Mission 8: Frontier [Space]

[MrKill]

Admiral David Vardy
14th Tactical Fleet
In Orbit over planet Hope.
Bridge.

"Admiral?" Paris said, Walking up to Admiral Vardy with a Pad. "Tactical update as requested."

Taking the pad from Paris, He nodded and scrutinized the data that was displayed on the small screen. Then, turning around, David strode to the Holo-table and transferred the contents into a 3-Dimensional image. The resulting image was not pretty.

"I'm estimating a fleet strength of at least 30." Lambert chimed in. "The somewhat good news is that they appear to be smaller tonnage frigates."

"Thank you Lambert." David said. In truth, He was worried. His fleet and Klix's fleet were at half strength already. They had already depleted their resources fighting off the welcoming committee to land their troops. Adding to the fact that Klix was still helping deploy troops from the Athenian was another snag. It wouldn't be able to defend itself adequetly if attacked. He could only hope that the Colonel in charge was efficient. Which David was sure of. 

The other snag in this plan was, even though they were likely lower tonnage ships, they could still tear through his ships like tissue paper. 

Shaking his head, David took a deep breath and walked back to his chair and sat down.

"Commander Paris. Open a channel to the Athenian." David ordered.

"Channel open." replied Paris.

"Admiral" David began. "I know you have your hand full, and i am sure you likely see what I am seeing. I will do my best to hold off the Covenant while you deploy. I intend to make a Tango formation, and hopefully gain some element of surprise. I'd recommend ordering your fleet to form a defensive perimeter. Good luck Admiral. Vardy out."

With a nod, David then closed the channel and looked at the Commander. 

"Mr. Paris. Prepare to engage the enemy." David said, his face grim.

Nodding with understanding, Paris then went to the COMS. "All hands, This is Commander Paris. Red Alert. All hands to Battle Stations."

"Transmit to the 14th. Tango formation. Keep it tight. Release safeties on Shiva's and Power MAC systems." David ordered. "Prepare for hell boys."

He just hoped that it wouldn't come to that...

*****

The Prophet of Pity
The Minister of Resolution
Aboard the Covenant Flagship, Harold of Might
The Fleet of Sanctified Absolution
In orbit above the former world of Bountiful Resource
In orbit above the current tainted human world designated 'Frontier'

Centuries before this day, far before the 9th Age of Reclamation, this system had been charted by the Ministry of Discovery. Though far from the boundaries of the Holy Empire at the time, this world had been sought out for its vast resources and the potential. During the time of the ancients themselves, multiple planets had been within the system. Yet over time, the chaos brought on by the disappearance of the gods had seen two of these worlds rent asunder by a direct collision. Such a spectacular display had impregnated the entire system with a multitude of rare minerals, including a surviving planet that held the potential to be converted into a plasma resource planet. Such a bountiful amount of resources had allowed the system to be classified as such. 

However, vast distances and internal conflict during the age of its discovery would allow the system to fall forgotten into the archives of the Ministry. The system remained as such only until very recently. The discovery of humanity had finally woken the slumbering war machine within the Empire, taxing its resources in a way not seen since the days before the writ of Union. This conflict would rage among many star systems, claiming countless warships, equipment, and other resources. Though the loss felt by the Covenant was far outweighed by the loss faced by the humans, the Ministry of Discovery once again felt the need to open up the possibility of exploiting worlds for their resources. The planet of Bountiful Resource, now much closer to the borders of the Covenant Empire, had become a prime candidate for such a venture. 

For that very reason, a small scout detachment from the Fleet of Sanctified Absolution had been sent to clear the way for a mining convoy that would be in route months later. What the Prophet of Pity, and the scouting force itself, had not expected was for there to be a sudden and unfortunate human presence within the system itself. 

Such a shock did not stop the scouting force from decimating the human presence within the system, and victory seemed at hand. However, in their cowardice, the humans begged for help from the rest of their kind. While in many cases this call had gone unheeded, in this particular instance it had been answered in whole. The scout force that had been in orbit around the planet was quickly overwhelmed by the human response, leaving the survivors if there had been any, in what was surely a wretched, tattered visage of its former self. 

Though their defeat had been swift, the tactician's among the fleet had been wise enough to send out a distress signal and a general warning. The reports were muddled and varied at best, which was expected due to the hasty situation in which they must have been sent. Yet, the remainder of the Fleet of Sanctified Absolution and the Prophet of Pity had dissected them regardless. Soon after, a response had been planned and the entirety of the fleet had slipped into the black embrace of the void. 


-------------------------------------


"Holy One, our ship approaches its outlet from the void. It will only be a matter of time before we are upon the vermin." The holographic image of a single Sangheili, the master of the ship he occupied and Fleet Master of the Fleet of Sanctified Absolution knelt before him. He would, under the Prophet's guidance, be commanding the vessels inside the fleet for the duration of their time within the galactic region. The Prophet himself, being the only San 'Shyuum present within the entire fleet, received the transmission in the office that he had been built for him on board the flagship. 

"Excellent." Was Vaark's only response as he waved the hologram away, the blue image itself dissipating soon after. He had only recently exited a meeting held by the officers of the fleet, and he still retained a bad taste in his mouth from that experience. He was sure that his Honor Guard, Kubar, felt the same way. However, Kubar would be miles below the fleet tending to the battle that would surely be fought on the ground. 

With as much haste as his gravity throne could provide in the halls of the Super-Carrier, the Prophet, with his retinue of Honor Guard in tow, hovered his way to the bridge of the vessel. Upon entrance, every living being within the chamber soon became aware of his presence and bowed to him, awaiting the words that would surely leave his mouth. "Return to your stations." The Prophet ordered firmly, though not unkindly, as his gravity throne ceased its journey near the holographic projector stationed at the center of the bridge. His arrival had approved to be timely, as soon after, his ship, along with the rest, emerged from the void and into geosynchronous orbit around the planet itself.

