The Halo RPG: RPG Thread (Story Arc 1)

[SurvivorX]

The snipers are giving them hell out there, but I suppose it's time to doubly ensure that they don't make it up here.

I shake my head at their silly tactics. Simply charging up won't work. They will have to be cleverer than that. I call up one of the Brutes from the eastern Wraith column.

"Captain Kurtanus, I have coordinates for your Wraith tanks to fire. Do you think you can hit this general area from where you are, or is it too far out of range?"

I mark the area the Humans are in. The Wraiths won't have any particular accuracy, but then it's a barrage, it's not supposed to.

"I believe I am close enough to hit there. Wait one minute while my tanks get calibrated for this long shot."

"Take your time," I say with a light look of amusement on my face as the Humans duck for cover. Outsnipe this, I think.

A few moments later I see plasma mortar blasts rise from the area to the northwest, arcing towards the fields in front of the ship.

[lurker]

From the cliff above the structure Sigmundr mapped out the surrounding terraign. The open area before the building was surrounded on three sides by cliffs and the last side by a freezing river. It was an obvious LZ if the sniper ever saw one, big enough for an entire company to land and easy to defend until that company came. In addition a fortified force in the structure could hold out for a long while, which would be nessesity for the marines in a short while. Sigmundr mentally jot down the location, the higher ups could sure use this location, and started to continue towards his sniping spot.

Something stopped the marine. Looking down at the doorway beneath him the Corporal was curious as to where it lead, what artifacts could be down there that he could deny the enemy. How long would a little peak take? The sounds of explosions in the distance answered that question: too long.

Sprinting over the ridge Sigmundr ran until he had a clear line of sight to the ship, then went prone and began to crawl. As he was doing so what looked like jackal sniper fire opened up, swiftly answered by lead.

Setting up Sigmundr's began to assist the other friendly snipers in counter-sniper fire. Tracing the purple beams back to their source Sig found two snipers and took them out with a bullet each. Between himself and the other snipers and sharpshooters out there the amount of enemy fire began to thin out. Well this ain't so bad, he thought. Then from the edge of his view he could see bright blue explosions. Awe hell, those cleaver bastards.

//I thought they were still inbound

[Deleted]

The cold air was freezing against my face after I had removed my helmet. The armors heating systems had kept it a comfortable tempature inside the suit. Removing the helmet made my cheeks burn red. I finish off the cigarrette as Corporal Wilson wraps up giving orders to the men.

I put my helmet back on, load my weapon, and get ready to move out, "Come on, the Squid-Heads ain't gonna kick their own asses!"

I grip my weapon with both hands and begin moving. The sound of fire rolls across the hills, and it makes me pick up my speed. A banshee screams above us, and I was the first to yell "Hit the floor!" The banshee had seen us already, but my leap to the ground was enough to dodge the plasma, which melted the the snow, as it would have been my arse if I had moved any slower.

Rolling to my feet, I twist the Assualt Rifles light frame in the direction of the Banshee, letting of half a clip, which didn't do much before it had flipped back in my direction.

"Don't we have anything that would be better to take this thing out?" I call over the sound of my gunfire. I try to dodge another flurry of plasma fire, but a stray round hits my shoulder armor, churning the metal with the extreme heat. The heat burned, and I knew I was experiencing minor burns, but the banshee was of more importance right now.

[maxii1]

Reilly was quickly zooming into targets and firing where he knew he would hit, in the chest.
His comrade standing next to him was Pvt. Dimitri who was armed with an Assault Rifle, "Here take this" Reilly spoke calmly and handed over his Binoculairs.
Dimitri took them and raised them to his eyes. "Look for any firing targets, anyone who could be a threat to our guys"
Dimitri nodded and commented on what he saw "Quite a lot of them in there, can't see a lot of resistance"

"Let's hope they find some survivors" said Reilly as he thought of his fellow squaddies. Another Reload was in need, only another Clip was left. "Damn!" he exclaimed. He would make these shots count. He looked for a big threat, taking out a jackal sniper as he went.
"Wonder if a Bullet can penetrate a Brute's Armour at this range?" He pondered aloud.

[wtiger]

With Johnathans crie, Mark was able to roll to the side, the snow clinging to his uniform and falling in between his armor, and he had lost his cigarette. He crouched as the Banshee circled and came at them again, the group had spread out, more targets and more chance to take the thing down.

The purple hull glittered as the Banshee dived at them again. Johnathan dove again but got hit on his side. The ODST stood like an idiot firing as it came towards him, the Banshee pilot put on a burst of speed.

a heavy thud came as the Banshee rammed into him, Mark could hear the crunch of bones as the ODST flew backwards and dissapeared in a puff of lifted snow. Mark ran towards the fallen man, yelling as he went,

"Concentrated fire on that damned bird! Get that thing down!"

He knew that the ODST was dead before he got to him, blood was all inside of the visor and his armor let out a faint keening sound, flatline. A grenade had fell from his belt and lay beside him, Mark was writhing in anger.

They didnt have to die, damnit.

He picked up the grenade and turned as the Banshee flew down them again. Bullets glanced off of its face, grouves and pockmarks were across its surface now. Mark activate the grenade and held it, 5 second fuse.

4, the Banshee had chosen its next group, the one with the other marines that had been with Johnathan.

3, he ran forward firing lefthanded, bullets raking the side of the Banshee, it turned towards him.

2, it lined up and speed up towards him, Mark threw like a baseball pitcher, and fell covering his face.

1, the grenade whacked into the front of the banshee and exploded, tearing the thing apart. shrapnel flew in ever direction. Screeching as the remains of the banshee fell to the ground, smoldering.

//he let the grenade cook//

[darknight101]

The four marines were crouched on the other side of the hill, when they heard something like Covenant vehicles comeing towards them. They saw them soon enough, a convoy of Shadows heading past them to go fight.

"I think we might have some more support soon enough. How many grenades do we all have?" Wilson asked.

"Three each, so far there's been no need to use them." Greene answered.

"Alright, when the last Shadows passes into our view, we all let one grenades loose. I don't know what the hell the Covenant use for stailizers, but there is no way it will stand against four explosive grenades. If we're lucky, then the rest of the collumn won't notice, or will be to busy to care. If we're not, well, diversionary tactics are a bitch" Wilson said. He was willing to give his, and most importantly his squad's life, for the others to take that ship.

