Mission 8: Frontier [Titanium Mines]

[MrKill]

Kael Gel - T'vaoan Champion
En route to the 'infested' mine.
Rescue rangers?

During the high speed low altitude run toward the mine Kael had some time to reflect on her current assignment - doing her best to keep thoughts of Roh from her mind. Rescue was something that was often trained for in the Covenant. Not because saving their fellow soldiers wasn't something that was wanted in the alien military. But because it wasn't often that it was them trapped by the filthy Humans. They were the superior ones, most of the time. But odd and unconventonal missions were what Kael and her Entourage were for. In all honestly Kael couldn't really see why the Covies had taken cover in the mine to begin with. It would be defensive to be sure, but there was 'no' way out of there once they were inside. Was mostly a spur the moment type of panicked fleeing to be sure.

Her Entourage of sixty four T'vaoans were in three Phantoms currently, blasting across the Human world hopefully hidden from the Human's sensors. The troop bay of each crafting giving each soldier their own space as they were just two thirds full each. Enough space to do any last checks of their equipment and doing their pre mission rituals before they would all drop out to behind the mountain the mine was located in. The other side of which was swarming with the Humans and all their vehicles. The T'vaoan's would be dropping with nothing of the sort, just many equipment boxes of rope, climbing gear, and dollys that could be lowered and pulled up. With some small engines to make the hauling easier.

The goal for this operation was to; drop, swiftly move to the air shafts, remove the roofs that kept the weather out, get the ropes and pullies set up, have several troops slide down them, find the trapped force, and then bring them to any close by shaft, to be hoisted up to the surface before loading up onto the Phantom to be taken back to the Covenant lines. The trapped commander had been told they were arriving and to have his force by shafts if they could be for easier rescue.

But there were certainly problems with this plan. Chief among which would be speed. From aerial observation there were only around five shafts that were out of view of the general Human force, and they didn't seem to be that large. The scouting force had been reduced but there were still a good amount of them trapped. The T'vaoan were fast, but they could only go as fast as the ropes would hold. There was also the just as large issue of the Humans. All together Kael's Entourage with the scout force were still outnumber nearly ten to one. Hence why another two Phantoms would be dispatched if the landing was successful. Kael's forces needed to land silently and without the Humans seeing them or they would have to run or risk complete annihilation. All in all Kael wasn't really a fan of this plan, all it would take would be one Human seeing them and then everything would fall apart.

But she would go through with it, for one she had been given a mission and would attempt it to the best of her ability. And this underground rescue would give her some validation that she could have done the same for Roh back on that damn Earthquake planet. Just to put her mind ever so slightly at ease and to have something to use against Til - in time.

Clicking her radio in her helmet she tapped into her Entourage Lance leaders radio; herself, her commandos, and the Murmillos. "You all know the plan, we went over the map on the ship. Be sure the watching teams are ready to spring into cover to keep an eye on the Humans. ANY movement of them toward us and we will fall back to the phantoms immediately, do not stay behind to try and get easy kills - you will be left behind." There was a resounding 'Yes Mistress!' as the Phantoms started to slow down. No alert had been sounded yet on their crafts to warn them of pursuers.

The main Covenant force and the airforce should be keeping the Humans attention anyway. Hopefully allowing their cloaked phantoms to speed under their notice.

Nodding at her Commandos as the Phantoms actually touched down on the ground, to create as low of a profile as possible, the doors opened and the Entourage quickly exited their craft. Kael sprinting toward the closest air shaft with a plasma cutter in her hands to start to get the roof off immediately. Her Commandos moving to oversee three other shafts. The fifth and final one having a smaller team at it since it was the closest to the Humans. The observer files running past everyone to keep eyes on the Humans with small cameras so they could stay in cover. And finally the heavy lifters would arrive at the shafts last, starting to set up the mounting points and motors for the rescue ropes. The ones going down into the Mine already with their beefier radios and breathing helmets on, waiting for their go.

Kael allowed herself a little smile as her cutter quickly started to slice through the metal supports for the small roof. Her Entourage were moving fast, their escape craft waiting and ready. Once the roofs were off and ropes down the other two Phantoms would be called for. Just had to hope they could remain undetected on this side of the mountain to get Roh...their fellows out.

*****

Colonel Johnathon B'Sheau Killinger
120th MEU; UNSCS Athenian
'Frontier'

John watched intently as the huge Albatross converted to mobile HQ left the hanger bays of the Marathon II that housed it. The warship seemed to disappear after a few moments, indicating the rough speed of the Albatross. They weren't in orbit when they launched, but he knew Admiral Klix would be getting the Athenian into a geosynchronous orbit around the planet, mainly to expedite the delivery of the next waves of supplies.

The first stage of the landing had been completed, both Echo and Foxtrot companies had secured a line directly in front of the mine, and now stage two was nearly complete. A few more supplies, the last platoons of Marines and the deployment of the HQ Albatross meant stage three was about to begin. The UNSC was deploying in mass, the Covenant at the mine knew they were coming, there was no way to hide fifty plus drop-ships.

Unfortunately... Covenant naval reinforcements had arrived in system. While they hadn't taken orbit yet it was only a matter of time before they too deployed reinforcements. Right now, however, the Marines had a numerical superiority with nearly the entire MEU - a good two thousand men plus - attempting to take the mine. John hoped the battle would be quick, decisive; something the UNSC needed quickly.

With more Covenant ships in the system the UNSC navy would have its hands full. Unfortunately - from the reports John heard before he boarded his Albatross - they nearly equaled the UNSCs naval power. John admitted mentally even he was intimidated. It wasn't a question how the UNSC lost, it was when. It wasn't good, the UNSC needed more ships if they wanted to win, but this was a war humanity had been losing from the start. John only hoped that, perhaps, this new fleet consisted of mostly the Covenant's lower tonnage vessels. He wasn't holding his breath, though.

"Captain Jones," John said into a private channel he opened with one of his intelligence officers, who looked over at him in acknowledgement. "I want the MEU ready to begin emergency evacuations should the order from the fleet arise. Once this FOB is set up we'll start evacuating civilians from the surface to orbiting ships. Do you know if they've suffered any casualties?"

"I don't know how many, sir. Most towns and villages in the region are still populated, the UNSC Army hit the Covenant pretty hard before they could inflict too many casualties. I'd estimate... low casualties, less than a squad total. Population here is pretty lucky the UNSC Army stuck around to defend the titanium mines." The Captain replied.

"Thank you," John said. "Prepare three Albatrosses from our MEU to divert to the Airforce's airfield. Coordinate with the ARMY and ONI on the evacuation order, I'd like to see civilians head towards the town for military families. It's still protected, but allows the Naval and Airbase to remain completely operational without an overcrowd of civilians. Can you do that?"

"I'll try, sir."

John cut the channel, but gave the Captain a thumps up in acknowledgement.

"Five minutes to dirt, sir!" The pilot called from the canopy.

John didn't realize they had already broken through the atmosphere, a sign of a skilled and experienced pilot.

"Five minutes!" John repeated.

In that time John, as well as the other Marines, prepared themselves. Magazines loaded into their rifles, armor properly secured, helmets and electronics checked to see if they were operational and - to some people - a final goodbye letter stuffed into their uniform.

*****

Kubar Je’ketai Kaz’ar Ra’shi Je'at Eza'telar ‘Hidohai

Honor guard Ultra-Light of Sangheilos

Ground side on planet of bountiful resource

Grit beneath boots

Battle. It was a distant rumble of the beast of war. The clatter of the human's simple weapons, mixed with the high squeal of covenant plasma weapons. It all melded together to be a medley of sound, added to the smell. War had a scent to it, the harsh tang of blood, smoke, burning flesh, acrid plasma fires. It was just another part of what made every battle Kubar's home, his personal test of faith. All combat held familiarity, it was always about defeating the enemy. It was not enough for Kubar to succeed at his task, the enemy must fail at their's.

Kubar was currently leaning out of the side of a phantom, taking in the scene as they approached their landing zone. The fighting had been raging since before they had arrived, the trapped covenant warriors having been fighting for their very lives. Kubar was a bit disdained, to be put in such a situation was very distasteful, and it was more than a mere stain on one's honor. However, he acknowledged the other warrior's urge to reclaim honor, and respected the drive. His main focus was simply aiding Field Marshal Til on his quest, as well as being the eyes of the Prophet. The Minor Prophet of Pity was a sedulous leader and preceptor, but he was not all seeing. Kubar would have to relay information to him, and add in his advice as well.

In truth Kubar held a reasonable amount of faith in Til. Kubar knew of the sangheili, as well as his exploits, and knew that failure was not some thing the other warrior tolerated. However, the happenings aboard the Burning Lineage had left Kubar thinking differently. Til had not shown weakness, in it's raw form, simply inaction. A lethal flaw in combat, and one that could spell disaster for an entire crusade if it's leader could not make quick decisions. Kubar would have to see, one's record did not tell their secrets, only their actions could.  

"Er...Light of Sangheilos, we are approaching the range of the human weap-" Began the pilot before suddenly a human anti-aircraft projectile flew directly past Kubar's head. Kubar's head didn't even jerk away, he knew he was beyond death. The Prophet had personally given him the god's blessings, as well as the Prophet's own. Kubar's divine armor was thicker than any physical armor could be. However, Kubar would not be stupid, the god's aided only those who showed skill and devotion. The battlefield was no place for headstrong action. 

The ship floated down into the landing zone, the battle happening directly over the ridge they had set down on. The forward attack force had already engaged the edge of the human forces, attempting to force their way into the human mine and free the trapped warriors within. The sounds of combat were much louder here, causing Kubar's spine to tremble with excitement as he made his way over to one of the projection tables. He wanted to see what their feelers had revealed to them about the human forces.

It was as he had been told, the humans were attempting to crack into the mines, but with the initial force now on the ground the real combat was starting up. Kubar idly ran the palm of his hand across the handle of The Star of Hidoh, thinking about the coming battle as well as his role in it. It had been a while since Kubar had been in an actual ground battle, and it made him excited. It'd been such a long time since he'd been by himself on a battlefield, not just guarding the prophet. As much as he loved his work as the Hierarch's guard, the call of war was ever ringing in his hearts.