Immediately, the holographic image of the planet below them, burst into life. Red orbs of light that signified human vessels, and the Prophet was sure that the sudden entrance of his fleet was more than unexpected at the specific time. Annoyingly, the Prophet was wrong, as one Covenant Frigate that had been unfortunate enough to appear to close to the human vessels, was instantly vaporized under the indignant fire of the vermin's rebellious rage. However, the rest of the fleet, still well out of range of the human ships, were able to bring up their shields with only superficial damage. 

"Fleet Master, the humans have been wary for some time. They remain close together, and have already prepped their main assault weapons." Barked one of the bridge's masters as he swiped furiously at the holographic projections in front of him. 

"No matter, the nishum's vessels are the least of our concern. We have our orders from the Holy One, and they shall be followed before their vessels receive the judgement of the gods." The Fleetmaster's rough voice dominated the bridge. "Master of Communications, bring up a direct line with the entire fleet. The prophet himself shall speak."

Vark tugged lightly at one of the waddles dangling from the side of his head, as his anti-gravity throne silently settled near that of the Fleet Master's. "Covenant of the Fleet of Sanctified Absolution. The gods smile down upon this act of retaliation against the brutality of the vermin that have sought to claim this world. They dare to taint what we have centuries before claimed, and have dared to disgrace a scout force detached from our own fleet." The Prophet allowed his words to sink in, taking a sip from the cup of tea grasped in one of his hands as he did so. 

"Our fleet shall engage any human vessels within range in orbit over our trapped brethren within the vermin's mines. Once this is accomplished, any of their vessels that dare to venture close shall be wiped from existence. Our numerous fighters as well as our long range weaponry shall keep them at bay as we open a direct supply line to those trapped beneath us. Only our Hunter-Destroyer warband shall depart from the majority of the fleet, to keep the humans distracted. Anything beyond this shall be relayed to you once we have rescued those we shall not leave behind." A simple nod on the part of the Prophet caused the communication line itself to close. Yet, before Vaark would allow the fleet master to take helm once more, he allowed his gravity throne to turn to the sub-commander of the vessel.  "A detachment of boarding craft containing those who have bravely accepted Ranger Rotation shall be focused on the vermin's station in orbit above the planet."

Quickly, the fleet began to draw toward its intended location. The flagship of the fleet, the Assault Carrier Harbinger of Might, released its full compliment of fighter craft to harass any vermin ship that might dare to encroach upon their route, though it would remain well sheltered at the back of the fleet, keeping a safe distance from human craft that might seek to fire at it first. 

 

UNSC Naval Strength:
3 x Cruisers
2 x Carriers
10 x Destroyers
15 x Frigates
Total: 30 Warships

Covenant Naval Strength:
2 x Cruisers
2 x Carriers
4 x Destroyers
12 x Frigates
10 x Corvettes
Total: 30 Warships

[Daenerys Targaryen]

Hakan Je'ketai 'Xar 'Hidohee
Shipmaster of the CPV Faith's Harbinger
Over the Human Colony World Frontier
Hunter-Killer War-Band

The low violet lighting of his chambers seemed to pulse with the anticipation of a coming battle. Hakan could feel the same anticipation thrumming deep with in his chest, in cadence with the beating of his own two hearts. He crouched in this violet cast room, facing the saga wall replica he had commissioned from fine, smooth stone by some mason on a Sangheili dominated colony world. Carved into it were stories of the battles and hardships that his ancestors had to overcome during the time that they walked among the living. He knew that his hearts beat much like their had, and such a deep connection was the rock that he grasped onto during the worst of the storms within his life. "Be glad you have not been forced to meet the disgusting nishum that pollute the worlds of the gods." 

"Shipmaster." An intruding voice echoed through the room as the door to his main chamber slowly slid open. Caught in prayer like this many times before, Hakan already knew the name behind the familiar voice, Gojun, his sub-commander. He was a dear friend to him, as well as a well known former weapons master throughout the entire fleet. "We have exited the void, and the holy prophet has given orders to the entire fleet. The majority shall stay behind, but our Destroyer's shall form a warband and show the nishum the wrath of the gods, while our trapped brothers bellow are given respite." 

"So be it." Hakan responded simply, pulling himself from the pseudo-kneeling position he had been holding himself in. The muscles in his legs flexed beneath his shining white armor as he silently strode from the room and into the same dimly lit halls of his vessels. It had only taken Gojun and Hakan moments to make the short trip to the bridge, stationed extremely close to the shipmaster quarters for convenience. Upon their entrance, all stood to great their commanders, but were quickly ushered back to their specific stations.

"Brothers. Today we will once again teach these vermin their place, and cleanse yet another world of the gods in our holy flame." Hakan's voice dripped with zealous zeal, bringing grunts and hisses of approval from all of those assembled on the station. "Tahel, open communications with the other ship masters assigned to the war-band, I wish to speak with them."

"Of course shipmaster. The line is now open." Tahel worked efficiently, quickly swiping at the holographic display before him. 

Hakan offered no signs of approval, though he appreciated the fast connection afforded to him. He took a few moments to compose his words as he took a seat on the stationary hovering command chair that worked as the ship-masters seating. "Shipmasters of the Hunter-Killer War Band. We shall make swift work of any human vessels that dare to enter our path. We will divert their attention between our war-band and the main fleet. Allowing for their response to become less potent. We shall strike fast and true. Do not hold back, as we are the arm of the fleet of Sanctified Absolution, and we shall cast these vermin back into the dust from which they came." Once his opening speech was done, Hakan decided to move away from semantics and enter into plotting. "I want all four Destroyers to stay separate enough to divert human fire even further, with only our corvettes linking us. Our War-Band shall be further assisted by the massive fighter force headed to aid us in the humans destruction, yet we shall leave our own fighter compliments with the main fleet, to help in their own protection. The frigates with us shall move to the front of our ships, their shielding and point defense capabilities should protect us from the majority of human fire as the war band closes on the human ranks, the Corvettes shall trail behind while our Fighters surpass us to be the first to engage. All ships within the war band shall fire at will. If their response begins to overwhelm us, we shall return to the main fleet and compose ourselves, before returning to our offensive position." 

