. Fred fell to his knees. He didn't know what was going on and it made him irritated now. He wiped his tears and got up after a few seconds of kneeling.

He got startled when a white figure jumped out from his right flank. Fred instinctively dove backwards and went to draw his M6D which was... gone? Where were his weapons? He looked up to see the white figure. He recognized the single gold horn on top of the figure's head, the blinding white mane, the ice-blue eyes, and muscular body. It was a horse. Not any horse. It was a... unicorn?!

"What the fu- " Fred managed to say before the unicorn vanished. "I never took any drugs. I think I accidentally ingested some LSD... wait... I don't take drugs."

"MITCHELL!" a loud voice boomed. That voice was loud and nearly deafening. "MITCHELL! " the voice shouted again.

Why was this voice shouting his name? Fred's headache was now agonizingly unbearable.

"Mitchell! Get up! The fight's not over, bud," the same voice said again. This time, it wasn't as loud as before. The voice was definitely familiar, but he couldn't place it. Another voice spoke, but it wasn't directed towards Fred, "You think he's still alive?" Another person answered the question. "You think a few stones and pebbles are gonna kill this tough S.O.B? He'll make it. Steady pulse, but unconscious."

The world of darkness started to become brighter. Fred groaned at the steadily growing light. He had finally opened his eyes to see three shadows standing in a semicircle around him who was lying on his back. His vision was blurred so he couldn't make out the figures.

"Told ya. Tough S.O.B," said the figure to the right. "The Corporal's up?" the left one said. As if on cue, Fred's vision returned to normal to see a gloved right hand in front of him. The familiar face extending his hand finally said, "Welcome back from hell, mate. Now, on your feet."

Fred identified the trio. It was Lance Corporal Carter who was extending his hand, Private Luis standing to his left with a fascinated expression, and Private First Class Gordon to the right with his M392 DMR slung on his left shoulder in the "muzzle up" position. He grabbed onto Carter's hand and the muscular Marine hauled Mitchell to his feet. "What happened?" Fred asked Carter.

"Earthquake. It came outta nowhere. You got buried under rubble. You got lucky, though," replied the Lance Corporal with a light smirk.

"SITREP?" Fred immediately asked while dusting of his gear and checking himself for injuries.

"The Colonel wants to round up the remaining personnel so we can get an EVAC. But we're kinda low on personnel and the Army Garrison Command is FUBAR. He's over there," Carter said, pointing a tall, muscular officer making his way to through hole to the surface. "He's kinda busy, though. I suggest helping out finding the rest of the Marines buried under rubble until he gives us our next set of orders. And you should take some time getting back to a hundred percent."

PFC. Gordon added as a joke, "You kidding? He napped for twenty minutes."

"Right. I'm green," Fred replied. He noticed his primary was missing from his gear. "Where's my rifle?"

[Guardian Cat of Yappa's]

Sergeant Maximilian "Drake" Fields

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

Protector, Tranquilius Beta System

Water Purification Plant

The Smell of Napalm

TAGS: Cabel

Drake rushed over the sandbags, just as the napalm went sailing through the air, and felt the flash of heat that washed over the marines. The all too familiar feeling of sweat soaking his clothes again. The screams of the bastards caught in the inextinguishable flames filled the air. Poor bastards, I'd hate to go out like that, he thought. He looked to his side to see who exactly he had plopped down beside, to find that it was on one other than the captain himself. 

Before he could even say anything though, the captain was already giving him orders. “Let ‘em have it. Open up with everything you‘ve got. Send these guys an invite to Hell, with your own post marked full metal jacket!"


"Yes sir," escaped his throat, the response inaudible to anyone that didn't have their ear right by his head. The sound of a round chambering, the report of the weapon as he pulled the trigger, the satisfying sight of a burning grunt dropping, moments before his methane tank exploded. "Hey look boys, it's someone's birthday."

---

Captain Kelvin Duncan

1/7, 53rd CE, A Co

Protector, Tranquilius Beta System

Tunnel System

Time to move A**

TAGS: MrKill

Duncan was listening to his comm set for the response from the Colonel, which found it's way to him in relativity good condition. "Alright, Reaper Actual. Can you get to the East Haven Mountains within the hour?"


The sound of static crept up on the edges of the message, though the Colonel's voice wasn't distorted by it. "We're currently at Alpha airfield sir, we'll secure transport and be Oscar Mike within five mikes, Copy." He stated, switching channels to his XO. "Hawkins, get us some 'hogs, we're deploying to the East Haven Mountains, ETD five mikes." The ensuring response was a positive sign to him, as the marine he had sent for water and rations returned. His men rushed to eat and drink before the 'hogs arrived. "Control how much you eat and drink men, we'll outbound in 5."

[TinCanHitman]

SPARTAN-001

Gold Three

PROTECTOR, TRANQUILITAS BETA SYSTEM 

EAST HAVEN MOUNTAINS 

Roy was busy switching to his MA5C when Silas called out to him. "Up!" Roy had enough sense to listen to Gold one and quickly placed his rifle on his back and jumped up to grab the lip of the canopy above them. He quickly hoisted himself up, just in time to see a sickly green splash of energy cover the area he was just in. He re-adjusted himself so he had his feet under him and drew his rifle. He was rapid firing ideas in his head and running scenarios as quickly as he could, coming up with several ideas, and scrapping several as well. They were stuck on this roof with several tons of covenant armor blocking them from their goal. Silas leaned over to fire on the hunters, and Roy suddenly came up with a plan.

He usually carried cans of C7 with him as was, and luckily enough he had brought some in case they needed to breach. He took a can of C7 and one of his pipe bombs and began to work as quickly as he could, tapping the two together with the industrial tape he had in his satchel. He worked quickly to secure the weapon, and right as he had finished Silas began to fire on Courtney's hunters. Roy decided to follow suit, setting the I.E.D in his pack and shoulder his MA5C, firing controlled bursts at the aliens exposed backs. Before Roy could let out a full magazine a voice came over their coms, one Roy hadn't heard before.


"Gold Team, Anvil One Actual. We've got a tank platoon hidden in the woods firing at your location. Incoming friendly fire in ten seconds, break. Objective is to destroy the armor plating around the joints, over."



