Unknown Boundaries [Invite Only]

[Llau]

Note: Tracker and I decided to keep this thread as invite only and will be very limited in the number of people we want in here for now. That way, it'll give us time to flesh out the story and see if we want more people in it. The thread was originally intended for just our characters (Mike and Mays) to interact with each other. So, if you want to join (Covenant -which will be appearing later on or UNSC), send us a PM, and we'll see about fitting you in. If we decide not to, maybe next time.   LaxKnight has already asked if he could RP his ODST with us, which I will allow.

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Setting: Around 2557, The UNSC (particularly ONI, who called dibs on researching the area) has recently discovered an uncharted planet with a mountainous terrain, but a breathable atmosphere much like Earth's own. The air is cold, freezing winds scour the constant wintry terrain, while blizzards come and go to reveal a bright sun and blue sky that makes everything ever-so-slightly warmer, but not warm enough to melt all the snow and ice. Better bring something warm though, or you'll freeze too death if you linger too long outside. There's also a large Forerunner installation nestled at a base of a mountain, with a similar large entrance to what was found on Installation 04B. Inside, it looks like any other large Forerunner installations, which isn't as cold as the outside. With icy tunnels that will take one deeper within the mountain to reveal even more of the structure, it would take days to research everything within the mountain.

(Since the RP takes place post-war, remember to up your character's rank a few if military.)

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ONI Section III Tactical Field Officer, Lieutenant Commander Michelangelo Moretti
Forerunner Installation, Uncharted Planet, Mid-Morning, February 2557
Protecting Lil' Section III Science Babies...Hacking and Probably Shooting Something Later


Moretti and the other three were dropped off near the base of the large ramp that would lead them toward the entrance of the Forerunner Installation, and then another Pelican flew in food, supplies, and parts for them to quickly set up their mini ONI field base, courtesy of Section III. Which was a very nice, but compact shelter for them to sleep in since they were staying for a week (two weeks at the most). He told the others to help set it up, and then check in with their Commanding Officer who was in charge of the project, before they head up inside the installation. After what seemed like much groaning and complaining from the two scientists – mostly in part due to the cold, he and the ODST who was attached to the operation, were able to set up the field base in no time.

Inside the shelter, there were two comfortable bunk beds along the far right wall where all four will sleep in, and then on the left side near the entrance, was a screen where they can have video conferences with the Prowler when they needed to check in after a long day, or if they discovered something important that needs to be addressed. If, for some reason, they can't check in from there, Moretti will be able to check in with the Prowler via his TAC-PAD strapped to his arm. In the middle of the shelter, was a small kitchen, a table and four chairs, and then a small enclosed bathroom with a toilet and a walk-in shower, a sink, and a small closet where they had placed towels in for each of them to use.

Now, they were all inside, while Moretti was standing in front of the screen, talking to their CO, Admiral Merinkov, who was sitting behind the ONI logo that was on the wall of his quarters on the Prowler.

“How's the weather down there?”

“Cold, a little snowy right now, but we can deal with it,” Moretti answered. “We've finally finished setting up the shelter of our main field base, and are about to gear up before we head up the ramp to go inside, sir.”

“That's good, Lieutenant Commander,” Admiral Merinkov seemed pleased through that grim expression of his that he always had. “Keep us posted. Check back in at nightly intervals, or if you find something too important to wait. In turn, we will also keep you posted if anything develops up here, or if any hostiles show up. Other than that, good luck, stay safe, and...stay warm out there. It's going to be a long two weeks.”

Moretti gave him a nod, and then saluted the man. “Sir.” Once the Admiral saluted in return, the short video conference ended, and the ONI logo took over the screen.

“Alright...” He turned around and rubbed his bare hands together for a moment. At least it was nice and toasty inside the shelter already. Didn't take the heater long to warm it up at all, but now, they must venture back outside. “Let's get ready, gear up, and do whatever you science heads need to do, so we can get the ball rolling, shall we?”

He glanced at the three of them as he walked passed to head over to four, nice-sized lockers near the bunk beds that  held their one bag of clothes and a few personnel items they brought with them. In front of the lockers were their bags, and then bags that held his and the ODST's weapons and armor separately. He picked up his two bags and carried them over to one of the bunk beds, and placed them down on the bottom bunk. He then unzipped one of the bags that held his armor, and began strapping them on one piece at a time over his ONI uniform, but quickly, and then buckled his waist belt and shoulder straps for his two large ammo pouches, and smaller pouches for his smaller personal equipment he might need.

Then again, he might not need anything beside his hacking tools, but better to be safe than sorry. Just because they were on an uncharted planet, doesn't mean others wouldn't know about it. Insurrectionists or the Covenant Remnant may fully well know about this planet, but who knows since it seemed like no one has walked around here for thousands of years. After putting his gloves on, he opened the other bag to take out a M392 DMR; something he was proud to say that he has become more proficient at firing over the years than the BR55. He checked it and slapped one of the magazine clips for the weapon inside before securing it behind his back for a moment, while he checked his M6C SOCOM Pistol before securing it in his thigh holster. Finally, he grabbed a couple of magazine clips for his pistol and stashed them in one of the ammo pouches along his belt around his waist, and about four magazine clips for the DMR into another ammo pouch.

Finished readying up, and look as if he was going out for a long battle, the last thing he took was his two Karambit knives, and a hand-held flashlight. Clicking it on and off to check to see if it was working, he headed over to the table where his winter coat was at, which was big enough to be able to fit over his armor, and would keep him warm. He put the flashlight away along his belt on his right side, and then his two knives were secured in a place along the left shoulder strap for quicker access to them if he needed it. If any of them knew him though, they would know that those two Karambit knives weren't the only ones, while the other knife was hidden underneath his TAC-PAD for emergencies.

One of the ONI scientist, the only civilian who was with them, glanced over at him while they were making sure they had everything, including their DATA-PAD to catalog everything they can find in there.

“Expecting trouble, Lieutenant Commander Moretti?” Asked the scientist. “No disrespect, but you look like you're ready for a war, and not on a protective detail for us.” The man glanced over at Rebecca Mays.

Moretti chuckled lightly at that, putting on his winter coat, but didn't bother zipping it up. “I'm always expecting trouble, especially on Forerunner Installations,” He grinned, “I don't think I need to tell you why.” While adding, “They asked me to protect and escort you two around these ruins, and even chose McMillian Junior here to help out. So, it's not just me expecting trouble. It's ONI. Gotta be cautious around these places.”

“Hmm, I see,” The scientist shrugged, putting on their own thick, winter coat and zipped it up. He then muttered under his breath, “Must be a Section Three soldier thing...”

Moretti smirked, but said nothing as he glanced over at McMillian to motion for him with a tilt of his head to follow him out when it looked like everyone was ready to trek up the large set of ramps toward the massive entrance of the double doors they saw before landing down at the bottom. When he stepped back out into the brisk air, he breathed it in, and glanced around the area facing away from the Installation. It was a pretty wide ravine they were in, and kind of flat, and about six football fields away, was a deep cliff that dropped four hundred feet down to what looked like a river, but it was frozen solid, like everything else on this rock. The sky was clear, save for a few clouds that were spitting out more snowflakes, but mostly the freezing wind was blowing snow here and there most of the time. He put on a pair of dark sunglasses to protect his eyes from the bright sunlight and the sun glare that reflected off of the snow, and then started to ascend up the first Forerunner constructed ramp, which would take them to the second level, and then finally the third level where the closed entrance was.

(Tag(s): LaxKnight , @tracker )

[LaxKnight]

SSGT Toby ‘Mick’ McMillian Jr.
153rd ODST
Forerunner Installation, Uncharted Planet, Mid-Morning, Feb. 2557
Working for ONI…Again

ONI never has a dull mission. When they asked for a volunteer for a mission to babysit some ONI scientists on an uncharted world, his hand went flying up in the air. Now that the war died down Mick found himself doing more of the Staff part of Staff Sergeant. This was unacceptable to him. He stayed in to shoot shit with machine guns and save up money to start a new restaurant with his wife and kids. There was no way they were going to stick him behind a desk no matter how old he is. He was also the only one in the company who had any experience working with ONI, a ‘pleasure’ he had multiple times even, so he was the logical choice.

Mick and three others were dropped off at the base of some large ramp leading to a strange building, Forerunner from what the briefing said. He took some time to take off his pack and helmet, replacing it with a worn urban camo NCO cover, before he and the others began setting up the camp. When he said he and the others, it was mainly him and their handler, LCDR Mike Moretti, while the scientists bitched and complained. They managed to finish quickly and while the LCDR talked to their CO Mick took the opportunity to look over his weapons. He first took out his M6C/SOCOM pistol, making sure it was in Weapon Condition 3, and then holstered. Then he picked up the M739 SAW. He originally wanted to bring his go-to M247 General Purpose Machine Gun but the armorer said he wouldn’t let him bring such big weapon to a four man op. Instead he issued him this thing. It was lighter but he still preferred his M247. The drum would complicate how he packed things and he liked things he was familiar with, especially if things got hairy. He patted down where his knife would be then his various pouches to make sure they’re secure before he ambled over to where his two bags were.



