Mission 4 - GROUND BATTLE THREAD

[Huka]

The sound of a human vehicle whining under the sound of the wind. Spotting it quickly, Til saw the usual reconnaissance vehicle occupied by three humans; two in the front, one in the back manning a turret.

"Sufang, Xus. Prepare to fire at my shot." Til ordered as he lined his aim.

Zooming in on the driver's face, Til waited for a moment, before firing.

The slender needle zipped through the air and speared into the human's eye. Its passenger screamed at the sudden death but was silenced by a accompanioning needle and the gunsman was similar.

The vehicle continued rolling for a moment before crashing lightly into a dune.

Satisfied with his kill, Til lowered his rifle, and looked to his warriors, "We are close. Stay close to the sand and remain viligant. We want to have the element of surprise for now." He said confidently before walking onward.

[Cabel]

[Planet’s Surface: Excavation Site: Northwestern Perimeter: Zulu Squad]

“What…isn’t that one of our ships, Sarge?” Taffy asked, as intense screaming came from overhead or somewhere overhead. Even though Zulu Squad’s position had been in the northwestern perimeter, the bulky cruiser had still been seen.

“Taffy, that can’t be…oh, my. Taffy, stop gawking and get your sights back on your rifle. That goes for everyone,” Mark began, before turning around to witness a contrail of sickly black smoke across the sky following the unmistakable lines of a Marathon class cruiser before it impacted the ground. A mile long trail had been carved in its wake, as smoke vented from the sections in the hull. He'd quickly open the com-link to the Outpost through his helmet-mic, before turning his attention back to the outer wire. “Zulu Squad, to Outpost Com and ArchAngel Six…we have…we have a cruiser down. I repeat, a cruiser down. It’s one of ours, but we’re too far to make out the hull markings. Request evac of the crew, if they’re still alive,”

[Deleted]

^{Second Lieutenant Killinger
Planet Surface
Forward Observation Post}

The Lieutenant looked up as the subsonic scream pierced his ear. "HOLLY FUCK!" one of his squad members said.

Killinger looked to the right quickly, a massive ship was coming down, and he had to admit - Who ever was piloting that thing was good.

Killinger keyed the Captain of Alpha.
"Captain, I'm the nearest to that Cruiser, I could go after it! Permission to assist the downed Cruiser." He said into the comm, and keyed his Platoons comm channel.
"Second Platoon, stand-by for orders. Prepare to relive the Forward Observation Post." He said.

He wanted to help the people who've been stranded on the planet that were in the Cruiser. It would be crawling with Covenant soon.

[Daenerys Targaryen]

Lieutenant Aspen "Jade" Watts
Artiface Surface
Rescue Operations

"Zulu 24, you are to hook up to a CASEVAC on the surface pronto, the UNSCS Iwo Jima is going down and Captain Morgan as ordered 36 pelicans, including you to folow the Iwo Jima to it's crash site and begin emergancy rescue operations." Came the order from the bridge of the UNSCS Fire Tear thirty minutes prior to were Aspen was now. The ships AI had marked exactly were the ship was heading at it's current trajectory and velocity so that is were Aspen followed. Suddenly a loud crack of the sound barrier and a section of atmosphere being broken seemed to break through everything, even the pelicans Tuitanium walls.

"Jesus Christ!!" Dan exclaimed as the truely massive Marathon cruiser crashed into the sandy dunes away from the excavation site. The crunching and hissing of sand being turned to glass by the intence heat echoed through the pelicans cockpit as well.

"Admiral Yakamura!! Do you read? This is Zulu 24 for CASEVAC, do you read me!? We have 36 Pelicans for CASEVAC in-bound." Called Aspen into her comms on almost all channels, the covenant would soon be on this planet and on this ship like nothing else. "I will be coming for you and your bridge crew personally, Covies will be swarming any time soon." Stated Aspen as her pelican finaly caught the carved out trail left in the sand dunes.

Comms picked up snags of rushed orders of who was going to help out in rescue efforts, some marine squads were even asking to assist. So naturally Aspen keyed in both Captain Lloyds, "Captain Dylan Lloyd and Captain Dylan Lloyd, do not feel obligated to send troopers out to help with rescue efforts, most of the UNSC vessels are sending out aid as we speak. 36 CASEVAC pelicans are on their ways now. If you preffer some soldiers over their assuring the saftey of the extractions though I cannot argue with that. " She chimmed in, hoping that no soldiers would be sent on foot toward a massive wreck of a star ship.. what could they possibly do to help. After a few more minutes of weaving past billowing clouds of arcid smoke Aspen found herself soaring over the wreck of the Iwo Jima, it's nose barely handing off of a cliff.

Massive plasma scarring shown as the main hanger was torn to shreds. Aspens pelican slowed to a hover, above the Cruiser as the 35 other pelicans made it past the arcid smoke and began backing up into blown open hatches, landing in secondary hangers, landing on the ground near the behemeath to get into mid levels that were now lower levels. As for Aspens pelican, she backed it up into one of the blown out hatches closest to the bridge.


"This is Zulu 24 requesting armed support to all UNSC forces in the area, covies are already showing up and harrasing our pelicans." Stated Aspen as a small scouting party of covenant neared the ship only to be mowed down by the rotary guns of 14 other pelicans as they landed where some of the CASEVACS had landed on the ground, 190 marines poored out from the Pelicans and began engaing any hostiles in the area and setting up a perimeter. "Wow the Tear must of really been pulling out alll of her cards to rescue these people." Muttered Aspen as she lowered her bay door.

Dani-047 and Lieutenant Jessica Mae Collins ONI
Gold Team
Artiface Surface

"Jethro, it sounded like you landed a little rough. We are heading over to you now." Offered Dani into team comms as the team leader's voice crackled over the comms.

"Sir, Jethro landed pretty hard. I am taking Lieutenant Collins with me to go see if he needs any assistance." Dani reported to Silas as she and the female operative started walking toward his location. After about ten minutes of trecking she had found him and his mangaled pod. "You alright Jeth?" Dani asked as she walked over to her brother in arms.

[Spartan 999]

Petty Officer Jethro-097

Jethro looked over to his right, seeing Dani and Jessica cresting over a hill some thirty meters away. He stood up, stretching his back briefly before replying.

"Kinda." Jethro said into his COM, his voice detectably ragged. "I'll be fine for now, Dan. Just some cracked ribs, I think."

