Mission 3: A Long Road Ahead

[Daenerys Targaryen]

Petty Officer Dani-047
On the way to Bracknell Command

"Yeah. Seems that way from the radio chatter I picked up. Apparently a pilot was also shot down, too." Jethro replied, to her question seeming indifferent.. after all for the two it was just another mission.

"Yes.. it seems covie's are attacking the near by Nebula.. at least that is were the Ares wen't to... any idea were Silas is?" Questioned Dani, only to be caught of gaurd by Jethro depolarizing his visor. His familier sea-foam blue eye.. wait... that was the key word wasn't it.. his other eye.. shined a robotic crimson. She almost barely heard him speak as she consontrated on that very feature.. "The years have been exciting but mild." She replied. "How have the years been to you?"

[Huka]

Til was rushing through the forest, looking with a excited look as he closed in on the shouting, but suddenly his hearts pumped slower and inregular. Something was...

Suddenly he stopped and the bark where his head would have been exploded. "By the Gods!" He cursed as he spun around to the possible origins of the sniper shot. "Skor, stay out of the clearing!" He warned as he grabbed his young protege tightly and pulled themselves in the thicket of the trees. Eyes looking for the shooter.

He saw nothing but trees and moss. "Sufang..." He whispered in the mercenary's clicking language over his comlink.
"Yesss?" The Kig-yar asked. [yellow]"There are humans watching us, hunt them down with no mercy." [/yellow] Til ordered as he continued his search. "As you command." The Kig-yar answered before ending their transmission.

Then the rasping of leaves were heard.

[jack]

Lieutenant Jack O'Reilly
Phase Line November

Jack had finally emerged from Bracknell and gone into a slow forward movement above the Marine forces, providing them with an eye in the sky, when a point appeared in his HUD, reading as an emergency beacon. He had heard that a pilot had gone down. This must be him.

"Lieutenant O'Reilly to Command, I have spotted the emergency beacon of the downed pilot. Breaking off from air support mission to assist in rescue efforts. Over."

Jack switched off the channel to Command and switched over to the channels of the Marine forces below. He left the Command channel on speakers only.

"This is Navy Lieutenant Jack O'Reilly to any ground units assisting in the SAR efforts. Be advised, I have spotted the pilot's beacon. I am now breaking off from the main force to assist in the effort. Over."

Jack broke off from his holding pattern above the ground forces and went down to treetop level and slowed the craft. He activated the crew COM channel.

"Ski, keep an eye out for ANYTHING that seems out of place."

"Wilco."

Jack slowly flew along at treetop level, scanning for a clearing that he could direct the ground forces to once they secured the pilot.

[Huka]

MAJOR DOMO TIL MURAMEE

Til started to hear the hums of a human aircraft, seeing it hover over the trees, he spreaded his mandibles in thoughts. "Honored hunter, we-" Skor started to speaked but Til quickly put a hand on his young warrior, "Hush, my student. A Hunter can benefit in the appearance of his prey's saviors. We will wait for now." Looking at young Skor, he could tell he was restraining, but nodded in agreement to his mentor's words.

[Bippwatt]

"Balls." He switched to thermal and saw his target. "Gotcha."

He fired a bevy of rounds, emptying his clip into the area, hoping to bracket the Elite into death.

With a outward breath, he moved quickly and ripped out the empty magazine, reaching for another from his belt.

[Huka]

MAJOR DOMO TIL 'MURAMEE

Til snarled as he was nearly killed by a [yellow]near barrage of smoking pillars[/yellow], and looked to Skor. "Stay here." He ordered.

Springing tree-to-tree, he was able to locate his prey.

As for Sufang, he already found the [yellow]human marksman[/yellow], and aimed his needle rifle. With a cruel click, he fired.

[Spartan 999]

Petty Officer Jethro-097

[/b]

"The years have been exciting but mild. How have the years been to you?" Dani inquired, and Jethro could see she was startled by his appearance.

