Prove your loyalty! (Open)

[Faclan]

Shortly after the outcast of the Sangheili during the schism.

Kael Gel - T'vaoan Champion
Former Human world, Artifact site.
Keep back you traitorous lizards!

A beam of white hot death would lance across the smoldering remains of the street. Right in front of a few approaching Sangheili and Unggoy as screeches and calls would sound out from the other side of the street.

"Back! I'll boil your eyes away next time!" A shrill voice called out from the top window of a building. A figure clad in golden armor with a few smears of purple blood over it. Rifled aimed at the approaching enemies. It seemed to cause pause before several Unggoy started to pepper the window with plasma pistol fire. Kael hopping down as her wrists shields covered her torso. Taking the shots for her before she ducked back down. Crawling down to look over the edge inside in the building and nodding to herself. It had worked. 

Several of her Entourage were just finishing pulling the wounded and the dead in range back inside the building. But they were still now stuck in this building. And it was only a matter of time for the traitors to bring in a wraith or something similar and then they would all be buried here. Sliding the focus rifle over her shoulder she hopped down a few floors before starting to issue orders.

"Murmellos! To the windows with your Majors! Don't expose but keep eyes and rifles up. If they approach past my line begin to pick your targets. Focus the lizards first the Unggoy will fall back if several of them fall." Looking to her Commandos and Minors she nodded at them. "Focus on the wounded. And get a count of ammo and supplies. We will not let this be our end!" Even though it really looked like it would be that. 

The Entourage had just returned from a successful chasing mission to get the humans out of the city as far as they knew and the Sunk Sangheili had opened fire on them! Screaming about betrayal and ape loyalty. Whatever the depths that even meant! And now they were being called traitors even after they were the ones fired upon. Typical Sangheili shit!

Tapping the side of her helmet Kael let out a small sigh. She was still cut off from BattleNet too. Though there was a new ping...someone was trying to contact her? Moving up to a second floor window to keep watch with her troops she accepted the hail and peered over the window sil to see if she could spot someone holding anything or talking into their wrist or helmet. A small golden gleam from her helmet as she did so. Did the scum want to talk now eh?!

"If this is one of you out there know that we will kill /MANY/ of you for opening fire on us and killing our friends." She hissed out before the one on the other end could even speak. The attacking force seemingly holding back for now.

[NinjaBoss]

Zahn 'Te 'Vignaree

Sangheili Major Domo

Former Human world, Artifact site

This betrayal will be paid for in blood!

    "Down brothers!" Zahn worted as an energy beam lanced across what one of the T'vaoan was attempting to designate as a "do not cross" line. Taking a look back at his lance to make sure they were following orders, he was determined not to lose more of his soldiers, at least not to some sniper. A voice from the building hollered something about staying back, but it was hard to hear. No matter. It was likely they had communications equipment capable of receiving a hail, and in the chaos caused by the Jiralhanae's traitorous coup it may be wise to move cautiously. Zahn decided to try and communicate with them.

    "If this is one of you out there know that we will kill /MANY/ of you for opening fire on us and killing our friends," a voice hissed immediately upon answering the hail and before Zahn even had a chance to speak. Touchy. She sounded almost as angry as Zahn felt. But he knew these T'vaoan didn't understand. His dignity, his honor, his entire way of life had crumbled in what felt like moments, and now they were being hunted by those primitive ape savages. If the soldiers in the building had helped them in any way, they would not be leaving alive.

    Before responding Zahn waved to Detan and his Kig-Yar file, Zor, Nix, and Yaz. "Keep their slimy heads out of those windows. Let's not make it that easy for them to pick us off." Then he turned to Cuhl and her Unggoy file, Pradad, Kabab, and Krikyak. "Keep your weapons charged for now. We may need them soon." Each of the Sangheili Minors nodded in acknowledgment and relayed their orders to their respective files. Only after Detan began to unleash a salvo of plasma from his Type-86 DEW Plasma Suppressor, his Kig-Yar following suit with their Type-25 DEP Plasma Pistols, did Zahn feel like the enemy was properly suppressed and responded to the T'vaoan.

    "Your loyalty to those despicable apes will cost you, Champion." Zahn noticed the glint of golden armor passing by a window, and made his best guess that's who was answering his hail. "The traitorous Jiralhanae will never prevail over the mighty and honorable Sangheili!" More plasma salvos peppered the building, bolstering his courage. "You are not the only ones with weapons. Hide yourself in that derelict structure if you want. It is only a matter of time until we've crossed this street and root you out like the vermin that spoiled this planet before."

    Just then he noticed movement from the corner of his eye. An Unggoy file lead by a Sangheili Minor had gathered the courage to charge the building. Fools, he thought. How disappointing that so few in the Covenant had the capacity to think of solutions more complicated than charging. "Stop! It's too soon!" He worted, but it was likely too late for the unfortunate lance that was already in the open. "Stay on those windows brother!" He barked to Detan, but he had been firing for quite some time, and though he had been conserving energy by firing in short salvos, his suppressor chose that very moment to overheat. This is not going to go well....

[Faclan]

Kael Gel - T'vaoan Champion
Former Human world, Artifact site.
Rage and hostages.

Going prone under the window as the plasma raced up toward her window Kael hissed before she did a little fist bump at the news shortly afterward. "Mistress, I have spotted the Major talking and directing them. Give the word and we will focus fire." Good. That would put those gas suckers and lizards in a panic if their supposed leader was filled with needle rifle fire and then detonated.

"Keep an eye out and all those with needle rifles peak when you can and determine this lizard yourself. I want to know where IT goes." Before she rolled over to look up at the sky to respond to the myriad of complaints and hilarious accusations she was getting. Barely noticing the few green blobs that sailed over her head.

"Oh? The loyalty that as far as I knew about ten pips ago you held too? Before you opened fire on my forces without trying to confirm or check or anything? Just assume that we are whatever you are claiming? Why did ya huh? Cause we're Kig-Yar?!" Raising her voice she stood up in the window with wrist shields up and called out to the attacking force. "See how the Sangheili treat us fellow Kig-Yar! Attacked without warning and cast aside! They will do the same to you!" Moving back down as her shields started to flare and returning to cover. She didn't expect anything to happen really but doubt in the Reds forces would help them now. Any advantage she could get right now.

As another charged into the building with weapons and hopes high. Perfect. "Arrestors! Go!" Kael called as she leaned over the side and fired her dart pistol down to try and skewer the Unggoy feet and make them stumble. "Alive! Take them alive!" Even without the net that was shot over his torso the Minor and his three Unggoy were quickly pounced upon by the T'vaoan on the ground floor. And a quick stripping of weapons and different weapons shoved in their faces soon had that under control. Though they had another dead and one injured too. A major took the Sangheilis panicked plasma rifle burst to the face while a minor was concussed by a flailing Unggoy arm.

Hissing in rage at more of her troops getting injured Kael nodded as her Commandos moved their hostages to a easier to guard place and moved to a different window. Waiting to see what that Red would spout now that the situation had evolved.

[NinjaBoss]

Zahn 'Te 'Vignaree

Sangheili Major Domo

Former Human world, Artifact site

Traitors die traitor's deaths

    Zahn cursed when the T'vaoan Champion appealed to his Kig-Yar's sense of honor, though he knew they had none. He also knew they didn't trust him, and that was not a new development. So it might be a good idea to make sure they stay in line.

    "Do not let yourself be swayed by this one's false rhetoric! The Jiralhanae have conspired against us, and the Champion would have you abandon the only allies you have left. Do you really think the T'vaoan will let you slink over there and treat you as equals?" Fortunately Zahn was aware of animosity between the different Kig-Yar clans, and the T'vaoan were the only ones permitted family names by the Covenant. So while he wasn't exactly sure to what extent this animosity was felt by the Kig-Yar under his command, he hoped it would be enough to stop them from starting a mutiny on the battlefield.