Each of the Shadows were a few meters apart. When the second to last one left the planned zome they pulled on there safety pins. Four seconds later the Shadow was in there sight, and they let the grenades fly. Three on them landed where intended, directly under it, the last one landed right next to the cockpit of the Shadow, it must have freaked the driver out, because he began to swerve dangerously before flat out spinning around. The back plasma turret operator began to fire at random before the Shadows' build gave way under the erratic driver. It crashed on its side, igniting the Ghost, which blew up the Shadow from the inside.

"Dammit! Who threw that shitty grenade?" he yelled at them.

"Well, at least we took it down. It won't be troubling our boys again." McCarthy said.

Plasma fire went straight over their heads, and they hugged the icy hill closer than ever. Wilson heard two loud cracks, and the stream of plasma stopped abruptly, he looked over the hill and saw two Ghosts lying at the crest of the hill, while there dead Grunt drivers lied next to them.

"As any good sniper can tell you" Greene began smugly "It's a whole lot easier to kill the vehicle driver than the vehicle." He wore a huge grin.

Wilson just scratched under his helmet "Well, I'll be damned Greene, you just got use our vehicular support. I call one!"

Thank God my grenade missed!

[SurvivorX]

Watching the Humans mill about below is fun for awhile, but it quickly grows boring. I walk back into the bridge, away from the windows. I dislike being sniped in the head as much as the next Elite.

I get on the radio with the troops throughout the ship. "How goes the search for weapons caches?"

"We are destroying them as we find them. I don't think the ship can take much more structural damage however - if we destroy many more caches the entire thing is going to collapse."

I look around at the ship. I believe him. The superstructure is beginning to creak, and parts of the hull are sagging. If we are to finish this, we should make it fast.

I turn to the radio again. "Let us set a trap for these animals. Rig as many booby-traps as you can, leading them inside. Then set an antimatter charge near the bottom, thirty-minute timer. Then start pulling out."

I glare down at them, still milling about in the artillery barrage. Take the ship then, mammals. You can have it.

UNSC MISSION CHANGE: We've intercepted a Covenant transmission - they're going to rig the ship to be demolished completely! Get inside that ship, find their antimatter charge and deactivate it at all costs!

[wtiger]

His head ringing from the explosions and shreaking, Mark lifted himself up, spitting snowy out of his mouth and shook his head. Ears ringing he blinked rapidly, damn that had been loud. Seemingly without concious thought a lit cigarette appeard in his hands, he took a long pull at the thing and closed his eyes.

Pain began to eminate from his left hand and right thigh, eyes opening he lifted his hand to see a gash an inch long on the fleshy part of his thumb. It trickled blood slowly, it would clot in a few but managable. Twisting he checked his thigh, a larger chunk seemed to of smacked it flatly, with enought force to break blood vessels on the surface, a true blood blister.

A groan from the ground around him brought his senses back to his men,

"Grey, Tony, Met! Get up dammit, no time to moan get up!"

Mark kicked at the snow until he hit his assault rifle and picked it up. Puffing on his cigarette with nervous excitment,

"Everyone up, Now! The Covenant will know where we are, we have to MOVE!"

Mark stomped his way towards one of the marines and stuffed snow in the mans ear, a trick he had learned with his younger brother,

"Up, up, UP!"

[elando]

"What in Christ's name are you doing, get your ass to cover you idiot." I yell, grabbing Private Leat's backpack and throwing him towards a large piece of wreckage and diving after him. "Shit that one almost hit me!" He shouted as another flash of purple light impacted on a sheet of armour plating only a few feet away. "Just stay calm, once we're inside we'll have a fair chance." I said, but even I was starting to see this plan was failing. Davidson could only keep it up for so long and they were bound to get lucky sometime.

Suddenly bright lights streaked across the sky and a series of "Whooshing" sounds came sounding through the light snow fall. "Oh come on!" I shouted. I flicked open the comms channel and screamed into the microphone. "Plasma mortars! Get down!" The plasma mortar rounds came crashing down all around us, some fizzling against various bits of wreckage, others landing on the ground, throwing up vast plumes of dust and steam from the super heated snow.

"We need to move! Now!" I shouted. "Follow me! Covering fire!" And without knowing if anyone was actually following, I turned out of cover and rushed towards the ship, firing wildly at the exposed windows, occasionally ducking and weaving in and out of cover. "Come on! Move!" I heard Lt. Rodriguez yell through the explosions. The cracks from Reily's sniper rifle split the air as the rounds were sent at break neck speeds towards their targets.

As I rushed toward the entrance to the ship the sniper fire subsided, most of the snipers either being pinned down or dead. I slid into the cover of the ships overhanging hull which shadowed the exterior entrance and pressed my shoulder to the corner of the bulkhead door as the rest of the squad rushed toward me. As they each came closer I pushed them inside and entered after them.

"Reily, enemy fire is too hot. Its your choice, you can either follow us or scout the surrounding area. We'll head further inside and secure the ship." I radioed to Reily and Dimitri as I stood leaning on the wall, panting. "Fuck yeah! What a rush! I'm going to go back out there and tease them some more!" Davidson suddenly piped up. I caught him by the shoulder, not knowing if he was actually being serious or not. "What, and get your head vaporised when you finally get unlucky?" I said.

"Gear up and fall in, we're taking the fight to the Covenant." I said, letting go of his shoulder and going to lean against the wall again as I waited for the rest of the squad to get ready.

[maxii1]

Private Reilly quickly made his decision “Thanks for the choice sir, We’ll catch up with you presently” he radioed to the Sergeant. Reilly knew that the Sergeant was being extremely kind to give him a choice, normally he was just ordered around.
Then he turned to Dimitri “Okay, ready for this?”. Pvt. Dimitri handed back Reilly’s binoculars and briefly nodded before running like hell.

“No Fair!” Joked Reilly “You had a head start!” he slung the rifle round himself and grabbed the Battle Rifle, he lightly jogged from cover to cover. Trying to keep an eye for any enemy threats from the ship, each footstep increasing the accuracy of any possible bullet that he might fire.

