UNSC-Heretic Intermission

[kuran]

Phma offered a shrug. "I did not pick the name. It was assigned. I hope to change it soon, though among other things, we lack the means to change the name currently. You will have free reign of this ship for your search, though my engineers-they are the ones that float-may point out hazardous areas. You will not be stopped, though I would advise caution. Our engines in particular are damaged after several recent battles with our less open minded bretheren."

Phma hesitated. " I would request that your Fleetmasters respect the terms that you speak of, though by the same token, is two guards each not fair?" He indicated the pair of sangheili behind him.

[Cabel]

[Epsilon Eridani System: Parking Orbit of Planet Reach: UNSCS Orinoco Repair Cradle: Docking Slip #3: UNSCS Passchendaele: Captain Galina’s Quarters]

The cushioned chair creaked a little, a slight protest as the middle-aged man relaxed back after a long day. The day had ranged from filling out seemingly endless forms of nearly everything required aboard ship to visiting those crewmen and marines injured in the hospitals during the engagement at Artifice, as he’d believed seeing the men personally instilled that sense of loyalty and raised morale. The last mission had cost them severely resulting in more empty chairs around the mess table, and yet he knew he couldn’t dwell on the loss. Time wasn’t the only casualty in war, or the first and in turn for the lives lost the UNSC had gleaned vital intelligence in the form of some relic from Artifice. Even with his clearance, ONI had insured only those of the Admiralty and the Generals had enough clearance or so he assumed though there hadn’t been a doubt the relic would be revealed in due time.

The bulkheads of his quarters reverberated with the somber baritone chorus lending itself to the lyrics of Pavel Chesnokov’s Liturgy, a selection chosen by Matvey in an attempt to reconcile his conscience and to reflect on recent events. Having retired to his quarters following the conclusion of his duties, he’d given the order to not be disturbed by anything short of a full scale invasion as the truth had it Matvey needed the rest. Prior to the engagement at Artifice when the 14th Tactical Response Fleet had sailed to face a Covenant fleet, he had opted out of the cryo-suspension as per regulations. He’d opted out of cryo-suspension as Matvey had wanted to know the bolts keeping the battle plating in place and to walk the corridors of the Passchendaele as with many commanders throughout the ages before the first crack of cannon and the pounding of hooves on the earth, but unlike his crew whom had gone into cryo-suspension only to slowly age during transit he’d almost welcomed time’s march. Reclining back in the chair, the aristocrat-born officer slowly closed in his eyes to reflect and to allow the somber notes to at least allow him look back on his youth in attending the orthodox church his family had attended for generations in St. Petersburg.

“Bridge to Captain Galina. I’m sorry to disturb you, Sir, but a situation’s developed,” he heard over the desk-mounted com-unit. Reaching over, Matvey turned the volume of the stereo down to where it hadn’t drowned out the channel.

“Report. You weren’t disturbing me,” Captain Matvey Borislavich Galina replied, with the somber notes in the background.

“Sir, we’ve received a transmission over an open fleet-wide frequency. Lieutenant Denrae’s pinpointed the source of origin, and it’s coming from the edge of the system,” Commander Alice Qelar, the Passchendaele’s Executive Officer began. “It’s from an SDV Class Corvette,”

“You’re certain, Commander? This isn’t a scanner ghost,” Matvey asked, growing concerned. If the Covenant had found the location of Reach, the war’s end may be sooner than any in the UNSC had feared.

“I’m certain, Sir. The tactical, communication and live feed from the listening outposts confirms it. There is a single identified Covenant SDV signature remaining on station at the edge of the system, with their weapons powered down,” Alice reported.

“Bring us to TAC CON Alpha Two, and bring weapon systems online. Have all remaining personnel man their stations, and warm the reactors. I’ll be on the bridge momentarily,” Matvey ordered, pushing from the chair. Having zipped up the front of his service jacket, he’d reached over to the coat rack and slipped the near floor length black frock coat on. Checking the M6C Magnum sidearm standard issue to every officer and enlisted in the Fleet, he’d made sure it had been a chamber in the round and a fresh magazine before sliding it back into an underarm holster beneath the frock coat. Looking around his quarters for a last look, he’d turned the lights off and headed for the bridge.