    Thankfully, the Kig-Yar in Zahn's lance did not pay heed to the Champion's call. Nix cared only for a wage, and the T'vaoan hadn't offered one. Zor desired glory he hoped the Sangheili would give him, while Yaz desired to prove he was better than his brethren, and this was the perfect opportunity. None of them moved, but Zahn's satisfaction was short-lived and bitter sweet.

    The telltale sound of a Type-33 Guided Munitions launcher was the first clue that something had gone wrong. The wail of pain that briefly foreshadowed the lethal supercombine explosion was the second. Zahn barely turned in time to see it, indigo blood copiously expelled from the chest of a Sangheili Minor whose cries were cut short by the blast. The Minor had been the leader of a Kig-Yar file that had listened to the Champion's speech and decided to revolt. Now he was dead, and Zahn needed to deal with the problem quickly before more of the Kig-Yar followed suit. Would the betrayals ever end?

    "Traitors!" He roared at the offending Kig-Yar while firing a quick burst from his Type-25 Directed Energy Rifle. The plasma was absorbed by the energy gauntlets often worn by the Kig-Yar, but each glob caused the shield to glow from the stress. "Cuhl! Unggoy! Their betrayal will be paid for in blood!" Zahn's soldiers immediately began to move to the sound of his voice. All of these soldiers had been betrayed today, and they had collectively agreed that all who committed this cardinal sin would be sentenced to death.

    Plasma and crystals raced from Cuhl's twin rifles and the Unggoy's munitions launchers toward the Kig-Yar, and while they did have shields, it quickly became a dangerous game for them. One of the crystals found its mark, sneaking its way around the edge of the Kig-Yar Minor's energy gauntlet and burying itself into his shoulder, deep. The reptile yelped and dropped his guard, a fatal mistake. Several crystals followed the first, and the fifth or sixth one impaled the inexperienced soldier's narrow head. He was dead before his body had the chance to explode from the plethora of crystals that had gathered in his flesh.

    The second Minor in the squad panicked at the gruesome sight of its friend's mutilated body, and ran full speed towards the old building, his back to the Sangheili. Zahn laughed at its foolishness and stood for a moment, firing three short bursts of super-heated plasma from his weapon. The Sangheili Major was particularly accurate at such a close range, and the slain Kig-Yar's skin smoked as its charred body lay on the cold ground. But danger was fickle, and found itself attracted to Zahn in the form of a green plasma blob returned from the last surviving Kig-Yar, a Major. Zahn tried to dodge but noticed it late, and the shot connected with his shoulder, reducing his shield strength by about thirty five percent. Curses, time to grab cover.

    Thankfully Zahn had not left the pile of rubble he was standing behind, and a quick crouch put him out of sight of any enemies who could see him, he hoped. The bad news was the Kig-Yar Major who still lived had fully turned to face his former allies, and his energy gauntlet stood strong against his attackers for now.

    "Eat my dust you ugly stinkin' bird!" The high pitched voice of an Unggoy proudly proclaimed as it released an armed Type-1 Anti-Personnel grenade. The Unggoy did not have the greatest aim, but it did manage to put the grenade behind the Major to its left, and the time it took to travel from the Unggoy's fist to its current location left it with only a second or two until detonation. The Kig-Yar Major was now faced with a dilemma: Turn to protect itself from the grenade, or continue to guard against Zahn and his soldiers. It chose the latter, running backwards as best as it could to try and get away from the grenade.

    The escape attempt didn't work, at least not well enough. The detonation of plasma lit up the street with blue light, and the Major was thrown a distance that may have killed it even if the explosion hadn't. But Zahn no longer had time to worry about that. He needed to talk the T'vaoan down before the situation took a turn for the worse.

    "Prove yourself. If you are not pawns of the Jiralhanae bastards, surrender to us. Do this and you shall be forgiven." Zahn turned to Detan, motioning for him to hold his fire. "Wait, and allow your weapons to cool. We shall give them the chance to surrender, but if they fire on us again continue suppressing the windows. See if you can't kill one or two of them." He turned back to the building in time to notice... hostages? The Unggoy file he had seen crossing the street. He had assumed them dead, but the T'vaoan must've taken them alive. And a Sangheili was among their number. What a fool. Still, this proved troublesome. Zahn needed to tread carefully if he wanted the others to believe in his leadership after this.

    "You have seen the way we deal with traitors. I am sure you would do the same. There is no reason for anyone else here to die. What do you want, Champion?" Zahn addressed the T'vaoan once again. Perhaps this would not end as decisively as he thought.

[Faclan]

Kael Gel - T'vaoan Champion
Former Human world, Artifact site.
Do you think they just hand this armor out?

"Cover the escape!" Kael hissed as she peaked out a separate window with her focus rifle out upon hearing the screams of the Sangheili. That was a great sign. But the few shots her and her troops were able to make were not enough to save the Kigs. Damnit. Ducking back down as the fire went from the traitors to them Kael thumped her first against the wall as she held her rifle in one hand. That sure showed what he really thought of them. But now the Kigs out there would be too scared to try and make it across the street now. He was scum this Red but he made the right choice. And speaking of that one he called out to her again.

Which got a good laugh from her floor that filtered down to the attacking force as a chortling bird call. "Do you believe I wear this armor because I was picked out of a hat? Or because I went to some special rich boy school like your race? Hardly. I got this through more years than you've likely been holding that weapon of yours fighting and watching death all around. Do you believe I would be stupid enough to believe that claim for one pip after you just proved how you react to open targets that you deem as a traitor?" Another chortle call.

"No Red - you going to need to do much more than that to have me walk out of here looking at the ground. You're the one that opened fire on MY forces initially so no. How about YOU prove to me that you are willing to talk. You are the one at fault here." She stood out in the open in the window and pointed down at the rubble Zahn was taking cover behind as she called out without the radio.

"In fact, little Major, if you want us to all be on the same side again you'll find that I outrank you. So, step out into the open so we can talk like proper officers."

[NinjaBoss]

Zahn 'Te 'Vignaree

Sangheili Major Domo

Former Human world, Artifact Site

How much is your honor worth?

    All eyes were on Zahn as the T'vaoan Champion called out for him to step into the open. He smirked when she tried to use her rank against him. Technically, she was right. This T'vaoan was in command of a much larger force than Zahn's lance, and she had more experience as well. He would see how much honor this Champion really had, and then measure her worth.

    "Minors, have your files keep an eye out. If anyone tries to shoot at me I want you to kill them." He only hoped they could manage it before he was killed for his foolishness. Still, Zahn had no other choice, not if he wanted to make peace with the Kig-Yar hiding inside of the building. One last look at his lance to make sure they were watching, Cuhl and Detan nodding in confirmation, Zahn turned and strode several steps out from his pile of rubble. Not too far, but out in the open well enough.

    "Prove you have more honor than those Jiralhanae parasites, Champion. I am here. Let us speak." He called out in the open, since the discussion had moved itself away from the channel. He kept a close eye on the Champion and the windows, as well as he could, hoping to get as much notice of incoming attacks as he could. Hopefully, it wouldn't come to that. Now they would see.

[Faclan]

Kael Gel - T'vaoan Champion
Former Human world, Artifact site.
See, progress.

Kael had to admit she was surprised when the Red actually stepped out into the open. She had expected a petulant response honestly. An ages normal Major Sangheili who could never accept the experience she had. But this one was proving himself more than the standard war college spoiled child. Good. She could work with that.

"Rifles up, take aim at his forces," Kael muttered into the radio. "Leave the Red to me should this go south."

"Aye Mistress." Came the combined voiced of her officers before Kael stepped forward off the window sill. Dropping down the two stories to land in a crouch before she approached Zahn. No weapon drawn but her blades were always in easy reach should the need arise. Eventually stopping about seven feet from the Sangheili as she stood with with hands holding her opposite elbows. Arms crossed to show she was annoyed. While also a defensive stance should anything start to fly her way.