Roy heard this and immediately looked to Silas thinking two things. One, his job just became easier, two, they had to batten down. With one hand he secured his rifle to his back, with his other he drew the oddly balanced standard issue knife, throwing himself to the floor he stabbed into the canopy, the sharp point burying itself deep into the metal, having SPARTAN strength also helped. His robotic hand, however, simply tore finger holds into the metal, giving Roy enough traction not to go flying.

The assault platform shook from the sudden rain of tank shells and Roy and Silas clasped on for dear life. It was quick, and soon smoke and sirens filled the air as their walkers took enough leg damage to show their joints. Roy replaced the knife once the attack was over, and fished the I.E.D from his pack. Silas called over to Roy “Roy, what’s the status of those Hunters below us?”
Roy quickly dangled his upper torso over the edge of the canopy to spy on the hunters. As his head crested the lip his vision became filled with green death and he was forced to sling himself upwards. He turned to Silas and made a motion with his hand saying no good, indicating that they were still up and kicking.

However, Roy then lofted his I.E.D up for Silas to see, showing off the canister and pipe bomb. He tapped it and made an explosion signal with his hand, then made a jerking motion with his head saying they should bail after he threw it. However it seemed Silas was way ahead of him. “Gold Team, heads up,” he declared over the COM. “Prepare to move fast.”

[Llau]

ONI Section III Field Operator, Lieutenant Michelangelo Moretti
Operation Lead
Protector // Alpha Cluster // Alpha Cluster Tunnel System
A shocking turn of events
Tag(s): BetaWülf , Faclan



The sudden relief of air being breathed into his burning lungs, was such a welcoming event. His eyes grew as wide as they were able to, when he gulped in a large amount of the precious element, but then started coughing as he breathed in deep, raspy breaths. His chest heaved up and down and his body shook each time he coughed. He coughed so hard that he probably would have puked, but he didn't. His free hand went up to the burning feeling across his Adam’s apple, and lightly dabbed his fingertips over it to feel a slight wetness to the skin there; wincing as he did so. He pulled back his hand to see blood was now covering his fingertips. He frowned a little, eyes darting to where the Kig-Yar were at, but was glaring particularly over at Roh, who had nearly choked him too death. His throat was sore from the coughing, but also from how tight the T'vaoan had wrapped his hands around his neck. There was a bruise of hand-prints on either side of his neck, but the scratch felt like a paper-cut to him. He sat up somewhat once he was able to clear his head and breath easier, and then he aimed the handgun toward Roh, while he backed up enough to keep a safer distance between them. Eventually, he climbed to his feet, keeping his gun trained on him.

He paused, taking a moment to peer down at his TAC-PAD, and saw that he had a message from someone. He selected it, and read the text message. Panting a little, he frowned a bit, keeping his relief that Hyde was down there with a group of people looking for him hidden from the Kig-Yar so they wouldn't become even more leery of him, and realize that ONI personnel and ODSTs were tracking him down. He kept a watchful eye on them, still training his handgun at the aliens, but mostly at Roh just in case he attacked him again. Thankfully, they were preoccupied by a message to really pay attention to him. He glanced over to where he last left Skyler, and then cursed under his breath.

“Where'd he go?” He glanced around, looking for him, and then shook his head in disappointment.

Damn it...little brat ran off, he thought.

Though, now that he thought about it, the more running off seemed like a good idea. It wasn't like his legs were messed up, although they could have been. They would have been in the next set or torture if he didn't escape, and if the earthquake didn't happen. He could still run, and then fire at the Kig-Yar if he had to if they tried to chase after him. Which...they probably would. He frowned again, pondering briefly about leaving them. Though, leaving and looking like he knew where he was going, would reveal to the Kig-Yar, that he lied to them about not knowing where to go and needed the kid. Because he didn't need Skyler. He had the maps of the tunnel system that connected both clusters downloaded to his CNI – just like he had the city maps installed by Bonson.

His eyes and weapon suddenly darted over to his right, when he heard a stone being kicked from what appeared to be a doorway. He shun his flashlight over in the direction, and saw that Skyler was standing there, still restrained at his wrists that he had raised to chest height in front of him. The ONI field operator glanced back at the Kigs, and then at him suspiciously.

“Where in the hell did you go?”

“You two were fighting, so...I wanted to hide somewhere until it was either broken up, or one of you were dead.” Skyler answered, squinting his eyes at the blinding light.

Moretti lowered the flashlight, and then returned it and his gun back to pointing at Roh after staring far too long at the young rebel. He didn't believe him, but that could have been why he couldn't find him at first, and for the fact that he never saw the doorway there. Must have been some kind of machinery room. Earlier, before fighting with the T'vaoan broke out, he did hear what sounded like machinery running, like turbines. Probably for powering the lights down here. It would be nice to have the lights working though.

His eyes darted over to the rebel, who slowly sat down on a step in front of the doorway. “So, you hid, huh?” When he saw him nodding at that, he continued, “Does that room have another exit?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, if...I were you, I would have left when I had the chance to,” Moretti said, “Instead...you just hid.”

“So?”

“So? I don't think you're telling the truth, Skyler. You know these tunnels quite well.”

“You think I'm lying to you?”

“Yeah,” replied the agent, “I think you're full of shit like the rest of your Innie friends.”

“Oh, yeah?” Skyler stood up, pressing his hand against the wall to support himself. “What are you going to do about it then?”

Moretti scoffed at the boy's sudden change in attitude. He glanced at the smug look on his face, and shook his head. “You know, I wasn't kidding when I said I will shoot you if you have a weapon you are willing to use on me, Skyler.”

“Well...I didn't get a weapon, but...” He trailed off, looking right at him.

Moretti gasped when he felt a pair of sharp flechettes pierce through his shirt, and latch into his skin. He glanced back at a tall, six-foot-three man, who was holding a taser gun. The man smirked, just when the agent was beginning to turn around to fire at him, but his back suddenly arched forward as every muscle in his body tensed up. He let out an excruciating, muffled scream as 50,000 volts rushed throughout his body. He staggered forward, but managed to keep his balance since it was very brief, but then the man repeatedly started to taze him a couple of more times, until the Italian dropped to his knees, wincing in agony as his muscles involuntary contracted. His body convulsed for almost a minute as the man tazed him continuously, while other armed Insurrectionists hurried into view; aiming at the Kig-Yar, and surrounding the field agent. There were about twenty of them, including the man who just so happened to be the second-in-command of the Insurrectionist group that was causing problems on Protector. Clearly, these men were far more experienced and well-equipped than the other group Skyler was with.

