The Halo RPG: RPG Thread (Story Arc 2, Sector 02)

[SurvivorX]

Please remember to not use excessive OOC posts except in the OOC thread. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE pay attention to other peoples' posts around you and stay aware of what is happening. Write with good spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc, and do not godmod or your post will be deleted on sight.

Characters who start in Sector 02:
All UNSC Characters who participated in Story Arc 1 except Captain Pierce
Zuka 'Zanzamee

[conner553]

Jaxen was in foul mood. He had recieved a hell of a shouting at from the CO for landing a longsword in the middle of a combat zone trying to airlift some ground pounders out of a canyon, and getting his longsword vaporized in the process by seraphs. Damn his sentimentally, that was his one weakness, he was to eager to please. In his old unit, he would have been demoted to NCO and been stripped of flying privelages for a while. But in this situation, they couldn't deny a great pilot a chance to fly. He doubted there would be any more longswords, but if he could snatch a seraph...

No, that was idiotic. He would try snap up a banshee whenever he could, but he wouldn't bank on that, not for awhile at least. Alison had been the most pissed off at him for loosing a longsword. Leslie, that was what he had named it, Leslie, after his girlfriend back on earth. He'd probably never see her again, her nice laugh, green eyes...

He shook his head, daydreaming was useless now. He had no idea what to do, all he could do was wander around aimlessly, dodging weapons and equipment. He sighed, what to do.

[wtiger]

Mark sat and dragged at his cigarette as he watched the medics checked over Mettrick and Grey. Tony was helping to sort out supplies and consolitation what they had, he himself had a M6C pistol and a MA5C Assault Rifle. He had also restocked on packs of cigarettes

Met and Grey were lucky, getting out of the fight early proably saved their lives. Around them, more were groaning and many had bandages soaked with antiseptics and blood. Mark had a hard stomach, but nausea was close if he look to much at most of the wounded.

Both of them were finished coming towards Mark, he got up, blowing out a plume of smoke. He looked at them with contempt until they glanced at each other nervously.

"Well if you guys hadn't had a legitimate excuse, you'd wouldnt have anything to sit on. You two go and find someplace to catch some well earned rest, ill get you when we need you."

[monkeyjoe14]

I was still recovering from that little shuffle with that Brute when a group of soldiers from my squad came to me. They were going to take a warthog and try and take some of the covenant bastards out. I told them to go and then went back to getting some sleep. I then dreamt about home...

Please, at least a 2 paragraph minimum. I'm sure you can do better than this. Make it interesting by writing about your conversation with your men. Ask them why they're going out, where they're going and so on.

Also, remember there are only 3 Warthogs at the base atm. Either me and/or Rico is gonna have to know when and why you want to take equipment from the base and we will authorise it. If you find shit out on the field and want to use it, go ahead without asking as long as theres a reasonable reason why its there in the first place.

Since Rico is away atm, that decission is down to me. I don't want people running around scooping up Hornets and letting them go to waste like last mission. Ask my character in context if you want to borrow a vehicle or weapon and want to go somewhere. You don't just go "Yo Where da covies at? I'm gonna go find some." and hop in a warthog. If you do that you will die because...

1. The covenant will have banshees and ghosts and shit in the air. One warthog with 2 marine in won't do shit.

2. They will find out where you came from and kill everyone else at the base, therefore dooming us all.

Finally, I don't want people just sending out NPC's willy nilly going "Oh Jacksons just going off to scout the area." Then having him come back with a nuke or something going "Hey look what I found lieing around. I didn't even find any covenant anywhere." Its half assed and boring. If you want to scout or something either do it yourself or ask another player to do it or come with you. And make it believeable...

That is all.

-Elando

[toderfoot]

Ty shoved the pistol into the holster on his left hip before picking up his battle rifle. He looked over to the rest of Hotel Squad, currently working on setting up the AIE-486H turrets. Tyler was tempted to yell some encouragement, but they were working intently, so he figured they could go on without it.

Instead, Ty exercised some of the mild OCD he inherited from his mother. He set up the assualt rifles alongside each other, followed by the battle rifles, arranging their respective ammo boxes underneath them. Pistols above the SMGs, rounds below them as well. He set up the rest of the weapons in somewhat of that order, ammo below them, making it extremely simply to grab the weapon you wanted, and the corresponding ammo. Ty stood up and examined his handiwork, grunting in satisfaction and walking over to his soldiers to help out with the turrets.

[maxii1]

Richard Reilly took a deep breath, emerging from the glacier and looking at what appeared to be a bridge. The quicker or luckier marines that had hitched lifts in Warthogs where already there.
Some time passed before Reilly too was on the other side of the bridge.
He set himself up with a good veiw to the ice caverns that the humans had recently used.
If anything was following them, then Reilly would take care of it.

Still no word on his Squad, he thought that if any of them had made it down to the planet alive, then they must have been with another group of survivors. They where most definately not with him.

[conner553]

Conner had not taken a shower or left his armour for three days. He stunk so bad. He slung his battle rifle over his shoulder and strapped it to his back. He patted the pistol in his holster and walked on in circles, having nothing to do. He had found an energy sword-and immediatly it was confiscated. Damn the CO, he had no right to take alein weapons. Ok, he had every right, but still...
He walked around aimlessly, and saw some soldiers setting up some turrets. With nothing else to do, onenr ran over and asked.

"Hey mates, need any help there?"

[maxii1]

Nikon was still recovering, in the back of Westbrookes Pelican.
He couldn't tell if it was still in the air, it felt like it but maybe that was the drugs taking effect.
"Sorry matey, seem to be getting rather a lot of blood on your craft" he spoke barely above a whisper but the communication unit picked it up and broadcasted it.

"Kelly, I'd like to be up and at 'em soon" Nikon turned to the lady nursing him.
"Like thats going to happen" came a reply, he wasn't sure who had said it, maybe it was himself, in his mind.
"Can you patch me up enough to fly a Pelican?" he asked in between taking deep breaths.