He ran into some cover, shoulder barging against the metal shards that had once been part of the UNSC Crimson Morning. Looking down his scope he could see a heavy enemy presence through the windows one floor above the marines. “Contacts, One Floor up. Shit…” he radioed in and broke off. A carbine carrying Elite had readied his weapon and seemed to be tracing Dimitri who had nearly reached the rest of his squad.
One trigger squeeze, three bullets left the rifle.

Bullet One: Hit the Elites lower chest, the armour was resilient and the slight stinging sensation did little to alter the Elite's intent.


Bullet Two: This hit the Elite’s upper chest sending the Elite stuttering backwards, his sheilds had been charging and the second blow was unexcepted, it was more shock than anything that incapacitated him.

Bullet Three: Hit the Elite's unshielded neck, he collapsed backwards, dropping the carbine.

The Elite was by no means dead, if the covenant where quick enough to stanch the bleeding then their carbine carrying warrior could easily be revived.

Dimitri ran on and Reilly followed him, it was then that he noticed what was landing all around him, Plasma Mortars.
How could he have forgotten these! He cursed his stupidest decision that he had ever made and searched for some good cover to ‘dig-in’ there was nowhere.

“Damn it” he exclaimed as he frantically looked all around him for a means of escape.
He could run for it.

Run just as Dimitri was doing.

Dimitri

A Bright Blue flash blinded the Rifleman where his recent acquaintance had been.

[Deleted]

We hadn't even gotten halfway to where we wanted to be, "we are moving too slowly, we have to climb the hill, one of us can stay here with the downed marine while the rest of us get up. We could send help once we have secured the Crimson Morning."

I looked around as Mark got the marines on there feet, and as they dusted themselves off. He had a funny way of getting them moving. I checked my weapon, reloading it and watching the last marine get up.

[wtiger]

Many of the marines had scratches and scrapes, Metterick's arm had been lacerated with metal fragments. Mark stared at the bleeding mess as he bandaged the arm, hissing continually issued from Met's mouth.

Johnathan had gotten up before Mark could stuff snow into his ear and had checked hud display.

"We are moving too slowly, we have to climb the hill, one of us can stay here with the downed marine while the rest of us get up. We could send help once we have secured the Crimson Morning."

Mark dragged at his cigarette, he had to agree with John, at this rate it would be a miracle if they got anywhere. Mark checked his display for terrain, damned this canyon they were in the mountainous region beside them to the right and the clearer area to the left.

They were still in the canyon, the Covenant behind them and who knows what else before them. His mind worked quickly as he studied the terrain,

"Met, Gray take those other two injured and drag yourselves as fast as you can East and hide your tracks. Hug the mountainside until you hit the river an dig out some type of shelter there and hide. If we dont radio back in 24 hours or you hear patrols head north with the river."

Mark drew onto his cigarette again, puffing out and watched the smoke as it was blown away by the wind. Turning back he stared at the other five men who were in better condition,

"The rest of us are going to scale this thing-" Pointing at the mountain -" and get to the Crimson Morning from the top."

[SurvivorX]

I look to the horizon as a pair of Phantoms lifts off from the fortress to the east. They fly high as it approaches, and the first one sets itself next to the bridge windows, waiting for us to board.

I turn to the Elite Major 'Loramee - he has bravely volunteered to sacrifice his life and that of his lance to prevent the humans from defusing the bomb. I nod, acknowledging his sacrifice and those of three other Elites (the dozen or so Grunts and Jackals are of no consequence), and step aboard the phantom along with my squad and that of the Brute Ultra Goradus.

I sit, and close my eyes as the phantom's sides close. I tell Zeeker to upload a map of the surrounding area to my eye-HUD. The area is littered with little blips that represent possible Human escape boats. We must travel to each in turn and determine if it is an escape pod, or a sensor ghost.

"Take us to the fortress. The Grunts will remain there under Nitroxus's watch, while myself, Bleadaron and 'Kaezodee will take Banshees and search the area."

Bleadaron narrows his eyes. "Perhaps the Humans will still be milling around outside the ship and we can take a few passes at them."

I shrug. "Well, why not?"

[caster]

=========
CPL. LEON CARSON
FOX COMPANY, 5TH BATTALION, 9TH MARINES, 1ST MARINE DIVISION - 3RD ODST SQUAD

DATE/TIME ANOMALY, ESTIMATED YEAR 2543

ODST DROP PODS, NEAR UNSC LIFEBOAT A

UNKNOWN SYSTEM/LOCATION
=========

Carson was still strapped into the drop pods seat. There wasn't time to make it to the life pods from their racks, so Fox-5-9 decided to hot-drop out. Sergeant Samson ordered the team to follow in one of the first life-boats, so as to stay together. The inside of the pod was lit a dim red by the status lights. Carson's visor made up for the low light condition with its low light filter. Caron kicked on the door a couple of times, as he had been doing for about twenty minutes. Judging by the weight on his body his pod hadn't landed upright, or at least had fallen over in the ground.

At long last there was a hiss as the atmosphere vented, and Carson could see cracks of light at the edges of the door, and he lifted his feet to push it away. The door slowly slid to the side before his heads up display marked the silhouette above him as "RENAULT".

"Thanks for joining us you lazy bastard." Renault said as the heavy door slid completely off the frame of the drop pod.

"Yeah, well, you know, I like my naps." Carson responded. Renault pulled up on the shoulder restraints as Carson pushed, and the hydrolic arm lifted. Carson slowly scrambled his way out and grabbed his gear.

As Carson turned around he saw a couple of dead grunts and to his left a dead brute floating in the icy river.

"Alright, 'bout time." Sergeant Samson stated. The squad was kneeling in the center of the drop pods.

Carson and Renault quickly fell into the formation and listened up.

"Looks like we all made it well enough, we haven't made contact with other squads yet, because of this welcoming party..." Samson pointed his thumb over his shoulder to the dead bodies. "I think it is a safe bet to assume that remaining forces will build up on the crash-site. As much as I don't feel running towards the enemy build up is a good idea in this instance....There's too much good shit left on that boat we will need for later."

The squad nodded, Carson looked down to his MA5B and turned it on it's side looking at it. He hit the bottom of the magazine to ensure it was properly seated in the weapon then looked back up as he let it dangle from his sling.

