Occupied, but why?

[Faclan]

OOC and interest check;
yappashalorpg.proboards.com/thread/12794/check-ooc-city-occupation-rp

If you wish to join please say so here so we can slot you in.


----------


December 14th, 2552 - Planet Expedition, Silo City

Roughly 2,450 Covenant to 17,150 Humans (1-7)

It had descended from the sky two days ago. No warning from the UNSC, no warning from the sensors, screaming down to the surface like a demon of nightmares. The calls for help only finding static with their short range and now large interference above them blocking all hope of reaching allies. They were just a farming colony. What soldiers they had were volunteers and poorly equipped and commanded. Barely worth mentioning as the few transports they did have, crewed by brave youth of the planet, were seared and burned by the plasma coming from the CPV-Destroyers lower wings. The perfunctory defense thwarted in mere minutes. A harbinger of doom. Families trying to find each other as they looked up at the large ship looming over head. Watching the front beam as they expected it to charge like the sun. To burn them all away.

Before there was a message from the ship. In English. Informing the colony that they were not here to incinerate the heretics. But instead to stay. The colony had what they needed and they would take it peacefully. Leaving much confusion from the Humans below as they took another look at the Destroyer. It was damaged. In some sections rather badly. And shortly after it rested into a holding pattern over the cities small park its gravity lift descended. Dropping off many of its ground crew who looked just as confused as the Humans were as they started to mil and request the Humans return to their homes and places of business. Those that could bridge the language gap soon uniformed in bright blue and those ordered to police given translation headsets or helmets.

The Mayor? Kept in her position.

The police force? Replaced but not reprimanded.

The harvest being gathered and loaded into crates for when it was time to deliver it to the UNSC? Only a third of it was taken into the vessel. The Humans were requested to keep working as they had before and to please remain calm. The situation need not turn violent. The ventral beam turned on to show it was still functioning as the...female? Who led the ship informed the ground that they didn't need to use it. This could be completed peacefully. Since that day the vessel has been a flurry of activity as Phantoms are used to move around personnel and material on its hull try to patch up and fix the holes. The park having some purple barricades erected around the perimeter but otherwise the city as been left untouched. The Unggoy, Kig-Yar, and a few Sangheili sent out to patrol the city looking very awkward about their new position as they mostly seem to try to avoid getting too close to the Humans. Sure they have a ship and vehicles of war on their side. But on the ground? In the alleys? They are alone compared to the Humans.

The day after the ship arrived the few sensors the colony had started to pick up debris in orbit. But much of it burned up or fell to the planet far outside city limits. Leaving many to suspect that there was a battle near by. A battle that this ship barely won. And after asking a few Unggoy it was confirmed before they were told to be silent and were reprimanded. But there had been no UNSC signals to the planet? What had the Covenant craft been fighting?

A few land craft occasionally are lowered down the grav lift to drive around the farms outside the city but the Covenant are mainly confined to it. Seemingly hoping this can be finished quickly.


-----------


Seso ‘Te ‘Uranai - Armory Master
Dark Intent Bridge
Waiting to deliver her report.

Seso had to hand it to the Jiralhanae, for all their savagery and bull headedness they did know how to pilot a warship. Or at least command one. Who knew what poor sap they had on the weapons systems of their destroyer that had jousted theirs. Sure they had won but at a very heavy cost as once the Loyalist vessel knew they were doomed they had targeted the Intents supplemental systems. Their supplies. Their fuel. The last and largest barrage damn near ripped a hole in their cargo hold. Scattered the supplies needed to fuel both the ship and those soldiers and crew aboard it. Thank the Gods Rious had stayed calm and managed to find a suitable landing location before the damage to the super structure was worsened by the still flowing fuel. Coasting into the atmosphere at a sharp angle to keep the damaged rear from the heat before using the small reserves that still remained to slow down into a slow glide. Landing right over the Human city.

It was hard not to find some degree of irony in that as Seso kept one eye on the datapad she was holding that was transcribing the spoken words on the bridge and one at the viewscreen showing the rainy noon down below them. A city like any other. Full of individuals with families, dreams, goals. And while normally they would laugh and hit the glass button this time they did not. With the Schism so recent in many soldiers memories it was hard to just continue as normal. Everything had changed. Even if their vessel was not low on supplies Seso was unsure of Rious would have ordered the planets cleansing. What would be the point now of a large farm to burn when the apes and San 'Shyuum were still out there. Murdering their kin and stealing everything they could. Not to mention the lies.

"Armory master - report." Flashing up on the screen as Seso hopped to stand near the command chair on the bridge. Snapping out a crisp salute before beginning to rapidly type for the Commander.

"The torpedo stores have as we suspected been reduced down to single digits. The caches of personal weapons have also been heavily damaged. Repairs are currently ongoing to save what we can. However the vehicle bay was thankfully undamaged in the attack. So should more of them be needed groundside they will be ready at a moments notice. However the weapons for our soldiers are going to be what they have on their person until we can get some plasma cyclers functioning to recharge those that have been damaged. Keeping the fighting to a minimum would be advisable."


Yun - Ruuthian Sniper
Main Street Supermarket
Wet but interested.

If he were not a dangerous murderous alien the figure of Yun as he walked down the street would likely be comical. Clearly rather miserable as the hood on his cold weather jacket left almost two thirds of his beak out in the elements. And the translation sniper headgear he was wearing under the hood as well as his short headspines made his head look all lumpen and huge. But the beam rifle securely slung over his chest seemed to prevent many laughs at him. At least his eyes were free of water as he tried to blow the air out of his nose and wipe off his beak before returning his hands to the jackets pockets. At least very few of the Humans were taller than he. That made him feel better. And the current situation made it easy for him to keep his mind off the hunger and desire. The hunger for actual food and the desire for a hit.

But thankfully both of those were easy to push aside for now as Yun was still wrapping his head around the situation that he found himself in. An occupation, not a slaughter, and Humans just walking around. Past him, in front of him, giving him a wide berth soon but still there. Right there. It was not even a month ago where he would be sparing them a torturous death at the hands of his fellow Kig-Yar or Jiralhanae but now he was here to keep the peace. Keep them working but dont attack. It was all very strange.

But then again mostly everything was after the Schism swept through the Covenant forces. Hauled from his bunk with a curve blade at his throat as he was screamed at to prove his loyalty. Prove he wasn't an ape lackey. The gurgles around him that cut through the screaming making it very obvious what was the result of failing this impromptu loyalty test. But explaining how he got to where he was, what the Sangheili had saved him from, did enough to spare his life. And now here he was. Watching Humans enter a store and come out with shopping. A few staring at him or the Unggoy on the other side of the store but most just trying to move on without looking.

"The universe always has ways to surprise you." He would grunt to himself in Kiggle, before his headset repeated the same in English. Wiping off his beak again as he kept watch before it would be time for him to head to his next assigned location.

[Remnant]

(NPC)
Richard "Rich" Keeson, Innocent Civilian
Main Street Supermarket
Dark Times Lie Ahead

Rich ushered his daughter Claire ahead, feeling for his concealed pistol hidden inside his leather jacket. Under normal circumstances, he'd have kept her home. But with his wife recently deceased and the entire city in an uproar, he couldn't trust looters not to raid his house while he was gone. The pair browsed the supermarket for the week's groceries, trying to get the best deal and head home as quick as possible. Rich didn't want to draw attention to what was left of his family. Especially with the aliens around. They were newcomers, curious ones at that. Rich had always been told that the Covenant was merciless, genocidal monsters. Yet, these creatures hardly paid them any mind.

Not paying any attention, Claire accidentally bumped into a tall, lanky bird-like alien that everyone had been giving a wide berth. Dammit, Claire. Rich thought to himself as he ushered her away from the creature. "My apologies, er..." Rich didn't know what to call it. "Space chicken?" There's no way he's not going to take offense to that. Rich thoughts raced once again. Clutching his pistol in his jacket, Rich tried to seem as casual and easy-going as possible, despite the obvious nerve-racking ticks from his other, unoccupied hand shaking fearfully. "Don't mind my daughter, we don't want no trouble." Rich said, his grip on the hidden gun tightening.

[NinjaBoss]

Rious ‘Xar Vo’ha ‘Wodamai

Sangheili Trierarch of CPV Class Heavy Destroyer Dark Intent

Expedition, Docked above Silo City Heritage Park, Command Center of the Dark Intent

23rd Rotation, Cycle of Belief, Milestone of Knowledge, 1st Revolution of the 40th Age of Conflict

Death Stranded

    "The torpedo stores have as we suspected been reduced down to single digits. The caches of personal weapons have also been heavily damaged. Repairs are currently ongoing to save what we can. However the vehicle bay was thankfully undamaged in the attack. So should more of them be needed groundside they will be ready at a moments notice. However the weapons for our soldiers are going to be what they have on their person until we can get some plasma cyclers functioning to recharge those that have been damaged. Keeping the fighting to a minimum would be advisable."

