Mission 2: Intermission

[Jakob]

Lieutenant Jakob Zaborowski

Jakob ran up to a Sergeant who was carrying some Covenant tech with him.

He jogged next to him and asked "Hey you know what were supposed to do? Captain looks kind of busy with that spook!"

The Sergeant craned his head a bit as Jakob followed. Jakob rubbed the back of his neck, "So, you know what fresh meat has to do?"

[monkeyjoe14]

ODST Sergeant Redsont

Redsont looked at the trooper. He obviously hadn't seen much action, he might not even been part of the battle.

"Where's your squad trooper, or are you alone out here?", Redsont asked.

Meanwhile, the rest of Redsont's squad gathered around.

[Jakob]

Lieutanet Jakob Zaborowski

"Eh? I am a lieutenant, me and one of my squads, Nova squad just touched down, Commander Hallam looks occupied so I figured I would ask what you needed my people to do."

Before the man could answer he spoke again

"It's Jakob, Jakob Zaborowski."

[monkeyjoe14]

ODST Sergeant Jack Redsont

Redsont looked over the lieutenant and at the device. He then had an idea.

"Well, we were securing munitions from the battle so feel free to do that", Redsont told him.

He than passed Jakob and proceeded to Captain Hallam with the covenant tech.

"Sir, you should probably have a look at this", Redsont said.

Spartan 178-Joe

Joe glanced at the covenant tech the trooper held out and politely took it from the sergeant. He looked it over and saw that there was a port the size of his thumb in the back of the device.

"I'm picking up shortwave frequencies in infrared from that port", Churchill stated.

"Can you access it", Joe asked.

"Yeah, I should be able to access their data", Churchill responded.

Joe took out Churchill's chip and inserted it into the device. Three seconds later, Churchill spoke.

"Interesting", Churchill said.

"What is it", Joe asked.

"I found the codes to the grav doors but I also found the data from the ONI building on Arcadia, except this data is severally currupted"

"Which means", Joe asked.

"Which means it's not the original data, the covenant must of copied it so that we might grab a decoy.", Churchill explained.

"So we grab the rest of the data from the ship", Joe stated.

"Not so simple, first is because that there are several copies and almost all high ranking officers have it, second there is a covenant greeting party in the grav lift bay", Churchill stated.

Joe fell silent, whoever was leading these soldiers knew how to lead. Even if the grav lift wasn't closed the soldiers awaiting them would obliterate them.

"Sir, I hope you have a plan", Joe told Hallam.

Suddenly that nuking idea seemed like a really good option.

[Jakob]

Lieutenant Jakob Zaborowski

Jakob nodded at the Sergeant

"OK thanks, we will do so until told other wise." He jogged off as the Sergeant spoke to the Captain.

Jakob jogged back to the Sergeant who had just finished his briefing with

"The fate of the Human race is in our hands." Jakob whispered into his his ear.

"We have to find Covie tech and give it to the spook and the Captain." The Sergeant nodded and looked at his men

"We will pick up anything Covenant and put them in piles with everyone else, anything that is very interesting, as in shield gauntlets, PDA's and such will be given to the spook, all Medics should aid the wounded."

The ODST' stood there still at attention, Aborn looked at them, if it weren't for his helmet his words would have been predictable because of the annoyed look on his face

"MMOOVVEE OOUUTT!" Yelled the Sergeant into a Privates helmet, all of the ODST's scrambled.

Jakob nodded and walked off, he looked down at a dead Jackal and grabbed its beam rifle, he kept walking and found a sheild gauunlet, he detatched it and walked over to the ONI

"I found this, thought you might like it" said Jakob holding the gauntlet.

[newblood]

Captain Dray Perion

Outer limits of Gliese-876

The Perion didnt waste the commodore's time with lame excuses to why his ship was sent without an AI and only replied with a "Yes sir." and the line cut.

"Come about to heading two-zero-five and get into formation on the port side of the fleet, transfer firing solution of the MAC gun to the AI on the Prelude to Implication," he paused to let his crew work,"And point defense control to the Scylla's AI."

Hi crew confirmed all telemetry was finished, "Ok, Lieutenant, send a message to Admiral Cuttingham," He waited, Inzerkov was an interesting person, originally German heritage his blood was that of Russian.
"Ready sir,"

"Message start: Admiral, the UNSC Fenix Is on station and ready, we have met with the RRTF fleet and are awaiting any further orders, We currently have no AI to function our ship to maximum heights as Reported in the Requests, our schedualed AI was delayed for memory repairs, and the ship currently has many troops for use if ever needed. Captain Dray Perion. End message." He gave himself a second to breath as Inzerkov confirmed the message was sent.