While one of them was a seabag filled with clothes and such, the other was his ODST hardcased pack. His pack had extra drums of ammo hanging from the sides while the inside was filled with rations and other necessary equipment. With everything all set he hefted the pack over his head and onto his back where it latched to his armor. He threw his seabag on the bunk above LCDR Moretti’s, picked up his SAW, slapped a drum into the feed, slipped the sling over his head so it hung freely, and then grabbed his helmet. He looked it over to make sure it was in good order. For some reason in just about every combat engagement he participated in he somehow uncannily breaks his helmet. This is why he has a separate comlink, black lens shooting glasses with a HUD, and a TACPAD mounted on his left forearm just in case. Hopefully they won’t face anything so he can break the streak. On the top right of his helmet was a sticker of a pinup girl, the same one on his left shoulder. It wasn’t just any girl though. It was his wife back when she was just his girlfriend. Seeing it made him smile but also reminded him of something else. With the helmet in one hand, the other reached into one of his pouches and he pulled out a picture of his wife and daughters taken a few months ago. He kissed it for luck before stuffing it back.

Mick heard himself being mentioned in some banter between one of the scientists and LCDR Moretti.

“ONI’s always trouble. That’s why I brought the machine gun,” he said to himself though it was loud enough to be overheard. He never mastered the art of quiet conversation. He put on his helmet and made sure it was sealed before he went out to follow LCDR Moretti. When they first stepped out he held his SAW with both hands as he quickly scanned the area but seeing nothing he took to letting the SAW hang with one hand loosely holding the grip while the other laid relaxed on barrel. While the others were shivering in their winter weather gear, Mick was perfectly fine in his temperature controlled ODST armor and polarized visor.

“Just call me Mick sir,” he said to the spook in front of him, “There are only four of us. No need to get all formal on me, being the lowest ranking guy here.”

When they reached the entrance he looked around it with cautious eyes. “Looks like no one’s home,” he said to himself then looked to LCDR Moretti, “I guess we let ourselves in sir.”

[Llau]

ONI Section III Tactical Field Officer, Lieutenant Commander Michelangelo Moretti
Forerunner Installation, Uncharted Planet, Mid-Morning, February 2557
So, a Section III Agent, Two Nerds, and an ODST walked into a Forerunner ruin...



Moretti glanced over at the Staff Sergeant, and nodded. "Alright," he shrugged, "If you say so, Mick."

With his sling that was attached to his DMR, he moved the weapon out of his way after looking around cautiously as well once they arrived at the double door. The area was big, as each ramp was 98 feet while each level was 500 feet, so it took them about five minutes to reach the top level. He stared at the massive doors for a moment while he listened to what the ODST told him.

He nodded at McMillian, saying, "That's the plan."

Glancing back at the two scientists who were walking at a slightly lower pace toward them, he rolled his eyes, muttering, "Well, they're certainly taking their sweet ass time..."

He sighed, and while he waited for the two, he went over to the left side of the door. Connecting a thin cable wire to the door's control system to his TAC-PAD, he started typing in coding on the digital keypad on the TAC-PAD's display to hack into the control system. Not even twenty seconds passed when he gained access to the controls, and then he pressed a button.

"Open Sesame," He grinned as the massive double doors opened as the hydraulic system hissed and grind a little after not being used in thousands of years. He stepped back and stood near the middle and waited, looking passed and down a tunnel toward who knows what. The doors slammed opened, and he glanced over at the Staff Sergeant. 

"Mick, take point and I'll cover our six." He said, and then looked at Mays and her science buddy as he went to hold his DMR back in front of him. "Go on in." 

He waited for them to head inside, but stopped when the male scientist froze. Sighing, he asked, "What's wrong?"

The man appeared happy or nervous, but looked back at Moretti. "This place is massive," he answered, "I'm not sure if I should be scared by what lies inside or excited to find this place."

Moretti tilted his head a little, gazing at him curiously. "How about both?"

"This is an amazing discovery for ONI and the UNSC as a whole," he went on, "Gosh. I just can't imagine the reason why they build this place and what purpose it served."

"Well...just don't piss your pants from excitement...or fear." Moretti muttered, glancing down the tunnel. 

He heard a heavy, exasperated sigh from him. "At least try to understand, Lieutenant Commander," He clasped his hands together. "This could be a huge discovery for humanity."

"Roger, right?" When the man nodded, he continued, "Okay, Roger. Don't assume that I don't understand, because I do, in fact, understand. What I also understand is that this place is probably fucking dangerous. I mean, look around you. Why build a huge ass structure out in a middle of a barren, snowy, freezing my balls off planet?"

"I see your point, but...with all due respect, don't automatically assume that these places are dangerous, sir."

Moretti laughed a little, but sarcastically. "Why do people say 'with all due respect' when they really mean, 'kiss my ass'?" he muttered with a shake of his head. "Dangerous or not, this site is completely unknown and we will treat it as such. So, we assume there are hostiles until we - as in the Staff Sergeant and I - deem it safe."

Roger raised both hands up a little, looking worried. "And if we encounter hostiles?"

"That's why we have guns," He smiled. "Just don't worry. Do what you need to do, and follow my orders if shit hits the fan, and you'll be fine." 

Roger nodded, sighing, and then finally headed inside. 

Moretti rolled his eyes, thinking, Why did ONI send this guy on this operation...?

He glanced over at Mays, and raised both eyebrows, expecting her to either say something or walk away, but mostly walk away before heading inside himself after the team. 

[LaxKnight]

SSGT Toby ‘Mick’ McMillian Jr
153rd ODST Co
Forerunner Installation, Uncharted Planet, Mid-Morning, February 2557
Don't Mind Me...

It was good the LCDR seemed to be a good sport. When he looked back at the other two so did Mick and nodded his head in agreement. He wasn’t the fastest of people but he was usually the one doing the heavy lifting so he had an excuse. While LCDR Moretti did his magic at the door, Mick held his machine gun at the ready in case there were any nasty surprises. The spook said the magic words and the doors parted. He poked his SAW in the entrance and looked around to make extra sure nothing jumped out at them. When the LCDR gave the order Mick nodded and said, “Yes sir.”

When he advanced with his rifle at the ready he heard the spook arguing with one of the scientists over the potential of both enrichment and danger. It was both mildly amusing yet somewhat annoying. Scientists. He stopped a few feet ahead of them inside the entrance as he waited for the debate to end.

“At least it’s starting better than my last ONI mission so far,” he murmured loudly to himself. The gore, his trusted comrades turning into monstrosities right before his eyes, all of it ran through his mind right then and forced him to give a shiver. It was after the massacre that he learned what they were called and that ONI already knew about it. He just hoped this mission would turn out better.

Finally the scientists decided to join him. With everyone accounted for Mick returned his attention forward. “Ma'am and gentlemen, if you see something, holler,” he yelled back at them then moved forward with his SAW at the ready.

[Llau]

ONI Section III Tactical Field Officer, Lieutenant Commander Michelangelo Moretti
Forerunner Installation, Uncharted Planet, Mid-Morning, February 2557
Oh, this is going to be a long two weeks...


He stood there silently, staring at Mays deadpan when she asked, "Are we done Lieutenant Commander or do I need to be the mummy here and split you up?"

"I'm pretty sure we're done talking, considering Roger McDodger is walking down the tunnel behind Mick," He said, ignoring the protest from Roger.

"That's not my last name..." Roger called out to him. 

"No shit, Sherlock." He shook his head, and glanced back over to the other Lieutenant Commander when she raised an eyebrow. He waved her off. "No need to wait for me, ma'am."

As the four walked down the tunnel, he walked a little faster, getting closer to Mays, and after a couple of minutes of silence, and him looking back as he raised his gun cautiously to keep an eye on their six, he started talking to her.

"So...Lieutenant Commander Mays," He began, "I remember you from Protector. We were both Lieutenants back then. That was uh, an...interesting one, to say the least. Nice to see that you weren't badly hurt. You were fortunate enough to have been standing away from the blast radius. We all were. Oh, and then that freaking earthquake happened during the battle."

[Llau]

ONI Section III Tactical Field Officer, Lieutenant Commander Michelangelo Moretti
Forerunner Installation, Uncharted Planet, Mid-Morning, February 2557
Chit-chat...or Maybe He's Just Bored and Rambling


Moretti nodded at that. "It certainly was a deathtrap," he replied in agreement. "Lots of casualties on both sides, and I wasn't on Sanctuary either, but I heard it was pretty bad there as well." He shrugged a little.

He continued walking, eyes focused in front of him as he watched Roger walking nervously behind McMillian, while the group turned into an adjacent corridor. Ahead of them appeared to be a large room that they were going to enter very shortly. After a minute of silence passed, he soon started to gaze around more, studying the architecture of the walls, the floors, and the ceiling. He sighed, and then started to speak to her again.