Once he met up with the other Spartan and the ONI agent, he gave a 'SPARTAN smile' to Dani, and nodded to Jessica.

"Off to find the rest of Gold, I guess?"

[kuran]

Rear Admiral Daniel Yakamura
UNSCS Iwo Jima
Bridge

Daniel's first feeling of regaining consciousness was muffled shouting. It took him a moment of rubbing his eyes for his vision to un-cloud....revealing a very torn up bridge. Wires were hanging from the ceiling, their panels broken and torn off. Red emergency lighting winked on and off, and the forward viewport had some prominent cracks on it.

"-ura!! Do you read? This is Zulu 24 for CASEVAC, do you read me!? We have 36 Pelicans for CASEVAC in-bound.I will be coming for you and your bridge crew personally, Covies will be swarming any time soon."

Shaking his head a few times in an effort to rid himself of his blurred vision, he felt around on his cest, releasing the restraints that had undoubtedly saved his life.

"Status report?" He inquired, wondering if anyone was alive to hear him.

There were signs of movment from most of the stations, and Dawn flickered on in her holotank.

"Captain, all main systems are down. I have power and control over the lighting and the doors, but that's all. Reactor power is at .2% on one, all others have cut out."

Daniel nodded wearily. He could feel the large gash over his eyebrow, but what hurt more was the death of his ship, of so many of his men and women. "And our casualties?"

"Life forms onboard, two hundred and fifty-four out of the original fifteen hundred. Of those two fifty-four, a hundred and forty-two show signs of being injured and requiring attention."

Daniel felt like he could have been punched in the gut. So many people dead, and it was his fault.

As his bridge crew came around and slowly started to stand, he looked around, suddenly remembering the half-heard communication from a pelican. He staggered to the comms panel, who's operator was still unconscious, and pressed a blinking light.

"This is Yakamura, we have...significant wounded, and would greatly appreciate your help in extracting them."

[Daenerys Targaryen]

Dr. Victoria J. Harper
ONI Section III
Civilian Archeological Research Team

"How are we on excavation John?" Quered Victoria as she brought a tanning hand along her forehead to wipe off excess sweat. God this heat is unbearable." She exclaimed, with a small stamp of her foot.

"We are almost there soon, also Spartan Gold Team has been deployed, would you like to speak with them?" John asked, handing over an ear peice to Victoria.

"Yes, thank you." She answered before taking the ear peice and fitting it into her right ear, connecting directly to Silas. "Gold Team, this is Dr. Victoria Jean Harper. Excavation is almost complete, how far along you to the excavation site? We do not have forever and we need Spartan transport this is high priority." She tutted, before walking back over to the door. "How longer will it take to get this thing open?" She asked one of the archeological team using a laser like ONI excavation tool.

"Almost there actua..." Began the worker but was cut off by the creaking of ancient doors that had not opened in a long long time. Red dust began to fall from the creaking metal doors as they slowly began to open. Then Victoria keyed a comms channel to Captain Dylan Lloyd. "Captain Dylan Lloyd, this is Dr. Victoria Harper, we are moving closer into the objective, I suggest you move some forces further into the excavation site. I have one marine squad here now, but my spartans are not here yet and I do not know where the covenant are now." Victoria said.

With that the archeological team made there way into the slowly opening forerunner doors to witness a massive hallway. At the end of the hallway was a chamber with a large metallic casket in there. "Well we eather need to open this or get four spartans to carry it out.." Victoria said as she pulled a small video camera from her lab coat and began recording. "Xeno-Palentology Data Log 2020." She stated to mark the entry into her records.

"Ma'am? Should we follow you in there.. what if it is da-" Began the marine Sergeant already ordered to protect her.

"That will not be necisary Sergeant. Just stay outside and hold your position." She stated blatantly before continuing on her way, her archeological team following feet behind and her assistant right by her left side.

"Yes ma'am..." He responded before turning back around to adress his squad.

Lieutenant Aspen Watts
Zulu 24
CASEVAC

Metal boots clanged against the floor as a medical team and Aspen made their way toward the bridge. Dan, her co pilot, stayed in the cockpit to hover while the rest rescue the bridge crew. "This is Yakamura, we have...significant wounded, and would greatly appreciate your help in extracting them." Came a voice, crackling over comms again.

"Yakamura, glad to hear your voice. We have other teams extracting wounded and I am making my way to the bridge to extract you personally and take it to the Fire tear." She reported as her time got closer to the bridge. Finaly the team reached the bridge and Aspen pounded on the door. "Open up, the covies will be swarming this place in no time!!" She hollored.

[Dutch]

Corporal Fisher

Call it luck, call it skill, but Fisher actually managed to haul his ass across the dry landscape to the rest of his fireteam, and then to the rest of the main ODST unit to the dig site. Spotting lieutenant Howard, Fisher jogged up and said, slightly out of breath,

"Fisher here ma'am, anything in particular you need done?"

Staff Sergeant Baker

Baker and his team made it to the dig site in a few minutes and immediately began setting up positions, with Patch and LeGar taking up a god sniping position while the other squads split up and to strengthen the defenses. They weren't terribly comfortable with this, and Baker couldn't blame them. They weren't so used to operating as part of such a large group.

Victor 126

Victor had, luckily, landed only a few hundred yards from the dig site. With a screaming shriek, he cratered into the ground, only to pop the patch a moment later and jump out, weapons ready.

"Hello?" A message flashed across Victors HUD, rousing a slight grin. Lu was never one for chatting very much, but everyone was used to it by now. A moment later, Silas's voice came in over Victor's speakers, telling them to rendezvous at the drop zone. Victor flashed his 'affirmative' green light along with the others and moved out.

Again luckily, Victor was only a hundred or so yards from the drop zone, and was there in about thirty seconds. Moving carefully and quickly, painfully aware of his exposure level, Victor moved in to the site and propped himself up behind a fair-sized boulder to await his Spartan brethren.

[hollowsaber]

Arbiter Suliam Quart'ai Blade of the Prophets At the Ancient Structure

It was time...

Suliam opened his eyes slowly and stared directly forward as a human drop-pod slammed into the sand. A light growl came from the warrior’s throat as he got to his feet quickly. The Arbiter peered over the dunes to the scene for only a moment, then looked down to catch sight of the Human scientists pulling opening the door. They finally gained access to the structure... It had taken them a while to get it open, but their fate had been sealed the moment Suliam had landed so time would make no difference.