He took his seat in his captains chair, looking around at his crew
"So Katerna, what happened to your sweetheart on Reach? Did she dump you?" Caldera asked, Dray knew clearly that Bekka loved Katerna, but never could stand up to tell him
"I really dont want to talk about that, im trying to link these dang AI, its difficult," Katerna was stalling, he knew the Officer was very skilled in linking and AI usage, but Bekka just nodded and return to work.

[hollowsaber]

Private Jake Furrow Fireteam Alpha, Nova Squad

Jake sighed of heavy relief. After he was given his orders, very loudly and rudely, by the Sergeant, he wanted to get as far away from everyone as he could. It was his first mission on the ground, but killing the Covenant was the only thing on his mind. There were both UNSC and Covenant bodies scattered across the Crater, which made him angry. He had missed the action, now he was on clean-up duty. He walked up to a dead jackal and kicked the bird-thing in the face, attempting to make it feel pain even though it was dead. Jake stared angrily through his visor, thinking of what he would've done to kill it himself. As he thought, he saw the gauntlet on the Jackal's wrist that the Sergeant ordered him to get. Jake looked around then set his rifle down when he saw he was safe. His priorities came second to ONI, if the technology got better, he could kill more later. Jake slipped the gauntlet off the skimpy wrist and took a close look at the weird brace. What did ONI want with a dinky thing like this? It wouldn't even protect the user from a rock.

Jake fumbled with the gauntlet and tried to figure out how it worked. Without any experience against actual jackals, he had no idea how the gauntlet worked... or if it would blow up in his face. After twirling the gauntlet for a few moments, a button reflected in the light and Jake stopped twirling the brace. Curious, Jake stared at the button. With a gentle tap, the gauntlet flickered and a big plasma shield appeared. Immediately, he dropped the gauntlet and fell away from it.

Jake stared at the gauntlet and tapped it with his foot, to his satisfaction it didn't do anything. Jake looked around for a superior officer to give it to, but he couldn't see his Lieutenant or his Sergeant from the distance he was at. Jake stood up with a sigh and walked back to the LZ, gauntlet in hand. He stopped a little bit away and Jake looked around through his visor, checking the slight movement out of the corner of his eye. He was either to on edge or someone was stumbling around like a drunk. Jake shrugged and steadied his sniper on his back so it wouldn't bounce around as much. With the gauntlet in hand, Jake walked around in the LZ until he saw his lieutenant.

He watched as the Lieutenant handed a rifle and a gauntlet over to the ONI guy. Jake scratched his helmet then jogged over to them. He held up the gauntlet he found to the spook, but he kept his mouth shut as he always did. Hopefully he wouldn't have to say anything...

[monkeyjoe14]

ODST Sergeant Redsont

Redsont was standing with Captain Hallam and Spartan 178 when John approached him.
"Sarge, got that Fisher guy patched up and on a pelican", John informed him.
"Lucky guy, he's gonna miss round 2", Redsont said with envy.
Redsont then retuned his attention towards the Spartan, who was still analyzing the data.

[warfighter1820]

The slight dimming of the ever-going drone of the pelicans engine, coupled with his Captains voice, brought him out of his light nap. "Allright Noble, we're coming in, ETA five minutes. Start checking weapons." Nick slowly opened his eyes and sat up, glancing around the pelican's holding-area, appropriately called the "blood-tray". He grinned slowly as he saw Pvt. John cleaning his beloved sniper.

"Hey, buddy, what the hell are you going to with that inside a covenant ship?" Butch chuckled his approval as John regarded Nick. "C'mon Nick, use that brain of yours. Not all units can go charging into the AC, some will need to stay outside and keep the area secure." Nick was about to reply when the curt voice of Cpt. Mickey cut in, "Cut the banter. Let's keep our heads and stay focused." "Sir, yes, sir!"

Nick pulled his weapons out from under his seat and quickly checked them over. He had to tweak the scope on his BR a bit, and his SMG's sliencer wasn't on the attached tightly enough, but besides that, they were fine. He strapped his SMG to his thigh, and gripped his BR tightly the rest of the ride.

When the pelican switched into hover, they quickly unstrapped themselves from their seats and collected their gear. John was the first to hit the ground, followed by Kelly, Butch, himself, with Mickey bringing up the rear. "Allright boys, wait here while i go find the officer in charge." Nick nodded and watched him go off before plopping himself down on a large rock. He was quickly joined by Butch and Kelly. The three were inseperable, having known eachother for years. Nick and Kelly were friends throughout childhood, and had met Butch on the shuttle after the destruction of harvest.

