A Regretful return to Eayn.

[Faclan]

(If you wish to join and are not one of the original tagged people, post in the interest check first. Keep in mind that this is a Covenant mission.)

Tags/people in: BetaWülf, Remnant, Rxxy, Huka

Kael Gel, T'vaoan Champion
Mag Rog's Vessel 'Manifest Destiny'
Settling in for the journey...as much as can.

Of the original Sixty members of the Entourage, fifteen had fallen on the Damned Human planet, and twenty of them had decided to stay with the Sect when Kael had made the announcement after the mission had concluded. The bodies of the fallen had been recovered except two that were too deep underground. Kael had given the Entourage a choice when they were all recovering. That she was leaving the Sect. A rare decision for a Champion and especially one of her caliber. But she had allowed them the choice to either return to Eayn with her or to stay and be dispersed into the Sect's forces and Rex's Entourage - consequence free for either choice. The more bloodthirsty had stayed, but more than Kael had expected had taken her offer to return home. She may return to the battlefield...but not for awhile. Not after she had seen just how little the Sangheili and San 'Shyuum cared about her position. And not after Roh had been captured. Kael wouldn't allow him to be slowly tortured to death by ONI's hands...and Zaat also needed to be talked to.

So here Kael was, doing what she probably should have done years ago, trying to fix the bridges she had burned in her life. First her Mama, then Roh, and possibly Til once the first two were worked out. She knew that what she had done in that briefing room was foolish, but she wasn't going to go back on her decision and beg for forgiveness. She was just going to leave, see how much they cared about hr when she was gone. The Champion and her forces that had stayed with her currently just finishing boarding Mag's vessel. Such a good Kig Mag was turning out to be. They had briefly discussed payment on arrival but Mag seemed content to leave that until they were actually at Eayn and get under way as fast as possible. Then again he was in the briefing room when she was beaten to the floor so probably understood her reasoning a bit better.

As the ship was slowly starting to rise Kael was waiting in the Captains ready room for the Slip Space Journey to begin proper. Her Entourage dispersed throughout the Corvette either eating or socializing with Mag's crew. Many of whom seemed to be pirates, which made the Entourage quiet pleased that some of their proper Kig-Yar brothers and sisters could land themselves on a ship like this. But Kael was just finishing a message to be sent to the Gel keep on Eayn, to Zaat. A short form apology mostly for Kael's recent actions. Letting Zaat know that she was sorry for a lot of things she had done recently and was heading home to fix them. Wiping away a few tears Kael sent the message off then sighed a bit, leaning over the console as it beeped letting her know the message had been sent...she wondered if Til would call to shout at her, or the Prophet of Pity's pet to shout at her, or Garatus to ask if she was still sore.

Kael was so glad that this vessel was pretty much all her own species who hated the Sangheili, San 'Shyuum, and Jiralhanae as much as she did right now.

(Will try to answer any questions people have if they got any Don't mind who posts next, just if Huka wants to post with Til probably needs to be before the Slip Space jump as I don't think the Covies can do that as it was a big thing in the Kilo-Five books, but that may have just been for the Humans who got the tech.)

[Rxxy]

Kax had been alone when he had heard the Shipmaster Mag Roh, and Kael's plan for a flight to Eayn. The half blind Kig-yar had never been to the ancient birth world of his people. So with quick wit and cunning, he approached the Shipmaster about going along. After a short bit of bartering Kax had been given permission to come along. He had readied his small supply of trade items he had gotten while on the sects last mission, and boarded the ship.

Now left to wander the ship unsupervised, he was lost. He had been on Corvettes few times and had no idea where he was going. He took a turn to the left where he believed the path was clear and ran into a T'vaoan.

The T'vaoan looked at the smaller Kig-yar and shook his head.

"Please do watch where you are going." Stated a Ruuhtian whom the previous had been conversing with.

"Sorry." Kax said as he picked himself up and continued walking.

"Stupid Pirates. If the Deathless were here they'd pay." He murmured to himself once he had left earshot. Kax paused and leaned on a wall wishing he had a friend aboard the ship with him. He took a deep breath and set off again. This time looking for the small area he was given to store his stuff or the dining hall.

[BetaWülf]

Pirate Lord Mag Rog.
Return to the Home World.

Mag sat in the briefing room, listening vaguely to his subordinates as they rambled on. His legs were resting on the edge of the table, absentmindedly polishing his blade prosthesis with the hand of his whole arm. His subordinates slowly began to grumble, realizing their Captain was far more interested in whatever it was he was viewing through his headpiece.

What he was watching, was Kael Gel pour her heart out into a voice-letter to her Mother. How quaint, he thought to himself. Having killed his own Mother, and having always been at odds with her before then, he never truly knew a Mother's love. He also couldn't understand purposefully rejecting such things when the Mother was a good one with love to give, not a jagged hole where a heart should be. Of course, Mag would never divulge his spying to anyone. Not that he felt it was spying, as he viewed any happenings on his ship to be his business(regardless of how personal it was).

He would never dream of doing this elsewhere though, just as it was his right to do it on his own ship, it was others' right to do it in theirs, and not his in their ship, nor theirs in his. That aside, Mag waved off his subordinates as he felt the ship begin to rise. "Get to your stations, I want this ship running smooth as the chitin of my Yanme'e, Kael Gel is on this ship, and she damn well better feel like the crew is more than competent! Begone!" Mag said waving off the Kig-Yar.

Mag stood, straightened his attire, and proceeded towards the bridge. He walked surprisingly casually for being followed closely by two Jiralhanae and two Unggoy, something that would normally set a Kig-Yar's quills to rattling. But Mag was used to it. They were his bodyguards, dedicated followers with his best interests at heart. Or so he liked to tell himself, ironically he trusted the Unggoy more than the Jiralhanae in this instance. Mag took his seat, the divinely comfortable Captains chair.

The bridge was a hub of activity as they prepared for Slip Space travel, Kig-Yar of all breeds manned the consoles, Jiralhanae moved paneling for the Unggoy who were overseeing the Yanme'e as last minute checks of all systems were ending with near perfect results. Not a hitch to be found. Excellent, Mag thought to himself as he quietly strummed his fingers over his blade prosthesis's surface, his four guards arrayed around his chair in a properly menacing fashion.

[Huka]

Field Marshal Til 'Muramai
The Citadel of Redeeming Vigilance – The Core
After the Battle of Frontier

The remaining forces of the army just returned from the latest human colony a cycle ago, victory softened the casualties of loss and another planet to their thrall. While it was often potent to cleanse worlds tainted by the humans' touch, this one would be used for resource extraction and a shipyard. Til wasn't cleared on the details yet but right now, he had other issues to handle. So, to relax and convert his anxieties to something positive, he decided to take a visit into one of his mix-felt areas in his army's headquarters – the War room. Instead of his decorative and imposing Field Marshal combat harness, the young Zealot wore his original harness out of practical casual sake. It was less heavy both in bulk and responsibility. He felt like he could breath for once without a sniper's eye on him.

His hand brushed at the smooth purple surface of the war table, projecting practically his Citadel. This is his soldiers' home away from home, this piece of territory carved just for them and crafted to meet their needs both for comfort and future combat. There were few other high-ranked officials on the planet, but their duties was to make sure a portion of their findings were given to Redeeming Vigilance in tribute. It was like a relationship between a High Clan among its serfs and he was their Kaidon.

However, a leadership is never without woes. He've experienced that profoundly, ever since he first took the mantle of it as a entrusted Minor in a infiltration operation. Til didn't feel like he had anything to say to Kael Gel after her abrupt and disrespectful attitude to the Prophet and disrupting efficiency on her assignment, that her own fault of allowing emotion into the mission. She is lucky he didn't execute her for it, but only because he liked her and understood the personal rift involving the Human Seekers. Garatus have suffered it too. The Field Marshal wasn't apathetic, completely.

“Ze'at 'Muramai to Defiant Reach, do you read?” He called through the colony frequency, which was quickly answered with what sounded like a young Sangheili on the other end, “Of course, Most Esteemed Ze'at. What is thy command?” “I require communications to the kig-yar commandeered SDV-class heavy corvette Manifest Destiny immediately.” The Zealot ordered, putting his hands behind his lower back with the warmth of his mother-weaved cape wrapping around his person. There was a brief silence from the communications officer, no doubt making quick work through the lists of known ships on the data base on the fleet roster until finally the name came to play. 

 "Establishing communications now..."

[Faclan]

Kael Gel, T'vaoan Champion
Mag Rog's Vessel 'Manifest Destiny'
Here comes the gloat...