* * * * * *

“OPS, send word to the Orinoco for clearance and severe all umbilicals. Helm, set thrusters to station keeping. I want the Passchendaele under her own power as she pulls away from the Orinoco. Once we’re clear of the repair cradle, set the reactors to seventy percent and bring us about to bearing one-three-five by three-one-five. Give me full burn of the main thrusters. I want our bow facing that corvette,” Matvey ordered, standing with the command chair behind him. The cushioned command chair, with its stiffened back and polished pedestal bolted to the deck sat as a monument of tradition in the center of the sunken recessed command pit with the numerous bridge stations in view. A chorus from the designated officers erupted in unison, as Matvey stared intently at the main display screen channeling live feed from the external cameras aimed toward the edge of the system. “Lieutenant Denrae, replay the transmission from the Covenant ship over the bridge speakers. Let me hear it,”

“Aye, Sir. Piping the transmission through the bridge speakers,” Lieutenant Louise Denrae replied from her station.

"Hail Humans! We come not to attack, not to invade, but to seek peace. I am Phma, clan 'Refumai, master of this ship, and myself and my crew have left the Unholy Covenant Empire. We are no longer swayed by the lies of the Prophets, and seek an audience with someone of suitable rank, that we may establish peace, friendship, and even unity. I urge you not to attack, but to respond on this frequency. In the spirit of acceptance, my ship has powered down it's weapons systems. We await your response,” the halting voice filtered the bridge speakers without the aid of a translator program. Some of the bridge crew looked up from their tasks listening to the alien transmission, one of the first audio clips of the enigmatic Covenant. While he hadn’t blamed them for their curiosity as for more than a decade very little evidence had been given the Covenant had utilized or even bothered with the human language, but he knew if the SDV Corvette or this Phma character had only stayed on station waiting for reinforcements the Passchendaele’s crew had to keep their fears in check.

“I know you’re curious, but return to your duties,” Matvey said, knowing his crew would at least ignore their fears for now. “Lieutenant Denrae, relay that transmission to the FLEETCOM. Inform them the Passchendaele is en-route on an intercept course, and to have other vessels shadow us,”

“Aye, Sir,” Lieutenant Denrae reported, before relaying the transmission on an encrypted frequency to FLEETCOM listed as an urgent priority. “We’re receiving a Fleet-wide transmission. The Cole Protocol is in effect,”

“We’re executing the Cole Protocol. You know the drill, follow it through. Nadezhda?” Matvey asked.

“Yes? A purge of the data in my subroutines has been initiated,” Nadezhda, the Passchendaele’s Second Generation “Smart” A.I. reported, materializing on a holopedestal adjacent to the command chair.

* * * * * *

[Half an hour later]
(Before the Arizona arrived)

The double hulled corvette, with its outrider running parallel to the ship’s main hull hung motionless in the center of the bridge’s main display screen as Matvey stared intently at it. The lone ship had enough firepower to have disrupted the system’s defenses long enough for reinforcements to have arrived, if the Phma…the ship’s commanding officer or what had the alien called himself? A Shipmaster?

“Keep our weapons trained on that corvette. What is the status of the main cannons?” Matvey asked, having reclined back in the cushioned confines of the command chair while the waiting game played out.

“Both of the main cannons are at a hundred percent charge, with the fore ARCHER pods cycled. The MLA turrets are in position,” Nadezhda and Commander Alice Qelar replied simultaneously. The Russian officer nodded softly, knowing if the corvette moved or if the scanners detected more signatures the opening salvos would be the deciding factor.

“We’re receiving a Fleet-wide order, Sir,” Lieutenant Denrae reported from her station at Communications.

“Out with it,” Matvey said.

“It’s marked Alpha Priority. All UNSC ships within the system are to stand down and await further orders,” Louise reported.

“What?” Matvey almost growled, the lack of sleep had started to take effect in his premature judgment. Taking a moment to calm down, he knew his sisters would be arriving on a transport bound for Reach the following day and it wouldn‘t do to be destroyed by a misunderstanding in the first peaceful contact with an alien ship. “Very well. Stand down. Switch weapons to stand-by, and all crew are to remain at their stations,”

[Wax™]

Captain Travis 'TJ' Jenkins
1st Recon Reaction Force: Able Company
On-board Heretic Ship - Three million miles from REACH

"I would request that your Fleetmasters respect the terms that you speak of, though by the same token, is two guards each not fair?"

Jenkins heard the alien say and when he did Jenkins issued orders to his own fifty men and sent them on there way, fifty only a fraction of his full force and only a fraction of the UNSC Forces on this Covenant or Heretic ship, Jenkins was holding the newly created SAW a Light Machine gun from the 21st Century brought back and modified to give Marines heavy support in battle, Jenkins held the SAW directly pointed at the suspected leader of the Aliens and called the Admirals using his helmet COM who were inside a Pelican who's blast door was still closed.