The slope was steep, but easy to traverse. With his staff in hand, the Arbiter jumped off and slid quickly down the loose sand and gravel. Several seconds passed before he was safely on the ground. The Sangheili let out a quiet huff of air, and gripped his staff tight.

“Chieftain... the structure is open..” Suliam spoke calmly over the connection with the Jiralhanae leader, then silenced himself.

Without even listening for a response, Suliam moved forward swiftly and stood off to the side of the door frame as one of the Humans began to bark orders to his file. The Arbiter waited until he began to yell, then slipped inside of the ancient structure as the sound of closing Phantoms hummed in the air above. Now... he marched silently in sync with the science team, keeping a slight distance from them as to not arouse their attention for now...

[tincanhitman]

Brute Chieftain
Hectus

“Chieftain... the structure is open..”

"MOVE OUT!" Hectus roared over his com as the three phantoms burst over the dunes speeding towards the construct.

The phantoms were loaded with 109 brute, kig yar, unggoy, hunter and Yanme'e terror troopers alike. The leading ship was the Chieftain's, loaded with Two hunters, a swarm of Yanme'e and 7 brutes.

The chieftains phantom dropped them off at the entrance, while the others were dropped off around it, attacking the troopers around it.

The chieftain landed and immediately grabbed one of the marines guarding the door and slammed him into the wall, breaking his spine. He drew his pistol and shot another soldier, leaving a large hole in his face.

Looking to the rest to find them dead, the chieftain waved his troops into the structure. After they were all inside they shut the door and shot the lock, effectively sealing them in. As his ship starts to take off it was suddenly hit by grizzly fire, hitting its gravity boons and causing it to drop straight down, also sealing the door.

"Captain Verlarus! Call in reinforcements from the sangheili!" he told his other captain on the outside.


(From Dave : Door is not destructible, being forerunner tech.)

((OOC: Wax we have a plan already taken up with dave.)

[Huka]

Jiralhanae Captain Valerius

With the human caught in surprise by the sudden wave of phantoms, it made the attack all the more easy. The constantly-bloodthirsty Valerius looked over the edge of his phantom to see the humans scattering about like insects to fight off the invasion force, but it was far too late for that.

"Show these things no mercy, warriors!" He roared to all who could hear his booming voice.

Carberus smiled next to him, ever pleased to hear his Alpha take charge.

Looking down, Valerius estimated the distance, and grunted before casually walking off the edge. "Alpha!" Carberus cried when he watched Valerius leave.

Albus and Therus looked at one another before they walked to the edge of the bay as well. The white-furred Albus bumped shoulders with Carberus before being the first to follow their Alpha.

Therus thrown out his arm, signaling his stynx to take flight before dropping as well.

"Fools." Carberus muttered to himself, deciding not to jump, and spoke in his comlink. "Alpha, I will take command of our Unggoy from here for now!"

Valerius landed on the hood of a human vehicle, nearly flipping it over, and roared at the occupations. With a large clawed hand, he swatted them out of their vehicle so hard, they nearly lost their heads.

The turret gunner aimed its machine at the captain, but Albus landed nearly on top of it. Ripping the upper half of the human from the vehicle, he landed violently on the sand, but fortunately his armor's shields softened the fall.

Not too far, a tank was manuevering itself to shoot down the overhead phantom, but Therus landed on the cannon, swinging on it to redirect his momentum, and landed infront of the cockpit.

Snarling, he pulled out his maul, and fired, blowing the pilot's head everywhere in its supposed safe spot.

"Captain Valerius! Call in reinforcements from the sangheili!"The voice of Chieftain Hectus rang in Valerius' helm as he dismounted the vehicle.

Snarling at the idea, Valerius however remained quiet before accessing his communications, [yellow]"Mighty Sangheili warriors of the Covenant, this is Captain Valerius. The frontlines is ripe for battle, we await your arrival!"[/yellow]

[Cabel]

[Planet’s Surface: Excavation Site: Northwestern Perimeter: Zulu Squad]

“Hey, Sarge, I think our reinforcements have arrived. Did you buy the platoon leader a box of Sweet Williams?” one of the replacement Privates asked, from his foxhole.

“Stow it, Private. A box of Sweet Williams is above my pay grade,” Mark began as reinforcements in the form of ODST’s arrived. Having managed to his feet, he spoke with one of the ODST’s which he couldn’t make out the rank of due to the black armor they wore when a massive explosion followed by the all too well known sound of artillery forced him to turn behind them. “What was…that can’t be. Can it? I thought our six was protected…how did? Unless…” he began, opening his helmet-mic. “Zulu Squad to Outpost Comm and ArchAngel Six, are you registering any demolition squads further into the Excavation Site? We’re hearing artillery fire coming from that direction,”

[SuperCommando]

CPO SPARTAN-009 (Silas)

Planet Artifice

Approaching dig site

Interesting… it was the same ODST sharpshooter from the hanger. Seeing him reminded Silas of the unidentified air puff on the comm back aboard the Ares, as well as the cryptic text from Bifrons. Corporal Furrow, huh? Very interesting indeed...

The Spartan acknowledged Furrow’s message with a nod of his head. Then he looked off in the direction of the nav waypoint marking the supply drop zone. Still a bit of distance to cover, and the DZ was on the way to the dig site, which was probably where this Helljumper was going. That meant Silas now had a traveling companion for the time being.

“This way. Move fast,” he said to Furrow. Silas led the way, weaving through the troughs of the high dunes at a brisk pace.

Many minutes of swift, silent travel ensued as the SPARTAN and the ODST crossed the desert, covering each other as they advanced steadily towards the dig site. At one point, they caught a glimpse of a crashing Marathon as it ripped through the clouds, raining debris. Silas stoically ignored the warship and kept up the pace. It was too far out of the way to help, and assisting rescue operations would sidetrack his own objectives. They kept moving.

Eventually, the comm suddenly crackled in his ear…

“Gold Team, this is Dr. Victoria Jean Harper. Excavation is almost complete, how far along you to the excavation site? We do not have forever and we need Spartan transport this is high priority.”

“Dr. Harper, this is Gold One,” Silas replied, “ETA approximately five minutes, over.”