"I can see that, and I'm glad you didn't pop up on the MIA roster. As for me, I've been more or less good." Jethro added, smiling to try and reassure Dani; something he was horrible at. "If you're referring to my eye, a Zealot team managed to catch me off guard on Altair IX. I took out all four Zealots in exchange for this." He waved a hand at the eye in question. "As for where Silas is...I heard he was still on the Ares when it left. No idea where Victor is now; probably going to or already at the ONI building."

Jethro glanced at the sniper rifle in Dani's arms.

"Still a good sniper then, eh?"

First Lieutenant Isin Herald

Tires screeched, the Warthog coming to a halt with much protest. Isin hopped nimbly out of the drivers seat, racking his battle rifle.

"Right, we're here!" He said, somewhat unnecissarily. "Time to soak the earth with Covie blood..."

Special Operations Officer Sorsa Xirsasai

Sorsa raced through the forest, Intervention trailing behind him. They would find that human, and find out what he knew.

[Bippwatt]

While the Jackal had been able to find the marksmen, it hadn't found the spotter. The shotgun barked from about a meter to the Jackal's right and sent a scatter of lead across the area.

Idina racked the pump and fired again. Then again. Only after the third shot did she creep backwards and fall into the darkness again.

She had served her purpose. She had thrown off the Jackal's shot and warned Nikolai that his position was compromised.

He stood, half crouching and drew his sidearm with one hand, while the other insured the safe positioning of his rifle on his back. He moved quickly and silently. Time to bug out. He retrieved the comm's relays and hoofed it to their rendezvous point.

Once there, he only had to wait a short while for Idina to appear. They fell back toward the defense line, their usefulness now limited, due to lack of mobility.

(Snipers are worthless in PvP....)

[kartoffelfogel]

Major Domo Legra 'Adantee

A snarl--frustration and impatience.

Legra pulled himself through the forest's undergrowth, ignoring, for once, his trained skills in forestry--speed was now more important than stealth for this hunt. His lance followed suit, loping along easily after him, walking along the path he broke through the bushes.

Maddeningly, sounds of combat and movement sounded all around them, but neither friend nor foe could be sighted.

Suddenly, a rapid burst of fire cleaved through the air, far too close for comfort. A series of sharp skids rang through the air, kicking up columns of dust where the bullet struck the ground.

Another crashing sound--something large had just hurled itself into a nearby thicket. Other sounds reverberated through the forest--the snapping of twigs, the tamping of boots on soft earth, and above all the shouts of half a dozen languages.

Humans.

Immediately conscious of his exposed lance, Legra led them into the same thicket that had just been occupied. In the event of Humans at close quarters, Legra holstered his Focus Rifle and drew out his twin curveblades, on of ba'knwa bone, the other of shimmering steel, both won on Templar's Rest.*

He gave a toss of his head, the four other Sangheili in his lance gave answering growls, low and predatory.

He charged the thicket.

Bursting into the little copse, he flourished both blades with a war cry.

The cry started out fierce and sonorous--then it rapidly devolved into a strangled gulp ending in a question mark.**

His shoulders drooped. He let his blades float down. Behind him, his lance crashed about, wondering why he had stopped.

"Til? Is that you!?!"

OOC: Bippwatt: Snipers may not kill anyone, but they can force a retreat.

*Read the Hunt Secondary Mission in the Archives for more info on Legra's curveblades, and how far he and Til go back.

**That's a reference to the Bartimaeus Trilogy. Read it.

[Dufflepud]

Special Operations assassin Nyla Katolai

Nyla, having encountered numerous human patrols, had decided to go back a ways so as to meet up with other sangheili. Hearing faint shots through the trees, he sprinted forwards as before, finally bursting out into a surprising scene. two of the sangheili he had hunted with on Templar's rest were engaged in conversation, and the bodies of humans lay about, burned by plasma fire. Sheathing his curve blade, Nyla stepped forwards, deactivating his camouflage.