Hakan's mandibles flexed as he signaled to cut his direct feed. The line of communication would remain open for any of the ship masters to respond or offer their own tactics, but the elderly Sangheili himself had said all that he had wished to say to them. "Jarqon." He called out, bringing the sudden attention of his Master of the Helm to him. The only son of his and Ohfreen's that he had ever bothered to track soon stood before him, if only Jarqon himself knew. "Bring full power to our frontal shielding as we depart for the human fleet. Begin charging our energy projector in small increments along the way, it should be fully charged as soon as we are in range of the first human vessels." His son gave an affirming his before moving back to his station. 

After Jarqon's departure, Hakan turned his gaze toward the holographic projection of the human world in the middle of the bridge. Slowly, the entire Covenant fleet moved toward their intended position over the human Titanium mines, while the warband itself began to peel away from the main fleet and form. Soon they would be ready to move. 

Meanwhile, the other ships of the main fleet moved into their battle formation. The Escort Carrier Saint's Vision slowly lurched to the right side of the fleet's flagship. Both cruisers, moved to the front of the Flagship and its escort vessel. Their long range fire power would be a boon to the fleet, and hopefully ward off enemy ships from coming to close, the Reverence Cruiser itself would be able to hold its own against multiple vessels energy permitted. The Corvettes of the main fleet took their positions at the front, along with their frigates. Their shields and point defense armaments would be intended to shield the larger Covenant vessels from some of the human fire, as the larger vessels themselves used their energy projectors, and even plasma torpedoes if the human ships dared to come to close, to fire through points in the defense and out toward enemy vessels. This formation, of course, was far from full-proof without the full compliment of smaller tonnage vessels, but the ships within the main fleet were still a force to be reckoned with.


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NOTE: This war-band is slowly forming after exiting slipspace and will soon be in route the the Human Fleet not focused on deploying ground troops, which should in affect be heading them toward Admiral Vardy's fleet, if I am reading everything right.

The fleet under the guidance of the Prophet of Pity will remain on its current course toward a geosynchronous orbit above the titanium mine, preparing to fight any ships in its path. 

This is for clarification on what ships are what and where they can be found, to avoid bumps in the rp as we continue. 


NOTE: 

The following is a more in depth description of the Covenant fleet info made by Kill in the space rp, as well as the detailed divide between the main fleet an the branching off hunter-killer war band. This is made easier for us due to the fact that we currently only have 3 pc shipmasters and one Prophet in this thread for sure, currently.

We also have BetaW who will most likely rp in this as well, though I am not sure about placement. Huka falls into the same category as BetaW. However, they can easily be grafted in, as they both have SDV-class Heavy Corvettes and both vessels are found in either ship movement in the number required for Huka or BetaW to fill the spot if they wish. 

Hunter-Killer Naval Strength:  

-4x CPV-class Heavy Destroyers
   +Faith's Harbinger (Beta/Pseudo Warband Commander)
   +Hallowed Fury (Kart)
   +Penitent Heir (Tin)
   +Guiding Light (NPC)
-4x CAR-class Light Frigates
-2x SDV-class Heavy Corvettes
   +Burning Lineage (Huka)
   +Manifest Destiny (BetaW)

ESCORTED BY:
-1,270x Type-31 XMF Seraph Fighters
-630x Type-52 Phantom Gunboats
  
The Fleet of Sanctified Absolution (Main Fleet) Naval Strength:


-1x CAS-class Assault Carrier
   +Harbinger's Might (Beta/Fleet Flagship)
-1x DDS-class Escort Carrier
   +Saint's Vision (NPC)
-1x Reverence-class Heavy Cruiser
   +Divine Spark (NPC)
-1x CCS-class Battle Cruiser
   +Faith's Shield (NPC)
-8x CAR-class Light Frigates
-8x SDV-class Heavy Corvettes

ESCORTED BY:
-628x Type-31 XMF Seraph Fighters
-880x Type-52 Phantom Gunboats

**Did the math on the fighters using our info thread. The fighters with the Hunter Killer war band, have been deployed from the Main Fleet, (excluding the corvettes and frigates), while the fighters escorting the Main Fleet have been deployed from the ships within the war band (including all he frigates and corvettes). Of course the actual drop ships are all still encased safely inside of the vessels or are being used to ferry ground troops by the Main Fleet with minor fighter escorts departing from the main fleet's bulk of 628. 

[MrKill]

Admiral Eric Klix
UNSCS Athenian
Marathon II Super-Heavy Guided Missile Cruiser

"Are you sure?" Eric asked, sweat suddenly building around his eyebrow. Thirty Covenant ships?

"I'm afraid it can't be any less obvious, Admiral." The AI - Athens - replied. Ironic, considering the ships name.

Eric gently clasped his hands. The Covenant on the holographic table were approaching slowly, within the hour they'd be in weapons range. It was at this time he wished he had one of those SMAC Stations in orbit but it simply wasn't there; Eric would have to play a different card game, hide a few tricks up his sleeve.

"Get the fleet on the horn," Eric ordered. "Issue the orders for all of our warships to deploy single ship fighters, bombers and interceptors. We'll need to match the Covenant to the best of our ability." The aging Admiral barked, watching as spoonfuls of smaller red dots left the bigger red dots. There were so many single ship fighters. By his calculation, even with a Trafalgar Class Carrier here, they'd still out number the UNSC by far.