He and Furrow were practically upon the DZ for the supply drop by now, which was due to arrive any time now. As they neared the DZ, Silas noticed a friendly blip on his motion tracker. IFF tagged it as S-126.

“Gold Two, there you are,” said Silas. “This is Corporal Furrow, I picked him up out in the desert. Did the team or the supplies get here yet?”

At that moment, there was a muted thump in the distance, which to Silas sounded alarmingly close to the dig site…

“That sounded like an explosion…” he said apprehensively. He immediately jumped on the comm.

“Gold team to Dr. Harper, come in Dr. Harper. What’s going on over there?”

[z]

Lucifer-077

Her eyes turned to the NAV point and she sighed seeing the distance... It was a mile away, if she kept up a sprint then maybe she could make it in time for the fun.

So, sucking in a deep breath the large green form began moving at half-speeded sprint in the direction.

-Five Minutes Later-

Coming up on the marker she was almost relieved. She really did not like the barren wasteland she had ran through.. It was tasteless, no color.. .No life...

She slowed to a walk a good click away.

Circling to climb a series of rocks, she could see the other super solders, Lucifer's feet met the sand, sending up a cloud of dust as she moved closer. Coming up she eyed the ODST and the other members of Gold Team.

She didn't even say a word, just stood still as a statue listening to the COMM with no reactions.

Lucy Grey

She knew what that mean... Jason was going to have to drop er off, and as much as she hated the idea she had to comply. She had other things to take care of.

"Get us where we need to go... Fast.." She said, resting her head in one hand.

Alex Summers

She got up, pushing past Church with her cybernetic shoulder as she moved on with Green.

Upon reaching the needed area, each member of Green began setting up mines, then putting a thin layer of sand over them to keep them hidden from unneeded attention.

[Cabel]

[Planet’s Surface: Excavation Site: Northwestern Perimeter: Zulu Squad]

“I’m not moving my squad from this position without proper intel,” Mark said, after moving the helmet-mic away a little. He wasn’t particularly thrilled there hadn’t been any thorough intel on this planet, or that he’d committed his squad with a bunch of untried replacements on that lack of intel. The glaring sun overhead and the fact the squad hadn’t had anything to break up the monotony of a rolling desert since the Pelican had dropped them off didn’t seem to help either, but they did have plenty of company at least if you call the ODST’s that. “Zulu Squad to Outpost Comm and ArchAngel Six, we’re moving out to investigate the Dig Site. The ODST’s are staying at this position, and digging in. Request reinforcements be sent to this sector, along with armor,” he said, moving the helmet-mic closer and opened a channel to the Outpost.

“Where we going, Sarge?” one of the Privates asked.

“Pack up your gear. We’re moving out to check out whatever’s going on down there. The ODST’s are going to stay, and dig in. We’ll try to be back, but in the meantime call in for reinforcements. If I’m right, the whole perimeter’s going to jumping with split-lips and the canine aliens,” Master Sergeant Mark “Spade” Sorelson said, packing up his own gear and climbed into the driver seat of the warthog. “Shade, Doberman, you’re with me. Taffy, Chris, keep track of the replacements and follow alongside on foot. I don’t need the entire squad taken out if we role over a mine,” He’d been glad the ODST’s had arrived with their own warthogs, and had buried them in dug-outs. If they hadn’t, he would have been plagued with guilt if he’d had to leave with the warthog.

Switching the warthog into reverse after the grenadier Corporal Keith “Doberman” Dennis and the designated marksman Lance Corporal Steve “Shades” Jerrod leaped onto the recon vehicle. Doberman had slid into the passenger seat while Shades had taken the M41 Turret, and snapped the bolt back slinging his own M392 DMR over his shoulder. Pulling the warthog out of the dug-out, the improvised battleplating over the windshield had surprisingly remained in place and before long the warthog with five marines on foot headed back towards the dig site.

[Daenerys Targaryen]

Dr. Victoria J. Harper
ONI Section III
Civiliam Archeological Research Team

The ONI scientist was mistified by the glyphs and materials that decorated the hall... "This ruin is very geometric in nature, leading me to believe that they respected and used advanced mathmatics.." She spoke so her voice would be picked up by the camera.

"Dr. Harper, are you sure we should be hea-" Began John who was again cut off by Victoria.

"John I am sure nothing dangerouse has been in her for a very long time now quit whining!" She snapped back, the golden light that flooded the desert and excavation site warmed there backs as the made their way further down the hall. "Go take a look around the hall and this chamber, team, I will take a look at this casket.." She mumbled, running her hand along the metallic surface which seemed to glow at her touch but stayed tightly shut. Siddenly the glow was one of the only things that lit the temple.. the doors behind them slowly shut and the light was bloted out.. besides the faint blue light that filled the temple. She was unsure if she heard something peculiar after that but it was enough to turn her around and point the camera in that directon. "What the hell..?" She asked herself as she grabbes her camera lense and began to wipe it.

"What is it?" John asked.

"Nothing.. this recorder is glitching and shimmering." She chimmed before waving over to her excavation team. Go see if that door just closed us in will you?" She ordered before moving back to the casket with John. "Months of excavation for this... it better be good." She tutted, running her hand along the casket again.


“Gold team to Dr. Harper, come in Dr. Harper. What’s going on over there?” Came Gold Team Lead's voice over her earpeice.

"Silas.. I think.. the door must have closed behind us because we can't see anything t the end of that hall. I will keep an open com with you, though. " She offered in a clam tone, not feeling in danger in the least.

Lance Corporal Victoria Landcaster
Artiface Dig Site
Alpha Squad

"Captain Sierra Lloyd! Phantoms inbound!!!" Victoria cried into coms as a wave of phantoms flew over the dig sight and closer the the archeoogical team excavation zone. Grizzlies managed to shoot down a few but soon silence began to come from the turrets and tanks. The phantoms dropped at least 109 coveneant troops in the same area and slaughtered a marine squad. "Ma'am!! I am spotting at least a hundred covenant further down the dig site!!" She cried again before firing her sniper a few times, dropping some Jackals.

((Just put what is happening in green so people don't miss it once they investigate the noise.))