"It's interesting, right?" He wondered. "How the Forerunners build these large structures that practically lasts forever. Though, it's strange how this site was made on the only planet in this system, and a cold one at that. Makes you wonder, doesn't it? And how big it really is, and what we could find here. I mean, maybe it's technology...which, I'm hoping it's only that, and nothing like creepy crawly things or Prometheans." A pause, but he thought out loud, "It'll be nice to return from an operation unscathed and not having to fire a shot for once. Section Three offers the most dangerous and unpredictable assignments, which I enjoy doing for a number of reasons. So yeah...it'll be nice two weeks...I'm hoping."

[Llau]

ONI Section III Tactical Field Officer, Lieutenant Commander Michelangelo Moretti
Forerunner Installation, Uncharted Planet, Mid-Morning, February 2557
A Forerunner Expert and a Computer Geek...
Tag(s): @tracker , LaxKnight


Upon hearing her say what she thought every Section III field agent/operators enjoys doing, he gave her a tiny smirk. To the majority of Section I and Section II agents, they have took to calling Section III field agents 'Gun Goons' as a joke, but the nickname eventually stuck. He didn't really like being called a 'goon', but if he said that he didn't like shooting at things, then he'd be bull-shitting himself. He did like to shoot at things, while blowing things up on the side, just as much as his geeky side showed up when it came to all things computers and other technology. He chuckled a little in amusement, standing near her while she did her thing. 

He glanced over to where the other scientist and McMillian, who were starting to wander further into another corridor. He pressed a finger against his earpiece. "Hey, Mick," he said, "Don't go too far. Tell Roger McDodger there that it isn't a good idea to split up and wander around the structure like it's some museum for kids on Earth." While adding, "We'll move further in as a group as soon as Mays is done here." 

With that out of the way, he returned his attention to the other Lieutenant Commander. "Gun goon, huh? Hmm...I'm a highly intelligent, tactical field officer on the cutting-edge of technology, not some goon as the majority of you guys and gals over at One and Two, and unfortunately Three, are fond of saying." He told her with a small smile. "I'm more of a geek than someone who enjoys shooting at baddies. Though, too be honest, I do enjoy firing and blowing things up when I need to, and only if I need to."

Lightly patting his TAC-PAD on his arm for a moment, he went on rather calmly, "Give me a computer or a file with the highest-level of security or decryption on it, and I'll hack them in a matter of seconds without any assistance from an AI." He wasn't boasting, it was a fact, but a fact he was rather proud of. 

"In any case...what other possibility do you think this place was...or is...used for?" He questioned curiously. "Some kind of Flood containment?"

[LaxKnight]

SSGT Toby ‘Mick’ McMillian Jr
153rd ODST
Forerunner Installation, Uncharted Planet, Mid-Morning, February 2557
Boring is Good But Still No Fun
Tag(s): Llau, @tracker

While Mick kept an ear for the com for any mention of him or of danger, he mostly focused on his surroundings and trying to keep himself from being too bored. The bantering between the Spook and the lady was beginning to be too much to follow, a bit slightly annoying, so it began to become noise to him, catching only little bits like ‘gun goon’. That one brought a hidden smile. Funny how she called the Spook gun goon while the man with the machine gun whose job was to turn the living into hamburger meat. If there is anyone who’s a gun goon, it’s the ODST, he thought. He debated about saying something about it then decided against it. He didn’t want to get involved with whatever they were discussing. He felt like he would regret it.

At this point Mick let the other scientist, Roger if he remembered right, to catch up to him. He didn’t know what they were looking for, he just knew his job: to shoot things, kick ass, and save the day when called for. He most certainly held the most firepower out of all of them combined. The scientist began leading them to another corridor but Mick didn’t care. He just had to make sure the civvie didn’t kill himself. However the Spook’s voice ran in his head telling them to hold up and not wonder off.

“Roger,” he acknowledged. Before Roger could go too much further, Mick put a hand on his shoulder. “Don’t want to wander too far now,” he said, “I may have the big gun but there’s strength in numbers. Plus I don’t know shit about this stuff. Shooting things is my forte, alien stuff is theirs. Much rather hang around the guys who know what’s up.”

Mick lightly steered him to the others and while they did...whatever they do, he kept an eye out for anything. Anything at all. While boring was good in a sense, he was just dying to shoot something. However when the Spook mentioned Flood, it sent a shiver down the ODST’s spine and his grip became tighter. Don’t tempt fate, he thought to himself. Once was too much. He was surprised he even survived twice. If a third ever came, which he prayed not, chances are he won't make it out this time.

[Llau]

ONI Section III Tactical Field Officer, Lieutenant Commander Michelangelo Moretti
Forerunner Installation, Uncharted Planet, Mid-Morning, February 2557
Yes, it does indeed work...
Tag(s): @tracker , LaxKnight


He nodded at her thoughts on the planet being a Flood Containment. It made sense for it to be one, considering how remote the planet was, and how there was nothing around for the parasites to infect and spread. He then had to laugh at her remark, and shook his head in amusement.

"I've been learning it, but..." He paused, watching as she started filming around the room. He grinned a little. "If you can find me some of that sexy Forerunner tech, I will show you what I can do, love."

With that, he managed to lean into her shot. Smirking mischievously, he said in a husky voice, "Mays. How romantic...filming our honeymoon video, I see. And we're not even married. Not sure what to think of that. Let alone think of the trouble we could get into, LC."

He glanced over to where the ODST and the other scientist were now, and was glad to find that they were within sight. "Thanks, mate." He said into his ear-piece's microphone. 

[LaxKnight]

SSGT Toby ‘Mick’ McMillian Jr
153rd ODST
Forerunner Installation, Uncharted Planet, Mid-Morning, February 2557
Honeymoon, Huh?
Tag(s): @tracker, Llau


All this talk about it being a possible Flood containment facility was getting him all antsy. He still had nightmares about those things and his wife wasn’t here to make it better. Thankfully his polarized helmet hide his expressions of obvious discomfort, especially now that the good scientist decided to film this little expedition. Thankfully the Alpha Spook lightened up the mood, joking about this being their honeymoon. Mick couldn’t help but smile. What he would give to be with his wife now. The thanks only cheered him a little more.

“If this is the honeymoon, that must make me the chauffeur,” he said, playing along in an attempt to relax, “Hello everyone! Here is a majestic building once owned by a mysterious alien race known as the Forerunners. As you see here we have an intricately decorated wall!”

Boredom was getting to him, that much was obvious. He waved to a blank wall with added exaggeration. “Look at how much detail they poured their hearts and souls into making this grand design? What ever could it mean?” he stood there in mock quizzical pose for a moment before moving on.

“And over here we have…” his speech was interrupted when the moment he gestured to the next wall a portion of it shifted, revealing something with a glowing eye. It can out into the open, some sort of white mechanical drone with a blue glowing eye, and then hovered at their level. Mick’s SAW was instantly pointed at it as the muzzle tracked its movement but it didn’t seem fazed. They simply stared each other down, waiting for the other to react.

Mick heard of these things before, Sentinels if he remembered right, but never seen one. Made by Forerunners, they guard and maintain the buildings. Sometimes they helped Humans, sometimes they killed them, but they absolutely hated the Flood. Being that they weren’t incinerated yet, they must be on there good side for now. “Uh...Miss ONI Science Spook? I don’t know what to do here. This is kind of your thing. Please tell me what's going on,” he said though never taking his attention off it.

[Llau]

ONI Section III Tactical Field Officer, Lieutenant Commander Michelangelo Moretti
Forerunner Installation, Uncharted Planet, Mid-Morning, February 2557
Oooh, she's feisty - I like...Oh, look at that sweet robot!
Tag(s): @tracker , LaxKnight


He smirked, but she surprised him when she threw her pen at him. He jumped a little, startled as it smacked him right in the forehead, and then it started to fall toward the floor, but he caught it with his free hand.

He muttered, "Figlio di Troia..." He glanced down at the pen with a raised eyebrow, and then over at her.

He was going to say something to the LC and throw it back, but he turned to look over at McMillian Jr, when the ODST started to play along with what Moretti said about this being a honeymoon. He chuckled quietly in amusement, holding the pen to his side with one hand, while keeping his other hand resting along the trigger of the M395 as the weapon hung from his shoulders in a comfortable, ready position. He slowly walked away from Mays, looking at the ODST, while the man pretended to give them a tour.

"Hmm. What could it mean, indeed?" He grinned, tilting his head slightly as he looked at the designs on the wall.

Once he watched at the SSGT headed over to the next wall to continue the amusing tour, Moretti raised his DMR just as McMillian raised his SAW at the Sentinel that appeared when the wall shifted open.

"Merda..." He said, barely above a whisper.