"Brothers!" he called, "I'm not sure if you remember, but I hunted with you on Templar's rest. The humans are numerous ahead, so it might be wise for us to stay together."

Skirmisher Field Master Xet

Xet and his honor guard dashed through the forest, jogging at almost a hunder kilometers an hour. Xet lazily dodged by oncoming trees, and a trail of dust picked up behind him. He had started after the sangheili had left, but he was determined to catch up. His entire legion was in persuit behind him. They would make a presence on the battlefield.

[redgrim]

Sniper Kig-Yar Nid
Nid and Jak were now a lot deeper into the forest and much farther away from the larger group of Covenant, but they were still able to see them through the large amount of trees. Nid noticed that on the left side of him the ground level started to move upward, so he stopped running and hollered for Jak to come over. Jak stopped moving and turned over to Nid “what?” he asked

Nid pointed to the small hill he discovered “we can use our scopes to locate a possible area for sniping, as well as seeing how much farther we have until reaching the city” he explained.

Nid climbed the hill, which did not take very long due to the hill only being about double his size. Once at the top of the hill he found two trees on top of it, he went with the taller one and sunk his claws into it. He climbed the tree as quickly as he could and swung onto the highest branch that looked strong enough to support him. It was two thirds of the way up on a 50ft tree, Nid was able to see over most trees, but there were still some blocking his vision. Nid pulled his rifle off of his back and looked into the scope of it.

There was a faint noise to be heard in the distance, Nid ignored it and continued to analyze the area. He made a mental map of everything and clinged back onto the main part of the tree to make his way back down.

Major Kig-Yar Skirmisher Tal
Tal’s lance were assigned to their usual formation when marching, which was one at each of Tal’s sides, two in front of Tal and as well as two behind. Tal heard gun shots go off in the distance and squawked at his lance to stop. “Kug, Jup, get into the trees and follow, the rest of you come with me” He ordered.

Without any hesitation Kug and Jup leaped into the trees, with both of them landing on a branch. The rest of the lance ran alongside Tal, Mal and Nuk charged up their plasma pistols as they ran toward Til’s position.

Upon arrival to the location of the now ex-battlefield, there were already a large number of Sangheilis who beat them there. Tal signaled his lance to stop as they stood behind Legra’s lance. He listened to the conversation between the Sangheilis, but did not bring himself into it. It seemed that the fight was over already, which disappointed both Tal and his lance. Kug and Jup hopped down from the trees and joined up with the rest of their lance.

[Huka]

MAJOR DOMO TIL 'MURAMEE

Turning his head to sudden appearance of fellow lances, Til looked more occupied with the sniper and the sudden burst sounds in the distance until he heard a very familiar voice,

[yellow]"Til? Is that you!?!" [/yellow]

Looking at the lance's leader, Til couldn't help but laugh in joy. [yellow]"Legra! It is so good to see you my friend! Especially with the heretics before us."[/yellow]

Then he noticed the shooting stopped, "Well it seems Sufang have done his duty."

Yet he was unware of his marksman's condition;

Sufang hissed violently as he felt the hot projectiles hit his side, thankfully that creature's weapon was a short-ranged weapon or he would have been everywhere.

Blood flown from his somewhat muscular arm and thigh as he was hanging froma thick branch with his needle rifle hanging by his claw. He watched as the humans escaped with one thought on his mind, Vengeance.

As Legra and Til was starting to talk, another Sangheili warrior appeared, materializing from his light-blending camouflage.

At first he didn't recognize him, until he mentioned Templar's Rest, then he remembered, Nyla 'Katolai.

