Ashes of Youth

[Guardian Cat of Yappa's]

1st Lt. James "Ripcord" Lancaster
UNSCDF 38th Army Aviation Squadron
UH-144 Falcon, Designation "Icepick 1-2"
Fort Winchester 
The calm before the storm


James flopped down on the couch that was located in the small lounge, which had been set up by other soldiers in a small shed on the base that had been originally marked for demolition do to the new sheds they had put up. Luckily for him though, a couple of grunts petitioned to the Major in charge of the base to have it turned into a rec room for the soldiers. So now he sat on the worn out couch as other soldiers walked in and out, the shed having a few commodities for them to do. As he popped open his drink and kicked his feet up.

Concordia was as boring as his last assignment had been before the covenant showed up. Something he was extremely thankful for now that he had faced them in combat. Some of the greenhorns would ask him about it though, which at first was fun because he would exaggerate slight details, but after awhile lost it's luster as well. Hopefully James could actually relax today without some stupid errand coming up. 

"Hey Ripcord, you finally gonna have that lazy day?" One of the grunts asked.

"Hoping too, there shouldn't be anything today to prevent me fro-" a beep from his Tac-Pad interrupted him. "God dammit, I had to open my mouth."

James reached forward and grabbed the pad off the table, and read the message from his wing commander.

    You're Flying Escort for a transport taking a team out for a training exercise, ETD 10 minutes.
-Captain Owens

God dammit, raced through his mind, as he picked up his drink and waved to the grunt, "I blame you for this man." As he got up and walked out of the shed, heading over to grab his flight gear and get the flight route.

---

OOC Note

The thread is starting about 10-15 minutes before covenant arrival into the system, so basically after everyone has posted once or twice, our Covenant players should enter the system and from there the thread will progress on how we RP it out. There is an Idea ending for this thread, so it won't just go one until it fades into nothingness but have fun, and hopefully we all enjoy this RP!

[SPARTAN-A120]

Gunnery Sergeant Michael J. Kim
Task Force Renegade, 120th MEU, 12th Recon Co., Sniper Team Indigo 4
March 17th, 2548 - 1303 hours
Training Grounds, Concordia
"Stalking"

Gunnery Sergeant Kim was already in position and awaiting the deployment of the UNSC Army BLUFOR team. It wasn't often that Kim was on the OPFOR side, but it made Kim a difficult opponent. Kim did not decline the offer to train in the resort planet of Concordia as soon as he got the offer. He didn't have much rivalry with the Army, but he was curious of what they were capable of. Some Army soldiers didn't have the chance to fight against the Covenant, but they did have local problems with Insurrectionists. And it was Kim’s job to play a damn good one in this training exercise.

Kim’s ammunition were all Tactical Training Rounds, a few smoke grenades, and a couple of training fragmentation grenades, but his only lethal weapon was his standard issue combat knife. The only problem with the TTRs were they weren't really effective against gun toting idiots like Innies. The worst would be if there was a full scale attack while they were training. What made it hindering to an effective counterattack was that the nearest armory was nearly 20 minutes away as a minimum; that was if he sprinted like a madman. But, it's not very often that someone would have the balls to attack a Task Force of the UNSC during training.

Although he was armed with the Army's M392 DMR instead of his SRS99C, it didn't make much of a difference besides his reduced range of engagement. Anything or anyone that came within 900 meters were going down. It was not like he will be easily spotted either. His Ghillie suit had its base component that provided decent camouflaging within the forests of Concordia, but with the addition of the natural foliage around him, mud, and a camo-painted face, he was a deadly predator lurking within a bush; ready to ambush its prey.

Beside Kim was his spotter, Corporal Adrian Campbell. He was armed with a new standard issued BR55 with the Heavy Barrel upgrade. With the upgrade, the Battle Rifle was expected to have a longer service life (primarily the barrel), better precision and accuracy, and slightly longer range. Kim had tested the BR55 HB himself to ensure that it met the expectations of the hype and he can approve that the Heavy Barrel does exceeds the original BR55 in the mentioned improvements.

Campbell's Ghillie suit was also oriented like Kim's and lying flat inside the concealment of a bush made him nearly impossible to spot unless the assistance of FLIR or Thermal optics were utilized.

Both Scout Snipers were posted in different locations, but their helmet cameras were linked to their HUD so they can see each other's view. It wasn't the first time they utilized this method. It was a tactical approach as a matter of fact. In case the shooter was spotted, it reduced the chance that the other would be spotted since the conventional Sniper-Spotter were usually paired in the same position.

With the unconventional positioning, it reduced the chances of the enemy from hitting two birds with one stone, allowed larger angles of fire, and when done correctly, it can mimic a larger presence of opposition.

Kim had ordered radio silence as soon as they were in position until they had made contact with the incoming Army BLUFOR team. Any Comms usage would risk compromising their positions even though their radio microphones can pick up the most quiet whisper. On top of the radio silence, they had to remain as still as statues because they did not know the exact time when the opposing team would arrive. It was in their training and nature as Scout Snipers to be able to blend in and remain stationary for extended periods of time.

