The Ape and Chicken Bonanza

[Faclan]

Sentinel

A short time after M9.

/.: INCOMING MESSAGE :.\

/.: PASSWORD REQUIRED :.\


***********


/.: ACCEPTED .:\

I write this message in the hopes that you will understand the urgency of my situation. My tribe is in a state of civil war due to an uprising of two long-dead tribes that seek to overthrow me, as I am the direct descendant of Hyzyrlum the Bloodsoaked, Conqueror of tribes, the one who destroyed the two tribes and unified them under one banner in order to restore honor and prosperity to my people. The Warsworn and Boneshatter tribes seek to pillage, rape, and burn throughout my territory, and have largely succeeded. The Bloodstone are unable to help due to their own war, so I call upon you, Champion Gel. You stood by me on Esperanza II, and I send this with the hopes that you will again. My people are suffering, and I am doing all I can to stop it alone, but their numbers are far more than we realized, and their strength is unwavering.

I ask you now for your aid. Help me defend my lands and once again put an end to the Boneshatter and Warsworn tribes. Your assistance will not go unrewarded.

/.: Chieftain Tyseus the Executioner of the Ashwrought Tribes :.\

/.: END TRANSMISSION :.\


\:. RETURN MESSAGE .:/

From the Desk of Commodore Gel;

Greetings Chief Tyseus, my daughter is currently off gallivanting with her Son dealing with an issue of our own currently. But her Entourage is at home and so by the time you get this message most of them should be on route. I hope they reach you in time and serve you well.

Pela and Vesa Gel will be leading it, they will be in green armor. And the force of forty they are bringing should be good if you need flankers to assault a position or quickly defend a point. If you needed more respond as soon as you can but you didn't specify so hopefully it'll be enough.

Please look after my troops, I would hate for our initial relationships to get incredibly sour with losing some of my best warriors.

Commodore Gel

\:. MESSAGE END .:/

Pela Gel - T'vaoan Commando
On Route to Doisac
Hopefully not gona get crushed.

Fighting on Doisac would sure be a different experience. The two sisters currently on the bridge of the small Kig-Yar craft that was nearly out of Slip Space near the Jiralhanae home world. If their calculations were correct they would pop out on the correct side of the planet and just need to get over re-entry before they could putter down to the Ashwrought lands. Then it was just a matter of finding their keep, landing, learning of the situation, and then moving to assist.

Pela was actually pretty excited, it would be a new experience against a new enemy. She was a bit scared of the strength of the Jiralhanae but she was confident in the Mini-Tourage's ability to keep them far away so the strength of the apes wouldn't be pulling off any heads. The bridge Kigs bracing with the klaxon beep as the ship jerked a bit as it exited slipsace. There it was, it was a lot less green that expected. Honestly it looked a lot more like desert. Odd.

What was also odd was how there didn't seem to be many other ships around...No real Covenant presence to stop them just flying down if they wanted. That was surprising...But they had a mission to complete. So the descent process was started as the ship sent a hail down to the Ashwrought keep to try and get a response and situation report.

"The Gel force has arrived, are you still alive Ashwrought? Do you have a location for us to land at?"

[Sentinel]

Tyseus the Executioner, Chieftain of the Ashwrought Tribes
Ashwrought Keep, Doisac
My plea has been answered...
Faclan

Tyseus paced back and forth across the slab stone floor of the great hall, waiting. Kadeius should be reporting in soon, and Tyseus would learn what had become of one of the outskirt villages. But another matter was in the back of his mind. The message he had sent had been answered, by the Champions mother no less, and a force was on its way to assist in defeating the aggressors. Tyseus had quickly responded with a message thanking the, what was it now... Commodore? He was never good with remembering odd rank structures. The Jiralhanae kept it pleasantly simple. In the message he explained that no more than the force she had sent would be necessary, and asking her to pass along his thanks to the Champion. Though it wasn't his strong suit, he was gracious to those who deserved it. And so far, these Gel's have his utmost respect.