[yellow]"Brothers!"[/yellow] he called, [yellow]"I'm not sure if you remember, but I hunted with you on Templar's rest. The humans are numerous ahead, so it might be wise for us to stay together."[/yellow]

[yellow] "Agreed, brother."[/yellow] Til responded with a nod, before looking at the Skirmishers, [yellow]"And who graces us in the battlefield?[/yellow]

[kartoffelfogel]

Major Domo Legra 'Adantee

"Nyla! Aih, 'tis good to see you."

"And you as well, Til. It is amazing that we should meet here together, that we are all deployed as part of the same legion."

He motioned for the rest of his lance to step forward. Breek, cheerful as always, contrasted sharply with grim Essa, who bore his Needle Rifle pensively. Crilin stood beside them, a grenade in one hand, his thumbs not leaving the activation glyph. Finally Seroth, with his twin Plasma Rifles boldly appraised Til.

"These are my subordinates. They, too, hunted on Templar's Rest, and acquitted themselves well, although we did not meet them on our Hunt."

Legra waved his mandibles in joy.

I might as well enjoy this reunion while it lasts.

"If only we were met in a more celebratory circumstance. As it is, this is not a reunion, but a regrouping. With all of us here, we have three full lances* and a firm initiative. We must take advantage while we may exploit our window of opportunity. We must sweep through this forest like wildfire! With tooth and talon, fang and claw!"

Answering growls met him. He walked over to Nyla, and bent close, putting a hand on his comrade's shoulder, murmuring.

"Nyla, I must ask. There are two many of us gathered here to be led separately. You are the highest ranking Sangheili here, my age non-withstanding. Do you wish to take charge?"**


While Legra spoke to Nyla, Seroth leaned over to look at Til. The Major Domo stood at an equal height to him, and had the proud bearing of one who hailed from an honorable family. He had had personal experiences with people of that nature--but this one looked different. He would test his mettle.

"A tad young to be a Major Domo, aren't you? You most likely aren't a day older than me."



OOC: *@Duffle, Huka: I know Nyla pretty well, and I've RPed a whole mission right next to Til (plus reading the Muram Way), so I've got their profiles pretty much memorized. I don't know anything about their lances. Mind posting their profiles OOC for convenience?


**@Duffle: Nyla can say yes or no. But keep in mind, this is a tactical choice. Legra has had plenty of experience--he's a grizzled veteran.

@everyone: I'm going to start using teal for when my NPCs talk.

[Huka]

MAJOR DOMO TIL 'MURAMEE

Til looked at the Sangheili Minor who stood before him with a interested expression as he spoke of his young age as a Major Domo.

[yellow]"Most can say I am, but I have not got this rank from sheer birthright or political aid. I have earned this rank from my own skill and blood."[/yellow] Til said, gesturing to his blind eye, the fangs and claws on his gauntlet's bracelet clinging as he tap under it. [yellow]"I've earned my place as Major Domo thanks to your commander's inspiring skill and I will always be grateful to him."[/yellow]

Finishing, Til sighed and straightening his back to his full height, meeting the Minor eye-to-eye,[yellow] "Excuse me for my story-teller's tongue. It is a natural thing, but please tell me, brother. What is your name? I can tell you have the makings of a warrior."[/yellow]

[kartoffelfogel]

Major Domo Legra 'Adantee

Minor Seroth 'Vrotalee, NPC

Seroth bobbed his head a bit, twitching his mandibles in a sign that showed grudging respect.

"I am Seroth 'Vrotalee, second-in-command to Legra 'Adantee."

He leaned closer to Til. "But words are easy. As are appearances. A blind eye is no more a sign of strength than a sign of weakness. Let battle prove your words."

So saying, Seroth turned away. Over his shoulder, one of the other Minors, one Breek 'Smakaree, gave Til a rueful grin, indicating embarrassment for his compatriot's words.


OOC: Seroth is a bit impudent. I'm just trying to RP him realistically, so no offense intended towards Til.