His full attention and weapon was on the floating robot that was having a stare down with the ODST. Moretti's eyes were wide with alert, watching and hoping the amazing-looking robot wouldn't attack the SSGT, or any of them. He really did like robots, and it would be a shame to have to destroy it if it becomes hostile. So far, so good. When he saw movement from the corner of his eye, he noticed that Mays was starting to run over to where McMillian and the Sentinel were located. He instinctively tried to stop her when he reached a hand to hold her shoulder, but she slapped his hand away.

"Damn it, woman..." He muttered, following her with his weapon still raised at the Forerunner robot, but kept a short distance and a wider berth. His eyes shifted over to Roger, who was just silently standing and staring at the machine. "Someone should check to see if Roger is still breathing." He muttered into his headset, while looking at him a few moments longer before looking back to watch what was going on.

He looked on curiously and cautiously, watching as the Sentinel floated away down the corridor the other two were just in before he told them to return to the room he and Mays were in. His eyelids flickered a little as the robot stopped to turn around and look back at them. When he heard Mays suggest that they follow it, he frowned a bit.

"Fine," Moretti said, "McMillian. You're on point. We'll follow it then. Be on your guard." He then looked over at Roger. "Earth to Roger. Wake up, man. Get behind McMillian and keep up." He gave Mays a glance. "You, too."

Once he waited for the two scientists and the SSGT to follow the robot, he followed the three, guarding their six once again.

((sorry for the power-play, Tracker, but I thought it would be good to add to my post. Hope you're okay with that bit where she slaps his hand away when he tried to stop her. D: ))

[LaxKnight]

SSGT Toby ‘Mick’ McMillian Jr
153rd ODST
Forerunner Installation, Uncharted Planet, Mid-Morning, February 2557
Robot’s Best Friend
Tag(s): Llau, @tracker

After awhile of simply staring at each other the ODST began considering lowering his weapon but then Mick saw Dr. ONI Spook come up and began hitting him with her pad, most likely to try and get him to lower his gun. What she probably did realize is that she was doing so against a big, fully armored ODST with a machine gun. Needless to say, the only acknowledgement he gave her was a slight tilt of his helmet in her direction, a slightly amused look hidden behind his polarized visor. Out of the corner of his eye he also noticed the robot looking at her. When he returned his attention back to the robot, so did it. Then it turned and flew down the corridor that he and Spacing Scientist were going earlier then stopped, looking back at them.

When Dr. ONI Spook suggested they followed it, Mick decided it was best to keep his sarcastic comments to himself. Instead he looked back at the robot. Was it just him, or was it looking at him specifically? He lowered his weapon then moved a little to the side. The robot’s glowing blue eye tracked his movement. He then moved the other direction a bit more dramatically and sure enough it was watching them. He thought about mentioning it to someone but then he was called upon to take point.

With SAW in hand but lowered, Mick cautiously approached the robot. Around 5 feet away it it moved turned and kept going. Mick looked back for a moment to see if everyone was following then went on to follow it. It lead them down a passageway then they started going down. The air got noticeably colder and the lighting became more eery. Eventually the floor evened out. There were various doors it lead them through with who knows what behind them. Mick only hoped they can get back to camp through this maze. Not once did the robot look back. “Hey Dr. Spook, what are these things called?” he asked.

[LaxKnight]

SSGT Toby ‘Mick’ McMillian Jr.
153rd ODST
Forerunner Installation, Uncharted Planet, Mid Morning, February 2557
OH NO SHE DIDN’T!!!
Tag(s): Llau, @tracker

The ODST suddenly stopped from what he just heard. Or more of what he didn’t hear. He stood there for a good minute as anger began building inside him like a volcano as he came to terms what just happened. Suddenly he about-faced and stood about six inches away from LCDR Mays, his weapon, armor, and size making him seem a tad more imposing than his usual lax self. He depolarized his visor so she could see his normal warm brown eyes lit with barely contained rage as his Irish blood boiled inside him. He closed his eyes, took a breath in a vain attempt to calm himself down a smidge, then opened them with the same fire only more focused.

“Ma’am, I may have lived under a rock but you may have just been born or just fucking ignorant if you just said fuck you to over 700 years of fucking history!” his rose with each word, “I know ONI cares more about titles than rank and I would let it slide if it were a civvie then I would let it slide a bit because they are ignorant. It’s sad when fucking rookies make the mistake but hell, I expected more from you. Fuck it’s even worse that YOU make the mistake! You are not only fucking scientist, meaning you have some form of brains, but you are a motherfucking officer meaning you set the example and live up to higher expectations. Not only are you demonstrating your level of intelligence and failure in upholding those expectations, but you are setting a horrible example for not only your peers but your subordinate. Obviously your brainy teachers and strict instructors failed you so now I will do my best to educate you.”

He took another breath then yelled, “I AM A MOTHERFUCKING STAFF SERGEANT! Not a fucking Gunny, sure as hell not a fucking Sergeant, but a MOTHERFUCKING STAFF SERGEANT OF ODSTs! You know what you say to me when you get my fucking rank wrong? FUCK YOU! THAT’S what you say to me! FUCK YOU TOBY McMILLIAN JR! I don’t give two shits about you! You get no respect from me Mick oh no! You don’t get ANY respect from me from any of the shit you did to EARN your way from being a simple Marine to a ODST STAFF SERGEANT! I don’t care that you got there through hard work, skill, brains, and sacrifice. I don’t care if you’re home planet got glassed by fucking aliens and gave up a promising career in cooking to defend our glorious nation! I don’t care how many people, friends even, you saw die around you as you fought to try and protect people like me from motherfucking aliens and Innie bastards! You don’t have any respect from me for doing shit for ONI which practically no else is willing to do! Like that one time when you saw good buddies get turned to fucking monsters right in front of you in seconds by the Flood, the fucking things that beings I spent a good portion of my life studying built massive super weapons to wipe out the fucking universe, including themselves, to get rid of! Nope, fuck him!

“You get no respect from me when your entire reason here is to insure my safety and everyone else’s. I don’t care if you have more experience in killing the Flood than anyone in this room, the thing that my genius scientist brain of mine thinks this facility was made to hold! I don’t care if the idea of even seeing those monsters again scares the everloving fucking shit out of him! This fuck is too busy thinking about his wife and wondering if he will ever see his two beautiful daughters, the only things he LOVES more than his wife, EVER AGAIN to know what the name of a motherfucking robot is! No fucks given if he’s willing to lay down his life to make sure everyone here, including my brilliant self, makes it through the next day! I have NO respect for everything you gave up and sacrificed to be here today. I have NO respect for you Toby ‘Mick’ McMillian Jr! You ain’t ONI! You ain’t an officer! You ain’t a scientist! You don’t even deserve enough respect to call you by your proper rank, let alone name! GO FUCK YOURSELF! FUCK YOU AND EVERYTHING YOU DONE TO GET HERE! FUCK! YOU!”

Mick took a moment to regain his composure then said, “You may be thinking that I’m being insubordinate for talking like this to a superior officer but since you obviously don’t have any respect for me, but you gave up that right to get the respect that rank deserves when you said fuck me, I’m demoting you. Plus I honestly don’t give a fuck. You may be thinking this was harsh but I have done worse to subordinates who’ve made the same mistake to make sure they remember. Now that you lost my respect as an officer, that means the only other form of respect you could have possibly earned from me is from being a person, which isn’t much. Don’t you worry though, I’ll still do my best to make sure we get out of this alive! Unless you got something important to say like, ‘Hey look something’s shooting at us!’ or ‘Uh no I’m being kidnapped! Save me!’, don’t talk to me until you decide to show me some fucking respect.”

Without even giving her a chance for a rebuttal, he turned and stormed off to the Sentinel who seemed to be patiently waiting for him. “Let’s go, bud,” he shouted to it, “Let’s get Dr. ONI Spook to her heaven so we can get the fuck out of here before she jinxes us even worse!”

He repolarized his visor and made sure he gave himself plenty of distance between himself and the group. “Looks like you’re my only friend here, bub,” he said with a slightly sarcastic tone to the Sentinel, “Know any good places to eat around here?”

[Llau]

ONI Section III Tactical Field Officer, Lieutenant Commander Michelangelo Moretti
Forerunner Installation, Uncharted Planet, Mid-Morning, February 2557
Time to get super serious...
Tag(s): @tracker , LaxKnight


Moretti abruptly stopped walking when McMillian stopped to turn around and face Mays to go off on her. He stood there quietly, watching and listening to the Staff Sergeant's rant to the scientist. In the meantime, the field agent gently grabbed Roger by the arm and moved him out of the way just in case something were to happen between the other two, while the shouting rant continued. He couldn't say he blamed McMillian for yelling at Mays about not saying his rank correctly, even though he was out of line. Though, he did learn a lot more about the ODST's personality through his rant, and of course, Moretti did already know about the parts with the Flood - seeing as that was in the man's dossier he read up on back on the ship while they were getting ready to leave. Once the man calmed down and started walking away from the group, Moretti was deciding to have a talk with him as soon as the ODST was completely cooled off.

