Prove your loyalty! (Open)

[Faclan]

Both Commandos would head bob at the appreciation but Tal scoffed a smidge. "Free would be nice to be sure. But as long as one side of the Covenant or whatever we are now...rebels or something, has the most ships I doubt the Kig-Yar will be free. They have our home system locked down hard and unless there is a total collapse I doubt we will be able to spread our space wings and soar." Glancing to the side to see Pela staring at him as he adjusted his helmet and stepped back to step out of the conversation for the moment.

"They crave the recognition of their fellows. To be told by them that they are strong and worth following. If they knew that not only Kael was here but an Ultra," jerking her finger toward the white pacing back and fourth. "Were here I suspect they would come running."

"I agree," came the muffled voice from Pelas helmet, the female Kig taking it off and holding it to let Kaels quiet voice be heard better. "But the Ultra needs to leave. It will be risky but have him run away in the phantoms. Fill the Battlenet with our rage and curses that he left us alone. The Chief would waltz up all sure of himself to make demands of us. He would want us to crawl out of her and beg for mercy from his mighty strength. Especially if my supposed AGGRH Sunk Gasbag!" A whistling whine heard as her leg was seen too before some deep breaths. "If my supposed betrayal has reached them by now. As not only would he have several Sangheili majors to capture and likely present as trophies or eat a few he would have my armor and a few troops of his own after my own head was removed. But we obviously won't let that happen." A pause before she added.

"Suggestions and other plans are of course welcome. I've never been one to admit I'm infallible."

[NinjaBoss]

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

    Clicking his mandibles in contemplation, Zahn saw the strategic value of the plan but did not like the idea of setting themselves up for an ambush to bait the Jiralhanae. Still, the plan seemed sound, and few other options presented themselves. Finally, he nodded his agreement, and communicated this to his T’vaoan allies.

    “The plan might work, but we must be prepared before ‘Il ‘Hidohai leaves. If we position cloaked snipers around this valley, and then leave a smaller force in view it could draw them to attack. The baiting troops will be vulnerable, however.” This last sentence was spoken grimly, and Zahn knew that those soldiers could very well be slaughtered if they didn’t execute the ambush successfully. But he was determined not to let that happen.

    “My lance shall be among those waiting to draw out the beasts. Your clan had snipers before. Do you have enough left to set the ambush?” While Zahn was waiting for an answer he began to give orders to his lance. Thankfully, Detan ‘Ka ‘Shal’toree was returning at this time, and he was walking more confidently, though his head was slightly lowered.

    “Do not feel shame, ‘Ka ‘Shal’toree. You have fought with honor today, and your wounds were received in battle. There is no more worthy cause to accept aid than to remain powerful and finish off these traitors!” Zahn roared, and the two Sangheili in his lance let out war cries of their own, followed by the Unggoy. The Kig-Yar made amused expressions but stood straighter, knowing the fight was coming to them soon, and also that they would need to survive in order to collect their wage when everything was over.

    “Minors, prepare that area to be defended,” Zahn ordered, and he handed his plasma envelope shield to Detan as his lance moved towards the river and began setting up what defenses they could. A small handful of similar plasma envelope shields went up and debris and large items that the soldiers were not using otherwise were positioned to make the location as defensible as possible, but it was a ragged effort. Zahn hoped the ambush worked, otherwise they were doomed.

    Ultra Thytan ‘Il ‘Hidohai noticed the fortifications and strode to the Major and the two Commandos, demanding to know what was happening.

    “Why are they preparing defenses? Are we under attack?” Ultra ‘Il ‘Hidohai asked. Zahn shook his head, and explained Kael’s plan to the Ultra, who shook his head.

    “When my forces are far enough away for the Jiralhanae to attack, it will be some time before we can return to reinforce you in the battle. You will have to take care of yourselves in the meantime.” Zahn said nothing, the solemn look on his face showing that he knew, and was ready for what was to come. Or at least as ready as he could be.

    “Still, I see no other options. If you wish to move forward with this plan I shall prepare to depart.” The Ultra said, looking expectantly at the Major and two Commandos.

[Faclan]

"We," Pela gesturing to herself and Tal. "Are the best shots we have still active besides Kael of course. We'll grab a few of our more stable Murmellos and Majors and begin to take position. Several of us will likely wait in the river - they would never suspect us to leap up when they pass. But most of us will need to stay beside Kael. To better sell the illusion that we were left behind." As Kaels voice spoke up again when they were near the Ultra.

"Leave all the equipment you can. Make it obvious. We need this to look tasty. Like a massive prize that the Chief will want to be here to claim so they can get the best for them first. While the Pack SHOULD give it to him small items are easy to snag and they tend to have the best stories. But I will be in the open with Zahn. To make it clear what has happened. They will likely fly by with a Phantom a few times to make sure we are alone and how many. Have a few Unggoy fire at them but otherwise be focused on setting up defenses. Like we expect to be attacked. Like we are scared." Kael visible on the other end of the landing zone being tending too as she made large gestures with her arms. "Actions like this plus our words on the channels they have no doubt controlled now will bring him running." A pause. "And if the Chief does no show up our defenses should last until the Ultra can return and we will have to clear the area and flee. Try something else."

The green Commando helmet being plopped in Zahns hands for communication as the two Commandos moved off to gather their marksmen for setting the trap. The fallen helmet of Vesa being given to her sister for communication as the T'vaoan started to clamber up rocks or move to the muddy river to conceal themselves as Kael grabbed herself a needle rifle on her little medical station. "Once we are successful," confidence is good for the troops, especially the more junior fluffs and Unggoy who had likely never been in a situation like this. "We will need to mount up and leave immediately. The confusion of this attack will very quickly turn to rage and we will need to be in atmosphere before they can regroup. Ultra - try to find a ship we can flee too and then get out of this system. We need to get to a refit station or some neutral place to try and find out if this betrayal is widespread."

[NinjaBoss]

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

False Betrayals

    Ultra 'Il 'Hidohai nodded his head, "then I shall begin my search immediately", he worted, then turned and marched off to his phantom, ordering the troops that he would be taking with him on board. Generously, he left some behind for Zahn and Kael, but it was only a few lances. Nevertheless, the troops were appreciated by the Sangheili Major, who approached the fortifications in the bottom of the valley. Zahn had always appreciated the power of the Covenant, since he was a child. This was the first time he had feared it.

    Zahn held up the helmet he had been given by the T'vaoan and searched for the communications system, activating it once he found it and holding the helmet up to his face, rather awkwardly.

    "We should not waste time. I will wait three more rooks, and then I shall begin setting the lures on the main channel. Be ready." Covenant soldiers worked frantically to enhance the fortifications, choosing the most advantageous positions for the few plasma envelope shields and Type-52 Directed Energy Support Weapons that they had. Zahn joined them, helping to locate these positions, providing much needed coordination to the effort, and muscle when necessary.

    After the specified amount of time Zahn activated his battlenet, snarling and out of breath from working on the fortifications.

    "Traitor!" He screeched with rage, using his anger against the Covenant as fuel. "You have escaped me this time, but I will find you! I will find you and I will kill you for leaving us behind, Thytan, cursed one, betrayer of your war brothers, nishum scum!" His insults were creative, and his fury was sure to get the attention of anyone listening to the battlenet. Now to discover if the Jiralhanae take the bait...

[Faclan]

"We just need to hope the Ultra can find a vessel for us," Kael muttered to Zahn through the helmet he was speaking into. "We could last a few days in space in the Phantoms but they would find us. And I don't enjoy the possibility of being stranded in space. Always hated space."

She then changed the comm channel to her majors and soon had them helping in setting up defenses with the minors. The barricades and turrets soon erected as a few Murmellos came down to better sell the illusion when the flybys happened. And soon enough it was time. Kael soon being tended too as she practiced shouldering the needle rifle from a sitting position. It would serve its purpose.

"We are in position," came Pelas voice through Kael and Zahns helmet. "We have a good view of the camp and will inform you where the apes land so we can spring the trap." The lightly loaded Phantoms starting to lift off as the first call for alarm was sounded by Zahn into the watched void. Then it was Kaels turn. Keying her radio to hear the short volley of needles she fired in the general direction of the retreating Phantoms before her voice called out.

"You White bastard! Aecor drag you down to drown slowly!" Before another needle and a screech. "You! You and you Zahn! Get those turrets up now and get off the channel! The packs watch!" Before immediately cutting off her radio to show she was trying to hide it. Before opening up the private channel between her Commandos and herself and now the helmet Zahn was holding. "And now - we wait."