[toderfoot]

Tyler righted the turret, now in working order, facing towards the most likely Covenant entry. He turned at the sound of a voice. He had smelled him coming before he had even spoken. Ty looked him up and down before turning back to the turrets. He spoke over his shoulder "Yeah, start on the M249's while we finish up the AIE-486H's."

There were only two more of the AIE's left, which Port and Martinez would finish while Ty and Rodriquez would offer what Tyler called 'constructive criticism', which was basically the two of them watching and commenting on their turret construction skills. They'd all move on to the M2's as soon as these were finished. Ty wondered how far the newcomer would get on the 8 other turrets. 'Wonder if the guys ever set up one of them before' Tyler thought, smirking in his direction before turning his attention back to his squad.

[mcchiken116]

Patrick came into the tunnel and looked around "Come on Lucy and grab some guns, there going to need help." She nodded and ran to go find the location of the armory.

After seeing some normal Marines struggling with a turret I run over and help them set the last couple up. Being my usual self I take my time to get to know them "Hi, Me and my spotter had to run over here after we dropped from the ship, and you guys were the closet FoF reading we could get."

[Deleted]

//WOOT longest post yet haha//

Brute Captain Major Rictus

Sector 2, North-West area near unknown structure.

Rictus ordered Actimus and Tarkus to advance upon the Humans from the left side, protected by Yark's shield. He himself rained grenades onto the Human position with his brute shot. The grenades didn't make there mark, but it gave Actimus and Tarkus enough time to get into position. Rictus then told Barthamulus to charge with Dractim. The barren land echoed with the sound of Covenant and Human weapons firing.

Rictus reloaded his brute shot, following Barthamulus into the rocks the Humans had taken cover in. Yark's shields were ripped apart by the Humans primitive weapons, and his blood stained the snow. He fell, dead and covered in blood. Rictus fired his weapon, the explosion tearing the side of a Human apart. Barthamulus dodged a shotgun round before digging his Spikers blade into the Humans soft belly, and tossing him head first into a pile of rocks, killing him in a bloody mess.

Actimus took cover as bullets pummeled his shields, before tossing an incendiary grenade in the Humans general direction. It burst onto the ground, sending flaming liquid onto the Humans, distracting them long enough for Tarkus to charge their position, firing his Spikers and headbutting the nearest human. A beam rifle shot finished off the last human, and Rictus told everyone to group up.

“Actimus, I hope that little wound doesn't cause any problems,” Rictus said to the limping brute.

Actimus shook his head, “Its nothing, I just need to walk it off.”

“Fine then, leave Yark for the carrion birds, we have more important business to attend to. We must secure the base and make sure no more Humans live,” Rictus said, calling for a phantom.

[conner553]

Corporal Conner Herons

Sector 2, UNSC Main Base

Conner grunted, and hefted the turret. He staggered a bit, and set it on a defensive position, moving onto the next, he also started to set the up in similar fasion, givving crossing fiedls of fire with no blindspots. After they were in position, he starting taking off safety locks and arming the turrets and feeding ammunition into them. He did this to three turrets, and leaned back on a rock, catching his breath.

[elando]

OOC: I have deleted the posts and changed Mr Prez's post so that its obvious where he is. Sorry for the confusion. Yeah my bad folks. -Prez

Sergeant Andrew Hallam

Sector 2, UNSC Main Base

I looked on as various squads set about their work. Some building defenses, others taking some well earned rest. The large area which was now known as Alpha Base was shaping up to being a fully operational base. The crates scavenged from the Crimson Morning crash site had been opened and the contents setup around the base. Tents had sprung up in minutes after arriving and were now being filled with various bits of equipment.

It was amusing to note that the mess tent was among one of the first tents to be setup and was already serving up food for the men. Other tents were up and running too, among them were sleeping quarters, storage and the command center I was now residing in. The Command center comprised of a table in the middle, which had maps strewn all over it, radio and radar operating gear and a chalkboard. The chalkboard was one of the more surprising things to have emerged from one of the many supply crates we had scavenged.

Lieutenant Rodriguez stood with his hands on the table, leaning over the maps. "This doesn't look good." He said. "There maps aren't much help and now that bloody flyboy Jaxen or whatever his name is has gotten our only Longsword blown to shit, we're in even more of a tight spot..." He pushed some of the maps aside to get a better look at the others. "Without his support we can't get any recent pictures of the area and we have no air support. I mean, the Pelicans are hardly much use to us when there are damn banshees covering every corner of the area."

"Sir, the situation may look grim but we're going to have to make the best of it." I replied. "I suggest we send out some scouts, give the pilots a chance to redeem themselves. The Pelicans can still give us a rough idea of where we are. We're going to have to move out sometime." Rico sighed. "You're right Sergeant. They're going to find us sooner or later, we best use what element of surprise we have to gather as much Intel as we can."

Rico stood up straight and paced the tent. "What about this spartan, sir? Zack I believe Corporal Nobbs called him." I said, watching the Lieutenant as he paced his end of the table. "We can consider him a top priority." Rico replied. "We can use all the help we can get and that spartan is going to considerably tip the odds in our favor. I don't care what the men say, they're a damn good soldier when it comes down to it, even if they are freaks..." "Sir." I said in acknowledgment, I shared his view on the Spartans. They were nothing more than overrated freaks of military science, but you couldn't deny their ability in combat.

"Hallam, I need you to round up volunteers for a scouting operation, as well as a rescue mission. We need to..." He cut himself short as static suddenly came in over the radio, followed by a voice. "This is ODST Gamma squad reporting in. Everyone is fine here, but we have no coordinates. All I can tell you is that we are in close proximity to the crash site. Does anyone read? Over." "Isolate that signal." Rico ordered to the radioman.