Sergeant David Williams ODST
Jaded Venom Squad
Excavation Site

No later did David start wandering off toward the excavation site did phantoms jet over head toward the same area. Bursts of automatic weapon fire and screams where heard as a phantom was shot down, and then an entire squad of marines was engaged. Soon the phantoms began dropping covenant and David had to react quick. "Jaded Venom fall back behind cover!!!" Cried Sergeant Williams before chucking several grenades toward the area of the covenant, his 11 men emitated him. "Captain Dylan Lloyd, the covenant have invaded the excavation part of the dig site! I cannot get a vizual on the team, i think they are inside that big metal structure. But there are Covies dropping by the dozens in that area and I think more are coming!!" He reported as his ODST dropped behind cover and began to shoot a few rounds off toward the forces being dropped.

Dani-047 and Lieutenant Jessica Mae Collins
Artiface Surface
Jethro's Pod

"Time we get moving." Stated Dani as she "smiled" back and patted his back before jogging off to the DZ way point with the ONI Lieutenant in toe.

"Yes let's hurry. I am getting reports of covenant nearing the dig site from ONI." Reported jessica as she charged along behind the Spartans, strugling to keep pace with them. Soon, very soon, they would be at the DZ with most of gold team/

[hollowsaber]

Corporal Jake Furrow Sniper of TF77 En Route to GOLD Team supply drop.

Furrow hefted his rifle up to his shoulder and stuck close to the SPARTAN. As they began to run, the heat quickly warmed his feet, and his armor locked in his body heat. The only sort of cool-breeze he got was from the poor air filters, as the impact in the sand seemed to have messed them up. The trooper didn’t complain though, he had a job to do.

Yet, he cried a little on the inside. The sand dunes never looked like they were going to end, and as a massive cruiser fell out of the sky, he lost a bit of hope for the Navy. Not saying he had any in the first place, but it always helped knowing the big guns were up there somewhere. Now, as that cruiser fell and debris crashed into the landscape, it was obvious that the Navy may be getting its ass handed to it. Either way, it was ultimately up to the ground-pounders.

As Silas and Furrow moved, a random NAV marker popped up on Furrow’s HUD. It was labeled ‘drop-point’. It wasn’t to far off, and it seemed to be where they were going. He gripped his rifle tighter, and started to look around in a full 360-degree bubble, as well as above. The Covenant could come from anywhere, Jake had seen them do it before. So the Trooper put his body into a constant-scanning motion. He started to his far left, spun his rifle around to his right, then up to the sky, and down to his left for another turn. Like a robot, the trooper kept close to Silas while he moved his rifle around.



* * * * * * *

MIL-AI-0665-BIFRONS UNSCS AresAbove the Planet Artifice Watching over the Situation

“Silas, incoming supply drop. ETA. One minute. Compliment of the UNSCS Ares.” Bifrons spoke elegantly over the channel to Gold Team.

The AI received information on the Supply Drop nearly seconds after Silas had landed, and a moment later, the entire hangar was put into motion to get what he asked for ready. Bifrons used some of the ship’s robots to moved supplies until the Pelicans were ready. When they were, the pilots were notified of the drop point as Bifrons opened the hatch. They dropped out and were inbound within 3 minutes of the message being received.

Down below, Bifrons had gotten a view on the excavation site, and what he saw was very disturbing. The Covenant were already inside the structure, and the Archaeologists didn’t even seem to know.

“Miss Harper, Covenant soldiers have touched down outside of the Forerunner Structure and have sealed the door. I suggest finding a place to hide until GOLD Team can reach you.” Bifrons switched connection from the woman and turned the ship’s view finder to see where the team was. Silas, Furrow, and Lucifer were moving to the drop point. Jethro was being recovered by Dani. And finally, Victor, had just touched down close to the site.

“Silas, I will place a way-point on an alternate entrance for you. It is a bit of a hike, but if your team can get there, you will be able to come in behind the Covenant. I am unsure of the situation inside, but only a small strike-team has entered, but I will continue to gather intelligence for you.” Bifrons zoomed in on the running SPARTAN for a moment to check on him then back out to see the pelicans starting to arrive.

* * * * * * *

Arbiter Suliam Quart'ai Blade Of The Prophets Inside of the Forerunner Structure

Suliam remained silent as the scientists walked down the hall. He wanted to slaughter them all for disgracing this holy place with their steps, but he had no choice. The Sangheili had no idea what was here, nor how to activate whatever it was. All he knew was that the casket down the hall was his goal. It looked a bit heavier then one would expect, he may need assistance with it...

As he thought, the human woman turned her camera to him in response to the shutting of the doors. Jiralhanae scum... The Arbiter froze and readied his staff to slaughter them, but she simple rubbed the object she was holding then turned away. After a wave, her team began to approach Suliam. The trap was prime...

Suddenly, Suliam deactivated his camouflage and roared loudly, his cry for blood echoing through the silent walls of the structure. The Sangheili activated the staff, two bright plasma-prongs blazing into the air as power was pushed through. The team was caught off guard, and the Swordsmaster acted with haste.

The Warrior twirled the staff to his side, then brought it down diagnoally with furoscity, splicing the core of the first human in an almost perfect cut. Using the momentum, the warrior spun around and swept the staff low, cutting out the legs of another two scientists. The wounds gushed blood for a moment, but the heat of the blade burned the cells, causing the bleeding to stop on contact.

Suliam growled and brought the staff back across, beheading one scientist and cutting the other in half. Without pausing, the Arbiter jabbed the staff forward, skewering one human through his midsection. The staff pierced through him with ease, splattering blood out of the exit wound over the rest of the team. Suliam pulled the body close, and kicked the human off his weapon into another. He hefted the staff up, gripped it, and threw the weapon like a javelin into the cranium of the human that caught his dead ally.

The Arbiter turned his attention to the last three, and drew one of his energy swords from his hip. The warrior growled low and stomped close to the trio and grabbed one of them by the throat. He raised the human up, clenching his throat within his hand. The man kicked and gasped for air, helpless in the massive warrior’s squeezing grip.

“Pathetic...” Suliam spat in the face of the human. then shoved his energy sword through the human’s core before throwing him away.

Now, it was just him and the main Scientist, along with her assistant. Suliam turned to them and marched forward, dragging his energy sword across the floor as he stomped forward.

“You will open this casket... And if you do not...” Suliam warned before snagging up the assistant by his throat.
“I will feed you both to my friends at the door...” Suliam hissed in the face of the assistant, then threw him to the ground in front of the casket.
“I do not have time to waste! NOW OPEN THE CASKET!”

