M5: Rumble in the Jungle

[BetaWülf]

Jiralhanae Captain Garatus

He was thoroughly enraged when he saw the Chieftain fall, he stood and to fire again but a Marine fired at him from the hatch causing Garatus to duck. He stood again as the hatch started to close and fired, the spikes embedding in closed hatch, Garatus had expected the Pelican to fly off but instead it slowly turned towards him as its front gun did the same.

"zheesh dho da!" Garatus exclaimed as he leapt behind the largest rock nearest to him as the fire from the turret tore away at his surroundings were obliterated into nothingness. He was less than pleased by this turn of events, He started to raise his spiker to spray fire at the other pelicans but dropped back down again as the turret almost took his head off.

[Faclan]

Bep, Jackal Prisoner again.
Worried about all these humans around him, his brothers, and the future.


Ducking his head down so he could peek out from between the human boots at the outside Bep looked around for his comrades. The hatch at the back had started to close but he could see Nak with a large spike in his arm staggering towards where the humans had been firing. What is he doing? but before he could call out for him to retreat but the hatch slammed shut. Frowning and hissing a little he hoped he would be alright as he held his ribs and sat back against the side of the wall.

One of the humans the Helpful humans had been talking to before he passed out had turned to him and seemed to be trying to say something. He looked confused and then said some gibberish before pointing to himself. Thinking back to the crash site with the Helpful Human he remember he did the same thing. It was probably some kind of name. Trying to smile back at him he tapped his beak and then said his own name of Bep, though it was in the Kig-Yar language. Blinking after he said that he hummed and tried again, assuming that the human wouldn't understand him. Besides, the Helpful one had tried to speak his language, he may as well try to do the same.

After a few quiet squawks he finally looked up at the human and tried, though the sounds that came out we're mostly garbled, though a beep sound effect did come out from all the noise. Smiling a little at him he hoped it got through, but as the pelican flew off it jolted a bit and he hissed in pain again, holding his broken ribs. He was surprised that he hadn't been tied up or anything - but right now he was just glad he wasn't getting his throat slit as he looked back up at the other human and trying to smile again. 

(Feel free to call him what you want, could be Beep, or Sparky, or Chicken, or Bastard :> .)

[Deleted]

The patrol around the company perimeter was, as expected, uneventful. It had been quiet and peaceful, which was exactly what Stone needed after participating in the intense fighting earlier and witnessing the utter slaughter of half the company. While the fate of Ward and his team still lingered on his mind, he was able to push it to the back of his mind for the most part. For those whom may have seen him, he looked like his normal self.

He was even humming a tune from a song that dated back to the mid-20th century. The lyrics, to which had been demised by a former member of the unit several years back, played through his mind.

"And it's one, two, three,
What're we fightin' for?
Quite frankly I don't give a damn,
We're off to fight Covenant.
And it's five, six, seven,
Kick down the firey gates,
It ain't no surprise to wonder why.
Whoopee! We all gonna die!"

A slight grin creased his old, wrinkling features. The Marine who'd come up with that version had been a close friend of his up until he was transferred out to another unit. After that had happened he'd lost touch with the man and hadn't heard anything from him since. The grim thought that crossed his mind was that perhaps he'd been killed. It wasn't unlikely given the state of the war. People died every day from the alien freaks, it seemed.

The buzz of the radio in his ear derailed his train of thought. The rumble of Warthog engines caught his attention as Second Lieutenant Durant's voice droned in his ear. "Oden Two Actual to squad leaders, rally up for a meeting. Out."

Stone groaned and turned to head in the direction of the flashing waypoint that suddenly appeared on his Heads Up Display. It only took about forty-five seconds to reach the lieutenant. Beside him, knelt down on one knee, was Staff Sergeant Kopelson, their platoon sergeant.

Sergeant Stone kneeled down and patiently waited for the other two squad leaders to assemble. Sergeant Hersi and Sergeant Atto arrived together and took to kneeling as well. Stone offered them both a friendly nod and then returned his attention to Durant, who cleared his throat to speak.

"MEDEVAC transports have arrived and are loading up our critical and priority wounded. They'll be headed back to the FOB where our casualties can receive care from the doctors at the BAS," Durant informed them. Sergeant Atto sighed in relief. "The skipper has received word from CP at the FOB. There's a new player in the game now. A fleet of Jackal pirates slip-spaced in roughly one-five mikes ago and are holding steady. A Covenant fleet has also arrived and it's likely reinforcements are on their way."