While Kael would agree with Rog that looking into all the goings on in his ship was a good idea, and his right as Ship Master, probably best if she never found out that he was watching somethi8ng very personal and very blackmaily. Kael would then have to make sure that he never told anyone, and the best Gel approved way of that was to remove their method of speaking of a small infraction, or just kill them slowly. Probably by tossing them out of the airlock with a low air suit with a blade so they would have to grapple with having to either kill themselves or wait for the suffocation death to come to them slowly. Best she didn't find out about that.

Rubbing her face again Kael slumped back into the chair as she watched the screen, its resting screen now playing which showed a nice coast line with a few ships slowly bobbing across its surface. She really needed to start thinking about what she was going to say to Zaat. But then a horrible thought occurred to her...what if Zaat wasn't there? Or she was dead? Or she didn't want to hear anything her daughter was trying to say. Gulping to try and steady her nerves Kael prayed with everything she had that Zaat wouldn't be like that. Right now she really needed her Mama to be willing to help Kael get over this part of her life...Kael really didn't know what to do if she rejected it. She could be cast out of Gel for what she did, disobeying a Commodore for the second time and refusing communciation with them. 

Leaning forward in the chair a bit she held her beak in her hands as she focused on breathing. No, Zaat had sent her a message wishing her well, she would be willing. But she glanced back toward the door as she heard Mags muffled voice shout out orders. Nodding at this good stuff she straighten up a bit and wiped her face in case Mag came in here. She was starting tot rust the Pirate more and more but best not to give him too much ammo to be used later this soon. Good thing she didn't know he had already seen that. But just as she was standing up to head for the door and watch the journey begin proper the console behind her beeped.

Turning to face it Kael tapped a few buttons to find out what was trying to contact them. Covenant settlement, bit odd but the loooong name of the requester soon filled in the why. So Til was calling to probably chastise her for what she did. Hissing a bit Kael did a last check of her face for any large signs of her stress and sorrow before hitting the accept button. The call would open to both sides so each would see the other - Til's analytical eye probably catching the fact that Kael had been recently crying but she kept any tells from her voice as she hissed out.

"What do you want Til? I'm already leaving and I have that right." She noticed his different armor, but didn't mean much to her as she slightly glared at the screen.

(Up ta you Til if that 'Right' she believes she has is something that Kigs actually get :3 )

[Huka]

Field Marshal Til ‘Muramai
The Citadel of Redeeming Vigilance - The Core
Insolent little bird

Til’s functioning eye flashed dangerously at the Champion’s sharp tone and his mandibles’ tusks curled subtly for the shortest of tick. “It is not good to irritate a sand prowler behind glass, Champion Gel.” He warned sharply before continuing the topic of his call with a tone fit for an understanding uncle to a hard-headed youngling in Sangheili terminology, “Especially one that give you a healthy meal - I contact you on business. You can continue your hatchling temper and end this communication now or you can be a proper representative of your clan and listen.” On that, the Field Marshal allowed Kael a moment of thought.

Unlike his usual harness, the Sangheili wore an open-faced helmet that showed his face scarred from battle and the horrid bleaching of his leathery scales. The functioning of his right eye kept its stern, piercing look into Kael’s through the third-dimensional rendering while the other was milky white with the barest visibility of the dead pupil behind the film. Without his infamous respirator, Til’s recovering lungs forced controlled mouthy breaths instead of noticeable use of his nostrils. Better than suffocating without the use of machinery.

[Faclan]

Kael Gel, T'vaoan Champion
Mag Rog's Vessel 'Manifest Destiny'
This better be good.

Well, that's certainly why he wears a full face helmet then Kael mused as her eyes roved around the face she rarely saw slightly. It was a bit unnerving with that white eye still there but right now Kael was so done with nearly everything that she couldn't even think of a good witty come back for Tils appearance.

She kept her glare however as she considered what he had said. Business? To her that meant more combat, something she had already made clear that she didn't want right now. The San 'Shyuum and his little pet as well as Garatus had made it clear that they didn't respect the positon she held in combat. What else could it be? Grimacing a bit Kael finally responded, taking the offer at least a little. Too curious not too.

"What business?" She asked simply, no aplogy or anything for her rudeness earlier. But at least she didn't end the call and her voice wasn't as hissy now. So the intelligent force Leader was still in that shell of sadness and regret, at least a bit.

Full moon tonight, or cloudy skies all the time with that, or 'Could get a fish and a nice fake eye for that helmet'. Damn...comebacks too late today.

[Huka]

Field Marshal Til ‘Muramai
Core War room

Til could taste the animosity from the Kig-yar from her barely controlled emotions, he almost wanted to snap her neck to get rid of the possible trouble in the future if he didn’t know it was just festering maternal instinct boiling under her skin like a contained sun. Finally, he got his answer in the momentary silence.

“The fact that your son have been stolen away as Garatus’ wife have.” He said with a hint of malice to the situation. “I want these crimes to be avenged as much as any, Kael Gel, and I want our justice to strike these humans down. Perhaps it lead some answers for you...if the Gods are willing their grace.” Til paused, allowing the Champion absorb that before continuing with more. “I’ve fought this war since the first campaign. I've studied the humans enough to know they are crafty yet predictable opportunists in their desire to survive. We will use their desperation to draw them in like fish.” The Zealot’s own adapted cunning was beginning to shine a new light behind his good eye, a youthful excitement of doing something other than direct combat again.

If the Kig-yar mother wasn’t going to help, he will be willing to handle the situation himself.

[Remnant]

Mercenary Lyra Koi
Manifest Destiny
Pissed.

Lyra looked down at her helmet, holding it in her hands, it's front facing her. She stared into it's piercing red eye pieces. They reminded her of the burning rage that resided in her. She turned the helmet in her hands, so that it faced away from her. She then lifted it up and wore it, the helmet's back plate sloping down from the lack of a mane. It protected the back of her head, at least. She then brushed her ruffs, mostly out of habit at this point. She kept her SMGs magnetically holstered to her sides, as always, but kept the rest of her equipment in her locker.

She then left the quarters and headed for the bridge, trying to contain her anger along the way. They had a special guest aboard the ship. Of all the Gels in existence, it was this particular one that she just wanted to annihilate. It was this bitch that spearheaded the massacre of her clan. There was no proof, but there had to be someone to blame. She had to have done it. Lyra just knew it.

In no time soon she arrived at the bridge. A bridge member greeted her but she merely bared her teeth, warning him to back away. Thankfully, he complied. She approached Mag and walked to his side. She stared at him, her piercing red eyes pieces seemed to look straight through him, like she was staring into his soul. A faint red glow appeared on Mag's face from the eyes. Clearly not happy, she broke the silenced into a small, angry whisper.

"What, is she doing here?" Lyra spoke, referring to Kael Gel, the "special guest" on board.

[BetaWülf]

Ruuhtian Pirate Lord Mag Rog
"Manifest Destiny"
Diverting Anger

Mag had swiveled his command chair around to face towards Kael and Til who were exchanging harsh words. He was rather annoyed that his bridge was being disrupted. His Yanme'e were showing signs agitation through minor fumblings, the Unggoy and Kig-Yar were nervous, and the Jiralhanae were mildly amused. All normally bad signs. Mag growled softly as he tapped his fingers on his blade prosthesis, listening to the two bickering 'Officials'. It was not becoming of such high ranking representatives, especially not of the mighty Covenant Empire.

He swiveled to look towards the door as it hissed and opened, several pieces retracting in different directions as Covenant doorways commonly do. Lyra Koi, Raiding Master, had arrived on the bridge. Normally this would be fine, and Mag enjoyed her company, but on this day it was not so pleasantly received. Kael Gel was as great an enemy to Lyra as anyone ever could be, Clan Gel having massacred Clan Koi years ago. Many of Lyra's family had perished on that fateful day....

Mag glared doubly malicious at the red eyes of Lyra's helmet that were dangerously close to his own. While many found them intimidating, Mag viewed them simply as lights and held no fear of them. Her tone was no better when she spoke, a harsh, malevolent whisper, demanding to know why Kael of all Gels was on the Manifest Destiny.

"You overstep your rank, Raiding Master" Mag snarled back as he seized Lyra's shoulder and pulled her in closer, his razor sharp fangs gnashing together next to her ear-hole as he continued "We are heading to the home world, to Eayn, Kael Gel is also heading there. The difference is, I have a ship. To refuse her transport would not only be suspicious, it would also be blasphemy against all Kig-Yar considering what happened to her in the meeting room before the last battle." Mag released his rough grip on Lyra's shoulder, though his hand remained to keep her attention.

"Listen to me Lyra," Mag said with a sigh as he rubbed between his eyes, a rare moment when he didn't have his headpiece on "I was there when the Aecor damned San'Shyuum ordered an upstart Jiralhanae Chieftain to punish her, the beast beat her to the ground with one blow. What you have to realize, is that even though she is Gel, she is a Kig-Yar representative, she represents us all to the other species. And when they brutalized her, they brutalized us all in way... we cannot abide that" Mag said, rubbing Lyra's shoulder compassionately now.