[NinjaBoss]

Zahn 'Te 'Vignaree
Sangheili Major Domo

Former Human world, in a valley

The Pack Circles

    Zahn did not expect they would have to wait long, but perhaps he was disappointed. There was still minor work to be done to the fortifications but most of it had been completed before they activated their ruse on the battlenet, so that they would be ready. The soldiers alertly searched the skies for enemy aircraft, but there weren't any to be seen. Unggoy began to doze before they were woken by their superiors, while Kig-Yar and Sangheili started anxiously fidgeting with their weapons. Apart from the noise of the forces waiting in the valley, it was relatively quiet for over a unit.

    The first fly by was far enough away it could hardly be seen, and there was no exchange of fire. Simply a phantom in the peripheral views of of some of the soldiers, which was quietly reported to their superiors. They began to shuffle nervously, and waited several more rooks.

    The second approach was much closer, and a Jiralhanae Captain in their Golden armor could be seen hanging from the edge of the phantom, observing the forces in the valley. Likely estimating their strength. Zahn fired a salvo at the Captain from his Type-25 Directed Energy Rifle, and some of the other soldiers followed suit, with enough of the plasma striking the phantom that the Captain delved back inside for cover. Immediately afterwards an Unggoy Heavy grabbed hold of the mounted Type-52 Directed Energy Support Weapon and started firing back, making a whirlwind of noise as it sent a flurry of plasma in the direction of Zahn and the other soldiers, suppressing them into cover. Zahn ducked his head down quickly, and did not see if anyone was killed, but he focused on the task at hand instead. It wasn't time to spring the trap yet.

    The phantom was now flying further away and the salvos of plasma becoming much more inaccurate, until eventually they stopped entirely. The phantom continued on its course, and did not immediately turn around and return. This made Zahn nervous. They had done absolutely nothing to that phantom, and it was not retreating. No, it would be back.

[Faclan]

"It is a shame," came Kaels voice through the helmet as her knee was braced as best it could be. "During quiet times such as this I would regale my Entourage and others around with tales from my earlier years. What it was like before the war took off full force or the political back and fourth on Eayn." A hiss and click. "But now, with us being watched so closely and the channels all monitored I can't. That would just give the game away. But the troops need something to occupy themselves before doubt and fears enter their mind." A Ruuthian to Zahns left dropping their carbine as if to prove the point before quickly picking it back up. A sigh coming from Kael before she concluded with. "But such is the fix we find ourselves in. We just have to do what we can."

The short burst of fire and excitement did little to help the younger troops. The ancy nature of them just getting worse as the time slowly dragged on. Before at least six phantoms could be seen on the horizon approaching the base. And through scopes several of them were already wearing sloppily and quickly apply red slashes of paint to show their new allegiance. "Of course that was something those apes cared about." Kael scoffed into the helmet as the troops started to get weapons ready and manning the barricades. Before a booming voice came over all their radios.

"You in the valley! Boxed in on all sides by your own design! You have one chance to live now." The owner soon revealed as a bright red armored ape leaned out of the side of the lead Phantom. Gravity hammer hooked into the roof so they could lean out further as they continued. "This need not be your end, abandoned as you were by the cowards that used to command you!" The back phantoms starting to descend down to land as the lead one continued to circle. Just out of range of the majority of the weapons the defensive force could bring to bear. "While the Sangheili are being replaced we do not wish to eradicate them all. Especially those who were forced to serve under cowards like we were." Troops starting to be unloaded for the assault if it was needed. But it was few for what was needed to assault a position such as this. At least some good news. "So one chance we will give you. Leave your weapons inside and come out. You will be welcomed into our forces and we can put this unpleasantness behind us. Especially you officers - you will be of great help in the coming campaign."

"Aww cute," hissed the helmet. "They want to kill more and likely lord over us like the 'Shyuum did. Make sure the shields are angled and charged. We must last until he takes the field."

[NinjaBoss]

Zahn 'Te 'Vignaree
Sangheili Major Domo
Former Human world, in a valley

The Pack Closes In

    Aww cute," hissed the helmet. "They want to kill more and likely lord over us like the 'Shyuum did. Make sure the shields are angled and charged. We must last until he takes the field."

    Zahn agreed with Kael's assessment. It seemed unlikely the Chieftan's offer to ally was genuine. He had not seen any Sangheili fighting with them so far, and on the battlefield the Jiralhanae seemed to desire the destruction of his race. The Chieftan must think them fools, making an offer like that. Only the most foolish would accept. "We will hold them, Champion. At least until the trap is sprung." Came Zahn's reply.

    Gripping his Type-25 Directed Energy Rifle in his fingers and thumbs Zahn turned and worted to his lance, "Stay in cover and hold them back! We must survive as long as we can!" He fired his rifle at the Chieftan holding onto the phantom, but the target was too far away thus his aim was not true. The Chieftan saw the burst, however, and laughed menacingly.

    "So you are not so foolish after all! No matter. My Jiralhanae will still have their dinner!" The Chieftan's phantom turned in a semi circle and moved away from the valley where Zahn and Kael's forces were making their stand, but the other phantoms began to move towards them. In a flanking maneuver two of the approaching phantoms made landings on either side of the separatists' positions, while the third touched down in front. The others began slowly to circle, using their Type-52 Directed Energy Support Weapons to suppress the soldiers and prevent them from moving out of their defensive line.

    The Jiralhanae packs approached recklessly, many of them laughing maniacally as they charged head first into the coming battle. Some didn't even have their weapons drawn yet, attempting to ready them only when they found themselves under fire. It was an intimidating tactic, but one that could be countered, and in this case Zahn considered it an advantage.

    "The beasts have gone mad with blood lust! Prioritize the Captains and any Jiralhanae who slow down and attempt to strategize. We can use their lack of focus to our advantage." Zahn ordered, and flurries of plasma fire filled the air, tinted with respect to the weapon's allegiance. The original plasma colors had been blue, but the Jiralhanae had turned theirs red along with the color of their phantoms. The savages can leave nothing alone, Zahn thought, and now they break our Covenant. So we shall break them.

    A cloud of hot dirt puffed up next to Zahn as the plasma fire neared his position, and he fell prone to avoid the deadly matter hissing past his head. The plasma stream remained close for several ticks but slowly moved away, and when it was no longer directly above his position Zahn raised himself to a crouch and looked back over the fortifications he was using as cover to see a duo of Jiralhanae approaching his location. He immediately squeezed his Energy Rifle and watched the Jiralhanae closest to him, a Minor, swallow a hot plasma dinner. The Minor's face melted and transformed into an even more monstrous figure than before, and it fell to its knees writhing in pain and making strange, horrifying noises through the holes in its face that had not been sealed by the plasma. It never stood again.

    One of the Jiralhanae's medieval, spiked grenades was thrown at Zahn by the remaining Jiralhanae, a Major, and Zahn had to leap to a prone position to avoid being stabbed by the weapon. He quickly rolled back to his feet, but now the Jiralhanae was on top of him. It flashed a sadistic smile at Zahn and attempted to pummel him.

    "I have waited a long time for this day, lizard!" The Jiralhanae threatened as Zahn was pushed back from the force of its swing, his energy shield flickering from the impact. The Jiralhanae were as strong as the Sangheili, sometimes stronger, and Zahn sensed the danger he was in. He needed to take this thing down before it ate him.

    "As have I!" Zahn replied, igniting his Type-1 Energy Knife and smashing his right fist into the Jiralhanae's face. Unfortunately the beast deflected the blow before it landed, but took a left hook from Zahn immediately afterwards. The Jiralhanae snarled in response, reaching for the Type-25 Carbine at its waist, no doubt for the vicious looking blade attached to the barrel. Before it could, however, the Jiralhanae cried out in surprise and pain as one of the Unggoy from Zahn's lance peppered it with green plasma fire after noticing the brawl. Zahn used this distraction to substantial effect when he plunged his Energy Knife into the throat of the shocked Jiralhanae Major, who looked at its killer in disbelief.

    "The gods have judged you, brute. The verdict is unworthy!" And then the body fell.

[Faclan]

Zahn could hear one side of the conversation Kael was having with her forces through the helmet on his belt as the battle begun in earnest.

"Not yet, let them get stuck in. I will call it."

"How many Kig-Yar do they have?"

"And Unggoy?"

"Good, we can sow dissent. It will be an all or nothing ploy. You, give me that radio." Some grunt and shifting before Kaels voice came back again. "Prepare to charge their flank and rain down fire. Shoot at the apes mainly but a few Kig shields too. Show that we could have aimed at them but chose not too. Hold." Out of the corner of his eye Zahn would see Kael being carried on the back of another Major Sangheili as she held a radio with one hand and the underside of the needle rifle in the other as she was jogged up to the barricade as her shrill voice rang out through all the radios present.