[Huka]

MAJOR DOMO TIL 'MURAMEE

Skor growled and moved to defend his older cousin but Til put a arm to block him, "He does not mean to offend, Skor. What speaks to true but we all know my merits is just. Beside," Til whispered to his young student before giving a quick laugh, "I like his strength and boldness."

Just then, he turned to see a wounded Sufang limp towards them. "My excellency, the humans escaped." He whispered with a regretful bow. Til looked to Skor and nudged his head to the wounded Kig-yar. Quickly, the young Sangheili walked to Sufang, and looked at the wounds.

[orange]"The humans have escaped. No doubt they'll return to their packs."[/orange] Til said as he looked on to the nearby human aircraft as it continued its search for its comrades.

OCC: @dalek Caan: No offense taken and I will get my NPCs' personality up for ya.

[Dutch]

Fisher grinned, at least if he died in the next hour, it'd be with some nice chaps. He gave Second Lieutenant Howard a salute, a cheery "Yes ma'am." And then motioned for his two new troopers.

"Alright troopers, I'm Corporal Fisher. Now remember, shoot straight, shoot smart, kick ass, and for god's sake, don't try and pull and super heroic shit without my saying so, got it?"

"Yes corporal!" They responded, and Fisher grinned.

"Good, now check your guns, hang tight, wait for orders." Fisher blew out breath, a nervous habit of his, while repeating his little battle-rousing bit to himself.

"I'm a marine,
releaser of brass.
Destroyer of Covie,
and the kicker of ass." A little more lightened, he gripped his rifle tight and waited for orders.

[redgrim]

Major Kig-Yar Skirmisher Tal

Dec 3, 2011 12:10:59 GMT -6 Huka said:

[yellow]"And who graces us in the battlefield?[/yellow]

Tal stepped forward from the rest of his lance and more toward the group of Sangheilis. He felt a bit out of place compared to the rest of them and by the way they spoke he guessed that they did not notice him yet. He spoke regardless “I am major Kig-Yar Tal, it would be mine and my lance’s, as you would put it, honor if we could battle alongside you” he directed his answer toward Til.

The rest of his lance put their weapons away almost all in unison. They did not say a word and stood as perfectly still as they could, this was either out of respect or the fear of superior officers.

[kel]

Insects chirped in the black night that surrounded Kel as she proceeded through the trees, placing each step with care. The optic lens of her helmet burned fiercely as she picked her path to more open grounds. Footsteps sounded behind her, and had been padding quickly for the many miles they had traveled. They were friendly steps, Kel's partner for this operation, and thus gave her no cause for alarm, though she did keep track of the sounds caused by her partner.

Weapons fire occasionally sounded off in the distance. Sometimes they were the high pitched whine of plasma, accompanied by a rare flash of blue far away. At other times, it was the popping sound of the Human's weapons, echoing across the landscape before being absorbed into the dense wood of the trees.

Kel was nearing the lines of battle and knew naught what she would encounter. But by the sounds of it, she and her comrade would have quite the vantage point to shoot from before anyone could get near them. They just needed to emerge onto the hill at the edge of these trees.

[Huka]

MAJOR DOMO TIL 'MURAMEE

Til looked at the Kig-yar that called himself Tal and nodded to his similar-named counterpart in respect.

[yellow]"I believe we will need every skill possible to win this battle and I see that your lance will prove to be a great addition."[/yellow] The Sangheilian Major Domo said cheerfully at speaking with the Kig-yar leader.

[Martial Virtue]

Captain Sierra Lloyd

Things had finally gotten organized enough for Sierra to start leading first platoon to its place on the lines. Second platoon had moved out on the opposite flank at her command as well. Now they just had to continue to await third's arrival. She hoped the company wouldn't be needing the heavy weapons within the next several minutes.

The jungle was increasingly hard to press through the closer the Marines got to November, but they managed. Captain Lloyd was issuing orders for the platoon to spread out at even intervals down the line when the first ODSTs from Dylan's platoon started marching by.