Cooler heads prevail, right? He sighed, glancing back over at Roger.

"Alright, Roger, let's -" He stopped when Mays said 'no', and started to run quickly toward the Staff Sergeant with her M6 out.

The Section Three started fuming, glaring at Roger and pointing at him. "Stay put." He ordered, and the male scientist meekly obeyed.

He rushed after Mays and McMillian, when he saw her aiming her handgun at the man, and then yelling to him about charging him with insubordination and desertification. He frowned at that. Clearly, he wasn't going AWOL on them, and needed time to cool off. With both hands free, he skillfully went to disarm the M6 from her hands, held it in one hand, while he roughly pushed her against the wall. His eyes darted from her and over to the ODST and then back at the angry scientist.

"Lieutenant-Commander Mays," he said in a serious tone, "Don't you ever. Raise your weapon again. Unless someone or something is shooting you, that's the only time you get to shoot it. This is my mission. You are here just like your fellow scientist to study these ruins. You are an ONI asset like Roger is, and nothing more. You are both McMillian's and mine charges. If you don't like it, go discuss with Admiral Merinkov about it and ask him why he put me in charge." He went on. "And no, this doesn't mean I'm on the Staff Sergeant's side, because I do think he was out-of-line yelling at you like that, but he isn't going AWOL. Why think that anyway? Because he's wanting some space?" he shook his head, still frowning, but otherwise, trying to keep his cool over the whole situation that just happened. 

He scoffed. "This is why I'm in charge and not you," he said, "If you can't even differentiate between someone who wants some space, to someone who is going AWOL, then you have no power to charge someone with it, nor charging someone with insubordination. Everything will have to go through me for now on, Mays. End of discussion."

He glanced down at the M6, stepping back to let her go. He switched the safety on, and then took the clip out before making sure there wasn't any bullets in it. He then secured it in one of his bigger pouches on his side, and then gave the clip back to her. 

"You'll get your sidearm back when I decide to return it to you." He stared at her, raising both eyebrows briefly as he said, "Now, go."

Over the radio, he said to McMillian, "Mick, I'd like to talk to you later about this," and then he spoke to the two, "If this happens again, I'll charge you both with insubordination. Am I clear, Lieutenant Commander Mays? Staff Sergeant McMillian?" 

He breathed in a deep breath, looking back at Roger, who was still standing where he last left him. He waved him over, and the scrawny scientist quickly jogged over to catch up with them as the group continued onward to follow the Sentinel. 

[LaxKnight]

SSGT Toby ‘Mick’ McMillian Jr.
153rd ODST
Forerunner Installation, Uncharted Planet, Mid Morning, February 2557
Well, That Escalated Quickly!
Tag(s): Llau, @tracker

As Mick walked and talked with the Sentinel he heard some footsteps coming up behind him. Was it LCDR Mays coming to give him Round Two? Then he heard her yell for him to halt and put his hands up. He then heard the familiar click of a safety going off. It took every fiber of his will not to turn around and blow her away and it showed in how rigid he was. He turned his head slightly and saw that she held a gun to him. He didn’t know what to say to it besides in a nonchalantly manner, “Well, at least you got my rank right.”

When she listed what charges she was holding him for, Mick tried his best not to laugh but a small scoff came out. Subordination? Desertification? he thought, She’s going crazy! Must have really riled her up if she’s trying to arrest me on false charges. Insubordination, he’ll give her that maybe but by no means worthy of drawing a gun on him. Then him going AWOL? Bullshit. They would know if he decided to say deuces to them. He was following the last orders he received, from her no less!

Then he saw Alpha Spook Mike come up and disarm Dr. Spook and put her against the wall. He decided it was safe to turn around but he rested his arms on top of his SAW on the sling to show he had no intention of using the weapon, just in case. He was a professional warrior after all. He would be lying if he admitted that he didn’t feel any satisfaction from watching Mike put the crazy bitch in her place. When he heard his name come up in that he was out of line, he stood there in silent defiance. A Staff Sergeant ass chewing an officer was well beyond the line but he stood by his speech and meant every word. Mike then let her go but he kept her weapon, giving her only the clip. He then heard over private com that he wanted to talk to him after. He then said to both of them that if this happens again, he’ll charge them then asked for compliance.

Mick had several things parting words he wanted to say to Dr. Spook but he knew when to bite his tongue. All that came out was a firm, “Yes sir.”

He turned to the Sentinel that waited for him only a few feet away this time, “Sorry for the wait, Willow. Not everyday you get a gun pulled on you by your superiors,” sarcasm thick in his voice as he caught up to it as it continued, allowing him to be closer to it than before.

Over the private com he keyed Mike. “You wanted to talk to me sir?” he said, bracing for probably his own ass chewing.

[Llau]

ONI Section III Tactical Field Officer, Lieutenant Commander Michelangelo Moretti
Forerunner Installation, Uncharted Planet, Mid-Morning, February 2557
Bringing up the Past? What a wonderful person.
Tag(s): @tracker , LaxKnight


He was about to answer McMillian, but stopped walking when he heard Mays call out his name. At first, he didn't bother turning around, and just allowed her to talk in her oddly calm voice. Though, when she mentioned the mission on Protector nine years ago, his expression changed from pissed, to looking like someone just slapped him in the face. He finally turned around to look at her just as she started heading the other way they came in from. His shock dissipated, and he felt anger rise up somewhat. Anger due to her not understanding what happened on Protector and the reasoning behind it. A tight-lipped smile formed, but then faded as he shook his head, while breathing out a sigh through his nostrils.

"I swear to God..." He muttered, glancing back at the other two, but ignoring the Sentinel right now.

He soon switched to the private com to speak to McMillian.

"I'll have to talk to you later, Mick. I'm going to have to go after the little child...put your transponder on, and I'll find you that way if you want to keep following the Sentinel. Make sure Roger stays with you. Check back with me at every five minute intervals, or if more shit pops up." A pause as he started to head back to catch up to Mays. "I'll be back...switching back to channel one." He pressed on his radio to switch over to their main communication channel once he heard McMillian's confirmation of his new orders.

With that, he jogged away, and eventually caught up with the other Lieutenant Commander who stormed off. "Mays?" He called out to her, "Mays, stop!" He slowed to a stop, and waited for a few moments to see what she was going to do, and then walked slower toward her. "I don't think it's about the way he talked to you, or you trying to charge him with insubordination. No. You've been really angry and cold since the moment you stepped on the Prowler after ONI put you on this mission assignment." He continued walked at a casual pace, looking at her intently.

“From the moment you spotted me on board, to the moment we had our briefing, and then down here, where you have to deal with me for the next two weeks. This attitude of yours, is all because of me. All because of what I did...what I had to do nine years ago on Protector.” He paused. “I get it...you were so pissed off, and so was Chris, when I told those two guards to not let you both into the Pelican when I was taking the artifact on. Then telling you two that you guys had to wait for the next Pelican to take you both back to the Prowler.”

His eyebrows furrowed down as much as they could go, keeping his brown eyes focused on her. He rubbed the nape of his neck every now and again as he continued speaking to her, and then stood with his feet shoulder apart, with his hands clasped together in front of his crotch. He looked as if what happened back then bothered him more than her, but his expression was unreadable.

He went on, “Do you really think I enjoyed that? I mean, my god, Mays...I left my best friend down there, too, you know. Did you see me smile...did you hear me laugh in amusement when I had to tell you both those orders to stay put for ten to fifteen minutes with Mick and the rest of those ODSTs, who were there to guard the LZ, while I flew away with the artifact?” He questioned. “I didn't like those orders either, going in a separate Pelican, but those were my orders. How was I to know that those Insurrectionists would pop out and start shooting at you?”

He inhaled a deep breath, and exhaled; running a hand through his hair, and then crossed his arms.

“Ten...fifteen minutes of fighting for your lives and holding the LZ until another Pelican arrived to assist in taking out the rest of those rebels, and then taking you both back.” He reminded her, “If they weren't there, then you and Chris probably wouldn't have made it, when those Insurrectionists showed up – let alone made it out of there alive if it was the Covenant.” While adding, “Did you even thank Mick for protecting you nine years ago on Protector? I'm sure that man remembers you, too.”

Shaking his head at the situation, he sighed, “If it weren't for the other Section Three officers who were on the ground, creating false information over the Forerunner artifact's location, then, you, me, Mick, those ODSTs would all probably be very much dead right now. So, perhaps you should quit thinking that Section Three are a bunch of stupid gun goons, and be more appreciative for once. We're all on the same team here, Mays. So, quit acting like some fucking child, and continue your damn research. I'm not here to babysit adults who act like children. I'm here to protect you, and so is Mick.”

He stood there, wanting to storm off somewhere as well, but decided not to. Taking several deep breaths, he then quietly said to her, "I hope you can understand it...that I..." He closed his eyes. "I didn't mean to leave you and Chris in the dust down there, where you had to wait..." His eyelids parted. "And if that's not enough, then I apologize. Okay? I apologize because no one else higher will. And if you can't seem to accept my apology, then that's your prerogative."