"Footsoldiers of the former Covenant! The day we have been awaiting for thousands of years is upon us now. Now as the apes and lizards battle for their top spot we can finally break away. Leave them holding the scraps! Always remember that we have always been more than they - and we have been united in bondage under them!" A signal gave as the troops in the high ground and the river leapt up and opened fire. Several Jiralhanae falling as well as a few Kigs and Unggoy before Kaels voice came again. "I call you now to stand united against those who want to continue our subjugation! We will break from this planet and be free!"

There was much screaming afterwards, not least of which from the Chieftain at these sudden troops and the revolution he was dealing with as around 65% of the Kig-Yar they had and 30% of the Unggoy turned their weapons on the Jiralhanae. Shouting about freedom and how long it had been in coming. The bottom of a smirk visible under the Champions helmet as she added to her own Entourages radio. "Break away, get to the Phantoms, we need those to get everyone out once we are finished." Several Fighter files breaking from the river to try and head to the Phantoms.

The Chieftain leaping down and slamming his hammer from the low flying phantom. Sending several of the revolutionaries and Kaels forces flying as he roared out in rage. "You insects! Traitors! You will all be snapped in half!" The hammer soon pointed at Zahn and Kael. "Especially you two!" Slamming his wrist as a over shield activated and he started to charge the Barricade. The Fighter files trying to regroup as they kept heading for the transport ships.

[Trooper]

Naat Gel, Heretic Raider

Unknown human planet

"Family matters"



Naat looked down from her perch on one of the human's derelict structure. She identified four of the hulking apes stalking through the rubble that decorated a small alley way. Following cautiously behind them was one of their 'captains' wielding his bladed grenade launcher pushing a Sangheili to continue moving. From his blue battle harness Naat recognized the younger Sangheili form his former rank as a minor.





"You must get the message to Thel, five apes prowl the rocky jungle. If his ambush is to succeed he must be ready." She hissed to Gav who hid quietly next to her. "Warn him, one minor walks with them." Her eyes not leaving the targets. Gav quietly sneaked away careful not to make any sound or trip over himself. Naat carefully pulled over the corpse of a long dead human and pushed it over the side of the building ducking back as it fell. She could not see the splatter but she heard it and the small grunts of surprise that followed. It stopped the Jiralhanea in their tracks as they attempted to figure out what had caused the disruption. Naat peered over taking a pot shot at one of the minors. Before the shot had even connected she tensed her powerful legs and leapt to the next building as multiple spikes were shot at her previous position. She thought she had made the jump but a stray grenade form the captain struck her landing and while not knocking her into the alley knocked her off course as she landed sideways on a human fire escape her ears filled with the ringing of bells. The captain howled an order as she hastily crawled through an open door dragging her rifle by its leather strap. With a few moments to catch her breath she turned to move only to find herself staring down the bad end of a beam rifle.



"Tell me why we shouldn't kill you T'vaoan scum." It's owner demanded.



"I don't care for the covenant, or the apes, but the more of them dead now, the more spoils for us later." She responded looking into the yellow eyes of her Ibie'shan capture. "I've also got a Sangheili following me around who's willing to pay anyone to help him free any of his capture brothers."



"Ahh, a parlay later then." Hissed another Ibie'shan placing a hand on his compatriots’ rifle. "How may we help?"



"I'm going to lead the apes down the alley to my allies, when the fighting starts try and take down the captain." Naat explained as she got to her feet. A quick kick to verify her blades were ready for the ambush and then she pushed past the new recruits and to a small hole in the roof. She easily cleared the leap and landed on the roof. With her rifle in hand she once again looked out over the alley taking another shot at the minors who were fumbling with the fire escape's ladder. She backed up as more rounds were peppered into the wall she had shot from before taking a running leap to the ground further down the alley. She landed behind a human vehicle giving her the much desired cover she needed to reload. Using the butt of her repeater she broke a hole in the windshield of the vehicle and use it to support the weapon. Her rifle quickly spat rounds down range at the apes, but they simply shrugged them off charging for the lone T'vaoan. Her repeater ate away her ammo quickly but she wasn't going to reload she knew the plan. As the brutes got closer a large flash of light landed between them form the T'vaoan's location. She heard the roar of a familiar Sangehili as Thel and two of his battle brothers broke away from the human structures on either side of the brutes. As they fell on the brutes, Naat stepped onto and over the car taking a leap at the Jiralhanea closest to her. Flinging herself form the top of the car she extend her ankle blades and aimed for the brute's chest to make a soft landing. With practiced ease she managed to strike the larger alien and make it stumble as she pushed off landing in front of it and using her normal blades to make a few most slashes at his throat. The brute fell onto his back but seemed dead. When the flash bang abruptly ended Naat looked around and saw the other brute minors had been dispatched. The Ibe'shians had made good on their promise and the captain lay dead in front of one of the other rescues Thel had saved. As she went to walk away she heard the rapid disbursement of plasma from behind her. She looked around and saw Gav shooting at the brute behind her.



"It’s okay Gav he's dead now." She said calmly to her heated friend.



"I know but I tripped when the fighting started and missed most of it." Gav complained as he looked at her. "Naat you've got some shrapnel in your cheek." pointed out. Naat gently felt the skin just behind her beak and when she pulled it away she saw her own blood. Her Adrenalin finally subsiding as the battle was over she began to feel the pain form the minor injury, but it wouldn't stop her.



"Thel, we got you a new brother." She squawked at her Sangheili leader who just simply stared at her. "I also recruited 2 snipers to the gang; you owe them for their help."



"Right, Gel, I need you to get up high and see if we can find any more of my brethren." Thel ordered.



"No I think we should head to the ship, get these two some weapons and then go hunting for survivors." Naat gestured to the two minors they had freed form the Jiralhanea. Both looked beat and they only had a rusty pipe to fight with between the two of them. "Reesk and the other raider groups are probably doing the same." She glared into the orange eyes of the much taller Sangheili. As the tension between the two became evident to the whole raiding party a sound broke the silence."Traitor!" Are they calling someone a traitor over the battle net? Naat though to herself as she turned to the brute captain's corpse where the sound had come from. Thel made the same conclusion and together the removes the brute's helmet so they could clearly hear. "...I will find you and I will kill you for leaving us behind, Thytan, cursed one, betrayer of your war brothers, nishum scum!" They caught at the end.



"Sounds like more of your brothers are out there." Gav commented.



"They also made it evident that they're trapped to the apes." Naat added.



"Urman and Cresh Grab the explosives we brought with us. Gel take this and move to the roof, see if you can find anything that may help us find their location." Thel said as he handed Naat the helmet. "Gav get the new recruits some weapons, and make sure those snipers are coming down to join us." Thel began ordering his party. Naat Jumped onto a small balcony that had slightly crumbled during the fighting then again onto the roof top. As she got her bearings she heard an all to familiar voice come from her newly acquired helmet.



"You White bastard! Aecor drag you down to drown slowly!" Naat sighed. Not the best time for a family reunion but she needs help and I can't abandon family. Naat thoguht to herself as she pulled up a pair of binoculars and began searching the skies for phantoms.



---------



After a long wait Naat spotted a Phantom moving away from the city, a golden brute hanging from its open sides.



"Thel, I have spotted a brute transport, its heading out of the city." Naat squaked down to the others.


“Then we give chase in the human vehicle!” Thel ordered. Naat looked down from her position to see he had found a small vehicle with a rectangular front and a large flat portion which had a rudimentary cage around it. Thel was carefully climbing into the driver’s seat with Gave climbing in next to him. The other four Sangheili had climbed in the cage, the two minors sporting plasma rifles while the other two held various weapons. Between them sat a small collections of rockets the raiders had proliferated form human corpses. The two Ibie’shan “You go on foot I will try to follow.” Thel ordered. Naat began to leap across the roof tops working her way toward the phantom which was quickly growing smaller.

---------

After some time the phantom swooped back in the direction the raider party had just come from, the brute now hidden inside the belly of the vehicle. Although the minor plasma marks told Naat it had been fired upon. She continued doing her best to continue to where the phantom had disappeared. But eventually she had lost the trail and so she leaped down to the road where Thel had just pulled up.

“They’re alive and fighting back still, but I’ve lost the trail.” Naat admitted psychologically punching herself in the shoulder for her failure.

“If they are still fighting, cowards will send another force to ensure their victory. Continue watching the skies Gel, and do not fear we shall save those honorable warriors.” Thel ordered giving Naat some renewed hope she could still help her aunt. As she got back onto the roof of a four story building, that had managed to stay standing even after the bombardment and fighting, Naat quickly saw more phantoms on a fast approach. She turned and thought she saw a small forested area and based on the way the phantoms were going that was their intended destination.