Kubar looked up from the battle plans in front of him and began to pick through the crowd of warriors. Finally his eye's came to rest on the very warrior he'd been sent to aid, Til' Muramai. He didn't waste time, easily wading through the moving mass of warriors around him as he came up to the field marshal. Kubar stood next to the smaller sangheili and crossed his arms, saying nothing and simply studying how the other sangheili led. 

It was time to see the Muramai mettle tested in the flesh.

UNSC Ground Strength
2, 200 Marines [120th MEU]

Covenant Ground Strength
1, 000+ ground forces

[MrKill]

|| Remember to read the M8 Info thread for greater information! ||

[MrKill]

Update: You can now post in both the ground and space missions.

Have fun!

[Huka]

Field Marshal Til Je’at Kar’ar Ze’at ‘Muramai

Staging Area of the Covenant Army 

Human Colony World classified Frontier

“Keep the pressure on them, Vo’ha ‘Olamutee.” Til encouraged in the privacy of his helmet’s battlenet comms while holding his own holo-drone, programmed to project the war-field. While standing at the ridge to oversee and engage the view before him, the circular projection gave the bird's eye view to purple formations of the advance forces stepping to engage the human forces by the mines with a careful movement while a line of five Wraith mortar tanks supporting the flank and two columns of six Iron Discipline armor-faced ghosts on the sides, ready to charge for disarray. 

Above sentence nullified by the staff team. No combat has taken place in M8 when this post was created.

The humans were numerically superior here, but the Sangheili leader wasn’t deterred. He has faced them for twenty-two rotations in both the face of victory and failures, the only thing he is truly concerned for is within his own ranks. That is one of the grand flaws for any army, no matter the species or faction. The legion have tasted it before with the Jiralhanae and it costed them an Artifact. Til was not planning to allow it to happen again with mercenaries, he’ll personally exterminate them himself if need be…

Closing his eyes and breathing out a meditative breath after a gas-infused inhale, his armored form barely registering the alien world's air and life right now. No, not until I have to.

Then he felt another presence besides his standing guard of Sangheili and a single Jiralhanae, all dressed in their Major attire with the coloration of maroon with the etched carving of Redeeming Vigilance Blessing on their helms and pauldrons. Trained hard to serve and battle as his personal elite while the Special Operations of the legion were kept back for now until he was able to summon them into battle.

Opening his eyes again with the soft sound of their secondary lid slipping back, Til acknowledged the Light of Sanghelios with a turn of his head before cutting communications for a moment. “Welcome back to the battlefield, Eza’telar ‘Hidohai. Interesting briefing, hm?” He somewhat joked with the obvious lack of real humor about the earlier situation. “It reminds me why we aren’t allowed much communication with our children…the wisdom of our forefathers continues beyond simple mortality.”

Then his inner thumb clicked on a glyph and switched to look at another part of his field map; a small cluster of phantoms heading to their appointed designation with the Bloodstone glyph marking the group. Then again to see the brought Huragok working on stabilizing the two AA guns in the location with their brought resources for a split-second and flipped visions again while the eerie shriek of their aerial escorts moved around like birds of prey.

Stalker Cicerus 

Aboard the Chieftain’s Phantom

Cicerus strided along his Shadowcutters, observing and expecting each one with a stern look and poke to their equipment with a bestial growling. It is almost humorous at seeing a short veteran check on his much taller and fit subordinates. Everything seemed satisfaction to him but halting immediately on Eolus, who kept his eyes respectfully from meeting with his elder’s. The dreadlocked Stalker double-checked the largest of the assassins. Everything seemed tight and proper until Cicerus gripped the mace-wielder’s left forearm and flipped it around to show the bandages wrapped around it, secretively holding his own blood hammer. Brushing his thumb along, he found the loose end and with a ginger movement, helped tighten the bound.

“Always keep your hammer close.” Cicerus recited with his crackling voice before Eolus finished, “For it may be your last.”

The Stalker leader nodded his approval and patted the big warrior’s thickly-armored shoulder before continuing on to Appius. The assassin bowed his head down with a sniff, the scent of marsh flora whiffing off his person as always. Artificially removal of the pheromone glands was a typical Jiralhanae assassin’s strategy but it had its downsides in social meetings. Forever distrusted without the scent to separate the aggressive or friendly.

“Are you ready to spill more human blood?” The short Stalker questioned and the short-snouted Rh’tol flashed a gleam of his fangs in bloodthirsty eagerness before hiding it behind his typical stoic emotionlessness. “And suckle their marrow out from their broken bones. I am always ready to serve.” Appius added with his gruff rumble, provoking a dark chuckle from the older.

“Let that hunger carry you on, I haven’t eaten and starving for a hearty victory.” Cicerus snickered before walking away with his giggle still going behind his teeth, mumbling to himself in the strut towards his Chieftain. With his face mostly hiding under his singular-optical helmet, Cicerus bowed his head instead to show his submission of rank with a sudden silence. “Your Stalkers are ready to sneak and stab at your leisure.” He reports, the back of his fur standing up on end in committed excitement.

[RiddL]

First Lieutenant Alexei -Titan- Krevchenkov
Angel 4 Actual
XVB 2476 (AKA Frontier)
Stepping off

Titan stepped onto the planets surface, helmet tucked under his arm. He scanned his surroundings, took in a deep breath and slowly placed his helmet onto his head, adjusting it until it was comfortable.

To his left and right stood his friends, all armed and ready for combat. Hellfire holding his new XM510 grenade launcher. To his left stood Sergei, DMR in his hands standing in a relaxed position. To his rear stood Spider, MA5K gripped firmly in his hands as he stood uncomfortably.

Titan rolled his shoulders and started walking, Shotgun across the magnetic strips on his armor. As he walked he started talking to the Colonel.

"Guardian Actual, this is Angel 4 actual. We have touched down and are awaiting Reaper, need anything prepped? Over" he said as he and his men made their way through the landing zone.

"Alright we wait for orders and then we start moving, I want to be ready for anything. Also keep your eyes on any civies, there is a small cell of insurrectionists in the area and I don't want them shooting as us." He told his men as they walked by him.

He stopped and waited for the Colonels' reply.

[arkonoridan]

Lieutenant Henry Anvil -

4th Armored, "Hammers" 120th MEU,

"Hammer Actual"

The ride down, comparatively, had been the most peaceful part of his day. The 4th's two Albatross had quite a time transporting the four tanks down, having to maneuver around the infantrymen of Echo Company in the already crowded hangers. Once inside the compartment of the transport, Henry settled down into the seat of his Grizzly, breathing deeply to calm himself as he went about checking his firing controls. Next to him the Grizzly Driver, Private Scotch, aware of his CO's phobia, sat quietly, checking over his own equipment. Nearby, Henry assumed, PFC Killinger was also looking after her own tank.

Internally, Henry remembered their last interaction, and frowned. Of course, he could have been more friendly with the private, but he had to establish the rank and file first. They were almost the same age, and Henry was worried she would have a problem with what she had perceived as a fresh out of boot Looey.

Shaking his head again to refocus, he clicked over to Phillips and Asturia, going over a checklist with them as he felt the Albatross begin drifting out into space and towards the atmosphere below.

                                                                                                                 ***

While they were driving clear of the Albatross's bay, Henry activated the Grizzly's hull cameras, giving himself a 360 view around himself. Maneuvering once again around the men of Echo Company, Henry and Scotch pulled up to the rest of the 4th, and Henry popped the hatch and pulled himself up out of the seat.

Inevitably, Henry caught sight of the sky, and took a sharp intake of air. Pulling his eyes downwards as quickly as possible, he took a few moments to breathe and calm himself, before addressing his people.

"Right, welcome to Frontier, people. We don't have a lot of time, and all these boots running around is going to make this hard. We need to encircle the camp, so, I'll take the Grizzly and position on the point closest to the mine. PFC Killinger, I'm giving you operational command of Private Asturia. You two are to secure the east side of the camp. The three of us," He said, indicating Scotch, Phillips, and himself, "Will go north and west."

Smoothing out his map, Henry took out his marker and drew on the laminated cover of the map. Creating a rough semicircle around the northern side of the Mines, he indicated where he wanted each tank to be around the Marine camp.

SPOILER: Click to show

[Arusani]

Staff Sergeant Andreas Frost, (Attached to MEU) 153rd ODST company 3rd platoon NCO
Frontier
Feet First,

"... Any questions?" Frost concluded, to the three squad leaders before him. Without waiting for an actually reply he stood up. "Then get your squads ready, 3rd platoon is to have pods on the ground in ten." He ordered of the squad leaders. They all nodded before leaving to prep their squads. Frost sprinted back to his own squad. He had already briefed them and now they should all be waiting for him.

"Toss me a shotgun would you?" One of the ODSTs asked of another as Frost walked into the room. He looked at the men who were all prepped and ready, with the exception of their weapons.

"You know the rules, boots are on the ground in ten. If you aren't in your pods in five, your not coming." Frost joked. A few of his men chuckled and then continued prepping for the drop. Frost walked over to the rack of weapons. His eyes instantaneously fell on his toy. The antiquated combat ax had severed him well so far into the war, and he knew it would be of use now. He clipped the ax onto it's spot on hs belt and then grabbed his standard issue of Magnum and SMG. HE walked over to the pod he had been assigned and popped the weapons into their spots in the pod. He looked over his HUD until he found the helmet's chrono. The lights began to blare and Frost grinned to himself.

"Pods now!" he yelled to the men and women standing around. They all burst forward entering their assigned pods. Frost was in his last. "Drop in 3... 2..." Frost didn't finish as the pods were dropped. IT wasn't long before they left the platform and smashed into the planet's surface. Frost waited for the door to open, but as his luck would have it he was trapped. He hit the explosive bolts and waited another second before the door burst forward pushed by the explosives. He stepped out and looked around art the other pods around his spot.

"3rd platoon sound off! You too, first squad." Frost ordered he was met by the chime of 6 different ODSTs. "I've set a marker, all of us will round up their and await further orders." He ordered as he set the marker to a small hill slightly north of the drop-zone. Frost rounded up his squad and they set off for the hill. The platoon collected there as Frost opened his com channels.