"I wonder what the situation is?" Dennison asked.

"FUBAR I bet you." Renters replied quickly.

Carson turned his head to look around the small pit they were in. It would give them visual cover from enemies on the ground for the moment. He looked back to Samson.

"Alright, we'll make way to the crash site. I don't think we should radio in just yet. If the Covenant are close enough they might be listening to our squawk." Samson stated as he checked around the drop zone. It was silent for a moment, before Carson spoke up.

"Yeah, but if there is something larger going on we won't know it. Don't you think we should check in with the others before we go charging into anything stupid?"

Samson responded post-haste. "Perhaps, but lets at least get a feel for it ourselves. While you were locked up, Carson it was a banshee patrol that spotted us. So, for all they know right now we are dead. At least until that search party fails to check in. Let's keep that small advantage."

Carson nodded without saying anything. There was a reason he was know as "Smart" Samson. The rest of the squad seemed satisfied with the decision.

Carson immediately took point and started towards the south-west. The area with the largest amount of smoke still pouring into the sky. They maneuvered low through the smaller crevices of the terrain. Sure, it was a bad move if they got into a fire fight, but for the moment, they were relying on their stealth to get them through the area unscathed.

[wtiger]

Mark and the other marines huffed and puffed as they jogged up the side of, whatever you called a large hill or small mountain. His cigarette was more than halfway burnt, seemingly immovable in his mouth.

The moutainside itself wasnt the problem, it was the snow, sometimes waist deep, or a light sprinkle across ice. Since they couldent see what they were stepping on, one of them would dissapear from time to time, finding a smooth patch underneath them. Mark had hit at least five of these before they came near to the top, the sun nearly blinded them with its rising beams of light.

"Phantoms!"

All of them instinctively dove down, Mark was now glad of the snow that covered him. He had landed face up and blew onto the snow above to clear it from his sight. For a few moments they waited, then a low humming drifted to them. Finally the Phantoms came in to view, two of them, and dissapeared from his sight.

Mark leaned up, the Phantoms had slowed and began to decend, dissapearing over the rise before them. If they were landing here then it would already be over,
"Get up everyone and move!"

He popped out and checked his weapon, snow falling to rejoin their comrades. They wouldn't send two Phantoms to kill only five marines. As he reached the rise, it gapped open below him dipping sharply, but not vertically to,
the Crimson Morning.

[caster]

=========
CPL. LEON CARSON
FOX COMPANY, 5TH BATTALION, 9TH MARINES, 1ST MARINE DIVISION - 3RD ODST SQUAD

DATE/TIME ANOMALY, ESTIMATED YEAR 2543

NORTHERN BANK ABOVE CRIMSON MORNING CRASH SITE

UNKNOWN SYSTEM/LOCATION
=========


The team had been sloshing through snow for God knows how long. Finally they were on a lightly covered icy overhang to the north of the wreckage. Sergeant Samson rolled onto his side lightly and motioned for Renault to crawl up. Carson and the rest of the squad stayed prone, watching the left and right approaches to the overhang.

"Alright, Renault. Put it up." Samson said as he slid back down as to not be seen on the overhang. Renault removed a small sphere from his load-bearing vest. He activated it and let it go. It floated into the air very quickly 'till it wasn't even visible.

"STARS active." Renault said as he began to burrow himself and his weapon into the snow.

Suddenly, the ODST's heads up display became a lot more complicated. There was an overhead terrain map, along with enemy positions dotted in red, friendlies in yellow. That wouldn't be the only thing. In their visors enemy positions would be lined with red triangles and friendlies with green squares. Not to mention communication through the satellite could be encrypted. And Covenant were bad at decrypting...Well...At least worse than their human counterparts.

There was a moment before about two squads worth of friendly IFF's pinged inside the ship. Although the overhead map couldn't actually see them as they were inside. The moniker came up as the 49th SAS the first and second squads respectively. Carson remembered them from the ship, they were good, but then again all ODST's were.

The comm in Carson's visor showed encrypted before Samson's voice pinged up. "Randy, this is Smart. We are approximately seven hundred yards north of the crash site. STARS are shining. We are available to reinforce, or to attempt secure the outside. Your call, over."

Carson looked up to the Sergeant. It sounded stupid to try to hold back incoming Covenant from the outside, Carson hoped to God those SAS guys thought the same. Although, maybe Smart had a plan for that. Or maybe he was just trying to be funny...

Carson turned back to his vector and watched. It was quite on his side. Nothing but rolling tundra.

[SurvivorX]

"Tramis, this is Fleet Master 'Gatrumee, I have a new objective for you. I am redirecting your Phantoms to the structure opposite the lake. You must occupy this structure and hold it against Humans whom we believe are attacking from the other side."

"Yes, Fleet Master. When they come, they shall meet with my blade."

I relay orders to the rest of the group. I direct the Grunts to get a plasma cannon and a fuel-rod cannon ready, as Nitroxus slings his Brute Shot across his back and pulls out a Beam Rifle. Bleadaron just considers the situation.

"We have no intel on what the enemy force will consist of?"

"None, the fog is too thick," I respond. "It doesn't matter. They will be stragglers like that sorry lot back there. They will scatter like flies."

[caster]

========
ZUKA'ZANZAMEE

NINTH AGE OF RECLAMATION

COMING TOWARDS THE HUMAN CRASH-SITE IN A PHANTOM

SACRED RING OF THE FORERUNNERS
========

Zuka'Zanzamee's phantom rolled gently to the right. Zuka held onto the bulkhead just to the left of the plasma cannon which was being manned by a grunt gunner. Zuka's eyes looked over the snow covered ground. The humans were pretentious. Landing in snow and carrying no camouflage for the environment. It would be their waste.

The phantom orbited the crash site two times before it headed towards the forward base.

Zuka opened the Covenant Battle Net. "You know the humans will scurry to their broken ship. We should be ready to pounce on them when it explodes.....They should not be given the opportunity to rally together....Let us stamp them out now, while we have the chance!"

Zuka moved to the cockpit and pointed to some of the calligraphy that scrolled by. "That patrol, it hasn't checked in yet.....Take me there."

The pilot looked to Zuka. "The Field Master has said that we must return...."