"And besides... is it not an ideal time for me to gather information from a Gel for you? If I ask, it looks like curiosity at least, perhaps a shared experience of two Kig-Yar known for their viciousness at best? I can get you answers, but you must calm yourself. Let the blood of your fallen family be the oil used in the forging of the blade of your resolve" Mag said, retracting his hand from her shoulder, staring back at the red lights that masked her eyes.


Jiralhanae Chieftain Garatus the Deathless, Restorer of Tribes, Slayer of Shadowed Imps, The Butcher, Burner of Demons.
Regret is a Terrible Burden to Bear....

Garatus sat on the foot of his bed in his private quarters, data pad in hand. His clawed fingers finished the end of a procession of typing, pausing as his brow furrowed in contemplation. His face looked tired, aged even. When by himself, a Chieftain could let his guard down, let him be himself, even if it was a tired, worn down man.

His first act as himself, nearly an hour prior, was to throw his desk across the room, which utterly destroyed the door to his lavatory and badly damaged the desk. That action was caused by many things, the fact he still had not fully concluded his active mourning of his mate's passing, the fact he had vented his frustrations on Kael, or the fact he had just been informed his eldest Son had officially requested permission to join the Pack.

Garatus had of course accepted his Son's request, better he learn combat against the Humans by the side of his Father and Chieftain, than aboard a transport in Sangheili territory, like the fate dear Jornarus had suffered. Garatus had grown incredibly paranoid about his immediate family since the loss of Jornarus, he knew she was targeted, he did not know why. But did the Humans need a reason? They were a vicious beast, cornered by a pack of fearsome beasts intent on their destruction, it was always likely one of the beasts would be wounded in the attack....

His children had be assigned personal guardians, the finest and most dependable of Jiralhanae Garatus could muster. Garatus sighed, pressing the send glyph, the message disappearing from the screen and a confirmation of transfer taking its place. The message was sent to Kael Gel, the T'vaoan Champion he had so greatly insulted in his actions.

The message would read: "Kael of Clan Gel, I Chieftain Garatus the Deathless, Restorer of Tribes, Slayer of Shadowed Imps, The Butcher, Burner of Demons, have something to say. I... I wish to apologize to you. While I did what I felt necessary in the moment... I regret it nonetheless. I know you are no Heretic. Foolish, perhaps, but not intolerable nor unrelatable, for I too have suffered loss in recent times."

"I have confided in few the insurmountable horror it is to live like this, many days I have considered honorable suicide, but I linger on for one reason alone. I continue on for my children, knowing that losing both parents so young is no way to live and that they deserve better. I cannot imagine the pain you feel, having lost both children, but I do know that you should not give up hope. From what I know of the circumstances, there is still a chance your Son lives on, and if he is like you, I know he has a fighting spirit and the will to prevail. I send you this in confidence and trust. If you tell anyone the details of this correspondence, I shall eat you, sincerely Garatus the Deathless."

[Faclan]

Kael Gel, T'vaoan Champion
Mag Rog's Vessel 'Manifest Destiny'
So many surprises.

Too say Kael was surprised when Til didn't start a religious sermon about what she had done wrong and instead seemed to be offer assistance would be correct. And it would be evident on her face as the Sangheili kept talking. Her beak even starting to hang open. It wasn't anything like what Kael was expecting...and it made her feel even worse to be reminded that Garatus, the one she hated so much right now, is probably still going through that. Taking a deep breath she dropped her head to look down at the keypad for the console she was in front of as Til finished off his offer. This of course let her see when a message came in, from speak of the Deep Garatus himself. Kael waited for Til to finish before she tapped the accept key and the message flashed up on screen for her to read. Til also seeing it from his console - but he

As she read Kael was about to delete it as title after title was listed out, but she kept up until an apology of all things was mentioned. This giving the T'vaoan pause before she kept reading. And her face and mood continued to drop and she realized that those who she was hating on were now actively trying to help her. Despite the fact she had been trying to push them away. So far they were prooving themselves a better person than she. She couldn't just let this go unanswered. So after tapping a few buttons she soon had Garatus in the call as well, who knows if he could do video with his pad. Taking a few deep breaths before replying Kael finally started to speak, her emotions evident in her wavering voice and still looking down at the keys.

"Til...Garatus." There was a pause as Kael took another breath before replying. "Thank you both...after how I've been acting I really don't deserve allies like you. But I thank you both a lot for sticking by me despite myself trying to shove you away. I won't try to equate my pain to yours Garatus, as you have the very difficult task of raising your children alone while also leading an army...I dont know what I was thinking all those years ago when I just felt nothing when Tah died. I was too in the mindset of a Gel to respect him for trying to live and raise our Children...and Qesa is gone and Roh could be very close to joining her." Wiping her eyes Kael kept looking down as she did her best to continue. "I will accept any help trying to stop that happening Til...and your letter helps more than you realize Garatus. I will be returning to Eyan to get a vessel before joining you on the Hunt Til. Just...thank you both, with all the heart that I don't deserve."

Slumping down in the chair in front of the console Kael sat there with her head in her hands, call still going, as she cried.

( :< )

[Deleted]

La'Ghora 'Te Viskaree, Sangheili (Backwater) Major
Mag Rog's Vessel, Manifest Destiny.
Loitering, sir. Loitering with intent.

Following the most recent conflict with human military forces on a human colony... Frontier, La'Ghora had finally seen his first act of service against the shorter beings, however minimal the role of his Lance -it had been holding a defensive position near the most secured Covenant-held position most of the time, First Conquest, only to be returned to the Manifest Destiny shortly before victory had been assured. Now here on a Kig-Yar's ship, the humble male trudged away from his Lance's accommodation, clad in a loose tunic and long 'kilt' of sorts, wrappings above those and a shawl around the shoulders, the familiar weight of a smaller, 'civilian-grade' respirator on his back underneath the dull shawl itself, the vaguely intrusive pipe settling into one side of his muzzle, supplements to the air he breathed gently mixing in his large lungs.

Humans...

The heavy and stout figure wondered to himself as he loitered in the belly of the beast, his current home-from-home under the service of a Pirate Lord of all individuals, an interesting fate for a former prison guard indeed, apparently the Viskar and his mixed Lance were here to act in the capacity of investigators, or at least to supposedly keep an eye on things for a relatively short period of time before the next transfer came along. Long-term positions for one of his ilk was highly uncommon, in his personal experience at least.

Managing to avoid the warm bodes around him in the dull corridors and wider chambers, the stocky male huffed as he found himself in a quieter place, a open space of sorts that allowed one to view the stars through camera-fed panels, resembling glass to the naked eye. Always feeling so... itchy to move when left to his own devices, the backwater male moved himself far away from the hustle of serving crew and military personnel, losing himself inside his own head, thinking and thinking about this and that. It was less a sagely pondering from a philosophical warrior, than it was the lonely, wordless rambling of a mind at ill-ease, never too frightful, angry or pained to speak or act out such things, but never quite at peace.

He'd never seen a human before the brief stint on that dusty colony, and quite frankly barely saw anything of them save for a momentary flash of aggression from some distance, but if those mostly-fresh members of his Lance wanted an opportunity to do something glorious, 'twas not this time. Though what weighed on his mind were the rumours doing their rounds here, an T'vaoan of Gel blood had been summarily humiliated on the bridge, one who's name was strangely familiar and soon came into the thoughtful male's memory as one... Kael.

How strange that in the short period of time he'd yet to meet her while serving on the same ship, if in wildly different roles. Her name was in the roster, dare he personally look for such information (one of the minors were overly curious, he knew), just as his name would be in the files for those to look, were they bothered to seek out such a lowly male. Would it be... correct to try and contact her? What would he say? What would they even talk about? La'Ghora was terribly ignorant of many things in the convoluted thing that is this Holy Covenant, something occurred between a Champion, a Chieftain and a Zealot before the mission took place.

Then again, making contact with this Champion may be useful for more... pragmatic purposes; an amicable person that might be capable of moving him along a little faster? Hardly one of the first reasons to try, but a sentimental part of the semi-restful soldier's mind wanted to talk to her, rather missing her company; she certainly knew how to fill the silence, at least.

Procrastinating for some time, he sighed and made the possibly erroneous decision to seek out one of Kael's entourage on this delightfully vast (so it felt to him) spacecraft, to humbly request an audience with her - a old friend willing to listen once more, or to reach out to the unknown. Out of all the other species here, he may as well and try to speak to one who didn't look at him with wariness or slight disgust, attracting a few 'interesting' looks from the crew he somewhat-nimbly walked around, honestly doing his best to subvert the typical 'arrogant Sangheili walking over others' stereotype.