"Admirals... Area secure... Ten man marine search teams are spreading out over the ship and evacuating Covenant out of the area... The leader has asked he have two guards remain with him so each one of you will posted with two guards each.... Sir's"

Rear Admiral Jonathon 'Ricket' Michaels
Task Force 77: Naval Forces
On-board Heretic Ship - Three million miles from REACH

"Admirals... Area secure... Ten man marine search teams are spreading out over the ship and evacuating Covenant out of the area... The leader has asked he have two guards remain with him so each one of you will posted with two guards each.... Sir's"

"Thank you Captain..." Jonathon paused and turned to face Klix. "...I believe it is safe to leave now Sir"

Jonathon lent to the right and pushed the button to open the rear hatch of the Pelican, he waited patiently with his hand behind his back as he waited for the blast door to fully open, once it was he walked shoulder to shoulder... Hopefully... With Admiral Klix out of the Pelican, he was still wearing his fancy white ceremonial uniform with a chest full of highly polished medals and more ribbons to count, he looked around the alien architecture of the ship and stopped as he saw two Marines peel off a group and stand by him, he walked past the Captain's and stood about twenty meters before the Aliens.

"I am Rear Admiral Jonathon Michaels... This is Vice Admiral Eric Klix..." He stopped and looked at the aliens, he felt like he could smell them from here and honestly wanted to barf, he was so nervous and sweating like a pig almost, but he wanted to impress Admiral Klix and decided to keep his cool instead of pulling an M6Z on the Aliens. "I am assuming you are the leader... Ph.. Phma was it?"

[kuran]

Phma resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Though he couldn't' blame them for being so paranoid.

Sweeping into a respectful bow, he eyed the two humans...Admirals?..., seeing that they both appeared confident and clearly in charge of their warriors. Though one seemed more nervous than the other. He was practically bathed in nervous sweat.

"I am. Phma 'Refumai, Shipmaster of this vessel and leader of our Heretic band. I welcome the two fleetmasters aboard my ship, and pray that we can reach an accord between our forces." He cocked his head to one side. "Please forgive me, I am...unaware of human customs and traditions. Would the two guests like to begin, or shall I?"

[Deleted]

"I am. Phma 'Refumai, Shipmaster of this vessel and leader of our Heretic band. I welcome the two fleetmasters aboard my ship, and pray that we can reach an accord between our forces," The elite paused, and cocked it's head to one side. "Please forgive me, I am...unaware of human customs and traditions. Would the two guests like to begin, or shall I?"

"Well, I could go into a long story, but frankly I've already dealt with the Covenant before. In our last mission, one of your warriors, as I've mentioned before gave us valuable information. However, I would like you to start first. You mention you want peace between you, and the UNSC. I want to hear more." The Admiral said.

Captain Killinger

The Captain walked over to the other Captain and lowered his weapon, "I want to shoot them too, but the Admiral's are already aboard, so we can't. I'd recommend, as a friend, keeping your weapon down unless we get a scream into the comm channel saying a team was ambushed."

"Two teams have already been re-directed by those... Engineers, so when the Admiral's are done, we've got to ask this squid if they have any tracking devices in those sections, because if they do, Reach is compromised when this vessel powers back up, you agree?" The Captain finished.

[Wax™]

Captain Jenkins

Jenkins continued to hold his SAW at the squids and once Killinger stopped talking Jenkins stood up and slowly lowered his SAW he then turned around and leaned toward the other Captain to whisper at him, occasionally looking back at the Aliens to make sure they were occupied talking to the two Admirals.

"What makes you think the squid would even tell us if they have tracking devices in those parts of the ship? That would defeat the purpose of putting tracking devices there in the first place... And besides... How do we even know if they have tracking devices laying about... They could have them wired into the ships mainframe and circuit boards... If they even have circuit boards... Hey... You think they have toilets?"

He said crouching down and looking up to Killinger with a smirk before turning around to face the Squids.

[kuran]

Phma blinked. He wasn't even sure where to begin. At the start, he supposed.

"Very well. My ship and crew were originally loyalists such as most of those you have fought with. When we joined the war against your race, we discovered that your warriors fought with honor. integrety. We had been led to believe by our leaders, our prophets, that you were..barley civilised. We found that to be incorrect. Several months ago, during a battle over a Forerunner artifact, the majority of my crew defected, along with myself."

He sighed heavily. "We have been retreating since then. Our ship is small. Too small to face the rest of the Covenant. We came to the realisation several days ago that our only chance for not only survival but also revenge against those who lied to us lay with the humans. And..here we are. I can imagine that there is a good deal of suspicion of us. And I am not sure how we can prove to you our intentions. That would be open to yourselves."