"So - how about you start by explaining why you opened fire on us. I'm GUESSING that the Jiralhanae finally pushed too far and took your spot at the top of the chain. Its been rather obvious they have been working toward that for awhile. And so you lashed out because of this dethronement and likely some of them firing at you or people you knew. So how does that relate to me and my forces?"

[NinjaBoss]

Zahn 'Te 'Vignaree
Sangheili Major Domo

Former Human world, Artifact site

An Awkward Explanation Involving Overgrown Monkeys

    A snarl let itself from the mandibles of the nine foot Sangheili when the T'vaoan Champion mentioned the Jiralhanae's betrayal. Her words stung, and Zahn still wasn't entirely sure that she wasn't in on it. It was not often that members of their race could be trusted.

    "Do not mock me, Champion. Of course their conspiracy was obvious to their lackeys!" Zahn stomped a few feet away from the T'vaoan, turning his back for a moment. Not wise, he knew, but his anger would hardly allow him to stand still. In a word, he was infuriated. Quickly, he turned back to face her, attaching his Type-25 Directed Energy Rifle to its place at his waist. He could grab it quickly if need be, and his Type-1 Energy Knives and considerable strength would serve him well in a melee engagement.

    "We were on a path to the artifact. Our orders were to flush out an isolated creche of the Human nishum from this location, and then move to the artifact's location and await further instructions. So we approach, beginning suppressing fire as we close in. And when we arrive, we find you here. What would someone with your experience make of that?" He asked, his deep voice still irate and vicious. But now that he had explained himself he was beginning to mentally connect a few things. Connections he should have made some time ago, before it was too late.

    "If you weren't supposed to be here.... it's a trap!" He worted, snatching his Type-25 Plasma Rifle from his waist as the trap was sprung. Who knew what had taken it so long, perhaps the Jiralhanae were slow to catch on or running behind while Kael kept Zahn busy. He would find out her allegiance soon enough.

    "They consort with the Sangheili! Kill them, kill them all!' A heavy voice shouted in the language of the Jiralhanae as several lances, perhaps a creche or two, of the ugly apes poked their heads out of the buildings, super-heated metal spewing from the muzzles of their Type-25 Carbines. Zahn leaped and rolled behind his pile of rubble just before the first explosion from the Jiralhanae's signature Type-25 Grenade Launchers blew apart an Unggoy file far to his right.

    Quickly standing and taking aim with his Type-25 Plasma Rifle, Zahn fired two salvos at the nearest Jiralhanae he could see before more super-heated metal forced him back into cover. The only good news was that the Jiralhanae seemed to be firing at the Champion's forces too, which meant that perhaps they would be allies in this fight. If she's still alive. "Cuhl, Detan! Enter the buildings and find cover!" He worted, happily noticing that both of his file leaders were still alive, though he did not have the chance to make sure their files were up to full strength.

    With his free hand Zahn sent another hail to the Champion on the channel they were using before. "This is Sangheili Major Domo Zahn 'Te 'Vignaree. Perhaps we could use each other's help."

[Faclan]

Kael Gel - T'vaoan Champion
Former Human world, Artifact site.
Temper temper.

"How about you stop trying to tell me what to do /boy/," Kael hissed in response. Not backing down in the slightest as Zahn had his little temper tantrum. "You act like you have never once faced betrayal in your life time. Typical sheltered Sangheili upbringing. This is what happens when you swallow lies about the alliance and Covenant anything other than a power struggle. Something my people and the Unggoy have been dealing with for a millennium. As such this." She spread out her arms. "Was only a matter of time - get over it - move on."

She waited at Red explained his mission as she rolled her eyes, not that it could be seen past her golden helmet. "I take that you were too slow to do much of anything as we finished that task just when you were starting to arrive - thats what we call operational freedom that you get through experience. I saw an opportunity and took it." The trap comment got her to glance at her motion tracker before her eyes were snapped back to Zahn - as he drew his weapon. Which was a poor time for gunfire to erupt up as Kael acted.

As the Sangheili pulled back Kael leapt back as well and unfortunately for future relations sent two shots from her needle pistol into the Sangheilis back. Thankfully the shield deflected those before Kael got to cover. Opps. Well now that had both shot at each other a bit more right? Helping to bring them up to the same level of distrust to get over?

"Everyone is betraying everyone!" Zahn might hear screeched over the gunfire from Kaels building as she then added. "Kill those fat human humpers! Then the lizards!" Well that wasn't a good sign. At least Zahn wasn't the first target? The radio message either ignored or not even heard as plasma and needle gunfire started up in earnest. Occasionally blasted through by Kaels focus rifle.

[NinjaBoss]

Zahn 'Te 'Vignaree
Sangheili Major Domo
Former Human world, Artifact Site
Did you just shoot me?

    Zahn received no answer on the channel he had used to communicate with the T'vaoan Champion, and the two darts in his back conveyed her response well enough. Thankfully his energy shield protected him from any real harm, though its charge was reduced to forty five percent. He waited in cover a few ticks to let it recharge, not taking any chances against the Jiralhanae.

    Poking his head out from cover, the first thing he saw was a white hot plasma beam boiling the face of one of his brutish adversaries. So the golden commander wasn't allied with the Jiralhanae after all. All things considered, this was rather good news.

    Raising his Type-25 Directed Energy Rifle to fire against a Jiralhanae Minor who stood between him and his lance, Zahn squeezed his rifle and fired a short burst of plasma at the beast. The molten blobs of blue connected, and the Minor roared in anger as he turned in Zahn's direction, firing back with his own race's primitive technology. Unfortunately, it was already too late for him.

    Zahn ducked back behind the rubble he was using as cover and waited a mere three ticks before he was sure that the Jiralhanae was dead. Plasma fire, the sound of exploding crystals, and a roar of victory from Cuhl 'Ka 'Katolee told him that their enemy was no longer fighting. Letting a hoarse laugh escape from his mandibles, Zahn ran to the nearby building as his lance was filing inside.

    Most of the Humans' furniture had been destroyed or thrown out, and the building was mostly empty. The despicable creatures lived uncomfortably close, however, and there were several entrances that could easily lead to an enemy stronghold. Zahn also did not know how much time the apes had to set up the ambush, and decided to move carefully.

    "Cuhl! Detan! Come closer. We must move slowly and coordinate so that we may effectively send these offensive nishum to the great beyond." Taking a look at his lance, Zahn wondered if they had lost any soldiers. He noticed that one was missing.

    "You have lost one of your Unggoy, 'Ka 'Katolee." A quiet but firm snarl from Zahn revealed his disdain for losing fighting strength. The Sangheili Minor quickly replied, refusing to be blamed for the Unggoy's death.

    "His name was Pradad, a Major. When the trap was sprung he panicked, and died a burning death from those barbaric spikes. Curse the Jiralhanae, but the Unggoy was a coward." Cuhl gripped her dual Type-25 Directed Energy Rifles tightly in anger. She hated the Jiralhanae almost as much as she hated the Humans. And that was quite a lot, even for the Sangheili.

    "No matter. Forget him. We must now focus on how to survive." Zahn watched through the window as the battle continued, plasma and metal flung in every direction, and realized they had already lost too much time. "It is time for us to go. 'Ka 'Shal'toree, your file shall lead using the Kig-Yar's energy guantlets for cover. We will use the back entrance."

    The lance formed up as Zahn had ordered, and slowly made their way out the back of the building. Once there they stumbled into two more Jiralhanae, who were not expecting to find them there, and the momentary surprise was their end. A total of eight plasma weapons and two guided munitions launchers relieved themselves in the flesh of the unaware Minors, and they died before they could even call out in surprise. Now if only the rest of this battle goes as smooth, Zahn thought. But deep down, he knew that it wouldn't.