[kuran]

Rear Admiral Daniel Yakamura
UNSCS Iwo Jima
Bridge

Daniel jumped as the door behind him was pounded on. "Open up, the covies will be swarming this place in no time!!" Came a muffled shout.

Staggering to the door, he fiddled with the controls for a moment before the heavy steel plate swung slowly open. Stepping aside, Daniel returned to the holotank.

"Most of my bridge crew is wounded....my comms officer is still unconscious. Dawn, download to your portable storage and activate the purge."

The shimmering AI nodded and faded out of existence. Everything was silent for a moment before a tray underneath her holotank creaked open, revealing a large, boxy laptop not unlike those of the early 21'st century. Retrieving the laptop with a slightly grunt-blasted thing was heavy-he turned to follow the rescue party out once they were done with his crew.

[Daenerys Targaryen]

Dr. Victoria J. Harper
ONI Section III
Civilian Archeological Research Team

“Miss Harper, Covenant soldiers have touched down outside of the Forerunner Structure and have sealed the door. I suggest finding a place to hide until GOLD Team can reach you.” Crackled Bifron's voice over the communicator in Victoria's earpeice. Chills ran up her spine as the spit fire scientist turned slowly around and began to run her heand up her thight and to the P5 Magnum strapped to her hip. The white fabric of her labcoat ruffled lightly as her hand rested upon it. "The shimmer.." She mumbled.. all the peices began to fit together and she let out a scream of warning that was drowned out by the roar of a large uncloaked elite as it charge toward her team.

"Jesus Christ!!" Called out John as he stumbled backward toward the casket as Harper Drew out her Magnum, letting her camera clatter to the ground. It was almost too hard to see as the expert Sangheili warrior ran around spearing her team mates. The smell of hissing flesh and organs began to fill the area as the two watched their get slaughtered one by one. When it came to the final killing Victoria pulled her tigger, missing by a fraction of an inch sending the bullet bouncing around untill breaking apart. Soon after her last archeologist was silenced from his choaking fit with a bright plasma sword.

"Pathetic.. was the word that came from it's mandibles.. the a slurred english that would leave her astounded if this fell under other circumstances, hell she was still astounded. The thing had spit in the humans face.. like he was scum.. something naged at the back of her head and she knew what it was. That thing would be coming for her next. The stomping of alien feet on the forerunner metal seemed to echo essesantly as it began to speak directly to her.. the hissing of it's energy sword on the ground was more of an anoyying factor instead of a threatening one.

“You will open this casket... And if you do not...I will feed you both to my friends at the door. I do not have time to waste! NOW OPEN THE CASKET!” Cried the gigantic warrior while it grabbed John and threw him toward the casket. A small puddle began to form around her assitant that almost made her spit with disgust, she would not be demeaned like him. Then it struck her... he ordered her to open the casket.. that could only mean one thing.. he did not know how to open the casket.. and something else, her line with Silas was still open. So with a covert ease the spartan female moved her head to the left, causing her curly hair to fall over her ear peice to hide it from the raging alien who was to busy to notice it. She knew holding a gun to an eliete would do her no good so she lowered it slowly, moving her left hand gently across her Tac Pad as if it was a simple bump and directed her camera feed directly to Silas and Bifrons.

"You, a big alien like you. Needs me to open this casket?" She mused in a calm tone, kicking the pistol off over to her assitant. Hoping he would get her idea while the alien would surely be distracted by her bravery. She stared the thing right in it's buggy eyes with her own peircing brown eyes. Before reaching in her lab coat pocket gingerly as if she were in a casual situation.

Lieutenant Aspen "Jade" Watts
Zulu 24
Iwo Jima Bridge

"Most of my bridge crew is wounded....my comms officer is still unconscious. Dawn, download to your portable storage and activate the purge." Stated the Captain as the medical team ran to the bridge crew and began assessing the situation and treating them. Some where able to walk but most came out eather being carried or on strechers. Aspen patted the Captain on his shouder.

"You did the best you could, the other 35 pelicans are getting every living person out. I also hear some albatross landers are coming to scavange supplies from here." Aspen reported before following the crew and motioning the Captain to follow her. "We should leave soon, the covenant are getting closer." She stated before turning into a random corridor to get closer to the pelican.

[tincanhitman]

Chieftain
Hectus

"Fexluer, tasmasa with me!, Captain Supry you as well. the rest of you hold here! Keep open coms i will alert you of fresh meat." the chieftain said he then made his way down the tunnel to the arbiter, wanting to make sure he was not missing any thing good.

He came to him in time to see the larger human urinate himself. Hectus laughed deeply at the humans fear.

"you seemed to have scared the little ones Arbiter!" he laughed before pulling his side arm out and reloading the shot he had fired. He figured the humans would be here soon and he needed to be ready.

He leaned against a wall allowing his hunters to set themselves up near him, while the captains three men spread into the room were this was all happening.

[Spartan 999]

Petty Officer Jethro-097

Jethro slid behind an odd shaped boulder, head moving left and right as he checked for enemies. He flashed his index finger twice, motioning for Dani and Jessica to move up. He activated his COM, contacting Silas.

"Silas; Dani, Agent Collins, and I are at the rendezvous." He said, MA5B primed.

[Huka]

Major Domo Til 'Muramee

Having followed the phantoms with upmost haste and excitement, Til and his lance came upon a battlefield. The human defenses were fighting with the vangaurd of Jiralhanae.

"Dirty beasts." Skor growled under his breath and Til remained quiet on the opinion. Having heard the announcement from one of the Jiralhanae commanders, Til looked about to find a way into the holy relic.

"Let us go around. No need to risk our lives, the Jiralhanae have the battle." Til said to Skor, who looked visually disappointed, but the others were happy to follow.

[hollowsaber]

Suliam Quart'ai Blade Of The Prophets Inside of the Forerunner Structure

This woman was brave, but stupid. Suliam did not need her to open the casket, he just wanted someone else to do it... If he wanted to, he would have cut her head off and used her hand to open it himself. Though, from the looks of the object, there wasn’t much to touch. Suliam flexed his mandibles and grabbed the woman by her small wrist. Forcefully, but with chair, he pushed her palm against the casket, causing it to shimmer slightly. It was human activated alright.. and reacted just as other Ancient artifacts had done.