The man stopped, grinning down at Moretti, who was sitting on his knees with his arms held weakly at his side, and breathing deep, raspy breaths. His body was trembling and covered in a thin layer of sweat. He looked even worse than before, and too weak to move around anymore. The man kept the flechettes in him, not yet ready to take them out of his back and roll up the wires they were attached to back inside the taser gun. He stood behind him, and grabbed a handful of his hair before yanking his head as far back as it could go to look into his eyes. The action initiated a slight moan, but otherwise, Moretti didn't react any more than that, and he was having a hard time keeping his eyes open.

“Hmm...so I see you did escape after that earthquake happened,” the man said, looking impressed. “Boss thought you were dead, but I didn't think so, and here you are.” Glancing over, he smiled at Skyler. “Good job, son. Riaz, now you can take the restraints off of his wrists.”

“Yes, sir,” Another man, around his twenties spoke up, and went over to free the younger rebel.

Skyler smiled back appreciatively, but also proudly.

Gazing over at the Kig-Yar, the man dragged Moretti over to them halfway, before letting him collapse in between them.

“My boy says one of you aliens speaks English,” He pressed the bottom of his foot against the agent's back as he pulled out the flechettes roughly, and started to put it back inside the taser gun. “So, when I saw Skyler come limping up to us, and inform me that he found an ONI operative in the tunnels, I didn't think it would be the same one who we had captured and have been torturing for almost a week for information...but the little runt is way too stubborn to answer all of our questions truthfully...which is why he looks so terrible.”

He glanced down, and harshly said to him, “Isn't that right?” He stomped on his back, and smiled with Moretti groaned a little, but still didn't seem to move.

“Boss wanted to keep him alive, and use him for later, since we think he's high enough to be able to get us into the ONI research facility over in Beta,” He went on, “But then the earthquake happened, and ruined our plans...or so we thought.”

Looking at the three Kig-Yar, he said, “I need him to get inside to get what we want in there. I'll be okay if you three come along with us, and you aliens can grab whatever you think would be valuable to your Covenant...or for yourselves if you'd like.” A smile. “Once I'm done with him, then you guys can have him if you want. Do whatever you want with the piece of shit. I don't care, but I won't take no for an answer. So, either come with us and have your share...or...get the hell out of here before my men have chicken tonight.”

He backed away from Moretti's limp body, and waved a couple of the men over to roll the ONI operative over onto his back, and then restrain his wrists with the same one he used on Skyler. After they finished, the two picked him up, and held him by his arms as they stood on either side of his limp frame and waited, while the rest aimed their assault rifles toward Roh, Eal, and Talz.

The man, who went by Larkin, waited for the Kig-Yar to make their decision. “What do you say, hm? Decide quickly.”

[Huka]

Field Marshal Til Je’at Ze’ta ‘Muramai
Covenant Ground Command

“I honestly don’t know how we will win the naval aspect when we conquer the ground, Marshal.” Suf said honestly in a quiet tone while looking abit insulted himself at not being able to conquer a sound strategy. To anyone, the Muram hero was stoic and unexpressive with his mask hiding any real Sangheili emotion that didn’t involve flexing muscles and aggression, a mystery...but the older Kig-yar knew his long-time friend and commander like the back of his talons usually. The Sangheili was just flustered about it as he.

“The Gods and Spirits will give us an answer, my friend.’ Til answered finally, his voice not quite convinced himself at the moment, “Until then, we will use our battle prowess to keep the humans from gaining a victory here and you will keep your ships safe by-”

“Hiding behind a hostage?” Suf inferred, both well aware on their current tactic seemed. The last three Covenant ships hovering by the human dome to keep from being shot at is a sound but embarrassing tactic that no one liked but it had to be done.

Til silently nodded to his friend and the Kig-yar made an aged raspy sound from his vocal cords before finally shrugging. A gesture that the Field Marshal never had an appreciation for...never knew why. “I guess it is sound for a Kig-yar, eh?” The Shipmaster jested gently with a playful raise of his quill, it at least provoked a dry sound of amusement from the other. “I assume so...”

Speaking of Kig-yar tactics...

'Found Human, ONI, fought Inside Humans, making ONI show way out'

Til’s mandibles tightened quick to the mention of the Humans’ Seekers at the same time Suf’s entire body stiffened in an aggressive stance as if he expected the human filth on his ship just from the name invoking. ONI. “Kael, where is Roh now? Do you have his personal pad's communication codes or anything?” He questioned through his comlink, working his fingers quick and efficiently for some sort of triangulating despite having a couple of his Unggoy communication specialists working not too far. While he wasn’t a tech genius like any Sangheili, he did had enough talent to work the computers.

[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: Situation: Engaged]

“Tornado Actual to Guardian Actual, air support requested. Repeat, air support is requested. Covenant is en-mass. Drop on coordinates…” Mark said over the encrypted command frequency of the 7th MEB knowing his friend and commander John would be listening. Quickly bringing up the sectored coordinates on his HUD or at least an upper portion of it while he kept the rest trained on the Covenant, he‘d relay the exact coordinates which were behind the Covenant‘s position and at least a dozen meters or so beyond the Plant‘s main pressure door. “Napalm strikes did not have the intended results. Covenant are regrouping, and slowly advancing. Note, the Napalm strike did slow them. It must be assumed our little friends are waiting for reinforcements. Angel Four Actual has not arrived, and our armor is almost gone. Heavy Ordinance requested, Guardian Angel. Heavy ordinance requested…Fields, Ramirez, move…get going…”

He’d only managed to look up in time to find a plasma lance had arced in towards the very same sandbag he’d taken refuge behind. The plasma impacted the deck on the other side of the sandbag barrier, and the impact launched Mark backwards at least a dozen feet along with what remained of that section of the barrier. The force from the impact had caused him to slam into the front of one of the M13A APCs which he’d been eternally grateful it hadn’t been the tusks of a nearby warthog and shortly after he‘d slid from the angled front of the APC onto the deck onto his side. The reinforced visor of the re-breather hadn’t been cracked, having withstood the heat emanated from the plasma, but the oxygen hoses hadn’t been quite so fortunate as the coating on one had melted while the other had been jarred a little loose from its socket anchoring it to the tank.

“Guardian…Actual, drop that ordinance…someone get that Covenant piece of slime…” he’d managed to say before losing consciousness.