(First official rp post, I know there are probably many, maaany lore/canon/misc things to pick at so... yap.)

[Huka]

Field Marshal Til 'Muramai
War Room - Citadel Core

The Field Marshal was astonished that his Jiralhanae comrade had the timing to appear during this vital meeting but at that moment, he realized his own dampening faith in the Spirits' benevolence and felt a little sick inside. He hid it quite well, especially under his scarred visage.

He allowed Kael to speak and hear of Garatus' piece, the Sangheili didn't have anything else to say. He has given his words and intention. Anything else would be unprofessional and right now, there wasn't a time for it, especially on the self-claimed Pirate lord's ship of all things. "That is all I ever ask, Champion. Have a safe travel and return with the Spirits' enlightenment. We will speak more when the time comes..." He said with a relief of tone and care. On that, Til ended transmission with a press of the red glyph and dipped his head heavily with a low sigh.

That's one issue dealt with.

He took a moment to recollect himself and solemnly accessed communications to the Special Operations' dwelling. It took a hearts' moment for rank recognition to pass their heavily-encrypted protection before the holographic image of the spot-eyed Praem appeared. The pragmatic Spec Ops creche commander saluted with a straightening of his legs and fist pound to his chest. "Hail, Field Marshal." He greets with a respectful bow of his head. Til knew better than to trust him in formality's guise, but that is why he have him. He isn't too devout to be blinded into suicidal runs and wasn't too heathenous to break rank due to his ambitious machinations.

"The Champion will be joining us on the hunt, Commander 'Nikuysee." He said, barely catching that microscopic twitch of mandibles. Disdain. "Not now, you will have time to finalize and commence with the information that we're gathering. Nothing changes but that expectation. Understand me?" Praem bowed his head again, the memory of Til's last punishment for his elitist insubordination clear in his head. Not even he was above the Field Marshal's ironclad regime. "Your word is law, Holy Field Marshal." The commander replied without pause. With that, the Zealot ended their conversation and turned on his war map to overview the territories.

Soldiers and war machines to replace. Review past reports. Revise training sessions. Promotions. Death letters. Speakng with his missing brothers-in-arms and reporting to the Hierarchs. So much to do yet feels like so little time.

[Remnant]

Lyra Koi
Manifest Destiny
Answers

Lyra didn't understand. How could Mag stand up for her? Kael was brutalized? She knew nothing about brutalization. She destroyed Lyra's clan! If anything, Lyra was the one who has been brutalized. She had to live with an unrightful massacre of her own flesh and blood. But Lyra kept these thoughts to herself, however. The mixture of anger and confusion likely easily showed on her face. But she decided to keep her mouth shut, it was the best thing to do for now. The last thing she needed to do now was go berserk. And so her anger and confusion slowly turned into calmness, clear by what facial expression she could make under the helmet.

"And besides... is it not an ideal time for me to gather information from a Gel for you? If I ask, it looks like curiosity at least, perhaps a shared experience of two Kig-Yar known for their viciousness at best? I can get you answers, but you must calm yourself. Let the blood of your fallen family be the oil used in the forging of the blade of your resolve"

Lyra looked at Mag for a moment. After a small bit of silence, she spoke. "I... suppose so. What will you ask her? Or should I provide you questions?" Lyra asked, oddly anxious over the fact that she wasn't as hateful as she was earlier, as if she was dishonoring her ancestors for not filling herself with rage and killing the Gel.

[BetaWülf]

Pirate Lord Mag Rog
"Manifest Destiny"
In Due Time

Mag nodded sagely as the concept of information gathering dawned upon Lyra. She was headstrong, more of a charge in, kill them all, then say 'drat I forgot to ask questions' type of person. That's why he used her for bounties that were dead or alive, he had other agents for live capture missions. When she asked him about what he'd inquire of Kael or if she was should supply him things to ask, he shook his head.

"No... I wont ask yet, it will take time or her suspicions will be raised. If you desire, make a list of things, but I make no guarantee. So far my only plan is to find out if she will admit to her sins, I must know for certain it was her and not her Mother Zaat, or one of her siblings. In due time Lyra, I will have your answer" Mag said, his casual way soothing and reassuring.

"But for now, keep calm as you can. If it comes to it, I shall simply introduce you as my Raiding Master, you will tip your head politely, and it shall all go according to plan" Mag said with a sly grin.

"Now, let us get back to work so as to keep up appearances" Mag said, handing a data pad to Lyra "I want you to look over these specifications, a battle plan so to speak. As you know, I am not the most beloved Kig-Yar in our territory, Aecor only knows how many people I've killed from there. While it is unlikely we'll be attacked whilst transporting a prominent Gel, I want to be prepared nonetheless" Mag concluded.

He did however note the infamous Gel was... crying? On his bridge? That was certainly a first... as far as he knew nobody had done so before, so seeing the Champion doing so now was unprecedented and unnerving. It took Mag a moment to recall the tragedy that likely caused such an emotional spillage now, her son disappearing into the clutches of the enemy.


Jiralhanae Chieftain Garatus the Deathless
A Hurried Response

Garatus was about to stand to leave when his pad alerted him to a response incoming, Garatus scrambled to answer it. He knocked the pad out of reach accidently, having to crawl under the bed to get it, bashing the back of his head on the heavy wooden frame. He grumbled and rubbed the back of his head as he stood, righting his upturned desk and bringing up the attached view screen. Cautiously, he answered it.

Garatus was surprised not only to see Kael, but also to see the venerable Field Marshal Til. Garatus bowed his head respectfully to both, saluting with a thump of his fist to his chest. Garatus listened to Kael, nodding as he listened. His attire was surprisingly normal, a silk-like orange toga with golden symbols embroidered along the edges, a single pauldron on his left shoulder, and a leather belt around his waist.

"I... Champion... Kael, there is.... In my travels I shall keep a lookout for your Son, I..." Garatus said, his voice gruff and unsure, he was not used to such emotional outbursts, he rubbed the back of his neck "He will be found, rest assured Kael of Gel, he will be found...." Garatus said, defiance of the odds in his determined voice.

[Faclan]

Tags: BetaWülf, Remnant, @dragontear, Rxxy, Huka

Kael Gel, T'vaoan Champion
Mag Rog's Vessel 'Manifest Destiny'
Back with the group.

Blinking a bit as Til responded and then shut off the call Kael just nodded a bit as she turned her attention to Garatus as he seemed to be fumbling with the datapad. Kael was still seated in the private comm chair in the bridge's Captains quarters, still thankfully unaware that Mag was watching her. Could even have video for all she knew, and then she would be forced to make him eat all the physical copies of it to keep her image. As even though it was something that all Kigs did it generally was good for the image to be seen doing it in public. But despite all of that unknown info Kael listened to Garatus as he spoke, his attire was something she had never seen the apes wear before but the pauldron helped to not make it as weird as it could be as she finally managed a smile and wiped her eyes a bit.

"Thanks Garatus...I will be joining you in the hunt after I work things out at Home. I'll contact you when I am done there and ready to search with...You're right, we will find him." She then nodded and tapped the end of her beak as she bowed her head to the Chieftain, feeling much better about him that she did a few minutes ago as she took a breath and ended the call. Resting her hands on the console she stood up and stared down at the keys as she collected her thoughts. She needed to go out to the rest of the ship eventually and couldn't spend it all here. So after a few deep breaths and making sure her face was clear of tears she clipped her helmet on her belt and moved over to the connecting door and soon found herself on the bridge.

She heard a tiny beep from her PP about another message but the sound was for a lower priority message so she had time to greet the bridge crew and Mag. Moving up to be beside the Captain's chair she gave the female beside Mag a curt nod before speaking to the Pirate himself. "Once again I appreciate your services as a Taxi Lord Rog. Mutual hate of the Sangheili and Apes sure helping due to recent events. Do we have a time estimate for arrival? Probably going to go and get some proper Kig-Yar food while we wait."

She then glances down to check her pad. Some Sangheili wanted to talk to her? She didn't recognize the name but what the hell. So she sent back to her underling to tell the Sangheili to meet her in the messhall. If he decided to just shout at her then she would enjoy shutting him up and reminding him that he was on a Kig-Yar vessel now, not one where he was the top dog.

Looking back at up Mag and the female she waited for a response, the female didn't seem to like her but Kael returned the slight glare right back.

(And now the ship talking can begin :3 DT and Fade.)

[Deleted]

La'Ghora 'Te Viskaree, Sangheili (Backwater) Major
Mag Rog's Vessel, Manifest Destiny.
Off to the ship's mess hall.

The T'vaoan underling in question looked up from his data-pad, features drawn into a suspicious manner, yet still gave the rustic Sangheili a positive answer, if slightly hissed out; "The Champion will meet you in the Mess-Hall, Sangheili."