[Faclan]

Kael Gel - T'vaoan Champion
Former Human world, Artifact site.
All falls down.

The Sangheili were trying to do a flank! That was Kig-Yar work sink it! Well if Kael knew she would likely be thinking that but as the force closer to the apes entry point they were a bit pre occupied by being the main breaker to their advance. As such moving off to pull a flankaroni was a bit much as the smaller Kig-Yar were quickly pushed back to their building from the initial push. At least the Sangheili were firing on the apes flank. That helped.

Which is something that Kael noticed but she just saw it as them shooting at the targets they hated the most. Not a sign of them liking her force or anything.

Thankfully for the Kigs they had a large height advantage as Kael leapt up to near the top in several bounds and started to lay burning beams onto the officers she could see. Sending them running for cover or dropping bubble shields as they tried to get out of view of the murderous female in the window. Which was working great and Kael had even managed to kill a major and nearly a second one before the brute shots were angled up. And volley fired at her position. All the combatants able to hear a loud snap of masonry as the building the Kigs were in broke. And the entire wall facing the apes started to fall. The screams of Kigs quickly filling the air as they leapt and ran to get out from under the collapsing wall but many were too slow. Stuck under the rubble that quickly formed. Thankfully burrying a lot of the front line of Jiralhanae too as Kaels gold armor glint could be spotted in the dust as it fell too. Before it seemed to vanish.

Those chickens could use some help it seems!

[NinjaBoss]

Zahn 'Te 'Vignaree
Sangheili Major Domo
Former Human world, Artifact Site

Monkey Dust

    And he was right. Nothing about the current situation could be described as smooth, and a thick cloud of dust quickly enveloped the street as the derelict wall of the building the T'vaoan had holed up in collapsed on top of her soldiers as well as the Jiralhanae. Hopefully it killed a plethora of the traitorous bastards, but Zahn was unable to see as the dust cloud reduced visibility to only one or two meters for the time being.

    The Kig-Yar that lead his lance's advance squawked nervously, and a few whimpers could be heard from the Unggoy. This brought a snarl from Zahn, as he refused to allow his lance's morale to fall because of something as minor as a dust cloud. In fact, he was already thinking of a way to use it to his advantage.

    "Silence, warriors. The Jiralhanae have blinded themselves in their foolishness, and we shall use this advantage to end them! We must, however, move silently. 'Ka 'Shal'toree, advance with your Kig-Yar towards the building. 'Ka 'Katolee and myself shall follow, but only close enough to just maintain visibility. We will ambush the Jiralhanae traitors inside of the cloud." The two Minors nodded, almost imperceptibly, and another idea struck Zahn as well.

    "Perhaps we will be able to pull the Champion out of that rubble. She is no friend of the beasts, and we could use her help. Perhaps..." The two files began to move forwards as Zahn had instructed, carefully watching for enemies. Strangely, they didn't see any, save for the occasional body part that protruded from the rubble. Many of the soldiers began to feel uneasy, as the previous sounds of gunfire and war cries had faded to near silence. Something wasn't right.

    Suddenly a Jiralhanae Major charged the Kig-Yar in front, waiting until just the right moment to attack. Their energy gauntlets must've given them away, a faint light he could see through the cloud. Probably.

    "We will devour your flesh and bones!" The massive ape in dark blue armor roared as he smashed into Nix with incredible strength, the Kig-Yar letting out a cry of pain and surprise. The Kig-Yar was thrown several meters, and when he landed he did not get up. It was likely he had perished.

    "Not today, filthy nishum!" Detan roared, blue plasma arcing from his Type-86 DEW and into the Major's skin. But the Jiralhanae didn't stop, instead turning toward the Minor and leveling his Type-52 Pistol with the Sangheili's face. Unacceptable, Zahn thought. He would not lose one of his brothers today.

    The Jiralhanae's primitive pistol fired three shots before Zahn reached it, and Detan's energy shield was fully depleted. It was likely he had taken damage from the weapon as well, but Zahn couldn't tell, not yet. Preparing for the kill, the Jiralhanae was not paying attention to the nine foot Sangheili that rushed towards it, laughing the last laugh it would ever have.

    "For the Sangheili!" Zahn bellowed, igniting his Type-1 Energy Knife and plunging it into the Jiralhanae's neck. To the ape's credit, it attempted to fight him off, firing its pistol at Zahn and reducing his shield strength by 30 percent. But the attempt was futile, and Zahn repeatedly stabbed the creature in a desperate attempt to kill it, finally succeeding after the fourth or fifth wound he opened in the disgusting beast.

    "Can you fight, 'Ka 'Shal'toree?" Zahn asked, deactivating his Energy Knife and retrieving his Type-25 Directed Energy Rifle from his waist.

    "I will live, 'Te 'Vignaree. Nix is dead, however." Disappointing news. That was the second soldier they had lost today.

    "Advance into the rubble. We must look for allies and find a vantage point from which we can observe the Jiralhanae forces. After that, we find a way to destroy the foul apes." Then they heard more gunfire from within the cloud, and Zahn hoped it was in their favor. And after only a few ticks, he learned that it was.

    "The treacherous lizards are flanking us! Do not let them!" An unseen Jiralhanae cried, and then a growl of frustration. Perhaps they would be able to acquire the upper hand after all.

[Faclan]

Kael's Entourage
Former Human world, Artifact site.
Not doing well.

The momentary lack of gunfire as everyone got their head back on straight was brief but hopefully used well by those T'vaoans still active. As it started to clear it would seem that Kaels force seemed to have made decent use of it as they had fallen back from the collapsed rubble and set up some deployable shields to better protect their much diminished numbers. Zahn seeing two green armored Kigs seemed to be leading the defense as they were shouting at the others to pull the injured back behind the shields and take shots at the enemies. Which unfortunatly due to the dust and general mistrust going on was the Sangheili as well. As both were big hulking shapes in the low visibility. Hopefully they could take cover.

Kael however was still nowhere to be seen and unfortunately again for Zahn he soon found the upper half of the major that had changed the Kig-Yar before the building collapse. He looked to have been crushed when it collapsed. Likely spine snapped from a piece of debrie. And the top of an Unggoy backpack and a Kig-Yar leg next to him did not give much hope for the others that had ran.

But the Jiralhanae kept slowly trying to push forward over the rubble hill. Only to meet the concentrated fire from the small little base the Kig-Yar had set up. A few grenades fired at them but the angled shields bounced them off to skew off into the city. And without a wall behind them they were safe from splash damage for not as long as the apes didn't get too close.

But a roar and a slam cleared a lot of the dust as a golden armored Captain Major slammed down their hammer. Flinging away an injured T'vaoan minor to his death and improving visiblity as it roared. "Kill them! I want a feast this evening of lizard!" Which included Kig and Sangheili! Oh no! The apes spreading out and pushing forward with some even using ripped off car doors as shields for the plasma and needle fire aimed their way. At least the Kigs were not firing at the Sangheili anymore.

[NinjaBoss]

Zahn 'Te 'Vignaree
Sangheili Major Domo

Former Human world, Artifact Site

Wondering Why

    Zahn's hearts began to race when he heard it, feeling the rush of gravity barely a tick later. He knew that sound, that feeling, and though he had never faced a gravity hammer in combat before now, inwardly he was terrified. He had seen those hammers bestow the most gruesome of deaths on their victims, and had never relished the chance to become one of them. Curse his luck.

    Outwardly, Zahn appeared calm, reserved even. He needed to think clearly and conserve his energy if any of them were going to survive this. Thankfully, they were not very close to the Captain, who had already revealed himself by the powerful swing of his hammer. Dust was sent rushing in a wave away from the swing, and a cloud of it covered the lance of Sangheili loyalists. Several of them coughed, irritating Zahn. Now was not the time for them to drop their guard.