"So, how was your nap, sleeping beauty?" Nick rolled his eyes. "It was pretty good. Spent most of it dreaming of my long nights with your mother." His helmet hid his face, but judging from Butch's soft shaking, Nick could tell he was laughing. His suspicions were confirmed when his visor unpolarized, reveealing a huge shit-eating grin. "Hey, my mother was a very classy lady." Kelly snorted beside him, and even John smiled. The four broke out into a conversation while waiting for orders. Noble squad was back in the fight

[commander7890]

The Fisu Pair

Onboard the Pious Charity

Ogada watched as he extended his right arm forward, one of the floating purple Huragoks wrapped its tentacles around the arm, deactivating its locks and holds. Ogada watched, after a few moments the massive assault cannon unhatched itself from his arm and clattered to the ground loudly. There was another sound similar to it to his left, another Huragok doing the same for his bond-brother. The bulbous creatures floated off, and than returned a little while later, carrying heavy needlers of similar size and appearance to the assault cannons. They fitted the weapons onto the pair's arms and began locking them to the arm.

Ogada grew bored quickly, he wanted the humans to attack, give him something to kill and smash. After what felt like an eternity, the purple floaters finished fixing the heavy needlers to their arms. The weapons were unloaded of course, and Ogada tested the trigger, pulling his hand back inside of the gun like he would with his assault cannon. He was responded with an audible, *Click Click Click* good, the gun could fire. He hastily pulled his arm away from the Huragoks, they were disgusting creatures, and neither of the Fisu pair really enjoyed having their equipment or armor touched by the slimy things. The pair left the small room and started to head towards the armory. They didn't speak a word, silent as usual, the only sound being of the loud metallic foot steps they made as they move through the corridors and their metal plating bumping against other pieces of metal.

As they entered the armory, Ogada noticed the near emptiness of the armory, it was running out of weapons quickly. The Mgalekgolos walked through the armory until they reached a section in the back. There in the wall were multiple pairs of armament loaders of two different kinds. One that had a nozzle that could attach to and load an assault cannon's ammunition tubes with incendiary gel, and another that had a large and fat pink crystal sticking out, that could load into a heavy needler like the Fisu pair's. Ogada twisted his fist inside of the large gun and a hole opened up right above the firing hole of his heavy needler. As it opened, Ogada pressed his right arm forward, positioning the new entrance in his weapon right in front of the crystal and covering the crystal with it. The needler crystal was forced inside of the weapon and there was a pause as the weapon cut the crystal into thinner and longer pieces. After a small pause several pink spikes extended from the top of the gun, making a deeper noise than that of the regular needler when it's reloaded.

In place of the crystal Ogada had taken, another came from the hole in the wall, dragging the weapon from its supply cache. Ogada's bond-brother was doing the same as him, both of them refilling the ammunition for their weapons. After collecting multiple of the crystal into their weapons, the heavy needlers were finally fully loaded, the spikes even larger and longer than before, and more of them protruded from the top of the gun. Ogada grunted in satisfaction and turned, Nafasu following him. They began heading back to where they were before, the corridor they had set up to be a killing zone, only to find that a Jiralhanae-only pack had taken position there and had set up a barricade of cover. Nafasu let out a deep growl of frustration and Ogada too could feel his own anger building up at the sight.

"You have ruined our ambush point!" Ogada's body vibrated the words in the fur-covered bipedals' own, the room almost shook from the vibrations caused from the Mgalekgolo's body. The captain major spun around to face the pair, his jaws clenched in rage of his own. Unlike the Sangheili, the Jiralhanae were forbidden from wearing any armor with personal energy shielding. There was blood oozing from a bullet wound on the captain's jaw, a grazing shot, and a few holes in his thick fur coat on his exposed chest, despite this, only two of the wounds bled, showing how thick the fur was on the creatures. The Jiralhanae captain growled at the hunter pair in defiance and answered in its own language, the series of growls and hisses almost as deep as the Mgalekgolo's voice. "This area was open and had no cover! How dare you claim it for yourselves! We have turned it into a REAL bath that will fill with blood!"