Zuka leaned forward a bit. "The Field Master does not know of this new discovery, I take it. Do it....Or I will do it for you."

The phantom banked back towards the left and headed towards where the patrol had last reported being.

=========
CPL. LEON CARSON
FOX COMPANY, 5TH BATTALION, 9TH MARINES, 1ST MARINE DIVISION - 3RD ODST SQUAD

DATE/TIME ANOMALY, ESTIMATED YEAR 2543

NORTHERN BANK ABOVE CRIMSON MORNING CRASH SITE

UNKNOWN SYSTEM/LOCATION
=========

Carson and 3rd squad got real small on the ground. A phantom flew by overhead. Samson spoke softly. "Don't move......." Everyone laid still, hopefully from the phantom the dark silhouettes on the ground would simply look like debris from the crash. After it had passed Samson updated the comms.

"UNSC in the area be advised. Multiple phantoms are leaving the crash site at the time. Repeat, multiple enemies leaving the crash site." Samson sighed then re-keyed the comm. "Randy, you catch that? Be on the look out for anything strange, eh?"

For the moment, 3rd squad would sit tight.

========
ZUKA'ZANZAMEE

NINTH AGE OF RECLAMATION

SACRED RING OF THE FORERUNNERS

HUMAN DROP PODS, NEAR LIFEBOAT A
========

The gravity lift hummed to life and Zuka'Zanzamme along with a minor elite, a jackal and three grunts floated gently down. The phantom rose high into the air and began simply flying in a large circle around the human pods and Zuka's team. The black pods of the human still was bathed in their scent. There were several dead grunts and a dead brute lying face down in the icy river off to the left. Zuka clicked his lower mandibles together. "I can't say it's much of a loss."

The minor had moved to one of the grunts and looked at its methane tank. "Ultra, it's only about half full....."

Zuka clicked his upper mandibles. Whatever humans were here were likely long gone. The battle net crackled, it was the phantom orbiting overhead. "Ultra, there is a large object stuck low in a valley to the east of you."

Zuka quickly replied. "Ah, wonderful. Alert the Field Master, I will continue towards the pod."

Zuka drew his plasma rifle and started towards the pod which was apparently not far from his position in a low valley. Zuka would approach from the high area, the grunts would take the path, but Zuka and this intrepid minor would simply jump down on the pod. Surely, if there were any survivors they would be taken by surprise.

For the moment Zuka worried more about getting to his destination.

[elando]

"Reily!" I screamed, as a large blob of plasma exploded near him and Dimitri sending up a plum of steam and dirt. I dropped my battle rifle and, pointing to Corporal Styles, yelled. "Styles, follow me."

I sprinted out of the door and over to Reily as he lay dazed on the ground, luckily unharmed. "Get up marine!" I shouted, hauling him up by his backpack and slinging his arm over my shoulder. "Sargent!" Styles called out. "Dimitri's been hit, light plasma burns down his left side. He should be alright but he's not going to be combat ready anytime soon." "Shit." I murmured, every man lost meant even worse odds for the rest of us. "Get him to the Morning, we can't leave him out here."

With Styles and Dimitri following close behind I helped Reily back the to entrance of the Crimson Morning. As we reached the hanger doors I lay Reily down against the ship's hull. "Have a breath for a second." I told him. "Private Court, see what you can do for Dimitri." Court rushed over, his medic's satchel already open as he procured various medical equipment. "He's hurt pritty bad." Court said. "Not alot I can do for him till we get the ship back. I've given him some morphine but I'm going to have to stay with him just incase anything else happens."

"Alright..." I replied, wearily. "Right, listen up. Privates Cutting and Jackson, stay with Court and Dimitri. This is rally point Alpha. Anyone calls you on the radio, tell them to meet here. Theres perfect firing positions all around and its protected from wraith fire." "Right you are Sir." Said Cutting as he snatched up his AR and went to help Private Court. "Reily" I said. Reily looked up with a slightly vacant look but he managed a "Yes sir." "We really cannot wait for you. Me and Lieutenant Rodriguez will head inside and try and take back the ship. You can follow us if you want but to be honest, I don't care what you do as long as its something constructive." I said. He gave me a feeble salute as I turned back to the rest of the squad.

"Right, lets move out." I said, entering the hatchway and heading for the flight of stairs which lead up to the upper decks. The remaining members of the squad followed in suit. As we ascended the stairs I could hear muffled movement from the higher levels. "Stay frosty." I said.

As we reached the top of the stairs we came across a hatch which lead to the armoury. The hatch had been ripped from its hinges, as if something very large and heavy had smashed into it. "I have a sneaking suspicion they came this way." Whispered Private Thurlow. "Well no shit, retard." Replied Private Bloomfield, chuckling. "Stay quiet, this could be a trap and we have little time to defuse that bomb. We can't afford any screwups." I whispered.

"Lieutenant, take Sergeant Pink's squad and search the bottom half of the ship. They could of planted the bomb near the engine room. Private Thurlow here has some bomb defusel training. I'll take Corporal Style's squad and search the top half. They might be monitoring us from the bridge considering the power is still active." I suggested, waiting for the Lieutenant's reply.

[maxii1]

Private Reilly was shaken badly, luckly he had a cure in his rescued backpack. He grabbed the Thermos and undid it to consume the luckwarm liquid that was inside; Coffee.
He gulped it back and looked up at his Rescuers and nodded his thanks, offering them a sip from the thermos.
Court worked feeverishly on Dimitri as the other two marines looked on.

Reilly would have been contented to just stay where he was, however he needed some ammo. He thought he would find what if any weapon caches and supplys had survived the Covenant's Hit and Run tactics. The Armoury would be the best place to begin.
"Be Sure to bring us a Soveiner!" Called Pvt. Jackson
Reilly nodded, whatever supplys he found he would radio in and haul some of it back to RP: Alpha.

[rico]

"Agreed, watch out for booby traps. Sneaky bastards will of left the whole ship littered with them."

I turn and face Sergeant Pink. "Alright Sergeant, get your team together and move out. We have alot of ground to cover and little time to do it in."

"Yes, sir. Davidson your day just keeps on getting better and better, your on point, everyone else fall in." Sergeant Pink barks out.