Kim just hoped that they arrived soon because he could've sworn he saw something crawl besides him.

[Faclan]

Eugenius - Jiralhanae Advisor.
Aboard Covenant ship in Slip Space.
Checking the old notes.

Another week and another ship journey toward some planet needing cleansing. Honestly Eugine was starting to get a bit tired of it. It wasn't like back when he was serving; now a days it was just show up, fly about scanning for possible artifacts, and then if none were around just fire up the ventral beams. Back in his day you would go down and search by hand, pulling it from the fingers of the tiny Humans. But no, they had to do it the quick way. But then again they only had a few ships. But scout scans had shown this planet to not be that heavily defended. Although it may be able to get reinforcements quick. Guess we'll see what happens.

The Elder currently lounging in a chair as he looked over some of his older entries into his journals. Marking those who were important and to be transcribed later and also those that could be left out of future tomes. It was a fun little game to play with himself to see just what he thought was important a mission or two back. Mostly in his own room with a nice view to the blue tunnel of slipspace as he hummed quietly and went through his notes and entries - a plate of finger food beside him as well as an empty bottle and one half full of deep liquid. The Elder in a good mood at present.


CGR-159 - Yanme'e Swarm.
Aboard Covenant vessels.
Many new faces and places!

While Yanme'e were normally reclusive and kept to themselves the swarm at present were in a more curious mindset. The majority of them had never left the nest before, and as such were fluttering all around the hanger looking at the seams and joints in all the shiny metal that they could find. These new massive flying nests sure were intricate! The Ultra and the three Swarm members from the old swarm however stayed near the second level resting. Curled up as they hung from a convenient rafter and enjoying the rest they could get before the mission. There was the chance that they wouldn't be needed. But always best to prepare for the chance they would be deployed. At least the Swarm wasn't bothering the other Covenant Species that were moving around and in and out of the hanger, just watching them as they got down faces and scents for more information.

The Ultra had already checked his weapons and so was just resting, the Engineer and two soldiers beside him doing last checks as they saved their energy for flight on the planet, if needed.

[Rxxy]

Arvo 'Te 'Turanee, Sangheili Major, Reaper Lance
Preperation...

Arvo walked down the halls toward the mess hall. A mass of swarming grunts and minors rasign past him as he walked calmly.

"Where is everyone off too?" Arvo asked grabbing Orin from his spot among the crowd.

"'Te 'Turanee, the shipmaster claims there is a new human world. We're approaching it as of right now."

"I see, round up the lance and meet in the staging area. I shall be coming shortly." The Major said with his head held high. He had grown used to ordering minors, but he still feared Reff. The younger Sangheili was very boisterous of his commander's mistakes, but Reff couldn't over through Arvo, as Arvo had saved Reff and most of the lance on multiple occasions. Arvo glance down at the timer before releasing the minor to carry out his orders.

"Care to catch something to eat, 'Te 'Turanee?" Came the call of one of the other majors. Arvo looked over and nodded his fear making him silent. "Come then." Arvo began walking with the other major neither said a word until they had claimed their meals.

"So 'Te 'Turanee, did you learn anything aside form fighting in the war college?" The major asked trying to make small talk.

"Yes, a bit of Poetry." Arvo grumbled so that the major only heard the end of the sentence.

"Then might you perform one of these poems. A little culture can't hurt the minors, or those grotesque mongrels over there." The major said staining his neck so his eyes glared at one of the Jiralhanea.

Arvo personally didn't mind the idea. Although he didn't care for the Jiralhanea. He searched for anyone familiar to concentrate on so he wouldn't be as scared and soon he found Noga. The female looking at him with her redish eyes, he grumbled as if clearing his throat and began.
"I have a rendezvous with Death,
at some disputed barricade,
When Spring comes back with rustling shade,
and the blossoms fill the air,

I have a rendezvous with Death,
When spring brings back new days in fair,
Then maybe he shall take my hand,
and lead me to his dark land and close my eyes and quench my breath
Then maybe I shall pass him still.

I have a rendezvous with Death,
On some scarred slope on battered hill,
When spring comes round again this year,
And the first ventral flowers appear,
God knowest where better to be deep,
Clothed in silk and down in blissful sleep.
Is nigh to pulse and breath to breath,
Where hushed awakenings are dear,

But I have a rendezvous with Death,
At midnight in some burning town,
When spring comes north this year,
I shall no longer be here,
For this year, Death will grip me,
And my demise shall be at hand,
For I shall not continue to stand,
for Death shall have my hand." Arvo concluded.

"Brilliant poetry." Said the other major as the Sangheili minors began to rise to praise Arvo for the rallying poem.

"For those of you whom shall be sent into battle on this day, remember this poem. For we all have a rendezvous with death, but for those who will fight for the covenant, the rendezvous will be long from now." Said a zealot who had Arvo hadn't seen enter.