"You are fools! Barbaric idiots! We should smash you into puddles of blood!" Nafasu answered. The mgalekgolos rumbled with excitement, the two had always loved the idea of battle, and were always eagerly awaiting a fight, probably even more-so than the Jiralhanae themselves. "You can go fight with the others! You Mgalekgolo are too short-minded to try and think of something else! Leave this place and let the pack claim this area!" the captain major retorted. The Fisu pair gave a deep reverberating growl of anger and the distinct sound of their heavy needlers arming themselves filled the air, the sharp spines on their backs bristled with anger and blood lust and they crouched into their combat stance. The brutes all raised their spikers and carbines, the captain major wielding a weapon that could only be recognized through feel as the dreaded Type-25 grenade launcher. Suddenly a voice shouted out in command, "Enough!" The pair didn't even have to turn around to know what it was. The tall, slender build with maneuverable power armor, and by the feel of the amount of heat it was absorbing, was a darker color, crimson. Through their quick analysis of the feel of the newcomer's shape and armor, it could only be a Sangheili major. The pair did not leave their stance, but relaxed a bit at the arrival of the warrior.

"Leave the bloodshed for the heretical humans! What is transpiring here??" The Sangheili commanded. "This pack has stolen from us a corridor we fixed to be a perfect killing zone for when the humans arrive!" Nafasu answered in the Sangheili language, Ogada continued his sentence, "They refuse to return it to us!" Ogada felt the Sangheili nod and turn his head towards the Jiralhanae, "Captain Major?" he asked. The captain replied with, "This hallway was empty! There were no Mgalekgolo here to claim it so we set up our own cover and made it OUR killing zone." the Jiralhanae hissed. The major paused and thought on this for a moment before replying, "Mgalekgolo, walk with me a moment." striding off through another corridor. The Fisu pair hesitated a moment, and than followed reluctantly.

"I understand your rage, fearsome mgalekgolo, but you must let the Jiralhanae have their "Victory" today, we do not need any blood shed amongst ourselves today, let them be killed by the humans, I am sure they will die one way or another this day." The Sangheili explained as he walked. Behind the group was the sounds of howling taunts and roars of victory from the Jiralhanae as the mgalekgolo followed the Sangheili. Ogada answered this time, "We claimed that spot first! How dare they intrude and steal it from us!" the vibrations running through the corridor. There was a detectable shudder from the major, he obviously had never spoken with a Mgalekgolo pair before, and was not used to the way they spoke through deeper vibrations that are both heard and felt. Ogada could feel him regain his posture and spoke again, "I understand, but best to let them keep it for now, I am sure the other forces will require your assistance elsewhere." The Fisu pair growled in agitation but the Sangheili made no signs of any fear, finally Ogada said, "Very well, we will find a new area than."

"Excellent." the major said, striding off into another corridor, "I am needed elsewhere." With that, the corridor entrance closed behind him. The Fisu pair turned right, in the opposite direction of the major, and walked through several series of hallways, until finally reaching an area filled with other covenant, even another mgalekgolo pair. Nafasu gave a deep sigh of disappointment and the two walked further in, looking for any defensible spots that were not already taken.

[l3rute]

Sean was surprised by the answer that Athena gave him. The squad is fine? he thought as he looked over at the rest of the squad. One guy was pointing wildly at the spartans while the rest of them tried to calm him down. He looked away and then looked back at Athena. "I'm glad that you want revenge, but don't let it cloud your mind in the battle." He turned and walked away from them towards the edge of the crater.

He made it to the top and looked into the crater once more. Now that he wasn't in a pelican, he could see the area clearer. Covenant bodies were strewn all over the place, their blood staining the dust of the moon. Other figures were on the ground with blood oozing from wounds. He stared at the figures of fellow humans in arms. He saw no wounded except for the guy Ryan was helping.

The drone of pelicans overhead brought him back to the reality and he walked back down to meet the new additions.

[Jakob]

Lieutenant Jakob Zaborowski

Jakob gave the items to the spook and walked over to the Private, highly annoyed he patted the Private on the back.

"Kid, your new so I'll go easy, I swear to god you EVER do anything like that again I will crack your head open."

Jakob walked with the Private a few more steps, waiting for a reaction.

[hollowsaber]

Jake walked stiffly with his Lieutenant, still a little shaken from his incident with the gauntlet. He tried to relax, but it was hard around people he didn't know to well, and with this hostile environment burning up the interior of his armor.

"Understood sir." Jake spat quietly and roughly. The first two words he had said in a few weeks were harder then he thought.

Jake kept his eyes low a bit then looked up at the Grav lift. The Covenant were hold up in there, just barely out of his reach. The only thing between his trigger finger and their shiny armor, was a big ship.

"When do we go into that thing?" Jake asked steadily, itching to see some blue blood flying around.