"Make way, dingleberries! Glory's for the feet first crowd only, oorah!" a young Helljumper PFC cried nearby, apparently missing the fact that Sierra was standing right there and could clearly hear his remark to her Marines. Keeping a loose grip on her battle rifle, she approached the young trooper and stepped in front of his path, blocking him from following the rest of his fireteam through the woods.

"What the - !" he exclaimed, and then immediately clamped up when he saw Sierra's rank flash across his HUD. This far out on the lines he had better sense than to salute, so as to prevent the enemy from identifying the highest-ranking officers in the field, but he did swallow audibly.

Captain Lloyd folded her arms across her chest, keeping her expression bare. "You want to repeat that to me, Private?"

"N-no, ma'am."

"Would you care for a bullet in the back at some point during the fight?"

"N-no, ma'am."

Sierra nodded. "Okay then. Keep your comments to yourself, Trooper, and be grateful you've got some of the best regulars in the Corps watching your six. Carry on."

The rebuked Helljumper redeemed himself somewhat by flashing her an irritated look before continuing on through the forest. It didn't bother Sierra in the least. She'd made her point.

And to think that Dylan's ODSTs are the nicest of the bunch when it comes to interacting with us, she thought to herself. Because they know how much hell they'll get if he notices them acting that way.

Shaking her head, Sierra returned to the task at hand. She shouldered her BR55 for now and pulled out her datapad to check it. She had one new message from Jovanovich's sniper team. No sooner had she read it then she heard the lance corporal's frantic voice come through the COM channel.

"Captain, we've got tangos!"

The Marine captain didn't even get a chance to reply. Multiple reports from a sniper rifle echoed loud through the forest. At this distance, she couldn't hear whether or not the Covenant had responded with their own fire.

Crap, she thought, scrambling to duck back near first platoon's lines. She definitely did not want to be one of the first casualties of the fight if the Covies now knew where they were. Hunkering down between the flora and downed tree trunks, Sierra keyed her COM to the sniper team.

"Jovanovich, pull back! Be advised you'll have to go through the ODSTs' line now - they're ahead of us. Let the other Captain Lloyd know so they don't accidentally think you're the enemy. I want a report on what happened as soon as you get in. Lloyd out."

Sierra looked around at her Marines, waiting and ready for the coming fight, and let out a sigh even as she heard the sounds of some friendly air support in the skies up above. Third better get here quick with our weapons. Sounds like things are going to get interesting soon.

Second Lieutenant Laura Howard

Lieutenant Howard took notice of the two other squads of the platoon beginning to move out. Dylan had been among the first to leave with them, and had left Howard and her squad bringing up the rear. She took in a breath now, knowing they'd all be in for a fierce firefight soon. The Helljumper closed her eyes for a moment and fingered the small good luck charm in her pocket - a keychain of a rabbit's foot. A gift from someone who'd meant a lot to her, but was no longer in the land of the living.

Keep an eye on me up there while I do this, Dominic, she thought. I miss you.

The moment didn't last long. It never did. She'd stopped dwelling on Dominic's fate a long time ago. It was time to get back to business.

Gripping her MA5C assault rifle, she keyed her COM. "First squad, on me! Captain wants us to move through the Marines' lines and secure the head 'V' of the November phase-line! We're going to be the frontlines, Troopers! Let's move it and show those regulars how it's done!" Then she turned to the newcomer and his fireteam, who still stood beside her. "Corporal Fisher, I'll take point. You've got our six."

[theforgotten]

The soft pads of the clawed feet in the soft soil heard ahead by his partner Kel. Zuk looks around listening to the loud pops of gunfire far off, followed by explosions, he swiftly turns in the direction of the blast then back ahead towards Kel.

He picks up his pace a bit as he listens to the soft sounds of nature when he notices the stop of her feet. He begins to climb a tree swiftly and sits on a large sturdy branch and looks over the scenario.