[z]

Rakath V'keelaii

Quietly sitting on he medical bed, looking down at the guard at the door and to the weapons they held, Rakath remained silent. Mutters about humans on the ship made him wonder what had been happening. Then there were whispers about how one claimed to know Rakath and he simply shook his head and looked down at his hands.

Cut and burned. More scars to add to his collection.

He scanned the room for ay weakness he could exploit. More a habit than him really wanting to do it. He wanted to escape, yes, but he was not stupid. and once more he was tired of his weapons being taken away...

But Spec-Ops armor tended to strike fear into paranoid individuals. Whether or not it was covered in the blood of other Covenant or hell, even brandishing a human weapon, and a datapad. He almost missed being an Ultra.

He letting out another long breath, Rakath stood and began to pace the length of the medical bay quietly, his hands behind his back.

Eden Lawrence

"Nah, Sato. I want a fight not to get wasted." She said, holding up her cybernetic arm. "I would enjoy finding a squid to stab but... Eh, Reach seems ot be in short supply of those. In most i think i am missing my mother.

[Deleted]

"What makes you think the squid would even tell us if they have tracking devices in those parts of the ship? That would defeat the purpose of putting tracking devices there in the first place... And besides... How do we even know if they have tracking devices laying about... They could have them wired into the ships mainframe and circuit boards... If they even have circuit boards... Hey... You think they have toilets?" The Captain said.

All Killinger could to was snicker under his breath, "Holly fuck man. You know what, this is some serious shit right here. Do they even have.. You know.. Ahh, hell, nevermind. I've never seen a female elite before, so are they all.. A-Sexual is it?"

Killinger snickered again under his breath, "Man, but seriously now, we need to find one, or Reach can be at risk, for the better of man kind, we must find that toilet!"

Vice Admiral Klix

The Elite spoke, pointed out some good things and finally stopped.

"Alright, well I don't understand your situation, I've meet Rakath before. In fact, I'd like him personally brought down here so she can bring back some evidence we have with him, mostly a data pad and explosively armed armor that she wears, if I recall correctly. However, I have disposed of the detonation codes." The Admiral said.

"I've fallen into a trust with Rakath, as the elite successfully helped my Marines in the last mission get the job done, so with this being said you've already got a plus one with us as a ground. Well I can't speak for UNSC, I do grant you my word that no UNSC Ship will engage you." The Admiral said, pausing again.

"I think it would be wise of you to leave the system if I am being brutally honest. I grant you again that no UNSC ship will follow. You may return once you are positive that there are no tracking devices on your vessel." The Admiral finished.

[kuran]

Phma frowned slightly. He was about to speak when he overheard one of the Human's guards speaking. "We have females. There are several aboard this vessel in fact."

Turning back to the Admirals, he continued. "With respect, we are already sure that there are no tracking devices aboard. No Covenant feet have touched this ship since before our leaving the fleet. Rakath....Rakath will be summoned at once." Waving to one of his guards, the Sangheili nodded and made his way to the exit, to release Rakath and escort him to the bay. "Though I would advise caution. Rakath...is, was, rather, a Special Operations Warrior. They have a tendency to be....odd. As for what we want, we wish to join your fight, to extract our revenge on those who betrayed us."

[z]

Rakath V'keelaii

He knew it was only a matter of time. Popping his neck he stood and followed the guards through the halls. His bloodstained brown armor attracting plenty off attention, mostly for the Spec-Ops factor. Running his hand over his helmet, Rakath gave a sigh.

Entering the hanger, Rakath moved slowly toward the Marines, giving a glare from the corner of his eyes at Phma. Of course, this was blocked by his helmet.

"Admiral." Rakath said, crossing his arms across his chest and bowing, looking over to see Lieutenant Killinger.

"Lieutenant... How was the escape?" Rakath asked, crossing his arms and looking over the group.

"And might I add, Admiral. Why does the Navy tend to be so paranoid? I mean come now, I am covered with the blood of many other Elites and otherwise, stripped of my weaponry, with an explosive in my chest.... And they have a gun to my back. Is this a normal thing among your class? How you greet friends maybe?"

[Wax™]

Captain Jenkins

"Holly fuck man. You know what, this is some serious shit right here. Do they even have.. You know.. Ahh, hell, nevermind. I've never seen a female elite before, so are they all.. A-Sexual is it? Man, but seriously now, we need to find one, or Reach can be at risk, for the better of man kind, we must find that toilet!"

Jenkins laughed silently then turned his head back to the Squid as it spoke.

"We have females. There are several aboard this vessel in fact."

Jenkins looked at the Alien and then opened his mouth to speak but one of the Admirals... Admiral Jonathon scolded him with a look, Jenkins then stood up and bumped Killinger on the shoulder before pointing to one of the sliding doors.