“I’ve got their location!” She shouted down. Thel nodded and the roar of a human engine was his response. Naat Leaped down to the next building and began the journey to find her aunt. As they traveled she kept a close eye on the approaching phantoms and when they got closer enough she though they could see her she jumped won into the vehicle. Thel pulled off into an alley way and hid as they flew overhead. After a few ticks they resumed their journey, but Thel stopped the vehicle as they neared the edge of the city.



“Kig-yar, you lot go forward and scout the area, You four with me we’ll be moving in to help when we can.” Thel ordered. Naat jumped out of the vehicle and took off running into the trees her skewer pistol in hand for any potential threats.As she crested the hill to look down into the valley she could see multiple Kig-yar, Jiralhanea, Unggoy, and Sangehili battling. It was hard to tell the difference between sides, but Naat knew well the Jiralhanea were the biggest threat. She charged into the chaos as she saw other T’vaoan attacking form the river. She leaped toward a brute with the blades extended as it tore into an Unggoy.


OOC: Sorry for the long post, really didn't know how to join in so I tried to cover all my bases.

[NinjaBoss]

Zahn 'Te 'Vignaree
Sangheili Major Domo
Former Human world, in a valley
The Pack Strikes

    Zahn watched the Jiralhanae Chieftain’s armor shimmer as he activated an overshield and strengthened his grip on the fearsome Type-2 Energy Hammer used by many of their race to brutalize their enemies. The weapon was favored by the Jiralhanae not only because of its ability for raw destruction, but also for its proficiency in causing traumatic, gruesome injuries that were difficult to survive. And this was the second one used against Zahn in just a few units.

    “You insects! Traitors! You will all be snapped in half!” The beast pointed its hammer towards Zahn and Kael, threatening them specifically. “Especially you two!” The massive Jiralhanae began to charge, his heavy feet striking the ground like thunder while plasma fired by soldiers desperate to stay away from the Chieftain dissipated on the overshield like drops of water splashing against a hot surface. A group of unlucky Unggoy realized too late that he was heading straight for them, and scrambled to escape, leaping in every direction. Barely a tick later and the hammer punched the ground between them, sending each of the Unggoy spinning in a blast of energy powerful enough to break their bones.

    “We must break the Chieftain’s overshield, focus your weapons!” Zahn worted to his lance, who redirected their fire accordingly. More plasma and projectiles began to pelt the detestable alien, but it was still not enough. However, the chieftain was in the open now. It was time to spring the trap.

    “Unveil the ambush, Champion! It is time for us to take the upper hand!” Zahn stood as he called out, firing his Type-25 Directed Energy Rifle at the Chieftain in an effort to get his attention. The Jiralhanae turned its powerful gaze to him then, its dark eyes burning into Zahn, feasting on the idea of his death. And the Chieftain drew closer, taking another step every tick, licking his lips in anticipation of murder. Zahn began to hope that they had not waited too long to spring the ambush…..

[Faclan]

(Nice post Trooper NinjaBoss )

It was a shame the Chieftain was taking so much of Kaels attention really as the sight of Sangheili driving a human vehicle screaming about death to Jiralhanae while Kig-Yar firing from the back of it would have made her laugh despite the mortal peril. And she may have spotted T'vaoan taking the backlines as well. More good news. But instead her focus and wavering focus rifle was entirely centered on the charging ape. "Hold still you Potfish!" She hissed - both at her Sangheili mount and the Chief as she fire a few lances of plasma in the big bads direction. A few tics of it hit him but on the whole not really enough to stop the charge. Which was fine. They were really a distraction that the ape seemed now desperate to squash into a fine paste. Which Zahn helpfully confirmed for her by saying it was time. For a still mostly fluff he did have a good head for timing. He would make a decent Spec Ops if such a position would exist after today.

"Now troops! It is time to tilt the ship!" Her Commandos that had been digging holes in the hillside with their claws having to wait as their forces were picked off cawing to the sky as they finally stood up. Carbines, needle rifles, and a few beam rifles now aimed down at the apes forces as they opened fire. Several of them aiming at the Chief to slow him down more but it was hard to hit such a fast moving target. And Kaels briefly triumphant open maw of triumph quickly clamped shut in determination as he was still charging forward. He had looked back at the Human engines himself but left that for his started to panic troops to deal with as he focused in on the bitch and the lizard. Before the scream of another set of engines finally made him pause.

The coward, the traitor, the sunk bastard rose over the hillside. Doors open and side turrets manned by Sangheili Majors strapped in securely were already opening fire down on the ape forces. Kaels troops moving to try and stop the enemy phantoms from taking off as they leapt up the boarding ramps with blades and cutlasses primed. The main turret of the Ultras phantom lighting up as it locked onto the chiefs huge energy and heat signature and started to barrage him with main canon fire. "Your betrayl would only end one way Scum. With your death!" Thytan 'Il Hidohai cackled as he either piloted the Phantom down to allow the gunners better shots or was on the main turret himself. "Now is the time for liberation!"

Well that was a discussion for another time since the Kigs and Unggoy would likely have some words if he tried to command them again as Zahn likely spotted a movement out of the corner of his eye. "Zahn! Take my rifle!" Kael tossing the focus rifle at him as she pointed at the now floundering and almost shield broken Chief. "Kill him!" The Champion not able to make the shots she needed being carried and injured. Now it was Zahns turn.

(Sorry Trooper that there wasnt much for you but Kael cant really see that far.)

[NinjaBoss]

Zahn 'Te 'Vignaree
Sangheili Major Domo
Former Human world, in a valley
The Pack Scatters

    Zahn caught the Type - 53 Special Applications “Focus” Rifle in his four fingered hands and braced it for firing without hesitation. He took a deep breath as he aimed for the Jiralhanae chieftain, made harder by the massive alien’s efforts to avoid the plasma fire. And Zahn had never been talented with long ranged rifles, causing him some anxiety over the moment. What if he missed? But the chieftain’s shields were glowing under the strain of the overwhelming plasma fire he had just escaped, taking cover behind one of the deployable shields that Zahn and Kael’s forces had erected prior to the battle. Zahn knew that he had a limited window to finish the chieftain for good, and he was positioned with a decent angle to take the shot.

    Dirt and rocks exploded behind the Jiralhanae chieftain when Zahn fired the rifle’s beam directly into the ground behind the chieftain, missing him completely. Curses, he thought, but he kept pressure on the trigger, advancing the beam until it was bearing down on the chieftain who began to realize the predicament he had been forced into. On one side, phantoms and their powerful Type - 52 Directed Energy Support Weapons that had nearly destroyed him mere ticks before, and on the other a stream of multicolored plasma a meter away that grew closer every tick he took to think about his options. The Jiralhanae chieftain decided to act.

    Rushing from his place of cover with his Type - 2 Energy Hammer in hand, the chieftain swung his hammer towards a file of Kig-Yar courageous enough to move in for the kill. The hammer struck the leader in his shield gauntlet, depleting its charge and smashing the little bird’s broken arm into its chest before the force of gravity tossed the body and its friends like ragdolls, spinning comically as they flew.

    “Ha ha ha!,” The chieftain proudly laughed, “I will crush you all just the same!” He pointed his hammer at the phantom piloted by Ultra Thytan ‘Il ‘Hidohai, still relying on Zahn’s inaccuracy with the Special Applications Rifle for his own safety. Unfortunately, it was now that Zahn found his mark.

    The beam of the rifle disintegrated what was left of the shield that protected Zahn’s fearsome opponent in a tick, and then the plasma tore into the enemy’s skin, setting his ragged fur on fire and producing incinerating howls of pain from the would be butcher of everyone in the valley. The smell of roasted hair and flesh infiltrated the air around the body of the leader of the Jiralhanae, and panic entered the ranks of his subordinates as lance by lance they noticed their leader’s demise.

    It was then that Zahn noticed a vehicle that belonged to the nishum scum who had inhabited this planet before the Covenant invasion. The guttural roar of its primitive engine was what first got his attention, and now he was pondering just what the humans would be doing here and now. Surely they had no friends in the valley. He used the scope of the rifle he still held in his hands to get a closer look at the vehicle, and that was when he realized that it was not being driven by humans. Rather, it was being piloted by a Sangheili and a small group of Kig-Yar. How unholy, he immediately thought. Fortunately the tide of the battle was turning against the Jiralhanae, and he believed it could be over soon enough for them to deal with this blasphemy.