The Marathon II Eric commanded held twenty Longsword interceptors within its hanger bays, good enough to engage the Seraphs reliably, but twenty against two thousand would be like shooting fish in a barrel even with the vastness of space. The Trafalgar Class Carrier, the UNSCS Tassafaronga, carried 216 of these mobile fighters. Even with the addition of the Virtue Class Carrier as well as two Marathon I's and Frigates capable of carrying the Longswords, they just weren't enough of them.

In total, with both fleets deploying every single longsword, they had just under five hundred. Eric guessed it would be good enough to protect the two fleets from boarding parties if the point defense weapons worked as they were intended. There was no way the UNSC was going to win this battle. How the hell were they supposed to keep the planet?

"Sir? We've just started deploying, perhaps we should issue the order to start evacuating civilians?" The AI asked.

"It's too soon, we've got to secure orbit for evacuations to begin." Eric replied.

"Then issue the order now," The AI responded. "Sooner the better, sir."

He couldn't argue with it. The UNSC needed a 3:1 ratio, on average, to defeat the Covenant. Lately, though, both Vardy and Klix himself had tested their luck and won with less odds - though at huge, irreplaceable losses.

"That local fleet, is it still around?" Eric asked, another idea popping in his head. The beacon the planet said got a response from Reach but there was another defense fleet that had received the hail and was told to stand down. Perhaps, if they jumped into the system, they could supply the UNSC with some much needed reinforcements.

That was a back up plan but only if Fleet Command allowed it. It would leave an entire system undefended, or depleted at the very least.

Eric let out a frustrated sigh.

"Issue the order, tell ground forces to start evacuating civilians up to the Athenian. We'll stay in geosynchronous orbit as long as we can."

"Aye aye, sir!" The AI replied then disappeared into the holographic pad.

"God help us all."

14th Fleet Strength
2 x Marathon I Cruiser
+ 24 Longswords

1 x Virtue Class Carrier
+ 72 Longswords

1 x Venom Class Destroyer

4 x Halberd Class Destroyer

8 x Paris Class Frigates
+ 80 Longswords

22nd Fleet Strength
1 x Marathon II Cruiser
+ 20 Longswords

1 x Trafalgar Class Carrier
+ 216 Longswords

1 x Venom Class Destroyer

1 x Greyhound Class Destroyer

3 x Halberd Class Destroyers

7 x Paris Class Frigates
+ 70 Longswords

[Kart]

Arvoth 'Senjaree
Shipmaster of the CPV Hallowed Fury
Over the Human Colony World "Frontier"
Hunter-Killer War Band

"Shipmasters of the Hunter-Killer War Band. We shall make swift work of any human vessels that dare to enter our path. We will divert their attention between our war-band and the main fleet. Allowing for their response to become less potent. We shall strike fast and true. Do not hold back, as we are the arm of the fleet of Sanctified Absolution, and we shall cast these vermin back into the dust from which they came."

A distraction ploy. Not terribly original or risque, but certainly effective. Arvoth absentmindedly nodded with approval. 'Hidohee appeared to be playing it safe, using a screen of fighters and Frigates to keep safe their heavy hitters. A logical, well thought-out plan that played to their strength in numbers without resorting to a brute force charge.

In addition, the bountiful fighter complement from the rest of the fleet meant that the Hallowed Fury could use her own fightercraft for protection. It appeared as if they would be called upon to do no more than take potshots at the Humans while the Frigates engaged tooth and talon.

Fine by me, he thought to himself.

"You heard our orders." Arvoth said calmly. "Master of the Helm, maintain our position within war band formation. Master of Weaponry, fire as you see fit once we have entered range. Sub-Commander--"

Here he stood up to address his Sub-Commander, Ultra Domo 'Gahvoree, at eye level. "I leave the deployment of the Fury's Seraphs to your discretion. My only stipulation is that you do not deploy them offensively without clearing it with me first."

A chorus voices shouting 'aye' and 'yes, Shipmaster' briefly rang out, along with a few confused snatches of conversation as various bridge officers argued over minutiae. Perhaps another Shipmaster would have been irritated at the lack of organization, but so long as they got the job done, Arvoth didn't really care.

"Ready yourselves, my crew. The Hallowed Fury goes to war!"

[BetaWülf]

Shipmaster Mag Rog
Manifest Destiny SDV-Class Heavy Corvette
Heeding orders

"Shipmasters of the Hunter-Killer War Band. We shall make swift work of any human vessels that dare to enter our path. We will divert their attention between our war-band and the main fleet. Allowing for their response to become less potent. We shall strike fast and true. Do not hold back, as we are the arm of the fleet of Sanctified Absolution, and we shall cast these vermin back into the dust from which they came."

Mag nodded to himself as he listened, sharpening the blade attached to his stump of a lower arm, a habit he had taken up permanently after he found out it unnerved his bridge crew. Before every battle, without fail, he would sharpen his blade. And without fail he could watch the muscles tense and quills darken of each member of his bridge crew. Delightful.

"Acknowledged" Mag responded.

"Tuv," Mag growled to his helmsman "move us into position, double check our propulsion systems for any hitches" Mag commanded, Tuv groaned "make that a triple check" Mag snarled.

Krag, the weapons operator of the ship snickered. "Krag, triple check our weapons system, since you've got nothing better to do" Mag said, cold and stone-faced. "Aye Lord Pirate" Krag said, dejected in tone.

"All personnel report for duty" Mag said into his ship's internal communications system. With that done, and his blade sharpened, Mag listened to a Kig-Yar orchestral number through his helmet, sipping his brined fruit tea.

[Huka]

Shipmaster Chur’R-Suf

Aboard the SDV-class Burning Lineage 

En route of joining Hunter-Killer Unit, in orbit of Human colony

After the interesting turn of events during the fleet commanders’ briefings and being free of the esteemed guests, Suf sat in his cushioned command chair with the bridge of his beak kneaded to ease the stress building in the back of his head. Kael Gel, daughter of the Gel Commodore... He was very surprised he didn’t have the ship’s Unggoy custodian staff clean her brains off the floor after that display with a San’Shyuum of all things! It was fine in private, away from a room full of zealots. The Iin Commodore could already feel the ramifications of this setting off in his foresight, his most forward being with the hired Gel aboard his own ship under his payroll. So far they were as professional and skillful as hoped for with the blade-wielding killers…but that could take turns for the worse.