"Let's go have a walk around... I am sure my Sergeant and his Squad here and look after the Admiral?"

[Deleted]

"Lieutenant... How was the escape?" The Elite said.

Killinger turned away from the Captain, and spoke up. "It's actually Captain now. The Lloyd Captains retired from the UNSC together after the last mission." The Marine said, "It was lovely how you stayed and helped us... Oh wait you didn't, you took off in a phantom and left us for dead against those...Flood, which took out half of my platoon." Killinger spat back then turned towards the Captain, "Left us to die..." He whispered.

Vice Admiral Klix

The Captain finished his statement,

"You left this Marine and his team to die, Rakath?" The Admiral simply said, coldly. "The Navy tends to get paranoid when a Covenant ship slip-spaces into our inner planetary lines, why wouldn't we be worried, Rakath.... Phma, if you are certain that there are no Covenant Transmitters on this ship, I still must express my concern. If you agree, I will take you back to our planet and let you board a UNSC Spaceport, where you can meet some people that do talk for the UNSC" The Admiral said, slightly increasing his voice at the word "Do."

Captain Killinger

"Alright, Jenkins. Let's go." The Captain said, then his Comm channel etched to life.

"Capt'n, I think I found something! Had to sneak past one of those floating things, but it's big, and purple! Very pretty, might want to check it out!" The Marine said.

"Alright, we'll be right there." The Captain said quickly, looked over at the other Captain. "He probably found nothing, but we can talk on the way there."

[z]

Rakath V'keelaii

"I assumed they had evac, there were plenty of vehicles laying around so i made my departure. I am sorry." He said, looking to the left and then brought his hand up to his head.

"My concern was for my comrades as well. I had to make a choice and I id not make it lightly, Admiral. I regretted leaving when I woke up here." He said

[Wax™]

Captain Jenkins

"He probably found nothing, but we can talk on the way there."

Jenkins nodded and smirked before standing and jogging after the other Captain Jenkins walking casually through the sliding door and following Killinger, Jenkins smirked to him self about ten meters out of the hanger bay and then lifted his SAW and held it against his gut.

"Maybe he found that secret Covenant toilet we were discussing?"

"Speaking toilets... Do you think Squids have wangs? Or even those little gas-sucker things? I mean it's not like you ever see them with a hard on?"

Jenkins looked to Killinger as he did he noticed that they were passing a couple of grunt workers hauling what looked like metal packs around, Jenkins nudged Killinger and began to walk backwards looking at the grunts who were staring at them, Jenkins lifted his left hand and held it at them as he walked backwards, splitting his four fingers down the middle like Spock from Star Trek.

"Peace out"

[kuran]

Phma 'Refumai

Phma sighed heavily. Spec ops. "Rakath, you left warriors to die? At the hands of the flood no less?" He shook his head slowly before turning back to the humans.

"I am aware that in general, humans will hold to their word. Do I have your word, Fleetmaster, that you will not simply destroy me or my crew or ship as soon as I am away? If so, then I agree to come with you."

One of his guards stepped forward. "But shi-" Phma cut him off with a wave. "No. If they wished to kill me they could have done so long ago, simply destroyed out ship while we were powered down."

Phma nodded. "Then I am ready to go."


MESSAGE
FROM: FLEETCOM HQ, REACH
TO: ALL UNSC PERSONNEL ON LEAVE
MESSAGE BEGINS

In an effort to boost civilian morale and display courage in situations not related to combat, all UNSC personnell are, when able, directed to engage in morale lifting activities in accordance with Mil/Civ Reg 2298.45 (attached)


FILE OPENING
SUBJECT: MIL/CIV REG 2298.45
FILE BEGINS

In the event that Morale raising operations become nessescary, this regulation is to be enacted. Datadisk players are to be distributed among off-duty military personnell containing the following sound file. All personnell are directed to entertain and show camraderie with civilians and other military personnell.



The young supply dispersal officer finished typing, barley able to contain his laughter at his brilliant late april fools' joke. The entire city would be dancing....

[jack]

Lieutenant Jack O'Reilly
New Alexandria

Jack had continued wandering through the streets of New Alexandria, until his TACPAD beeped. Removing it from his cargo pocket, he quickly read through the message. Grinning, he sent a quick message to Ski and R.J., telling them to meet him at a plaza in one of the busiest districts of the city and to bring any other servicemen they knew. Still smiling, he picked up the pace and headed for the plaza.