"This is Lieutenant Rodriguez receiving you, over." Rico said over the radio. "Keep the chatter to a minimum. Sergeant, your orders are to retrieve and secure Spartan 114 and wait for extraction, we will provide you with reinforcements if and when necessary. We can have a squad rerouted to your position to provide support if necessary, over." Rico turned to me after relaying the message. "You have your orders Sergeant." He said and he turned back to the radio, awaiting a reply.

I stepped out of the Command tent and into the cave. I spotted the rest of Alpha squad squatting on some boxes, drinking tea. I walked over to them, a smile crossing my face. "And what do you call this?" I said, looking at them intently. "Don't you know, sir?" Corporal Styles replied. "It's tea time. Can't miss tea time you know!" He said, taking a swig from his mug of tea. I chuckled and said. "Well when you're finished, we're moving out. The Lt wants volunteers to go rescue that spartan and you fit the bill quite nicely."

"Infact." I said thoughtfully, looking around at the disappointed look on my squad's faces. "Corporal Styles, your squad will come with me. Sergeant Pink, you'll remain here. Move about as you see fit, see what you can do." "Ok. Looks like we're on baby sitting duty." Sergeant Pink said, putting his feet up on the crate and leaning back in his chair. "You carry on with your tea party. I'm going to find more volunteers." I said to the squad, walking away towards what was now the makeshift Vehicle Depot.

As I approached the parked up Scorpion tank I saw the technicians working on one of the Warthogs, changing the tires for snowy weather no doubt. They watched me as I passed, climbing up onto the tank and, holding the barrel for support and waving my other arm to attract the attention of the fellow troops I yelled out to them.

"Alright men. I need two sets of volunteers. Sorry flyboys, you've automatically volunteered yourselves for this." I shouted as people stopped what they were doing to look around at me. "I need at least one squad to accompany me on a rescue mission. We're going to go back through the ice caverns and out into Sector 1. Once there we will travel to the north-east to hook up with another squad of ODST's and Spartan 114. We will then wait for Evac via Pelican."

This got some mixed reactions from the pilots, most looking round in nervous bewilderment. "The other team of volunteers will be sent on a scouting mission. You'll be dropped by Pelican onto the cliff we are now under, you will then proceed to scout out the area and relay any and all information you can about where ever the hell we are and where the covenant are at." I yelled.

"Now... Any volunteers?" I finished, looking around hopefully.

[darknight101]

Sergeant Ronald Wilson

Sector 2, UNSC Main Base

Wilson had been unloading the mounds of crates with other marines when the Sergeant began his little rallying call, it came as a relief, they were about to begin unloading the spare vehicle parts. After the call for volunteers, there was a silence about the camp, and some uneasy shifting. Wilson carried out a small conversation with the marine Sergeant that had been helping him with the equipment.

"Does he really think marines are going to volunteer for a suicide mission? It's like asking politicians to give up money." Wilson said.

"Amen, bollocks to that. I'd rather run into the Covey base naked with bandoilers strapped to every part of my body."

"Now that's a little harsh Samson. 'Sides, if no one volunteers he'll just call out randomly to get them. The Marine Choice System may be the most fair and balanced thing in this universe, and all within the core are subject to its laws."

"Jeez, you'd think you were a philosophy teacher." Samson said.

Wilson turned towards the Sergeant calling out for volunteers. There was no garuntee that if he didn't volunteer he would get picked, there wasn't a pecking order for squads and his wasn't even assigned a name, so he could have just as easily been overlooked. Still...duty.

He raised his hand "Sir, i'll gather my squad as quickly as I can"

Why say sir to a Sergeant? Makes my conscience feel better

[conner553]

Conner heard them announcing some sort of mission, disocvering the covenant, and finding some ODST squad. He nearly dropped a machine gun, put it on a rock, and dashed over. He leapt in front of the officers, snapped to attention, and saluted.

"ODST corporal Conner Herons reporting for duty, sah! I'm braver than boiled frog and fit a flea and volunteering for mission sah!" He kept his salute and stood at attention, waiting.

Jaxen sighed, and walked over. He'd probably not fly, but he could shoot as well as anyone. Snapping a salute, he also said.

"Flight lieutenant Jaxen Coren reporting for duty, requesting to go on assignment sir."

[mcchiken116]

Patrick McFadden

Sector 2 UNSC Base

After setting up the last of the turrets, Patrick ran over to Lucy who had some nice surprise for me.

"I found something for you and something for me." She said without holding her excitement back "You get one of the last Sniper rifles and, I got a Br55 with a 10x scope and under shotgun"

"Sidearms?" I ask looking over the Sniper rifle case. "We have our M6 SOCOMS from the drop still." She replied

[caster]

Corporal Leon Carson - ODST - Echo Company

Sector 2 - Alpha Base, Operations Staging Area

Carson was with his squad. They were taking inventory of special weapons. Silenced things, heavy weapons, C12 shaped charges, etc.

Samson had left the command tent after Sergeant Hallam, and as Hallam announced a need for volunteers. Carson stood up and walked over, standing behind Samson as he spoke to Hallam. "Echo squad is green light and ready for any mission, Sir." Samson spoke a bit quieter so that not everyone in the area would hear. "I think we are wasting resources in sending out a scouting team, sir. With respect; we know where that spartan is. We can recalibrate STARS to give us a picture of this area. We would have current data in less than an hour." Samson stopped talking and looked over his right shoulder to Carson who just nodded before itching the top of his head. He had finally gotten some chow and rest so another mission was fine with him.

In the back of his mind though, Carson knew that Echo would likely be dispatched to go pick up that Spartans. They were among the only squads that hadn't lost anyone yet, which meant that their team dynamic and regiment was intact. They would operate at peak efficiency. Carson thought it was a damn suicide mission. The Covenant were probably still casing the area for survivors.....And sure that Spartan's fancy armor pinged his location, but as far as Carson was concerned he could be dead already.