“Human... You have 5 of your measly minutes before I cut off the head of your partner... Then I will feed you to my door-guards...” Suliam shoved the woman backwards and deactivated his blade. As he did so, he activated a timer on his display... 5 minutes. That’s all she would get.

Yet, before he walked away, the warrior reached down and grabbed the pistol she had dropped. Her assistant was in a pool of his own urine next to it, and her plan was obvious. The warrior growled low as he snagged the weapon, then threw onto a ledge above them, the weapon disappearing down an upper-hallway.

“Chieftain! Come down the hall.” Suliam called, turning to the hall as he walked towards the entrance.
“Leave the Mglaekgolo with one of your Jiralhanae and have the rest of your pack search the structure for anything else we may be able to take back with us. In five minutes, if this casket is not open, we will carry it out.” Suliam took position to the side of the room and stood in the shadows out of sight from the few halls that came to the center. He crossed his arms and stared impatiently at the scientists, glancing down at the timer...

4 minutes and 30 seconds remained...

[darthsloan]

Minor Domo L'Sae Fulthamee

L'Sae hated the desert.... he just wasn't accustomed to it. He kept following Til with the others, until he saw the battle in the distance. Those furry beasts seemed to have it in control, which suprised him. Secretly he hoped that the humans cut them down.

He was prepared to jump into battle and was slightly dissapointed to hear we will be evading the fight... but he knew there will me more to come.

[tincanhitman]

"Spread out you whelps!" he yelled "You heard the arbiter!" his men spread themselves out through the structure. Tasmasa stayed with Hectus and Fexlur went with a group of brutes.

They split into five groups, 4 of the groups had two brutes to each, to each brute there was 4-5 kig-yar and unggoy. the last group was commposed of 6 Yanme'e who flew down one hall, the rest each went into their own hall. Fexlur went with the force guarding the main entrance.

Those that stayed with them, were captain Suprus, his guards Sabra and Monkra, Tasmasa and six more drones who placed themselves along the walls.

Hectus then pressed a button on his gauntlet and began to type commands. The drones on the walls stopped moving and looked to their golden leader. Finally they spread out into the halls and began to search for and exit.

Hectus nodded at the Arbiter and got on com "I want you ready to move in five cycles!"

[SuperCommando]

CPO SPARTAN-009 (Silas)

Planet Artifice

Supply drop zone

Silas was not reassured when the scientist replied back. There was something going on over there, he was sure of it. Flipping through COM channels, he heard snippets of confusion and alarm among UNSC forces. That sinking feeling he got when he heard the explosion was getting worse by the second.

“Silas, incoming supply drop. ETA. One minute. Compliment of the UNSCS Ares.” Rang the elegant voice of Bifrons over the SQUADCOM.

Finally, some good news. Looking up, Silas could already see the tiny, distant transports break the clouds and begin their descent over the DZ. In addition, he noticed Lucifer was just arriving as well, and Dani, Jethero, and Lt. Collins weren’t far behind.

“Just in time,” he said as everyone assembled. Above them, the Albatross and two Pelicans lowered to the ground, sending up waves of dust of dust that blossomed into dirty clouds. From each Pelican, an M12R LAAV “rocket ‘hog” was unclamped and dropped into the sand. The Albatross touched down and opened its cargo compartment, revealing a Hornet attack VTOL and Navy delivery staff, who pulled it out as well as two large crates.

“There you go Spartans!” one of them shouted over the roar of the transports’ engines. “Good luck!”

Silas was already upon the crates and forcing them open before the Navy guys even began to leave. He waved the team over to him and talked while he worked.

“Okay, here’s the situation: Something is going down at the dig site and the excavation team needs us there ASAP. We have two objectives. Aid in the defense of the dig site, and aid in the retrieval of high-priority artifacts. So grab a seat somewhere and let’s get moving!”

From within the crates, he dug out two rocket launchers and spare ammo. He tossed one launcher in each Warthog side seat along with two cases of rockets. He also retrieved an M99 Special Application Scoped Rifle and handed it to Lucifer, the team sniper.

“This weapon has enough firepower to punch through buildings and vehicles, making it ideal for use against armored targets. You have ten shots, make them count,” he told her with a trusting nod.

The other crate was filled with explosives. Lots of C-12, some thermite-carbon cord, and a few M168 demolition charges. He stuffed the whole crate in front of one of the Warthog’s passenger seats. Then he headed for the Hornet.

“Six, Furrow, on me. We’ll cover them from the air. Everyone else, move out!”

Silas climbed up into the cockpit of the Hornet. It had been a while since he last flew, but he had spent some time in a simulator to keep his skills fresh during his downtime between missions just this month. As the canopy closed over his head, the Spartan quickly checked his controls, linked the aircraft’s computer to his own suit’s HUD, and powered up the powerful turbofan engines. He waited for Lucifer and the ODST to mount the skids on the side of the Hornet, and then lifted off into the sky, trailing the Warthogs as they all raced to the dig site.

“Silas, I will place a way-point on an alternate entrance for you. It is a bit of a hike, but if your team can get there, you will be able to come in behind the Covenant. I am unsure of the situation inside, but only a small strike-team has entered, but I will continue to gather intelligence for you.”

“Copy that, Bifrons. What would I do without you?” Silas replied. “Gold team, heads up. Alter course to the new waypoint. We’ll flank the enemy from behind.”

Silas looked out the side of his cockpit. He could see the Warthogs below kicking up a trail of dust as they adjusted course and floored it. He pushed the throttle to keep pace with the ‘hogs and pulled up to get a better view of the surrounding area. There was definitely Covenant activity visible at the distant site.

“Don’t fire unless absolutely necessary,” he ordered over the COM. “We don’t want to draw attention.”

Just then, a new voice filled the cockpit. It sounded like Dr. Harper… "You, a big alien like you. Needs me to open this casket?"

Silas realized it was his tacpad. Glancing down at his forearm, he discovered the screen was displaying some kind of live feed, and his eyes widened with astonishment… what he saw was the closest the Spartan ever came to having an “oh shit” moment…

It was an Elite, one of the largest Silas had ever seen. The warrior was covered in overlapping plates of ornately decorated silver armor that glinted in the light of alien wall-glyphs, an energy sword glowing in its grip. Behind it, the floor was covered with blood and slain scientists. It approached the camera, nearly blocking out all view for a moment, before he saw its hand press a human one, presumably Harper’s, onto some kind of shimmering surface, presumably this "casket".