[Wax™]

Sergeant Jason Bowers
Delta, 1st Platoon, Sierras Company, Task Force 77

Sergeant Bowers was just about to move out of cover behind a tree to speak to Sergeant Redsont but was forced to stay behind cover due to a flurry of sniper shots, he ducked down as did the rest of his team and began to look all over the place Bowers then initiated COM's between him and 1st Platoon specificly Captain Sierra Lloyd.

"Captain... This is Bowers... We heard sniper shots coming from around your position? Is it the Covenant... Would you like DELTA To move back to your position? I assume you will need 1st Platoon at full force" Bowers ended the transmission but kept the line open and then turned and looked over to Speirs, he then raised his voice.

"Speirs! Start making your way to the convoy's last position and link up with Sierra, First and Second will be right behind..." He then stopped to look at Cassie their brand new Corporal. "...Cassie take Second Squad and move up right behind Third Squad..." He stopped once more turn his head to Winters who was only a foot or so away. "...Winters... Take First Squad and move up right behind Second" Once he was finished speaking to his team he moved from out of cover and approached Sergeant Redsont.

"Sergeant Redsont? Would you like an extra hand or can you and your 'Fuckjumpers' fix this shit up and get that pilot back?"

Bowers lifted up his Battle Rifle and looked at the Sergeant while biting his tounge, his gaze though hard and un-blinking through his orange combat glasses.

[Dufflepud]

OOC Kart: I don't have a lance. My Spec ops is an assassin.

"Nyla, I must ask. There are too many of us gathered here to be led separately. You are the highest ranking Sangheili here, my age non-withstanding. Do you wish to take charge?" Legra asked. Considering this for a moment Nyla shook his head,

"I agree, but I have too little experience leading others. Maybe you would be better suited to the task?"

[Martial Virtue]

Captain Sierra Lloyd

The Marine captain's COM crackled again as she kept her battle rifle aimed at the foliage ahead from behind cover, awaiting the enemy's arrival. Lloyd kept the index finger of her right hand inside her weapon's trigger guard while she listened to the report.

"Captain... This is Bowers...We heard sniper shots coming from around your position? Is it the Covenant... Would you like DELTA To move back to your position? I assume you will need 1st Platoon at full force."

Sierra keyed back, "Confirmed Covenant, Sergeant. I've got one of our sniper teams deployed a few klicks ahead, but they're pulling back in now. That's who fired those shots. I'm waiting for their full report on enemy strength and positions when they get in." The captain paused, thinking over her subordinate's suggestion. Finally she replied, "I could really use Delta to reinforce the lines, Bowers, but what's the status on that pilot? Also, be advised you've got to get through the Helljumpers' line now just ahead of us when you get back. Be sure to inform the other Captain Lloyd that you'll be passing by."

Corporal Cassie Thompson

Cassie wasn't exactly sure what had just happened outside her field of vision, but she had some sense that the Helljumper sergeant who'd called out earlier had found the downed pilot. It seemed as though the pilot, however, was still in shock from his crash landing, and hadn't taken too well to the sudden presence of someone he didn't know. After firing a number of gunshots to be safe, the pilot had fled the area, as far as Thompson had heard. She wondered if that was going to be the end of Delta's involvement in the SAR op.

Her answer came sooner than she thought.

"Cassie, take Second Squad and move up right behind Third Squad," Sergeant Bowers ordered.

Corporal Thompson responded instantly. "Yes, Sarge." She turned back to her team then, rising cautiously out of cover. "Marines, let's follow third squad out of here. We're heading back to the rest of the company."

[Deleted]

"Sergeant Redsont? Would you like an extra hand or can you and your 'Fuckjumpers' fix this shit up and get that pilot back?"


Redsont looked at the man and scowled. He just got shot at the guy he was trying to save. And he also stopped what would have become a massive Class-1 crap storm. He certainly didn't want to deal with this guy and the pilot needed finding. Of course he could use the help. Redsont had heard the sniper fire which meant they weren't alone anymore. Just then, Fred, Pat, and Ed came through the thicket and joined up with Redsont.