(OOC: Mark isn't dead. He's just been knocked out cold from the impact)

[Faclan]

Tags: BetaWülf, Llau, Huka

(Still XDing at Garatus making up ranks for Yaddap BetaWülf .)

Kael Gel - T'vaoan Champion.
Topside.
...Thank you.

Still sitting and staring at the ground Kael barely twitched as she felt a heavy weight stop near her and could see the armored feet of Garatus out of the corner of her eye. Finally looking up when he spoke she blinked in surprise - not expecting that from the Jiralhanae at all. Her expression brightened up a little as she sat up a bit straighter and smiled at Garatus as she reached out a hand and patted the large mound of fur. "Thank you...I am sorry for glaring at you. I am sure he will have it under control. But I still want to be there to make sure and make sure he is alright...And he is my son yes, a Major in the crèche now. With one of my Murmillos and a radio operator...I will be moving him into my Entourage once this battle is finished to keep him safe...and to give him better missions of course." She quickly added. She looked a little better but still pretty despondent and distracted as she looked over at Til, patting the Elder Jiralhanae's good hand as he patted her shoulder before the elder moved past her to view the resting forces.

"There is a strong radio signal with them, to reach them underground, but I don't think we could reach them directly unless we follow their steps." She got up on her feet and drew out her Needle Pistol. "Which I will be doing." She said with conviction. As a special operator she could technically leave and do that, of course Til could stop her being the Field Marshal - or help her if she wished. Her Commandos starting to get up too and get ready to move out. "You three may be staying here to command in my absence." Kael said as she glanced at Til and Garatus, clearly eager to leave so she could get her mind off of the possibility of Roh being dead.


(NPC)Eal Tas - T'vaoan Murmillo.
Underground and scouting.
Do Humans live underground now? and some murderous rage.

Looking over Rohs shoulder at the Human he was pleased to see that he was still alive and getting up as Eal flicked his arm shield on and held it to try and cover the coughing Roh if the Human decided to fire at them. In all honesty the Human had the right too now. Roh had attacked him so the Human could retaliate, it would be cowardly for him to use a weapon to be sure but he doubted the ONI Human would care. Unfortunately for Eal he couldn't grab his sidearm while trying to shield them as his other hand was still unresponsive.

Talz thankfully managed to get her pistol out and point it at the Human so it turned into a standoff type of situation. But then the Human was distracted by some message on his pad as Eal glanced down at Roh and noticed he had his weapon out as well and seemed to be wheezing painfully.

"Roh, can you breath well enough to walk? We will need to get your throat looked at as soon s possible...also thank you for listening to The Mistress." He whispered to Roh as he tried to help the Major get to his feet so he could get his pistol if needed. Thankfully the Human turned around to look at the boy again...so he came back? Odd, but Eal nodded at Roh as he gestured for him to move to the side of the Human as he pulled out his own pistol and aimed it at the ONI so that when he turned around he would be facing down three Kigs in three different locations training weapons on him.

But the ONI seemed pre-occupied with a talk with the boy as Eal cheeped at Roh. "If you can manage Roh, tell him to drop his weapon. We've tried this his way but we are just going to go back the way we came with him as our prisoner. The Mistress will enjoy having another ONI to 'talk' with and having you back - with the work you've done I'll work on getting you into the Entourage as well..." It was during this time that the ONI started to scream and spasm and then collapse as a bunch of other Humans showed up on the scene...all armed. Hissing in annoyance of more damn setbacks and problems that kept arising Eal lowered his weapon from his aimed stance to just let it rest at his side. The other Humans seemed to not be willing to fire so Eal didn't want to give them a chance to as he gestured at the others to lower their weapons too as one of them stepped forward and started to speak to them while dropping the still twitching ONI at his feet.

"Roh...," he pheeped out after the Human was finished. "What's going on? Why are the ones that tried to kill us earlier now not doing that? What are they doing to our ONI?" But he was distracted momentarily as he looked at the boy, Skyler or whatever, that had a very smug look on his face. The nerve of the chick. They allowed him to live after they had every reason to kill him for attacking them - he then runs from them and comes back with more enemies to kill them instead. "I'm also going to kill that Skyler boy for his betrayal of our mercy, cowardly fleeing, and outnumbering us so he can have that smug face, before I go to Aecor if that is the way the winds blow..."

(Yey, everyone wants to make Skyler ded \o/ )

[BetaWülf]

T'vaoan Major Roh Gel.
Well... shit....

Roh wheezed with effort on his part, and barely kept himself from pulling the trigger when the Human pulled his pistol. He didn't know why he didn't fire, Aecor knew he wanted to do it. Nothing would have made him feel better than to pop a hole in the ONI Agent. He hated being called a Chicken, but Animal? That was unforgivable, not only was he of a Superior species than the Human, he was a Gel and Hul dammit! Those names did not come without a certain weight to be thrown around.

Roh nodded to Eal when asked about his breathing "I..." Roh wheezed out "can... walk well... enough to get out of... here" Roh said, coughing a bit at the end. Soon enough the Older T'vaoan hauled Roh to his feet, it felt good to be standing.

Roh looked to Eal as the older T'vaoan told him to tell the Human to put down his weapon, and nodded in a silent affirmative. He paused when Eal said he would try to get Roh into the Entourage, but before he could speak Mike fell, yelling and convulsing.

Roh watched as a great many Humans ran up, all armed, and he lowered his weapon to face the ground with a nervous chuckle and a quick prayer to Aecor. Roh listened intently to the Human Rebels, thanking Aecor they weren't going to shoot them just because. He nodded, and then looked over to Eal.

"One..." Roh coughed, "Sorry... about this, damn... ONI... jabbed me i... in the throat" he wheezed out to the Rebel, "One moment... please, as... I inform my freind... and get his opinion... quickly of course" he finished.

"The Humans here are... more Rebels... and... want to know... if we would... like to join them. They're going to... the place Mike kept... not wanting to... talk about. We can... go with them and take whatever we... want, or leave if we want to. They are... needing Mike to get into the facility, but... we can have him when... they are done with him" Roh wheezed out to Eal.

"I think, it would... be safer to keep our enemies close... and maybe get some new... information and... weapons for the war" Roh said, revealing his thoughts on the matter "But... I will defer to your choice... in this matter" Roh concluded.