[LaxKnight]

SSGT Toby ‘Mick’ McMillian Jr.
153rd ODST
Forerunner Installation, Uncharted Planet, Mid Morning, February 2557
A ODST, a Scientist, and a Sentinel Walk Through a Facility...
Tag(s):
Llau, @tracker


Mick heard what LCDR Mays said over the radio and he couldn’t help but think that he really must have hit a nerve. Just had to have the last word, he thought sourly to himself. He groaned, thinking that they would have to go back and fetch her. He saw that what she said had some effect on Mike by his change in stance. Over the private com he said that they had to postpone their chat so he can go after her. His last orders were to keep following the Sentinel, com checks every 5 minutes, and keep an eye on Roger. “Yes sir,” he said before Mike exited the com and ran after little Dr. Grumps.

He turned to Roger, still standing there baffled, and Willow the Sentinel, the closest thing he had to a friend here. “Well, Dr. Spook decided she had too much fun for one day and Alpha Spook went to off to convince her otherwise,” he said then smiled, “I guess it’s just us for now. Let’s get going.”

Roger stood there for a moment before finally responding with, “That...was intense.”

“Yeah I know. Sorry you had to see that. I know you civvies aren’t used to it. Let’s go,” Mick persisted.

“I’ve never seen anyone talk to her like that before,” he said. Was Mick hearing right or did he hear a tinge of admiration in his voice.

“Walk and talk, Roger,” Mick encouraged with a small shove, “Willow’s been waiting very patiently and I’m sure she’s had enough drama for one day. I know I have.”

Roger took the hint but he never took his eyes off the ODST. A quizzical look crossed his face. “Willow? Who’s Willow?” he asked.

“Willow,” he said pointing to the Sentinel. When it realized it was being referred to, the Sentinel spun around but kept going it’s course. “Willow, Roger. Roger, Willow,” he introduced.

Roger awkwardly waved then asked, “Why Willow?”

“Well she kind of looks like a flying W,” Mick said as he pointed it out, “And Willow was the only decent name that I could think of that starts with W at the time.”

“Huh,” Roger mulled over it then said, “Interesting. And it’s obvious it has some form of attachment to you. Curious. I bet Dr. Mays would be very interested in this.”

Then he said with an impish smile, “And very jealous.”

Mick was beginning to think that Dr. Spook wasn’t very well liked around here. He could see why but for some reason he thought it was just him. Apparently not.

[Llau]

ONI Section III Tactical Field Officer, Lieutenant Commander Michelangelo Moretti
Forerunner Installation, Uncharted Planet, Mid-Morning, February 2557
Yeah, I'm going to ignore your wish...because I'm doing my job. 
Tag(s): @tracker , LaxKnight


He stood there, listening to May's response of how he never informed them of his intentions, and winced a bit at the memory. It was the most dickish thing he did to fellow agents, and definitely the most dickish move he did to his best friend, and he knew it. He may be a little shit, but at least he can admit that what he did was wrong and it made him feel like a major asshole. He groaned lightly at that. It certainly didn't feel good being reminded of his past operations sometimes. 

He was going to respond to what she said, but then stopped when she continued. He sighed, looking toward the wall when she asked him why she should thank someone for doing their job, and then asking him was she thanked, and then listened to her move on to the whole rank ordeal, and then asked him about the research. He breathed in a sigh, and wondered about the Sentinel that took an interest in Mick. He shrugged his shoulders a little, thinking that maybe the robot thought the ODST was a Spartan. Who knows, but he didn't bother telling her about his theory. At least not now.

'Go and protect the civilian...? Mick's protecting him...' He thought as he stepped slowly toward her as she started to walk, and then stopped when she did and looked on as she looked back and spoke to him again. This time, he rolled his eyes at her, and followed her out. If she protested, he'd simply say that he was doing his job. It wasn't like she could defend herself anyway...seeing as he still had her gun at the moment.

What's she going to do if trouble arrives? Oh...that's right. She could probably talk someone too death...

He continued walking slow and quiet, giving her space, but keeping an eye on her and their surroundings.

[LaxKnight]

SSGT Toby ‘Mick’ McMillian Jr.
153rd ODST
Forerunner Installation, Uncharted Planet, Mid Morning, February 2557
The Silent Cartographer
Tag(s):
 Llau, @tracker


At the next corner Mick noticed that the tunnel got significantly wider. It was also lit better too and at the end of the tunnel was a door that was fancier looking than the rest. It was what Willow was leading them to. Mick felt like something big was behind this door but wasn’t sure if it was good or bad. He didn’t feel like Willow would intentionally lead them to danger but he’s heard stories of these Forerunner things’ compassion for the Human race. Or lack there of. He gripped his SAW a little tighter as they approached.

The Sentinel stopped before the door and began interacting with it. “What’s it doing?” Mick asked Roger.

“Probably disabling the various security systems to allow us inside,” he said then began looking through his TACPAD for something, “If this is what I think it is…”

Roger let the sentence trail, leaving Mick in the dark. He waited for a moment then asked, “What? What is it?”

Almost on cue the Sentinel floated back next to Mick as the doors parted. It revealed a medium sized, square room with eery purple tinted lighting. What dominated the middle of the room was a large holographic image of what seemed to be the planet. In front of it was a brightly lit console. “The Cartographer,” Roger said in quiet awe.

The trio went inside and found two other Sentinels doing tasks they can only guess at, or at least only Mick can. Willow then floated next to the console and waited, as if inviting them to use it. “Sir,” Mick called over the private com to Mike, “Willow lead us to a room Roger called the Cartographer. Looks like something that would cheer Dr. Grumps.”

Mick focused on the Sentinels. He came to the realization that they all looked similar and that there might be a lot more of them. He saw that Willow was still looking at him. He dug into his one of his pouches and pulled out a Sharpie. “Hold still,” he said as went to the Sentinel.

He drew the name Willow in large and clearly legible print then stood back to admire his handiwork. If a Sentinel could look confused, Willow was right now. “I just wrote your name. So that anyone who doesn’t know you meets ya they know your name,” he said then suddenly remembered something, “Oh, my name’s Toby McMillian. Staff Sergeant of ODSTs. But you can call me Mick.”

Willow emitted a small buzzing sound as if it was trying to talk to him. “Uh...sorry girl but I don’t speak buzz,” Mick said.

He looked to the side and saw Roger holding his TACPAD as if he were taking a video. “What are you doing?” Mick inquired.

“Video for research,” was the reply.

“Research? Ain’t fucking around with that console and taking pictures of fancy writing your job?” he asked annoyed.

“No one has ever interacted with a Sentinel in such a way before. None recorded anyway.”

“Well, I guess no one else has treated them nicely before. Or have my special brand of charisma.”

“Uh huh.”

[Llau]

ONI Section III Tactical Field Officer, Lieutenant Commander Michelangelo Moretti
Forerunner Installation, Uncharted Planet, Noon, February 2557
First, a Sentinel, then a Cartographer...what's next? A crazy light bulb?
Tag(s): @tracker , LaxKnight


Moretti smirked a little when she told him that she can look after herself for the second time. He continued following her to where she was finally standing in the large entrance doorway.

I'd like to see you try to defend yourself without any weapons, LC. Or see what you would do if you were captured by Innies or the Covenant Remnant? That would be most interesting.

With a slight tilt of his head, he simply said, “And I believe I told you that my job right now is to protect all ONI assets and personnel...”

He trailed off into a mutter under his breath in slight annoyance, “Which includes stubborn, full-of-themselves people, like you, Lieutenant Commander...”

He walked passed her, and stopped a foot away behind the woman. He scanned his eyes over the snow-covered valley the ruins were situated in, while Mays was busy recording the entrance. The cold brisk air was rather welcoming as he breathed it in, and it looked like it snowed a couple of inches while they were down there walking around. There was a slight break in the clouds, revealing the bright blue sky above, and the sun once again, but there were more thick clouds slowly rolling it. How long were we down there? He peered down at his watch. 40 minutes after 11am. Almost noon. 

What would I do for a nice cup of hot chocolate right now...He thought with a small smile, as he thought about his teenage daughter, who loved hot chocolate.

When he was able to visit her, both of them would sit down at the kitchen table, and play a board game or two, while they drank some hot chocolate with those little marsh-mellows during the winter time. Now, she was almost sixteen, and currently enrolled in a military academy – much to his dismay, as he would rather her do something else he knew she would love more, but she wanted to serve in the military like him and her late mother. He sighed, smiling sadly, but happily at the same time. Even though she was too young to remember her mother when Sage was killed, she was just like her. She had her face, her eyes, her charisma, but she also had his eyes and wittiness. Renee is such a sweetheart, and he was glad he had something truly remarkable to remember Sage by, and not just her necklace and the ring he wanted to give her that he has kept after all of these years. He slowly, but instinctively pressed his hand against his chest, where his dog tag would be beneath his armor and uniform jacket, and thought of those two items that belonged to Sage for a few moments. Renee was old enough now that he ought to finally tell her what happened, as best as he could, since the operation was top-secret. She only knew that her mother passed away when she was three, and not killed in the line of duty against the Covenant. Or he could give her the fox pendent Sage adored, and tell her to keep it to remember her mother by.