He had to careful with them, but that could be just paranoia speaking. Always be paranoid when Kig-yar are the major factor.

Finally opening his bulbous eyes tiredly, Suf aimed his attention at the clearing of someone’s throat at his right-hand side. “Yes, Bol?’ He asks neutrally. The female T’vaoan shifts her boots slightly while standing in attention and he could clearly see the thoughts rolling in her mind with her almost childish look down to the floor. He’ve seen this a few times, it was her cracks in the former pirate’s hard façade and professionalism. If he was younger, the old Rhuutian would even try to court her but that was long past. “The crew getting edgy?” The Shipmaster finally asked to bring her out of her own train of thought.

“Aye, Shipmaster. Some of our Eyes whispered about a couple of Gel talking about their Champion’s little smartness and even questioned on your actions to it.” She said in a whisper between them. On that, Suf almost sneered – the defined wrinkles of his beak pulled with more of a show to his front teeth while the base of his quills edged towards a vivid red – before relaxing again. “And what was I supposed to do? Any chick with half of a brain would know better than that. I prefer to keep my skin clinging to my bones with the little time that I have.”

On that, Bol Sun blinked with a flare of her feathery ruff. “What?” Suf scoffed to hide the ping of emotion and looked forward at the vacant view of space, seeing the fleet starting to move formations. “Nothing, just keep the crew under control.” He ordered a bit coldly. Bol tightened her jaws and swallowed her tongue, giving a nod of resignation. “Aye, Shipmaster.” Suf felt his hand quake a bit before he clenched tight to keep it under control. The only sounds to disturb him now was the hum of the plasma coils running behind the hull of his ship. He couldn’t wait to replace this corvette with something more defensible and large. Oh how he wanted to just curl up under his thick jayalla fur covers and hide from the Gods’ guilty stares right now.

“Pur!” He squeaked out, making the idling old Ibie’shan hiss out an attentive response while standing at the ‘helm’ of the ship. “Prepare to move with the Manifest Destiny into position of the warband as per ordered.” “Aye, Shipmaster.” Pur answered, his gangly arms moving and shifting the ship’s navigation glyphs into coordination. The stars slowly started to move on the Burning Lineage’s forwarding, her body almost seemed to shiver in excitement of handling combat once again with a seemingly competent fleet for once.

“Rul, are you ready fill your quota of blood?” Suf questioned to the T’vaoan at his illuminated station. The scarlet-ended feathers of his mane flared out in eagerness before the helmed head turned with a bare of his teeth. “I am ready for an overflow and eager to pass it around, Shipmaster!” The former bounty hunter hissed with a clench of his armored fist.

“For the glory of Gods and the freedom of Aecor’s endless sea!” The Rhuutian shouted to bring life back into the bridge, to which it did with the rasping shouts and squeaks of his loyal crew. “Death to the Enemy and shall their bounties become ours!” On that all, any Kig-yar can and will agree to.

[David]

OOC: Dusts off thread

Admiral David Vardy
14th Tactical Fleet
In Orbit over Hope
Bridge - Red Alert

"Status of deployment of the troops" asked David. 

"Sir, Troops are deployed." replied Kim with a noticeable waver to his voice. He was afraid. They all were.

"Thank You Mr Kim." David replied before turning to Paris. "Update on the Covenant fleet."

"Sir" Began Paris. "The warships have deployed Single fighters. I've dispatched our own fighters to intercept and buy us some time. Not going to lie sir. It's going to get messy."

You've got that right David thought dryly. Paris always did have a way of stating the obvious. Shaking his head, Admiral Vardy mulled over his options.

"Lambert, Project the course of that fleet." David ordered. Perhaps if he knew where the warships were going he could make a better call and ensure that he was ready for any possibility. At least thats what he hoped.

"Seems they are heading for a geosync. orbit over the titanium mines." Lambert said. "If they take that location..." 

"Im well aware of what we stand to loose Lambert. Thank you." David replied with an Arched brow. "Paris, order our fleet to do the same. Those boys are going to need our help. Chakotay, Arm MAC and target the closer destroyer. Wait until they are closer, less chance of missing. We need to make every shot count."

[Kart]

OOC: Permission has been acquired from Daenerys Targaryen and David to get this show on the road!

Arvoth 'Senjaree
Shipmaster of the CPV Hallowed Fury
Over the Human Colony World "Frontier"
Hunter-Killer War Band

"Shipmaster!" Major Domo Yelu 'Ozanyee, the Hallowed Fury's Master of Detection and Communication, cried out. "The Humans have begun to react to our advance. They are shifting formation to engage us, and one of their Heavy Cruisers is targeting us!"

"It is to be expected." Arvoth intoned. "Being the foremost Destroyer in our little warband carries its risks. But we should be in no danger if we stick to the formation and allow our Frigates to take the brunt of the damage."

A quick glimpse of his tactical screens showed the disposition of the enemy forces to be a typical defensive formation. The Humans were carefully preventing any Covenant Navy elements from entering geosynchronous orbit over the contested titanium mines on the planet's surface. However, as it currently stood, the Covenant had the Humans severely outgunned, and no defensive position would last against a direct frontal attack.

As if reading his mind, Sub-Command Eino 'Gahvoree suggested just that plan. "Shipmaster. The Humans only barely match our numbers, but they cannot hope to match our firepower. A direct engagement with our heaviest elements against theirs, and we should be able to break their formation open, and expose them to the rest of the Fleet of Sanctified Absolution's Energy Projectors."

"You would have me risk my ship in a foolhardy assault, Sub-Commander?" Asked Arvoth in a light and teasing tone.