“Human... You have 5 of your measly minutes before I cut off the head of your partner... Then I will feed you to my door-guards...”

Its words, though garbled with an intimidating alien voice, were unmistakably english. And they did not bode well.

“We need to hurry!” Silas called over the SQUADCOM. “Dr. Harper’s in trouble, we only have five minutes! Move it, Spartans!”

Silas pushed the throttle to maximum, tearing through the sky towards the waypoint.

Hold on Doctor… he thought to himself with gritted teeth. We’re almost there…

[Daenerys Targaryen]

Dr. Victoria J. Harper
ONI Section III
Forerunner Structure

Victoria was unsure of what was going to happen untill her wrist was siezed by the large rough skinned lizard. She thought he did this to pick her up but to her suprise the large lizard fingers wrapped aroung her wrist and forcefully guided her hand toward the metalic casket and made her press her palm against it. The cold metalic casket shimmered with a blue dull hue.. like it was a chemical reaction to the DNA in her palm.. she also noticed a few red glows here and there from where the Eliete's hand touched. "Huh.." She mused, a small smile spread across her lips at the display. "Very interesting.." She began to mutter but was cut off as the alien began to speak again.

“Human... You have 5 of your measly minutes before I cut off the head of your partner... Then I will feed you to my door-guards...” Spoke the alien in a deep raspy voice... it could speak english but it's vocal cords had trouble grasping the words and phrases. This caused her small grin to turn into a frown. "Five minutes to access a machine of the gods?" She asked in a small sarcastic tut. While he stomped off to order around his monkies then move into the shadows to watch her and her assistant. "John, get out of your puddle and stand up. I want you to help me inspect this thing so we can get it open." She told her assistant in a cheerfull tone before looking off toward the alien. "Lets not keep our friend waiting." She mumbled before running her hands along thre casket.

Four Minutes and twenty three seconds remaining...

Dani-047
Gold Team
Drop Zone

The female Spartan had been standing around after the team had finaly met up, she was completely antsy when it came to sktuations like this and was completely ready to go. So when the albatross came down and dropped of explosives, rockets, rocket hogs, and a hornet... she really like the aspect of the hornet...

“Six, Furrow, on me. We’ll cover them from the air. Everyone else, move out!” Called the Leader as he threw rockets into the hogs then climbed into the hornet cockpit. Dani Climbed into one of the side seats and steeled herself for the fight ahead.. it was going to be a good one. She stared toward the desert sands, gripping her BR55 while holding onto the lever at her side.

Lieutenant Jessica Mae Collins ONI
ONI Section I
Gold Team

"Gold team, heads up. Alter course to the new waypoint. We’ll flank the enemy from behind.” Called out the lead Spartan Silas and Jessica imidieatly wheeled the worthog toward the new objective. It was time for things to get interesting.. she was unsure how harry things would be when she gets there but it is out of the way, nothing to worry about hopefully. Suddenly Silas's voice blazed over comms telling her to hurry, not much time was left for Harper. The situation must be dire so the ONI agent punched on the gass, barely able to keep control of the hog as it raced along the sand.

"Hold on back there, this is going to get bumpy!!" She called out as the hog raced along the hot desert sands, the forerunner structure hung high in the distance.

[kuran]

Rear Admiral Daniel Yakamura
UNSCS Iwo Jima
Bridge

Daniel made sure that he was the last of the bridge crew to leave before following the rest out into the corridor.

"Thank you Lieutenant. Do you have room for my crew aboard your ship?"

As he followed the group around a corner, he wondered what would come of the rest of his crew.


LCPL Jonas Schultheiss
Planet Artifice
Dig Site

It had taken a while to find the right spot. Though the crater's edge offered multiple spots with good lines of sight into the site below, most of them were open terrain, offering no cover whatsoever. In addition, they would silhouette anyone at the edge against the open sky beyond, making them easy to spot.

As a result, it had taken a while to find the right spot, amongst an outcropping of large rocks and boulders, and longer still to get there. Jonas hadn't crawled on hot desert sand since basic training, and hadn't particularly cared to do so again.

And yet he found himself, along with his spotter, bellying their way to a position between two large rocks, with a boulder to their backs. The position would give them an easy escape route back the way they had come, but also disguise them in the shadow of the large boulder.

Pulling their camo cloaks over their heads, Jonas and Samantha, his spotter, set up as slowly as possible. Jonas positioned his rifle with the bipod on a rock, giving a stable position, while Samantha pulled her rangefinders out of their bag and set them up next to him.

Sighting on the Covenant forced below, Jonas wondered for a moment what to target first...

[Spartan 999]

Petty Officer Jethrio-097

[/center]

“Dr. Harper’s in trouble, we only have five minutes! Move it, Spartans!”

"Sir, yes sir!" Jethro growled, attaching his MA5B to his back. He vaulted onto the back of the Rocket Hog, making the vehicle groan as the half-ton Spartan landed. He braced himself against the turret, hands gripping the firing controls.

"Hold on back there, this is going to get bumpy!!" Jessica said, making Jethro grin in amusement.

"Just what I was made for, Lieutenant!" Jethro shouted back, his voice barely managing to pierce the growl of the 'hog's engine and the rush of the wind.

[kartoffelfogel]

Minor Fiira 'Saernee

The boarding pod, now a makeshift escape pod, hovered lightly over the ground, blotting out the sunlight where it passed.

Behind her own pod, Fiira spotted two others, accompanied by the two surviving Wights from the wreckage of the Purveyor of Sanctity. In the distance, other methods of escape glowed--streaks of fire left behind by the re-entry trails of Orbital Insertion Pods, the distinctive hum of Phantoms and Spirits.

The ramshackle crew of the pod was a motley assortment of Kig-Yar, Unngoy, and a single Mgalekgolo, plus herself.

The boarding pod dropped to the ground, and then the passengers began to disembark. Fiira felt a sudden rush of relief at having sure ground beneath her feet--a feeling rare among pilots.

Her heart was still rent by that loss...her ship, her Purveyor, wrecked beyond any hope of repair, shorn apart by MACs.

No matter. They would wreak their revenge upon the humans in due time.

Such as now.