[MrKill]

Colonel Johnathon B'Sheau Killinger
Seventh Marines
Beta Domes

John had been lead towards the nearest UNSC Army command post with a working holotable, which had been abandoned and left for the surviving Marines from the Kristopher Airfield. As per protocol anything that would assist the Covenant had been destroyed, the UNSC Army wasn't stupid but they had pulled either pulled back further into the dome or had retreated into the tunnels to reach the ALPHA Domes. The objective was to evacuate the BETA domes, not defend them.

"What is the status of the Army?" John asked, wondering the fate of the soldiers that had abandoned the post.

"There is a UNSC Army base located on the other side of this dome, they're still operational but preparing to evacuate through the collapsed tunnels. They've got their entire mortar pool clearing rubble and Army Engineers are making sure it doesn't collapse again. It's going to take a while, but I think they've got a shot at leaving." A Lance Corporal said, emerging from the former commanding officers office.

The facility was a small building converted into an operations room, a working holo table dimmed in the middle of what used to be a family room. "Thank you, Marine. Did you see them leave?"

"I did, sir. The Captain that was stationed here lost contact with the Major underneath the airfield, so he made the decision to pull and group his forces at the strongest defensible position." The LCPL replied.

"Were you under the airfield?" John asked, scanning the fairly clean Marine.

"No sir, my squad was already on the surface when the earth quake happened."

"Casualties?"

The LCPL took a minute to reply. "Three critical, sir."

John nodded, wiped the dust and dirt over one of his mag pounces, and opened it. He produced two cigars and a torch lighter. He tossed one to the Lance Corporal. The young Marine took it without complaining and shared a puff with the Colonel. "Sorry to hear, Lance Corporal, but we've got to move forward. Regroup with the other Marines, we're trying to save as many men as possible still under the airfield."

"Yes sir!" The man walked away with seemingly boosted morale. John knew he needed to raise it again, more than a few cigars could, which meant he needed to address the Marines that had survived the cave in. He'd to that later when they'd finally regroup with as many Marines as they could get.

John turned his attention to the holo table, wiped off some dust and examined the map. He supplemented that with powering the device to full capacity to get a 3D image. He uploaded his authorization code and the holographic table uploaded the UNSC Army and Marine - or any other military unit - locations in a 3D representation. Alpha Company was still at the water facility, a small unit was at Kristopher Airfield and surrounding locations. As predicted there were also unit markers over by the East Haven Mountains, identifying GOLD team and the tanks that he had sent. Some forces were scattered, but most were clustered at the Alpha Cluster.

"Okay," John muttered. "Let's get a better picture of the Covenant on the doorstep."

The device zoomed in on command, signifying the Covenant's units. He noticed one of them were speeding towards the SCARABs friendly UNSC units were engaging, but other than that the large majority were still situated outside the BETA cluster of domes. With a nod, and a relief, John suddenly had tactical abilities again. It felt like he had consumed power and felt invincible inside the little home with a barely functioning holographic table.

John's radio burst with an emergency transmission: “Tornado Actual to Guardian Actual, air support requested. Repeat, air support is requested. Covenant is en-mass. Drop on coordinates…” Captain Sorelson said, sending the corresponding coordinates though the message. John zoomed in and found the location on the map, marked it, and listened for more. “Napalm strikes did not have the intended results. Covenant are regrouping, and slowly advancing. Note, the Napalm strike did slow them. It must be assumed our little friends are waiting for reinforcements. Angel Four Actual has not arrived, and our armor is almost gone. Heavy Ordinance requested, Guardian Angel. Heavy ordinance requested…Fields, Ramirez, move…get going… Guardian…Actual, drop that ordinance…someone get that Covenant piece of slime…”

John frowned as the transmission was terminated on the users end. "Alright, old friend, I'll see what I can do." He replied, hoping his friend was either too tired to talk or experiencing communication difficulties and couldn't sent a transmission.

The veteran marine officer was nearly lightning quick, energy flowing through his veins now, the feeling of power igniting a flame in his eyes that he hadn't felt in years. The energy vibrated through his body, and a powerful grin slid across is face. "Kilo Five, Guardian Actual, I've got a priority airstrike requested on the linked coordinates with this transmission, how copy?"

"Solid copy, Guardian Actual. Estimated Covenant strength."

"Unknown, Kilo Five. I've got a Marine company getting overpowered and I have to write enough damned fucking letters to families and I don't want to write more! I don't care what you do or how you do it, just do it or the blood of those Marines will be on your hands!"

"I... One moment, sir." The radio operator replied. The Commander got on the radio, "Kilo Seven to Guardian Actual, who do you think you are!?"

"I don't give a bloody fuck if I'm a General or a Lieutenant, Marine! You can charge me later for what ever retarded charge you want to call BUT I AM NOT LOOSING MORE MARINES! Get those aircraft in the air with the biggest fucking bombs you have and bomb the living shit out of them, Lieutenant Colonel. Am I clear!"

There was an audible sigh, but John knew that the only person on this planet that could override that order was the Army General - who had overall command of the area of operations - but John didn't know if he was dead or alive anymore. He hadn't received a radio transmission from the flag officer in a while and he was talking to Marine aviators, so they were still within his service branch. If the General was dead or unavailable, John was the highest ranking person in the area of operation.

"There aren't many Marine aircraft left, sir, but I'll do wha-" The Commander was saying, but John cut the transmission by switching the channel. He had already located the ship Admiral Klix was on and tapped into the channel thanks to the information provided by the holographic table. He stayed on the channel without a broadcast to send before switching back to Kilo Five's channel, who was actually Kilo Seven speaking.

"Just save those Marines, Kilo Seven." John said, who was now smoking a cigarette instead of his cigar provided by a concerned PFC. John nodded as the smoke calmed him down and his emotions started to get back on track.

(NPC) Captain Danny Ramsunje
Alpha Airstrip
GA-TL1 Longsword Interceptor

"Okay, boys. L-T-C's got a fire-mission for us provided by some jackass. We're heading north to the water plant, seems like our boys aren't faring to well. Our objective is simple; fuck the covenant up in any way you can imagine. Lets go over our pre-system check and make sure we're green for atmo-combat." Dan said. He commanded this specific longsword, which had a crew of four. The pilot and co-pilot were the primary fliers. There was also two secondary stations - which could be a tactical station, a weapon station or an engineering station depending on the need. It was an exo-atmospheric craft after all. It wasn't designed to fight in space, but it was frequently deployed from a UNSC warship down into the planets surface.