"This is Frost, anyone heard anything on orders yet?" Frost asked of any one on the coms.

Private First Class Arusani Felsh
In Atmosphere, Frontier
Prep time

Arusani grinned to herself as she rechecked her magnum. Here in the pelican she was surrounded by other marines. Her squad to be exact, but the Sarge had taken to the front along with Corporal Licina and the other fire team leaders. Arusani looked down wondering as to how things were going to go down this time. Her last combat mission was deep in her mind, but it wouldn't let up. Suddenly she felt a small hand fall on her shoulder and she turned her helmeted head to the private who sat next to her. It was Heather, Arusani's spotter.

"Hey let go of that nervousness. Aru, we're actually going to fight the covenant on the ground this time. No tight halls filled with engineers and split-jaws." Heather stated as if she were an expert on the matter of combating the aliens. Arusani knew better, especially since she used the nickname they had overheard a few ODSTs use on the way here.

"Yea, I know. It's time for us to shine and I can't wait." Arusani said as she shrugged the hand from her shoulder and sat up in the seat.

"Arusani, get ready, we're gonna be on t'e field in five." Came the boom of Gibson's voice. Arusani nodded to the Lance Corporal.

"Okay, Gibby." Arusani said using the marines nickname. She rose from her seat against the wall of the pelican's hold. She turned sharply and grabbed the large metal rifle from the nets above the other marines heads. She yanked it free and took the extra clips that were packed tightly in a box beside it. She put the clips in their place before taking her seat again. She glared down the scope at a small scratch on the floor of the Pelican. The scope needed adjusted and so as she sat back down she began to get the scope back in place.

[TinCanHitman]

Kubar Je’ketai Kaz’ar Ra’shi Je'at Eza'telar ‘Hidohai 

Honor guard Ultra-Light of Sangheilos 

Ground side on planet of bountiful resource 

Grit beneath boots 

Kubar listened as the other warrior spoke, seeming to jest of the earlier strife from the kig-yar. It had left Kubar on edge, and wanting blood. He felt that the punishment was meager and that the prophet deserved the 'champion's head on a plate. However, Kubar trusted his master's wisdom and held back his scalding rage, instead focusing it on the battlefield. He was reviewing the current battle by looking at the field marshal's holo drone, making his own planes of action as they went.

"And so our souls may walk the path with the clarity of ancient form." was all Kubar said in response to Til's comment on ancestors. Kubar knew their ancestors were wise, and that much of what they had done was well for their time. Kubar also had broken part of their tradition, having sought out his own blood, thus the conversation caused him a pang of unease. He didn't like dwelling on his short comings, instead he focused on the task at hand.

"Field Marshal 'Muramai, what of your chieftain and his troop?" He asked, raising a claw to point at the glyph that tracked the Jiralhanae horde. "Surely their brute strength and skill would be more suited for the capture of the human water engine?" he traced a path from the pack to the engine. He reached to his own belt and drew his ornate projector, the very one he'd used to summon the holy prophet with. It sprang to life and enhanced down to show the human plant. "It would be quick work and would be an equally strong staging point for our troop advancement."

Kubar was not leading these troops, and did not intend to demand any sort of control from the Field Marshal. However, he was here as an adviser, and so advise he would. Kubar had claimed many worlds, probably more than even the brave Muram before him, and he knew what human weak points were.

"I of course leave the decision to your capable eye." He suddenly added, his face or voice never changing tone.

[Kart]

Private Evo Aguellez
Combat Camera Operator, Attached to MEU
Frontier Titanium Mines

Click. Click. Click.

Not that his camera actually needed to make a sound, but it did anyway. He wondered whether or not he could turn that "feature" off--after all, you never know when you might need to take a picture while staying hidden. For the time being, though, the noise was just a minor irritant, and the pictures the camera got were fantastic.

A pair of incoming Pelicans in full flight, Albatrosses deploying massive tanks, a platoon of ODST dropping from space, sending streaks of heated gas glowing through the sky. These were the sort of "shots" that he took. Not as immediately practical as shooting bullets, maybe, but the Propaganda Corps needed something to work off of. Everybody has their own way of contributing to the war effort.

Now all I need is a good spot to take pictures when the plasma starts flying, he thought. Which was easier said than done--nearly all the good vantage points were occupied by marksmen and snipers, and he was the first to admit that he was pretty much the least of the UNSC's concerns.

Oh, well, I guess I'll just keep an eye out. Never know what I might come across...

[BetaWülf]

Jiralhanae Chieftain Garatus the Deathless.
Most excellent.

Garatus stood in the back his Phantom, arms crossed, back straight, head held high. A dour look lingered upon his scarred face. The toll of war and responsibility showed, his eyes were dark and his beard started to show the tiniest hint on gray on the edges. He breathed softly, a habit he had picked up from stalking prey in his youth.

He contemplated the events of the very recent past, of Kael, of the Prophet, his fellow commanders. He still couldn't fully wrap his mind around it. Even if his own child had been taken, even if he had been recalled as she had, he would still have bowed or saluted, regardless of his mood or personal turmoil. He sympathized with her still, even if her insolence had angered him in the moment he was willing to wordlessly forgive her now.

As he thought his hand fiddled with his necklace, a Human skull hung lowest, Sangheili mandibles ripped from a Heretic were on either side of it, spaced out by Unggoy and Kig-Yar teeth, though most of those on the necklace cord were Human teeth, those that were not had been relieved after fair combat or heresy on the previous owner's part. He had taken his daughter out to hunt several months prior and she took the teeth of her kill to start a necklace of her own.

A smile curved the corners of his fanged mouth as he thought of her, his beautiful daughter, sweet as a summer breeze through a fruit tree, and fiercest of any Jiralhanae children in the Tribe. She looked so much like her Mother, it pained Garatus slightly to see her initially after Jornarus's passing. But it was all better now... his heart did not yearn like it once did. He knew she walked the path now....

His attention was roused when Cicerus approached, his short Cousin displaying proper respect. Garatus returned the nod, though his was not submissive in the slightest, a fierce stare and proudly raised head showed his dominance. He grinned as Cicerus spoke... it was good to hear his eagerness to please, it showed extreme loyalty. Loyalty that doesn't come back to bite.

"Excellent Cicerus, you and your hunters will be vital in the task ahead of us" Garatus said with a pat on the shorter Jiralhanae's shoulder in approval of the bloodthirsty eagerness.


[OOC: Will be continuing on from this into the FOB Charlie thread]

[Faclan]

(Cad out of this mission due to a medical leave by the by, in case peeps were wondering where the lil zealot got to.)

(I'm sure Kart would love to get video of Kael and her Entourage doing rescue work and not shooting at smelly Humans. Just may get eaten for the pictures if the observation files are doing their job :3.)

Tags: Huka, TinCanHitman

Kael Gel - T'vaoan Champion
The Tit Mines
Back to brooding and planning for Leave.

Glancing at the three minors on the other three sides of the square roof covering they nodded and set their cutters down on the sparse dirt of the mostly stone ground they were on. Crouching down to get into a better lifting position the four T'vaoan held the roof just off its severed metal supports and tilted it up, the furthest lifter pushing before it was out of his claws as the other three quickly had the roof thunking down on its edge, before it was flipped over to now be upside down. Nodding at the haulers the ropes were quickly lowered down and the runners were soon shimmying down into the relative darkness of the mine. The other roofs followed suite and the air shafts soon had just seven T'vaoan descending, three down the further shafts and two down each of the closer shafts. It was good progress so far. And Kael clicked her radio twice to signal the Phantom pilots to call in the second two transports. They just had to hope their hidden operation would remain hidden.

But now all they could do is wait for the scouting force to be found now...and the cutting and lifting had made Kael's sore arm pang with some pain as she nodded at the minors who quickly retrieved the cutters and set them neatly by the motorized winches that would pull up the trapped Covenant when they were found. So while they waited Kael took a short walk around to stretch out her also sore left leg from where Garatus had kicked her as she held her shoulder and rolled her arm around. Right now Kael's loyalties and desire to serve weren't in the best of shapes. She wouldn't lead any kind of rebellion, and would shut that down personally if it happened within the ranks of her own species - her Gel heritage made sure she wouldn't betray her employers while on mission. But she knew her other commanders, sans Til perhaps, didn't know that and were likely watching her right now in case she suddenly abandoned her current assignment.

Flexing the her fingers Kael stretched her arm across her chest as she turned to walk back toward the open shaft - the minors and majors standing at guard or ready on the ropes and radios for when word came from in the mine. The damn San 'Shyumm and his little Sangheili pet probably thought her nothing better than a money grubbing bloodthirsty weapon to be pointed at the enemy when loaded with enough Gekz - just the thought of it was enough for Kael to leave. Add on top of that the reaction she got during that damn briefing where Garatus, who she was just starting to respect for being sympathetic to her current plight and being a well respected warrior but now despised, had just bent to the weak chair bound fool and seemed much too eager to do anything he wanted. And they wondered why the Kig-Yar were in general hateful of the Sangheili and the San 'Shyuum - with attitudes like that she was amazed even those two species with their heads in the clouds and up each others rectums couldn't see it.

Finally there was Roh being in the murderous hands of ONI...She would, Aecor willing, head back to Eyan after this mission was completed. See her Mama again, get their differences worked out and then go and find her Son. The San 'Shyuum and his pets clearly thought she wasn't that important with how they had acted. They would have to deal with her leaving for however long it took her to get her ordeals sorted out. Perhaps she could persuade Mag to take her back to Eyan. Let the Entourage decide on an individual basis if they wished to return with her or continue to fight.

Nodding at this plan Kael glanced down into the darkness as she got reports that the runners had touched down on the ground and were beginning the search. Til would understand. Or maybe he wouldn't. He would have to make due regardless - and Kael suspected that he would assume something like this would happen after that briefing. Tuning her radio to contact Til she clicked it thrice to let the Commander know that the operation had started and they were in position. But Kael kept radio silence besides that for the least chance of detection. Talking with Til could be done when it was time for her to leave.


CGR-159, formally SSA-012.
By Huka's Side
Waiting and nervous.