    Rious thumped a fist halfheartedly against the alloyed walls as she read the news. She was disappointed to say the least, but she had expected as much. The battle against the Jiralhanae ships had been unexpected and brutal. Swiftly they revealed themselves from a field of asteroids near the system’s star and destroyed several of the other Sangheili ships in the fleet. The Dark Intent and some others fought back, but received massive damage for their efforts, and a few more were destroyed again. The enemy Shipmasters were crafty, and even when they realized they were doomed, they attacked critical systems and vulnerable points on the ship in a kamikaze mission. Rious had no choice in the end but to dock at this human planet for refueling and repairs.

    She did not want to be there, she’d rather glass the planet and move on, but that wasn’t practical. Fuel was gushing from the port side of the ship, they would never make it far and if they tried they’d risk igniting what was left of the fuel. The Humans numbered far more than the Separatists aboard her ship, so she could not launch a ground invasion. Her only hope was to occupy this city, Silo City the Humans named it, long enough to repair the damage and replenish the ships reserves. Her soldiers were trained for planetary occupation, but if Human or Jiralhanae reinforcements arrived before then, they were likely all doomed.

    “Your efforts to repair the damaged weapons are appreciated, Major Domo. Is it possible to acquire more plasma torpedoes here?” Rious replied, typing the words for Seso ‘Te ‘Uranai to read. Omula Yodu Kalo stepped closer impatiently, but the MgaLekgolo’s bond brother Xobura Yodu Kalo remained still, behind Rious on the bridge. “Do you know how the nishum are reacting to the occupation?” She finished typing, then turned to the Ship XO, Ultra Y’gar ‘Il ‘Wodamee. “Order murderers to be punished in kind, via displays of execution. I shall be present.” She worted. Order needed to be returned to the city, as soon as possible.

    “Even with the Mgalekgolo and I beside you, Trierarch, you would be taking a great risk. I implore you not to do this.” Ultra Sora ‘Il ’Medomee interrupted, before it was his time. He had more to say, but she repaid him in kind.

    “Your fears are unfounded, and moot in any case. I will attend with my holo drone.” She turned back to Y’gar. “We must keep the population safe from each other, and ourselves, if we hope to be safe from them.” Y’gar bowed his head obediently.

    “It will be done, Vo’ha.” Y’gar headed off to complete his assignment, and Rious found time to speak to the Major Domos in the Command Center.

    “Quietly probe for Sangheili networks, but work slowly. Do not allow the Jiralhanae to trace our location, and send no transmissions without my approval.” She said to Grius ‘Te ‘Vignaree, the most friendly Sangheili she’d ever met. Up to that point he had been speaking with the Master of Navigation, Major Domo Ryl ‘Te ‘Sausamee, and had convinced her to help him with searching for allied communications while the ship was grounded. An impressive feat, considering she would hardly speak to most other males.

    “Of course, Vo’ha ‘Wodamai. We’ll keep the battlenet discussions to a minimum.” He jested, but there was seriousness to his words as well. He would do as he'd been told. Now Rious must speak with the Master of the Choir.

    “Where will I find ‘Il ‘Lorahee, Ultra ‘Medomee?” She asked Sora, who followed her along with the two MgaLekgolo. They looked elegant as they strode towards the ship's interior grav-lift, Rious in her golden armor and crimson Resonashi fur cloak, the two behemoths in their impenetrable alloys and Sora in his pearl combat harness behind her. Soldiers in the hallways stepped towards the walls and bowed or saluted as they passed, to show respect and avoid the MgaLekgolo. The gestures pleased her.

    “In the Seraph bay, Trierarch.” Sora ‘Il ‘Medomee replied, holding his T31 Rifle as he followed behind her. Rious thought it unnecessary for him to carry his weapon drawn in the corridors of the ship, especially with the MgaLekgolo beside them, but the Master of Security would not relent.

    The group reached the grav-lift and headed to the Dark Intent’s fighter ports, arriving to find Zokan ‘Il ‘Lorahee sulking and examining the fighter craft for damage. Huragok and ship pilots tended to the Seraphs as well, likely under orders from Zokan. The Ultra noticed Rious and the others after about a rook, and crisply saluted before approaching Rious and her security team.

    “You need me, Vo’ha?” He asked. Zokan ‘Il ‘Lorahee was never one for conversation, and preferred the company of his Seraphs to other people. All the better when he was ordered to fly them.

    “I want to increase the patrols in the city. We must display our strength, and maintain control over the Humans. Putting down fighting and riots should be a priority as well.” She told him, and when he asked no questions she prepared to take her leave. “Also, we should begin scouting further away from the area. Light reconnaissance is all, we need most of our strength here, but we should know of anything coming our way. And look for more resources.” ‘Il ‘Lorahee bowed his head, and Rious turned away and headed back to the grav-lift with Sora and the MgaLekgolo. As she walked down the hallway she could hear Zokan behind her, issuing orders to the Seraph pilots. Gods willing, we’ll be able to leave this planet soon.

[LaxKnight]

Luis Deleon - Freighter Driver
Bar Long Day's Drink
Grounded

    It was supposed to be a routine day. Two days ago, all the supplies were loaded up into his ship and he took off to drop it off at a warehouse off world. He was probably 10,000 feet in the air when a bulbous mass of an alien warship blotted out the space ahead of him. He's seen the Covenant ships all over the news and has seen the damage they leave behind. Lord knows how many times he's had to fend off desperate refugees trying to grab his goods or stowaway on his ship. Lord knows he's tried to help and sometimes their pleas haunt his nightmares. However, though he's seen the misfortune and ruin they've brought upon humanity Luis has been lucky enough to have never encountered the genocidal aliens. He's always unwittingly evaded their wrath. Two days ago, his lucky stream came to an end as plasma fired upon him from the Covenant destroyer. A shot at his engine forced him to land; hoping that delaying the inevitable death by the monsters might yield a miniscule opportunity to escape.

    It seemed that, while his luck ran out, the Lord continued to look after Luis. Instead of being glassed or slaughtered by an invasion like has been done and seen so many times, the aliens came down and offered... peace. Luis didn't know what to think when he first heard the message. Was this a gift from God? Or a sentence from Hell? Or was he dreaming? All they demanded was that they continued to work like nothing has happened. No one came to demand his supplies or lock him up or... anything from him. Not one to waste time or opportunity, Luis spent the last two days fixing the damage to his ship. He was basically done now. With only superficial damage left he could takeoff if he wanted to, but the purple hulk in the sky, the zooming alien craft in the air, and the monsters patrolling the streets made it clear to him that doing so would have his effort, and life, be in vain.

    With nothing immediately demanding his attention besides a heavy need for a beer, Luis locked up his ship Cosmic Rose and went to the bar. Walking the streets for the Hispanic man was almost like experiencing a bad trip as people went about their day with the occasional nightmare walking among them. He can feel their murderous eyes scan over them all. It was hard to put down the urge to run because he knew that if he did he might attract their ire. It was a relief to find the bar still open and unmolested by aliens. After a meal and stiff drink to calm his nerves, he now nursed a second glass of beer as the pilot pondered his current situation and wandered through his priorities. His dull green eyes gazed at the quarter full glass as a hand sat propped the side of his head and gloved fingers ran into his short black hair. His light gray flightsuit was worn yet still serviceable; his name patch and the occasional grease stain that refused to leave the only markings on it. A wooden cross that has seen many generations hung around his neck and an empty holster hung at his right hip. He left his gun back on the ship because he wasn't looking for a fight, especially in an obviously lopsided battle. He took another drink from his glass then sighed. What was he going to do now? 

[Spartan 999]

Minor Duma 'Mdalkam
Somewhere on Main Street
Policing the Streets

Wearing a poncho designed for humans was doing nothing to improve Duma's mood. Sure, it had the police insignia, wording, and coloring on it, which was useful, but it just didn't fit his larger Sangheili frame, let alone his head. Thankfully, his energy shield kept the rain off of him, so the poncho was more of a formality than anything. Yet, it was needed.

Everywhere he looked, he saw the enemy. Humans, walking around, working jobs, living their mundane lives. Not mere heretics, but blasphemy on legs. That's what had been ingrained in his mind for years and years, even before he'd joined the Covenant military two years ago. Duma had fought the humans often during that time, so being in the midst of them made him nervous, like he was surrounded. A hidden sniper could easily pick him off, or one of his brothers. Such had happened before.

Yet the Hierarchs had deceived them, deceived the Covenant, for decades, about the humans. That news, delivered through the sudden betrayal of the Jiralhanae, had shaken Duma's faith. The humans did not merit extinction, he understood that. Nevertheless, shaking away those years of conditioning was difficult. He'd spent a substantial amount of time studying their primary language purely to combat them more effectively—which had had the side effect of volunteering him to police the city and act as a representative on behalf of the Dark Intent when necessary.