[Trooper]

Naat Gel, Heretic Raider
Unknown human planet
"Not my best moment"

Naat was mid air when the truck Thel and the others had 'comandeered' sped past her on the left. For a moment hse lost track of her target and in that moment she made her wurst mistake. The towering Ape had also heard the human truck and had turned to investigate seeing the female T'vaoan flying toward him. With a roar the beast brought its arm up and swatted Naat away like a harmless fly, her ankle blades barely scratching his skin.


"Little birdie, your talons might scare the split faces, but I am stronger." He sneered as Naat slammed onto her hind quarters. 

"We shall see who your god's favor!" Naat hissed as she left to her feet drawing her pistol. With a guttural chortle the ape threw his firearm to the ground began running toward her. Naat loosened the safety on her wrist blade as she opened fire aiming for his  knees. As he drew closer and her clip drew on empty Naat began to strafe to the left, the Jiralhanea slow to adjust his charge on the loosened earth of the hill they fought on.  Naat ran out of ammunition and reached for another magazine from the notches on her belt, but found none. 


Sink my luck this day Naat thought to herself as she threw the weapon at her impending attacker. Naat had but one chance to get the upper hand on her opponent. Drooping her hand to the ground and turning abruptly to face the charging Jiralhanea Naat bolted forward toward her opponent. The Jiarlhanea was bigger, but Naat was faster and more agile. As they neared each other Naat leapt into the air her ankle blades loosed for a strike. Her feet connected with the Jiralhaneas shoulder as the two collided into one another. Before the ape could reach up though Naat pushed off and landed behind him continuing her run down the hill toward the river. She could see the truck had come to an stop on top of one of the apes and Gav was quickly peppering shots down range not really able to see over the trucks back side. Thel was no longer in the drivers seat, and the other Sangheili had all disembarked and were firing with their recently acquired arms.  

"Gav, I need help and fast!!" Naat squawked loudly as she heard the howl of the Jiralhanea catching up speed as it came down hill after her.  Gav must have heard her because his head shifted in her direction and he began firing up the hill aiming for the larger target behind his friend. The Jiralhanea was nto deterred but he was clumsy as his foot fell in a medium sized whole created during the ensuing battle and he tumbled forward. Naat turned to see him on the ground and she stopped running. Gave approached brandishing a weapon he had retrieved from the truck.

"Is it dead?" Gav asked as he handed Naat a human made Magnum. "It looks dead." Naat shrugged before racking the chamber on the Magnum. She approached and stood over the large ape. 

"I knew you would fall before..." before Naat could finish her taunt the ape grabbed her throat and lifted her into the air. In the moment Naat had dropped the human firearm clutching desperately at the ape's meaty paw. 

"Time to rip you to shreds!" He sneered as Gav began firing his plasma pistol at the brute. "Awe, don't worry you're next." The ape hissed as he  quickly brought up his massive foot and kicked Gav's energy shield. The shield turning red and the force knocking Gav over.  Before the Jiralhanea could resume his torment through a phantom erupted from over the hills Sangheili at the guns. Spreading volleys of concentrated plasma out across the battle field in support of the Sangheili/Kig-yar defense force. Just as Naat had earlier, the ape lost his battlefeild focus and shortly after his hand erupted spitting red blood over Naat's outfit. Naat began to gulp down air as her eyes followed the blue trail of the beam rifle manned by two Kig-yar staying back from the mess. A seocnd later she heard the unmistakable sound of a human shotgun blast. The Ape's armor painted with small dents and dings as he glared at the new offender. Naat still on the ground turned to see Thel standing there a shotgun in hand as he pumped out another shot into the brute. 

"For the glory of Sangheilios!" Thel roared as he fired once more finishing the Jiralhanea. He then looked down extending his hand to help Naat to her feet. "No one is allowed to die today." Thel ordered before turning his attention back to the open battle field. "Besides there's more work to do, and brothers to save." Naat nodded before retrieving the magnum. 

"Then lets get back to work." Naat said trying to ignore the fact Thel saved her.

(Sorry still breaking loose the rust and didn't really know what to add.)

[Faclan]

(It was a fine post! Did you get my PM about discord Trooper ?)

Sure the valley had been easy for the apes to approach them in as it was just one big path up to the cliff. But it meant that now with morale broken the apes had an easy direction to run to escape. Away from the dug in forces of Kael and Zahn/Thytan and out back toward the main city. And the roaming phantoms would mean they would run far. Sure a few tried to save their transports but after some badly sliced up Jiralhanae and Unggoy bodies were dropped off the ramps most of them just cut their loses and just ran. The majority of the apes Phantoms now in the hands of the 'rebels' as the ones that were held onto had a few explosives go off inside. Dooming the front runners of Kaels forces but they knew the risks. Cant be letting the enemy have them to chase them into space.

Limping her way over to Zahn with a branch to support her injured side Kael managed a smile as she looked over the badly overheated focus rifle. Helmet covering most of her head but her smile was still evident as she looked out at the still burning Chieftain as a few of their combined forces fired a few more times into his corpse before going for the loot. The Kig-Yar taking the helmet and other mostly undamaged peices of armor as the Sangheili grabbed the hammer. Bringing both toward the two defacto commanders. "Well done young Zahn. In the end you got him and thats all that matters. However," she waggled her finger at him in a very exaggerated manner. "Once we have time I'm going to teach you how to shoot properly young'in!" Before she chuckled and looked up at Thytan's phantom starting to head over to land on the former battlefield so he could come and check in with the forced as Kael spoke into her radio.

"Do a sweep of the battlefield for wounded and prisoners. But be quick about it. We will be loading up and leaving within thirty Rooks." Before she waited to see what Thytan had for them. Hopefully he had found a larger vessel they could dock with and get the hells out of here. Or at least a place around eight Phantoms could dock that was hidden away so they could tend to the wounded and plan.

-----

It was during this sweep after the mass shambles of a retreat that Pela spotted the ramshackle squad of Thel and Naat. The Commando moving in with her squad with weapons at low ready but the Human equipment and dead Jiralhanae let them know whoes side they were on. And then Pela spotted the wrist blade. Oh this was getting even better! Stopping about twenty feet from the squad the Commando tossed her carbine over her shoulder before snapping a Gel salute at her fellow T'vaoan before looking around at the damaged vehicle and injured troops. Looked like they needed some help.

"Hail fellow Rebels. Welcome to the first of many victories." Allowing herself a smile before jerking her arm over her shoulder "Champion Gel will be leaving soon on our liberated Phantoms. We suggest you join us and come along but we won't stop you if you choose to stay or flee. As long as they hunt you you are also friends of ours." Frowning at the badly shaken up Gav after his kick as she tossed a Ruddakk gel canister at him. "You all fought well. I'm receiving word from our snipers that you caused much confusion. We appreciate the assistance." Dipping her head toward Naat. "We would be happy to welcome you back, honored Gel." Meaning her foot blades. One well trained extra they had surely found.

(Salute Pela gave Naat link)

[NinjaBoss]

Zahn 'Te 'Vignaree
Sangheili Major Domo
Former Human world, in a valley
Rendezvous

    "Well done young Zahn. In the end you got him and that's all that matters. However, once we have time I'm going to teach you how to shoot properly young'in!” Kael said to Zahn, who gave his best attempt to look proud as he handed the spent T52 SAR to an Unggoy Minor to recharge after the battle. A Sangheili Minor approached Zahn while holding the Chieftain’s T2 Hammer, and he took it in his hands to admire.

    “An uncivilized weapon, to be sure,” Zahn said of the Hammer, “but one that will make for great decoration. Save this for me, his life was mine.” Zahn handed it back to the Minor, who did not look enthusiastic about Zahn taking the spoil for himself.

    “Perhaps it is necessary,” the Sangheili Major conceded to Kael Gel, and Detan ‘Ka ‘Shal’toree chuckled as his Type-86 Directed Energy Weapon tore into the fleeing Jiralhanae, the apes and Unggoy falling in throngs as the Sangheili and Kig-Yar forces took full advantage of the lack of cover for the Jiralhanae retreat. The T86 DEW furiously spit plasma so bright that it hurt the eyes to look, but Zor and Yaz marched in step with each other beneath the righteous stream of blue, their crimson and light blue energy gauntlets protecting them from what little return fire the enemies dared send back at them. Balls of green plasma nearly as bright as the blue rushed from their Type-25 Directed Energy Pistols, joining the chase after the cowards that fled.

    On Zahn’s other side, to his left, Cuhl ‘Ka ‘Katolee stood with her dual Type-25 Directed Energy Rifles and added their plasma to the rest, shouting as she did so.