[masterchick]

Athena nodded, and watched the soldier walk to the edge of the crater, then down at her own boots, pondering it a moment. After what seemed like an hour, Erik tapped her on the shoulder and she jumped around, her grip on her gun tightening.
"God dammit, Erik! You wanna get shot?!"
"Not really... Who was that you're talking to? Cause I think Pyotr's getting jealous" He grinned widely through his un-polarized visor as she resisted the urge to smack him.
"Marine, you're out of your fucking mind."
"You're a marine too!"
"I outrank you."
"Hardly!
"Is today national piss off Athena day? Or is it a new sport."
"That'd be the easiest sport ever! Erik laughed, doubling over. Athena stepped past him, kicking up dirt behind her at his head, now low to the ground. She rejoined the rest of the group.
"It wasn't even funny..." Pyotr said through a frown. Athena half smiled at him
"Thanks. What's... Where'd Cross go?"
Leo pointed him out as he moved across the field. "Shouldn't we be following our C.O?" The other two looked at each other, shrugged, and nodded and the three ran up to where their Corporal was now headed, leaving Erik behind. He would catch on eventually.

[Jakob]

Lieutenant Jakob Zaborowski

Jakob looked at the lift with the Private.

"A wise man once said those who look for war are mad and those who look for peace will one day, do the same, yet they shall live longer."

Jakob looked at the Private who obviously did not make much sense of it, he sighed and spoke again

"Unless you wanna be shot don't go looking for action, but I don't think we should ask the Captain, he looks kind of busy, just keep tight and we will be there soon."

Jakob kept walking with the Private and picked up what looked like a Covenant rocket launcher, he grunted as he picked it up and dropped it into the kids hands.

"Now get to work, you have any questions ask your Corporal or Sergeant, if they want to be jack asses, ask me."

[inhert]

Red Wing

Watching Crash sip his canteen made Yellow very aware of the dryness in the back of his throat. About to ask for some of Crash’s canteen Yellow realized that Crash primarily drank a deadly caffeinated beverage. The drink contained so much caffeine that the joke on the UNSC colonies was that it need a prescription to buy. To quench his thirst Yellow bit the bite valve at the base of his helmet and the warm sugary liquid entered his mouth and flowed down his throat.

Marines filtered their way over with more Covenant tech which they handed off to Crash. It was some sort of unspoken protocol, as long as the Marines continued doing it ONI didn’t have to put pen to paper to make it official.

“Well it’s like Christmas for you.” Yellow couldn’t help but comment on the growing pile of Covenant weapon at the pair’s feet.

After Crash’s counter Yellow noticed a Pelican lumbering into a landing vector. It wasn’t hard to notice Pelicans at this time; they were coming and going in droves. But this particular Pelican had a darker paint job then the rest; it could mean only one thing.

---

The Pelican jolted as it touched down on the ground of Lethe, it was clear that the pilots where fresh out of training. A result of the rush job of filling pilots for the Midnight Silence. The crew chief stood from his seat next to the cabin door and walked down the center isle.

“Ma’am, ready your mask I’ll open the door.” It was unordinary for a Pelican coming planet side to carry one passenger but this came straight from Captain Kerslake. The sole passenger eyed the crew chief as she pulled her hair back into a short pony-tail and removed the hair tie from her mouth.

“Give me a sec.” The woman pulled her Marine issue mask over her face and initiated the seal. Ready for the environment of Lethe she stood and walked to join the crew chief by the door. As she approached the rear door of the Pelican popped and lowered itself to ground level.

“Welcome to Lethe, Ms. Santa-Maria.” The crewman’s greeting was too pleasant compared to the rocky landscape before her or the Covenant ship floating above. Popping a grey blue uniform cap open and pulling it over her blonde hair she couldn’t help but gaze at the carrier floating above. This was the closet any ONI technician had gotten to a Covenant capital ship, that is until the Marines went inside this one.

Surveying the activity around Grav Lift platform she picked out two familiar figures standing next to each other. One was clearly an ONI technician like herself and the second was one of those knuckle-dragging ape-men that call themselves ONI operators. Walking to the two men she couldn’t help but notice the disconnect between the crisp air that she was breathing and the hotness that penetrated her uniform.

Reaching the two men she stopped and punched the Operator in his shoulder pad, a place just over the collar bone to cause the most pain, in a fluid and practiced motion. “Crash.” She acknowledged the presence of the other ONI tech as the Operator shook of the tap.

“Gahd dammit, Babe” Yellow did his best to rub his collar bone from the impact. “Paula, look I’m sorry that I didn’t do the formal good bye but at least you joined the party.” He was able to say after Paula a Crash exchanged formalities.