The new Ultra; he was very strict and a rarity among the Yanme'e. Not only for being a male Ultra but for not only liking the Kig-Yar but also the Unggoy AND even the Huragok. In fact the only species he despised were the Humans and the Jiralhanae. Perhaps he had an issue with primates? Similar discussions had been passed back and fourth between the four surviving members of SSA after it had been decided by the Queen that they were not to be put to death and had been reassigned to a new Swarm from the Hives reserves. As such they had been given a new designation, CGR-159 as they were now of the Hive Coven, from the world of Glorious Rebirth, the 159th swarm issued for use by the Covenant. It had been a trying few rotations to get used to their new Ultra, Engineers, and Soldiers. But they were as ready as they could be for this mission. All of the individual bugs had seen combat before, but never as this new unit - but they did very well to hide their trepidations from all but their fellow Yanme'e

Currently the new Swarm were perched by Field Master Til, as the new Ultra wasn't ready to call him Master yet as names like that were reserved for the Queens. So instead the male nodded his horned head to one of the Attaché who opened up her arms slightly to tap out a few words to the two commander Sangheili.

"We await Orders Commanders, wings and claws poised."

[MrKill]

[[ // IMPORTANT: The UNSC has not taken the mines, or created a FOB to defend the mines with. The UNSC is about to attack the mines. Please go back and edit your posts so that you're not:

A: Referencing a completed or under construction FOB on top of the mines.
B: Referencing the defense of the non-existent FOB.
C: Any posts that have you inside or at the mines in a secured state.

Thank you. \\ ]]

[NinjaBoss]

Moe Keating, ODST Private
Near the Mines

Moe pushed the door open and stepped out, grabbing his magnum as he did so. He pointed it forwards and crouched down, ensuring he was clear before he put his guard down. Sam was nearby doing the same thing, holding the M7S she picked for this drop.

"We're clear Private, get your gear and prepare for combat, assault on the mines starts as soon as we've got the go ahead!"

She ordered, and he strapped his sidearm on the outside of his right thigh, turned towards his pod, and pulled his MA5K from it's place, checking it one more time over. The weapon was loaded with one in the chamber, and ready for anything. He clicked the safety just until they were closer to the fight, then turned to see Carson "Cars" running towards Sam, his own weapons ready.

"LC Wilkings, reporting for duty!" He barked, saluting at the same time.

"At ease Cars, get your weapons ready and wait for Zach and Gabby, then we're moving out!" She barked back then turned to Moe again.

"Get ready for the fight Private, this is only your second time in combat. I saw you on Refuge and I have to admit, I'm glad to have you down here covering my ass. But this isn't a joke, there are civilians on the ground still who need rescuing, and I hate to say it but the Covenant have all of their technology. Watch your six and fight well soldier!" She yelled to him, and he smiled slightly as she did so, but then Zach "Goldy" and Gabby approached with all of their equipment, and he knew it was almost time to set off for the mines. This would be a story worth telling, if he lived to the end of it.

[BasedGoody]

Pvt. Samson Schwarz

Closing in on Titanium Mines

'You can't spit'

"...Sit down Schwarz, you can't muh-fuckin' stop me... I drop bombs on this bitch, like it was Nagasa-" Eden suddenly stopped as the presence of Cain towered over him. Samson grinned as their Corporal smacked him upside the head, flipping off his helmet. The bar-dropping Private picked up his previously slapped equipment, shoving it back on. Solomon snickered with his head to the ground, Assault Rifle in his lap.

"Whatchu' laughin' at?" Eden questioned, "You couldn't freestyle to save your life!"

"You wanna bet, fuckboi?" Solomon asked, flopping out his hands in a 'Come at me, bro' stance.

"Unless you guys tryna' get the Covenant to kill 'emselves over your shitty raps, then shut up." Cain ordered, sitting down next to Eden. Samson covered his mouth, stifling a laugh. Solomon pursed his lips and sat back, while Eden held a shit-eating grin on his face. The comedy slowly drifted away, to be replaced by less happy thoughts. The Pelican ride was nothing short of the most anxious time in Samson's life, considering this would be his first taste at live combat. He was excited, but also terrified. The private could feel the feather-like weight of the angel his left shoulder, reassuring him that all would be alright. Unfortunately the devil to his right only needed one whisper, as it weighed enough to instill fear.

"Five minutes." The voice erupted from the cockpit.

"Oh jeez." Eden muttered. The joy had clearly been sucked out of him, as he grew pale. The brown eyes stared down towards the cold floor, and his tapping foot slowed to a stop. Solomon, adjacent to Sam, was in the same state. His hands rested on his rifle, twiddling his thumbs. It was as if he were thumb wrestling with himself but nobody was winning. Things were much easier just moments before the pilot had spoken.

[Cabel]

[Inner Colonies: Planet XVB 2476 “Frontier”: Surface: Reinforced Line near the Mine: Echo Company Sector: 120th MEU: Echo Company: Captain Mark “Spade” Seamus Sorelson]

Sheltered in a make-shift foxhole with a desert camouflaged canvas tarp and netting obscuring it from views from the mine and from above, Mark studied schematics of the mines provided by the local mining company, and if they hadn’t the UNSC would have persuaded them to provide it. Winding tunnels, and massive caverns with a few large enough to have housed an entire regiment of armor while the majority were large enough to house entire companies ran for miles in every direction away from the water-front. Elevator shafts coupled with reinforced stairwells ran to each of deck of the mine, which in turn led to the various tunnels and caverns. Control rooms lay on each deck, most likely with redundancy features and to insure those working in the mines were there for roll call and to make it out in case of a cave-in. The presence of seismic sensors placed throughout the mine had initially meant those working in the mines had an early warning to cave-ins, but in this case Mark knew that the Covenant inside the mines would know roughly when and where any armor assets from warthogs to the scorpions and grizzlies had made it into the mines. With that knowledge, it also meant that the same detection system could work for the marines when they reclaimed the mines and it also meant that a frontal assault by leading men into the mines would be suicidal and Mark had never been of the suicidal notion.

Checking the schematics further, Mark knew the designers of the mine complex had to have designed an auxiliary entrance in mind in case the miners during a cave-in couldn‘t have made it to the reinforced stairwells or elevator shafts. Scrolling through the schematics, there had been a few times he‘d felt he‘d found an auxiliary entrance when the tunnels leading to it had led to a dead-end resulting in Mark having to backtrack. After a few minutes, he‘d found the auxiliary entrance. Making notes on a separate pad, with an old fashioned pen and paper, he‘d start running through the numbers and what assets he had in Echo, Fox, the One-Fifty-Third and the Fifty-Third Combat Engineer Companies. They‘d be able to use the auxiliary entrance, but only if the Covenant hadn‘t planned to use it although with his experience of the Covenant he had had to assume the Covenant had already discovered that entrance. The two or three companies on the ground in a hard line so far against the mine would have to resort to napalm grenades by dropping them down ventilation shafts, and defoliant projectors. If the Fifty-Third with their Aardvarks hadn't been pressed into service or had rather been available, he could have resorted to using them by positioning them at certain emplacements since a tank's armor had still been thicker and more resilient than the ballistics plates worn by an average marine. Unfortunately, if he hadn't been able to use the Aardvarks he'd be able to use those specialist marines equipped with the defoliant projectors while assigning other marines to defend them. While he‘d laid out an initial plan of attack, there had been at least three others coming together in the reaches and synapses of his mind. He hated fighting underground, as with the Water Purification Plant in the last mission, but knew a marine‘s discomfort had to take a backseat in any operation.

His own personal command warthog, along with the three warthog escort laid outside beyond the improvised bunker with the marines scanning the area for any Covenant stinkers on their way. The rest of his company, that of Echo Company, had formed up in dugouts and fire pits or wherever they could have taken some cover with the mine in sight while keeping the old saying that if they could have seen the Covenant the Covenant had been able to have seen them in mind. He knew Fox Company had been to his right equally dug in while the One-Fifty-Third ODST Company had been dropping almost on cue while lastly the Fifty-Third Combat Engineers with their Aardvarks had been in the company of the One-Fifty-Third.

[Guardian Cat of Yappa's]

Captain Kelvin Duncan

120th MEU, 53rd Combat Engineers Attachment, Alpha Company, Callsign: Reaper Actual 

Frontier, Touchdown

Welcome to the front boys

"Move it Reaper, Move!" His voice leaped to every possible ear it could reach. The captain wanted to get dirtside as quickly as possible, the longer they were building the F.O.B the more likely the covvies were to counter attack. Protector had shaken Duncan, around half the men and women he deployed there with were now six feet under, including Hawkens. Now his officers were shaken and he had been assigned some random 1st Lt. whom he hadn't even spoken to yet. Well there's always time for introductions once we get groundside. He guided one of the multiple tracked vehicles needed to prepare the land at the mine for the F.O.B. up into the Albatross.

"Fasten her down tight, I don't wanna see her slide an inch on the ride down." Duncan moved around the vehicle as the duo of combat engineers moved to strap her down, the company was split up among four albatrosses, Duncan chose to ride down with Lt. Benson, who had made a full recovery after his injury on Protector. Benson was busy assigning the various men in his platoons roles for when they hit the ground.

"Benson load'em up I wanted to be on the ground yesterday!"

"Copy that sir, 3rd platoon, load up!"

The marines rushed aboard, each one fastening their gear down as they took a seat. Within the next few minutes the albatrosses were flying.

******

"5 Minutes!" the pilot called out, the platoon becoming alive as they scanned over their weapons. Duncan pulled back on the receiver of his own M6D, the slider moving smoothly as it smacked back into place. The slamming of a magazine coupled with the flick of a thumb against the safety completed the weapons check. He had already ran over his battle rifle earlier, and decided now was the time to issue orders.


"Listen up marines!" His body followed behind his words as the marines all looked up from their gear. " For all you greenhorns aboard this shuttle." He let that statement sink in, most of the marines that had been in third platoon on Protector were transferred over to the other platoons. Which meant only 20% of the marines here had combat experience. " You had your chance to run before, so if I see any of you running from combat today, I will personally put a round square up your ass." He straighten his BDU out for a second well that sank in. "Now that we got that out of the way, our job today marines is to push around and hit the rear of the mine with the 153rd ODST company, the tracked  vehicles will follow in after we have taken the mines."