To which La'Ghora bowed his head lightly and slowly, thrumming out words of thanks and proceeding through the ship with dull and quiet thud-thud-thuds of half-booted hooves against metal plating, doing as he could best to avoid being obstructive to the crew; they already viewed the presence of his humble Lance with wariness, best to not upset them more than necessary, if at all. His loose clothing flowed slightly enough to helpfully disguise or at least partly cover the sheath of his heavy hatchet on one thick thigh and the trench-knife upon the other; a defensive measure if ever required and surely a sufficient deterrent against rabble-rousers.

Even though he had resided upon the Manifest Destiny for a short time, the pale-greyish skinned male still found it difficult to locate where he'd need to go and the most efficient route to take them - no doubt unaided by sticking out from the crew like some anomaly in the masses. Still, a matter of time before he'd arrive at one of several entrances to the somewhat bustling Mess-Hall, hope burning in the back of his wandering mind at re-making contact with a old face, but of course... where in the Mess-Hall would they meet? He supposed, inwardly as he moved to the quietest spot possible, she might pick him out from the surroundings with ease.

With that, he'd take out his own datapad and a small flask, then busied himself patiently, always keeping his surroundings checked of course... paranoia or mere caution, both were applicable.

[BetaWülf]

Pirate Lord Mag Rog
Transportation

Mag absentmindedly rubbed the two thumbs of his lone hand together. He was observing the end of Kael's conversation with Til and Garatus via his tightly guarded secret security system. His crew had started to believe he was some sort of omnipresent being or sea witch.

Mag's Mother would have called the conversation between Kael and the Jiralhanae and Sangheili commanders as a "pity party", but Mag was more interested in the fact they weren't the entirely deplorable bastards he had thought they were. He also now had a better feel for who they were as people, instead of the stone-faced Warriors they pretended to be.

Mag swiveled his seat to face the door of the side-room before Kael even stepped out. To his crew it would seem like premonition, but to Kael it would most likely seem like he was simply patiently waiting for her like a good host. He was in fact waiting patiently for her, but was as always embroiled with the smooth running of his ship.

Mag nodded respectfully to Kael as she approached, stopping and listening to her intently. He smirked at her words, out of a sense of modesty. Mag moved to stand so as to better answer Kael's question in a more personable manner.

"It is no trouble venerable Gel, it is in fact a rare honor to offer transport to a Paragon of our people" Mag said, his words ringing with a genuine belief in what he said, not that of a brown noser.

"And of course it is a fine opportunity for me to visit the Home World, rarely do I get the chance given my colonist beginnings. As for our estimated arrival, it is hard to say so early into our journey, but given the state of my vessel it should be the speediest possible" Mag said, a modicum of pride slipping out as he spoke of his ship.

"I wish the food was better honestly, the dung they give us is a poor excuse for Kig-Yar cuisine... but I've had some fresher food brought up from the stores for the cook while you and your followers are aboard" Mag concluded.

[Faclan]

(Mags a good Kig BetaW :>, good Kig. Apologies for the wait.)

Tags: BetaWülf, @dragontear

Kael Gel, T'vaoan Champion.
Bridge and then messhall.
Musings on the religious differences.

Smirking at Mag's response Kael just listened to it all. It was good to know that both of them were well versed in the murky waters of Kig-Yar respect and titles. She was a T'vaoan, normally higher perceived than the Ruuthian that Mag was - but this was his 'keep' for lack a better word. So deferential behavior was to be expected if you didn't want to have to sleep in a box in the cargo hold. But Mag was also doing the same for Kael - it was good he was but it made Kael ponder as to the intentions. It reminded her of her days as her Clans trade negotiator.

Mag sure sounded sincere, and Kael could be considered an example of their species. But she wasn't the only Champion in service, not by a long chalk. As even in their legion now Rex was still serving as far as she was aware. It probably had to do with the briefing they were both a part of where the Kig-Yar as a whole were spat on. Kael thought she had done well in it despite the beat down. Reminding the frail chair cripple that the Kig-Yar were not their obedient little lap dogs and respect was something to be earned, not given by some random 'god'. Even among the Kig-Yar Aecor never choose a champion to spout of their words and demand respect - some had claimed to be the chosen one of course. Good luck and victories were often just given thanks in Aecor's direction...Foolish Covenant religion sometimes.

The only outward tell of Kaels inner monologue would be her slightly out of focus eyes before she nodded. "If you wish to visit the Gel keep it could easily be arranged when we arrive Lord Rog. And the food will suffice as many of us only had rations in the last few cycles - so proper food whatever it is will be welcome. But I'll be there or one of the window rooms if needed - hopefully the remainder of this journey will be smooth sailing." Tipping her beak to Mag and the female she was soon off the bridge and heading into the depths of the Kig-Yar vessel.

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

On her trip down she slowed down as fear of what was happening to Roh. It had been so long since he was kidnapped...and each day there was less and less chance for him to be alive. Especially since it was the most hated and merciless ONI. Leaning against the wall Kael took some deep breaths as memories of Qesa's last words flooded back to her. But she clenched her fists and shook her head. No. Roh was alive and she would find him...after that she didn't know really. She could continue to fight or try to find more ONI to kill. But her Mama could be on the way out so she would need to remain at the Gel Keep to get caught up on all the happenings and to begin the transition.

Shaking her head against she started walking again, soon entering the messhall after moving past some of her Entourage and Mag's crew. One thing at a time. She needed to just take things one step at a time now to avoid overwhelming herself to the point of not doing anything. Seeing this Sangheili would be the first step. He was sure easy to pick out in the mess hall being several heads taller than everyone else...and his skin tone and face looked familiar. Heading over she grabbed a few Oui slices, a cup of tea, and a small fish shaped peice of meat of some kind and soon deposited herself across from the Sangheili. Giving him a bit of an examining look as she started with a drink of the steaming tea.

"Obviously you know me from somewhere Sangheili, unless you were just told I was here - and you seem familiar but drawing a blank. So enlighten me. But know that if you think you can harass me for anything I've done that that's not how it works on a Kig-Yar ship." She said, voice at a normal level but her posture made it clear that it wasn't just a suggestion. Poor La'Ghora.

[Deleted]

La'Ghora 'Te Viskaree, Sangheili (Backwater) Major
Mag Rog's Vessel, Manifest Destiny, Mess Hall.
Meeting a old face...

A flask of tinted fluid that possessed a kind of fruity flavour and settled well in the backwater male's stomach, and a data-pad would do little to keep him occupied for too long, but he need not worry about that - he did not expect to wait long, though the temptation to rise and procure some food and perhaps more drink. Perhaps something more legal in that fluid sustenance. He thrummed to himself, lazily checking communications he or his humble Lance may have received, as well as any information or possible orders heading towards his way.

It was then, he supposed, that a notable individual made it's way through the various here and there-ers around, some belonging to her rather well-known Entourage (something he knew little about, typical) and the others part of a Pirate Lord's crew. His pale eyes only veered towards the 'newcomer's direction when it approached, soon identifying this figure as female from her own form and skin tone, that feathery ruffle around her neck too small to be a mane... he turned back, and steadied himself with closed eyes, breathing in and out slowly, deeply.

A light shuffle of material on the table and a female depositing herself on the opposite side of the table to him, probably eyeing him up briefly before she spoke her words - authority, strength, feminine and most notably... familiar.

"Obviously you know me from somewhere Sangheili, unless you were just told I was here - and you seem familiar but drawing a blank. So enlighten me. But know that if you think you can harass me for anything I've done that that's not how it works on a Kig-Yar ship."

...And just a little threatening, but this elicited a crooked, toothy smile from one side of the pale Sangheili's mandibles, eyes opening and gazing towards her sitting form, recalling her from years ago... so familiar, yet so different. At the very least she didn't look as... haunted as this. He did hesitate, and certainly knew it would be beyond merely 'dishonest' to say he didn't feel just a little awkward or shy for a moment. Huffing into his re-breather tube, a hiss and a mechanical whine, he thrummed out in greetings, fixing a stead but soft gaze, head slightly lowered in humility.

"Greetings to you, Kael of Gel. I formally declare my presence as La'Ghora 'Te 'Viskaree... We... We did meet many rotations ago in a... in circumstances rather more... restricted? I was a guard then - a mere Minor." He paused, hands open-palmed on the table, fingers clenching and releasing as he felt faintly flustered and self-conscious about both butchering the Covenant common tongue - and putting across either the wrong information or too much, too soon for the female across him; he'd rather be subtle like in many matters, surely she'd recall?