In the center of the great hall, a large stone fire pit was alight, it's flames basking the whole room in an orange glow. Tyseus stared into the fire, thinking of his people; How they, too, saw fire. Tyseus' guards stood at attention by the door, both of them clutching heavy hammers and wearing heavy ornate armor. A creak and groan signaled that they were opening the massive wooden doors, and a disheveled Kadeius walked in. He was covered in dirt and blood, and flanked by a few of his own warriors. Tyseus moved towards them, knowing that something had gone wrong.

Kadeius bent a knee and knelt before Tyseus, and his warriors did the same. This was not the standard thing to do when meeting the Chieftain, so Tyseus was concerned. "My chieftain,' Kadeius began, "The outer villages are aflame. The fields have been razed and the people, scattered. Those who we encountered have come here to seek refuge in the keep, though not many escaped. Many bodies lie in the streets. These are savage warriors, and they lack any sort of honor or restraint. We encountered a warband outside of one of the villages and engaged it. The fight was long and brutal, but we prevailed. We executed all except their leader, who we brought here to you." At that, a chained Jiralhanae was prodded into the hall with a spear, and he stumbled in a few feet before collapsing in a heap on the floor.

Tyseus' face was unreadable. He stroked his beard before walking calmly to the Jiralhanae on the floor. The prisoner had a head full of hair which Tyseus grasped and wrenched upward, lifting the prisoner to his feet. He was smaller than Tyseus, and already battered nearly to death. Tyseus held his head straight, and asked a single question.

In a low voice Tyseus said, "Who are you?" The prisoner spat in his face. He wiped the spit away with the back of his free hand. Again, just as calmly, he asked him, "Who are you?" This time he spoke.

"You will not break me, whelp."

Tyseus let go of his head, and the prisoner fell to the ground. Tyseus raised his leg, and stomped down with all of his might on the back of the prisoners neck, snapping it instantly. A sickening crunch echoed through the great hall. The dying Jiralhanae gasped for his last breaths before going silent. Tyseus looked down on him before he died and said, in the same calm tone, "There. You are broken. And I will break your whole tribe like my Grandfather did so many years ago. This time, none will survive." Tyseus waved a hand, signaling his guard to dispose of the body. He turned to Kadeius.

"These... curs must be eradicated. They are a blight on our lands. I leave you in charge of finding the holes they are hiding in. Go, find Barnabus and tell him to fortify the outer villages with his warriors. I will join you on the front lines with the Kig'Yar when they arrive."

Kadeius could see the rage in his eyes, though his mannerism, tone, and expression did well to hide it.
"I will go immediately. They will fall by our hands, Chieftain. We will punish them for what they have done to the tribe."

"I trust you, Kadeius. As much as my brother. Do not fail me." 

"Yes, Chieftain." Kadeius said. He knew Tyseus was sincere in his praise; but also in his subtle threat. More was at stake than Kadeius' rank. The safety of the tribe hung in the balance of his actions. 

.: A While Later... :.

A droning beep from the monitor in front of Tyseus told him that a transmission was coming through. He acknowledged it. 

"The Gel force has arrived, are you still alive Ashwrought? Do you have a location for us to land at?"

"Yes, we are here. The enemy is not that strong. They continue to raid our outer villages, but we are holding. There is a large plateau nearby the keep where you may land. I will meet you there."

He ended the transmission. The time to fight back had finally come.    

    

[Faclan]

Pela Gel - T'vaoan Commando
Doisac Atmosphere
Ready to roll out.

"Understood Ash, we are on route."

Pela nodded at the pilot as she delivered the message. It would be good to work with Ash again even though she herself had worked on them recently. So had her sister now that she thought about it but Pela had done the most...intimiate working for lack of a better word. Working with the tribes scout master to help ensure the speed and safety of the larger force. Quick scouting and proding of a poor Herectic let them know of the possible ambush, and probably saved the lives of several individuals more important that them. Hopefully Kad would be there again.