"Touchdown in half a mike."

"Remember to watch your backs out there marines, you're no good to me in a body bag." 


The feeling of motion stopped as the bay door dropped "Touchdown, give'em hell marines."

"Reaper actual reporting in, Reaper assets are groundside and moving to RV with the 153rd." Duncan called out over the command channel. His marines were already moving for the RV point. 

2nd Lt. Darren "Pyrex" Cariker 

Aviation Combat Element

9th Marine Attack Squadron

Back in Action

Darren's blood was pumping, after half a year being stationed on Reach, he was ready to get into the fight. His foot was tapping away at a hundred miles an hour. The distracting noise getting to the pilots around him, "Chill Pyrex." One of them whispered over his shoulder. He stopped, and took a breath, his mom's voice ringing through his mind. Yea, yea I know I promised ya I'd come home.

The Lt. Colonel for the ninth, a man with gray hair crawling out of the roots to overtake the brown in his hair, entered the room and addressed the pilots. "Alright boys, today's operation is rather simple, the 9th is gonna be flying air cover for the assault on the titanium mines. Sidewinder 1-1 and 1-2 will keep the sky clear of banshees well Sidewinder 2-1 and 2-2 will deliver fire support packages for the troops on the ground. The LtCol. hit a button on his tac-pad, and the lights dimmed so the display on the wall was visible . " Marines from the 120th MEU, along with attached elements, will be attacking the mine on three sides. Cariker, you and Wilkinson will have to watch your fire when you deliver those packages."

The display zoomed out slightly to show the surrounding area, "The mine will become the staging point for marines after covenant forces have been cleared out of it, so use of explosive ordinance has been restricted. That means only 30mm's and gauss rounds. Once the mine has been taken you four will return back to base to refuel and reload, and await new orders." On cue, the lights came back on, signifying the end of the briefing. "Get luck out there, and godspeed."

******

Darren flicked the last of the switches needed to start up the hawk. His mind was already in the zone, " How you doing over there Killjoy?" Darren's hand came down onto his yoke as he Hawk's turbines started to turn. He waited for the clear to go as Killjoy spoke up.

"Listen up Pyrex, I know who you are, and I know your reputation. Do anything stupid to get me shotdown and I'll make sure you wind up like Deacon."

Darren looked over his shoulder, Killjoy's bird was to his right, and the pilot was eyeballing him as he closed the line. "Ignore Killjoy, Pyrex, there's a reason we gave him that nickname."  

The voice that rang into his ear now Joker, otherwise going by 1-1 for this op. "He's never been a lively one, you'll get used to it."

Darren simply gritted his teeth, he would have to deal with Killjoy later. "Copy that Joker." Darren kinda hopped that they would need alot of strike packages now. 


"All Sidewinder elements, clear for takeoff, bring the rain." With that, Darren was off with the rest of the Sidewinder element.

Sergeant Maximilian "Drake" Fields

120th MEU, Echo Company, 1st Platoon, 2nd Squad

Front Line Work

The Sergeant had opted in for the security detail at the captain's bunker. After their last operation on Protector, he figured the captain would like the security force to have some kind of friendly face. So now, here was Drake, organizing his squad around a bunker, on some backwater planet. He couldn't help but chuckle a little bit, this was like nothing the recruiting officer had promised him back on Mars. He didn't care though, he was in his element right now, even if some of his men were a bit shaken up after the last few ops.

"First team, you're out here in the front. If an enemy tries attacking this bunker, they're gonna have to go through you." He said, pointing to first team's C.O. "Second team, you got bunker duty with me, we're gonna be inside and on the front perimeter. They make it past first team, then we kill the bastards." He looked at Mitchell, the marine had lost his cool during their last operation on a Innie frigate, and so he wanted to keep him under his eye. "Mendez, your team is gonna cover the warthogs, make sure they're ready to move when the captain gives the word." He let the orders sink in for a split second, "Get to it marines!" The energy rushed out of his lungs and hopefully into the marines as he picked up his MA5c and walked into the bunker.

"Security detail is moving into place sir, we won't be getting any unwelcome guests anytime soon." He stated, taking a place by the captain's side. "This feels like the water plant all over again sir." It was bugging Drake, and he didn't want to lose another squad to the covvies.

Private First Class Joseph Sherman
120th MEU, Twelfth Reconnaissance Company, Sniper
Setting up shop

Sherman had to admit, being a sniper wasn't so bad, he hadn't been face to face with a covvie yet and he had gotten a few kills already. Course the best part of the job was spending time with Savannah, even if he had trouble talking to her. Currently they were set up on one of the hills that had a viewpoint into the mine. They had gone to work and built a nest in the side of the hill, using local foliage that was growing on the side of the hill for cover. So now here he was, sitting, waiting, watching the mine through his scope. Most of the covvies had retreated underground, but there were still a few above ground fighting, probably to try and prevent us from gunning them down in the mines. 


"Hey Savannah, my uh m..my range finder says that they're 900 meters out, if I uh, well if I hit my mark on this first shot, awe, you help me get a date with someone?"


The sound of uncontrollable laughter being suppressed by two hands filled their little nest. "You're funny Sherman, and if I win", which means you miss, you have to hook me up with an ODST." She knew it would never happen, the ODSTs had no respect for recon, but Sherman honestly felt he wouldn't miss. "Deal!"

Savannah just stared at him, "Alright make the shot hotshot."


Sherman looked down his scope, and sighted up on a grunt, his bulking orange methane tank providing an easy target. He prepared to fire his weapon, took a deep breath, exhaled, and squeezed the trigger.

[Cabel]

[Inner Colonies: Planet XVB 2476 “Frontier”: Surface: Reinforced Line near the Mine: Echo Company Sector: 120th MEU: Echo Company: Captain Mark “Spade” Seamus Sorelson]

“Security detail is moving into place, Sir. We won’t be getting any unwelcome guests anytime soon,” Sergeant Max “Drake” Fields stated, taking a place by the Captain‘s side. Mark had known the man, had even recommended him for a citation for saving his hide in their last mission on Protector in the same Water Purification Plant after he’d been rendered unconscious. “This feels like the Water Plant all over again, Sir,”

“I’m glad I’m not the only one, Drake,” Spade replied. “I’d rather be fighting in an urban setting compared to underground, or surrounded by trees. We lost a lot of good people that day, and I know you’re beating yourself over them. I’ve been there, and yes, I beat myself up over it too. The Covenant are dug in, even if it’s a scout force, but let’s not underestimate them. I’d rather the men take their time, carefully rather than getting shot up. I’m sure you can appreciate that,”

“If the waterfront had been nearby and the mine closer, we could have diverted one of the channels into the mines flushing out the Covenant stragglers. Unfortunately, that isn’t an option. Why are mines always in the middle of nowhere? Even the old Gold Prospectors knew they needed water to help sift through the gold stored within…I’m sorry, Drake. I was rambling,”

“I have mortar crews set up to cover any attempts on the mine, and have assigned some gunners with the M247’s, SPUNKRs and the Rocket hogs to deter any Covenant from dropping in by air. I’m hoping the commander of Fox Company has taken the appropriate measures too. With Fox Company to our right, the One-Fifty-Third coming in behind the mine with the Fifty-Third, you’d think I’d feel better about taking on that complex. I wonder if this is how the marines felt in the jungles of Vietnam, in that War and how the marines felt in the Jungle Wars uncertain of the strength of their opposition or even what their opposition held in store. Though, if memory serves, the First and Second Battle of El Alamain would have been more accurate,”

“Thanks for seeing to the detail digging in. We’re going to be facing both the forces within that mine, and whatever reinforcements they managed to call out for. Drake, I didn’t thank you enough for saving my hide on Protector. I can’t say it enough, and I hope one day you’ll have an NCO that’ll be as quick on his or her feet as you were,”

“Have the defoliate projector equipped specialists arrived yet? I have a feeling we’re going to need them before we can take back that mine. If only we had a Company cook, I’d be able to make some trail stew and then we’d be able to at least force them to surrender without a shot fired. My own kids found a boot more palatable,”

“Have some water. Spread the word for the men to take time to stay hydrated, and to refill their canteens or hydration bladders when they can. I’d rather not have anyone keeling over from heat exhaustion,”

[SPARTAN-A120]

Corporal Fredrick Mitchell
120th MEU, ECo./2/15, 1PLT-2nd Squad
Echo Company’s Staging Area, Planet XVB 2476 - Frontier
“Embrace the Suck”
(Tags: Cabel & Guardian Cat of Yappa's)

Corporal Mitchell was already in a grim mood before the mission had started. During his deployment with his fireteam and squad towards the West side of Frontier’s Titanium Mines, he had remained silent for most of the ride. Besides reporting important information from the transport’s pilots that ran down the chain-of-command, he was stone-faced.

That was how he coped. The loss of his Private under his command was devastating. It had hit harder than the other deaths because Luis was just a kid who had just graduated boot camp no longer than six months ago. There was also something else that triggered Mitchell’s emotional outburst during his recent mission in the newly formed 120th Marine Expeditionary Unit. He had actually paid attention to the death of one of his subordinates. Throughout his time as a Marine, he had learned to shunned the deaths of Marines around him to focus on the mission. He either let the Corpsmen handle it or he let one of his team members handle it. But what happened during that mission was different. It changed Mitchell from within. Instead of just shoving the deaths of his fellow Marines aside, he felt he was obligated to help when it was necessary. Whether it was to apply first aid, pulling a Marine out of the line of fire, or just assisting in saving a life like he did before he was promoted to Corporal, Mitchell realized that the importance of never leaving a fellow Marine behind was imperative. If he had continued his cold shunning of his brothers’ deaths, what kind of human had he become? Would he rather be considered as a Covenant soldier; willing to destroy humanity? No. This was not human. No Marine left behind. Mitchell had to change and it meant taking a bullet or a plasma round again if he had to for the men and women who fought along his side.

Mitchell applied his thoughts into his actions when the jerk of the Albatross’ landing ended his intense daydream. The awkward silence was broken when the Albatross had landed and Mitchell became the team leader he was known for. He issued orders for a short march towards the Titanium Mines to set up for the raid to eradicate the Covenant forces that were barricaded within.