Staff Sergeant Wheeler
New Alexandria Military Cemetery

As the last note of Taps faded, Wheeler finished his salute. The six pallbearers, all Marine Corporals, began the process of folding the flag. As they finished, the second-in-command of the funeral approached Nate, holding the folded flag. He presented a salute and handed Nate the flag. Accepting the flag, Nate returned the salute and performed an about-face. He walked to the widow of the Marine, followed closely the 2IC. He handed her the flag and spoke.

"Ma'am, On behalf of the President of Unified Earth, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's service to Country and Corps.'"

Nate left the 2IC--who had known the man and his spouse--with her and looked over the crowd. Nearly every man in uniform he saw bore a beret with the Scout-Sniper pin on it. He went back to the whole detail as the rest of the funeral dispersed.

"Detail, present arms!"

Nate hated funerals. They were always so depressing.

"Vigil, post! Funeral detail, fall in at the road. Move it!"

The remaining men from the funeral detail, minus the chaplain and vigil, fell in at the road in a platoon formation. Taking up the platoon commander position, Nate put them at attention.

"Platoon, forward march!"

The platoon set off, marching back to the camp.

[Deleted]

"I am aware that in general, humans will hold to their word. Do I have your word, Fleetmaster, that you will not simply destroy me or my crew or ship as soon as I am away? If so, then I agree to come with you."

"Phma, if I was going to kill you I would have fired my main weapon into the midsection of your ship already then if that didn't finish you off, I'd fire my Archers. You've got my word." The Admiral replied, putting his hands on his forehead and with his pointer finger and thumb scratching his eye brows.

Captain Killinger

"Speaking toilets... Do you think Squids have wangs? Or even those little gas-sucker things? I mean it's not like you ever see them with a hard on?" The other Captain said, stopped and bugged a grunt.

"To be honest, Captain. I'm not sure." Killinger simply said, opened the Comm channel with the last marine, "Soldier. Where the hell are you?"

[z]

Rakath V'keelaii

Shaking his head slightly Rakath's fingers twitched as he looked off to the left.

"We have stayed here far too long." He said, pushing past Phma and walking around the hanger with his arms crossed, tapping his fingers and waiting as he began to pace.

"I shall come as well I guess." Her grumbled, tapping his wrist.

[kuran]

Phma sighed and cast his eyes to the heavens. Since arriving on his ship, Rakath had seemingly decided that he was beholden to none, and Phma regularly resisted the urge to simply space the annoying spec ops warrior.

"Very well then....Admiral....I will come with you."

[Wax™]

"To be honest, Captain. I'm not sure." Killinger paused to talk to the other Marine. "Soldier. Where the hell are you?"

Jenkins nodded and kept walking as John talked with the Marine somewhere else in the ship, Jenkins dropped his SAW and let it fall against his side, the strap around his chest and shoulder stoppign it from hitting the floor, Jenkins looked from left to right all around the ship as they turned into corridors which turned into other corridors which turned into ramp ways and everything, Jenkins then stopped and walked over to a door that lead to a small compartment which had another door that lead into a bigger one, Jenkins was just able to see through both of the windows at a Grunt suckling on some big tenticle thing without it's gear or mask on.

"Hehey..." Jenkins said trying to call John over with a small laugh. "Check this thing out"

Jenkins smirked and once the two had a look he began to walk down the corridor, entering through a sliding door then looking to the right where he saw a Marine in the distance waving the two Captains foward.

"Hey... Eye's on... I think I found your man"

Suddenly Jenkins was all serious he lifted his SAW and began walking to the Marine before he was shooed away by one of thoes tentecle alien things, he then backed off and when the Engineer was not looking Jenkins engaged 'Recon Mode' and snuck past it, before re-grouping with the other Marine behind some supply crates.

[Deleted]

Captain Killinger

The Grunt scene? Yeah, Man would I like to forget about that. Killinger though to himself. Kept on walking and noticed the marine. He walked forward, looked behind and see the other Captain stopped by the large floating creature.

The Captain simply smirked as the other Captain waited for a second, and practically tip-toed by when the creature went working onto a damaged wall.

"Captai-" The Marine said, before a series of purple needles slammed into his chest and face, exploded and painted the wall red, and the now dead marines body fell to the ground with a well heard thump.

"FUCK!" The Captain screamed, quickly pulled out his brand spanking new M6Z Revolver and turned towards were the Covenant gunfire had happened, the target was a grunt. Four Grunts had came out of a door in compete gear, with Plasma Pistols and a Needler, the basic Fireteam the UNSC had.

The Captain raised his Revolver, pulled the trigger. The High Explosive ammunition inside the weapon blew the breathing mechanism the grunts face before it too exploded into a purple mist.