--- A boring trip down to the ground later ---

The Kig ship, true to the species reputation of spacers, rather quickly landed and began unloading troops. But the time the Jiralhanae arrived there would be a decent temporary defensive structure around the landing pad. But the Kigs were also know for quick assault and raids - and this was also refeclted as all the defensive buildings except some basic walls to protect the large open cargo door and ramp all of the defensive weapons were mounted on vehicals. The occasional Ghost but mostly Kig-Yar Quick Raid Vehicles (QRV's...need to make a proposal for these, probably some sweet dirtbikes and jeep like vehicles.). This way the Entourage could defend itself until their allies arrived and were already ready to move when they were needed.

The lookout with one of the scoped rifles had already reported that a group was arriving - the guns moving to face them as some of the non mounted troops moved to the opposite side of the approaching force in case it was a diversion. Their position let them see for miles and was great all round. Well done Ash.

But it was soon revealed to be Ash approaching, how nice of them to fly a big flag for identification purposes. The two Commandos moving to the long dirt ramp up to the plateau to get a situation report and hopefully to find the radio frequency to hitch into so they could more easily communicate when needed. The time for strategizing and then murder was nearly upon them all.

[Sentinel]

Tyseus the Executioner, Chieftain of the Ashwrought Tribes

At the Kig'Yar Camp
The beginning of the end...
Tags: Faclan

    Tyseus gripped the pole bearing his Tribe's banner and walked at the head of the column of warriors, flanked by his guard, also bearing banners. He was fully armored, and in his other hand he held his hammer, its blade glinting in the intense sun. He approached slowly, taking in every facet of what his friends had brought. Many Kig'Yar species scurried around the landing site doing odd jobs, reinforcing this, stacking that, checking weapons. My, they work quickly... Good... Tyseus thought.

        Tyseus and his guard walked up the ramp to the plateau, and he was impressed with the defensive perimeter they had set up already. Armed guards, lookouts; it was very encouraging. Soon, he spotted the Commandos approaching him. He told them to take him and his guards to the commanding officer. So far, this meeting was going very well. Things may finally be shifting in the favor of the Ashwrought.

[Faclan]

Sentinel

Pela Gel - T'vaoan Commando
Doisac Atmosphere
Yes, this is chicken.

"Commanding officer Chief?" Vesa asked as she smirked, resting her arm back so her R-5 resting over her shoulder with her arm up like she was scratching the back of her head.

"That would be us," Pela added as she gestured to herself and her sister. "Champion Gel was busy. But we stand ready to move and defend as well as attack the vile aggressors." She shook her fist a bit. "We Gel are very familiar with raiders, and they will be swiftly snuffed." Nice and simple.

Vesa glanced back as she nodded, one of the more heavily armored QRV's heading over to the two sisters, with a turret on the back and a radio station in for communication as several observational gear was in the front seats for the two Commanders. It would serve as the Entourages mobile command vehicle for this quick moving operation. Vesa already starting to clamber into the passenger seat as a T'vaoan hopped in the back to work the turret and a Ruutian in the operate the radios.

"We need a radio signal from you for communication, and are otherwise ready for battle." Pela finished with as the other vehicles started to move toward the ramp leading down.

Counting the command car the forty or so Kig-Yar were loaded up into seven other vehicles. Most of them larger than the command one and used more as transports as two rather wild looking T'vaoan with streaks in their feathers and what looked like grenade launchers in their possession were in single seat bikes. While the ten ships crew would remain at the vessel, manning the defensive turrets, in case the raiders tried to take the ship.

[Sentinel]

Jiralhanae Captain Kadeius of the Ashwrought
In the Shadow of Varusion, Ashwrought Wastes
Riding to the Village of Te'heraht
Cry havoc and let loose the hounds of war...


The sound of the host of choppers rang out over the barren landscape of scattered stones and pumice. A great black cloud of smoke hung in the sky, and the sun was obscured almost completely. That happened often in the wastes. Varusion was one of the most active volcanoes in the area, and erupted frequently. Few times was it of any magnitude, and fewer still a threat, but the ash and soot thrown up by the heaving giant went on for miles. The creche was very near Varusion, and the area of the Wastes where they now rode was the most barren and unforgiving. Winds coming from the North across the flat land whipped up deadly dust storms, often strong enough to lift up small pieces of stone and pumice, buffeting anything that got in its way. Hardly anyone lived there, but those that did made excellent warriors. They already knew the meaning of endurance.