"Ohh yeah, am gonna crack me some split-lips." Davidson says cocking his rifle.

"Ohh Sergeant Hallam. Stay in constant contact at all times, i want to know ASAP if you find that bomb. Understood?"

"Aye, sir!" Hallam replies giving off a crisp salute before moving off.

We jog down the hallway stepping over bits of metal and debris that lay along the floor. Several doors had been ripped open and the insides ransacked as well past. Obviously the Covenant didn't want us to be a well supplied resistance movement. Quickly checking for anything of use or suspicious we silently move off into the next hallway over.

I key my mic and speak quietly into it. "Anything yet Sergeant?" I ask.

"Not yet, sir - Wait. What is it Private?" I hear Hallam ask through helmet speakers. A distant voice can be heard in the background.

"Booby trap. A wire attached to some Plasma 'nades. Bloody bastards are trying to kill us before we even get a chance to find this fucking bomb."

"Stay sharp Sergeant, we don't want any accidents now."

"Yes, sir. Hallam out." As soon as I've finished Sergeant pink walks up to me.

"Davidson's found an armory they've left untouched. What do you want us to do, sir?"

"Mark it down and we'll come back for it latter. Its probably a trap inside. Our main priority is the bomb Sergeant. That blows up were all dead."

"Yes, sir."

I watch him walk off and look up wards. Lets hope one of us finds this bomb, i think to myself Otherwise tonight we dine in hell

[caster]

=========
CPL. LEON CARSON
FOX COMPANY, 5TH BATTALION, 9TH MARINES, 1ST MARINE DIVISION - 3RD ODST SQUAD

DATE/TIME ANOMALY, ESTIMATED YEAR 2543

NORTHERN BANK ABOVE CRIMSON MORNING CRASH SITE

UNKNOWN SYSTEM/LOCATION
=========

There was finally a reply on the radio from someone from Andrew Hallam's flock. "Samson, this is Jackson. We are establishing Rally Point Alpha here in the ship. Make speed inside. Also, be aware. There's a bomb on board, Mate."

"Roger that. We are coming from the north, stand by." Samson said.

"Copy." The reply filtered through.

"Sounds like they are pretty beat up in there..." Dennison commented.

"Yeah, well, let's go save their asses, huh?" Renault said.

The whole team slid down the small overhang they were on to the landing below. It was just above the nose of the ship, which seemed to have buried itself into the ice.

Samson pointed at Carson and put two fingers forward. He then laid his hand flat in the air and motioned for everyone to stay low. Carson moved to the front of the formation and began moving. They would have to enter one of the cavities of the ship. The moved along the snowy pass until Renters voice filtered through, with a bit of static. "Ugh, hey....!"

Dennison, the one closest to Renters in the formation stopped and stated. "Wait!" The whole squad knelt low and looked over their shoulders. Dennison was laying down on the snow covered ice. The rest of the squad slowly moved toward her, until they realized Renters wasn't in formation.

Carson pulled up the view from Dennison's helmet camera. He saw Renters lying at the bottom of about a twenty-four foot drop. Off to his left part of the ship could be seen.

"That's what you get for taking all that heavy shit." Renault keyed the comm. There was always a small contest between the two.

"Piss off!" Renters said.

"Renters, look around the area. I'm linked to your camera." Samson said. Renters turned his head in all directions. "....Alright, sit tight."

Samson moved off to the right, where the top of the ship was extending out into the tundra. It was a shorter fall, but Carson didn't really want to have to follow. The squad hit the top of the ship then moved towards the cascaded snow towards the buried part. Samson pushed his shoulder against the wall of snow until he disappeared in a small puff of snow. The rest of the squad slowly did the same.

On the other side of the white vail, they saw Renters standing in the middle of a hollowed out ice cavern. Samson was just reaching the ground level off the ship. The rest followed suit. Renters spoke up. "There's smaller access areas. One seems to go lower and back towards the ship, one goes higher, probably following up the terrain up the mountain. The other seems to open up along the cliffs overlooking the low plateau Crimson Morning had come to rest in.

Samson looked between the three passages. Renault pointed towards the passage that went further into the cave. "If the ice is barely thick enough to hold fat-boy over there..." Renault looked right at Renters who promptly gave Renault the finger. "Then chances are the ship knocked out several areas where we might be able to get aboard."

Samson nodded. "Carson, take point."

Carson didn't even get a 'yes sir' in there, he was starting to get the suspicion he took point because he wasn't a specialist. He shook the feeling and moved down the icy cavern. It was awhile before they came upon a plasma scorch on the side of the ship that burned through the exterior plating.

"This will get us in, if we use the maintenance tunnels we can probably bypass the emergency bulkheads." Carson spoke up.

No one commented but instead just entered the ship. The began navigating the maintenance tunnels trying to get a good handle on where they were. If Carson recalled they would be somewhere near the observation deck.

Third squad exited the maintenance tunnels near the observation deck. They moved quietly down the hallway towards the mess-hall, medical wing. So far, no contacts.

Carson moved towards the first door they had come in contact with, the mess hall. "Right side, door breach." The power to the door was out, so Renters would have to force them open by hand. Carson, Samson and Dennison would enter the area and begin clearing. The only problem, was this area was large.....Surprise would only last a few moments. The door slid open and Carson wheeled in, his mind was in a different mode. He checked the hard corner left, than began fanning out the left wall as Samson did the same to the right wall. There was no immediate contact. Odd the Covenant wouldn't be in a large area with food....

Dennison finally entered followed by Renters then Renault. Carson moved up through a pair of tables until he heard a loud whine and charging. "MINE!" Carson shouted as he jumped headlong over a cafeteria table. The mine exploded and a bright flash and deafening boom filled the room. Carson realized he was lying face up tangled up in some chairs. His bio-readings scrolled across his visor. He had some tissue damage from the concussion but everything else seemed fine. The adrenaline masked the discomfort for the moment. Carson watched as Dennison's head bobbed in his vision, and her medical pad hovered over him. After a moment she confirmed what his suit had thought. "You're fine, get up." Carson grabbed her hand and got up.

"Okay, fuck this. Someone else can take point." Carson said brushing off his armor for dramatic effect.

"Quit your bitching, Boy. You don't think any of us were where you were at some point?" Renters said.