    "That Captain has a hammer. Do not let him out of your sight. We will fall back out of range and then focus fire on the overgrown brute. That shall remove their leadership as well." Zahn worted to his soldiers, slowly walking backwards towards a trio of damaged human vehicles that he hoped to use as cover. There would be no use in attacking the Captain if they got shot to death moments later.

    "'Ka Shal'toree, tell your Kig-Yar to cover the gaps with their energy gauntlets." Zor and Yaz obediently followed Zahn's order, and the lance now had a mediocre point of cover to protect them from the enemy. Zahn hoped it would be enough. Raising his Type-25 Directed Energy Rifle, he found the aggressive Jiralhanae Captain, who was rampaging towards the T'vaoans. "On my command, we cook him with plasma fire."

    "Death to the apes!" Zahn roared, squeezing his plasma rifle and launching a large salvo of plasma in the direction of the gravity hammer. The plasma arced towards its destination, followed by five other salvos and two streams of guided munitions needles. The gunfire followed its intended path, and for a tick, looked like it would connect. But while the attack was well carried out, it did not account for one thing. And that one thing was actually four things that found themselves in the line of fire.

    A Jiralhanae file approached the Captain, perhaps to report, and in the process took most of the shots that had been intended for their superior. Only a burst from one of the Unggoy's guided munitions launchers connected with its intended target. The rest of the salvos hit one of the four Jiralhanae, spread out enough that none of them were killed. And now the lance had drawn the intention of five of their enemies, one of them likely the most powerful foe that stood on this street.

    "Grenades!" Zahn demanded, arming a Type-1 Anti-Personnel grenade and setting his sights on the Jiralhanae. Usually situations like this didn't turn out that well for him. He wondered why.

[Faclan]

The Captain Major actually laughed when the fire from Zhans crew was caught up on his soldiers. "Missed! And you call yourself soldiers?!" The injured Apes moving forward to try and shield their pack leader but the flaring up of some bright blue balls made them pause. And shift out of the way of their arching trajectory as much as they could. With the dust helping to really make them stand out against the particles in the air as they flew toward the Captain. But he just brought his hammer back and smirked before swinging it out sideways in front of him. Like an Earth born sports star of the stick ball. The hammer wooshing out in a blue sphere and sending those grenades high into the sky. Laughing more as they harmlessly detonated above the buildings and taking a large step forward. "Missed again!" The hammer now pointing at Zhans small squad taking cover. "I think I will squash you lot next!"

Before the air was cut through with a loud continious bzzzzap and screaming.

It almost looked as if the Captain had spontaneous combusted as bright light grew from his legs to his spasming arms as he was cooked alive. But closer inspection would reveal the barrel of a focus rifle right under him firing up into his sensitive parts. Probably not the best way to go. But the hammer clattered to the floor as the smoking corpse toppled over fryed very thoroughly. The clearly damaged rifle bleeping quietly as it was hurled rather feebly at the apes as Kael crawled out of the rubble with one hand. Helmet gone and her face rather bloody. The rifle detonating as it looked as if Kael was done for with apes still around. But she could be seen smirking before the whine of Phantom engines broke through the silence of the Captains death.

Four landing craft quickly arriving on the scene and starting to rain down plasma and fuel rod fire on the brute forces which with the loss of their chief made them all scatter. Fleeing into the city as the plasma fire started to shoot at the Kig-Yars shield wall as they tried to take cover behind it. A turret soon pointing at the prone Champion too. Probably time for Zhan to intervene.

[NinjaBoss]

Zahn 'Te 'Vignaree
Sangheili Major Domo

Former Human world, Artifact Site

Stand Down

    The soldiers in Zahn's lance laughed with surprise as the Jiralhanae Captain was cooked alive, mere ticks after he threatened to kill them. For a moment Zahn joined them, firing a pair of plasma salvos at the survivors before his ears picked up the whine of plasma engines closing on them. He looked up and saw several Phantoms, knowing that whoever the reinforcements belonged to would be the victors in this battle. Preparing for an honorable death, he watched as the turrets began to unleash plasma fire on the troops below. The rest of his lance scrambled for cover, but Zahn saw that the weapons were aimed at his enemies.

    A feeling of elation overwhelmed him, the satisfaction of victory through sacrifice. He turned towards where Kael was buried, and confidently moved to dig her out of the rubble. She had helped them survive, after all. Zahn figured that the Kig-Yar weren't so bad, not all of them at least. They should offer these ones an alliance. It was a few moments before he noticed that the gunships were firing at them as well.

    "No," He said aloud, but of course no one heard him over the sounds of gunfire. He scrambled towards Kael's position, putting his right hand up in a gesture to hold their fire, using his left to activate the battlenet. "This is Major Domo Zahn 'Te 'Vignaree!" He worted, without checking first to make sure he had reestablished his connection. "Stop firing! You are killing allies!" He waited for a response, but the ships did not stop firing.

    "This is Ultra Thytan 'Il 'Hidohai. You do not give me orders, Major Domo. Explain yourself!" The ship's commander demanded, and Zahn quietly growled in frustration. The Phantoms continued to fire.

    "With respect, 'Il 'Hidohai," Zahn began, "these Kig-Yar saved my soldier's lives. They fought with honor against the traitorous Jiralhanae! Our enemies have enemies, and we would be wise to make them our friends. Our people fight alone now, and we shall need all the allies we can muster."

    "And what assurances will we have that they won't turn on us, and join with the San'Shyuum? 'Te 'Vignaree, you step out of your place. Allow your superiors to contemplate diplomacy." The reply was not encouraging, but for a moment the firing had mostly stopped, as the Phantoms searched for any Jiralhanae strays.

    "If we betray these soldiers then we are no better than the Covenant! Our honor will not allow it! Please, 'Il 'Hidohai. Show them that unlike our enemies, we can be merciful. They already know our power." Zahn pleaded now, pulling the rubble off of Kael as he spoke. Growing quiet as his four fingers pulled heavy pieces of rock off of the injured Champion, it took him several minutes to pull her out of the debris. By then he had received his answer.

    "You speak well, Major Domo. We'll allow these Kig-Yar to live, but if they turn on you it will be your undoing." Zahn breathed a sigh of relief and wondered what Kael would say. Their relationship hadn't exactly started off on the best foot, either. Time to find out, he thought as he reached a four fingered hand towards the T'vaoan in a gesture of assistance.

[Faclan]

Kael Gel - T'vaoan Champion
Former Human world, Artifact site.
Ow.

The bits of rubble soon removed would reveal Kael to Zahn. She looked terrible. Her left knee looked to be bent in a wrong angle and one of her arms looked badly hurt as she slowly took the offered hand and was pulled and pulled herself up to at least a crouching position. Purple blood gently plapping against the ground from the end of her beak as it looked like some debris had fallen on her head. But the broken remains of a Champion helmet at her feet showed that it had done its job of protecting her brain case. She slowly looked over at the shields that just barely held against the phantoms fire before it stopped as the craft started to descend to secure the area and pick up the loyals. The T'vaoan grunting in pain as she clipped off her needle pistol and set it on the ground before Zahn which was shortly followed by her two bracers clanking on the ground.

"Thanks Zahn," ooh a name now! Good! "I, Champion Gel, officially surrender to you as does my force. Until we are cleared to be armed again." Slowly getting up into a slightly higher position as she leant heavily on Zahn as she waved to her forces, before motioning to the ground. The T'vaoan and Kig attaches to her Entourage nodding and quickly putting rifles and pistols on the ground as the Sangheili and Unggoy from the phantoms started to move about and secure the area. The deployable shields quickly being confiscated as the wounded and Injured Kig-Yar were picked up first as the still active soldiers kept their hands on top of their heads as the Sangheili moved to the perimeter and kept an eye on them. The weapons of the Entourage moved into a pile away from the force as they were made to sit down in a group. The injured taken to under one of the Phantoms where a Huragok started to work on them. The ultra from before heading over to Zahn and Kael likely to get a report.