"The trap is set. Once we're out a good distance this forest will become a death zone. So what are we waiting for?", Fred asked.

"We need to find that pilot, he dissed his beacon and ran off. My guess would be where he feels most safe. Any idea where a pilot feels safe in a battle zone?", Redsont asked his squad.

"I'd say the thing he got here with. His craft must be around here somewhere. Find that and we might just find him.", Desmond stated.

"Alright, then we head out. We'll search the area east of here. You guys can tag along but I recommend you guys not stay around here too long. This place is gonna filled with hostiles and when it does it will also become an inferno. So what are you gonna do?", Redsont asked the soldiers who gave him the sas earlier.

[jack]

Jack had been hovering above the jungle, waiting for a reply from whoever was directing the screwup they were calling a SAR op. Finally, when he heard that the Marine unit was heading back to their lines and leaving the ODSTs to continue the op, he got pissed. No one had replied yet, and from he heard on the radio channels, it was two Sergeants down there. He caught the name of the ODST sergeant and opened a COM channel.

"This is Navy Lieutenant Jack O'Reilly to Sergeant Redsont. Be advised, I am on-station to provide air support to the SAR op as needed. I have the crash site in sight--it's about a klick east of you--but do not see the pilot. Have you made contact? Over."

Jack swore that if that sergeant didn't reply, somebody was gonna get chewed out. Whether he was a Marine or not, he still outranked the Sergeant.

[Bippwatt]

Nikolai grinned in morbid humor as he listened to the Captain's message back.

"Roger that, ma'am. Pulling back."

He switched channels to the ODST's and broadcasted to Captain Lloyd.

"Captain Lloyd, this is Sniper Team Alpha. Captain Lloyd has requested us to inform you and your men that we will be falling back through your line. Something about mistaking us for enemies, I believe, sir." Nikolai grinned at their...unique situation.

"Only in the Marine Corps.", he said to Idina.

"Yeah. Visit strange, new worlds."

"Meet exciting and exotic species."

"And kill them.", Idina finished with a deadpan.

They began to pick their way back towards the line of ODST's, hoping, praying, that they didn't get shot by friendly fire.

About half an hour later, they were at the edge of a clearing, which, if they moved into, would put them right in the sights of the ODST's.

"Damn. A good sensor net and a few watchful Mark I Eyeballs would have already picked us up. This is just...embarrassing."

He activated the radio. "ODST's, friendlies approaching from the west north west."

[SuperCommando]

Bracknell Command Center

"Hey!"

The urgent voice rose above the other background noises of the busy UNSC base. Skidding around the corner behind SPARTANs Jethro and Dani, a flustered ONI technitian pulled up short when he found the armored super soldiers.

"You two! Forty-seven and Ninty-seven! Priority transmission for you in the COM room! Grab One-twenty-six and report there ASAP! Go go go!"

[z]

-Mira

Coming over the COM to the Captain she spoke.
"What might you need us to do, ma'am?" She asked as she pulled up with the Captains platoon before looking back at her men and motioning for them to set up.

As she got out she slung her Rocket Launcher over her shoulder, and checked her SMG.

Behind her was her squad as they readied for a fight.

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

-Kag

The Skirmisher was shoved to the side by a Brute, and nearly stepped on. Kag did not say anything in order for him to not be murdered, he merely lowered his head before standing and sprinting off towards the woods and up a tree, letting out small noises while he scanned the ground for his teamates.

Leaping through the trees and chattering slightly in order to gather their atention if they could hear or see him.

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

-Lucy

Lucy looked at the COM when she head her last name mentioned, then to Isin when he answered.

"Im not the only Sergeant Grey Isin... "Lucy laughed and shook her head.

"Seems one of my dearest family are here..."