When the Marines had arrived at their desired rally point along with Foxtrot Company, everyone started to set up camp and observations posts to prepare for the raid. Mitchell’s new team member, Private First Class Trevor McMillan, got along fine with Mitchell’s team. The kid had prior experience in combat and was in the original 7th MEB before it had merged with the 120th MEU. Of course, the initial meeting of McMillan and Mitchell’s fireteam was like water and fire, but Mitchell and his team soon accepted him as a brother. What made McMillan more interesting was that he was able to adjust to the fireteam’s methods, tactics, and cohesive mobilization in open and confined environments. the young PFC’s eagerness to learn won the likeability from the team and they got along just fine.

*****

Mitchell and his team were on the crest of a small hill that was close to his Company’s position, observing the mines with binoculars. His BR55’s optics did not have good enough magnification for such range so a pair binoculars was the way to go. His BR55 was also mounted with a M301 Grenade Launcher just incase some indirect fire support was necessary.

“Feels like Earth,” Mitchell said, addressing the weather condition of the planet. “Well, the arid regions to be specific. The Middle East, India, and other countries. It was pretty green closer to the shore up north of here.”

“Dammit. Had me thinking Earth was full of deserts,” LCpl. Carter replied, who was on Mitchell’s left side in a similar prone position. The automatic rifleman was from Mars.

“Hey, I’d be fine with some desert. But I gotta give it to ya, I’m a winter person,” PFC. Gordon commented, who was to Mitchell’s right side, scoping out out the mine with the magnified optic of his BR55HB Service Rifle. “I rather be chilling in the cold than sweating my ass off in a desert. Although, this desert is not so bad.”

“Agreed,” PFC. McMillan chimed in, who was laid out prone to the right of Gordon. “Seventy Nine Degrees Fahrenheit isn’t so bad.”

Mitchell heard his Sergeant issuing orders that drew his attention. "Second team, you got bunker duty with me, we're gonna be inside and on the front perimeter. They make it past first team, then we kill the bastards," Sergeant Fields said. The squad leader turned to face Mitchell to apply emphasis to his orders. Well, that was what Mitchell interpreted the gesture as. Or, it could've been some kind of message that addressed how Mitchell behaved in the prior mission with the Insurrectionist ship.

“Copy that, Sergeant. The Covvies won’t make it past our line,” Mitchell replied to Fields. He then rallied up his fireteam and proceeded down hill towards Echo Company CO’s makeshift camp that consisted of a foxhole, some camouflage netting, and a few equipment to decorate.

It was the first time meeting his new CO. Captain Sorelson was a man with great reputation and experience according to a few Marines of Echo and Mitchell sought to impress the man with expertise in organizing a security detail. Mitchell used hand signals to tell where his fireteam should be positioned and formed a semicircle within the the vicinity of the camp. They automatically started to form small trenches and deployed desert camouflaged netting over themselves to conceal themselves from enemy air assets and make it more difficult to be seen from the mine. Without a doubt, their desert patterned camo provided decent concealment when prone, but it was proper since the ballistic plates of their armor had some reflective surfaces under the sun.

Mitchell did not intend to interrupt Sorelson and Fields’ friendly exchange so he waited until they finished before he felt it was a good time to speak. “In position Sergeant,” Mitchell said to Fields. He then turned to face the Captain.

Sorelson’s appearance was definitely on par with what Mitchell expected. The man had aged well, but he kept his uniform sharp and precise. His voice was rough like a Corps’ Drill Instructor. He didn't want to stare at his CO for too long so he spoke to him before returning to his own position to start digging a trench and covering himself with a camo net. “Sir, it's an honor to be under your command,” Mitchell said to the Captain.

[Kart]

Private Evo Aguellez
Combat Camera Operator, Attached to MEU
Frontier Titanium Mines

He'd hitched a ride on a Warthog for most of the trip, but he'd had to walk the last few minutes. When he was informed that the Information Corps wanted a field camera to record and photograph the operation's XO, he'd jumped at the chance, even if it meant pounding dirt for a mile or two. He was slightly out of breath when he arrived at the flagged LZ, toting camera on his shoulder. To his surprise, the LZ was empty.

Did I actually arrive here first?

He looked around at the rather generic landing zone. He'd been told to wait and report to Lieutenant Colonel Alisha Clarks, who appeared to be nowhere around. Huh. Maybe I did--

It was then that he spotted the Albatross in the distance, swooping down, trailing a tail of clouds in its wake. There are times when a man is a marine, and his reflexes take over to get the job done. Usually, this happens when a guy's facing down an Elite or something. For Evo Aguellez, getting the perfect backlit shot of a landing Albatross did the same thing.

His camera smoothly rolled off his shoulder into his arms, his eyes automatically matching up to the viewfinder and his fingers taking picture after picture. This was one shot he wouldn't mess up. This is what it meant to do his job well.

Hopefully the Lieutenant Colonel would agree.

[Huka]

Field Marshal Til ‘Muramai

Staging Area of the Covenant Army

Human Colony classified as ‘Frontier’

The Hive is stirring

The young Field Marshal nodded to his elder’s advice upon the Jiralhanae’s positioning but they were already on their mark and to change strategy now will make him look foolish in not seeing all options on the first review. No, Til wasn’t keen on entertaining that thought too much. Positioning was key and giving the enemy a lapse opening in their indecision didn’t mingle in his thoughts.

“They are my vanguard to the rebels’ outpost and a new front, the water engine will be another’s attention.” The commander replies almost eerily as if he have a dark thought related to it. “The pack will be re-assigned to where they are needed. With our limited numbers, we can’t afford to stretch too thin or the humans will pick at us like scavengers and our air supports may not catch them in time.” Flicking to different angles and aspects of his handheld war-map, Til watched the humans mobilize to the offensive to his frontlines. His skin tensed a bit, looking and recalled the numerous classifications and possibilities involved for what felt like precious minutes at a time outwardly, but inside his own private sanctum - his crested avian helmet and its personal computers controlled by the intricate and highly-personalized work of his mandibles - he was plotting more in selecting key areas for the wraiths to strike and ghosts linked to their leading General’s command.

Then he channeled to his chosen champions in the frontline, “Honorable Brothers, the humans are blazing their way to the frontlines. Upon my word, make sure your objective is complete. Lead the sect to victory.” It took a moment before a harmonious grind of organic vocalization returned to a gravelly rumble that pleased the warlord’s ears, reminded so much of the connection between souls that Spiritualists shine upon.

“Your will is our command, Field Marshal.”

Clicking his map closed, Til sighed out and ended link to turn away from the battlefield with a swift stride. The humans and their infernal imps will come to test the officers' mettle soon enough. “Tell me, Holy Light. With our given forces, if given the chance, how would you handle the humans’ water plant?” He asks humbly to Kubar, willing to hear the fellow war hero's strategy...it feels like it have been ages since he heard another’s sound tactics.

Administrative edit: The battle for the mine has not yet started.

[Arusani]

Staff Sergeant Andreas Frost, (Attached to MEU) 153rd ODST company 3rd platoon NCO
Frontier
The New LT,

"3rd Platoon, I know we're all collected, but now it's time to move again. We're to rally with the 53rd. The rest of the company should already be enroute. We've got another few clicks to go, book it marines!" Came the loud command from an unrecognized ODST. Frost looked around for the source of the command until he saw a tall ODST with the LT ranks on his kit.

"You heard the man ladies. Move out!" He said to his squad. The whole platoon took off at quick time. Frost fell in next to the LT.

"Frost right?" He asked.

"Correct sir. You are?"

"Lt. Wash. I read your file when you were brought in. Your quite the good guy for what's happened to you." The Lt stated.

"Yea, the arm's a pain, but I remember my pain was only a little while, there are others who have made worse sacrifices. So I'm not worried about the arm, I am worried for my people and the rest is history." Frost replied. His hands went to the place where the dog-tags were hidden in his armor.

"Well it's nice to have you here. You ready for the coming fighting?" The Lt asked. It was quite obvious he was trying to pass time at this point.

"Sir, no offense, but I am always ready to kill those who would hurt my squad." Frost replied as he burst forward. ahead of the Lt. he was done talking he needed to focus.

"Eyes up friendly birds incoming." Came a shout from some of the faster ODSTs at the front.

"That's the 53rd's albatross." Came another. Frost continued on moving he could gawk later.

----

He had eyes on the RV point they were just about there. second or fourth had already converged on the hill and had begun setting up a small camp to wait for orders to move forward on the mine.

"Attention fellow ODSTs. 3rd squad's here for the party where do you need us?" Frost called before loosing attention as he spotted a wild desert flower. He was admiring the plant when he got a tap on the shoulder. Bethany stood to his left, and suddenly Frost returned to his mind.

"The LT took the others down already. Me and my team stayed behind to make sure you weren't left for dead." She stated. Frost knew what she meant. He had drifted again and it was time to move. Frost nodded and the group ascended tot eh small camp set up while they waited.

Private First Class Arusani Felsh
In Atmosphere, Frontier
Prep time

Arusani looked out the hatch as it opened. she had already slung the sniper rifle and it rested gently on her back. It was time to move out with her the last of her company. Foxtrot was already down, with the exception of fourth platoon who had to wait.

"bravo team, the Sarge spotted a cliff with a decent view of the enemy's position. Since we've got the squad's sniper, we're to set up there." Corporal Licina stated bluntly. "No fighting this time kids!" She said glaring at Arusani. Arusani knew why she had said such things while glaring at her. She had already started two fights with Gibson when the team was put together. Arusani nodded her understanding. The group of four took off for the indicated cliff face. It wasn't very far from their landing zone, but as they neared the cliff Arusani spotted why the Aarge had said something. On the cliff face, about the length of a bus was a cave. It was small so it couldn't have had any connection to the caves. Althoguh there was a small worn path up from the ground to the cave.