Thus he sighed, sitting up more straight and leaned back, popping a muscle in a over-developed spine typical of his regressed kind. "I do not intend to seem... facetious when I wish to merely speak with you. I hope you have fared well... relatively well." He grumbled out the last two words, rather self aware by her demeanor, if nothing else, that all was not well, but by the old spirits, how the hells was he supposed to know what to say, when the mind goes blank with people of superior rank outside the battlefield? Apparently he still needed to be more socially adept... though on the other hand, perhaps that was another hint for her to recall his identity.

[Faclan]

Tags: @dragontear

Kael Gel, T'vaoan Champion.
Manifest Destiny Messhall.
Oh look another damn Jelly Major.

He was smirking now, this Sangheili sure thought a lot of himself or didn't fear her. Kael's eyes narrowing a bit as she contemplated fixing that...but Mag wouldn't like her breaking a few tables and getting blood everywhere. And she would need to sleep at some point before fighting a Sangheili - her blades on her wrists were starting to feel more heavy. So for now she just watched the Sangheili with slightly narrowed eyes as she waited for him to speak up rather than just smirk like a fool. But he then seemed to huff on whatever was stuck in his mouth instead. So Kael started to slice up her Oui cuts for eating.

But she did look more directly at him when he finally did speak up. Speaking out her title rather than just normal name. That showed at least some knowledge of either her or Kig-Yar customs, though Kael Gel would also be correct as she was a natual born Gel. But it was still impressive for a split face to either know or guess that right. He then explained when they had apparently met before. And like a Sangheili he was being cryptic about it. Restrictive conditions when he was a guard? Tilting her head a bit as she thought back to situations that would have meant that she kept listening as he continued to speak. Using his typical evasive long Sangheili way of speaking.

It was a good thing that La'Ghora didn't voice his thoughts of being nervous around Kael who had a 'superior rank'. As after the briefing was Kael was shown just how little Sangheili and the San'Shyuum thought of her rank she probably would have leapt at him. But it was thankfully kept quiet as she hissed a bit at him hoping she had fared well - when recently it had been everything but well.

"No, I haven't. Its the reason I'm on this ship going back to the Gel keep." The reasons would be kept to herself for now unless this Sangheili really showed that he was trustworthy. "And I think I do remember you, your nervous mannerisms helped. You were one of the guards at that secret prison I was sent after I Murdered that Split-face Major." She said, her mood clear to tell just from the words not to mention her expression and tone. It was a shame however as the Sangheili major this time probably just wanted to help and Kael wasn't being helpful to that cause.

(Sorry DT D: *hug*)

[Deleted]

Tag; Faclan, Mess-Hall chickens.

La'Ghora 'Te Viskaree, Sangheili (Backwater) Major
Mag Rog's Vessel, Manifest Destiny, Mess Hall.
Navigating a social mine field...

The former excitement of knowing that a old face was present in the same ship as himself felt as though it was beginning to weaken, concern about what he may wish to do and speak about beginning to strengthen. Kael Gel did not seem at all happy to see him, and in hindsight La'Ghora would partly understand why. Just her body language alone made warning sounds alight in the back of his mind, and her spoken words and actions did little to truly reassure the Viskar male that this was a fantastic idea to make contact with one of the more well-known Gel on a whim.

While he spoke in subtle words, unwilling to be so terribly blunt at first, she was much more straightforward, letting him know she was intentionally heading back to the Gel keep, and then calmly mentioned that yes, she knew him from the past, pointing out his apparently nervous disposition and then highlighted her own reason for being in prison, slurring the Sangheili kind with a disdain.

Pursing his long, already closed mandibles, he wiped that crooked smile from his face for now, reaching up slowly to rub at the inactive side right below that scar right across his face, apparently realising that his smile appeared not so much as sincerely pleased as much as it did a smirk, something he could not quite help - having his face cut open from one cheek, under an eye and over another seemed to have ruined one-half of his smile, instead he crinkled his eyes, narrowed placidly in thought.

Nodding slowly, he decided he should modify his behavior for her sake at least, and to buy himself a little thinking time. "I shall return, Kael." He rumbled softly, putting his flask and datapad away before rising to do as she did; collect something edible.

Indeed he returned, glares of Kig-Yar burning into his front, sides and back all the way there and back, under suspicion for one thing or another, he didn't want to be here anymore than they wanted his presence. Sitting heavily, the civilian respirator on his thick spine bounced against the chair majestically, making him shift and sit upright, unintentionally towering over Kael - a little, being short as all his kind were. He simply had some fruit and a canteen of tea, herbal by smell.

"Forgive my social clumsiness, I was eager to see you, having missed your company." He began politely, deciding to be more straightforward - long-winded Sangheili ways he did not intentionally follow, but even after all these years he had troubles working the common tongue. "I believe it is merely honest to state that if this... if you did not wish to speak to a Sangheili, my sought-permission to converse would have been rejected." He thrummed out, huffing on the pipe in his maw, in-taking more chemical laden oxygen; an imitation of the chemical make-up present in his homeworld's atmosphere. He tilted his head, light and pale eyes gazing into her own thoughtfully, long mandibles pursed.

"My memory of our topics past is not perfect, thus as you have your reasons for doing what you did to a Sangheili, I have my own... though personally, I cannot fathom much regret for the noble's nose I bloodied." He continued, unable to hold back a crooked smile, wistful and recalling the look on that man's face. Prejudiced, racist, arrogant, uncaring face bleeding and recoiling from the force of patient man made angry, however brief, did make him feel better. Blinking, La'Ghora dipped his head minutely lower and sat back, sipping his own tea, then placed that canteen and his hands palm-down on the table. "I recall your own mannerisms well. Forward, loud... very loud, plenty of words to speak, insightful and angry, verbal abuse included, nothing alien to me. And I was happy to listen then as I am now, Kael of Gel, to speak and reach out."

He finished that, feeling more socially confident, and breathed deep, eyes becoming firmer. How much did she dislike the Sangheili? How much did they, as individuals and a species, cause such... resentment? He was unsure, but wished to try and at least alleviate a fear of him acting the same, thus he tried; "Kael of Gel, I am Viskar, no 'split-face'." He near-whispered, firm yet kind. "I am no... I am not one of mind to cause or receive grief to fellow comrade without great reason." He rumbled, reaching up to rub at his inactive right mandibles, subconsciously tracing part of that deforming scar from right to above left, sitting up and sipping his canteen of herbal tea, long and slow drafts as he awaited her words, inwardly squirming, outwardly serene - as serene as he could be, anyway.

They had not spoken to one-another for years and he felt so utterly isolated from any individual outside of his precious Lance, that he didn't pretend to be able to offer something life-changing, instead he merely wished to communicate one relatively simple message; I am here, accept or reject me. She would speak to him as an equal only if she wished to, no way of simply coercing or smooth-talking, simply honesty. Asking for transfer away from here would either have to wait, or... he didn't know, now he was speaking to her, so he simply hoped.

(Bahh, not expecting a post annnyway big as this, just writing too much. XD)

[Faclan]

(Its OK DT *hug*)

Kael Gel, T'vaoan Champion
Manifest Destiny Messhall
...Fine.

At least the Sangheili wasn't smirking anymore - that was a good start. Still Sangheili cause while Kael remembered him as one of the guards she remembered very little else about him. Name no way but if she remembered right he had also been sent there as a guard by some social fopah against some other Jelly. She could respect him a little for that - but her entire outlook right now didn't allow that. But soon he excused himself and went to get some food.

It let Kael quickly tuck into the first proper food she had in nearly two days besides battlefield rations. And while the rations she was able to procure for her Entourage were far better than the slop normally given to the Kig-Yar it was limited. And now Kael had a selection to chow down on. Which she was doing in earnest. The tea was gone as was most of the Oui slices and about a fourth of the fish like thing by the time La'Ghora was back. Kael was clearly very hungry.

She noticed the glares he was getting but for now she would allow them to continue until this one proved his intentions. She smirked a bit at his breathing device, like Til, making him sit up a bit awkwardly. But it was unlikely that La'Ghora would be versed enough in Kig-Yar expressions to catch her tiny smirk. Then he started talking again so she listened as she occasionally popped one of her remaining Oui slices into her beak.

She didn't respond as she listened but nodded a bit when he mentioned a noble bloodied nose. That was it, that got him some points with her back in the jail and will continue to get some more from her now. Knowing he wasn't some agent of the cripples in chairs helped and so she would continue to talk to him for now. He then went in explaining at her remembered her being loud - makes sense as back then she was trying to learn how to better control her anger...something she hasn't been doing lately. And he did have a point, if she didn't want to talk she would have just not showed up. Sighing a bit when he was finished she took a few seconds to finish off her Oui slices, leaving just her fish, before she looked down at her hands and then back to up to La'Ghora.

The first thing she did was look around the room and give an odd sort of wave gesture, left to right then back left once, with a sharp cut back to right. The Kig-Yar in the room quickly looked away from their table and went back to their own things. Rubbing her beak for a few seconds longer she finally nodded and looked directly up at La'Ghora.