"No risk, Shipmaster" said 'Gahvoree, so earnest that Arvoth's subtle sarcasm was lost on him. "Even their Heavy Missile Cruisers are barely equal in size to the Hallowed Fury. With perseverance, we will be able to pick them apart with our torpedoes before peeling open their hull with our Energy Projector!"

"I am flattered with your confidence in our ship's capabilities." Arvoth replied. "But I have no interest in such a mundane strategy. No, I think I will try something different. Major 'Ozanyee!"

"Yes, Shipmaster!" The Master of Detection and Communication snapped to attention.

"What are the designations for the escort Corvettes assigned to our war band?"

"They are the Burning Lineage and the Manifest Destiny, Shipmaster." He waved at him, instructing the comms officer to open a channel to both Corvettes.

"Shipmasters of the Burning Lineage and Manifest Destiny! This is Arvoth 'Senjaree of the CPV Hallowed Fury. While our frigates engage the rest of the Human vessels as the vanguard, we will begin to deploy fightercraft and torpedoes against the Human Heavy Cruiser that leads their formation. Eliminating their lead vessel will demoralize the Humans, as well as neatly bisecting their forces."

"Respond with acknowledgement, both of you, and prepare to advance on my mark."

Outside of the Hallowed Fury's bridge, the Frigates reached weapons range with the Human vessels. The first few torpedoes and missiles leaped out.

"And be quick about it" Arvoth added. "Battle has already been joined!"

[MrKill]

Admiral Eric Sierra Klix
UNSCS Athenian
Marathon II Super-Heavy Guided Missile Cruiser

"Sir, the Covenant Navy is just outside their weapon ranges." The tactical officer reported. Eric always cringed internally when they reported that. In space, 'range' was a relative word. There needed to be a context in order to use it because, in this vastness, there was no boundaries to how far someone could shoot. A more proper term was 'effective range' rather than 'weapons range', but Klix wasn't going to pick it apart. It had been apart of naval culture for thousands of years, dating back to when ships used cannons.

"Are we in effective range?" Klix asked. The Covenant had one weapon that extended the range of their own MAC weapon system. Their torpedoes, while they could go a long distance, we actually used more effectively closer up. The rarely used 'energy projector' was by far a more ranged weapon, but if the Covenant hadn't used them yet, it was highly unlikely it would appear anytime soon while the UNSC fleet possessed the capabilities to hit the hull with a MAC System that could literally vibrate one of their ships apart. In order for them to fire, obviously, they had to lower their shields. The UNSC were accurate enough to squeeze a round in between during the time. A critical hit to an energy projector usually disabled a Covenant ship.

A good tactical move on the Covenants side... for now. Klix was worried, if they lost the UNSCs heavier hitters, they'd start opening up with the powerful weapon.

"We're in range, sir. That means Admiral Vardy and his ships are as well." The weapons officer reported.

"Aim for the closest low ton vessel. Two rounds, heavy. Draw the attention off the Kilimanjaro so they can open up with a full salvo without receiving a full respons-"

"Covenant have launched plasma torpedoes, sir!" Another weapons officer reported. "UNSC Fleet is responding with ARCHER Missiles."

"What is the charge status of our guns?" Klix asked.

"As per your protocols they're warmed up, sitting at eighty percent." The weapons officer replied.

Klix nodded, "Get them to one hundred. Use the reactor power to get us there quickly and fire."

"Aye, sir!" The weapons officer said. Moments later the indicator percentage started to climb, eventually hitting full charge. The Athenian rocked as the twin SSAK-79's fired at the nearest lower-ton target, the white rounds flying off into the distance at incredible speed. Eventually, they disappeared as they cooled.

[David]

Admiral David Vardy
UNSC Killimanjaro
14th Tactical Fleet
Taking fire!

"Sir!" shouted Chakotay from tactical. "Lead Covenant ships have fired!"

Quickly getting back to his chair, David braced himself before ordering Evasive manuevers. "Helm, Evade those torpedos. Tell the rest of the fleet to fire at will!" David added to Kim at ops.

Suddenly David felt like he weighed nothing at all as the helmsman put the Killimanjaro into a steep dive, before righting itself. Then the helmsman decided to move to the left, trying to avoid the bulk of the damage. 

It only partially succeeded as the first plasma torpedo washed over the ship, melting the hardened Titanium A plating like sugar on water. 

"Damage report!" bellowed David as he fought to right himself in his chair, wiping the sweat out of his eyes. 

"Sir!" shouted Kim "Hull breaches on Deck 25 through 28, But they were empty as per the protocol you had instigated earlier. Main power is holding"

"Can we fire the MAC?" David demanded.

"Yes sir." replied Paris.

"Target the main Covenant ship and fire. Heavy round."

[Daenerys Targaryen]

I know I am a major crap lord for asking us to halt and reserving a post but I want to do this just to make sure we are all on the same page. First thing in the morning I will post with my characters in both the Main Covenant Fleet (So Kill has something to respond too) and the Hunter-Killer Warband (so dave and kart get a lil love). I will post tomorrow morning, rest assured, and with the frequency of posting picking up we can get the ball rolling right out the door! I just ask for this brief pause so I can compose a proper response before anything continues. 

Anyway, I just wanted to take this very brief respite to also tag Huka and BetaWülf to see if they still plan on posting in the space mission! 

The Prophet of Pity

The Minister of Resolution

Aboard the Covenant Flagship, Harold of Might

The Fleet of Sanctified Absolution

(Engaging MrKill 's Fleet)

Vaark's eyes shone in the brightly lit chamber that formed the bridge of this capital vessel. Though they had spent the past hour venturing between various warriors, they were now only focused on a single point. Lights along the projection of the planet before him glowed and flared as the Human's finally began to enter the range of their fleet's weaponry. Fourteen human vessels held their ground with abandon, surely for what must have been a suicidal last stand. Of the 14 vessels assembled before the main Covenant fleet, only several had enough power to put up some form of a fight, while the rest would fare little against the coming onslaught. 