Even now, his finger itched to draw his plasma rifle and hose down the humans skirting around him on the sidewalk. Some glanced at him and his brother, Minor Mumo 'Uzthe, with barely-veiled hatred. Others with fear aplenty. Duma had seen enough of both on human faces to know it when he saw it.

“...Have you ever tasted human food?” Mumo's question snapped Duma out of his thoughts.

“Er. Food?” Duma clicked his mandibles in a shrug. “No? I've not needed to.”

“I wonder how it tastes,” Mumo mused. “Is it filthy, like the dirt a worm eats? Is it bland? Is it merely bizarre?”

Duma's head cocked, perplexed. “Why are you asking this now?”

Mumo gestured at a building down the street, which looked like some sort of market chock full of food and supplies. “I am hungry,” he stated.

Water droplets sprayed off Duma when he shook his head in disbelief. “I suppose you wish to take—or perhaps purchase—human food for yourself instead of patiently waiting for a meal aboard the Dark Intent?”

Mumo spread his hands in a conciliatory way. “Our rations have dwindled with the rest of our supplies. We will likely need to eat human food soon enough.”

“Bah.” Duma batted down his police poncho when a gust of wind whipped it into his face. And yet, he couldn't help but ponder the dilemma. “...We cannot test human food on the kig-yar first. Their taste cannot be relied upon; they would devour their own kin.”

Mumo grinned at having won their little verbal exchange.

[Faclan]

Remnant Spartan 999
Yun - Ruuthian Sniper
Main Street Supermarket
For once talking.

Glancing down as something bumped against his leg Yun was pretty shocked to see a small Human female looking up at him. Before she quickly moved away from him to hide behind the legs of what he assumed to be her father. It was likely a scary picture for the Human. The beak slowing rising as the glowing pink eyes under the hood met his. Starting to bore into him as the headset inside the hood clicked and hissed as it translated. Ending with what Rich likely assumed was Space Chicken. The eyes narrowing before he finished off with not wanting trouble. Yuns eyes glancing down at his totally inconspicuous arm that was holding the pistol before he looked back at the Humans face. One of his Kig tri fingered hands reaching up from the pocket. Toward the rifle?!

Before he wiped off his beak again and made an odd twitter sounding chuckle before he started to click and hiss. Stopping when he was finished for the headset to translate for him. Hand returning to his jacket pocket. "Brave of you to call me names Human. Unless you really do not know." He shrugged before looking down as the youth moved out behind her father to get a better look at him. Eyes still shining out from under the hood as tapped his beak to her. "Its good that you seem to be protecting her. However I wonder if your chosen stance is wise." He gestured at the hand inside the jacket. "It is very obvious what you are holding onto in your clothing. If you think I am going to attack you I would call you foolish as the ship could have done that easily without us groundlings having to be in danger."

His eyes snapping to the side as the young child epped and dropped what looked like a small coin. It splashing down into a puddle and starting to float toward a drain before Yun crouched down and snatched it with ease. Holding it out to her as he stayed crouched and looked up. "Got another reason to be holding that weapon? Seems like you are inviting trouble." His head tilting at the sound of Sangheili talking as his head turned about 70 degrees backwards to spot the two. And how ridiculous they looked. Still crouched he would offer them a salute before looking back at the two humans.


NinjaBoss
Seso ‘Te ‘Uranai - Armory Master
Dark Intent vessel
Teamwork to get help?

The fact that Rious typed out her response rather than just talk and let the program transcribe her words were one of the many reasons that Seso respected the other female. Well and being a shipmaster was of course a huge boon as well as she quickly read over the questions posed to her. Responding as quickly as she could; "I have assigned some of the Yanme'e in a Phantom equipped with surveying gear to check the planet for possible gasses we can reconfigure to fuel or armaments. Once they return and data examined it will be sent to you with all speed."

Keeping one eye on her pad and the other on the corridor as she fell into step behind Rious Seso nodded to herself that swift retribution would need to be dealt out if the humans were to keep from rioting. Should several murderers not be dealt with they would lose the belief that this could be peaceful. They would become hysterical and desperate and attempt to kill any troop they could to arm themselves and throw everything they had at escaping. "Perhaps another announcement is in order Trierarch?" Seso typed as she walked but held onto it for a moment when the ship mistress wasn't currently busy. Adding; "Perhaps to their local leader or to everyone that should one of our soldiers injure or kill one of them report it and it will be dealt with publicly. Showing that we are willing to accept responsibility may make them more willing to stay calm and trust." Well...trust for what it was worth.

She didn't comment on the idea to find a connection to the greater galaxy as that was not her field of expertise. But some connection would be worth its weight to find out how the other separatists are doing in the revolution. Or if things were going poorly. It was good to see that the Seraphs were still mostly functional but their ability to scan and send out messages would be greatly limited as they were fighter craft. Not travel craft. Seso's mandibles flexing and clenching as she thought of what vessels would be built for that. Making her look down at the floor toward a possible idea and in disbelief of what she was going to suggest. But the worst Rious would say would be no. And in this kind of situation any idea could be one that would help. So type type type before as they were about to enter the lift Seso would hand her pad to Rious. With the previous message as well as a new one.

"The Humans hate the Covenant as much as we do now Trierarch. Their vessels would be better suited than Seraphs to travel and send messages. With some of our trusted aboard - it could be a way to gain much needed intelligence."


LaxKnight
Epislion of Swarm DI-HD (Dark Intent Heavy Destroyer) - 006
Long Days Drink Bar
Another flyer, hello flyer!

Flying in the rain was never a fun experience. But at least this time it wasn't while trying to dodge human rifle fire or fire back at shapes he could barely see. For once this was just a time to look and fly without fear. Not that the Yanme'e knew much of that but still. Less stress always nice. Rests for the back good as well as she perched on the edge of a building and scanned around. The swarm was to report any suspect behavior spotted immediately and keep a look out to ensure that the deployed troops of the Dark Intent were not harassing the Humans either. It was not a new experience to look out for both sides. But it was a new experience for it to be none violent.

At least so far. But it was a nice change. Nice and peaceful.

Spotting an awning next to a shiny sparkling light Epislion dropped herself off the roof before gliding down to it. Pulling up to hover next to the awning before glancing under it. A metal bar there that would be perfect. She spotted a human sat at a table facing the window but ignored them for now as she maneuvered under the awning before swinging her arms a legs to the side to briefly invert before her foot claws latched onto the bar. Wings still flapping as the bar was given a tug. It would hold. Excellent.

Legs folding up to hold her entirely under the awning the bugger would give a quick shake to get most of the excess water off of her before leaving her back carapace open and wings extended so the water could drip off of them. And now in a more comfortable position she took another look at the human who was likely staring at her now on the desk. Upside down head tilting at them as she looked them over. They were dressed like a human pilot. Another resident of the sky! A translator dangling below her around her neck as she gave the human a wave. Before crossing her arms and settling into her position of watching him and the room he was in.

It looked similar to the Nipple and infusion rooms the Unggoy would flock too. Just with more chairs.

[LaxKnight]

Faclan
Luis Deleon - Freighter Driver
Long Day's Drink Bar
What Now?

    It was raining outside. Luis' eyes unconsciously drifted from the glass to the window outside. He wasn't close enough to pick out the raindrops but he could hear the splashes pounding the roof and the streams flowing off the awning. Flowing down like his chances of escaping this with his life. How the hell was he still alive? He should he atoms or glass right now, but instead he was still here, drinking a beer in a city occupied by genocidal aliens. Why? He took another sip of his glass then his hand wrapped around his cross. Was this some sort of divine intervention? A second chance? But... for what? Use the rain as cover to escape? That was unlikely for even if he managed to evade the fighters the hulk in the sky would probably smoke him before he got 500 feet into the air. Should he just wait this out? But... how long will that be? They could be here forever for all him knew, which he couldn't afford to do unless he bartered the goods on his ship that wasn't his to sell. Though, the warehouse he was going to might be glassed anyway. Though, that all depends on if the aliens didn't decide to glass them after they got whatever they wanted. Perhaps he could barter for his freedom somehow? They didn't kill him and the town outright so perhaps they can be reasoned with? Luis let out a heavy sigh. Every option seemed impossible. Perhaps this was a test from God?

   Movement outside of the window roused Luis out of his thoughts. He watched what looked like a giant wasp fly in front of it then maneuver itself so it could hang under the awning like a bat. If he remembered right the news called them Buggers or Drones. He heard stories of them lifting soldiers into the air and dropping them to their deaths or ripping them apart. The monster's glowing, dead eyes locked with his and... waved. Luis was dumbstruck. Why was it looking at him? And waving? Did it know what that meant to humans? Was he supposed to wave back? Not quite sure what else to do, he straightened up, finished what was left of his beer, then gave a small wave back. He didn't know what was going on but he took it as a sign that he was done drinking for tonight. He placed a cred chip on the bar counter, debated on the wisdom of his next course of action, then slid it toward the bartender before putting up the hood of his poncho heading out into the rain. If it followed him, so be it. He just hoped the Lord had good things ahead of him in this backwards purgatory.