    “Now, Unggoy!” She worted, and Kabab and Krikyak launched Type-1 Anti-personnel grenades into the sky on her command. The Unggoys’ throws were admirable, and Zahn watched the arc of the glowing balls of blue as they fell to the ground and attached themselves to an Unggoy and a Jiralhanae. Remarkable, Zahn thought, BOTH of the Unggoy attached their grenades to moving targets? Perhaps he would remember this after their mission was completed. He considered recommending each of the Unggoy for an advancement in rank upon their return, before pondering just what they would return to after this schism. The cursed Jiralhanae guarding the holy prophets-

    Zahn was brought back to the battle by the inferno of plasma fire that erupted around the Unggoys’ two unfortunate victims, and he felt satisfaction when the explosions claimed some of those who had not put enough distance between themselves and those stuck by the grenades. Zahn fired his own T25 DER at the enemies as well, but it wasn’t long before they were out of range of anything besides their long ranged weaponry. Snipers continued to terrorize the survivors with their rifles, sending shards of blamite, radioactive projectiles, and beams and streams of plasma at their former attackers with a vengeance. Unable to effectively hit anything at range with his T25 DER, Zahn turned from the direction the Jiralhanae had fled towards Kael Gel, Champion of the Kig-Yar who had allied themselves with Zahn and the Sangheili.

    Zahn overheard Kael announce to her forces that they’d be leaving in a half unit, and thought to himself yes, we need to leave quickly. The Champion proves more and more clever as circumstances deteriorate. He prepared to face Thytan ‘Il ‘Hidohai as he strode towards the Ultra’s phantom. Zahn admired the Covenant Purple color of the alloys as the large dropship lowered itself to the ground, remembering how proud he and his war brothers had been of their empire. And now it is no longer ours.

    Thytan ‘Il ‘Hidohai spoke to Zahn via the channel they had been using to communicate during the battle, and Kael would be able to hear as well.

    “We discovered a ship on the horizon, a DAV-class stealth Corvette. The ship is hiding, and is unlikely to host a strong anti-boarding party. This is our best opportunity, we must attempt to take the ship.”

[Trooper]

Naat Gel, Heretic Raider
Unknown human planet
"Cat's out of the bag"

Naat was watching the retreating apes with the few loyalists they had. Thel turned away and began rounding up the rest of the cell, but Naat watched two anti-personnel grenades attach themselves to some of the loyalists. Naat then spotted an approaching T'vaoan soldiers coming around but the commando stopped short placing her rifle in stowage and offering a traditionally Gel salute.


"Hail fellow Rebels. Welcome to the first of many victories. Champion Gel will be leaving soon on our liberated Phantoms. We suggest you join us and come along but we won't stop you if you choose to stay or flee. As long as they hunt you, you are also friends of ours. You all fought well. I'm receiving word from our snipers that you caused much confusion. We appreciate the assistance. We would be happy to welcome you back, honored Gel." The Commando said the joy of battle still live with her words. She had even treated Gav to small Rudak Gel canister. Gav quickly latched onto it knowing Thel and the others looked down on practical medicine, and the small supply of it Reesk kept under lock and key and was only meant to stop fatalities. 

Well their goes my anonymity Naat thought to herself as she turned to see Thel and his fellow split faces were eyeing her with new found suspicion. Thel came to stand next to her before addressing the commando. "Will your people offer us all the same friendliness?" Thel questioned of the commando knowing well the journey walker's opinion of his raider cell.  Before Pela could speak up however it was Naat that turned to her commander.

"The whole of the covnenant just tried to Sink the Sangheili, Kig-yar, and Unggoy here. Now is not the time to pick allegiances. They need all the help they can get, and besides, they'd owe us which we can trade for weapons and equipment to bring back to Reesk to continue saving the other Sangheili." Naat growled putting it in perspective. "Some of these soldiers may even join the cause, but we won't know if we don't try." Thel glared down at her the anger at ebign questioned clearly written across his eyes. It was the explosion of the plasma grenades that broke the two from their argument. 

"Tell Champion Gel we will assist, where your mission leads, but we must return to our superiors at the earliest convenience." Thel said careful to articulate for the translation devices the covenant used to coordinate between the species. "Trik, Gel, Thresh, Vorun Go collect what you can before the 'Rebebls' grabs everything worth grabbing." Thel ordered. Naat nodded before helping Gav to his feet. He began walking back toward the truck to apply the rudak gel while Naat turned to Pela. "Where might I find Champion Gel?"

[Faclan]

Kael

Taking the enemy Chieftains helmet offered to her by one of her Majors Kael shrugged and handed it back. "Just put in a Phantom, we'll run a raffle later for it or some such. Its not important now." The Major nodding and skittering off as the Champion turned back to Zahn as she chuckled. "Don't be so dour about it young Sangheili, it'll be fun - means all of this would have calmed down enough for something fun to happen again." A head jerk to the battlefield that their forces were combing through. Mostly looking for wounded of their own side but a few shouts before a weapon discharge let both know they also found enemies who didn't want to surrender all peaceful like. Kael just shrugging with a 'their loss'. A few Jiralhanae being hauled to their feet and bound as they were marched toward the line as well as a few Unggoy as their own soldiers were helped back to the lines as well.

Kael turning in the direction of the Ultras ship as she hummed. "That would be an excellent prize to get us out of this sink hole we find ourselves in. And a connection to the net to discovered what has caused this division." She looked around at their forces as they tried to pack up what they could as she shook her head. "I however have my doubts about us being able to accomplish that with the tired and wounded we have. Unless we find more forces or something else about the ship to give us a significant advantage." Before she head tilted at a message she was receiving from Pela. A smile coming across her beak as she looked in the direction of where the Commando and her new friend were arriving from. Even removing her helmet to let them get a better view of her.

"Extra forces may be a short flight away."

-----------

Pela

The expression that could be seen under the green helmet showed Thel that she didn't appreciate his comments too much either. But before she could comment the other Gel did for her! And said her thoughts rather well. Though once finished Pela did add. "If you found a member of your home clan out in the field Sangheili I'm sure you would be pleased too. Its not only you lizard who have extended families under one name." Though the Commando did humm at the revelation that Naat was doing this to save other Sangheili.

Other potential allies, "Mistress Gel," Pela whispered into her helmet as Naat gave out orders to the rest of her forces. "I have a Gel led splinter faction, they seemed to have more of them in trouble. Will bring to you." And once Naat was finished Pela would stand aside and gesture for Naat to follow her. "This way, I believe you will have much to discuss with Kael." Not that Pela would know the two of them had history and likely just dropped a bombshell on the raider. Before she started to move off hopefully with Naat following her as she nodded at her own Cell.

"Stay and assist them getting ready to move to our fallback point. Also look for wounded to help and prisoners to keep or execute should they foolishly keep fighting. We never know when we may need some." And then the two females were off. Moving at a jog to try and keep things withen the time limit the Champion had set as Pela offered Naat a ration. "Pela - I'm surprised to see Gel in other forces. An excellent story I would love to hear later." De-helmeted Kael soon in view as she had a big smile on her face. Leaning on the make shift crutch as the two came into view.

(Hope that made sense both.)

[NinjaBoss]

Zahn 'Te 'Vignaree
Sangheili Major Domo
Former Human world, in a valley
Think Fast

    “That would be an excellent prize to get us out of this sink hole we find ourselves in. And a connection to the net to discover what has caused this division. I however have my doubts about us being able to accomplish that with the tired and wounded we have. Unless we find more forces or something else about the ship to give us a significant advantage." Kael removed her helmet curiously, then turned her face into what passed as a smile for Kig-Yar. "Extra forces may be a short flight away." She said, and Zahn pondered what she referred to for a tick or two before the sudden realization inflamed pounding palpitations in his hearts. The unholy ones.

    Zahn clenched his two fingers and thumbs together in his hands, and his eyes narrowed in disgust. Champion Kael was squawking about the heretics, the dishonorable Sangheili and Kig-Yar cutthroats that he had seen making use of nishum technology on the battlefield. He could not bring himself to take the field with the blasphemers, but he had little choice. They needed to take the Corvette and leave the system. There were not many here, yet thankfully the ship was likely to carry only several hundred troops at the most, surely no more than a sect. But when Zahn gazed at the forces gathered in the valley he did not feel certain that they numbered more than three or four creches. It would not be enough for a straight fight, especially if the ship carried MgaLekgolo aboard.

    “We should begin by boarding the corvette without alarming the crew. Surprise may prove our ally, if the gods are with us.” Zahn worted, partly to Kael and partly to himself as he began to strategize a plan. “Perhaps they would aid our wounded, or allow them to land. Prepare for the phantoms to explode after they have reached safety, and create an opening for the others to board and take the ship.” Krikyak, the freshest Unggoy to the lance, obediently took Zahn’s T25 DER and set to the tedious job of replacing the battery. It was easier to just recharge a battery, but they didn’t have the time. Some of the other soldiers were doing the same.