Lieutenant Allison Westbrooke - "Super-Six-One"

Sector 2 - Alpha Base, Operations Staging Area

Allison had been calibrating the pelicans systems for over three hours. Kelly had been monitoring Paul's vitals as he rested in the back of the Pelican, in between checking the airframe for any signs of weakness. The bottom plates had to be welded again from the banshees strafing earlier. There hadn't been a problem till about the time they evacuated the wounded soldiers after Jaxen's stupid maneuver. She was still infuriated over that, and how he was still in a command position was simply baffling.

Allison came out of the cockpit and looked over Paul. He wasn't in pain anymore, but he wasn't quite all there either. Allison knelt down beside him and held his left hand with her right. She placed her hand on his forehead and glanced over the EKG. HE was still stable. She ran her left hand through his hair. "I don't know how long before you're able to get in a Pelican again, Paul. The doctors are treating everyone by severity. Since Kelly got your packed up nice, you might be here awhile." She looked back down to Paul and smiled lightly. "Although, you have another chapter you can add to your stories about your leg, eh?" She heard a shout from out of the back of her Pelican. "For now, Paul. Just rest. We'll take good care of you, I promise." Allison let go of his hand and stood up pacing to the end of the pelican. Lydia and Douglas, Paul's pelican crew were stepping up to visit as she jumped off the ramp to the deck.

She listened to Hallam state that all flight personnel were being drafted for a series of sorties. She didn't mind, but she was tired. As was her crew. Only an extra handful of other Super squadron members were found on this side of the lake structure. Which meant that air power was still stretched way thin. Not that ground forces weren't either. Allison pulled her hair back into a bun and secured it before crossing her arms under her chest and leaning against the side of her pelican, listening.

Ultra Zuka'Zanzamee - Sector 2 Operations Commander

Sector 2 - Aboard Phantom flying over Covenant Wraith Battalion

Zuka'Zanzamee having received commendation from the Prophet of Ideation had been instructed to spread Covenant influence throughout the area and to map and destroy all Human activity in the area. Air patrols in the area had seen but not engaged Humans crossing a Forerunner bridge into the a mountain complex. Zuka was now flying over that area far out of firing range of the humans to actively survey it. He had ordered a thermosysmic scan done of the area across from the bridge. The return report showed that there appeared to be an entire honeycombed network of under glacier rivers and tunnels and that there was some sporadic activity in those areas. However, the area across from the bridge itself was pinged as a major hot-point. Analyst from the Huragok stated that the bridge likely lead to a Forerunner structure deeper under the surface. When Zuka had sent that report to Special Operations for a second opinion they stated that if there was a facility of Forerunner nature there it would mask the actual strength of the humans over it.

Zuka had some resources at his disposal, but if the humans had the area under the mountain secured. Even a heavy assault risked being blunted. Zuka, recalled that he was given the directive to capture the structure. He could always just continue a forward assault until the humans exhausted all their supplies, but he doubted that they would do such a thing. The bridge was to well constructed to be destroyed by anything short of a capital ship weapon, therefore they would likely attempt to retreat. Zuka noted that no defenses had been set on the bridge itself. It seemed he had taught them a lesson regarding Covenant air strength.

Zuka was rallying his resources. He wanted to stop the Humans from exiting the bridge in order to start operations. He had two Wraith tank battalions (1 mortar, 1 anti-air) moving into areas over looking the bridge. One battalion would take up firing position overlooking the bridges landing on this side of the canyon, in order to keep any vehicles or personnel from entering or leaving the area. He had ordered that Mortar Wraith battalion to stay hidden behind the ridge just north of its crossing onto this side of the tundra, and to fire only when they had targets to hit. The AA Wraith battalion was north-west of the bridge out of sight, closer to the canyons cliff face, so that any human air power, even low in the canyon could be fired upon. However, in the event it was necessary, the AA Wraiths could move up and fire against the human controlled side of the bridge. Zuka had ordered four Jackal sharpshooters, two for each wraith battalion. Rather than simply firing in the direction of the

A compliment of ground forces on board shadows was instructed to rally behind the first Covenant Wraith Battalion, to support their operations but to also be ready to mount an offensive push against the Human infested mountain. From these shadows, Zuka intended to launch a two squad skirmish against the human defenses. It was admittedly a suicide mission, and although it may alert the humans to their presence, it was necessary to ascertain the effective resistance of the bridge.

Meanwhile, in Sector 1, in light of the thermosysmic results, Zuka was having Special Operations teams in cloaking scout the tunnels. The tunnels were highly extensive however, and they had run into occasional booby traps. Under Zuka's armor, every dead special operations person had to be dragged out of the area, as not to alert any human patrols that might be in the tunnels to their presence. What was more frustrating was that the traps were not laid in any recognizable fashion. They were set in random openings, and in random paths. It was a clever thing, as it made finding which tunnel might lead behind them harder to distinguish. Zuka was having updated reports filtered to him through the battlenet at the top of each hour. The progress was slow, and nothing of use had come of it yet. In the mean time, Zuka had dispatched his personal lance of Special Operations to the opposite side of the canyon. They were walking along the mountain the bridge lead under....They looked for weak points, secondary entrances, or in case of an assault, secure areas to have troops drop to the human controlled side of the bridge from the top, instead of simply a simple charge.