Maybe I'll do that when I visit her in March, he decided.

He was startled a little when he heard McMillian over his private comms, telling him that they found a room that was the Cartographer.

He blinked, and quietly answered, “You found what? Like the one they found on the Halo rings? Wow...who would of thought it.” He glanced over his shoulder at Mays. “That would certainly make grumpy pants here happy.” He turned himself around to completely face her. “I'll tell her.”

“So, Mays,” He started, standing closer to her as he watched her study the doorway. “What if I told you that this place has a Cartographer, just like they found on the Halo rings?" He asked, "And how the little Sentinel that could, led Mick and Roger straight to it? What would you think about that? What would you do? We just don't know..."

[LaxKnight]

SSGT Toby ‘Mick’ McMillian Jr.
153rd ODST
Forerunner Installation, Uncharted Planet, Noon, Feb. 2557
What Does This Do?

Willow and Mick both stared at Roger, Mick uncomfortable to do anything more, until Roger finally stopped recording when he put his TACPAD down. “Fine, be that way,” he pouted, “I’ll just take a look at this console here…”

He strode to it but was intercepted by Willow. It gave a buzz that sounded like a warning. Roger looked more bewildered if anything but it he put his hands up and deceased further movement. Then he looked at Mick and Mick could see that an idea was forming in the scientist’s head. “Hey Mick, try to access that console,” he said.

Mick shrugged then went up to the Sentinel and asked, “Hey Willow, can I use the console?”

Willow moved to allow him to while in the process bumping Roger back. Mick gave a courteous nod then stepped up to the console. He stood there for a moment in silent victory that Willow let him use it instead of Roger but the longer he stood the more he began to realize something. “I don’t know what the fuck to do,” he said under his breath.

It was all buttons with strange symbols and stuff. He had no idea which one could potentially blow up the galaxy or brew him coffee. He stood there puzzled for a moment as he tried to figure out what to do. Well if the Chief can do it without knowing shit, so can I, he thought. Sure he had a AI but he didn’t think about that. He stopped thinking about the whole ordeal all together and just...did what he felt what was right. Something inside him compelled him to press a certain button. Suddenly a red mark appeared on the holoplanet then the image zoomed into it until it showed some sort of facility and it’s layout. Is that this place? he wondered.

He looked back to see Roger with his TACPAD record the whole thing. “For research!” Roger claimed before Mick could say anything.

[Llau]

ONI Section III Tactical Field Officer, Lieutenant Commander Michelangelo Moretti
Forerunner Installation, Uncharted Planet, Noon, February 2557
First, a Sentinel, then a Cartographer...what's next? A crazy light bulb?
Tag(s): @tracker , LaxKnight


“Civvie...? You are aware that Roger's a scientist too, correct?” Moretti asked, walking quickly after her. “Because...you know...he is just as much of a scientist than you are, and ONI selected him because he's really knowledgeable when it comes to Forerunners. Doesn't take a genius to realize that, but you are the scientist. So, who knows.”

He walked quicker, shaking his head a little. “And I'm pretty sure Mick knows what a Sentinel was. He was just...you know...freaking out a bit there because it was staring at him.”

After a few minutes passed as they quickly traveled toward where McMillian and Roger were located, with the help of the transponder he told the ODST to activate so he could track him on his TAC-PAD, he spoke up again.

“So, we find a Sentinel that has oddly took interest in the Staff Sergeant, instead of you, and then the Sentinel guided him and Roger over to what we know as the Cartographer,” he asked her, “What do you think we'll find next?”

He then started to speak quickly as he rambled on, “Obviously, this place isn't a Halo ring...so, I doubt we'll find a key to activate a WMD on this freezing-my-ass-off-planet. Though...I'd be surprise if it was one, but...maybe you're right. Maybe it does have something to do with Flood spores. Maybe this whole place served as some kind of scientific lab for the Forerunners to study the Flood at one time, and that's why they built the Rings because they realized they fucked up. Maybe there are other other planets like this one. Maybe the cold temperatures keeps them from spreading or something, and also keeps the machinery from over-heating and failing; thus, keeping the Flood Containment Wall from malfunctioning after all of this time.”

It seemed like he was finished speaking, but continued, “Then there's the planet being the only one in this entire system, like you said. Away from others, so if there was some kind of containment breach, they wouldn't be able to go anywhere if something wakes them up, and then probably die off since there's no life-forms living on here.” He took a breath. “Except now...because we're here.”

As an after thought, he pressed on his comm-link, and spoke to McMillian. “Hey, Mick...please don't touch anything. Just in case...you know...Flood shit.”


It wasn't long after, that Moretti arrived with Mays. The field operator gazed around, and then headed over to where the Cartographer was projecting a map of the whole planet, including how massive the Forerunner structure was.

“Damn, this place is massive,” He commented, studying it.

He glanced over at the console that had been activated to turn on the map, and then turned his attention to where the ODST and Roger were.

“Which one of you touched the button?”

Roger meekly pointed over at McMillian. “He did, since Willow wouldn't allow me to touch anything...probably won't allow Mays to, either.” There was a hint of a smile, but he nearly missed it.

“Willow?” He looked over at the Sentinel once Roger pointed toward it. “Willow? That's Willow? Are you fucking kidding me...you guys named it?” He chuckled. “Wow. I hope I can find one, too. I want to name one...I'm jealous. I always wanted a robot. Damn.”

Smiling, he walked over to the console, and looked at it. “Well, I think I should hug you, Mick,” he said, “Because you didn't touch a button that would have blown us up. Good job. How did you know which button to press? Lucky guess?”

He moved away from the console, pulling out a DATA-PAD from his pouch, and walked over to stand next to the Staff Sergeant, and waited around to listen to what he had to say. Soon, he sat down next to the wall, and then he made contact with the admiral. He informed him of what they found, but avoided telling him about the argument between Mick and Mays...at least for now.

“Good job,” said the Admiral. “Keep me informed, Lieutenant Commander. Anything else I should know?”

“Well, the Sentinel that guided Staff Sergeant McMillian here seems to have taken a keen interest of him...as if he were a SPARTAN, but...we don't know why.” The Section Three field operator shrugged. “Other than that, nothing else to report, sir.”

“All right, Lieutenant Commander Moretti,” The Admiral nodded. “If anything else turns up, tell me.”

“Aye, aye,” Moretti nodded, and then the screen went black. He returned his DATA-PAD to his pouch, and quietly sat around for a minute before standing up to stand guard, while the two scientists did their thing.

[LaxKnight]

SSGT Toby ‘Mick’ McMillian Jr.
153rd ODST
Forerunner Installation, Uncharted Planet, Noon, Feb. 2557
That’s Not How You Make Friends
Tag(s): Llau, @tracker


Before Mick could do anything else Alpha Spook and Dr. Grumpy Pants arrived. Mike seemed to be in a good or bad mood, Mick couldn’t tell with the amount of sarcasm he was using. He gave off a lengthy conjecture, which the ODST had a hard time following, but the click of his private com caught his attention. The Spook’s mention of the Flood made him shiver but he acknowledged his request with a, “Yes sir.”

Dr. Mays’ mood didn’t seem to have improved judging from the disapproving looks she kept giving him but luckily her attention was too absorbed by the console to give them a proper scolding. When Alpha Spook asked who pressed buttons, Mick raised his hand though he gave Roger a sour look for ratting him out anyway. However he could see perfectly the evil smile he had when he mentioned that Willow wouldn’t let anyone touch the console except Mick, including Dr. Mays. While Mick still held no love for the ONI scientist, and also took some satisfaction in it, he was honestly getting tired of constantly needling her. She looked like the type who loved to hold grudges and trying to ‘break her out of her shell’ would only reveal a horrible monster.

Then came up the fact that Mick named Willow. He was surprised that it took this long for them to pick it up. He’s called the Sentinel Willow a few times in front of them now. The nametag must have done it for them. While Alpha Spook seemed delightfully jealous, Dr. Grumpy Pants’ glare only got colder. Mick wasn’t quite sure if Alpha Spook really was going to hug him or not, which he wouldn’t mind, but then he followed up with questions on how he figured out what button to press. “Uh...it kind of just...I don’t know...felt right,” he said, obviously stumbling over his words as he tried to describe what he felt.