    Kabab joined Krikyak and the two Unggoy chatted quietly together, occasionally lowering their voices to just a murmur. Kabab was always secretive when talking with other Unggoy. Cuhl ‘Ka ‘Katolee was busy handing her weapons to the Unggoy to be refreshed for battle and then meditating to prepare herself for the coming battle as well. A Jiralhanae T25 DER, crimson and broken, laid in her lap. Zahn knew she was whispering war chants.

    Nearby, Detan ‘Ka ‘Shal’toree negotiated wages with Zor and Yaz, and the battle skill of each fighter seemed to be the value of the most weight.

    “I’m older, Yaz, and more experienced. You want more pay? Get more kills!” Zor bragged to his fellow Kig-Yar, who looked furious but did little more than bristle.

    “I risk my life the same as you! Those Jiralhanae are huge, and just look at Nix, one of them crushed him like he was nothing and he died out there…” Yaz protested, but Detan had had enough.

    “You’ll find both your wages fifty Gekz short for dishonorable conduct on the field of battle, and whoever doesn’t like it can earn them back in single combat with me!” The lanky Sangheili roared, and the two Kig-Yar stood straighter and more alert after that.

[Trooper]

Naat Gel, Heretic Raider

Unknown human planet

"A profiteer's dream."

"Pela - I'm surprised to see Gel in other forces. An excellent story I would love to hear later." Pela said as they jogged toward Naat's aunt. It didn't take long for Kael to come into view. Naat slowed as she neared however seeing the red coated split face. The Sangheili leader she assumed, but nothing she hadn't seen before. Although this was the first major not to shoot her on sight as she did not carry the covenant armor of Pela and the entourage.  She stopped short before performing a Gel salute to her aunt before turning toward the Sangheili and giving him a small bow out of respect. Maybe hanging around with Thel and Reesk might have helped her after. 

"Champion Gel, it's a pleasure to see you..." Naat paused doing a once over her proud aunt. "Standing. As pela as told me, healthy and capable soldiers could aid in your next objective, but we'd need something in return. A fair trade might be some of your crew's spare gear." Naat said her eyes flowing from the duo up to one of the captured phantoms. "And a ride could never hurt the cause." 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Crew

Thel watched Naat disappear with the commando, he couldn't help but wonder what Naat was planning. "Gav, what did that Kig-yar mean champion Gel, is it a common name?" He asked as Gav smoothed the rudak gel over his chest and shield arm. Gav clicked to himself before turning to face the Sangheili.

"Champion is a T'vaoan rank among the covenant, its similar to Ultra, but specific usually to T'vaoan and other Kig-yar. Gel is a particularly deadly clan among T'vaoan and quite revered among most Kig-yar." Gav said as he leaned against the truck. "Naat is probably making a trade of sorts to keep our skins on, since the soldier here aren't exactly happy with our methods of travel." 

[Faclan]

Kael

As she was watching the heretical fighters approach Zahns tensing and clenching was visible to Kael out of the corner of her eye. And her own eyes narrowed as she somewhat awkwardly balanced on one leg before reaching up to rap her crutch against Zahn's helmet when his little plan was finished being outlined. "A fine plan Zahn, but you need to let go of several things right now." Planting the crutch back in the ground as the approaching Pela and Naat likely started to hear this. "While you can believe what you want your belief cannot get in the way of our lives here. We have almost no-one outside this valley we can trust to not put a knife in our back or plasma down our throat. We saw this group attack the Apes. They clearly are no allies of theirs. The fact they are led by one of my Nest or Clan is just a bonus. And relax your muscles and mind. They will be needed during the boarding - decent ideas however but rigging transports to detonate should be a last resort. I don't want to destroy any of the few we have or damage our main escape craft. Hells maybe we can even board the vessel willingly if its undermanned and they will give up."

Turning to more fully face the now confirmed Naat Kael returned the salute before chuckling. "Standing and still kicking. Yet again we find ourselves meeting in the middle of a battle. How similar to the old tales of Gel." Before she got serious again to listen to her adoptive niece explain what was going on. Nodding once it was finished as she pointed skyway with her none crutch holding hand. "A ride and equipment we can give in spades should we be able to escape this treacherous rock. The current plan is to hijack a DAV-Class Stealth Corvette hiding in the system." She jerked the hand over the shoulder to point at the current Phantoms and the rather ragged looking troops. "However I have doubts of this plan assuming we can even find a way to get on board the vessel. How many troops do you currently command Naat? Do you have any elsewhere that need a rescue or pick up? We will need all the bodies we can muster to take over a ship and be able to finally rest."

Pela falling into place behind Kael before she was directed to go and help the force pack up and prepare what they could. But rather unlike Kael she waved over Ultra Thytan to seek his counsel as well. "Ultra, I am not familiar with this type of vessel. How much crew does it normally hold and do we have enough knowledge and bodies here to even fly it should we manage to take it over?"

-----------

Pela's Cell

The Majors and Murmellos left with Naats troops helped them loot and pack up their gear as they listened to the discussions of this little mercenary cell. The Murmellos were rather jealous of their brothers ability to escape service like this and be free to combat on their own terms. Though the Entourage also had its benefits. "Correct mate. Trade and deals as well yes. Both sides are likely to gain much from this." A Murmello commented as he snickered. "Like being able to get out of this little civil war with our lives. That sounds like a lovely prize for both sides."

Moving a few boxes onto a sled if the vehicle was not working or onto it if it was to be moved to the mustering point. "You are doing the ancestors proud doing work like you are." Glancing at the Sangheili and offering him a salute too. "And you as well Sangheili - keeping we all safe and efficient as a unit." Well there was some respect at least. But they should hurry to the muster station to be let in on the plan before it was time to get out of this planet.

[NinjaBoss]

Zahn 'Te 'Vignaree
Sangheili Major Domo
Former Human world, in a valley
Blasphemy

    Zahn glowered at this heretic, apparently a relative of Kael’s, and did his best not to allow the sacrilege of consorting with apostates to get to him. The Covenant was broken whether he approved of it or not, but to embrace the ways and weapons of the humans… Best ignore that for now, he thought to himself. He knew that Kael was right and he would have to let it go, at least until after they had reached safety. He would need to keep his mind clear during the fight, and this blatant heresy was a blinding distraction. Ignore it, Zahn. Ignorance is bliss, or so say the Deacons that preach on High Charity. That they meant it to shame the happy, simple fools with no faith was a fact that he also chose to ignore on the dusty field of his victory. Ignore it.

    Zahn’s mood improved slightly when the heretic suggested a trade off of their gear. After the recent fighting he was sure to find plenty of weapons no longer in use, and the dead would not complain if they took them. And if handing over some weapons is all it takes to get the heretics to leave the human equipment behind, all the better. Perhaps Zahn would not need to try so hard to ignore their blasphemy after all.

    “We have weapons and equipment for you…. heretics.” Zahn managed to keep the scorn out of his voice when he said the final word, but he did not know what else to call them. “They are in much better condition than the primitive nishum tools you have been forced to use until now. Cast them aside, and we shall reoutfit you with a proper armament more fitting of your station.” He turned to the Unggoy Kabab and Krikyak then, still sitting across from each other with their legs crossed. “Unggoy! Bring us an inventory of our weaponry. We require a selection, I think.” The Unggoy looked surprised, but quickly rose to their feet. Neither seemed in a hurry to argue, but Zahn noticed them gesturing towards the limited space in their four arms. “Kabab! You are a Major, command your subordinates to help with the load!” Kabab narrowed his eyes at him, or was it a squint? And then the Unggoy were off, heading to collect some new weapons for the newcomers.


Thytan ‘Il ‘Hidohai
Sangheili Ultra
Former Human world, in a valley
Estimated Strength of the Enemy

    "Ultra, I am not familiar with this type of vessel. How much crew does it normally hold, and do we have enough knowledge and bodies here to even fly it should we manage to take it over?"

    The voice of the champion brought Thytan out of his own thoughts and doubts, and he pressed his mandibles together into a shape that the Sangheili would consider a scowl. How many crew? He pondered. Presumably, the DAV-Class Stealth Corvette would be a lightly crewed vessel, staffing mayhaps a hundred regular crew to service and run the ship. Similar ships housed a host of several hundred warriors, most often a sect of infantry and perhaps a creche of special operatives as well, depending on their mission. But this one? Thytan did not know if the soldiers were aboard or away, or weakened and wounded or perhaps strengthened by reinforcements or the survivors of a retreat. The uncertainty made him anxious, and anxiety was unbecoming of an officer of his station.