"'Te 'Turanee, thank you for the poem, but it would appear it is time to truly rally our lances and prepare for the fight." said the other Major as eh rose.

"Yes let's depart. For any of you from Reaper Lance report to the staging area." He called over his shoulder to his file leader.

[Grim]

Zex 'Il 'Radamee - Sangheili Ultra
Aboard Covenant Assault Carrier Cleansing Flame In Slipspace
Pre-Mission Briefing

The white clad Ultra paced back and forth in one of the many training rooms inside the Assault Carrier, his hands clasped behind his back while his head was titled down as he stared at the ground beneath him. Word had just come down that they'd stumbled upon a planet with more of their Lords' artifacts on the surface. At passing glance, one might mistake his pacing and serious posture of an attack of the nerves, that was he was scared or nervous. Those that knew him better knew otherwise. He was excited and just couldn't keep his body or hid mind still for a moment.

It was always a glorious occasion to stumble upon a planet with relics from the gods upon them, especially when humans were present on that particular planet. Some might say the latter thought was blasphemous, so he kept such things to himself. Still, it was a guilty, giddy pleasure for him. The Commander always delighted at the prospect of battle. Just like his anxious pacing, his mind was busy moving as well.

"So..." he finally began, speaking so that any of his subordinates present might hear him and get on the same train of thought as himself. "A new world with our Lords' artifacts on it has been discovered and there is a human presence on this very same planet. Those are the two facts we know for now."

He stopped pacing and turned to face his subordinates, raising his gaze from up off the floor, his hands unclasping from behind his back so that he might cross his arms over his chest in front of him.

"We may need a scarab....."

[Remnant]

Resku 'Te 'Verekee
Aboard Covenant Ship in Slipspace
Preparations

Resku ducked and countered with a punch to the gut as a fist swung over his head. Zoka backed away, the strike catching him off guard. As he was stun, Resku smacked him in the mandibles with the back of his hand, enough force to send the Sangheili on the ground. Resku eyed him.

"Poor technique. You left your guard open to follow up strikes. If someone strikes a blow, do not sit there and wallow in pain. Ignore the pain and don't let your guard down. Otherwise the pain you feel will become worse until you are defeated, by then which you will be dead." Resku spoke.

"Why should I bother learning this, if all these Humans are just squishable insects?" Zoka snapped back.

Resku smacked him again in the mandible, with the back of his hand.

"You will not disrespect your superior. As for your question, not all Humans are the insects we think they are. They have their Demons, as rare a sight they are. This training also relates to internal affairs. Should you ever be attacked, you need to know how to defend yourself." Resku replied.

"I.. see." Zoka said, backing down.

"Again. Vral, you're up." Resku said, turning his head to Vral.

Almost immediately Vral threw a punch towards Resku's head. Resku sidestepped, allowing the fist to pass his face by inches. He grabbed Vral's wrist, then with his other hand, grabbed his harness by his chest, turned as he lifted him up, and threw him as he ended his smooth flow of motion. Vral slammed into the wall, upside down, with his back facing it. A loud thud was heard as he bounced off the wall, and fell onto his stomach from the upside down position.

Resku held back a laugh from how easily Vral was defeated, but he allowed a grin.

"Arrogance. You struct blindly and without thinking. You were easy to predict and defeat with a single blow." Resku spoke, before continuing. "You do not rush into close combat. You never make the first strike. You remain cautious, watching your enemy, predicting their movements. Their first strike could be their last, just like yours, Vral."

"If I may... ask, Major." Vral said, coughing and groaning. Resku nodded. "You mentioned Demons, earlier? Why would we fight Demons? Suicide is suppose to be honorable, not wasted."

As Vral tried to get up, Resku planted a boot into his back, keeping him on the ground.

"You underestimate yourself. Demons are no stronger than we. If we leave them weaponless, we can defeat them with our skilled training. Simply dedicate yourself to learning the art of combat, and you can achieve the impossible in war." Resku spoke, releasing his boot from Vral's back.

"Now, go down to the training simulation, all of you. Practice what you have learned today. If you need me, I will be with the Ultra." Resku spoke clearly, as he turned and walked to the other end of the training room, where the Ultra was. A few other Majors were with him, watching him pace back and fourth. But Resku stood out among the crowd, being the tallest of them, as he was 9'4" tall in armor. In fact, another Major actually backed away slightly due to his immense size, as if he was afraid. Resku looked down at him, then back at the Ultra.

Finally the Ultra spoke.

"So... A new world with out Lords' artifacts on it has been discovered and there is a human presence on this very same planet. Those are the two fact we know for now."

He stopped pacing and turned to face the crowd, crossing his arms over his chest.

"We may need a scarab....." He spoke.

Resku looked up at him, with a curious look.

"Exactly how do you plan on obtaining one, excellency? They are reserved for higher authorities, both to command and order." Resku spoke, his tone being filled with the curiosity from his look.