The Corvettes and Frigates under his control formed a defensive line as much as they did an offensive one. Their usefulness was held in their ability to absorb the blows of human vessels and weaponry, while the larger vessels behind them unleashed their fury. This plan had worked excellently in other hard fought battles, and Vaark was confidant in his fleets capabilities over this world as well. 

"Holy One, we outnumber this human battle group by six vessels, what are your orders?" The shipmaster of the vessel he occupied now squatted before him, a large arm pressed firmly to the center of his chest in a sign of respect. "Our hearts beat with yours." The twitching of his mandibles made his anxiety obvious, though the Prophet doubted that the anxiety was caused by the battle ahead. After all, the humans were very outmatched. 

"Your excellency! One of the human capital ships has fired on our fleet!" Several chortles and warbles followed the Weapon Master's declaration, and Vaark took that moment to turn his gaze back toward the projected world. Plasma torpedoes had been fired from some of the lower ton ships, and the human response had been to fire on their fleet. A single Frigate's signal blinked out of existence, causing the Prophet to let out a long sigh. 

"It is time we show the humans the error of their ways. Send out 400 of our Seraph Fighters
and our full 880 strong compliment of Phantom Gunboats
to engage their fleet, along with boarding craft. They lack the number of fighters to rebuff this assault, and their point defense weaponry will be occupied for some time, while our brave warriors tear away at them. Keep the choirs closely knit, for in the open voids between their masses we shall fire another full salvo of Plasma Torpedoes, from every ship capable. The human vessels will have to focus on one or the other." 


With that, the San 'Shyuum reclined in his chair and closed his eyes. The God's had given him an entire human fleet to slaughter, he would not waste this opportunity. A small smirk crossed the Prophet's lips, and he slowly made a gesture invoking the will of the gods. No one around him knew his people's subtle language, and he preferred it that way. 

Hakan Je'ketai 'Xar 'Hidohee

Shipmaster of the CPV Faith's Harbinger

Over the Human Colony World Frontier

Hunter-Killer War-Band

(Engaging David 's Fleet) 

Note: With Tin's Drop in Activity I will be NPC'ing his Destroyer for the duration of the rp.

Hakan's mandibles twitched as they entered range of the human fleet that was 16 warships strong. Almost instantly the Hallowed Fury opened fire on the vermin, seemingly focusing his attack on the largest of the human vessels within the formation before them. His plan was obvious, and it was confirmed when he opened his line in the battlenet to the two Corvettes that had accompanied them. They would be going for one target, leaving Hakan with many. Either by seeking glory or efficiency the shipmaster had moved without order, yet not enough time had passed to prove the move foolish or not. 

"Kaidon, the lead human ship is firing upon the Hallowed Fury." Jarqon's report came to him with little surprise. 

"We shall see if the God's favor this 'Senjaree then." A small raspy huff escaped the throat of Hakan as he stood from his chair. It took only moments for him to lumber over to the projection of the planet they fought above, and only seconds to zoom in on the location in which their specific battle was taking place. The human vessels quickly returned fire, though their targets had been split between the separate Destroyer's, severely dropping reports of strikes and damage across the board. "Tahel, open a line to the rest of the warband, we will not leave the Hallowed Fury to inact the will of the gods by itself." 

A hiss in response signaled to Hakan that his order had been followed. "Penitent Heir, Guiding Light, how do your vessels fare?" 

The responses were swift. Damage had been taken by some of the frigates, but shielding and distance had been their allies, leaving them ample opportunity to respond. 

"All of those that have not followed the Hallowed Fury into the fray, against their lead warship, we shall focus our fire upon their main Carrier. Without it, they will loose a roost for their fighters, and their choirs will become scattered and without order. Three Destroyer's, Penitent Heir, Guiding Light, and my own Faith's Harbinger are to open fire on the human carrier, while our three accompanying frigates, 1,270 Seraph Fighters

and 630 Phantom Gunboats
shall attack the rest of their fleet. Gods willing, they will be too focused on boarding parties than their carrier." With that, all three Destroyer's launched their plasma torpedoes in the direction of the human carrier, from their varied locations. 

[BetaWülf]

Kig-Yar Shipmaster Mag Rog.
SDV-Class Heavy Corvette "Manifest Destiny".
Lets play "follow the martyr".

Mag sipped his tea slowly, the musical genius of his species was unparalleled, marvelous, at least compared to the swill the other species dared call music. Jiralhanae and their damn war drums. Mag sighed, setting his tea on the arm of his chair. Mag looked up from fiddling with his arm implant when Kos, Master of Communications, informed him that there was an incoming transmission.

"Shipmasters of the Burning Lineage and Manifest Destiny! This is Arvoth 'Senjaree of the CPV Hallowed Fury. While our frigates engage the rest of the Human vessels as the vanguard, we will begin to deploy fightercraft and torpedoes against the Human Heavy Cruiser that leads their formation. Eliminating their lead vessel will demoralize the Humans, as well as neatly bisecting their forces." The Shipmaster Arvoth said.

"Respond with acknowledgement, both of you, and prepare to advance on my mark." This Arvoth fellow added.

"And be quick about it" the increasingly rude Arvoth added "Battle has already been joined!" The annoying and foolhardy Arvoth concluded.

"Acknowledged!" Mag responded with a half snarl, his annoyance obvious. Mag was tired of Sangheili, they were a bunch of finger-faced inbred whore spawn as far as he was concerned.

"Tuv, move us up!" Mag roared in a throaty saurian screech "Bring us up alongside the bow of the Hallowed Fury!" Mag bellowed.

"Shipmaster!" Tro, Master of Sensors yelled "Incoming fire! Enemies are engaging!" the Ruuhtian declared.

"Maximum shielding, focused in the area of attack" Mag ordered.