Kael taking deep breaths as she tried to stand - removing a Ruddak gel canister from the back of her belt and sticking it into a slot on her leg to try and numb the pain. But even for her it seemed to be too much as like her soldiers she fell back into a sitting position. Trying to compose herself as much as she could as she sat at the feet of the two Sangheili.

[NinjaBoss]

Zahn 'Te 'Vignaree
Sangheili Major Domo

Former Human world, Artifact Site

Could've Been Better

    Ultra Thytan 'Il 'Hidohai strode authoritatively towards Kael Gel and Zahn 'Te 'Vignaree, a look close to disappointment glaring from his intimidating violet eyes. Three Majors closely followed the Ultra, presumably a security escort, and their red combat harnesses presented a stark contrast with the pearl color of 'Il 'Hidohai's. The Sangheili all carried Type-25 Directed Energy Plasma Rifles, but Thytan had not drawn his, relying on his soldiers' protection for the time being. The Majors attentively observed their surroundings with apparent apathy, but it was clear that they were prepared to engage any threat in a moment's notice.

    Cuhl 'Ka 'Katolee and Detan 'Ka 'Shal'toree noticed the Ultra's arrival and quickly ushered their files into organized, disciplined lines, with little more hassle than a shove or two. The files had been reduced to just two Unggoy and two Kig-Yar, respectively, but the soldiers that remained were battle hardened and experienced. Detan and the Kig-Yar were new reinforcements, but had proven themselves in today's battle. And Cuhl and the Unggoy had fought with Zahn for several missions, defeating powerful enemies, including a massive worm.

    "Report, Major Domo! Where did the Jiralhanae come from? How many were there? And who escaped?" Ultra 'Il 'Hidohai quickly asked, rapidly interrogating the younger Sangheili. His firm tone and stern demeanor conveyed an aura of respect that resonated with all the Sangheili present, if not the other races.

    "We were ambushed from all directions, 'Il 'Hidohai. By a powerful assault force, a creche I'd estimate. The scum had time to prepare this, plan and get their soldiers in place. There is no way of knowing from which direction they came." Zahn spoke confidently until he reached the last sentence, and though he did not waver, the tone in his voice changed. Though all would know it was not his fault, the zealous Sangheili would look down on Zahn's failure to trace the Jiralhanae attack's origins.

    "Champion Gel eliminated the leader, a Captain. He engaged my lance with an energy hammer. The gods smiled on us, and Kael boiled him with a special applications rifle. I do not know who escaped, but there were not many." The mission seemed a success to Zahn. Most of the enemy force had been eliminated, and surely it's loss was a blow to their enemy. But Ultra 'Il 'Hidohai did not agree.

    "So you failed to capture the leader?" He snarled in anger, stepping closer to Zahn. "You do not know who escaped, where they went, or what they know, do you? Do you realize what is at stake 'Te 'Vignaree? The Covenant that has safeguarded us for thousands of years has turned against us, and the Jiralhanae would hunt us as if we were humans! We are no longer the predators, Major Domo. We are the prey, and we need every piece of information we can find to see us through this catastrophe."

    The Ultra turned away from Zahn now, shaking his head in obvious frustration. Zahn had forgotten to think of those things with his life on the line, and in most situations it would be understandable. Thytan understood what it was like fighting to survive, but the Sangheili could no longer afford any missed opportunities. They needed to strike back at the Jiralhanae before they began an invasion of Sangheili space.

    "And what does your friend know?" He asked after several moments, now observing Kael and trying to get an idea of her combat capabilities. "You are a Champion, so you must be skilled. Perhaps you would like to make the Jiralhanae suffer for what they have done to our Covenant? 'Te 'Vignaree says you could be an ally." A valuable ally, he didn't add. Best to start slow.

[Faclan]

Kael Gel - T'vaoan Champion
Former Human world, Artifact site.
First things first.

Just sitting quietly holding one side of her head as the big lizard spoke Kael seemed to be working on managing to keep awake. Her two still mobile Commandos being brought over after they explained their position and were crouched about fifteen feet away. One injured being tended too under the phantom - and her prognosis didn't look good. But unfortunately for the relationships of those currently in attendance the first thing that Kael did when her opinion was finally asked was to laugh. But she was the only one doing so in this situation as one of her Majors tried to tally the dead of the Entourage.

"OUR Covenant? Hah! The Covenant was only ever a way for you lot to try and control us all. And now look where its lead to!" Kael grabbing Zahns wrist to pull herself up to a standing position. But her grip maintained as she swayed back and fourth. "But right now, young Ultra, that doesnt matter. Whats important is we need to leave. We don't know where the apes ran off too to play a counter attack. They know precisely where we are. Very few of them are injured, we have many. We need to leave and regroup. Get reports from trusted sources and form a plan to break out should the noose be tightened more than it has." Waving a hand dismissively for effect and nearly collapsing again. Her male Commando trying to move to assist her but was held back.

"We can discuss the ramifications and how the great journey and honor and the like works into this later." A deep breath. "Right now, we need to leave before they come back with vehicals and tools to down those Phantoms. Then we would be trapped. You need to focus on the now reality we have, not the unknowns that will be back when we have the ability to leave."

[NinjaBoss]

Zahn 'Te 'Vignaree
Sangheili Major Domo

Former Human world, Artifact Site

Don't Worry, If You Mess Up It's Only The Death Of You And All Your Friends

    The Sangheili Majors that accompanied Ultra 'Il 'Hidohai frowned with slightly less than obvious contempt at the T'vaoan. What had she said about their Covenant? But they said nothing, and the disgust they felt for her words could only be seen by looking in their eyes. They avoided eye contact, naturally. Thytan himself shook his head, but when he spoke his voice was calm.

    "Yes, we should keep moving. Come, there's room for you two on my phantom." He turned quickly on his heel and strode into the street, away from the buildings. Three ticks later a phantom troop carrier approached the spot, lowering itself to the ground until it was close enough to make use of its gravity lift. Zahn turned and spoke to Kael before following the Ultra, the battle still fresh on his mind.

    "Thank you, Champion. Perhaps now that the Covenant has broke....." he trailed off, as if there was nothing more to say. "Things could be different." The ending came as an afterthought, and Zahn began to make his way toward the Phantom that waited twenty minutes away. The Sangheili were making their way up the gravity lift, and it was likely not a good idea to remain there for long. Cuhl 'Ka 'Katolee and Detan 'Ka 'Shal'toree were directed to a Phantom neighboring the Ultra's, and they were boarding with their files.

    The smooth surface of the troop carrier's underside glowed a luminous blue, and the twin impulse drives quietly hummed above 'Te 'Vignaree's head. The Sangheili Major's heavy feet crunched the rubble underfoot as he walked, and Unggoy that found themselves in his path quickly retreated, finding shelter away from the behemoth Sangheili that followed their leader to his phantom, looking quite the murderous lizard all the while.

    The gravity lift did not immediately take hold of Zahn. One or two ticks passed, but no more, before he was gathered within its grip. The technology pulled him away from the ground, and he looked upwards as he rose towards the ship, preparing to enter its belly and have a conversation that could determine the fate of him and all of his soldiers. Zahn's mandibles clicked as he took a deep breath, his hearts beating rapidly in his chest in anticipation of what was to come. This would be no easier than the battle on the ground, and he had to remind himself, they weren't away from the battlefield yet.

[Faclan]

Kael Gel - T'vaoan Champion
Former Human world, Artifact site.
Starting to be safe.

"Maybe they will be," Kael grunted as she hung onto Zahns wrist as she was helped along with her seemingly broken knee. "But that can be discussed when we know who wont be shoving a blade in our back now." She then sighed as she looked at her forces and the few remaining Phantoms they were there for everyone. The pain evident in her unhelmeted face as she called out to her forces. The two Commandos falling into step behind Zahn and Kael. "Leave the dead - we cannot carry them and those still mobile...take the personal effects if you can. But don't dawdle."