While Mike walked away to deal with ONI business, Mick noticed Dr. Grumpy Pants try to get to the console only to get intercepted by his best friend, Willow the Friendly Sentinel. He couldn’t help but give a small smile. He loved the irony of how the one most ignorant of Forerunner technology was the only one his friend will let access it. However Dr. Grumpy Pants was not as amused. She began listing things that currently irritated her, most of them having to deal with him like how he named the Sentinel Willow and how he zoomed in on the supposedly wrong part of the facility. Maybe I didn’t want to find this place, he thought venomously to himself. However when she demanded her weapon back his eyes went wide as all sorts of red lights went off in his head. There’s no way I’m letting that crazy bitch get another opportunity shoot me in the back, he resolved.

However instead of voicing his opinion Mick decided to try a different approach. “You know Doc, you’re pretty smart. I know I’m not the smartest person in this room by a long shot, nor claim to be, but just because I don’t have a doctorate doesn’t mean that I still can’t come up with good ideas or something you haven’t thought of before,” he said with sincerity.

He walked over to the Sentinel of the console. “Hey Willow, I was wondering if you could please let Dr. Mays here use the console? I know she isn’t the nicest or greatest of people but she knows a lot more about Forerunner stuff than I do and she’s very smart. We’re kind of on a mission to figure out what’s up with this place and she’s the best qualified person to do that, no offense Roger. Doing this goes a long way in helping us out and hey, maybe maybe help her lighten up a little, huh?” he said looking at the Doctor before looking back to Willow and saying, “So, what do ya think? Is it cool?”

Willow floated there for a second then gave a little nod. It floated backward to the left of the console then tilted a little as if beckoning her to use it. Mick smiled and gave a nod o gratitude before turning to Dr. Mays. He felt like saying something along the lines of how asking nicely can sometimes pay off but held his tongue in fear that it might ruin the moment.

[Llau]

ONI Section III Tactical Field Officer, Lieutenant Commander Michelangelo Moretti
Forerunner Installation, Uncharted Planet, Noon, February 2557
hahahahaha...seriously? 
Tag(s): @tracker , LaxKnight



Moretti slowly gazed over at the other Lieutenant Commander, and stared at her with a blank expression when she requested her pistol back. Not responding to her, he looked over at McMillian when the ODST asked Willow to allow Mays to use the console. He smirked a bit when he saw what looked like the robot nodding a little at the question, and then returned his attention to the woman. He pressed his hands against his hips and tilted his head a little to the side, letting out a soft chuckle.  

"Huh. See what happens when you talk to someone else nicely?" He asked her. "Being nice gets you things...like...saying the magic word when you want someone to give you something." He smiled a bit, and waited for her response. If any. Though, he wouldn't be surprise if she bitched at him again.

[Llau]

ONI Section III Tactical Field Officer, Lieutenant Commander Michelangelo Moretti
Forerunner Installation, Uncharted Planet, Noon, February 2557
Being difficult
Tag(s): @tracker , LaxKnight (OOC: Tracker, remember to use Section III instead of I for now on. )

"Yeah, of course not, Mays," He replied. "Because depending on a child's upbringing, they wouldn't be rude little shits, and would say please when asked what the magic word is. Hell, when my daughter was around that age, she wasn't rude. She was very polite and friendly. Still is."

Moretti grinned, enjoying this.

"Is it hard for a Section Three scientist to say please instead of demanding to get what you want?" He wondered. "It isn't hard, you know. Saying please is so much easier than demanding things, but I guess that's asking too much for you...which is all I'm asking, really. It's not like I'm asking you a difficult question. It won't destroy your ego or your career if you say it."

Roger looked on, watching the two, and then glancing away to smirk in amusement as he went over to record more of his surroundings.

[LaxKnight]

SSGT Toby ‘Mick’ McMillian Jr.
153rd ODST
Forerunner Installation, Uncharted Planet, Noon, Feb. 2557
Yep. Still Grumpy.
Tag(s): Llau, @tracker

Mick could feel the coldness from Dr. Grumpy Pants’ gaze but he quite frankly didn’t give a shit. Sure, what he said wasn’t nice but at least she got what she wanted without possessing firearms. Even Alpha Spook was going along with the whole ‘ask nicely’ thing. This bitch needed to learn to chill the fuck out. However she wasn’t going to let her feelings about her coworkers interfere with her work and she got right on the console and worked her magic. She made a comment about how she wasn’t seven. Mick bit back a retort. I’m going to bite my tongue off before this is over, he thought.

He watched in mild interest as she began messing with the map then returned his attention to their surroundings. He still had a job to do, even if a select few among them didn’t seem to give a rat’s ass about it. However he still listened to what was going on. One thing he’ll give Alpha Spook is that he really knew how to needle people, something he probably used to great extent when he undoubtedly interrogated people. However he did have a point. She needed to let go of her pride a little bit or else it’s going to a very, very long trip, one that will probably end with her having a few black eyes. He was running out of fucks. He was nearing retirement age anyway.

However when he heard Mike mention the gun again Mick couldn’t help but be worried. “Are you seriously considering giving her gun back?” he said over the private com between him and Mike, “Because warn me if you do. She ain’t handling a gun behind me again.”

The last sentence he said with dead seriousness.

[Llau]

(-picks of defibrillators and revives thread and throws med kit down to write post-)
ONI Section III Tactical Field Officer, Lieutenant Commander Michelangelo Moretti
Forerunner Installation, Uncharted Planet, Noon, February 2557
Tag(s): @tracker , LaxKnight

He slowly shook his head, grinning a little at how Mays was acting around him and the others. When he heard Mick asking him if he really was considering giving the scientist's gun back, and was worried about that, Moretti scoffed. He gazed over at the Staff Sergeant, and tilted his head a little. He continued to grin, by raised an eyebrow, as if to say, "Do I look like I'm considering giving her weapon back now?"

"Nope," The Lieutenant Commander simply said when he quietly replied to him. "Maybe later. Maybe not."

He shrugged his shoulders, and gazed over to keep an eye on Mays, while she continued working on the console she was at. He watched as she recorded whatever it was, and then walked away after shutting it off.

"Hmm," He ambled over to her. "Would you like to share what you recorded with the rest of the class, Mrs. Mays." He indirectly asked her. "I'm a very curious person, and I'm interested in what you found there." He stared at her, pouting a little. "Pretty please? With sugar on top?" 

[LaxKnight]

SSGT Toby ‘Mick’ McMillian Jr.
153rd ODST
Forerunner Installation, Uncharted Planet, Noon, Feb. 2557
Did Someone Say Quarantine?
Tag(s): Llau, @tracker


Mick relaxed a bit when Alpha Spook reassured him she wasn't getting her weapon back just yet. He continued to search the area, not really caring what Dr. Grumpy Pants was doing but listening for anything that would be alarming. It seems that Alpha Spook and the Doc were at it again. Mick didn’t really care what The Bitch Doctor found: he had his job and she had hers. He instead turned his attention to the Sentinels. Willow stood vigilant next to the console while the other two worked. He briefly wondered what the were doing before he decided asking would provoke a nasty response from Dr. Grumpy Pants which he had no patience for. He instead thought about names for them too and some questions for Willow. He didn’t know Sentinel babble but she seemed to be a good tour guide so far, a lot better than wandering aimlessly and accidentally blowing up the world or something.

He was considering if he should just use girl names or distribute them equally when he heard The Bitch Doctor say quarantine. He instantly went rigid. He was as frozen as a statue for a moment, paralyzed with horror as memories flooded back, then with incredible speed turned to her. “We are sure as FUCK not going there!” he yelled. His outburst may be unnecessary but the thought occurred to him for only a second before he decided he didn’t give a fuck. No, he’s not fighting them again. Not if they can avoid it.

[Llau]

ONI Section III Tactical Field Officer, Lieutenant Commander Michelangelo Moretti
Forerunner Installation, Uncharted Planet, Noon, February 2557
Tag(s): @tracker , LaxKnight


“A Quarantine area?” Moretti tilted his head a little curiously. “Hmm...”

He was going to continue, but was interrupted by the ODST's little freak out outburst when Mays mentioned about what was waiting for them further into the facility. He glanced over to where McMillian was standing at, and raised his hand a little, as if to say 'easy there'.

“Relax, Mick,” The Tactical Field Officer reassured the Staff Sergeant, “We're not going to be heading into that direction.” He then returned his attention onto his fellow officer. “But...it's good to know what is down there. I would like for you and Roger to continue to find out as much as you can about this facility. It would be great to know what exactly is in the Quarantine area, as it could be anything being stored here. Could be the Flood spores, yes, but it could really be anything. For all we know, it could very well be the Forerunners themselves.” He shrugged. "Or...both...if that's actually possible."

“As for magically knowing the meaning of these Forerunner symbols...” He walked over to stand closer to Mays. “I'll try to be less of an ass and admit to you that I don't. But maybe I can work on the console to see if I can do something to help you and Roger? Let me help you with the console and see what the AI can tell us.” While adding, "It won't be a sudden thing, since hacking Forerunner technology is still quite new to me. So, it will take a while, but I am learning about it...as I explained to you earlier today." 

[Llau]

(OOC: Looks so weird now...<_<...but...охотник and I are wanting to continue this RP. You game, LaxKnight ? :3)