[NinjaBoss]

Rious ‘Xar Vo’ha ‘Wodamai

Sangheili Trierarch of CPV Class Heavy Destroyer Dark Intent

Expedition, Docked above Silo City Heritage Park, Command Center of the Dark Intent

23rd Rotation, Cycle of Belief, Milestone of Knowledge, 1st Revolution of the 40th Age of Conflict

Inferior Trade Value

    Rious took the holopad from Seso and then stepped into the grav-lift, reading the words as she was hoisted back to the Dark Intent’s Command Center.

    "I have assigned some of the Yanme'e in a Phantom equipped with surveying gear to check the planet for possible gasses we can reconfigure to fuel or armaments. Once they return with data examined it will be sent to you with all speed." Rious nodded approvingly, moving on to the next message.

    "Perhaps another announcement is in order, Trierarch?" Read the second. ”Perhaps to their local leader, or to everyone, that should one of our soldiers injure or kill one of them report it and it will be dealt with publicly. Showing that we are willing to accept responsibility may make them more willing to stay calm and trust." She did not know how she felt about this one. It made sense, and was likely a wise move. But to execute her own soldiers for grievances done to the nishum… The thought made her uneasy. She looked at the final message before constructing a response, still making up her mind.

    “The Humans hate the Covenant as much as we do now, Trierarch. Their vessels would be better suited than Seraphs to travel and send messages. With some of our trusted aboard - it could be a way to gain much needed intelligence." Rious’ hand tightened around the pad at this suggestion, and she nearly snarled. What use could they possibly have for human craft? She didn’t even want to consider it, not now.

    “Excellent, Major Domo. I await your data the tick it is available.” Rious typed her reply to the first message. She paused for a tick before typing the response to the second message, but made her decision quickly. “Distribute the announcement, ‘Te ‘Uranai, but make no guarantees of punishment. Grievances against our ground forces shall be reviewed and sentenced by a commander.” That should have the intended effect, while still allowing them to avoid punishing their soldiers for petty squabbles, or a loss of morale over allied executions. Finally she turned her eye to the last message, waiting almost a rook to type her response on the pad.

    “We do not need human vessels. Even betrayed by our Covenant, the creatures are still unholy and vile. I will order no one to perform such sacrilege on my watch.” She prepared to hand the pad back as they were released on the deck that was home to the Command Center, but took it back to add a last thought before she did. “The Kig-Yar have never been fond of our religion. Perhaps you will find willing blasphemers in their numbers? Volunteers only.” The pad was handed back off to Seso now, as Rious began gathering reports of the Dark Intent’s status.

    Tritium gas still leaked from the massive hole in the fuel port, though the liquid flow had finally been stopped. A creche of engineers and the two Huragok aboard were busy finishing the seal now. Work was expected to be finished within the next three rotations, and then they could focus on gathering more of the radioactive isotope. Easy to do in deep space, but more difficult on a planet’s surface. Rious hoped that the Yanme’e Seso tasked with reconnaissance would find hints of a reserve on Expedition, but she knew that was rare and unlikely. At least the work was going well, and the pinch fusion reactors were undamaged. Fortunate, for the reactors are like to explode if overheated.

    Food and similar supplies had been nearly eradicated in the battle. Current estimates expected their stores to hold up for no more than a cycle. Not nearly long enough, Rious knew. They would have to begin taking food from the humans soon. She did not even know if it would be safe to eat.

    The vehicle bays were unscathed, and she had already given orders to make use of the Seraphs as soon as possible. Some of the crew quarters had taken damage, and casualties were estimated in the range of five hundred. This made Rious uncomfortable, as did the damage to the ship’s loadout and store of personal weapons. Not every soldier was attentive to weapon maintenance, and they would be relying on each individual to be now. Several of the Melusean-pattern plasma cannons, Gon-pattern pulse laser turrets, and Carnax Et-pattern plasma bombardment mortars had been damaged, but not too many. A light team of engineers were assessing the damage, and Rious keyed a message to Major Domo ‘Uranai to prioritize the weapon systems after the fuel leak was fully repaired.

    With repairs to the ship underway and the battlenet back in order, Rious prepared herself to make contact with the humans. She hated the nishum scum and the blasphemy they stood for ever since they had first stood against the Covenant teachings, and by extension those of the Forerunners as well. As she had told herself earlier, she would rather just kill them all and never return, but that wasn’t an option. Instead she would have to parley with the animals until the Dark Intent was flight and combat ready. And then… well, she would decide when she saw her fuel gauges..

    Grius ‘Te ‘Vignaree remained where Rious had left him, shaping and manipulating a plethora of bright holographic lights against the dark violet backdrop of the communications console. Ryl 'Te 'Sausamee had moved back to her navigations systems, but was relaying some of the information back to Grius to assist with the signal probing.

    “Do you believe ‘Te ‘Sausamee will be able to handle the probe on her lonesome for a few rooks? I need you to open a network link to the human… commander.” She nearly spat the word, it tasted so sour on her tongue. A revolution ago she would have never imagined herself treating with her people’s prime enemy throughout the entirety of the past Age. But the 9th Age of Reclamation was over; The 40th Age of Conflict had begun. And she was now at war with the Covenant and their Jiralhanae lackeys. Concessions would have to be made.

    “It is imperative that we replenish our food stores. I’m sure the humans will have something edible on this farming rock.” When Grius made a face of disgust, Rious continued. “Not my preference, to be sure, but we have little choice. The supplies we have left won’t keep us until the end of the cycle. We need more.” She said, then pointed to the communications console again. “Establish the connection, Major Domo.”

    Grius obediently reached forward with his thumbs and grabbed a triangular light on the console, before dragging it into a symbol similar to a hexagon. Another series of symbols and hieroglyphs appeared, and he grabbed a small, ugly one at the end. The smallest of its kind, and the only symbol not of elegant design, it slipped from his thumbs when he first tried to drag it to the glowing triangle, but he was able to hold onto it the second time. A grey mist seemed to wrap around the symbols then, symbols that now glowed with black light. At last Grius ‘Te ‘Vignaree matched the ugly symbol with the triangular symbol from before.

    The console turned a vicious red color, and an alarm began to sound as a series of hieroglyphs demanding authorization from the Shipmaster or a superior spread across the console. Rious started in surprise, and then entered the ship’s authorization code. The alarm faded, but the console remained flashing red. A hologram appeared of a figure shrouded in darkness. The human coward still refused to reveal themselves, much to Rious' disdain. Rious activated a translator and a transcriber so the Master of the Armory could read the conversation as well.

    “Human leader,” Rious began. “We seek to replenish our food and fuel stores and then leave your planet. Help us on our way, and you can continue your lives as they were before.” She worted to the figure. A rook passed as the program translated, and then the human figure replied. Rious could hear the words as they were spoken, but couldn’t understand any of them. She waited another rook after the human finished speaking before it translated the response.

    “Leader of the Covenant,” The program buzzed. “You conquer all.. You can take it all. Do we have not what you seek?” Rious thought for a moment. No, they did have have what she sought, at least the food rations. But she didn’t want to take it, she wanted them to give it to her.

    “I would have your people leave us offerings of food, human. Or else you could give us a location where we might harvest some for ourselves. And maps, with locations of resources. We require none else.” The translator processed and translated again, and Rious listened to the Human language as she waited for the response like before.

    “Leave our farms, foreigner. You've already taken much of our harvest, but if you must have them then offerings of food shall be gathered every -” The program stuttered here, and seemed unsure of what to say, but decided on the word “rotation”. “Our maps are yours. Transmitting immediately,” finished the human leader. Rious reached to end the transmission, but the human figure frantically waved as she did so and spoke again.

    “I beg you, save our people. Do not allow chaos in the streets. Please. Establish peace. I beg you.” Rious thought for several ticks, nodded, then turned off the connection. She would do her best. Gesturing to Seso ‘Te ‘Uranai for her holopad, she intended to type a message.

    “Command the troops to gather food from the Humans every rotation, as their leader authorized. And try to find out who their leader is, Major Domo. Knowledge is strength.” She handed the holopad back to the Master of the Armory then, and hoped that her precautions would be adequate to save them from the coming storm. She could smell it in the air, knew that it was on its way. Harsh winds approach, she thought to herself. And finally our Master of Navigations has a task.

    "Major Domo 'Te 'Sausamee, analyze those maps, every detail. Search especially for locations we can harvest food or fuel. Recruit others to assist you if you must. I need your first report a rotation from now." The command from Rious came sudden to Ryl, who looked startled at first before she immediately jumped to her console to dissect the maps. And now to see if the Humans are worth their word...