    “Champion.” ‘Il ‘Hidohai bowed his head respectfully to the T’vaoan leader. Part of him felt like he defied a lifetime of tradition in doing so, but every warrior wounded with honor deserved respect, and this one was wounded in an honorable battle. She was a competent and powerful leader as well.

    “Normally a Stealth Corvette such as this one would house approximately one hundred crew. It would host a defense of nearly a dozen Seraphs, and a sect of Infantry with perhaps a complement of some creche of special operatives. We have the strength to take it, with a good plan.” That feeling of anxiety rumbled in his stomach again. Thytan had no desire to show weakness to Kael Gel, even if she was an ally. But as a fellow respected commander, perhaps she could think of a solution to his concerns? No, he thought. I cannot risk it in front of my soldiers. Instead he asked, “Do you have any suggestions for the boarding?”


Yaz
Kig-Yar Ruuhtian Minor
Former Human world, in a valley
Fuck you, Zor!

    Yaz had skulked away from the others after the scolding he received from Detan ‘Ka ‘Shal’toree, nursing his wounded pride. How dare he threaten our wages? He fumed. Nix had died for his wage, beaten and tossed by one of the thick, muscled Jiralhanae that betrayed the Sangheili. And what had Nix cared for their feud? Or Yaz, for that matter. Nix had only wanted to be paid, and that was why he had gotten along with Yaz much better than their comrade Zor. Many of his fellow Kig-Yar treated Yaz like he was of a lesser caste, because he was short. At 1.87 meters he was not stunted, but neither was he as tall as any of the other Kig-Yar he had met. Zor only cared for being glorious, and his short comrade Yaz did not seem to bring him additional glory, so he treated him poorly. We’ll see who’s poor, in the end.

    The human vehicle was not hard to seek out, but remaining unseen was another matter. Most of the Covenant soldiers were careful to stay well away from the abominable technology, as the Sangheili dubbed it. Yaz ducked in and out of piles of equipment, clambered atop ledges and crawled across dusty earth, all in an effort to pay back a hurt feeling. The effort would have been unimaginable for most creatures, but Kig-Yar were well suited to stealth and difficult movements. No one called out, and Yaz felt certain he had evaded detection. Less careful now, he leaped from a ditch and made his way to the vehicle. Yaz could hear several voices, and at least one of them spoke like a Kig-Yar. Good. Yaz felt more comfortable around his brethren.

    Finally Yaz rose to his full height, which was not very tall for a Kig-Yar. He strolled into view of the heretics with the setting sun behind him, his shield gauntlet powered down and his Type-25 DEP in its holster at his waist. Yaz was not looking for a fight. Only a better lot in life. His tongue flicked between his teeth, and he looked at the Sangheili and the Kig-Yar attending the vehicle.

    “So, you are the heretics?” He asked. Yaz looked at the Sangheili who seemed to be in charge with his avian eyes, and decided there was no use drawing the negotiation out. “Mayhaps you pay better than the others?” He was not subtle.

[Trooper]

Naat gel, Kig-yar Raider.
Human colony
'Negotiations'

“A ride and equipment we can give in spades should we be able to escape this treacherous rock. The current plan is to hi-jack a DAV-Class Stealth Corvette hiding in the system. However I have doubts of this plan assuming we can even find a way to get on board the vessel. How many troops do you currently command Naat? Do you have any elsewhere that need a rescue or pick up? We will need all the bodies we can muster to take over a ship and be able to finally rest." Naat grinned to herself as she eyed the phantoms and the ‘rebels’ Kael had assembled.



“We have weapons and equipment for you…. heretics. They are in much better condition than the primitive nishum tools you have been forced to use until now. Cast them aside, and we shall re-outfit you with a proper armament more fitting of your station.” Spoke a crimson armored Sangheili from next to Kael. Naat eyed him up and down from the dents and dings in his armor and some dust on his armor she knew he had been in some of the debris of the human city and had seen much of the fighting up to this point. He must be one of the journey walkers Gadad told me about, wonder how he’ll react when he meets Reesk? She thought as the Sangheili began bellowing orders to his Unggoy allies. Their need to give orders must be genetic Naat concluded as the Major turned back to her.



“I am not in command here; I am just a better negotiator than Thel who would be in a roaring match with your friend here.” Naat said her eye snapping to the Sangheili. “Commander Reesk has amassed a small sect of loyal soldiers, approximately two hundred loyalists and any Kig-yar, Unggoy, and Sangheili we’ve freed, saved, or recruited from the battle field. We'll comm him from the truck let him know not to shoot us out of the sky. He’ll also have deacons of the Grey Walkway for those of you who want to hear more rhetoric as well.” Naat said glaring at the Sangheili that had insulted her crew. Naat then noticed the white armor that signified the white warriors Reesk had hinted at all these years. 


“Champion Gel, normally a Stealth Corvette such as this one would house approximately one hundred crew. It would host a defense of nearly a dozen Seraphs, and a sect of Infantry with perhaps a complement of some creche of special operatives. We have the strength to take it, with a good plan. Do you have any suggestions for the boarding?” It spoke with authority but Naat had learned enough about the split faces to see the tension in his mandibles. “Reesk can also help you to finalize the plan. He was one of your ilk once upon a sunset.” Naat said turning back to her aunt. “My crew will take the truck and the spoils it can carry. I and some of the strays will ride with you as ’insurance’ that you won’t lead the apes to us or turn coat during the flight.” Naat said her eyes on the ultra. “Unless you want to try with the warriors at you current disposal?” Naat knew Reesk would have a better grasp of the situation. His command would also bring more resources to support this operation.

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

The crew

Thel eyes the new comer Kig-yar studying his squaks but even with the small lessons from Gav and Naat he was lost on some of the words from the soldier.

“Our warriors are paid in honor!” One of his grunts roared. “For the glory of Sangheilios and to return to the days before the great betrayers.” The other answered in turn their understanding of the Kig-yar tongue better than Thel’s.

Gav grunted at his compatriots before clearing his throats. “Kig-yar mercs are generally paid 700 geks for each successful operation, and anything we carry off the battle field of course. Some of us serve for other purposes like these three here. But it comes down to how well mission goes, where the promise of Covenant gek is more stable.” Gav said as he eyes the other Kig-yar. “Names gav by the way

AAR: Naat reinforces that working together could prove more benefitial to the survival odds of the 'rebel' soldiers of Kael and Zahn.

[Faclan]

Kael

"One hundred support and management crew...easy enough to take over if we could get inside. Hells they may even join us if their forces were sent down and then betrayed. We all want out of here and answers. Once we are off the ground we can work on finding our own ways in this galaxy. Once answers come." Kael glancing between the two Sangeili and Naat as she grunted. "Assuming their force has not made it back yet. We are not outfitted for a space battle and if we charge this vessel and they have time to prepare I doubt we have the firepower to break through a shield and a hanger shield. And even then once we land then what?" Tapping her beak as she leaned heavily on her crutch. "No, we need a way to get inside."

Naat then revealed that she had more than a hundred extra warriors. That was excellent but; "Thats a lot of fighters. But keep in mind it is a small ship. If we all somehow managed to get on at once I am unsure if it could support all of our current forces. Getting everyone inside would take time we may not have if the Apes have space superiority." Her tongue sliding around the inside of her beak as she thought about their predicament. "If you can please contact this Thel Naat. This is a problem we have to solve. And solve it soon before we are overrun here or closed off from space." The Champion looking up at the sky before back to the group. Trying to work on some sort of plan that would get them to a position of relative safety.

"Perhaps there is some grounded vessel we could attempt to hijack. But that would take longer than traveling to a small ship we may be able to force our way inside. Any larger and they can delay us long enough with lockdowns for other forces to pincer us from the ground." Muttering to herself as she tried to work out a way to get out of here.

--

One of the Murmellos would look up at all the talk of trade and head tilt. Was someone going to break one contract to go right into another one? Not that he blamed the Covenant lad but was this really the best place to discuss employment? Stacking another box on the sled as he made his thoughts know. "Not that I disapprove of you seeking the most funds possible for yourself mate but we are currently attempting to flee a planet thats fallen to civil war. Perhaps once we are in a relatively secure position that would be a good time to think about your employment?"

Another box stacked for transport to the phantoms before he clicked his tongue. "Besides, if those Apes are indeed doing this on orders from the Covenant you may be fired - or declared a traitor so its not like they will pay you anymore." Though as a Kig-Yar he could not help himself. "Though if you want to join the Gel Entourage we pay 1000 every cycle (15 days)." So potentially a lot less pay if operations were frequent. "But you get to work with your fellow brothers without much oversight. And with Champion Gel she has led us to many financially beneficially victories for us to loot."