"Gibson take point." Licina grumbled after he had whispered soemthign to her. He looked down but began walkimg to make sure he had done what she ordered. Arusani shrugged and began to follow, but heather put her hand on her shoulder and began following Gibson. Arusani wondered what had just happened, but didn't press the issue and fell in 3rd with Licina at the rear. The walk was silent, but short and soon they were in the cave. Arusani clicked on her flashlight and spotted what the cave was. it was an old hiding place for some form of smuggler. It was filled with empty bottles, crates of indistinguishable items, and a lonely deck of cards rested gently on a shorter crate. Arusani grunted before looking back out the cave. Surely enough it was a great vantage point for looking over the large desert plains before them. Arusani removed the sniper from her it's spot on her back and laid down on the ground, as she pulled her bi-pod's legs down. She rested the sniper down as Heather lay next to her binoculars coming form the pack she had.

"Gibson, let's clean up around here, we need to be ready for anything." Licina said as the sniper and the spotter pair finished setting up on the floor of the cave.

[Cabel]

[Inner Colonies: Planet XVB 2476 “Frontier”: Surface: Reinforced Line near the Mine: Echo Company Sector: 120th MEU: Echo Company: Captain Mark “Spade” Seamus Sorelson]

“Sir, it’s an honor to be under your command,” he heard from Corporal Fredrick Mitchell. Turning around a little to face the young Corporal, Mark let his attention drift from Drake whom he had been sure had been more then pleased that one of his marines had taken the time to report.

“Take it easy, Corporal. This isn’t a parade ground, but I do appreciate the effort. The honor is mine Corporal Mitchell, though if you’re going to be an NCO in my Company we’re going to find you a nickname. It makes things a little easier, both to remember and when we’re in the thick of it. I'm kidding. Nicknames are always optional, and depends on whether you want one. I may be the CO of Echo Company, but it is to each of you that I owe my life and that the human race is able to see the sun rise at dawn each morning. You have my eternal gratitude, but that said it doesn’t even cover it. I’ll let Drake set up your rotations, but I want each of you to…and Drake may agree, to get some time out of the sun. Even if it is mildly comfortable outside, sun poisoning is a very real threat. Stay hydrated, stay in the shade when you can and if we’re still out here by nightfall find a tarp or your sleeping rolls to place beneath you. At night, the sand can sap your strength and warmth. Pass word to your fellow marines, and keep your head,”

“If one of your squad mates starts to feel tired, get them out of the sun and off the sand. Bring them in here and get them to cool off. That goes for you too, Corporal and for you Drake. If you start feeling exhausted, come in here off the line and let someone else take your place. I want you, and the others to stay alive. I mean it. Keep yourself safe,” Spade replied.

[MrKill]

Colonel Johnathon B'Sheau Killinger
120th MEU: Mines
'Frontier'

The Albatross seemed to coast towards the surface, almost gracefully landing on the extended gear as the hatches along the sides of the heavy drop-ship opened up. John was the first one out of this particular craft, though long past were the days when he was the first on and last off. Top brass simply didn't allow that anymore, not when you commanded over two thousand Marines.

Marines had been gathering from all across the MEUs ranks. Every single infantry company was ready to advance, and judging by the reports he was given, most of the Combat Engineers and orbital drop shock troopers were mostly on the ground.

"So Colonel, any suggestions on a RV point when our rides touch down?" Lieutenant Colonel Clarks said. To quote an old saying, John merely replied with 'to war' in his mind. Obviously, however, that's not what he would actually say to his new executive officer.

"We won't RV until the mines are secure," John replied. "We need to stay a safe distance from each other so the command element stays operational. If we both get killed by the same thing, or the same event, this MEU will be in trouble. A company commander in the Marines would have to take our spot... they have enough to worry about." John added, finishing his sentence.

"Sir!" The pilot of the Albatross that John had disembarked from called out.

"Go ahead," John replied on the private channel that had been raised. "What's going on?"

"Covenant reinforcements inbound, multiple drop ships have been detected on approach. With the amount of drop ships they have they'll be in the hundreds on the ground. Orders?"

John thought a moment. "Return to the airbase. See if you can get me some additional air support." John said.

"Roger that, sir. Good luck." The pilot replied, cutting the channel from their end.

John knew what additional Covenant reinforcements meant. Their fleet was in range to send some, but how long did they wait to get to the planet was the question. As far as John knew the UNSC was still maintaining orbital superiority, did the Covenant risk sending another scout force to reinforce the one on the planets surface?

Perhaps John still had the advantage. If he could take the mines, secure the facility before more Covenant forces arrived, then he could dig in and prepare to defend the area.

"All vectors this net, this is Guardian Actual, begin the second phase. I repeat, all vectors this net begin second phase, out." John said over the encrypted MEU channel, it meant that everyone in the MEU, including the 53rd CE and 153rd ODSTs heard it. The final phase was actually taking the mines, it was time to roll up.

"Reaper Actual, Guardian Actual. Stand by for new orders, break." John said, pulling out his tactical pad. He brought up the map. "Captain, if you brought any of those automated seventy mike mike defense guns we'll need them set up at soon as you can in an outbound direction. They'll detect any incoming troops without a neural implant, they should be your first priority in securing the immediate perimeter. Covenant reinforcements will be on top of us moments after we arrive at the mines, how copy, over." John said in the 53rd CE command channel.

He switched over to Second Battalions channel. "Echo to Hotel Actual, this is Guardian Actual. Get your Marines in deep, launch the offensive. Out."

This was it, time to take the mines.

[arkonoridan]

Lieutenant Henry Anvil -

4th Armored, "Hammers" 120th MEU,

"Hammer Actual"

Tags: MrKill

Henry yawned. Next to him, Scotch gave him the 'Really.' look. In response, Henry shrugged. He had known scotch for a while now, ever since he had first been given control of the Grizzly. Scotch was a good man, but he didn't talk much, preferring to communicate with actions. Henry could respect that, and had learned to work with Scotch relatively easily in the cockpit of the Grizzly.

"All vectors this net, this is Guardian Actual, begin the second phase. I repeat, all vectors this net begin second phase, out." The radio sputtered out, before clicking off. Nodding, Henry depressed the reply button.

"Hammer Actual to Guardian, Acknowledged, moving to the mine. All quiet on the perimeter so far."

That said, he released the radio, and took hold of his firing yokes. While Scotch was an excellent pilot of the war machine, Henry preferred to control the guns himself. In his mind, he thought it showed he was willing to take the blame for any failure, but in reality Scotch thought Henry just enjoyed shooting the Big guns.

Henry tracked the main guns back and forth along the horizon, even though he could already see everything around him on his display. Scotch thought this was a nervous habit of his Lieutenants, not able to sit still when a battle was about to start.

Signaling to the other tanks to follow him, the 4th started moving with Echo Company, making sure to pull ahead so they had clear lines of fire.

They formed up into an uneven line, each separated by twenty or thirty meters, and spaced oddly to confuse any incoming anti-tank ordinance.

[NinjaBoss]

Moe Keating, ODST Private
Advancing on the Mines

"All vectors this net, this is Guardian Actual, begin the second phase. I repeat, all vectors this net begin second phase, out."

The go ahead was broadcast across their communications, and all around them marines and ODST's alike began to move. The fight was about to begin.

"You ready soldiers? Move out!" The LC barked, and Moe pulled himself off of his knee, shouldering his MA5K and moving forwards with the rest of them. Cars had his M6D pointed towards the mines while Zach and Gabby both ran one last check on their weapons, his battle rifle and her light machine gun. Sam darkened her helmet and moved forwards half running in a half crouch, sighting down her M7S. Their fireteam leader was all business.

Moe followed suit, darkening his own visor after one last check on his MA5K. The visual readout was functioning just fine, with a full clip of 30 rounds ready to go. He switched off the safety and chambered a round, then moved towards the mines with the rest of the UNSC.

He thought to himself of their last engagement, which was rather convenient because and emp blast had shut down all technology. Their electronics didn't work, but their weapons still did, which was more than could be said for the Covenant. But this wasn't Refuge, and they wouldn't be that lucky this time. Moe took a deep breath to try to slow down his heartbeat, which was beating like a chorus of drums. The shooting would start in mere minutes, and they were about to be in the thick of it.

[rickrtickr]

ODST Staff Sergeant Malcom Reynolds
153rd ODST company
Frontier
PREP FOR DROP

Malcom Had been waiting for the order to come in from the Colonel and the time had finally come down as across the comm.

"All vectors this net, this is Guardian Actual, begin the second phase. I repeat, all vectors this net begin second phase, out."

the time had come to drop at last. while most of the ODST had dropped an hour or so before but a few were saved for the actual assault on the mine and as Malcom's team was a demolitions team they were not needed in place to prepare the staging grounds for the attack. Now however the hammer was coming down, rather literally as that had been the unofficial nick name that his group had been given in the 105th now however the group had yet to gain any title other than the delta 6 title given the squad with their reassignment to the 153rd ODST company.

His team had been ordered to the drop pods with the other ODSTs and had geared up and because of their later deployment time had actually been given a slightly better amount of firepower to bring along to the surface with them. Malcom hoped to have the luxury of a warthog to stow the extra munitions that might prove vital if the marines came across any covenant troops sealed into any areas of the mine.

That was when a voice came over the on-board comm of the HEV, "Drop in 10..9..8..."

"Here we go boys time for a little trip to show those Covenant who think they are so advanced."

Corporal Cagney came on the comm, "Don't worry sir we'll show em who is boss."

The countdown finished, "..2..1... Bye boys"

And then we were on our fast trip to battle.

[Faclan]

(Damn we aliens are outnumbered hard here - gona be interesting P: .)

Tags: -

Kael Gel - T'vaoan Champion
The Tit Mines
Still waiting for contact.

No response from Master Til from her non vocal report, perfect. At least the Sangheili pilots contacted her to tell her than the other two Phantom's were inbound to the rescue operation. Just had to hope that those remained undetected - as she and her troops seemed to be so far.

But she waved at her troops for silence as she listened carefully to a radio report and to confirm it for herself. The hidden observer files had reported that a large Human force was approaching...and Kael could hear the distant rumble and bellow of their engines. They were bringing tanks to a mine assault? Typical Human strategy at least. But they probably had some aircraft as well so they would need to be careful. Quickly cheeping and squawking out some orders her troops lowered down closer the ground and hiding behind the short built up shaft tops where the roofs used to be attached to as the Phantoms scooted to be a bit more hidden behind some of the sparse brush.