"Communications?" Dan asked.

"Standby, sir... okay, we're good."

"Perfect. Contact 1-1 and let them know we've got a CAS strike."

"Copy that."

Dan checked it off his pre-flight check list while going through his individual switches, knobs and buttons.

"Weapons?" The co-pilot asked, going down his own list as well.

"Full combat load. Missiles armed and safeties disengaged; main cannons ready to fire." Dan replied.

The co-pilot nodded and continued down his check list. "Engineering?"

"Fuel checks out, engines are operating at peak performance. She's ready to fly, sir." One of the console operators informed.

Dan finished his checklist. "Tac?"

"1-1 is reporting green as well, sir. We're ready to bring the rain!"

The GA-TL1 Longswords engines ignited. The strip of runway they had collapsed in certain areas but with a tricky move during takeoff it was enough to get this bird in the air. The fighter begun to move slowly as it taxi'd into position. "Tower, Tango One Actual ready for takeoff." Dan asked the tower, which was actually beneath the airstrip.

"Cleared for takeoff, Tango One. Good hunting, Captain."

"Roger that, sir!" Dan replied to the squadron commanding officer, the Lieutenant Colonel that had gotten orders from someone. The man was a good commander, but Dan wished he'd take a more front line approach with his own longsword.

"Airspeed?!" Dan asked as the end of the runway approached quickly. He pulled back slightly on the flight stick.

"Just a few more seconds!"

Dan had to push the elevator controls down a bit, lean the longsword to the left to gain some speed. The co-pilot informed him they were at the minimum take off speed and the Captain pulled the stick up. The longsword shot up, leaning to the right, and pulled away rapidly from the airstrip with a crushing 7G spin. The pilot leveled out the bomber and circled the dome cluster once to let his wingman get airborne.

"Be advised, Tango Flight, Covenant seraph fighters engaged and destroyed a longsword and a pelican. Around that area you're by yourself. Near the water facility there are phantom dropships and potentially phantom gunboats, over."

"Copy that, sir."

With the longswords regrouped they sped towards the rapidly approaching East Haven Mountains.

"Arm ASGM-10 missiles. Lock onto the target location."

"Locked."

"Sir, multiple heat signatures registered. One of them appears to be cloaked!" The tactical officer reported. The cloaking technology the Covenant used actually generated heat, not hid it. One of the main disadvantages of their cloaking technology. Only the large capitol ships displayed the power to mask heat, and even then it was their biggest ship - the CSO, or at least as far as Dan was aware of.

"We're flying over in fifty seconds, contact on the radar. Two Seraph fighters closing in quickly." The Co-Pilot reported.

Dan quickly checked the tactical display and knew that the console operator was right. It wasn't that he didn't trust the junior officer but he needed to check for himself. They were both space superiority fighters, so Dan would have to turn his attention to the Covenant fighters because he wouldn't be able to over run them... they were diving on his position and as a result had a much greater airspeed.

"Make sure those missiles miss the Phantoms! Tactical take command of the guided munitions after they are fired. Lieutenant - fire two of them and tell 1-1 to do the same. Four missiles into the heart of this Covenant Group should clear it up. We'll need to switch focus."

"Standby... 1-1 sending wilco. Firing missiles!"

Two plumes of smoke rocketed forward from the speeding Longsword interceptor. Two more missiles registered on the tactical display and Dan pulled the flight stick up, switched to his 110mm and 120mm cannons, and pushed his engines the hottest they could go... meanwhile, the missiles screamed towards the Covenant formation - aiming right into the heart of the advancing unit - and guided by a Marine with orders not to hit the Phantoms on her sensors.

[Guardian Cat of Yappa's]

Sergeant Maximilian Drake Fields

1/7, A Co, 1st Platoon, Second Squad

Water Purification Plant

Protector, Tranquilitas Beta system

Captain!.. OH S*** GET DOWN!

 The clicking noise and forced back receive annoyed Drake, "Weapon dry, reloading!" A simple push, slam, and slide had him back in the action again. The Covvie bastards had already reorganized themselves, and were pushing forward again. "Someone get a frag behind that shield line!" Plasma fire peppered the sandbag in front of him, the smell of burning linen and sand filling his nostrils. Well the Captain's voice filled his sense of sound, "Tornado Actual to Guardian Actual, air support requested. Repeat, air support is requested. Covenant is en-mass. Drop on coordinates…” Drake wasn't paying attention to the coordinates, as more plasma fire peppered their position, “Napalm strikes did not have the intended results. Covenant are regrouping, and slowly advancing. Note, the Napalm strike did slow them. It must be assumed our little friends are waiting for reinforcements. Angel Four Actual has not arrived, and our armor is almost gone. Heavy Ordinance requested, Guardian Angel. Heavy ordinance requested…Fields, Ramirez, move…get going…”

 That was when a plasma lance smacked straight into the Captain's position and sent him flying, straight into a Boar, "Captain! Ramirez cover me and get the others back, I got the captain." Drake immediately bolted up into a crouched position, double timing it the captain's position. The first thing Drake did was check his vitals, letting out a sigh of relief when he found he still had a pulse. The sound of Longswords going supersonic filled the plant, which meant they'd be here any second with that payload. He knew he had to move the captain, and so he pulled him up by his harness to where he was leaning his back up against the Boar. "Tornado Company, Cover me, I'm moving the captain," instantly the sound of automatic weapon fire picked up. Drake hoped it provided the suppression he needed as he lifted the captain up, and then proceeded to carry him fireman style. He double timed it towards the marines new position that was outside the second set of pressure doors. Plasma fire flying by him on both sides, crashing into the door and sandbags alike. Just as he made it over to the bags, he felt the heat of a bolt that crashed into the ground about 3 feet away from him. He handed the captain over to another marine that set him down behind the sandbags. Before he could even attempt to climb over, he felt Ramirez pull him over the sandbags, just as the bombs dropped.