Resku turned his head slightly, so that the peripheral vision from his left eye could see where his Lance was at. They were in the next room over, a training simulator, hard at work. From what he could see, they were improving. They made less mistakes, making their overall combat with each other slow and cautious, waiting to see who would strike first. Resku smirked from this. They were learning, after all.

He turned his head back to the Ultra as he got a reply.

[Guardian Cat of Yappa's]

1st Lt. James "Ripcord" Lancaster
UNSCDF 38th Army Aviation Squadron

UH-144 Falcon, Designation "Icepick 1-2"


In-Route to Training Operation A.O.
Fully loaded


The sound of propellers spinning, the roar of those engines under them. These were just some of the things that Ripcord enjoyed when it came to flying. What he hated was the fact that he was stuck escorting troops to a training exercise. Not only had they loaded the other Falcon up, they had thrown troops into the escort falcons as well, meaning they would have to touch down at the LZ as well. An annoying 
pain in Ripcord's wing. Though he'd deal with it, even if he didn't like it. He checked his display's and radar, nothing incoming from any direction, and they were half a click out from the LZ.

"Lock and Load boys, LZ is coming up." He spoke into his mic, which had been set to the aircraft, he didn't really care about their responses. As his bird flew just above the tree line, it came upon an open space, that had a team of soldiers in it. Guess it's to make sure the LZ doesn't get hit Ripcord thought. "1-1, I'll wait for you two to drop troops then drop mine." 

"Copy that 1-2, 1-1 out."  So began the wait game from Ripcord, as he set his bird to hover, and informed his gunners of what was going on.

[BetaWülf]

Sangheili Major Gjanee 'Te 'Bakee
In the Presence of Fools and Thinkers

Gjanee sat seated for most of the training exercise, electing to simply watch instead. Gjanee was more fit than most from his days in the mines of the 'Bak Mountain. Listening to the instructions and opinions of the other Major who was fighting surely could make any 'Bak Warrior develop a headache. Why they thought so much of themselves, Gjanee doubted he would ever know. All he knew is he had more Humans to kill, even if he doubted the reasoning behind it.

Gjanee stood once the Major strutted towards the nearby Ultra, standing even taller than him, though not by that much. Arms still crossed, Gjanaee addressed the other Major, Sangheili-mandible necklace rattling as he did so, rather animated. "You dishonor your Minor with your striking, Major, yet claim to be his Superior. In rank perhaps... but little else, if you so blatantly disrespect him outside of combat" Gjanee said, his mandibles pursed in a stern expression of disapproval towards the other Major.

"I do not know your name or Clan... so I cannot judge whether or not it is only you, or your entire Clan that acts so brazenly against those who find themselves beneath your purview" Gjanee concluded, standing two arms lengths from the Major he did not know was called Resku.


Unggoy Ultra Dakek
Seeking Guidance

Dakek scuttled down the hallway, his pace considerably faster than usual, but not so great that he seemed distressed. Though, in all honesty, he was. He had received a transmission from his one of sisters, notifying him of their Mother's death. He had mourned for hours prior to his current endeavor, his mind filled with many thoughts regarding the recent development.

Before the Covenant had discovered the Unggoy, they were organized into Tribes lead by Matriarchs. Given the Sangheili and Kig-Yar were Clan based, and the Jiralhanae have both Clans and Tribes, this organizational system was one of the few things that survived in what little of Unggoy culture remained. While they had Tribes still, they often lacked traditions and rituals of any sort. Many would make up their own, labeling it under Covenant terms to appease the cruel overseers.

Dakek's Mother was Matriarch of their Tribe, but Dakek's older brother Gronon had chosen to elect himself leader in her stead. He based this choice off the fact the Sangheili and Jiralhanae were Patriarchal, claiming he should be leader since he was the strongest male. Dakek however knew Gronon lacked the wisdom or heart to be a good leader, and likely would lead the Tribe to ruin.

And so Dakek arrived at his destination. The door before him was that of the Jiralhanae Shaman that worked with the Chieftain, that worked with the mighty master Til. Dakek knew that elders were the best to consult with, and that this Jiralhanae was said to be wise, even by the Sangheili. And so Dakek activate the door, signaling a request to enter.

"Errr... great and mighty mystic shaman! I... beseech you to grant me council in these trying times! I... I... I seek guidance...." Dakek shouted at the door and console, fairly certain the Shaman would hear what he was saying from inside the room.

[SPARTAN-A120]

Gunnery Sergeant Michael J. Kim
Task Force Renegade, 120th MEU, 12th Recon Co., Sniper Team Indigo 4
March 17th, 2548
Training Grounds, Concordia
"Let the Games Begin"

The sounds of blades slicing the air could be heard off in the distance directly in front of Kim. The sound grew louder as a few more seconds passed by. The rotors sounded like they belonged to the Army's UH-144 Falcons. It's been a while since he heard the familiar sounds of Army vehicles since Kim was constantly stationed on Naval Ships and deployed with Marines. He did indeed serve alongside the Army, but he only taken a ride in a Falcon five times in his military career.