The Captain had already activated his COMM unit and switched the Channel to broadcast to all his marines under his command, "All units, be advised we've taken a casualty!"

The Captain pulled the trigger again, and the second grunts mid body exploded outward as the round went right through it's chest armor.

Vice Admiral Klix

The news came in to quick for the Admiral to do anything. A Marine was lost, but they were already about to board with the UNSCS Arizona.

"So, Phma. You are aware that Loyal Covenant are still on your ship? This is why we must scan for any device broadcasting your presence." The Admiral said, as the crew chief spoke up, "Admiral's. We are boarded. Thanks for choo-" - "That'll be enough..." The Pilot interrupted, "Sorry, sirs."

With that, the ramp opened, and they were back in board the Arizona.

[kuran]

Phma shook his head. "We believed we had destroyed all of them...I myself have defeated two assassination attempts in recent months. I...do not know what to say at this point."

He sighed heavily. This was certainly not a good start to any peace talks, and Phma had the feeling that it would be difficult, with one of the damned Loyalists having attacked the humans.

The ramp opened, and Phma hesitantly stepped foot onto the deck of the human ship. He cast his gaze around, sincerely impressed. "This is a very powerful-looking ship, Fleetmaster. So what awaits me?"

[Wax™]

Rear Admiral Jonathon 'Ricket' Michaels[/b]

"This is a very powerful-looking ship, Fleetmaster. So what awaits me?"

Jonathon followed close behind Admiral Klix then the alien said that Jonathon smirked, this indeed was a very powerful ship but really it was no more powerful than a Covenant Battle-Cruiser, Jonathon walked with his hands linked behind his back he had gotten more comfortable around the Alien and now that they were back on the Arizona he had stopped sweating.

"Speaking of powerful ships Sir... I am anxious to board my ship for the first time... I hear it is the first to be captained as well Sir?"

He said casually ignoring the Alien for the time being.

Captain Travis 'TJ' Jenkins[/b]

Jenkins was walking when a pink flash flew past his peripheral vision for a moment he was blind and could only see pink, the next moment the man in front of him and he blew into pieces, Jenkins turned around and knelt down, he lifted his SAW to bare and looked down the iron sights at two fully armored grunts.

He pulled down the trigger and opened fire, the ammo he was using was shredder rounds, with a tracer round slid in every three bullets, Jenkins tensed when he fired, the shredder rounds soared through the air at the Gas-Suckers, the round's ripping the Grunt's armor apart slowly and then their flesh and bone, once he took out one grunt he took his finger off the trigger aiming to the right then firing on the other Grunt, the second grunt being blown to pieces, a Tracer round had ignited the methane in the Grunt's pack.

The Engineer who was working on a damaged section on the ship turned around and looked at the carnage once it had finished, it looked at the Captains before turning around to continue it's work on the ship, it didn't really seem to care about what just happened, Jenkins linked COM's with the fifty of his men on board the ship and said.

"All marines... Full alert... We were just caught in an ambush... Keep an eye on the squids and gas-suckers"

[Deleted]

"This is a very powerful-looking ship, Fleetmaster. So what awaits me?"

(( OOC: Wax, the Arizona is the EQUAL to larger Covenant Ships.... Way more powerful then the CCS )))

"Well Phma, this is a very powerful ship indeed. You'll be meeting one Fleet Admiral David Vardy. I do not however know when he will show-up, but I think it may be a good idea to spread the word to our crewmen that you are friendly. My crew has heard of you, but never actually seen a heretic before. All combat personnel where ordered to stand down before we boarded your ship, you have a safe passage. I'll lead you to briefing room six." The Admiral said.

"Speaking of powerful ships Sir... I am anxious to board my ship for the first time... I hear it is the first to be captained as well Sir?"

"Micheals, your ship is the first. Please be patient. If you want, you can take a pelican over to her now, it's waiting." The Admiral said, and pointed at a pelican waiting on Landing Pad Five.

Captain Killinger

After the carnage, the Captain walked over to the dead marine. His dogtags were on the closest wall. The Captain simply shook his head, and activated his comm channel again, "Medical Teams, stand-by for Casualty."

The Captain then proceeded to walk over to the four dead grunts, two of which where badly mangled, and kicked every single one of them. They would die, yet, the Captain found himself surprisingly calm.

At the door way, two elites had entered, weapons drawn, pointed at the area where Killinger stood, but as soon as they entered they walked past Jenkins and towards the dead grunts and rolled them away.

This showed the Captain that not only were some friendly, but some where actually wanting to help the UNSC cause.

The Captain looked over at Jenkins. "I believe him.. They would have shot us already."