Captain Kelvin Duncan

1/7, 53rd CE, A Co

In Route to East Haven Mountains

Protector, Tranquilitas Beta system

Praying that a banshee doesn't spot them

Duncan knew that they couldn't make it to the mountains within the hour in the tunnels, so he had opted out to deploy above ground. He was relatively lucky though, because the covenant were more interested in chasing down those longswords that just took off instead of their convoy. 4 M41 LAAG 'hogs and two M13 Boars to transport the company, which meant plenty of air suppression. Though for safety, the Captain had managed to obtain a couple M19s for the riders in the 'hogs. He hoped this was enough to get the company there without anymore causalities. Riding in the rear Boar, he felt slightly safer underneath the armor-plating of the vehicle. Though he needed to know what they were gonna be doing in the mountains, "Reaper Actual to Guardian Actual, currently inbound to the East Haven Mountains, what is our objective over." The troop bay was mostly quiet, and that kinda set Duncan on edge. "So men, seems like as though today we're normal grunts and not Ceebees. Not gonna lie, I didn't sign up for grunt work either, but orders are orders," the sarcasm in his voice help to alleviate the tension in the vehicle, and surely enough the engineers of Reaper company were back to their usual sarcastic remarks. Good, Duncan thought to himself, means my men aren't broken yet.

[Huka]

Field Marshal Til Je’at Ze’ta ‘Muramai
Covenant Ground Command

Til took but a moment to find and zone upon the radio signal, somewhere amongst the collapsed tunnels that he had the lowly fortune to be trained in for a disabling amount of time. “Found him...” He alarmed through his communications to the Champion. While his war table couldn’t quite ‘shape’ his targets, he knew where they were for the most part. Hearing the sound of a prepped needler pop in his ear-piece, the Field Marshal interjected, “As much as I would agree upon you trying to save your son, Champion Gel. I can’t permit it, your entourage and Kig-yar kindred need your leadership here. I have at least my excavators trying to get through the collapsed stairs.”

Then he quickly switched frequency to the digging Mgalekgolo, “Brothers of Gake, I apply a new objective to your directive; find the T’vaoan trapped within the tunnel. If any opposition, stay vigilance and cautious.” He ordered.

It took a moment before one of the bond brothers responded with a harmonic hum and resonated like alien music in his eardrum. “Body of Humara continue our labor, Almighty Field Marshal. Yet, our latter half have made their way through. We shall work harder.”

“Very well.” Til answered before his eye fell upon a zipping human interloper towards the northern facility, faster than the incoming sect phantoms. Growling softly, they appeared under the growing chaos around him...

The Field Marshal bowed his head abit morbidly, grasping the front of his beaked helmet with his fingers touching the upper ‘eyes’ and his thumbs over his respirator tubes before sucking an extra load of his meditative gases via nostrils and mouth. A Muram sign of dark acceptance.

He must accept that the assaulting creche is lost...

Special Operations Commander Praem ‘Nikyasee
Aboard Stealth Spirit ‘The Harbinger’

Praem heard them. The humans’ fast responder to the initial attack, his head turned in their initial direction while the pilot moved the spirit further away from the site as they zip by. “All units, return to the Harbinger.” He ordered via comms, hearing Ordo’s cries as the commander watched several soldiers, including their commandeering Ultra, look up in time before violently pulverized by the peppering fall of missiles as the human bomber swooped over their heads.

They stood there for a moment before the heart of the formation exploded in a flower of fire, debris and charred bodies with the chorus of explosion and screams of various meanings around it.

Several of Ordo’s soldiers were gone, as was the major himself, but Praem didn’t shed a tear. It was a shame to lose a good, capable officer though. A pain to retrain a new one and expect better. The Harbinger opened its flanks and allowed the Special Operatives to return back to its safety with the aid of their thrusters, including the surviving snipers.

“We have done what we could for now.” Praem concluded, looking at the last of his officers and then the pilot around the corner. “Pilot, return us to our leader.” “My honor, Commander.” The Major answered gruffly as he shut the hull and sped from the facility, leaving the surviving creche soldiers alone to the retreating humans.

On the way, the Spirit passed a new, bigger wave of Phantoms coming over the horizon with their personal escort of banshees.

[BasedGoody]

Suicidal Unggoy Wibbup

The sun beat down on the file of small cannon fodder as they meandered among the mounds of rolling sand. They trudged along, all exhausted and shaken after the earthquake rocked the land. All of the fanatics were separated from the group and now journeyed aimlessly towards a non-existent goal. The energy and eagerness had been drained out of their tiny, yet enraged and angered, minds. All four of them yearned for the appearance of a human to find their sacrifice through.

Wibbip sighed as he placed his feet on the airfield. The hard ground below him pained his sore ankles. He heard a similar whimper from the two behind him, yet the last was more of a confused noise. Wib turned to Durrub, the leader of the team. Dur's head was cocked to the side, and his crazed gaze expanded across the human structure. 

The fanatical file of four flipped. All of the Unggoy were now looking towards something strange, a piece of concrete shifting out of place.

"Humans? Humans!" Yag yelled out, pumping his grubby fists on the air. Durrub quickly hushed the Unggoy.

"It's time to follow our path, brothers." The leader growled out. The four began sprinting at top speed towards the rubble. None of them were sure if humanity was present, yet the crazed soldiers cared not. Now the only thing on their minds was what the path ahead held. Wibbup imagined a place of pure enlightenment. It filled his brain with thoughts and spilled out of his mouth in the form of maniacal laughter. His ecstatic joy bubbled over onto his allies who responded with their own calls of victory. 

Wib threw down his Plasma Pistol. It bounced off of the ground and slid to a stop behind him. His fingers now possessed two more cylindrical object; each capable of enough destruction to kill any in their way. With two of said explosives, Wibbup was a stupid, driven, and partly insane human-seeking missile. 

Shoutouts to - @tracker

[Faclan]

Tags n such: BetaWülf, Huka, LaxKnight, @tracker, Doc the Mother of Dragons, Llau )

Kael Gel - T'vaoan Champion.
Topside.
Narrowly avoided execution and back to distracted.

Snapping her head sideways at Til Kael gave her Sangheili superior one of the most death filled glares she could possible muster, Needle pistol barrel quivering a little as she stared. But after a few second of standing there the Champion lowered the pistol before slamming it back into its holster - though it looked for all the world like she was about to turn her pistol onto Til. Taking a breath she slowly nodded before turning away from Til and nodded a few more times. "Ok...ok Til, but if he dies - or is captured by ONI...there will be some very choppy waves between us two."