[Faclan]

NinjaBoss
Seso ‘Te ‘Uranai - Armory Master / Haplan - Unggoy Deacon of Personell.
Dark Intent vessel - Moving to weapons array
Hey we may be getting somewhere.

It was very clear to Seso that Rious did not like her second suggestion and really disliked the thrid one. Which Seso expected really and she tried to show with her face that she didn't like the idea either. Not able to respond with text as Rious held the pad and the Shipmistress didn't know sign language so she couldn't use that either.

At least some of her suggestion was taken to heart to try and keep the peace. She haddn't wanted for it to be straight to public executions unless it was an huge infraction like several Human deaths but it was hard to try and go into detail when she was trying to type fast. At least some concessions had to be made so the Humans did not try to form a resistance group more than they likely were already. She reached out to take the pad back before it was snatched back for Rious to reply to her last suggestion. Seso was honestly shocked that she seemed to even be considering it as she nodded and thumped her fist to her chest in a salute before clicking a button on the pad to play her prepared emote. A male Sangheili voice coming from her pad.

"Understood Master, I will be in the armory if needed." Before typing out. 'I will inform one of our to begin looking through personnel records for candidates.' And then she turned to head off before spinning around to re face Rious and follow after her. She had repairs to begin but needing those reports as well that Rious had just mentioned receiving. And while she following behind the ShipMistress she typed out a message before sending it to the Unggoy Deacon who had been in charge of assessing the troop damage while she and several others were working on ship damages. The Armory Master groaning as she hit send. The Deacon was as pious as Rious and she was sure that he would hate the idea just as much as her.

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

Wiping his beady eyes as he tried to look up from the list of scrolling names and faces Haplan wished that the Gods had been more kind to them. So many soldiers lost before they could even please the Gods. Not to mention the other vessels of loyal sons and daughters of the Covenant who had been lost to the heavens. It was all...horrible. Another stack of names he had to transfer to the lost in action bin before he jumped! The communication he had sat in the chair with him bleeping and shaking right against his hip causing him to almost fall down on it before he caught himself and read the message. It was for the unclean cripple that someone had gotten a place on this holy vessel!

'The Trierarch has agreed on a tentative plan to gather some of our forced to attempt to establish contact with our forces by joining on a human ship that can leave the sector. She suggests Kig-Yar but any of our force who you believe would be willing to undertake this mission should be contacted. The Yanme'e who are keeping eyes on the Human pilots should try and find out how many vessels could make this trip.'

Haplan could barely believe his eyes. Not only had the mute scum suggested such a heretical plan but she had convinced the Trierarch of it too! Her corruption knew no bounds! But he took a deep breath if his methane before setting the pad down. Fine. He knew that although the Armory Master was unclean she would not lie about the Trierarch. So he shelved his current list of personnel and opened up a new one. Highlighting the Yanme'e who were currently out observing the pilots and sending a message to them first. Before he would start to review the misdeeds of the Kig-Yar who were free of injury or death to see who would be potentially most willing. Perhaps they would die during this foolish venture. That would save Haplan the headache of trying to get permission from Rious to execute those damned Kig-Yar himself.

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

With the message to the Human uhh...CityMaster? complete Seso would attempt to parse what her pad picked up of the entire conversation and was having a tricky time with it. At least they seemed willing to part with some food so their own forces didn't have to force food out of them. Thats something at least. It was impossible to tell the future but maybe this could actually work. And with that hopefully started she had repairs to try to get too as she typed up another message for Rious. Before one was given to her. Which Seso skimmed over before typing a reply to that and then asking her own questions.

'Of course Trierarch - I'll pass that along to the Deacon to set up time tables. Do you need anything else from me Trierarch or shall I return to repairs?'



LaxKnight
Epsilon of Swarm DI-HD - 006
Waddling along the streets
Time to ask the important questions.

Pleased that her presence had been noticed Epsilon returned to a more neutral position hanging on the awning. Arms crossed over her chest as she closed into a little ball. Happy to have this moment of rest. It was all working out today with having found one of the human pilots. The ones most likely to try and flee while the Intents ship board weapons were struggling to fully function. So she would keep an eye on this one. As she had been ordered too. Likely not very fun for the Human to have the bug constantly staring at them as their wings or open carapace occasionally twitched but it was for his safety! Surely he wound understand that.

Flee or try to crash their vessel into the Intent. Neither of which were currently acceptable. Though the unbroken stare finally finished as Epsilon looked up, down to the human, at the translator hanging from her neck as it clicked and whistled at her.

'Plans are being construction and personal examined for a possible joint Human DI venture to ascend starward for information. Those observing the Human pilots increase attention. Ascertain if their vessel is still operational. Deacon Haplan out.'

Reaching out to click that it had been received Epsilon looked back at her personal charge to see he had gone! Oh no! Quickly looking around and making a whistling noise before she spotted him just turning the corner! That would not do at all. Dropping off the support bar and flipping over to fly around the corner before landing behind him. Starting to walk and hop along as she kept pace with him. Still worn out from the days earlier flying to do much more of it so walking it would have to be. Before she clicked and whistled at the pilot as she walked. Waiting for the translator to do its thing as well.

"Pilot of crates. How operational is your ship?" Start off simple as her new mission needed information!

[Remnant]

(NPC)
Richard "Rich" Keeson, Innocent Civilian
Main Street Supermarket
With Friends Like These...

"Can't be too careful in times like these." Rich said, relaxing his grip on the pistol. "Ever since you lot showed up, looters have been running rampant. You'd think it's the end of the world." Rich shrugged, staring at the alien warship in the sky. "Who knows, maybe it is." Just as Rich finished his sentence, a loud Plop! was heard as Claire dropped her mother's memento into a puddle. The coin began to float away with the current towards a storm drain. The alien before them quickly snatched it up just because it went through the grate. Unexpectedly, it remained crouched with its hand held outward. Claire gently took the coin from the alien's palm, mesmerized by its glowing pink eyes.

Looking at the coin, she quickly snapped out of the hypnosis. "Daddy, when's mommy coming home? I miss her!" Claire asked, looking up towards her father. Her eyes sparkled and glazed as tears collected at the corners.

"She'll be home soon, Claire. She's running errands right now." Rich said, although his nearly-breaking voice betrayed the well-kept lie. Rich made eye contact with the alien, hoping to convey a silent message. Perhaps the bird would connect the dots between the looters and his wife's recent death.

"Maybe we can find her out here? Or maybe she made it home first? I want mommy!" Claire raised her voice. "Maybe Mister bird-man can help us find her?" Claire pleaded, eyes shifting between Rich and the alien.

"I-I'm sure Mister-" Rich paused. "What was your name again?" Before giving the alien a chance to reply, he continued. "I'm sure he has places to be. We can't trouble strangers with our problems." Rich finished.

"B-but... Daaad!" Claire begged.

"We'll check the house, Claire. I don't think Mommy's out here and it's about time we headed back that way." Rich sighed. "Hopefully everything's still in one piece..." He muttered, quiet enough that Claire couldn't hear but perhaps loud enough that the avian could.

"Yay! Mommy's home!" Claire shouted at the top of her lungs.

[LaxKnight]

Faclan
Luis Deleon - Freighter Driver
Somewhere along Main Street
Caught Up


    His poncho kept him dry, but the wetness made Luis a bit cold. Or perhaps it was the chill of being under the watch of exterminators? Or perhaps the cold dread that they could kill them all and he could do little about it, at least at the moment. Whatever the case, he couldn't help but shiver. He just prayed that they would let them live after they got what they wanted.

    Luis heard the chittering of wings heading his direction. It didn't take much to guess what it was. He instinctively hunched his head down, hoping that it'd ignore him and fly over. However, he could hear something land behind him with a light yet wet plop. He knew it was for him, likely the Bugger that was stalking him at the bar, but he continued anyway as if he had no idea what was going on. He walked down main street toward the hangar where his ship was, vainly hoping that it'd stop following him, until it moved in front of him and can no longer be ignored. He gave some surprise at this, then it emitted strange, alien sounds. Nothing happened for a bit as they just looked at each other as Luis waited fearfully for something to happen until the thing around its neck began to speak English. He stared at it as he listened.

    "Pilot of crates. How operational is your ship?"

    His first thought was to his title: pilot of crates. The second of wondering how it knew what he did was swiftly quashed by the rationalization that there likely weren't any other kinds of pilots here. Still living that is. He then wondered why it was asking him. Did it want to decommission his ship? Decommission him? Search his ship's memory for Earth? He's wiped all nav data and maps even from his dumb AI. Poor girl was still having a hard time coming to grips with it since one of her main functions was navigation. He considered lying but his conscience wouldn't let him. The Lord doesn't reward liars. Perhaps this was another test.

    Luis looked back up at the monster's dead, glowing, bug eyes and said, "She can fly."