The seraphs that had bombarded the ship had returned to the cruiser to refit and rearm. However, the Prophet of Ideation, apparently impressed had granted their use to Zuka. He had them on constant stand-by in case they were needed. However, he had to keep aware of the time it would take them to launch and arrive to Sector 2 from Sector 1. Admittedly, it wouldn't take long, but the humans having seen their use would likely use the lull time to their advantage. In the mean time Brute Captain Major Rictus was dispatched to attack and antagonize any humans caught on this side of the

[maxii1]

Paul Nikon
Rank: Captain
Status: WIA

The downed man seemed much comforted by his friends and fellow fighters offering their support.
Westbrooke’s hand felt comfortable as it ran through his hair. Nikon wasn’t capable of standing, but if he was he would have hugged his fellow pilot.
“Bloody hell Paul!” exclaimed Gibson as she and Layton walked towards their Captain.
Douglas Layton, the Crew Chief looked down at Nikon’s legs and from his facial expression it was obvious that he thought that his friend was incapacitated for life.
Both of his crew members knelt by him and listened as he spoke.
“Well, that legendry left leg of mine’s been at it again” Paul smiled as he spoke.
--------------

Richard Reilly
Rank: Private
Status: OK

"Sgt. Hallam! You know I'm game for this!" called out Pvt. Reilly, hopeing that their previous adventure together would earn him a place on this current one.
"I hate to boast but I've been on this kind of sorte before" the Rifleman spoke.
"Meaning you should let others have a go" someone shouted.
Reilly conceded this and stood with Battle Rifle in hand, his Sniper slung round his back awaiting the approval of Sgt. Hallam.

[toderfoot]

Ty and Tito stood and walked over to the turrets the two other men had completed. Even though he seemed not to really have the hang of it at first, Conner had done well, better than Patrick, who with all his confidence had done a rushed job. Tyler looked at Tito and shook his head, muttering "Piss Poor" before they disassembled them and put them back together properly.

Tyler inspected all of the turrets, nodding at the work his squad, with some help from Conner and Patrick, deeming it battle-ready. He heard the announcement for the mission, and naturally he was intriqued. It's not everyday they need voulenteers for a rescue mission, especially one going after a SPARTAN. Ty had never seen a Spartan before, and he wanted to, but his place was here defending the base with his squad. He'd save more lives if he stayed and defended their position than going after one squad and a spartan.

[elando]

Staff Sergeant Andrew Hallam

Sector 2 - Alpha Base

"Sir, I'll gather my squad as quickly as I can" Sergeant Wilson said, walking over to me. As I turned to him I could see others walking over. Another soldier came over and snapped off a crisp salute and said. "ODST corporal Conner Herons reporting for duty, sah! I'm braver than boiled frog and fit a flea and volunteering for mission sah!" He kept his salute and stood at attention, waiting.

I smirked slightly, returning his salute as well as that of a pilot who came over. "Flight lieutenant Jaxen Coren reporting for duty, requesting to go on assignment sir." He said. Finally, a Sergeant, followed by a Corporal approached, voicing his oppinion. "Echo squad is green light and ready for any mission, Sir." He spoke a bit quieter so that not everyone in the area would hear. "I think we are wasting resources in sending out a scouting team, sir. With respect; we know where that spartan is. We can recalibrate STARS to give us a picture of this area. We would have current data in less than an hour." He said.

I considered, then replied after a moment. "Sergeant, we may well have STARS in the area but I like to keep my faith in men rather than machines. Regardless, this scouting mission is not aimed towards Sector 1, where the Spartan is, we already know whats there, its here in Sector 2 were we need to find out whats going on. The STARS can only tell us so much and without the specialised equipment the Crimson Morning had, we can only get periodical updates from them anyway." I said. "The mission still stands Sergeant. We need to scout the area and find out just what the hell this ring is, who or what built it, if indeed it was built, and why. The Covenant seem to have a great interest in it and that can only mean bad things for us. If this is some kind of weapon, we need to take control of it before they do."

Samson openned his mouth as if to protest further, then closed it again. "As you seem so intent on downcrying this mission, you'll lead it." I said. "I want you to scout out the area of Sector 2. Try and find out why the Covenant are so interested in this ring besides us. Map scans show that there is what looks to be a structure to the north-west and there seems to be alot of Covenant activity around that area, so my money is on that structure being of some stratigic importance. Take what weapons and equipment you need. I suggest you travel light. You can take a Warthog or two if you wish." I pointed to Corporal Herons. "Corporal, you are now under the command of Sergeant Samson here. You will accompany him on this mission, you are now his responsability." The Corporal snapped off a clean salute and shouted. "Right you are! Sah!" He and Sergeant Samson wandered off to pack their gear as I turned to Jaxen.

"Lieutenant, I need you to provide transport for Samson's squad. You'll be accompanied by a 2nd Pelican to drop the other Warthog in, you can choose the pilot yourself. Once you've finished the drop off in the South-Eastern area of Sector 2 you will remain in the air and gather any intel you can and provide air support as best you can for the Sergeant. Your Pelicans have been outfitted with a Machine gun on the back of each and I've already assigned Private Jackson and Private Perkins to them. They will be under your command in this mission." I said.

Suddenly Private Reilly called out. "Sgt. Hallam! You know I'm game for this!" "Come here Private!" I replied. Reilly slung his weapons over his shoulder and jogged over. "I hate to boast but I've been on this kind of sorte before" Reilly spoke up as he approach. "Right, you'll come with me and Sergeant Wilson then, Private." I said, turning to him and the Sergeant.

"Sergeant. I don't believe your squad is on the roster." I said, checking it on my HUD. "No, Sir." He replied. "We were one of the last to check in." "Right, your squad is now Omega Squad. Seems strange to break the pattern I know but I've never liked the sound of 'Kilo Squad'." He nodded and said. "Good choice." "Well, looks like you're with me Sergeant." I said. "We're taking the Covenant Shadow that we secured earlier, that way we'll attract less attention. Theres enough room for a driver, a gunner and about 6 to 8 passengers. Should be more than enough room. We'll be needing to take alot of firepower with us on this mission no doubt as well as some extra ammo, you know what the pilots are like with timeing..." Wilson grinned a bit but it his nervousness was obvious. "Get some gear together and meet over by the Shadow in 5 minuites." I said, hopping down off the tank.

I walked over to my squad as the rest of the men set about gathering their equipment. "Corporal Styles." I said. "Sir?" "Get your kit together, we're going to find that Spartan." I said. "Styles, you're gonna have to lug around the SPNKr. I want everyone equipt with Battle Rifles. Cutting, you've got to nade launcher. This is going to be a covert mission till shit starts going down near the evac point. Pack extra ammo, no doubt we'll need it. We move out in 5." I ordered.