“It was only a love tap.” The former collegiate rugby and field-hockey player smirked at Crash, still ignoring her boyfriend. The other four planet-side members of Red Wing noticed their newcomer and exchanged their own greeting to one who was the clam voice in their radios, the girlfriend of a comrade, and a sister to the five who didn’t have the honor of being Yellow. As they greeted Paula they were sure not to overlook the presence of Crash, ONI field operatives no matter what capacity know each other. When the salutations has ceased Paula directed her attention to Crash.

“So Nex couldn’t handle a second cook in the kitchen.” Answering Crash’s unspoken presence about her presence on this mission. “I give you’re the job of primary on this mission. So, I’ll follow your lead.” She deferred her senior officer status to the new yet exceedingly capable Crash.

“I haven’t gotten word on when or how we’re going in, but we spooks might as well stick together.” Murph interjected, it was a comment that drove home the hostility of the inside of the Assault Carrier.

“Uh, Sir I think we should separate. We’re taking attention away from the SPARTANS.” Axe pointed out the gawking of the Marines at the presence of six ONI agents clustered together. The nickname spook for them was fitting; their presence in large groups spooked the average Marine.

“Yeah, I’ll go see what Hallam has up his sleeve. You’s guy re-kit, and rearm.” Murph ordered his team members as they went their separate way amidst the crowd around the Grav Lift.

[OOC: Nex you can have control over Paula as extra hands for Crash aboard the ship.]

[newblood]

Dray looked back when he had helped protect a fleet of UNSC ships. He remembered the combined look on the face of the scared and eager men aboard the supply ship. Some liked seeing action after so long of just repairing a damaged hull, or rearming a MAC gun. Once again he saw those looks in his crew, including his marines and ground troops, an idea bursting into his head.

Dray smiled, "Disconnect communication with the AI's on both ships, Derith bring us about to heading 341 and orbit the planet at 10% burn, ready the Pelicans to send any squads aching to hit the ground and assault a carrier," he paused to replace his PDA. "Blythe get me Lieutenant Jakob on the com when in range." with a quick "Yes captain," the ship made a quick turn, heating a reverse thrust and headed for the planet as alarms sounded in the barracks and the bays. "Send my gratitude to the Commodore for his generosity."

[hollowsaber]

Jake listened closely to his Lieutenant and stayed quiet as they walked. Being shot wasn't his fear... Losing his home again was. Jake would fight to defend Earth with his life, that's one reason he signed up.

When his Lieutenant picked up the Covy launcher, Jake just stared. Quickly He strapped his sniper across his back again and took it. He stumbled for a moment at the weight then steadied.

He looked around to his squad mates who were poking at two big beast, Hunters were what they were called. At the sound of his officers voice he looked back. Jake nodded and stood straight for a moment and jogged to the spook like the man said. Jake lugged the launcher into the pile and turned around.

He thought about why he was truly there... Was it because of his wish to kill the Covenant? Was it revenge? Or was it because he had no where to go? With a sigh. Jake walked to the edge of the LZ, stepping over the bared bodies. At the drone of another pelican, Jake turned to see the black bird land. As everyone was distracted, Jake slipped away and disappeared.

He sprinted across the landscape, looking for a high-point. If he could find that, he could get a good view. Once a good distance, Jake halted. On his right was a steep cliff, but if he could get high enough, he could get a good view. Jake slung his rifle and stood under the cliff. He failed this part in basic, but he would be able to get a wide view about 20 feet up on a ledge. Jake gripped the black, rocky wall and his hands got hot, fast. With a wince and a grunt, Jake began the climb.

[valor]

A pelican started descending from the atmosphere. "Are you guys ready for some action? This is suppose to be pretty tough, for privates at least, there's bodies scattered everywhere. So be alert and just follow everybody else. Don't get lost or take off your helmet, there's toxic gas." James Nutt warned fire team Charlie. "Yes Corporal Nutt. That's the fifth time you've told us." Valor sighed. "Well, James is just trying to make sure we don't die out there." Chris pointed out. Everybody stared at Chris for a few seconds, but then looked at the opening hatch.

Fire team Charlie rushed out of the Pelican and looked around at the volcanic planet. "You were right about the dead bodies. There's tons of them and look at all of these weapons! I really love being a marine!" Amanda screamed as she checked out a dead brute. "Yes Amanda. But be ready, it's almost time to start the second part of the mission. And please don't do anything stupid!" James informed as he gazed at all of the UNSC figures around him.