A real serious fly over would probably spot them, not to mention all the missing roofs, but it was the best they could do as they didn't bring along a large Covenant tower to completely hide their signature from anything besides visual identification. All they could do right now was sit and wait for the trapped soldiers to be found and Kael hated all of it so far. Way too much waiting and way too many Humans that close to them that could easily wipe them all out, the transports too. Then if any of them were still alive they would be essentially stranded. With a massive line of Humans between the survivors and the Covenant on this planet.

Not something any of them wanted. But they had to wait until the troops were found or their bodies were so they could leave. Some more insidious thoughts sliding into Kael's mind as she rested with her back against the metal top of the shaft. Mostly about how the San 'Shyuum's little pet would find some way to betray her since he wasn't able to punish her directly.


(CGR-159 (Aka SSA-012) still beside Huka and other Commander Jelly.)

[SPARTAN-A120]

Corporal Fredrick Mitchell
120th MEU, ECo./2/15, 1PLT-2nd Squad
Echo Company’s Staging Area, Planet XVB 2476 - Frontier
“Talk like a Big Boy”
(Tags: Cabel & Guardian Cat of Yappa's)

Mitchell had expected Cpt. Sorelson to reply in a manner of "Less talking. More working," but the Company Commander's reply was relieving. Sorelson had shown humor on the battlefield which eased the tension that was developing on Mitchell's shoulders. Mitchell replied to the Captain about the nickname, "Sir, the nickname is up to you. Whether my performance on this mission should decide the nickname, then I will do my best. Unlike some Marines around here, we actually take pride in defending those who lead us. Because without leaders, we are disorganized. Yes, each Devil Dog may possess the basic starter kit in being a leader, but with all due respect, sir, you are the one who is qualified because of OCS and your experience. I may be a team leader, but I am not yet fit to be a commander of a company of Marines."

Mitchell paused for a moment, realizing that he was ranting to his CO when they both could've been using their valuable time to plan and prepare.

"My apologies, sir. I do not wish to intrude upon your duties any further. My men will stay fueled and in tip-top shape, sir," Mitchell concluded with Cpt. Sorelson while giving him a nod.

Just when Mitchell was about to return to his trench, his comms cracked to life and a familiar voice filled his headset, "All vectors this net, this is Guardian Actual, begin the second phase. I repeat, all vectors this net begin second phase, out."

It was the CO of the 120th MEU, Colonel Killinger. The man that Mitchell evacuated planet Protector with. He turned to take a look at Sorelson, then Sgt. Drake. It was time to take action.

"Orders?" Mitchell asked to both of the Marines with higher paygrades than him.

[Cabel]

[Inner Colonies: Planet XVB 2476 “Frontier”: Surface: Reinforced Line near the Mine: Echo Company Sector: 120th MEU: Echo Company: Captain Mark “Spade” Seamus Sorelson]

“I’ve come to learn that if you don’t feel you’re fit, or ready to be a commander in the field and to lead men then you are a commander. You fit the billet. I’d rather have marines who felt humble, felt that they had to try harder rather than ones whom felt they were born with a silver spoon in mouth and a golden toe,” Mark replied. “An old commander, General Lee, of the Confederacy in the Civil War once said that if you love to fight you join the Army. If you love the Army, you take command. If you take command, you must be willing to destroy that which you love. I don’t expect my marines to destroy or kill their brothers and sisters in arms, but I expect devotion, determination, resourcefulness, humility and confidence. You, and Drake have shown both of you have demonstrated those qualities already, and I know it’s only a fraction of what you can do. I enlisted, became a Private and rose through the ranks. I was an NCO for several decades, and drilled marine recruits on the grounds of Ft. Lewis in Washington State. I taught those marine recruits what they needed to know, not what they wanted to and to follow their instincts. If they hated me for it, I didn’t care and I still don’t. If they came away with something I’d instructed them, that’s all I need. I can see your own Drill Instructors in you, Corporal and I can see them in every marine that has been a part of and is still a part of this Company. We didn’t create you. You did. We only showed you what you were made of, but you decided what you could and can still do. You’ll make a fine officer, Corporal,”

“A marine’s nickname speaks volumes of their character, their tactics and their tenacity or resourcefulness. If you think of one you’d like, or that fits, it’s yours. If not, we’ll decide on one. For the record, I’m known as Spade. I earned that name on the moon of Echidna in the early twenty-twenties. I dig in, put in my all, but I know when to fall back. I won’t waste the lives of marines, and I always go back for them. Some call me an Ace while others call me a pain in the ass, but I get the job done. The Insurrectionists learned it the hard way, as have the Covenant. If I have anything to say about it, we’ll kick them back to whatever moon they came from,”

“All vectors this net, this is Guardian Actual. Begin the second phase. I repeat, all vectors this net begin second phase, out,” blared the Colonel’s voice over the com-links in Mark’s helmet and the field-com set that had been set up inside the make-shift foxhole manned by a communication’s specialist marine.

Sliding the notepad into a pocket along with the pencil, he‘d save the data on the Padd and slid it into another pocket and rose to his feet. Having reached for his rifle from where it had rested against the small fold-out table next to him, he’d chambered a round and chambered a round in the chrome-plated M6B Officer’s variant. Though, setting the rifle aside he’d open a com-link to check up on the Defoliant Projector issued marine teams. “We’ll play this smart. Drake knows what happened in the Water Plant, and I sure as hell don’t want to wake up from another plasma-induced hangover,”

Movement caught his eye, a slight even subtle shifting that in turn caused the entire profile of the mines to seemingly move on its own. An impossible notion, but considering the sights he’d seen during both the war against the Insurrectionist and more recently against the Covenant had caused him to grow a sense of skepticism. Stepping over to small observation slit between the dune, the sandbag barrier and the camouflaged net and tarp, Mark used the enhanced function on his helmet’s HUD aimed at the mines. Honing in on the mine a few times, he’d let his eyes take in the massing marines, tanks and other equipment before panning out to focus on the mines. Several shield barriers had been erected by the Covenant, barriers he and his marines had encountered more times than could be counted, and if the roles had been reversed he wouldn’t have erected them that close to the main shaft or had allowed them to be that visible. If his Company had been hemmed in in the mines, he would have seen to the barriers having been placed farther back into the mine tunnels complete with concealed gun emplacements and marksmen.

The notion his Covenant counterpart would have allowed such sloppy defenses hadn’t meant his counterpart had been incompetent or inexperienced, but meant his counterpart had felt their technological superiority would trump those of the marines. Scanning farther up the slope of the mine complex, he’d found his suspicions had been well laid. The protected cylindrical air vents that normally had been found or were found anchored to the top of a mine complex or covered landfill as a thermal vent had been missing. The schematics Mark had perused earlier had shown the mine’s roof had at least a few dozen of the cylindrical vents anchored to give the miners fresh air, and to insure an emergency shaft if the others had failed leading Mark to the sole conclusion the vents had been removed by the Covenant either to place snipers or skirmishers. Honing in with the zoom function of the HUD, Mark spotted both movement and the hunched over mottled form of feather and stretched sinews of a Jackal attempting to conceal itself in the flora that had sprouted from the soil atop the mine. Slowly panning to left to find other concealed Jackal-forms before sweeping to the right to find others and in a small ovoid pattern to find even more laying in wait brought admiration or at least some admiration from Mark to his Covenant counterpart until the sunlight reflecting off of a thruster’s cowling and the armored hull plating of a Phantom dropship caught his attention. Following the sleek lines, almost organic, Mark came to the realization the dropships had both been to evacuate the trapped Covenant scout force and to provide aerial firepower.

“Get word to the snipers and marksmen teams. Have them zoom in on the slopes of the mine, at coordinates…” he’d order, relaying the grid coordinates of the Jackals and dropships his own HUD relayed to him. “We have Jackal snipers, and marskmen on the slopes. I’ve spotted at least one Phantom dropship hidden among them. They’re laying low, among the brush atop that mine. Those buggers have managed to remove the mine vents. Relay it to the Hornets and Vultures, whatever form we’re going to get in air support to keep fire on that hill top. Strafe with their guns to keep them pinned down, but to give themselves enough altitude to remain out of the reach of their artillery. If we don’t clear out those Covenant teams, they’ll have ample time to fire down on our advance. Hell, they’ll probably only have to roll rocks down on our marines. Spread word to Foxtrot Company, the One-Five-Three, the Five-Three Combat Engineers and send it back to the main assembly area,”

<tag Spartan A-120, Yappa’s Cat, anyone else in the command foxhole>

[MrKill]

Colonel Johnathon B'Sheau Killinger
120th MEU
Mines

"You just saw the same thing I just did, Captain." John said as he entered the foxhole Sorelson either created himself or had his marines dug up. The Captain had been looking at a Phantom, one of the two mainstream dropships in service with the Covenant military, but John didn't know that there were more on approach. The senior feild officer had been on the ground for about five minutes traversing the terrain, but it wasn't entirely rough. He just needed to make sure other elements of the Marine unit he commanded were on the ground and actually advancing. So far, the two companies along the other roads were pushing forward. The 153rd and 53rd Companies should have started their advance by now. "Air support is on the way from the airbase. Some Marine SPARROWHAWKS will be providing us air superiority as well as local UNSC Airforce Longswords. We call it in, they mop it up."

In the same command tent were familiar faces. The young man, a Corporal in rank, that had provided his services on the classified planet of Sanctuary. John was still disappointed that the shield domes and the research gone into attempting a shield of sorts was fruitless. The other face was of a familiar Sergeant. He had served in his sons platoon before he shipped off into another unit. Good, three reliable people he could count on.

The aging officer took in a long breath, analyzing the entrance to the mine. Technically, most of the mine was underground. The only things above the surface were buildings to house the miners, vehicle depots, storage areas and the like. The entrance to the mine, as John covered in his briefing, descended into another vehicle bay that was used during the occasional sand storms in the region. Past that vehicle bay was the actual mines. All set underground, but it was awkward the Covenant had already set up a meager defense. As far as John knew the majority of the Covenant reinforcements were still behind them.

"Let's get this unit moving, Captain. We need to get this FOB set up so we can launch operations in the lower region of this sector. 121st through 124th MEUs are already building FOBs at secured areas, so it's up to us to secure this one." John said, rubbing his brows slightly.