The chopping sound of the Falcons were relatively close now. Kim estimated that there more than one aircraft because of the non-rhythmic chopping that would normally be emitted from a single rotary aircraft. He also estimated that the Falcons were roughly two kilometers away. He couldn't see through the canopy of the trees which made it difficult to observe, but since the Falcons didn't come any closer, he assumed that the BLUFOR party had arrived to start the Force-on-Force training.

Kim whistled three times, mimicking a parakeet, to signal for his spotter to get ready. Corporal Campbell responded with a similar whistle, but did it only twice to indicate "Acknowledged."

As slowly as possible, Kim scanned his surroundings to make sure he wasn’t going to be flanked. When it was clear, he returned his focus in front of him and awaited for the Army to approach.

"Let the games begin," he thought.

[Rxxy]

Arvo 'Te 'Turanee, Sangheili Major, Reaper Lance
A new Creche

Arvo walked calmly he knew his lance would wait for him. So he took the longest route to the meeting as he could. Although what would actually transpire at that moment was beyond his expectations. Arvo turned a corner to be confronted by the Zealot from earlier. His yellow armor denounced his title although Arvo lacked the Generals name.

"Ah 'Te 'Turanee, just the major I was looking for. You have been reassigned, to a new Creche, due to your accomplished tasks, Reaper, will accompany you. You are to report to an Ultra by the name of Zex 'Il 'Randamee, from here forward you are to serve as his subordinate until he's dead or something happens to you." The Zealot said while Arco bowed before him. Arvo nodded to the order and rose. He took off to his meeting area.

"Where is that Unggoy loving moron?" Asked Reff his agitation easily getting to him.

"Receiving our newest orders." Arvo stated from behind the Minor. In a single bound he closed the distance to the minor. He leaned in to whisper so that only Reff could hear his words. "Do not insult me again unless you wish to be my newest kill." He promised to the minor.

"Reaper lance. We've been impressing other Sangheili. For the reason we have yet again been assigned to a new Creche. From here forth our stealth and agility shall belong to Zex 'Il 'Randamee. You are to report to the simulators as to meet Malevolence Lance. I shall speak with you again when it is time to attack. Dismissed." Arvo concluded.

"As you command,'Te 'Turanee." They said in unison. Arco and the lance set off to find where they were to be. Arco slipped into the room as the only white armored Sangheili ceased its movement.

"We may need a scarab....." the ultra stated to the small collection of majors.

"Exactly how do you plan on obtaining one, excellency? They are reserved for higher authorities, both to command and order." questioned the tallest. Arvo began pondering how one got a scarab, but he cut it short. He marched through the crowd so he had direct sight of the Ultra. Before Arvo could say his practiced line the Ultra seemed to reply to the other Major's comment.

[Faclan]

Eugenius - Jiralhanae Advisor.
Aboard Covenant ship in Slip Space.
Happy Grandpa!

Although he wouldn't admit it to anyone...Eugine was having trouble staying awake right now. Although if anyone saw him right now they would see that he was starting to doze off. They probably wouldn't hold it against him though. It was a combination of the dull blue glow of Slip Space, the quiet hum of the ships engines, the food, the fine ale, and finally his age. The Elder slipping a quill into the Journal he was reading over before sitting it on the armrest of the chair he was sitting in before sinking a little lower in it. Letting his eyes close as he started to snooze.

But a beep and then quiet but high pitched voice at the door made he snuffle and startle awake a bit as he looked in the direction of the door. But rather than be annoyed at being woken up Euigne was elated that he was being asked for Guidance by someone that wasn't his Nephew! Goddess's that took him back to good memories. The Elder quickly clearing the plate of scraps and bottle of ale away and moving about to set up another chair beside his and then facing both toward each other so the glow would be a good side light to the meeting.

Obviously these kind of meetings mattered a lot to the Advisor and Mystic.

With that done Eugine grabbed his staff and headed for the door, all smiles and hopeful that whoever had beeped the door and talked was still there. But that would be a cruel joke to play on the Historian to ding dong dash on him. The noise of moving furniture and then Eugine heading for the door likely heard by the Unggoy outside as he finally arrived at the door and opened it. Despite the fact it was an Unggoy Eugine was still all smiles, hells even if it had been a Kig-Yar he would be happy. Nodding down at Dakek he moves to the side and swept his bad had into the room toward the chairs as he replied.

"Of course Youngin! Step inside and we will work through the issues that are assaulting you!" Shutting the door once Dakek was inside he headed over toward his slightly larger chair as he directed Dakek toward the smaller one. "Start with your name if you are having trouble thinking where to start; and is it a personal demon, family, friends, or otherwise?"

(CGR the Yanme'e Swarm still flyin about in the hanger chillin.)