The depleted Entourage nodding and averting their eyes as they worked to take the bracelets or other shinies off their fallen friends before muttering a few words. Then rising to their feet and filing toward their transports. At least this little small force would have no shortage of weapons with so many hands now unable to hold them. Kael schinking her needle pistol back to her thigh as she tossed aside her broken wrist blade and shield bracer. Checking the other as she limped along before nodding. It was as good as she was going to get. Looking up as she started to rise up and then slumping against the wall once she was up. A few of her forces joining her after before the hatch shut. The transport full to above the normal capacity as were the others with so many units trying to group up as the crafts started to leave.

Kael sliding down the wall to sit as she hissed and resting her forehead against one of her knees. "What a sunk day." She muttered, spotting Zahn's boot out of the corner of her eye as her mind worked to catch up. "Think nothing of it boy - its what had to be done to get action started. And you helped save the remains of my force so it needed to be paid back...Now we just need to find a safe place."

[NinjaBoss]

Zahn 'Te 'Vignaree
Sangheili Major Domo

Former Human world, Artifact site

Coordinating Coordinates

    Zahn looked down on almost every individual on the crowded phantom thanks to his height, but was not spared the smell. Methane breathing Unggoy gathered so close around the Sangheili's feet that he could barely walk, and above them stood the taller Sangheili and Kig-Yar. All of the soldiers had been fighting for quite some time in vicious front line combat, and they were covered in sweat and grime. Few of them had bathed in the recent past. 'Te 'Vignaree twisted his mandibles in disgust and then spoke, hoping to get moving as soon as possible.

    "What are our options, Ultra? How could the Jiralhanae have known where we would be?" Many of the Unggoy and some of the others who were chatting quietly fell silent, waiting for their commander to speak. Thytan 'Il 'Hidohai did not immediately respond, instead seemingly pondering some idea known only to him. After several ticks he met Zahn's gaze with confidence, and spoke without doubt.

    "They did not know," he said, "it is their tactics. They've been setting traps and we've been walking right into them. Because we did not know how those savages were thinking. But now we know." He stopped, slowly moving his eyes across the room, perhaps inviting contradiction. It did not come.

    Thytan 'Il 'Hidohai pressed the surface of the holo table that stood in the center of the phantom, activating a hologram that displayed the landscape where they had been fighting, including the location of Kael and Zahn's standoff that lead to their battle with the Jiralhanae. He began pointing at the locations and specific areas that were nearby, easy to access and well hidden, gesturing towards routes that may have been used to travel between the two places.

    "They have been searching for ideal terrain and then setting the ambushes in advance. In some cases they attack first to provoke a response, and then retreat until we have arrived. Who knows how long it takes. But it works." He paused again, continuing to detail a likely accurate theory of the way the Jiralhanae had been acting recently. Zahn felt tricked, for he had given the beasts too much credit. They were not as sophisticated as he had feared.

    "Knowing this, we can avoid some of these ambushes and perhaps set some of our own. Does anyone have anything to add or recommend?"

[Faclan]

Kael Gel - T'vaoan Champion
Former Human world, Artifact site.
Grim predictions.

As the two big lizards talked Kael was hissing quietly as she gently felt around her shin and thigh. She could still slightly feel her toes but it was slight. So it wasnt a total cut off. Which was good. But shed need to get this armor off and get it looked at sooner rather than later. Some of the plates already being clicked off and dropped to the phantoms floor. Several golden chunks of armor soon around her as she applied more gel directly to the area before looking up. And seeing mainly closely packed Covenant troops. But thankfully her voice carried over them and the silence.

"I'm not surprised you two knew but it means they respected or at least feared you. I've been on a few hunts with the apes over the years and this is how they act when they are doing something risky. If it was something they thought they would win easily they would just charge in blowing a horn to chase it down and then rip it apart." A squawk as an Unggoy accidently stepped on her foot before she growled and continued. "So they are not just charging wildly into this. They will likely make some grand battle net announcement soon about how you are all traitors and how we lesser aliens should desert you and come to them."

A quick squirt of ratio liquid into her beak. "They need help after all. As you saw alone they won't be able to take any combined force without a heap of luck. So they will have to weaken your numbers before they strike. I just worry for those Sangheili who are few in number in command places." Or Councilors, but she wasn't thinking of the big hats that much.

[NinjaBoss]

Zahn 'Te 'Vignaree
Sangheili Major Domo

Former Human world, onboard Thytan 'Il 'Hidohai's phantom

Questions

    "Indeed. But there is little we can do for them now. Speak a prayer for them if you will, but then we must focus on our own predicament." The phantom quieted at the sound of their commander's voice and the mutterings of Covenant prayers were heard around the room, but not from everyone. Zahn took the opportunity to lean towards Kael Gel and ask a question.

    "You say you have hunted with the Jiralhanae before. Perhaps your experience can be valuable to us now." The tall Sangheili spoke quietly, but the Ultra's eyes were drawn to them just the same. He began slowly to make his way toward the pair while Zahn continued to speak.

    "What do you know of the way they hunt? They must have some weakness, a fault we can exploit. If we are careful we can set up a counter ambush and be away from this dreadful planet." By now Thytan 'Il 'Hidohai had reached the group, and Zahn respectfully bowed his head. The Ultra acknowledged the gesture himself, then spoke to the T'vaoan as well.

    "Yes Champion, how do you suggest we take advantage of them? And how do we stop members of the other races of the Covenant from responding to their war cry?" His steely gaze met her eyes, and the two Sangheili waited patiently for an answer...

[Faclan]

Kael Gel - T'vaoan Champion
Former Human world, rescue phantom.
Not looking good for ya'all.

Thank Aecor, Kael mused to herself, the Ultra wasnt going to hop around and complain about the plight of the councilors and was focusing on them instead. That was a good sign. He was thinking more about the now and them rather than the possible bigger picture. That could come when they were safe. She looked up when both elites came over to her and despite the situation she was pleased that both seemed to be respecting her. That was nice to see from the now towering lizards as she sat against the ground.

"Its going to be hard to stop this mutiny," she started with. Shaking her head before continueing. "Its been a thousand years of we and the Unggoy being pushed down by you Sangheili. Thats going to be really hard to resist for most. It's only through Old Commander Til, the current situation, and being attacked by them that I'm here with you all. Would they have offered I may have joined them too. Its often we, my clan, gets fined and complained at by the Covenant for not supplying enough troops even though we fill the quota. You will not have many allies when their call goes out. Your only hope is that the San'Shyuum denounce what they have done here. But with how many rumblings there are after Regret was beheaded by that green human robot they may join the Jiralhanae in this. But we'd have to see."

With that grim appraisal complete she hummed before shrugging. "With how many there likely are currently working to try and grab what they can for glory I suspect their Chiefs are poorly defended. And they will have very little control over their pack at this time post release until the initial bloodlust has been sated. The youth were often very difficult to corral on the hunts I went on. And despite getting bigger and stronger I highly doubt they would have gotten better at controlling their impulses." But she gestures around. "However, we are in a terrible position to try and take the fight to a chief now. I recommend we do not attempt this."

And she was a Champion - but the Sangheili, being Sangheili, could easily just say were doing it anyway.

[NinjaBoss]

Zahn 'Te 'Vignaree
Sangheili Major Domo

Former Human world, onboard Thytan 'Il 'Hidohai's phantom

The Established Order

    The Ultra Thytan 'Il 'Hidohai nodded his head but said nothing for now. He turned and paced several steps away, gazing at the outside terrain through the Phantom's visual monitors. Perhaps he had seen something of interest. Meanwhile, Zahn considered what Kael had said. He did not like the idea of the other races in the Covenant turning against the Sangheili. But after hearing her point of view, it made sense. Very few would ally themselves with the Sangheili, and even less without a good reason to stick around. So they would have to give them one, but how?