"Alright, let's go." Samson said. He keyed the comm. "Jackson, it's Samson. Be advised, we've made entry near observation. Cafeteria clear at this time. We are en route to the medical wing, out."

"Roger." The comm blurted back with Jackson's voice.

The team moved further down the hallway. They could hear sporadic weapons fire. The team moved quietly down the right side, using the criss-crossing beams for visual cover. Soon, they were watching a small squad of grunts and jackals antagonize the entrance to the medical wing. Samson made a fist and pushed it towards the Covvies.

In a split moment a hail of automatic fire showered the Covvies. Carson picked his target, the jackal at the back of the pack. He was tan and seemed to be calling the shots. Carson watched his target spin around in a flurry of purple goop before landing on the deck. The team approached the medical bay enterance. The doors had been blown inward. "Friendlies coming in!" Carson yelled before wheeling inside the door, weapon ready. There was a navy doctor behind a tipped over gurney. Behind him were several severely injured crewman, and one marine who was sitting against the gurney with two pistols.

The Marine looked to be in shock. He wasn't responding to anything. How long he had sat there watching for Covenant and firing when they showed up, perhaps the doctor knew.

Samson went straight to the doctor, an officer in the naval medical corps. The rest of the team took up defensive positions. Except for Dennison, who began looking over the wounded crewman.

========
ZUKA'ZANZAMEE

NINTH AGE OF RECLAMATION

SACRED RING OF THE FORERUNNERS

HUMAN LIFEBOAT A
========

Zuka'Zanzamee was in position above the human lifeboat. The jackal was on the high ridge to the left with his sniper rifle. The grunts were making their way towards the boat. Zuka's shields dissipated as he slowly faded from sight. He jumped off the overhand landing to the right of the pod. Coming to the opening in the back, Zuka looked in. There was several dead bodies inside, but it looks like most of the gear had been stripped. Zuka popped into existence, and sparks radiated from his armor before the glowed blue and were back to full strength. The cold of the tundra made it impossible to accurately judge how long the bodies had been left for. Zuka roared in frustration for a moment. After a moment he activated two plasma grenades and dropped them on the ground. He exited the boat just as the grenades detonated. The inside of the craft was completely decimated. And if any human rat was playing coy, he would surely be dead now. Zuka waved his arm dismissively and the rest of the squad joined up with him. After a moment they floated up into the belly of the Phantom and headed towards the forward base. Zuka radioed to the Field Master. "It was empty. Some survivors stripped the inside of weapons and moved on. I am returning."

The field master did not reply. Hopefully he was taking care of more important issues and it wasn't a sign of the Field Masters displeasure.

[maxii1]

Reilly had overheard that Davidson had found the Armoury and smiled at the speed of such a patrol. He had been on many Picket Dutys and had grown tired of the damn patrols.
Still they had to be done.

It was then that Reilly noticed the Engineer leaning against the opened door that led to the Engine Room. The Engineer smiled at the sight of a friendly, he waved his pistol and showed he was in need of Ammo, "Here take one of mine" offered the Rifleman.
The Engineer nodded his thanks.
"Couldn't reach a lifeboat in time!" The Engineer explained his presence onboard. Shaking his head
"Here take a seat" Reilly produced one from the nearby Engine Room Office. As the Engineer did as he was told, Reilly poured out some of the coffee.
"Thanks" Said the Engineer as he took the Coffee.
"I'm Private Reilly, Let me take you to the Rally Point"
"In a little while, I need a minute" pleaded the Engineer
"Thats fine, just tell me when your ready"
-----------------
Silence followed for a short period.
"I'm Frank Umber, I work in Engineering" Explained the Engineer.
"That explains what your doing in the Engine Room" Smiled Reilly.
"Yes, I'm afraid the Ships had it" he pointed into the smoke filled and charred reminents of the once magnifecent Crimson Morning Engine Room.
"Have the Covenant gone?" Umber asked nervously, readying the pistol.
"Why where they here?" asked Reilly.
Umber nodded, ashamed that he hadn't done anything to halt the enemy.
"Thanks, you didn't see where they where going by any chance?" Reilly thought of the bomb that supposedly was now in position in the bowels of the ship.

Umber shock his head, then smiled and ran to a scarred computer station.
Keying in Frantically.
"The Door Reports state that the Cargo Haul doors where used extensively up to Sector 13 in the past couple of hours "

Reilly extatically radioed this information to Lt. Rodriguez, "Umber you've just saved whatevers left onboard this ship"
Frank Umber looked chuffed and finished the lukewarm coffee from the thermos. "I'm Ready to move"
So they Moved. Heading back to Rally Point: Alpha.

[SurvivorX]

The Phantom's side doors open, exposing us to the blast of winter chill. It's oddly cold on this ring, I think, but I shrug. Its just the way our Holy Forefathers wanted it. If that's good enough for them, it's good enough for us.

The Phantom pulls up alongside the wall, and I leap out first, aiming my Carbine in all directions. We appear to be the first ones to set foot in this structure in millenia. A thin coat of frost covers the walkway along the wall, and on the side opposite the lake is a large, tall structure with a huge passage that appears to lead underground.

I quickly note which directions hostiles might come from - left of the structure is blocked by a small body of water, but the right side has a ramp leading down and they could come from the underground passage.

I order Pilnil to set up the Plasma Cannon where it can cover both directions, and the rest of us fan out and secure the remainder of the rampart. I can see a faint line of light through the fog, like a long cable of brilliant green energy - hopefully the fog will lift enough for us to see what is causing it.

I narrow my eyes as I prepare for the assault. Once the fog lifts, that's when the enemy's attack will begin.

I cannot wait.

[conner553]

Corporal Conner Herons moved quickly across the icy wasteland. His HUD had not yet received a NAV marker, so he was going blind. After his squad was vaped by a seraph. He had took off. Armed with a sniper rifle and a magnum, he also had an M90 8-gauge shot-gun strapped to his back. He was trying to repair his radio, and was almost there. He was tinkering with the receiver, when his something appeared in the corner of his eye. Conner dropped to the frozen dirt, and picked up his sniper rifle. He zoomed in to x10, and looked.