[BetaWülf]

Unggoy Ultra Dakek
Tentative Sharing

Dakek waited in the hallway for a short while, listening to shuffling inside the room, along with what sounded like furniture moving about. He hoped he hadn't arrived at an inopportune time. But soon enough the doors opened, and he was greeted by a cheerful Jiralhanae Elder who showed him in. Dakek had seen him before of course, mostly from a distance though.

Dakek made his way to the offered chair, even though it was smaller than the Elders own chair, Dakek still had to hop and pull himself up into the seat. Dakek looked up at the Elder as he explained how it usually goes and where to start, Dakek nodding his oblong head as he listened diligently. After that though, Dakek was silent for a moment, fiddling with his hands as he thought of how to continue.

"I am Dakek your most wiseness... and... I suppose it is, both a Demon and a family matter" Dakek said, rubbing the back of his neck where his protective combat sleeve gorget covered it.

"You see... my... my..." Dakek started, his voice cracking on the last word as he refused to allow himself to cry, his eyes watering slightly nonetheless. "My Mother died... yesterday in her sleep, and a... problem has arisen from it. More than the obvious problem of course...." Dakek said, his body trembling slightly from repressed emotions he was struggling to keep in check.

The wounds were still raw, and it would be so long before they would heal, and never fully.

[Grim]

Zex Il' 'Radamee - Sangheili Ultra
Aboard Covenant Assault-Carrier Cleansing Flame In Slipspace


"Exactly how do you plan on obtaining one, excellency? They are reserved for higher authorities, both to command and order," said his second-in-command, and even bigger, bulkier Sangheili by the name of Resku 'Te 'Verekee. His gaze fell upon the red clad Major as he responded with, "Easy. We requisition one from our superiors. Whether they allow us to have one or not is another matter. It's not exactly uncommon for them to assign a scarab to an Ultra, though, to say the least."

Zex had been given command of this new creche not too long ago, the creche itself only recently created. As such, he, Resku and the others hadn't had a chance to work together before. Train together, maybe, but not fight together and as a result, none of his subordinates knew what to expect from him, nor he from them. They still needed time to form a pseudo family unit, to form that bond in combat. But perhaps Resku and the other Major that now strolled up, Arvo 'Te 'Turanee if Zex remembered correctly, would get an idea of what their new Commander was like from his next actions -and therefore judge if he were more like an older sibling or father that would protect and guide them, or if he was more like an obstacle to overcome.

Turning away from the others, Zex keyed a set of controls on the wall behind him, opening up a a channel to one of Cleansing Flame's supply officers. A holographic display of another Ultra popped up. As Zex conversed with him, his plan would also be revealed to his subordinates.

"'Radamee...I'm rather busy at the moment, so make it quick, please."

"I'd like to requisition a scarab for the next mission."

"Is that really necessary?"

"There are artifacts from our Lords present on the world we are about to arrive at."

"And? I fail to see how that is relevant."

"A scarab will create panic and confusion among the enemy ranks. It will force them to react, force them to be distracted, force them to divert their effort and attention. While the scarab causes havoc and diverts them away to another location, other forces can land, entrench and secure the area around our Lords' artifacts. It is the best, most sure fire method I know of of preventing their harm and preventing the filthy humans from desecrating them."

The other Ultra nodded, seeming to understand. Looking down, the supply officer seemed to be looking at data and displays before looking back up and saying, "Request denied, Ultra, at least until we know the strength of the enemy garrisoned on the world. I understand the need to keep our Lords' belongings safe, but scarabs are precious machines. Perhaps I can send important supplies aboard your dropship, however?"

Zex considered for a moment and said "Explosives?"

"I'll see what I can do, 'Radamee. 'Vadumai out."

He turned back toward his subordinates just in time to catch another Sangheili chastising his second-in-command, looking down on the way the Major treated his own subordinates. Zex simply shrugged and made a facial expression that would convey the silent message of something along the lines of 'Well, he's got a good point'.

[Faclan]

Eugenius - Jiralhanae Advisor.
Aboard Covenant ship in Slip Space.
Pattin the Crabby.

Sitting down in his own Chair Eugine rested his staff against it as he waited for the Unggoy to start. But it was soon clear from the Unggoy's body language and nervousness to explain the situation that it was something pretty serious. So Eugine mostly dropped the smile and leaned forward a bit as he clasped his hands together and listened. Well clasped as much as he could with his mangled hand, more so holding his bad hands wrist. But he waited until Dakek was having trouble continuing before making a move and starting to talk.

He started by reaching over and setting his good hand on Dakek's shoulder, and then spoke up. "Dakek, its ok. Sorrow over loss is something that affects all of us. If you need a little to let that sorrow flow don't think that you can't. Trying to hold it all inside only leads to it getting more devouring in time." It was normally at this point that Euigne would offer a drink to the troubled soul he was trying to help...but because of the mask that would be a challenge. But Eugine would be a poor host if he didn't so his bad hand was so next to Dakek as well with a small flask of ale for if Dakek thought he could do it.