Kadeius himself was from Te'heraht, the village that had just been attacked. It was his ancestral home, and the villagers owed no allegiance to the Boneshatters or the Warsworn. They were staunch supporters of Tyseus and his father, and his father before him, owing all that they had to Hyzyrlum's rebuilding of the tribe. Kadeius' Father and mother were old enough to remember Hyzyrlum's time as Chieftain, and often spoke of his great deeds. As did many. Kadeius had often voiced his opinion to Tyseus that he was living in his grandfather's shadow, and that he needed to forge his own path and become stronger than even the Conqueror of Tribes. As one of his closest friends, other than his own brother, Barnabus, Kadeius had many candid and personal conversations with Tyseus. They had grown to respect each other more in the few years that Tyseus had been Chieftain, and Kadeius planned to help him keep that position. Now, the threat was in the form of two long-thought eradicated tribes, and they had made a grievous error in attacking Te'heraht.

Fires of vengeance, set alight,

Their flames, they cleanse my soul. 

Now hot, the embers of my rage, 

My vengeance will be known.

Hard as rock and strong as steel, 

My will is set in stone.

Not one will hold me from this path,

My vengeance will be known

With weapons high, I give this cry, 

Brothers now to war!

Your vengeance is as hot as mine, 

Our vengeance will be known.

Kadeius remembered that hymn from his time as a Major, and sang it loud for all to hear. Soon, the warriors all joined in, and the chorus of voices and engines rang in harmony, low and powerful. He was sure it was a glorious sight; forty Jiralhanae warriors charging into battle, rage oiling in their blood as they sand a hymn of vengeance. Yes, this would be a good battle. One for the lore-keepers to remember. Once the creche was within range of the village, Kadeius bellowed at the top of his massive lungs, in a voice that nearly shook the earth, "Now brothers! Slaughter this filth like their fore-fathers were slaughtered. TO WAR!"

Replies came from the warriors, and a hail of projectiles tore through the village buildings walls, and any Tribesmen within or without. The attack was swift, and without warning, the enemy barely had time to mount a defense. Tribesmen rushed to choppers or took cover behind crude barricades that they had put up. The few that managed to mount choppers barely got anywhere before being blasted to pieces by Kadeius' men. It was all going according to plan. They were dying left and right, no one could put up a fight. Volley after volley ripped through the scattered Tribesmen, and their cries sounded almost like music to Kadeius. A thought crept into his mind, though... It was far too easy. What a fool, what a damned fool. It was a trap. these warriors were simply a distraction. He scanned the area and saw attached to the sides of several of the buildings strange devices. He knew immediately what they were.

"FALL BACK! WE HAVE BEEN DECIEVED!" He bellowed with as much force as before into the radio. He barely finished his sentence before the buildings exploded. Building after building, blowing into pieces and sending shards of debris flying in all directions. Many of his men were killed just by the blasts, still more by the shrapnel. Kadeius himself was knocked back several feet where he lay half-unconscious, his eyes foggy and his ears ringing. He tried to get up, but fell back down. He could hardly see, and he could hear nothing but a continuous drone in both of his ears. He forced himself up on a knee, and noticed excruciating pain in his left bicep. His vision was clearing, and he looked down at his arm. A long shard of wood was pierced through his arm, and the splintered point jutted out the other side. He ignored the pain, and looked around. A new wve of warriors had come, from where he did not know. At first he wasn't sure if they were Ashwrought or Tribesmen, but when they began executing his wounded warriors, it became painfully clear.