Fireteam Alpha jumped up and set about gathering weapons and ammo. Sergeant Pink remained seated, feet still up. "Have a fun and play nice now." He chuckled, taking a swig from his mug of tea as the rest of Fireteam Bravo sat around playing cards.

This was one crazy ass mission, risking the lives of 3 squads just to save one guy. Its just, this guy, was worth more to the military than a small starship at the moment...

[darknight101]

Sergeant Ronald Wilson

Sector 2, UNSC Main Base

"Come on, Reilly, I'll take you to your new squdmates"

He began the walk to where the tents were supposed to be.

"These guys are good men, don't get me wrong. Good fighters, and they won't leave a man behind even if it's his corpse their carrying with them. That being said watch any extra ammo you have, especially around 'Tricky Dick' Milhouse. Bastard sometimes shoots at imagined enemies and if he's not careful he goes through any ammo reserves like mice through a pantry. It's a messy buissness, especially when Ike, another Private, loses his temper. I don't know who we have to fear more, the Covenant or our own marines." he sighed.

They were in sight of they still had to hurry and pick up ammo, likely they already had their guns. How much had they saved from the Morning?

Not enough?

He turned to the Private before they entered the tent. "Now, I assume your good with that rifle, but why don't you reassure me? Any past campaigns?

[maxii1]

"Well Sir" Reilly only breifly began before taking a deep breath and speaking "a few little firefights here and there, mainly tech theiving operations though, last one was The Forlorn Hope."
The Private waited for the sergeant to recognise the name of the ship, he didn't so the private continued "It was a scouting ship that when it reached it's destination was almost obliterated, we had holes through it all, lost all the top brass, then whilst we dealt with Boarders, the engineers fixed the ship and the remaining guns finished off the opposing covenant craft"
"Go on" the sergeant replyed.
"Well after retaking the bridge I and some 95th straggelers with some marine volenteers where sent to join a taskforce that had already started a gureilla war on the ground, there was my Company of Sharpshooters and an ODST Platoon, any other allys where brave volenteers from the Fighting First Infantry, to cut a long story short; We got the Infomation and Technology, Got back home for tea and medels"

"Just waiting for the tea and medels now actually" Rielly laughed thinking about his pending promotion.

[caster]

Corporal Leon Carson - ODST - Echo Squad

Sector 2 - Alpha Base, Operations Staging Area

Carson listened to what Hallam had ordered. In short, their orders were to scout the area to the North of the bridge. Hallam had ordered a straggler from another squad into Echo squad, they were supposed to get on the bird flown by the guy who got a Longsword destroyed and several people killed and wounded. Sounded like a cake-walk. Seems Samson was stepping on the wrong toes to get shit duties like that.

Samson motioned his head to Carson and to the new guy, Conner Herons to follow. The small group met up with Dennison, Renters, and Renault near the makeshift armory. "Alright Echo, ears!" Echo squad all gave Sergeant Samson their attention. Samson pointed to Conner Herons. "Echo, new guy. New guy, Echo." Samson turned his attention back to the group. "Alright, orders just came in. We are scouting the area to the North of this base while Hallam along with a task-group go to pick up the Spartan. Hallam said that initial scans ping a structure to the North-West of us, we are going to check that area out. We have green light to take with us a couple of hogs, plus any other gear we might want. We are instructed to travel light, so I hope everyone remembers their L-R-L-R training. Renters, keep your LMG but also bring a rocket launcher. No need to weigh yourself down with to many rockets though, so only bring one case of extra rockets and get it stowed on the hog. Renault, keep the sniper rifle, but switch out your sidearm for a shotgun. Dennison, switch out your MA5C for the 5B. You'll likely need the extra ammo capacity. Carson, swap out your MA5B for a BR-55. We're going in to hit, not to spray. I'll be taking a BR as well." Samson turned to the new guy, Herons. "I don't know you well enough to tell you what to carry or not. Get what your good with, and I'll find a place for you to be." With that Samson headed off towards the command tent. Carson and the rest of the squad stayed behind with Herons. They all started asking him questions about which squad he was with before, what training he had, how long he had been an ODST. They were obviously unnerved about adding another person into the mix, especially one they didn't know. It made the team cohesion different.

Samson, meanwhile, entered the command tent and immediately went up to one of the Navy guys who was in charge of logistics. "You! Bring in STARS over this sector. We're gonna need some real-time data as we head out.""

"Aye, sir! However, it will take about an hour to get it aligned."

"Well, get on it then."

Samson came back out and rejoined the squad. Carson was already talking when Samson came up to them. "Can you believe we are going in with that pilot that fucking destroyed our Longsword?"

Renters chimed in. "Yeah, and people think we're crazy for droppin' in atmosphere in a ceramic bucket!"

Renault chimed up. "That's a liability. Obviously he lacks the ability to think in times of stress. I would rather walk it."

Samson finally spoke. "Shut your mouths, Marines. Air power is stretched thin. We get what we get. Get your gear stowed away. We're leaving when everyone is ready."

Samson grabbed up his helmet and strode off. Carson grabbed his gear and walked towards Jaxen's pelican. He looked towards the pilot and gave him a stern look. He didn't like the guy. He was with Renault; he'd rather walk right out the front gate then trust this moron to get them there safe. Carson threw his gear into the back. It wasn't his job to get it packed. He would let Jaxen do that himself. Renters followed suit, along with Dennison and Renault.

Lieutenant Allison Westbrooke - "Super-Six-One"

Sector 2 - Alpha Base, Operations Staging Area

Allison listened to Sergeant Hallam issuing orders. She wasn't sure her crew was ready for another sortie, they were tired, but she understood the severity of the situation. Kelly had run to the mess-hall for food for the crew, and the doctors advised they would be looking over Paul shortly. Allison hopped back into the Pelican and sat down on one of the seats. She thought for a moment about Jaxen and who he might choose to help out in his mission. She looked over to Lydia then to Paul. It had been nerve wracking but they had got him and several other wounded marines back safely. She thought for a moment what she had chosen to do. Perhaps it wasn't much better than Jaxen's decision. However, she had received open orders to silence the tanks. She couldn't worry about it now, though. She had to keep her mind in the present. Focused on the next task at hand.