"Fine...In the briefing for our last mission one of the spli...Sangheili honor guardsmen Ultras showed up - with a hologram of some San 'Shyuum I don't remember which. And Everyone else in the room even Suf and Mag immediately dropped to a knee even though the chair bound cripple has done nothing for any of them. For this I was shown how little the Sangheili and San 'Shyuum cared about my rank as they had Garatus beat me to the floor for that..." She was silent as she looked down at the table before quietly adding. "And my Son has been taking by ONI...and I will find him after settling things out with my Mama." She kept looking at the able after that, the other Kig-Yar in the room knowing to not repeat anything if they did happen to overhear it.

[Remnant]

Lyra Koi, Master of Raiding
Manifest Destiny
Reviewing the Plans


"No... I wont ask yet, it will take time or her suspicions will be raised. If you desire, make a list of things, but I make no guarantee. So far my only plan is to find out if she will admit to her sins, I must know for certain it was her and not her Mother Zaat, or one of her siblings. In due time Lyra, I will have your answer" Mag said, his casual way soothing and reassuring.

"But for now, keep calm as you can. If it comes to it, I shall simply introduce you as my Raiding Master, you will tip your head politely, and it shall all go according to plan" Mag said with a sly grin.

"Now, let us get back to work so as to keep up appearances" Mag said, handing a data pad to Lyra "I want you to look over these specifications, a battle plan so to speak. As you know, I am not the most beloved Kig-Yar in our territory, Aecor only knows how many people I've killed from there. While it is unlikely we'll be attacked whilst transporting a prominent Gel, I want to be prepared nonetheless" Mag concluded.

"As you say, Lord Mag." Lyra said, taking the data pad in had. She was just about to leave when Kael had approached the Captain, giving Lyra a curt nod. Lyra simply stared at her with a slight glare. She observed her as she spoke to Mag, not taking her eyes off of her. When she was done talking, she looked down at her data pad, then looked back up at Mag, and then Lyra. Kael returned the same glare Lyra gave her. Lyra silently looked down at the data pad Mag gave her, turned, and began walking off the bridge, heading towards the Mess Hall. Her stomach began rumbling along the way.

When she got to the mess hall, she immediately grabbed a plate of food, and picked out a rather empty table. At a table parallel to the one she was about to claim, a lone Sangheili sat. She cocked her head as she looked at him with curiosity. Uncaring of whether he noticed her or not, she turned back to the table, and sat on the side with her back facing the Sangheili and began reviewing the data pad, chewing food as she scrolled along. That was when she noticed it. In the corner of her eye, her peripheral vision, she could make at a familiar outline with familiar colors. She turned her head slightly and saw Kael. Her eyes widened, and she once again glared at her, but this time with the single eye facing her.

She likely wouldn't notice it, so Lyra immediately refocused herself onto the battle plan. She tried to ignore her instincts of bloodshed. Thankfully, a crew of Raiders walked by, led by her right hand, Rishi. Lyra motioned them to sit at the table with her, and Rishi took a seat beside her. Without haste, she began reviewing the battle plans with them. It eased her, and took her mind off of Kael for the moment.

[Deleted]

(Apologies for my absence, been down in the dumps like a baws. ><)

La'Ghora 'Te Viskaree, Sangheili (Backwater) Major
Mag Rog's Vessel, Manifest Destiny, Mess Hall.
...Hm...[/b]

The inward conflict of whether meeting a T'vaoan Champion right out of the metaphorical blue for self-interest was a good idea continued, even as he became more and more involved using what little social grace he possessed. Neither La'Ghora nor his backwater kindred had much power politically, if any at all, so the notion of asking for promotion by means of a favour or two was... new to him. Ambition being what it was, he wished to try at least, for perhaps the Covenant could not punish the man for such a supposedly noble goal of lifting the opinion of the masses to his clan?

Right now he tried to concentrate, weaving his way through a social 'mine-field' of sorts, the saying uttered by one Unggoy or another, their inquisitions far more broad than his own. This particularly mine-field focused upon their brief... what would he call it... a relationship? That implied too much, guard and prisoner, quiet and loud, heavy and light... male and female?

Oh well. He tried, enunciating when appropriate, trying not to lessen the chance of finding whatever amounts to a friend in the Covenant outside his own Lance, and to see what good can come of it, pragmatically speaking. That would be nice, actually.

So he ceased his emoting and fell into an easy silence, trying oh-so hard to read whatever facial expressions this plume-less female gave off, whatever subconscious body-language given away. Kig-Yar language, verbal and non-verbal were two of many things he was less than expertly aware of in the holy Covenant, and doubtlessly he'd die ignorant of many more things, important and not-so.

Thus after she took her last tea-sips (that did smell quite nice, despite it not being a beverage he was familiar with) the female appeared to... contemplate something? He peered at her quietly, consuming whatever fruit-pieces he had slowly, semi-awkwardly drinking to wetten his parched throat, and found himself feeling a touch of nervousness when she made those movements with her arms, clearly signalling something to... well, everybody else in the mess-hall.

Tensing, his elbows dug into the table harmlessly, long fingers curling, claws tapping metal. He couldn't deny feeling the smallest of temptations to look around and reach for his folded axe, safely tucked under loose tunic and shawl and kilt-wraps, but nothing happened that suggested his life was about to come to a sad, rather pathetic end.

Rather, it appeared his appeal of sorts for Kael to open up gave the Viskar reasons to relax as she instead began to speak at length about a particular scenario that took place; detailing a briefing of sorts whereupon she and others witnessed  the presence of a Honor-Guard, how the holographic San'Shyuum ignored those beneath him, and the beating of a smaller, relatively fragile figure delivered by her absolute opposite in sheer crushing physical power; Garatus. Oh, and the additional detail of having this... 'ONI' take her only son into the darkness. He'd heard little about them, and absolutely nothing was positive, apparently they acted as... what was it called? He couldn't honestly recall the name, but they hid in shadows, doing bad things.

That bothered him, but what also made him recline and cringe ever-so-slightly... was the terms used to describe of the Holy Ones himself; Chair-bound cripple, made it sound more like wounded pride and spitefulness - but he didn't wish to assume such pettiness was the main irk. Amongst other things, La'Ghora felt like reconsidering the idea of reconnecting with the temperamental female before him, losing her children, her standing and possibly her happiness in service to the Covenant made him feel conflicted, but for her sake, not his own ambitions for once. What in the dark hells could he offer to do and say that wouldn't be entirely unhelpful? She did, notably, avoid using the 'split-lip' slur at least, which was nice. Meanwhile, he failed to notice the other female's presence behind him, one whom apparently held a distaste for Kael.

Naturally he was thoughtfully quiet for some time, mulling it over and giving her a even gaze, grey-blue optics flitting from her eyes to the wall behind her, to something thousands of yards into nothing at all, being lost in his own mind once more. The occasional whirring of his re-breather and it's civilian-model apparatus ticked over in the background, the tank upon his over-developed spine resting on the back of the mess-hall chair, squeaking as it bumped around or against the metal chair-back. He honestly did not know what to think, and though understood total honesty was not always diplomatic, had genuinely warned Kael that he couldn't offer soothing words to all woes - he offered her an ear to speak to at the very least, humble as he is.

I do not know what to say to a warrior and a mother of the lost, a good accord of my social graces and empathy indeed.

Lacking such things he sighed and stretched his heavy back, feeling a semi-satisfying 'crck' in his spine, sitting up again and remained semi-even, slightly leaned forwards as he considered his words, hands cupped lightly. "It is of some shame this particular Sangheili lacks sagely words to thee." He began, the me's my's and myself's feeling awry for one reason or another, another quirk of him or his kin. "For what has happened to thee? Before, now, yourself and your child, it is of... sympathy, I wish to express." Inwardly he already felt so false, sympathising out-loud with words rather than simply clasping the the shoulder or offering innocent embrace in silent support felt awkward. Actions over speech, but he meant it, every word, even if he wasn't so linguistically talented in the subtleties of his species like all or most Sangheili.

Sighing he tucked his chins to his thick neck, large eyes narrowing placidly, surely making him rather un-threatening compared to other clansmen. Raising his skull again, he tried a crooked smile, working the slacker mandibles to be less smirk and more toothy smile, he couldn't see but hoped it looked better. "There is some... more recent knowledge of you I have, added by our past interactions, enough for me to state with sincerity of your own resourcefulness, your pride and abilities. I hope such issues can be resolved, all of them. The San'Shyuum..." He wanted to say more, but felt his own mind go blank. What in the dark hells was he to say of the Holy Ones themselves? Positive words would not help all that much, but speaking ill of the smaller, wiser men and women would do him badly if keen ears were open. "...It is a shame, from what you say, such ill-respect was given to you, it feels ill at ease to me." Not the strongest of condemnations, but he honestly did not know what to say, tempted to say nothing at all and merely nod, but that felt weak in the company of a female that seemed to prefer vocalising woes than merely remaining silent. But at the very least, the notion of her visiting a loved one still amongst the living was pleasing, and thus his crooked smirk achieved that big smile, long mandibles less pursed and exposing the fore-most of his short and wide fangs, mandibles clicking lightly.