How could he have let this happen? His rage had blinded him; his thirst for blood had clouded his judgement. He made up his mind then and there that this day, he would not die. He would live to fight again, to eradicate these mongrels. With his right hand, he searched the ground for his weapon but could not find it. He instead picked up a large iron strut used to reinforce one of the buildings and got to his feet. His ears had stopped ringing and his vision had cleared. But he was bleeding badly. He did not have much time. As he stood, a rain of spikes tore into his surroundings, somehow missing him. As he began to run, he thanked the moons for allowing him to live. For now. Adrenaline pumped through him, and he ran between the smoldering buildings and burning remains before running directly into a Tribesman. With a great heave, he brought down the strut on the surprised Jiralhanae's skull, shattering it and probably instantly killing him. He slumped to the ground, and Kadeius took off running again, this time for a chopper he had spotted.

Behind him, he could hear shouts calling the Tribesmen to find him. As he ran, he looked around. Few of his creche remained, but several had the same idea as he. They either hadn't lost their own, or had stolen new choppers and were streaking away from the village. Kadeius made it to the chopper, and jumped on, cranking it and puling away. A spiker round caught him in the side, and he he cried out in agony. Se slammed down on the accelerator and rode away. A few shots streaked past him, but none followed him. He had the sinking feeling that they had let him escape. 

He called over the radio to all remaining members of his creche and told them to return to the citadel immediately. He was losing blood fast, and could feel unconsciousness coming fast. He sped up more, and hoped he could make it back in time. 


Chieftain Tyseus the Executioner of the Ashwrought
In the Kig'yar Camp
Preparing to Leave
We must go...


"I thank you greatly for coming. We will be in your debt for a very long time, I think. Here is the frequency," Tyseus said, showing Pela a communicator and its screen. "I trust we can..." He stopped short as the communicator blared with the voice of Kadeius. Short of breath, it seemed, he relayed the events that had just transpired. 

"Pela, we need to go. Now. One of my captains is grievously injured and his creche nearly wiped out. He was ambushed. Bring your troops and meet me at the gate. We must end this here and now before these savages tear my tribe apart." He turned to his guard and motioned for them to return to their choppers. He himself also turned and broke out in a sprint down the hill back to his personal chopper. He mounted it quickly, and sped off after his warriors to assemble the rest. 

Over the radio, he said "I apologize for the rude welcome, but the circumstances have prevented me from being gracious. I hope this has not offended you in any way." 

They needed to strike back, to prove that they were not weak. But so far... These tribesmen were more than a match for the Ashwrought. Hopefully these Kig'Yar would tip the scales...

[Faclan]

(Nice post Sentinel .)

Pela Gel - T'vaoan Commando
Doisac Atmosphere
Rolling out.

Pela smiled as she waved her hand a bit at Tyseus. "Lets not talk about debts before the job is done, don't want to speak too soon do we?" She nodded as she looked over the frequency they were using and turned her head around to cheep it out to the Ruut in the back so they could all be connected. Thankfully she was able to finish it before the report came in that their allies had been decimated. The entire sub Entourage hearing it as they had connected to the frequency that the radio operator had sent them. The two wild T'vaoan strapping on headphones and then goggles as they started up their bikes - but no helmets, how irresponsible.

Pela however just nodded at the news that they needed to move as she backpedaled to the command car and hopped in the passenger seat. Strapping herself in as the convoy of Kigs started up their vehicles of choice. The female patching into the frequency herself for her helmet as she adjusted the screen in front of her seat that had a rough map of the area, taken while they were flying down. It mostly just had their vessel on it and then a dot for each vehicle but it would be enough for now. They hadn't the time to stick a transponder on their friendly ape vehicals.

The two T'vaoan were the first to leave, their bikes growling as they shot off down the hill and hopped up near the bottom to go around the vehicals the apes had brought along. Dropping down about fifteen feet and then continuing on before slowing down to wait for the others.

The Pela just shook her head as the other vehicals started to move down the hill too. Those two were hot headed and eager for blood but they were good scouts and harassers and would listen enough to orders. "Its no problem Chief, we fully understand the need for action and will be following your lead. When the location comes into view expect our scouts to zoom ahead of you. This is normal. May Aecor favor our convoy on this day."

The joint task force was now moving, kicking up a good amount of dust as they moved. While back at the ship the ramps and doors were shut and turrets manned - ready in case the raiders attempted to come. And if they saw a force too large to repel they would just fly away and find a new spot to pick up their troops when finished.