Kelly arrived with six trays from the mess hall on a cart. She passed them out, Lydia had brought Paul's to him. Each of the trays had water, a sandwich, some kind of yellow mush and some kind of brown mush. Allison went for the sandwich, it was recognizable as something that you could actually eat. Craig on the other hand started in with the slops. "Ew." Allison said looking at it. "Hey, don't judge me. I can keep this sandwich for later."

Ultra Zuka'Zanzamee - Sector 2 Operations Commander

Sector 2 - Aboard Phantom flying over Covenant Wraith Battalion

Zuka was pleased with the set up he had. He then radioed to Brahmin squad, which was lead by a Brute Captain....Rictus..."Brahmin, tell me, is there any news?"

A Brute Major Tarkus answered. "The captain has killed a number of humans near the entrance to the holy site. We are on the hunt."

Zuka nodded to himself. The brutes were simplistic and impulsive, but that served the hunt-and-kill role he had assigned them. "I understand, Tarkus...I will leave you to your hunt then. I will send ground reinforcements shortly. They will be under the guidance of your Captain Rictus."

Zuka began issuing the orders. He split the shadows in half; one group would head to reinforce Rictus and set up heavy defenses, the other would start roving patrols throughout the tundra. Looking for any other humans that might have landed in their escape pods. The mortar wraiths had been zeroed in, thanks to Zukas use of Jackal spotters to range find and tune the tanks into the human controlled bridge. That operation was being overseen by a Sangheili Major who was familiar with artillery tactics.

The AA wraiths had been interwoven along the canyon, stretching North and East and west; it created a V like shape of staggered points of overlapping AA. That was left to an Ultra who had, before an accident, been a Seraph fighter. He was an experienced pilot, and therefore he knew best how to stop aircraft. Zuka was content to stay with the Phantom air patrols for now. Each phantom in the group was carrying troops, Zuka was using them as a type of shock force. As they could be easily dispatched to any problem areas.

In the mean time the Special Operations teams in the caverns in Sector 1 had found nothing of apparent use yet. Only several caverns which were collapsed from an avalanche. It apparently was caused when the human ship had run aground.

[Deleted]

Brute Captain Major Rictus

Sector 2, North-West area in unknown structure.

Tarkus relayed the information to Rictus and he nodded, happy that the Elite had entrusted him with a number of shadows. He scanned the land scape around the structure, apparently clear from human activity. He looked back into the phantom, the space was cramped by a huge crate, filled with enough parts for two shades.

“Pilot, land us in the structure,” Rictus commanded.

The pilot did such, slowing and moving as close to the ground as possible so that they could move the shade crate off the phantom. Rictus feet crunched in the snow as he landed, shadowed by the crates landing. He commanded Brahmin Squad to begin unpacking the shades. But the column of shadows arrived without incident, ready for Rictus' command. Rictus ordered the shadows themselves to be moved into a half circle against the rock wall of the structure, for a fall back point if they lost the walls. Some of the shadows had brought four ghosts, and Rictus assigned them to scout the area in twos.

Next he assigned all of the jackal snipers onto the walls, the other jackals would make a row of shields in the center of the entrance, extending as far as possible in each direction. All brutes were assigned to get behind the jackals shield wall for cover. Grunts were to be place in front of the shield wall. Rictus made sure the Elites got the worst assignment, They would set up the turrets, before getting upon the walls with the jackal snipers. The turrets would be place beside the shield wall. Rictus warned to be wary of grenades that would surely be lobbed at the wall, it wasn't so much the grunts and jackals but the brutes he wanted to live.

“Zuka! This is Brute Captain Rictus reporting. I have secured the structure and reinforced the defenses here, no human will get this holy relic!” Rictus said.

//ooc: If you are gonna wonder why we arent using any of those temporary shields, lets say that the prophet of ideation wanted to see a corn row type thingeh made of em//

[darknight101]

Sergeant Ronald Wilson

Sector 2, UNSC Main Base- Tent Area

Wilson was stolid, he nodded his head quickly. He wasn't at ease, but that couldn't be helped until he was in combat with the guy or they made it back safely.

"Sounds like you can give some hell, and I suppose that's all that really matters in situations like these. Good to know that you've been on some more...stealthier missions. Now! Let's meet the boys."

He opened the flap to the tent, all four of the marines were messing with their weapons. Fitzgerald was loading his MA5B, Ike was making sure the sights on his Battle Rifle, Milhouse was making sure that his ammo counter worked, and Baines was practicing his melee skills with his.

"50 more and you go up a skill level." Wilson chuckled.

They all got up to attention grinning "We overheard the conversation and figured we were about to be called up on a mission. We just thought we'd be ready." Ike spoke for all of them, and they all nodded in unison when he had finished.

"That's good, except for Fitzgerald and Milhouse having the wrong damn guns. We have to go get ammo anyways, switch out with Battle Rifles for range. Actually, Fitzgerald, you can get a Sniper Rifle if you give a damn, this is reconnascience!" John nodded. He had almost forgotten, he gestured to his side "Boys, this here's Private Reilly, he'll be helping us on this fantastically simple mission."

"We heard, way to give 'em hell!" Baines pumped his fist in the air.

"Alright let's get moving Omega squad!" he began walking towards the gun dump.

"Omega squad?" someone said.

"I guess Hallam thinks 'Kilo' is unlucky or something, never did much care for it myself..."