[Jakob]

Lieutenant Jakob Zaborowski

Jakob looked over at the fresh meat who were landing, Jakob looked at his feet were a dead Brute laid on top of a Covenant launcher.
Jakob kicked the Brute then sighed.
"Heavy as a rock"
Jakob looked at the new kids and grinned, he shouted over to them.
"Hey newbies! I will buy a bear for whoever helps me move this son of a bitch!"
He grunted as he tried pulling the bodies legs and thought
"Damn the guy smells worse then he looks"
Jakob kicked him one more time and waited for some help.

[valor]

Chris heard someone yell at him, "Hey newbies! I will buy a bear for whoever helps me move this son of a bitch!" Chris started walking over to the ODST, but stopped when a hand grabbed his shoulder.

"Don't go over there, he insulted you by calling you a newb." Valor said to Chris.

Chris just shook him off and walked over to help the distressed ODST. He grabbed the Brute's head and started to lift.

[Jakob]

Lieutenant Jakob Zaborowski

Jakob nodded.
"Thanks, if I wasn't a commanding officer I would of killed that guy who tried stopping you"
Jakob and the kid threw the body into a pile of others that was being made.
He grabbed the launcher and hefted it onto his shoulder, he looked at the Marine and spoke again.
"What's your name kid?"
Holding a hand out for a shake.

[Dutch]

Private Mackenzie

Private Mackenize was now bored. He had meandered around a little, stripped some covenant bodies of a few plasma grenades, saw a wounded helljumper get carted off to a pelican with a nasty looking burn in his leg, and checked other bodies for weapons. Nothing except plasma pistols and a few rifles. He'd taken a plasma pistol in case he needed to pop an elites shield or something like that.

But now he needed something to do. His guns were cleaned, and his fire teams CO hadn't givne out any taks yet. So, he'd have to ask for one. Looking around, he spotted a Lieutenant nearbye. Hauling himself to his feet, he sholdered his MA5 and walked over to him. As he got closer, his FoR tagged him as Lieutenant Zaborowski J. Walking up to him, Mackenzie saluted and spoke up.

"Sir, Private First Class Mackenzie reporting and looking for a work detal."

[hollowsaber]

Jake's muscles ached from having to pull so much weight. His hands felt like they were on fire, the hot cliff burned him through his gloves. He couldn't stop now, the ground was to far and the ledge was a few feet in front of him. Just a little bit more and he could relax.

Jake pulled himself up another foot and reached up. He gently pushed off his feet and to his luck, he grabbed the edge of the outcropping. Yet, heat blasted up his arm as he gripped it. Jake winced at the pain but threw his other arm up, gripping the ledge. Slowly, he slipped up to the ledge and rested on his stomach for a few moments. It was hot, but he didn't care, he was glad that he made it.

After a few minutes, Jake stood and looked out. Now he could see the entire zone and more. With a smirk, Jake took his rifle, locked the two prongs that would keep it up, and placed it down on the edge of the out cropping. Jake put some rocks around it to keep it steady in case of a strong wind.

Once his rifle was set, Jake took his bag off and stood on the edge, he looked around to the little forms of soldiers moving about. Perfect place to keep an eye on everyone for the medics and the higher ups. Jake went to his bag and pulled out some binoculars. Jake returned to the edge of the left and looked out with his binoculars for his Lieutenant. Once he found the familiar figure, he opened up a private COM.

"Sir! Private Jake of Fireteam Alpha here. I've found a ledge with a good view. I got eyes on the whole sector. If you need to find someone or something, send me a link. I'll keep eyes on the ship as well." Jake said, watching his Officer to see his COM was working and if the man heard him.

[valor]

Chris seemed a little hesitant at first, but shook the lieutenant's hand. "Private Chris Valles of Fire Team Charlie. You, sir?" Chris informed. He pulled his hand back and was a little nervous. Chris never had many friends and was maybe hoping this ODST liked him.

"He's not much of a talker, your lucky you got something out of him. He's probably very nervous right now." Amanda sighed. Chris looked back with sort of an angry face, he didn't want the ODST thinking bad of him. Amanda put her hands out to as a way to say sorry.

[masterchick]

Athena watched the commotion around her as she walked through the mass of soldiers.

""Hey newbies! I will buy a bear for whoever helps me move this son of a bitch!"[/b]

She couldn't help looking over to see what he was talking about and letting a cocky grin cross her face.
"Don't even think about it, Private." Cross interjected. She frowned at him.

"I can't even try? Doesn't look that heavy..." She teased.

"First try lifting up one of those Spartans. If you survive getting beaten into a pulp for even attempting that, I'll let you try." this earned snickers from all of Fireteam Zeta, Athena included.