[MrKill]

Anne Triechet
Private Pelican Pilot
Some rich dudes mansion

Anne had slept through the 'occupation', she woke up to a massive warship hovering over the city center with a nasty hangover; nineteen missed calls from her employer, fuck him, even with the Covenant invading the city it wasn't her job to pander to that rich asshole. Apparently it had been two days since the party, two days where she was likely... maybe dying of alcohol poisoning, two days she spent sleeping and avoiding any form of light. What a party it was, though.

Bzzzzzzzzz

Bzzzzzzzzz

Bzzzzzzzzz

"Yeah?" Anne answered, not realizing it was her employer as she opened the door.

"Where in the fuck have you been, you lazy w****!" He shot. "I've been tryi-"

"Whoa! Excuse me?" Anne bit back. "How dare you, I am not here t-"

"Shut you fucking mouth, bitch." Mr. Driscot growled. "Get your ass in the truck."

"Bite me." Anne replied, she didn't have enough Ibuprofen to deal with this shit.

"I'm paying you six digits, you want to be paid none!" Driscot argued.

"Oh, my bad, I didn't know finding good pilots on this shitty ass farming colony were easy to come by!" Anne sarcastically answered, it had shut him down for a moment, just not long enough for her to get another sentence in.

"Aliens are here, you idiot, someone desperate enough will love to use your pelican in an escape attempt."

"Touch my bird and you won't have to worry about the Covenant killing you." She sternly stated, slammed her front door and tried to bottle up the rage she had felt. In truth she had no idea what was going on outside, just that a huge warship was hovering high above the colony. It looked damaged, badly damaged actually, yet there were no dropships or fighters sailing through the clouds, at least not yet.

Mr. Driscot opened the door, further enraging the pilot. "You don't allow yourself into my home!"

Two bodyguards stepped through the door as her employer took a step back. "You'll be coming with us. Now."

"And when we get there, you will get ready to fly. Understood?" The second chimed in.

Anne couldn't argue with these two, they were his enforcers and they would put her six feet underground. Great. She thought. Death by these to fat fucks or the Covenant.

Anne shot Driscot a glare as she was escorted into the truck, a small convoy of two vehicles with an independently armed escort revealed themselves further down the street as they approached to pick up her employer. She could see the barrel poking out the roof, a deployable defensive weapon should they need it. It wasn't exactly hidden, but perhaps they were hired just for the ride and never attempted to conceal the three partial barrels poking through the sunroof.

For the next twenty minutes the small convoy took side roads through as much foliage as they could, eventually arriving at the mansion where her pelican was expertly parked on a concrete landing pad. She took off towards it as soon as the bodyguards opened the door, climbed into the canopy and took her natural position behind the primary controls. She engaged the auxiliary power unit, turned on her monitors and watched the three displays come to life.

Primary, secondary and tertiary displays were all responding with high framerates and low latencies. A perfect APU startup if she ever had one, but then again she kept her pelican in immaculate shape. She held the MASTER CAUTION button for ten seconds, smiled as the alarms and lights whined and blinked into existence, and tapped the button again to shut down the various warnings the test produced. Everything there seemed to be working, now she just had to go down the pre-flight checklist.

Thunk.

"What the hell?" She muttered to herself, opened the canopy door and instantly regretted the decision. Both body guards had climbed aboard, dropped a create of whatever, and near simultaneously shot her a glance that could pierce Covenant energy shielding. "You steal any of this and we'll drop you off a cliff." It wasn't a threat, it was a guarantee. Anne took a step back, closed the canopy door and swore to herself. Am I a prisoner in my own pelican?

[Spartan 999]

Faclan Remnant

Minor Duma 'Mdalkam
On Main Street near the Supermarket
Meeting some new friends

Speaking of kig-yar, there was one up ahead. It was kneeling, holding something out to a small human. A child. And...its guardian, it seemed? The male—yes, a cursory look showed said guardian was a man—had a somewhat defensive posture. Such body language was recognizable regardless of species. He was not backing away from the kig-yar. In fact, they seemed to be conversing. Interesting.

The kig-yar gave Duma and Mumo a brief salute, which the latter acknowledged with a twitch of the head. The Sangheili duo approached with care, hooves softly splashing on the damp cement, as they did not wanting to spook the human guardian and his charge. Though the way the child took an object from the kig-yar's extended hand further intrigued Duma.

The humans seemed oblivious to the Sangheili “policemen” as they also spoke with each other. Over the rain, Duma heard the child say...something about a female, it seemed? And what was she using to address her protector? Was “Daaad” his name, or perhaps his title? Bah. Foreign languages were tricky at the best of times, let alone when there was ambient noise interference.

That being said, he was close enough to overhear something about a problem when the adult human spoke.

“Hail-o. Is...any a thing...not well?” Duma asked in accented English as he came to a halt a couple paces from the humans and the kig-yar. “Heard problem.” Hearing and understanding human-speech was one thing. Actually speaking the words and getting the grammar right was quite another. He eyed the humans, then glanced at the kig-yar. In Sangheili, he said, “What have they said about a problem? Is there something the matter that needs, er...'policing'?”

Admittedly, Duma didn't really care that much about the humans. He didn't hate them, though. Nevertheless, he had been ordered to keep the peace and try to...resolve conflicts and so forth.

“Perhaps their food stores have been running low, as well,” Mumo murmured.

Duma twitched his arm, wanting to give Mumo a quick shove, but he checked that motion. It wouldn't do to act in such a manner before a kig-yar, let alone a human. Instead, he simply clicked his mandibles in a shrug as he listened to the others.

[Faclan]

LaxKnight
Epsilon of Swarm DI-HD - 006
Waddling along the streets
To the moooooon!


The bug, while waiting for the response, opened up its carapace to whistle its wings back and forth to try and free them from the water before it closed up again. Epsilon hoping that the rain would stop being so small so it would sneak its way inside. Damn liquid! Bringing up one of its hands as well to hold over its glowing eyes as an answer was given out. The bug holding up the device to its face with its other hand as she waited for it to translate for it. Clicking and whistling before the bug let it fall again.

So the vessel could fly. That was good to report back. But just that wasn't good enough. She and the Covenant needed more! Surely the crateman would be happy to deliver such information. After all those who loaded for the Covenant always delivered reports and information promptly and without delay. It was a Human so some delay was allowed but not too much.

If the Human tried to move past her as she worked to formulate the next question to ask she would shuffle from side to side with her none rain shield hand out stretched to try and block the path. They were having important dialogue here after all. Trying to leave was rude! The clicks and hisses returning.

"Your ship flies yes. Can it fly out of system? Fly to home base?" Home base was a good metric. That was likely far from here. And a home, like a hive, would have many to ask for information and assistance. The bug nodding at its own excellent understanding of the situation. It wasn't as if asking if the ship could fly to a home base like Earth wouldn't go over poorly. Why would it? Home base was an important base to home at. It was all obvious really, squeak.


Remnant Spartan 999
Yun - Ruuthian Sniper
Main Street Supermarket
Seeing red n pink.

The eyes would dim as Yun narrowed them (assuming they can I dont know if we've ever seen a kig blink?) during the translation of the Human. It took awhile as it kept stopping and starting as the Human did but Yun did catch one important word in all that. Looters. Criminals. Scum taking advantage of those less aggressive or fortunate than them to take what wasn't theirs. A low hiss coming from the Kig thankfully after Calire took the coin from his hand. Which formed into a fist once it was taken as he finally rose to his full height again.

And as he continued to listen the anger only seemed to intensify as Yun seemed to pick up the hints that the girls mother had been killed by criminals. Criminals that sounded just like the Sisterhood he had nearly died to escape from. Well then...he had been told to keep the peace. And these Sunk ones were disrupting it. His path was now clear as he gave the Human a curt nod. Clicking and hissing as the Sangheili approached. Yun turning to see them as the headset responded. "Yun - and these criminals are an issue that will be dealt with with great pleasure." That likely sounded rather creepy as the Sangheili grumbled and worted out their own language. Yun holding up a hand to press on the side of his hood so what they said and he replied back to them would not be translated.

"This Human has been attacked by Human looters. They killed his Nestmate and mother of the young one." Yun clearly very angry as his none head touching fingers twitched. "With your...permission Sirs I would like to go remove this threat to the peace." It wouldn't be much of a stretch for the Sangheili to guess that even if they said no this Kig-Yar would likely go off to do this regardless as he looked back at the Human. Removing his hand from the side of his head as he clicked to be translated.

"Where is your home nest Human? And what is your name? One or all of us will be escorting you back to resolve this infestation you have."

Well that was presumptuous with two Sangheili literally standing over him to be giving orders and directives like that.