Turning back to the Jiralhanae Chieftain, the one she had thanked, she gave him a curt nod before moving past him and the elder to scramble up some rocks so she had a decent vantage point. With that done she pulled out a small electronic telescope from a storage space in her chest armor, extended it out to its maximum length of four inches, and started to see what she could of the Human domes. Based on what she had heard most of the current fighting was taking place at this water plant, underground, or in space. Tilting her head up she looked up at the sky as well as she tried to get a view of the situation.

In all actuality she was just trying to act like she was doing something as she tried to get her rage under control. As well as her worry. While she had doubts even she could kill Til as he was pretty legendary she was on the verge of attempting it for forbidding her to go and rescue her son. Forbade from saving another of her chicks from the foul grips of ONI - and unlike last time there wasn't an entire systems between her and her child as there had been to Qesa. It was just a mile, maybe two, of earth. Roh and Eal had made it down there and there hadn't been any large shakes since then...she could make it down there too. But the rage was slightly balanced out by her intense sorrow that Roh may be dead...but she was silently prayer to Aecor as she crouched on those rocks that he wasn't. He was better trained than Qesa...older. He could take care of himself. Kael closing her eyes as she prayed a bit more deeply for his safety.

(I would imagine that if Kael sees Roh again she will be giving him some much better fighting training to make sure that nothing short of a sniper or a Demon will stop him...after hugging and preening him in relief D: BetaWülf .)


Chris Hyde - ONI Section 1 Agent
Officially underground.
Can we like...go now?

It was quickly apparent that this new ODST, apparently higher ranked that Mick, was in the Mays category of mission first types. Lovely. Just what he needed...actually that was true if there was Innies around, and Chris really should be taking this a bit more seriously. He was silent as Willow first spoke, her spot as Mays level just being confirmed. Nodding a little at her he waited a bit to see if questions were asked, and Willow spoke up again.

"Charge? I would assume that would either be Lieutenant Mays," he pointed her out. "Or you Staff Sergeant - depending on who wants to lead us down the rabbit hole into Innie tunnels." He pointedly ignored the question about the weapon being raised as he tried to think of how best to answer her question about the Kig-Yar. The knowledge of the 'independent' Kig-Yar was fairly well known to ONI, and their dealings with the Covenant and the Insurrection...but it was being kept from the UNSC for a good reason. Probably best not to reveal that now. "Non-hostile Kig-Yar yes Sergeant, unfortunately me saying anything else is classified information." He paused and held up a hand as he listed to some more talking between Mike and the Kigs before starting up again. "They are currently talking with the Section III about a way to get out of the tunnels and haven't attacked him yet. You could think of them as prisoners waiting to be picked up if that would stop you, or any of you, shooting at them on sight."

Stopping to listen to some more messages he heard...a pang and then electric current and Mike screaming? Kigs had tazers? Fascinating...oh shit Mike was in trouble. Thankfully he then heard another Human voice talk about ONI shit so that meant that the Kigs could still be on their side as he nodded and started to move down the tunnels backwards as he motioned for the decently sized group to follow. "The Section III has just been incapacitated and more Innies have shown up, lets go and get our man out!" He said, at normal volume but with some exuberance as he nodded at their last addition corpsman. "Glad you are here...Jackson, you will probably be needed when we reach his location."

And with that he started off at a jog into the tunnels, hoping that one of the ODST's would take point from him as he did his best to try to take this more seriously and keep his weapon held a bit more ready.

[SuperCommando]

CPO SPARTAN-009

GOLD ONE

PROTECTOR, TRANQUILITAS BETA SYSTEM

EAST HAVEN MOUNTAINS

Silas noted Roy’s IED and nonverbal suggestions with an approving thumbs up. That should supply exactly the kind of force they needed to neutralize those Hunters, hopefully without taking themselves out in the process.

He then quickly glanced over at Target Bravo to check Courtney’s status. She managed to kill one of her Hunters already, which was good news. Now she would be able to place her explosives pack and escape without being flanked at least. This next part could certainly get a little sketchy. However there was no time to lose now. Beneath his feet, the Spartan could feel the massive walker’s legs stomp heavily into the mountainside as it rotated in place, turning to face towords where Anvil platoon had fired from. If Gold Team didn’t hurry, the Scarabs would surely blow those tanks away.

“I’m going to have the tanks open fire again. After the damage they’ve already taken, that should send these Scarabs into lockdown,” Silas continued to say, speaking quickly. “As they lower to the ground, their overheating reactors will be exposed externally for a short time. We will use that opportunity to dismount the Scarabs and move to their rear where the reactor is, quickly place our charges, and then bug out fast. We’ll only get one chance. Now get ready!”

It was a gamble because if they failed to plant the explosives fast enough, the Scarabs would stand back up without the Spartans on board, leaving no way for them to get to their control rooms anymore like they had originally planned. But this way was safer and easier since they no longer had to fight the operators in said control room. As long as everyone did their part and pulled this off smoothly, everything should be fine. In theory.

Silas squatted down like a runner getting ready to bolt. He faced Roy and gave the other Spartan a nod to indicate he would follow Roy’s lead once he threw the IED.

“Anvil One Actual, fire at will!” Silas cried out over the COM.

TAG(S): TinCanHitman, @tracker, MrKill

[TinCanHitman]

SPARTAN-001 

Gold Three 

PROTECTOR, TRANQUILITAS BETA SYSTEM  

EAST HAVEN MOUNTAINS  

Roy listened to Silas intently, taking in his words and running them through his own head, trying to compute their odds of success, not that it mattered. Roy would still follow through with the plan, whether the odds were impossible, so when Silas gave Roy the go ahead he lit one of his strike any where matches and gently touched the fuse to his I.E.D. He was quick, and surprisingly graceful for his massive size, sliding down the edge and digging his fingers into the metal. He dangled and flipped the I.E.D under the hunter's guard before easily pulling himself back up. He flashed His light so Silas knew it was time to move, and he himself broke into his sprint. His weight and speed forced the metal to give, denting it's surface with his footsteps as he reached his top speed. Even though Roy was still the slowest on his team he was inhumanly fast and his jumps were well over a meter as he suddenly launched himself off the back of the scarab in a beautiful arch.

He flipped once, reorienting his feet so they were under him, and headed towards the ground. He had enough time as he fell to latch onto the explosives in his pack. He hit the ground and spun on his heal, looking up just in time to see smoke and fire explode from under where they just were, as well as florescent orange blood and worms, Roy liked that. He moved quickly, finding a rock to take cover behind before the barrage would begin. He flashed his light green, alerting Silas he was still breathing.