"When you are ready we can discuss this problem that propped up because of your terrible loss, I am very sorry to hear of something that personal." He said, smiling a bit as he patted Dakek again with his good hand.

He would explain at some point that he didn't need titles, but that would be for when Dakek was feeling a little better.

[BetaWülf]

Unggoy Ultra Dakek
Explaining....

Dakek nodded to Eugine as he told him his sorrow would consume him if he bottled it up, as Dakek knew it was true. He wasn't thinking very clearly when he took the canteen offered to him. "Excuse the smell" he said, muffled by his hand as he popped off his rebreather. A stale fart-like smell filled the air in front of the Unggoy, who had unscrewed the cap surprisingly quickly.

He took a small gulp, a momentary silence as he pondered, before he took another sip. He coughed slight before putting his rebreather back on and extending the canteen back towards the Elder Shaman. "Thank you" he said, seemingly unaffected by the drink.

"The... problem..." Dakek said as he pressed his palms together flat, lining his fingers up to be parallel "is that my Mother was our Tribes Matriarch, and now my brother seeks to lead our family" Dakek said, rubbing his face right above his nose in frustration. "To be blunt... he is too stupid to lead them. Gronon is basing his claim off the fact Sangheili and Jiralhanae are Patriarchal, thinking because he is strongest he should be leader like is often times the case with them... er, them and your people I mean... them being the Sangheili" Dakek said with a sigh, fumbled words were never fun for him.

"He is a good person, but he doesn't have the brain or heart of a leader, he's a survivor" Dakek said, chuckling at a thought "I suppose it runs in our family" Dakek said, tapping the metal plate embedded in his head from where he was stabbed in the cranium years prior. "Forgive me... I lose track sometimes" Dakek said apologetically.

[Rxxy]

Arvo 'Te 'Turanee, Sangheili Major, Reaper Lance
Introductions,

Arvo watched the short discussion between his new Creche leader and the ship's quarter master. He pondered his commander's sanity before shaking his head.

"Il' Randamee, I assume?" Arvo stated bluntly before firing a glance at the person who spoke before him. A major had just challenged another over how he lead his Lance.

"It belongs to the Sangheili to lead as he has been trained. That is why we our lance's receive their own recognition." Arvo said, masked under his breath as to not offend those who would ridicule him. He looked bakc to the Ultra assuming he had gotten an answer.

"I am 'Te 'Turanee, me and Reaper lance are honored to lend out stealthy ways to your creche. I assume the General warned you of this transfer?" Arvo stated quoting from his practice he had done on the way here.

[Faclan]

(We should probably arrive to start wrecking up some Humans soonish :> )

Eugenius - Jiralhanae Advisor.
Aboard Covenant ship in Slip Space.
Time for a walk and a message.

Eugine raises his eyebrows as Dakek took the canteen and stared at it a bit before decided that he would take a drink. In preparation for what he knew would be coming Eugine leaned back to avoid the smell while also being ready to moves in quickly if the Unggoy dropped his mask. He was thankful he did that as even back in his chair the smell was still very strong. But it would soon dispute through the air system of the ship. The Elder just took some shallow breaths before shaking his hand a bit at the canteen, gesturing that it was for Dakek as Eugine took out another and rested it on his leg as the Unggoy spoke.

It was also impressive that Dakek didn't seem that affected by the ale. But then again Unggoy were a very sturdy and tough people. If there was any effect they could probably tough it out until later. It was that reason why Eugine preferred them over Kig-Yar - they worked hard and took the challenges they were faced head on. Unlike the delicious Kig-Yar who wined about everything and tried to find any excuse to avoid their duties. But the time for listening and advising was now as Euigne rested his chin on his bad hand and listened to the situation.

He waited for Dakek to finish, only smiling a bit as he tried to backtrack to not seemingly insult the Jiralhanae before he hummed a little and then responded. "Think nothing of it Dakek, unlike the Sangheili I won't punish for you for speaking your mind. If you need to say things that are or a certain way say them." He then tapped his good hand on his staff a little at the predicament before asking. "Do you know if others in your family or extended tribe agree with him? Or will their be disagreement? Either way I doubt you will be allowed to leave to sort this out yourself. So the best thing for you to do now is to send a message back to them expressing your concerns. And then having a communiqué with them until the situation permits for you to return and help them through this leadership change."

And with that Eugine grabbed his staff and the canteen on his leg and pulled himself up to his feet as he seemed to be heading for the door. "So lets go and do that Dakek - the communications room will be the best place for that and they will allow us together to send a message back to your home." He said, smiling again as he took a swig from the new canteen. Good thing he had four this morning.