[MrKill]

Anne Triechet
Private Pelican Pilot
Some rich dudes mansion

Anne had almost completed her preflight checklist when the canopy door behind her slid open, dropping a blood drenched man into the flight compartment. He splattered the co-pilot seat as he fell, blood pooling as he tried to pull himself up. She recoiled out of her seat intending to investigate what had happened to the poor guy, but the door slammed shut on the gentlemen's leg with a sickening CRACK!. A moment later he started screaming in pain, unable to pull himself away from the still closing doors. Triechet subconsciously grabbed the med kit hanging on the right side to the interior door, hit the emergency release button followed by the OPEN key to relieve the pressure.

"Are you alright?" She asked, bending down as the man crawled the rest of the way into the canopy. She glanced back towards the passenger bay but whomever had done this quickly disappeared, she already knew who was responsible. She stood up briefly, hit the CLOSE key and returned to her task. The man had deep lacerations across his face, mostly on the right cheek as she started wiping the blood away with an antibacterial wipe. His right eye was extremely discolored, while his left was showing signs of minor trauma. They had, for lack of better words to describe the wounds, beat this man damn close to his death.

He was apparently too traumatized to talk.

"Okay I'm going to stop the bleeding and bandage you up, okay?" Anne replied, grabbing the bio foam and sterile bandages from the medical kit. She wiped the new blood away, quickly applied a small amount of bio gel and messaged the expanding foam deeper into the wound. It probably hurt, but it would stop the bleeding and seal everything up. Before the foam could react to quickly, she applied the bandages and repeated the process.

"Thank you," the man finally said. "I appreciate it."

"What happened to you?" Anne asked. "What can I call you?"

The wounded gentlemen slowly pushed himself up and rested on the back of the co-pilot seat, further smearing his own blood in the flight compartment. "My name is Aluu Mohaudzadeh."

"Alright, Aluu, what did you do? You know, uh, to turn up this way."

Aluu chuckled to himself. "I'm their accountant, I mean no offense... but I refused to fly in this."

Anne was taken aback by the comment, but never took it personally. "They beat you up because you didn't want to board the pelican?"

"Look up," Aluu stated. "Give it half a day and they'll just shoot us down. This is a flying coffin, nothing more."

"I'm here against my will too," Anne commented as she stood up, returning the medical kit to its designated place. "I either fly of get dropped off a cliff, apparently."

Aluu scoffed.

The pelican shifted, then again, followed by another two times. "Hey Aluuuuuuu-yyy," one of the men mocked in sing-song. "Your girlfriend in there treating you nice?" He added as the pelican started to rock back and forth, extending the 'nice' to form a sexual innuendo.

"Pig." Anne shot back quietly.

After all four chimed in mocking the gentlemen, they departed just as quickly as they had arrived. Anne opened the canopy door to observe what they were loading into her pelican: the passenger bay was stuffed with six crates now, four of them stacked on top of one another in partially exposed metal cages. What in the world was so valuable to that rich tawt... that he was forcing his accountant and pelican pilot to do things against their will?

She grabbed a utility knife and left the canopy, she intended to find out what it was.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you." Aluu commented, but she had already committed. She bent down and sliced into the fabric behind the steel ribbed crates, yellow-blue seed-like objects started rushing out of the bag and spilling into the passenger compartment. She back pedaled into the canopy as she realized in an instant she was working for a drug kingpin, her face washed as if she had seen a ghost.

"I'm so stupid."

She slammed the canopy CLOSE key and slid her back down the pilot seat.

"It won't be me to tell," Aluu said. "Not after this." He added, circling his puffy face.

Thanks, I guess? She thought, recognizing the second part of that sentence as a 'I would if this didn't happen'.

[LaxKnight]

Faclan
Luis Deleon - Freighter Driver
Somewhere along Main Street
Interrogated in the Rain


    As Luis waited for the Bugger to understand, or at least that’s what he presumed what was happening as its translation device chirped and whistled, his eyes wandered around him. They were given a wide berth as people did their best to ignore them. There were a few glances of suspicion, paranoia, and pity but most wouldn't look at them at all. Out of sight out of mind. It was this coldness and the coldness from the rain that caused him to shiver involuntarily, causing a few drops to shake off.

    Luis saw it start speaking and he couldn't help but let out a sigh as it became evident that he was likely going to be stuck talking to this thing for a while. Being interrogated by a man-eating bug in the middle of the street was the last thing he expected to happen today. Maybe killed, which in fairness could still very well happen, but not this. He just hoped that this wouldn't paint him as a target to any freedom fighters. The device then started to spew English.

    "Your ship flies yes. Can it fly out of system? Fly to home base?"

    Luis gave a confused look. Home base? Was it talking about where he was staying in the city? Where he's from? Or going? His headquarters? Or… Earth? He couldn't help but feel something was lost in translation. But it ultimately didn't change the answer. Truth has kept him alive so far; best to keep going. God was clearly watching over him to even have this conversation in the first place.

    "I can fly out of the system. I have no maps," he said.

    He left out the home part mainly because he wasn't sure what it was talking about. Hopefully saying that he had no maps got the point across that, while capable, he can't really go anywhere. If it believed him that is. He shivered again, looked around, then asked, "If there are more questions, can we get out of the rain?"

    He pointed a thumb to under an awning by a cafe.

[Remnant]

Richard "Rich" Keeson, Innocent Civilian
Main Street Supermarket
Untitled Sub-Section Because I Was In A Rush And Had To Leave

"The name's Richard. 'Rich', if you will." Rich said to the alien. He was actually rather shocked that the creature wanted to help them. The man was startled when the two towering monsters had approached, visibly flinching. They looked as though they were trouble, their massive hands easily capable of crushing a Human skull like a watermelon. Rich shuttered at the thought of it, before being brought back to reality.

"Our house is down the ways. A few blocks southeast from here, on the outskirts of town. We live in a farmhouse next to my family's ranch. You'll see it soon as you spot the big-ass barn." Rich told the aliens where his home was and gave a brief description. Claire grew impatient by the minute, tugging on her daddy's sleeves aggressively. "I want to see mommyyyyy!" Claire cried out, her tugging getting more firm.

Rich glanced at the trio of aliens, unsure of what to do now.

[Spartan 999]

Faclan Remnant
Minor Duma 'Mdalkam
On Main Street near the Supermarket
About to embark on an adventure!

“I see.”

Looters? Human looters? Were they really so bold when a Covenant ship was floating directly above their heads? Maybe they thought Shipmistress 'Wodamai had gone soft, and were taking advantage of the situation to rob their own kind.

Furthermore, what did the kig-yar mean by “nestmate”? The adult male's—ohh, it must be his wife. Which meant the child was the man's daughter. And she was...fully aware of this fact? How strange. Kig-yar and humans were strange.

Duma's confusion about such topics was the main reason why he didn't take much affront to Yun's flagrant overstepping of authority.

“I suppose this would fall under 'policing' the city,” he murmured, turning to Mumo. “We were told to 'deal with disturbances and maintain the peace'.” Duma couldn't keep a sardonic bite out of his tone. He didn't particularly hate them, but he didn't really like them, either. Needless to say, there was a lot of reluctance when it came to protecting them, even those deemed noncombatants.

Mumo grunted noncommittally. “Think of it this way: now we have a good reason to kill humans.”

“Mm.” Duma grumbled under his breath. Mumo did raise a fair point. He turned back to Yun and the humans. In English, he said, “Very well. We help.”

[Faclan]

LaxKnight
Epsilon of Swarm DI-HD - 006
Standing under a awning
Secrets and the unknown.

The bug would start to twitch and flick their arms and none standing legs out as they tried to keep the rain from getting just everywhere. Likely offputting to the Human as the bug bugged out in front of it. Before a response was made. The insect freezing as it held the translator and waited for it to tell them what was going on. But before it could finish the Human spoke up again. Extra information!? New mission? But no. Just complaints about the rain. The bug looking up at the crying sky before hissing and spasming to get the liquid off its face before it started to hop over to the indicated awning. A complaint but one she agreed with. And once under she opened up her carapace again and spread her wings to hopefully let them dry a little before she worked on a response. She seemed to think that the Human had not understood the previous questions.

"Big ship cant go yet. Need extra ship to find information. Many actions happen lately. Many unknowns." She waited for that to be translated as there was another bout of spasm and kicks to get water off before she added in. "Would go with you hive and some of my hive for safe. Find out unknowns to know future."

That seemed to be the brief of what Haplan had told them. Epsilon giving the translator a shake to get some of the water off it before letting it rest around their neck again. Joining its arm limbs together under her chin to more easily look up at the taller Human. "You have been much helpful. Many thank." She squeaked out. Those outside the hive liked to be complimented often for just doing their job. The Human likely will as well.

Though she turned at several gasps behind her and saw a Kig-Yar sniper running toward her and the Human. Epsilon quickly moving between the Human and the Kig with arms out to her side. This was her Human! Not some Kig snack. But thankfully he moved around before he was off down the street again. The Yanme'e blinking before turning back and focusing on the Human again.