[kuran]

Phma 'Refumai[/u]

Phma nodded, his lower mandibles clicking together. Moving to follow the Admiral, he watched as they made their way through the Human ship.

"This 'Fleet Admiral'," He inquired, his tounge stumbling over the word,"He is as a Councillor to you? He...leads your warriors?" In truth, Phma knew very little about the Human military, given that even he had not seen much combat against them, and the Prophets had discouraged gathering such knowledge.

[Deleted]

"This 'Fleet Admiral" The Elite said, before pausing for a second. "He is as a Councillor to you? He...leads your warriors?"

"Our rank structure works weirdly. The Fleet Admiral leads all Naval Forces, combined with a few others. Untimely, when the final decision is made it will have to go threw many level of our Government for an actual peace treaty. But as Second in Command of the Naval Forces around this planet, I've got a strong word to things." The Admiral said, activated the nearest intercom.

"Bridge, this is Admiral Klix. Turn the Arizona around and move back to reach. Dock with UNSC Repair Station Gantry. Klix out."

[dave36464736]

Sitting in his seat, David mulled over the situation as it had happened over the past while. They had gotten their victory. The forerunner android was now with the UNSC.

But this new development had David worried. A covenant elite was on its way to the briefing room where he now seated. Diplomacy was never a strong suit of the Admirals... Especially since it was the covenant that turned his parents to ash. Hard to forgive.

Hearing a faint hissing noise, David knew the doors had just opened to admit the Vice Admiral and his... guest.

Turning slowly in his chair, David steepled his hands in a gesture of contemplation, and took a slow breath in and out before he spoke.

"Thank you Admiral." David said slowly. Looking at the elite, David fought down the revulsion that came with many years of hatrid.

Gesturing both of them to have a seat, David sat back in his seat and looked at the elite.

"So. What brings you here, in human space and talking to humans like us?" David began.

[Martial Virtue]

Major Sierra Lloyd

Sierra would've given anything to be on Reach right now, on leave with Dylan and their three kids. Instead she was posted millions of miles away, searching the inside of a Heretic ship. The price of command, she thought to herself. Her recent promotion to major had done much to advance her career, but left her separated from her family even more so than before. It was a trade-off she had to try her best to balance and justify to herself all the time. Her husband and kids meant the world to her, but she also loved being a Marine - that much hadn't changed, and she wasn't willing to give it up. So she accepted it, even with all its downsides.

At first rolling her eyes to herself at the discussion between Captains Killinger and Jenkins, she'd figured that, against her expectations, their stay would be an uneventful one. Until she heard the shots fired and Killinger announcing casualties had been taken.

Major Lloyd brought her assault rifle up and did a close scan of the corridor she was in, but saw no other hostiles. Then she lowered the weapon and walked up to her two captains just in time to see a couple of Elites come in to take the Grunts' bodies away.

"I believe him. They would have shot us already," Killinger said.

Sierra frowned. She didn't trust the aliens for a second - not even those who'd supposedly detached themselves from the Covenant. She'd fought too many of them, lost too many of her Marines and friends to them, to think that way. "Just stay sharp, boys. Let's keep looking for those trackers."

[kuran]

Phma 'Refumai[/u]

Phma lowered himself into a seat opposite the 'Fleet Admiral', offering him a polite nod. He was still unsure of the customs for meeting humans, and should Phma become an ally, this human would in all likelihood be ranked far above him. That would certainly be interesting.

"Fleet...." He struggled with the word, it was still unfamiliar. Rahter than choking on it, he opted to try again. "Fleetmaster, I am Phma 'Refumai, leading the Heretical warriors of the Shadow of Intent. We...we have found ourselves to be free of the lies our Prophets told us regarding your race. We were trained, taught, to believe that Humans were little more than vermin. Through personal experience-" He cringed slightly, his lower mandibles coming together. "Through experience in combat, he have found this to be...untrue. Your warriors...your entire species, even those not of the warrior caste, fight for their homes, their creches, with honour...integrity....everything we were told that you did not possess. Our leaders, our Prophets, lied to us. Condemned any study as heretical. My crew and I saw the truth, and left the Unholy Covenant Empire."

Phma hesitated for a moment. Though they had rid themsevles of the Covenant influences, they were still Sangheili. Some things did not come easily. "To be blunt, we require assistance. Our ship is badly damaged, and we are low on basic supplies. Your shipmaster," He indicated Klix,"Has searched our ship and found no tracking devices. Simply put, Fleetmaster...."

His mandlbiles clicked togehter, the equivalant of a shrug. "We need your help. In return, we wish to fight with you, to bring an end to the lies of the Prophets."