    "There!" The Ultra pointed towards a large waterfall beneath the phantom, a refreshing sight sweetened by the colorful plant life that grew around it and the intricate carvings the water had slowly made in the rock. The water, however, was visibly dirty and polluted. Bits of ash, rubble, and trash, among other things, followed the current downstream. Zahn momentarily wondered how much of that was the cause of the Covenant's invasion of the planet, but decided it mattered little. The Humans were filthy, disgusting creatures who cared little for the environments of their own planets. There was nothing that could be done.

    "Put us down for now, pilot. It will be good for the soldiers to rest, and the enemy doubtless has their eyes on the sky. We will need time to plan our next course of action." After this he turned again, hands behind his back, and returned to his place beside Zahn and Kael.

    "You say you have hunted with them before, Champion. You also say you are no friend of the Sangheili. You have said things that few of your species would dare say to mine, and I believe that you are being honest. You also say that most non-Sangheili members of the Covenant have no reason to befriend us. Perhaps it is time we make a few." He paused for dramatics, enjoying the effects of his drawn out speech like most Sangheili, vain as they are. Then he got to the point.

    "Majordomo, you and the Champion are to work together and formulate a plan for striking at the Jiralhanae leadership on the planet. First we'll need to locate their staging ground or a chief, preferably in a location that can be easily ambushed. You will merge your forces together to accomplish this. As Champion, Kael will command your strike force. Perhaps if we share our place of honor we will be able to convince others to stand beside us. While you strike their vulnerabilities and sow chaos on the ground, I will identify a route for us to leave the planet and regroup. I trust that your injuries will not prevent you from your duties, Champion Gel?" The Ultra waited patiently for any dissent, fully expecting at least a complaint. He wasn't even sure if orders like he had just given had ever been ordered in the history of the Covenant, but he did not know.

[Faclan]

Champion Gel's Entourage
Former Human world, rescue phantom.
Set up and schemes.

The dour mood in the few phantoms carrying the remains of the forces noticeably lifted when a place to land was pointed out. Even messy water was better than none to try and clean and being able to spread out and not bunch up so much. And it would allow equipment to be set up to try and survive this situation they found themselves in. And Kael was thinking about the remains of her own forces. It would be easy for them to survive. Steal one of the phantoms and head to the Jiralhanae camp. Maybe with some captives. Turn them over and be welcomed into the pack. Even if she had been reported fighting against them she was sure it would be forgiven. As she had told the lizards she was known to them. And would be a welcome help. Glancing around she nodded to herself and filed that in her brain under plan C. If needed.

Looking back up when the Ultras strode over and relayed his plan she mostly nodded before shaking her head. Gesturing at her unarmored lower left leg and her banged up armor on her right arm. "I'm in no position to do much of anything Ultra. I will use my experience to help direct the troops in a command position however. My two mobile Commandos will lead in my stead."

The two green hats waving from the other side of the phantom they were on as the craft lowered down and landed. Fully on the ground to safe fuel in case it was needed later. The Combined forced starting to move out to look at where they landed as the wounded were helped out. Which was soon Kael too as she hopped along leaning on one of her Commandos as the other stuck with the Sangheili as she nodded. "Pela Gel - Tal will be assisting me when he is doing helping Champion Gel to the medical station. My sister Vesa may join us later but she needs medical first." The green she meant looking in not a good state but due to the helmet Pela was wearing it was hard to see how she was affected by her sister being in such a state. But the troops started to unload and set up equipment as they mainly spread out to try and clear heads.

[NinjaBoss]

Zahn 'Te 'Vignaree
Sangheili Major Domo

Former Human world, nearby Thytan 'Il 'Hidohai's phantom

The New Order

    Zahn nodded in greeting to the T'vaoan Commando who introduced herself as Pela Gel. Her daughter? Or some other relation? Zahn thought as he watched the one named Tal help Kael with medical attention. His eyes searched the clearing until he found Cuhl 'Ka 'Katolee and Detan 'Ka 'Shal'toree.

    "Are your soldiers wounded, Minors?" Zahn asked,

    "No, Major." Came the disciplined, simultaneous reply.

    "And yourselves?"

    "I am not hurt, 'Te 'Vignaree." Cuhl 'Ka 'Katolee responded confidently, but Detan 'Ka 'Shal'toree said nothing. Zahn fixed his gaze sternly on the Minor, who pressed his mandibles together before sighing in response,

    "I was pierced by that Jiralhanae's slug thrower. Only once, I will be fine." Detan winced as he finished this sentence, and nonchalantly wiped some purple blood on his combat harness. Of course he hoped that his commander did not notice, for many Sangheili considered it dishonorable to receive medical attention. But Zahn did not much care for what most Sangheili considered, because most Sangheili were not fighting for their lives, not to mention their clan's honor, trapped on a human planet while hunted by the Covenant that they had helped to create.

    "I believe you, 'Ka 'Shal'toree. But I need my lance as powerful as possible. Apply some ruddak gel to that wound. It will not dishonor you as a doctor would, but it will ensure that as little of your zeal is lost as possible." Detan pressed his mandibles together in an expression of distaste, but turned to do as Zahn said after only a tick. Good, Zahn thought. Now he would not have to worry about another wounded soldier in the battle. They had enough of those already.

    "We need to formulate a plan, Commando. Does the Champion wish to be a part of the deliberation, or has she entrusted you to speak on her behalf?"

[Faclan]

Gel Entourage
Former Human world, rescue phantom.
Discussions.

Waiting patiently as the Red laid out his orders for the forces that were arrayed Pela was carefully listening to both the lizard and the voice in her ear. Kaels. As she muttered about numbers and their poor position. Sure it was semi secluded but any scan would see it. Maybe that could be use to lay some sort of ambush...but a thankfully muffled squawk as her damaged leg was adjusted made Pela look back up at Zahn as he asked her about command. Making her just tilt her head as she tapped the side of her green helmet.

"Champion Gel is currently listening and relaying analysis to me as we speak. Should she have anything to add I will pass on her insight. Currently she is taking stock of our current positions and asking us - her Commandos and more stable Murmellios, about possible plans." Some Unggoy hissing in annoyance as another Commando leapt over them to land next to Pela as it nodded. Slightly more stocky than Pela as the male gave a half salute. Feathers poofed out from the back of his helmet to show his heightened stress.

"We will likely need to make some sort of Ambush to draw out a smaller force as we cannot hope to win a direct fight. How your Ultra deals with that news is to be seen." Seems like Tal didnt see the white as his officer right now. "But now is the time to trial ideas and see what may work and what will not work. Tal by the way Zahn," a more proper salute this time. "You have my respect for the work you have done today to get both of our forces this far."

[NinjaBoss]

Zahn 'Te 'Vignaree
Sangheili Major Domo
Former Human world, nearby Thytan 'Il 'Hidohai's phantom

Draw Them Out Like One Of Your French Girls

    Zahn bowed his head in respect to Tal Gel, appreciative of the respect he offered him. "And you have fought with honor today, Commando. It is reassuring to have worthy allies in times like this. The Jiralhanae are not weak, and they have the backing of the rest of the Covenant behind them. If you stand with us, and we survive the might of their imperial wrath, we can fracture the Covenant. It will never become whole again. The Kig-Yar will be freed, as will the rest of us."

    Zahn paused for a moment, thinking of their next options. "We need to draw out a small force lead by the chieftan..." He said this mostly to himself, before turning back to Tal and Pela.

    "What do the Jiralhanae crave? Combat, and slaughter. Draws them out like Unggoy to their feeding nipples. And they're always hungry. Damn barbarians." Zahn was starting to formulate an idea, or at least the beginnings of one. Hopefully it would accelerate the deliberations.

    "We could give them an opportunity for easy food perhaps, or an opportunity for combat. The tricky part is ensuring the chieftan comes with. What do you think?"