(Feel free to arrive and start sending the message BetaW )

[Guardian Cat of Yappa's]

[ OOC Note: 120, you can control the Army NPCs since you're gonna be on the ground and I'm gonna be airborne with my character, Covvie Characters, If anyone wants to do another round of posts go ahead, but you should be dropping out of slipspace and initiating your attack on the colony, Sorry that I took a little while to post this guys, first two weeks of college have been chaotic with my classes and then a knee injury that's taken up alot of time >.<]

[SPARTAN-A120]

(Uses a Resuscitation Kit to revive the thread)

---

Gunnery Sergeant Michael J. Kim
Task Force Renegade, 120th MEU, 12th Recon Co., Sniper Team Indigo 4
March 17th, 2548
Training Grounds, Concordia
"First Blood"
(Tag(s): Guardian Cat of Yappa's  )

Based on the consistent sounds of the UH-144 Falcons, they weren’t going anywhere anytime soon. They were probably in a hover; providing the approaching ground team with some air cover as they advanced to engage the OPFOR team. Kim didn’t mind though. There was good enough foliage within his location to conceal him and his spotter from being spotted. Furthermore, the rotors and engines of the Falcons provided some decent ambient sounds that can be utilized to moderately conceal the sounds of combat. This was more orientated towards the incoming Army BLUFOR teams since Kim and Campbell had sound suppressors. Although, Campbell’s BR55’s sound suppressor wasn’t as durable and less muffling than Kim’s M392 because of the higher kinetic energy output that the BR55’s 9.5x40mm round fires. In short, the service life of the suppressor wasn’t reliable.

Kim was getting slightly restless waiting for the Army units to appear so that his team could make contact and get the ball rolling. They were sure taking their sweet ass time. Indeed, ‘Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast,” but when they were moving at this slow pace, slow becomes rough. Rough becomes grinding. Grinding becomes a highly irritated sniper who thinks that the Army is slow when there is not a combat situation going on. That was not acceptable in Kim’s book. Kim believes that any good combatant would treat anything, even training, as the real deal. That way, it would maximize training and allow preparation for when shit does hit the fan. Unfortunately, the Army units were being as slow as snails trying to walk through hell. Maybe he shouldn’t be thinking that. After all, a passing second to a sniper was like a passing minute. He shouldn’t be doubting the Army. They were being cautious and playing it smart by being slow.

“Eyes on an BLUFOR fireteam of four, my 11 o’clock, one klick and closing,” Kim heard the whisper of Campbell over his headset.

“Copy. Engage when they’re within 800 mikes,” Kim replied, also whispering. “They’ll probably won’t know what hit ‘em anyways.”

“Ten-four.”

The wait seemed slow and aggravating in a sense, but it was well worth it. Kim’s scope didn’t pick up anything, but it was fortunate that he kept both eyes open because his left eye caught the movement of bushes off in the distance of roughly 900 meters. He had initially thought that it was the wind picking up, but when he used his helmet-mounted binoculars and spotting scope hybrid to zoom in on the moving bushes, he spotted khaki colored uniforms under olive drab armor plating. There were four Army soldiers making their way towards the sniper team. Kim advised Campbell, “Got another fireteam approaching my 12, 900 mikes. Weapons ready.”

“WILCO.”

Kim was monitoring the two fireteams’ movements using his binoculars and using the spotting scope function to laser measure their distance. At the same time, he was slowing down his breathing so he was able to fire with a calm and stable platform. He didn’t want to be shaking when he fired his first few rounds.

“My tangos’ within 800 mikes. How copy?” reported Campbell.

Kim replied, “Stand by. My targets’ are slowly inching forward. Give them a mike.”

“Roger.”

The waiting game was played again as Kim’s targeted fireteam were coming within his intend engagement range of 800 meters. Little by little, they were coming forward by at least a meter per second. He took the time to observe his opponents. They were careful, but none of the units had long range capabilities except for one markman who was trailing behind a few meters with a M392. That was Kim’s priority one target. He asked his spotter over the comms, “Two, you got any sniper in your team?”

“Negative. Just a regular weapons team with MA5Bs and a SAW.”

“Copy. Target their leader, priority one. Then the SAW gunner, priority two. Fire on my signal.”

“Roger.”

It was exciting to feel small amounts of adrenaline gradually fueling his body with energy. He smiled to himself and took aim at the marksman with the slow-breathing procedure to slow his heart rate. His crosshairs were directly leveled at the bobbing target’s chestplate. He closed his left eye and focused with his right. When his spotting scope’s rangefinder hit the ‘800’ mark, Kim quickly ordered, “Execute.”

A split second later, Kim held his breath after emptying his lungs half-way and him pulled the trigger. Two suppressed gunshots emitted from the forest.

A few seconds passed before Kim was able to confirm his ‘kill.’ He opened his left eye and reacquired his target with the assistance of his DMR’s scope. He couldn’t see his target because of the medium-lengthed grass, but judging by how the rest of the fireteam were looking back, he may have hit his mark. He then transition his aim over towards the soldier who he presumed was the fireteam leader. He could also be the the pointman since he was giving hand signals earlier.

The scout sniper got his breathing under control, took aim at the soldier’s chestplate, and fire another round.