[Huka]

Shipmaster Chur’R-Suf

Aboard the SDV Burning Lineage

En route to Hunter-Killer Warband Positioning

"Shipmasters of the Burning Lineage and Manifest Destiny! This is Arvoth 'Senjaree of the CPV Hallowed Fury. While our frigates engage the rest of the Human vessels as the vanguard, we will begin to deploy fightercraft and torpedoes against the Human Heavy Cruiser that leads their formation. Eliminating their lead vessel will demoralize the Humans, as well as neatly bisecting their forces."

Suf taps his main claw slowly over the arm of his command chair, staring at his holo-tank’s view of the enemy formations. More to mentally prepare what is to come than actually forming a battle plan, still thinking about his short tension with his first mate. He felt somewhat guilty, but that was quickly veiled under his tough skin. Signaling to Vak to connect to the Hallowed Fury before speaking out,

“Honorable Shipmaster,” He started with the ever-important titling, sending commands to Navigation and Weapons, “This is Chur’R-Suf of the SDV Burning Lineage. Acknowledging and moving into position. I will be gifting my Kig-yar fighters to the choir to further our efforts.” The aged Rhuutian made that mental note with the addition of signaling to his handful of Kig-yar fighter officers belong to the same mercenary group. All the while, he felt the Burning Lineage accelerating her engines for the proposed position on the upper starboard of the Manifest Destiny while seeing their escorting group of frigates take their orders to account. Out of the heavy corvette's hanger, the promised mixed choir consisting of twelve Banshee interceptors and six Wight heavy bombers zipped out with the bearing of the Void Dasher mercenary group's crest depicting twin curving exhaust trails over a violet moon.

[Kart]

Arvoth 'Senjaree
Shipmaster of the CPV Hallowed Fury
Over the Human Colony World "Frontier"
Hunter-Killer War Band

"Acknowledged!" The harsh snarl rang out across the Hallowed Fury's bridge. Arvoth shifted his head back in surprise at the brusqueness of the Kig-Yar's response.

"That was the commanding officer of the Manifest Destiny, Shipmaster." 'Ozanyee, the Master of Detection and Communication, explained. "Apparently, although the Kig-Yar can be taught to fly ships, they cannot be taught how to properly refer to their betters."

"You would do better not to be so disdainful, 'Ozanyee." Arvoth gently chided. "Kig-Yar come in as many stripes as Sangheili. There are both the daring and the deferential, and even Kig-Yar are capable of great courtesy."

"I'll believe it when I hear it." 'Ozanyee snorted. As if to answer him, another voice sounded across the open channel.

“Honorable Shipmaster, this is Chur’R-Suf of the SDV Burning Lineage. Acknowledging and moving into position. I will be gifting my Kig-yar fighters to the choir to further our efforts.”

'Ozanyee didn't say a word. Arvoth spread his mandibles in a Sangheili smile.

"Fellow Shipmasters," he intoned with an amused lilt to his voice. "Our quarry is the Human Light Cruiser that is heading their formation. While the Hallowed Fury on its own is of comparable tonnage and firepower, I would like to deal with this nuisance with a minimum of loss and a maximum of expediency. To this end, I will require your assistance."

"The Destiny and the Lineage are to simultaneously assault the port side of the cruiser, deploying choirs for maximum damage spread. Fire your torpedoes and lasers at its sensors and weaponry--do not bother aiming for the engines or weak points. Your goal is to disorient and disarm, not kill, as the Cruiser is too large for your weaponry to penetrate."

As he said the plan out loud, Arvoth began to feel the adrenaline coursing through his veins. "Whilst your Corvettes harass the Cruiser, the Fury will come about its starboard side. The Human captain will be forced to choose between two valid threats, and that will be his undoing! Now, stand by for my command."

To his own crew, he spoke but briefly. "Once the Corvettes are in position, bring us about to the cruiser's starboard side, but bring us port if you need to avoid its cannons." After all, the Corvettes wouldn't just make a good distraction, but a good meat shield...if worst came to worst. Arvoth didn't intend to let that happen, but it was always wise to have backup plans in the event of failure.

He inhaled and exhaled. No better time than the present.

"Destiny and Lineage! Commence the attack!"

[John]

==The mission has been cancelled, per the new user-created missions. As such, we will be making a timeskip to the end. We will keep this thread open for anyone that may wish to kill of one or more of their characters etc.==

The UNSC fleet never had a chance, that's the cold harsh truth.

They could not, in any way, defeat the Covenant fleet - especially with their strength and numbers; the UNSC was quickly and decisively defeated in orbit, with only five UNSC warships surviving - none of which didn't sustain damage. Within the first hour of naval battle the Athenian, commanded by Admiral Eric Klix, was destroyed - as well as the majority of his fleet in orbit over the planet. Of the remaining operational warships in the second half of the battle, commanding at this point by Admiral Vardy, only a few would remain to evacuate UNSC personnel from the planet.

Admiral Vardy took command of any vessels left operational during the final moments of the battle, where he held his line against approaching Covenant warships long enough to get the remaining living humans off the planet. When the battle died down a bit during the final battle survivors in escape pods were collected. Among them critically injured Admiral Klix.

Lieutenant Commander Shepard's frigate was among the many destroyed as well. He too, however, managed to get away before the Dauntless blew up.

Out of the thirty UNSC warships, twenty two of them were destroyed, another scuttled and two beyond repairable damage - which would be scuttled as well. Most Longswords also vanished in the battle, with losses at 95.7%

Out of the thirty Covenant warships, the UNSC managed to inflict seven casualties and disable another two, one of which was the CAS Class Carrier. Out of their thousand plus fighters, the UNSC managed to inflict decent damage using ARCHER missiles. Roughly eight hundred starfighters were destroyed in the opening hour, but less than a hundred fell over the remaining hours of battle as the UNSC had depleted most of their missiles.