Looking behind himself, Cross found that Erik had noticed that they were leaving him and was now running full speed back to them. They all stopped to wait for Erik to run over, Leo started teasingly cheering him on, but when he reached them, he was completely winded. Despite Athena's complaints, they waited for him to catch his breath. While waiting, Athena inspected the soldiers around her.

[Jakob]

Lieutenant Jakob Zaborowski

Jakob looked at the kid and nodded,
"Lieutenant Jakob Zaborowski, me and Nova squad dropped down."
Said Jakob pointing at Aborn who was yelling into a Privates face who accidentally fired a gun he found, then at his Private who had climbed the ledge, then a few others.
He looked around again and said,
"Have you been with the marines for a while or are you fresh meat like I guessed?"
Jakob made a Private com to his Private while waiting for a reply.
"Yeah, yeah kid, how the hell you gonna get down? It will suck that I have to scrape the remains of some stupid kid who's name I barely know, hell brass will hold me responsible for that."
Jakob looked at the Private and held up a hand.
He looked at the one who just ran up for orders, he looked at him and said
"Pick up bodies, set up possible defenses for counter attack."

[hollowsaber]

Forgetting the 'getting down' part, Jake growled and kicked a rock off the ledge. Jake growled then looked up at his Lieutenant. The man was a jerk, but he was smart. Jake sighed and looked around. Then he remembered his pack had rope, he always brought rope. Jake walked from the ledge to his bag and looked to his lieutenant as he thought.

"I'll make sure I get down safe sir." Jake said and clicked off the COM.

Still angry at himself, Jake lugged back to his pack and started to pull out grappling equipment. A hook, a small string, a clip, and a spike to secure the rope into the ground, as well as a small hammer to bang the spike in. Jake put everything away and moved to the far edge where the ledge met the cliff-face. He put the spike through the rope and made a tight knot. He pushed the sharp end into the ground a bit then started to bang the spike deeper. It was almost solid rock, so he had to hit with almost all of his strength.

5 minutes rolled by and finally, Jake slammed the hammer against the spike for the last time. He was almost drenched in sweat and his arms were in serious pain. They hurt and it felt like they were going to fall off, but there was no time for rest yet. Jake grabbed the coil of rope he had and tossed it over the ledge. He watched as it extended all the way down to the ground and the black color of it concealed it against the cliff. With a simple smile, Jake finally fell back against the ledge and leaned back, looking up to the Covy Ship. Just a little rest was all he needed. A few minutes. Jake looked at his right wrist and imagined his family. With a smile, he pulled back the thin armor and saw the tattoo, gleaming on his red arm. With a soft smile, Jake set his watch's alarm, that was just above the tattoo, for 15 minutes.

Jake sighed and leaned back, though just as he was about to close his eyes. Something felt weird. He jutted forward, falling onto his stomach. He crawled up to his sniper and picked up the binoculars next to it. Slowly, Jake scanned the LZ for anything different. He felt as if something was there, lurking, but maybe it wash is imagination running wild again. Jake pulled up his watch, disarmed the alarm, and watched the LZ. He was tired, but he could rest once they were off this volcano planet.

[valor]

"Fresh meat, pretty much just came from the boot camp." Chris rubbed his neck from embarrassment. "I have a question... Is fighting in this war kind of like a suicide mission? I mean, I'm r-ready, but is it a good chance that someone like me will die? I've had my training, but I'm just a Private rifleman." he asked.

"Come on, let's go look for some plasma grenades. I'll leave you two to talk." James told Chris as he led his fire team away from Jakob and Chris.

"That guy got me a little angry. He called us newbies and said he would kill me. Anger management..." Valor said angrily once they were far away. "Calm down. Besides, its one little thing, no need fro anger management. Lets just try to get along and fight when we get the chance. That is why we are here." Amanda said as she tossed a few plasma grenades over to Valor. James nodded and looked back at the two.

[Jakob]

Lieutenant Jakob Zaborowski

Jakob looked at the Private and paused.
After a long awkward moment he let out a sigh. He looked at a boulder next to him and said,
"Kid, sit down."
The two sat and he looked at Chris,
"This whole war, from what I have seen, is just a massive retreat, we have fought them on what? Ten worlds, and we have barely won maybe two or three."
Chris was about to speak again and Jakob talked again,
"But no matter what I've seen, I know we have a chance, I have seen many soldiers drop under my Command and others, but I have always seen hope, and have never felt more pride and hope in any other thing, then the UNSC, don't worry kid, you'll make it."