Bless his hearts, he did try. "I can only imagine... your mother will be pleased to have your company again, for what my words have in worth, I shall say of... good tidings, to both you and her." He finished and relaxed as much as he dare, gazing at the last piece of fruit upon his tray with some lingering doubts. The food here tasted quite ah... interesting, at times, but enjoyable enough to suit his needs.

[Faclan]

(*hugs DT tightly* Its ok wriggly floof, we still hart you and are here for you <3 Great post by the way.)

Kael Gel, T'vaoan Champion
Manifest Destiny Messhall - moving to Observation room
Thanks Jelly face.

Still staring down at the table after she had finished talking Kael started to fidget as the silence stretched on and on. At least the other Kig-Yar in the room were going back to their own devices and making some noise so it wasn't complete but the shifting of La'Ghora as he sat there didn't help either. Kael was almost about to just up and leave before he finally started to talk. Kael just grunting as she listened and kept looking at the plate she had been using, it cleared of food beside the fruit slice which she swiped off and chewed on as the Sangheili slowly and finally talked.

It was more of their dancing language just made to annoy the ones looking for an answer. And Kael was visibly getting annoyed with La'Ghora as he kept going; eyes narrowing and feather ruff rising up. But she softened a little when he started to say he was sympathetic and then started to praise her. That sure helped. But it was clear that the Sangheili was having issues trying to get past his upbringing of never speaking ill to one of the cripples. Thrice Sunk cripples thinking they have rule of the lives of herself and her clan just because they can supposedly speak with Gods. It made Kael smile, but not in a super friendly way. At least he admitted that it wasn't right - that helped. And the talk with Garatus and Til earlier had done much to calm Kael down so her anger wasn't as intense. And he wished her well, that was nice.

Now calmed down again Kael just nodded as she finished her fruit and then gave her beak a quick wipe with the napkin before setting that on the plate. "I appreciate that La'Ghora, and I hope she will as well. She has every reason not to be. Multiple reasons to banish me from Gel in fact." She rubber her beak at that and sighed. "But I hope she'll give me the time to search for Roh before I'm cast out if she chooses...I need to go and think by myself for awhile. If you see me at another time on this trip feel free to approach me. But not within a Unit please." She stood up and made sure she had everything before tapping he end of her beak and bowing her head. "Thanks for seeking me out to talk, it must have been hard but it does help." Smiling a little she turned on her heal, plate and scraps in hand, and headed for the exit.

The Champion binning the scraps and setting the plate on top of the garbage before leaving the messhall. Heading toward one of the small observation rooms so she could see in slip spaces glow and think about the meeting with Commodore Gel. The reality of what she had done to Mama Zaat starting to come back to her very clear, and all the rules that should have been ingrained in Kael's mind that she had broken. Though Kael did take a small detour to enter the room she had been given for the trip to strip off some of her dented golden armor. Taking off most up the chest and arm armor, leaving the belt and leg armor on, and keeping one of her Gel bracers on. And in her more comfortable attire, Needle pistol still on her thigh, she headed for the observation room.

(La'Ghora n Kael can talk some more later, but now Lyra and Kael can have their super friendly chat in the observation room :> .)

[Remnant]

[OOC: Whoops!!! Really sorry guys! Didn't realize it was my turn to post. I'm very sorry for stalling and delaying. It won't happen again, I swear.]

Lyra Koi, Master of Raiding
Manifest Destiny
Sparring.

Lyra had dismissed the crew of Raiders, minus Rishi. They threw away whatever food was left, and proceeded to the observation room. It was a short walk there, and a place for the pair to spar. It was quiet as they arrived, the room seemingly empty. They gazed at the glow of slipspace beyond the windows.

"Lyra, what's wrong? You've been tense since I met up with you at the Mess Hall." Rishi asked.

"I don't trust that Gel." Lyra stated bluntly.

"Why?"

"It is not your place to know. Not yet, anyway." Lyra said, the tone of her voice shifting to a mixture of sorrow and anger.

"I... see. I'm sorry if I have upset you."

"You haven't upset me. I'm just reliving memories."

"How about we spar in this spare time? Relieve some stress?" Rishi asked, getting into a hand-to-hand combat ready stance.

"Good idea. Perhaps that will be a sufficient distraction from this as-of-late tension." Lyra agreed, getting into her own stance as well.

The two began to spar, attempting to strike each other one after another. It was turning into a decent match, as the battle meditation soothed them, and the glow of slipspace enlightened them.

[Faclan]

Kael Gel, T'vaoan Champion
Manifest Destiny observation room
Wanted to relax? Too bad.

Checking her PP as she neared the observation room Champion Gel wasn't sure if she was pleased or worried she didn't have any new messages. None from the Covenant saying that she was going to be reprimanded whichw as good, but also none from Eyan with any news for her. She just needed some time to sit down and relax. Going for a sleep didn't seem like a bad idea but she was a bit too high strung to try that now. She would grab some herbal tea after her sitting time, help her sleep.

But she stopped outside the door when she heard some grunting from inside the room...didn't sound like mating however so Kael opened the door anyway to see two of Mag's raiders busy practicing. An odd place to practice but the room was a good size so there was space for all of them. It was their ship after all so they could do what they wanted in it. So Kael just gave them both a nod and moved to the other side of the room to settle herself into a chair in the dull blue glow of slipspace. Resting back in the nicely padded chair with her beak pointed up as she leaned back.

However, because she was focused on other things Kael didn't recognize one of them as the Raid leader she had been introduced before on the bridge and so just assumed they were two crewmembers. Though because of the three that were currently in the observation room Mr Mag himself was probably carefully watching it through all his secret cameras and ready to send troops to intervene should the two females leap at each other in a frenzy.

[BetaWülf]

Ruuhtian Pirate Lord Mag Rog
"Manifest Destiny"
Cloaca Clenching Moments Like These....

Mag had been enjoying his tea, clearing his lungs and sinuses while reminding him to restock and get some new blends while on the homeworld. He drank quite a lot of tea, and he was intolerable without it. There was nearly a mutiny last time, but they were too scared of him to actually get within shooting or stabbing distance. Such a horrible week, especially since it turned out a crate was misplaced and he actually did have some still. And to think all the fighting was for nothing. Morons should've known better.

He sat in his command chair happily, sipping tea whilst looking over some reports. He occasionally checked his visual feeds throughout the ship, nothing seemed out of place. His Cuddy was empty as it should be, Cargo holds were being worked efficiently by his diligent Unggoy workers, a fine meal was being prepared for the crew and guests. The observation room was....

Mag spewed tea as his eyes bulged in their sockets, squawking unintelligibly, though the expletives were plain to hear. His entire bridge crew sat in silent horror, all turned in their seats to look at their Captain, some with jaws agape. Mag leapt to his feet, swapping out his current arm prosthesis for his electric prod attachment. "You two!" Mag yelled as he gestured at his Jiralhanae bodyguards, "follow me!" he bellowed, motioning for the two Unggoy guards to stay behind. Mag sprinted off the bridge with his Jiralhanae in tow.

He couldn't fathom how this had slipped past him, he'd told his Parn(the Security Master) to keep and eye on those two and make sure if they were to cross paths to let Mag know before they could collide! Mag was going to rip the little worm's brain out when this was all done with! Or let the Unggoy beat the fool, that'd be a more apt punishment if Mag was feeling any less... violent towards Parn once this had blown over... or blown up. Regardless of Parn's fate, Mag and his two bodyguards hurried towards the Observation room.

[Remnant]

Lyra Koi, Master of Raiding
Manifest Destiny
Tensions.

The two continued to spar, and failed to notice the newcomer. Lyra managed to land a few more strikes before being pushed back. During this brief pause, she looked to her right to see Kael. Her eyes immediately widened as she clenched her fists. Rishi, catching on rather quickly, dashed in front of Lyra quicker than she could react, and immediately held Lyra back by placing her hands on her shoulders.

"Out of my way, Rishi." Lyra said angrily..

"Lyra, you must calm down. Is starting a fight really worth all the trouble?"

"You don't understand! Her actions deserve retribution! They deserve to be avenged!"

"They?"

"Not your place to know!" Lyra spoke, full of frustration and hate.

Rishi was beginning to lose her grip as Lyra walked forward, slowly pushing Rishi back and causing her to lose ground, when the doors to observation room opened once more.