It was elite in blue armour riding a ghost, probably a recon drive. Conner started moving his sight in front of the vehicle, when it turned directly toward him. Excellent. He lined up his sight with the aliens head, and squeezed. There was crack, and the elite collapsed to the ground, moaning. Conner picked up his stuff, and moved toward the dying alien. He slung out his shotgun, and pumped a round into the chamber. He put the barrel on the elites head, and fired. The head exploded into a pile of purple gore. Conner smiled grimly, and went back to work on his little radio. There, static on the other line. He tuned it in to a UNSC channel, and started to broadcast.

"Hello, to all UNSC forces, this is ODST Corporal Conner Herons. My life boat was destroyed and my squad was killed. I need immediate assistance, do you copy?"

Nothing. Good. He went back to repair his radio. He fiddled with it, and got it. He started to broadcast on a UNSC channel.

"To any UNSC forces, can you read me. This is ODST Corporal Conner Herons, do you read me over?" He then waited for a reply.

[Deleted]

I scan the front of the ship for any signs that we could enter. The massive ship was black, snow covering the top and sides of the ship from the impact. Entire chunks of the armor had been ripped away and charred by plasma. Windows line the front of it, most completely broken and cracked. I move to one, break the remainder of the glass, and step in. The bowels of the ship are dark and the lights glow dimly. I take a moment for my eyes to adjust, and to wait for the others to step in.

"This is Corporal Palinckx, accompanied by Corporal Nuchetti and three(?) marines, we have just entered the northside of the ship," I report over my COM, if anyone cares to hear.

[darknight101]

There was a small ramp of scrap metal that led into a huge hole in the ship. Perfect.

"Mick, gun it!" Wilson yelled to the other Ghost. Behind him, Sniper Greene gripped himself tighter, trying not to get thrown off the back of Wilson's Ghost.

"Sarge, come on! I need to get on the ship in one piece!" Greene yelled into his ear.

"There's a bomb in that ship! If we don't reach it soon then you and I aren't going to be in any pieces at all!" He had seen the bombardment of plasma mortars that went to the other side of the ship. As much as he'd wanted to help its not like a Ghost could take a mortar, or dish out any damage to an armored Wraith.

They hit the metal chunk going full boost, standing on the frame of the opening was a blue Elite. Wilson tried to turn in mid-air, but he couldn't move the Ghost out of the way, and the Elite wasn't inclined to move. Wilson could see him take his little, pissy stance and growl. Right before the side of the Ghost slammed into him and sent them all sprawling. Wilson recovered just in time to point the gun at the Elite and shout "Where's the damn bomb split-lip!" Right before McCarthy and Private Cohn's Ghost slammed into him from behind, and Wilson had to jump to the side to avoid being smashed into pulp against the Morning's inner hull.

McCarthy turned the Ghost off and promptly got off with Cohn, pulling out there rifle's and giving a quick scan to the room. Wilson glared:

"Dammit McCarthy! That was all the evidence to the bomb we had! What if this ship blows up when we're in it?"

"Then I don't think we'll much care after that. Besides, that guy sent us the location of the bomb." He said calmly.

Having no remark, Wilson just turned around and signaled for them to follow him, they had to be quick about it. If not...McCarthy had a hell of a point.

[caster]

=========
CPL. LEON CARSON
FOX COMPANY, 5TH BATTALION, 9TH MARINES, 1ST MARINE DIVISION - ODST FIRE TEAM 3

DATE/TIME ANOMALY, ESTIMATED YEAR 2543

ABOARD THE CRASHED CRIMSON MORNING, MEDICAL WING

UNKNOWN SYSTEM/LOCATION
=========

Samson had been speaking with the doctor for a short while. Before a Marine's voice filtered through the comms giving all UNSC forces a good spot on where the bomb might be. Moments after the broadcast Samson returned to the front area. "We got to get on that bomb."

No one argued but instead simply jogged out of the medical wing. Given their position on the ship, it didn't take long for them to be outside of one of the several entrances to the cargo hold. Along the way the team noticed several scorches....booby-traps that unlucky bastards tripped...probably trying to sneak to the medical center. Carson checked his weapon, he still had 47 rounds in the magazine. The plan was simple in theory: The cargo hold would be holding all kinds of boxes and supplies....The team would execute a standard breach and then find cover. The ODST's would secure the location until someone with more explosive experience arrived. Renault had moved up to the doors keypad and began entering an override. He waited to press the go button. Carson could feel a few beads of sweat running down his cheek, just outside of where the foam of the helmet could absorb it. He let his MA5B hang from his sling while he prepped a flash grenade. He nodded and Renault hit the key. The door hissed open and Carson peaked around the corner and side arm threw the grenade in. There was a blinding flash in the room and a deafening bang micro-seconds before Carson wheeled in. Carson wasn't sure what he would find on the other side of the door, he looked down the top of his weapon allowing his eyes to focus....

[wtiger]

Mark was glad that he wasnt being bombarded by freezing winds anymore. Liting another cigarette they followed the nav point to the medical wing. He himself found it disconcerting to be going down familiar hallways and stairs that were tilted at a noticeable sideways angle, his brain tried to make him be horizonal with the floor, which made him stumble as they went.

While they were moving, chatter on the radio kept them entertained.

"- most of the armories down on the lower levels have been incinerated, not much to-"

"- grunts on sub level, 3-R in the maintenance tunnels, we'll clear them up in a-"

Another of these voices had called an affirmative when Johnathan had radioed their arrival.

"Welcome on such short notice, breifing point is in the Medical bay. Further orders will be sent when you get there."

//here Mr. Prez ill let you get us a bit farther shall I? I'm really tired so sorry for almost nill descriptions./

[conner553]

Conners radio was picking up some bits and chunks of conversation. Something about the ship and a bomb. He tuned to a cleared channel and saw the purple gleam of covenant banshee fliers in the sky. Probably coming to investigate the ghost. Great. Conner tuned his radio onto the one with the best reception, and called out again.

"Hello, to all UNSC forces, this is ODST Corporal Conner Herons, if you can here me, my lifeboat landed, and got strafed. Everyone else is dead, and I'm at this sector." He sent out a pin pointed location on the map to all UNSC HUD's, and continued.

"I took out a ghost, and now banshees are closing in. I need help, ASAP!" He then waited for someone to reply.