Remnant Spartan 999
Yun - Ruuthian Sniper
Main Street Supermarket
Time to hunt!

Extremely pleased that the Sangheili agreed that these criminals needed to die Yun looked in the direction that Rich was pointing. Nodding as the directions were clicked and cheeped into his head. Hands twitching as he was clearly ready to go. Ready to hunt and kill for the bounty. The bounty just being him doing his job but for once he would do so willingly! He wasn't sure what a barn was but he was sure what a block was. And ranch, a large open farm. Should be easily to locate. Hands going to the sling around his chest to tighten it down for the run before they moved up to his head. Pressing down on it to 'cycle' the dialogue currently being fed into it so it would not all be translated. As Yun guessed the Sangheili would not want their guessing of orders to be given to the Human in English. But he was already started to walk backwards after they had agreed to help as Yun quickly clicked and cheeped out his response. Barely letting it all be translated before he turned in the direction and started to jog. A sprint to Humans as he kept hold of his hood and sling.

"Understood, follow when ready Sirs. I will scout." And if he had his way shoot as well. The Kig-Yar soon around the corner. The few citizens out in the rain quickly moving aside and looking terrified as Yun ran past them. Eyes ablaze with the possibility of murdering criminals. Something he had always wanted to do after years of being their little tool. Species matter not. They wanted to harm and exploit others. That made them dead to Yun. All they needed was a little hot plasma help to get there faster.

Sliding around a corner before starting to run again as he zipped right past a Yanme'e and Human who were sharing tea or something it wasn't important. The buildings were getting shorter and he could see fields ahead of him. He was nearly there as he reached back to slide the beam rifle from his back, under his arm, and into his arms. The time was nigh!


Haplan also watching Yun's headset signal moving outside of its assigned patrol route. Leaning closer to try and watch. Keep going Kig-Yar. Keep going against your orders. He'd get them executed yet!

[NinjaBoss]

Rious ‘Xar Vo’ha ‘Wodamai

Sangheili Trierarch of CPV Class Heavy Destroyer Dark Intent

Expedition, Docked above Silo City Heritage Park, Command Center of the Dark Intent

23rd Rotation, Cycle of Belief, Milestone of Knowledge, 1st Revolution of the 40th Age of Conflict

Baptism In Fire

Faclan

    “The gods will not be pleased,” said the ship’s XO, examining the visual of the planet that glowed with blue light inside of the holotank. “Your Deacon didn’t object?” Ygar ‘Il ‘Wodamee had returned from distributing Rious’ orders shortly after she had dismissed her armory master to return to ship repairs and immediately protested the plan to commandeer human vessels. Negotiating with the humans in order to buy time for repairs is sinful enough, he had claimed, but to use their technology for personal gain is heresy.

    “Haplan is obedient. No doubt he balked when he received the order, but he knows better than to refuse me.” Rious had grown fond of the Deacon for his discipline, as well as his ability to counsel her wisely. This time she knew what he would say if she asked him, so she had weighed her decision on her own. “Seso ‘Te ‘Uranai’s plan was not suggested in bad faith. The pious will not deign to associate themselves with nishum technology, and the faithless who do will be taking a risk. If they don’t make it back, well, nevermind then. We’ll have no need to trouble ourselves with them further.”

    “And if they do come back?” Ygar still wasn’t convinced, she could tell.

    “Then perhaps they’ll stand judgment after we’ve returned home, if there’s anyone left to judge them. If not…” Rious paced around the holotank and gazed out the massive windows of the command center, studying the stars as she pondered. Would their redemption be possible? She wondered. Then Rious had an idea.

    “A baptism of fire!” She exclaimed.

    “A what?”

    “Let us consult the Deacon. Come, ‘Il ‘Wodamee.”

    …

    “Deacon Haplan.” Rious gave the Deacon a gesture of respect proper for his position of office. While she would always be his superior, and as such would never bow or kneel to the Unggoy, servants of the faith held their own place of honor. Custom dictates that they be treated accordingly, just as it does for the military commanders. Whatever had happened to the Covenant, Rious would not turn her back on tradition.

    “We have come to consult you about the Trierarch’s most recent orders. Tell her, Deacon, this scheme is blasphemy.” Ygar wasted no time getting to the point, and Rious gave him a hard look, giving Haplan time to respond before she spoke again.

    “After we’ve left this planet,” she began, “there may be no one left to judge the guilty, save for you and I. If the… volunteers, if you’ll allow, survive their excursions with the human stain that darkens this place, could they be redeemed?” She waited again for Deacon Haplan to respond, but Ygar was growing impatient.

    “Must we have this whole conversation again? Tell us about your baptism and be down with it.” Ygar placed an open palm against the nearest wall, clearly frustrated. Perhaps he had been growing too comfortable around her throughout the years. He has no excuse for this insolence, she told herself. Rious grunted angrily.

    “Beware, ‘Il ‘Wodamee, or you won’t hear of the baptism at all, nor possibly anything else, ever again!” Rious parted her legs in a combat stance and faced herself squarely towards her ship’s XO, one hand partially behind her and ready to draw her Energy Sword if need be. Challenges to their leadership should be expected by wise Trierarchs if they hoped to maintain their command during times of turmoil. Rious knew that friends could turn foes in a tick. She would not be blindsided by a betrayal.

    Ygar observed her closely, his eyes flitting between her combat stance and the positioning of her hands. Wisely, he knelt. “Forgive me, Trierarch.” Rious watched him on the floor for several ticks before she relaxed, and left him to kneel while she resumed her conversation with the Deacon.

    “A baptism of fire, Deacon,” She began. “A trial by peril… let death be their judge, and the gods themselves the jury! We shall form a creche from these volunteers, and send them to the front lines! Discipline and faith will guide them back to the rest of our ranks, but failure…” She paused, looking each of her subordinates in the eyes. First the Deacon, then Y’gar, on his knees, and back to the Deacon again. “Failure will be the end of their troubles.”

[Faclan]

NinjaBoss

Haplan - Ships Deacon
Dark Intents Prayer Room
Yeeeeeeez.

Upon entering the Chapel section of the Dark Intent the two Bridge officers would likely spot Haplan with both of his hands on a readout screen with his eyes far too close to it. He'd damage his eyes like that! He clearly didn't notice the two entering as those little blue reflective eyes were carefully watching one signal get futher and further away from the city. It was almost out into the outskirts now. And through his methane mask Haplan had the biggest grin on his face.

Oooh this would get that drug tainted former criminal killed for sure! Leaning back and taking a quick puff of a small Infusion bottle next to him Hap turned in his chair. Intending to hop happily off the chair to go inform the Trierarch of this scums movements!

Before she was right there! Thankfully Haplan was already in the chair so he couldnt fall over at being so surprised at that. Raising up a hand to right himself against the back of it. Though to the Sangheili it would likely be taken as a greeting and a slight bless like gesture. As a true Deacon would upon greeting pious members of the faith. Though the two officers began to speak before he could reveal what Yun was doing. And so Haplan was quiet as the discussion continued.

"It is Blasphemous - of that there is no doubt." He began with, before adding with a hiss. "But so are the fur covered Apostates' who attacked us and got us into this position. It does not surprise me that more treacherous actions may be required for us to escape this trial." Well at least he was somewhat of a realist about where they had found themselves.

His eyes would narrow at the question of redemption. But due to the big mask he wore that was about all the nonverbal ques he could muster as he gestured back at the screen. The two Sangheili likely spotting the list of names he has been tabulating for this hair brained scheme. And the small dot going off into the city outskirts. He'd bring that up later. "Your troops that would be willing, I believe at least, to attempt this mission are already stumbling on The Path. This cavorting with the enemy will likely take many of them far beyond what they could hope to redeem in life." Haplan sure hoped at least. Then they could be killed without affecting his own majestic bounding up The Path! "But it would depend on what they have to do during the pilgra...excursion." It was unholy after all. Not a good path to attempt.

When it looked like swords were to be drawn the Deacon would step sideways, backwards, and sideways again to now be standing behind his table. Squeaking out that 'Violence is forbidden in this holy place!' though his quiet voice clearly showed his trepidation of talking back to two such higher ranked that he. But thankfully the male backed down from the challange. Good. Hap moving to the side of the chair for this grand plan to be revealed. The edges of his eyes shrinking down as a huge smile spread behind his breath mask. Spreading out his arms and bowing deeply to Rious.

"Trierarch - you speak as if the Gods themselves are guiding your words. Your plan is a fantastic one. In fact," hopping back into his chair he expanded the small map he had been watching. The dot now having a name under it; 'Yun - Ruuthian - Sniper' Hap tapping as he kept his smirk. "This one has deserted his assigned patrol route. Such disobedience already Trierarch. While he may be efficient for this unholy excursion he may need to be dealt with before." Pop! Crack! Snap! Break that chicken neck!

(Maybe Haplan will be a recurring character...I kind of like this gas sucker already)