At the ammo dump they began piling ammo, stuffing it into whatever pockets they could find on their BDU's. The thing was meticulously neat, with all the guns and ammo lined up to correspond to each other. Wilson saw a row of BR ammo stretching into a different type of gun. He also saw that at the bottom of that row was a sign. 'ODSTs only nutface!' he gritted his teeth, threw his Battle Rifle away and grabbed the Tactical Rifle, this was a damn tactical situation!

He turned to the squad and saw everyone ready, Fitzie had even exchanged his gun for the Sniper Rifle, this had all the makings of a good day for a mission.

"Alright, now, to the Shadow!" and with that, they searched for wherever the hell the Shadow was parked.

[wtiger]

Mark watched as some marines grabbed their equipment and moved towards the line of vehicles. It was so tempting to join, but he wanted his squad with him before any of that.

Taking his cigarette out of his mouth he flicked the ash to the floor, and replaced it. He would have to wait to get back at the blue blooded bastards.

Turning, his eyes fell onto the chalkboard, raising his eyebrows he walked over and looked at its worn surface. Streaks of white were across the surface, not cleaned very well. If there was only some chalk you could,

Mark licked his thumb and drew on the chalk board,

"UNSC : 1 COVE: 0"

Then under that,
"Hand it back to 'em."

Wiping his thumb on his pant's leg, he felt better and turned back to the equipment.

[toderfoot]

Tyler had a bad feeling. Nothing specific, not any kind of clarvoyence. His gut told him that something was going on. "Hotel, on me," said Ty, firmly, but he didn't yell it, and the squad moved to him "Alright, I know you S.O.B.'s want all the glorly the fly boys are getting, or you want to go out sight-seeing," Hotel chuckled a bit, although Sgt. Fote's crack wasn't all that funny "But when those guys want to brag when they come back, and they need a base to do that at. We're here to make sure they still have one, got it?" Hotel broke out into a unisoned hoo-ahh, and Ty smiled.

He sent them off to the very turrets they had just set up, before going off to join them in fortifying the emplaced positions, sandbags being hauled over, as well as pieces of cover made speciafically for the turret. They set up crates inbetween the turrets, allowing them to place anything extra they needed if the time came. Tyler took a seat on one of the camping stools set up alonside them, leaning back. 'At least they're morally prepared. The shit is about to hit the fan, I just don't know when.'

[maxii1]

*Pvt. Richard Reilly*

*Sector 2: Motor Pool/Vehicle Depot*

Reilly smiled, Omega seemed like it consisted of skilled, sensible soldiers.
He looked around for that Shadow which was too be their mode of tranportation, it was better than walking. Just.

A large purple target, that wouldn't respond to Covenant chatter aimed at it.
'Ah Well' thought the Rifleman, it was never easy.
But then it never was.
---------------------------

*Cpt. Paul Nikon*

*Sector 2: Medical Tent*

Nikon wasn't hungry, he thanked Lydia all the same but he was fine. Really!
He had been moved from the Pelican, which he actually minded. Now he was trapped in a hospital tent, in one of those too comfortable to move camp beds. He had a cup of tea in hand and was when not consuming it's contents singing to himself.
'When I was a young boy, my mother said to me, theirs only one girl in the world for me' He stopped singing when the doctor came in.
"Captain, I hear you want to rejoin the battle?" the doctor spoke himself in combat dress.
"Yes Doc, soon as please" Nikon replyed inbetween taking deep breaths.
"Well thats gonna take some time" the doctor neared and gave a kind of frowning smile.
Nikon's vision blurred a little, he tried blinking.
That didn't work.
He readjusted his gaze to the tea mug and realised he had been drugged.
"Rest easy there sir" The doctor spoke with care in his voice with a slightly dismal undertone.

[conner553]

Conner listened silently as his commander introduced him to echo. Then, the others started flooding him with question, how long had he been an ODST? What was your training like? He answered to the best of his capabilities. His new CO told him to get what he was good with, and pack up. He headed off towards the armory, and grabbed a BR-55 for its nice accuracy and heavier slugs, and a good ol' M90 shotgun, great for blowing some elites or brutes brains out. He packed thirty shells for the 8-gauge weapon, and six magazines for his rifle. He picked up two fragmentation grenades and clippe them on to his belt. He also slid a combat knife into his boot, just in case. He made sure his weapons were good to go, and walked over to his CO. He remembred not to salute in warzone, lest he ID his commander to covenant snipers, but he said.

"Sah, i've got some weapons and i'm ready to go on demand."

Jaxen was running over a check of his pelicans systems. He couldn't believe he was still a flight lieutenant, let alone actually flying again right after his accident. He heard a remark about him from behind him, and he whireld around, yelling.

"Hey, i'm not that guy who deestroyed our fucking longsword, I'm that Lieutenant wh odestroyed the fucking longsword!"

[toderfoot]

Ty briefly watched Pvt. Port prepare the M48 LMG he had picked up before standing and leaving his squad on their own for a while. Sometimes soldiers had to be without their commanding officer for a while, regardless of how close they were. Tyler wandered through the UNSC camp, eventually finding the medical tent. 'Probably need some medics in there...' he thought briefly before pushing aside the tent flaps and stepping inside.

Fote looked around the tent, his eyes falling on the soldiers lying there, injured from their last encounter with the Covenant. There actually weren't that many. Ty looked around for the soldier in charge of the tent. He found a man standing over another who was drowsing in the cot. Ty could see he was a Captain, but turned to the doctor who had drugged him. He nodded in greeting "Can I help you soldier?" he asked with a melancholy smile.

Tyler nodded as well, holding out his hand, which the man clasped firmly "Yeah, I'm Sergeant Tyler Fote, I used to be a Corpsman, and I'm Hotel squad's medic. Anything I can do here?"

The doctor sighed before responding "Actually, we don't have all that many men in here. Good news, right?"

Ty responded in the affirmative, however he left to go see what was wrong with those who were actually in the tent. After a while, he'd go back to his squad, but he at least wanted to talk to someone here. When he was a Corpsman, he had hung around in the sick bay or medical tent and just talked with the wounded. He missed those days every now and then.