Stone stared at the Lieutenant as the news sunk in. It seemed that their mission was becoming more difficult by the hour. Covenant reinforcements were bad news and if the expressions on his colleagues faces were any indication, it did little to help their morale.

"Because of these new developments, we've received orders to push up and assault the Covenant at their crashed Corvette. I realize this isn't the news you had hoped for. But, our orders are clear. We're righteous warriors and I know the Gods will see to it that we are victorious today."

Thomas resisted the urge to scoff and shake his head. Durant was a grade-A head case. Section 8 all the way. However, due to the major gap between their ranks, he couldn't freely voice his opinions on that. Which, probably was a good thing, all things considered.

"So how're we 'gon do this, sir?" Stone inquired, maintaining eye contact with the lieutenant.

"Third platoon is going to take point while we bring up the middle. Once we reach the Covenant crash site, we're going to try and call in fire missions to soften up the Covenant defensive lines before we assault. From there, the company'll form a line and bound up until we've breached their lines and can launch our assault into the Corvette. Staff Sergeant?" Durant said, then glanced at the Kopelson.

Kopelson nodded. "Right. Okay, Sergeant Stone, since you're done to a single fire team, you'll be merging with Atto's Second Squad. Sergeant Atto, your squad'll be on point in a staggered column with Third Squad. Sergeant Hersi, third'll bring up the rear oriented left of second squad. El-Tee and I'll bring up the middle and Doc Valdez will roll with third. Questions?"

No one spoke. Kopelson nodded and gestured to Durant. The platoon commander smiled and patted the man on the shoulder. "We move out in one-zero mikes. Brief your teams and prepare to move out."

[Deleted]

Makdap, Unggoy Minor

Makdap was getting exhausted from throwing grenades, and the crate is basically out of grenades. Makdap took his plasma pistol and began shooting at marines on the small 2 wheeled vehicles. Although his shots weren't the best, he was ok for a recruit. A few of his shots hit drivers and passengers, knocking them off the vehicle and a few getting run over by their own vehicle. He then charges his pistols and soots at a 4 wheeler that almost runs over the cover (and makdap). With the warthog useless, Makdap finishes off the driver with a few more plasma shots, While the other 2 were shot by others. Things were getting out of hand. Although Makdap was doing an excellent job at defending, he couldn't hold out forever. He needs to get out soon.

[Huka]

Field Master Til Je'at Ra'ha Muramai

 Standing on the docking bay of the corvette, Til watched as banshees swooped along the tree-lines, screaming in their hallmark screeches that earned them their names from Sangheili legends, his inactive staff held in his hand. Looking at the first coming Phantom, relatively untouched by war, the Zealot tapped the bottom of his weapon on the metal floor before moving aside for the medical lances to bring the wounded forward, many worst than others, mostly Unggoy and Kig-yar with Sangheili in between, carried with repulsor-lifted stretchers. As he memorized each one's face, the Field Master rolled his shoulders and finally the large gunship passed over towards the crashed vessel, blasting its powerful plasma upon the humans around, conducting a chorus of screams and explosions while its body lowered enough to open the back, allowing the passengers to settle in comfortably, compared to the rushed pull of the gravity lift.

 The Field Master scoffed under his shrouded helm, right now is not the same for slothful luxuries. "Hurry! Move as if the Gods were watching you personally!" He commanded with a frustrated shout, prompting speeding the process. Looking up, he could see the other phantom closing in for the next load. 

  Looking down over the slope of the corvette, he could see the humans were still fighting. One of the Minor guards looked over to see as well. "By the Gods! Are they endless?" He exclaimed. Til was thinking the exact same, they were on par with the Unggoy or the Flood in terms of overwhelming numbers, which he expected to be their reason of colonization. "No..." He simply said before stepping away and kept monitoring the progress, knowing the others were getting the Imperial Admiral prepared.

 Major Q'ai 'Muramee

  "Move!" He commanded loudly before lunging himself away from his barricade when one of the humans' warthogs crashed into it with a loud explosion, taking a slow Minor under its burning wheels. Getting up with a heavy pant, Q'ai looked around and grabbed his carbine, before someone bumped into him. "They won't stop, sir!" Getting this blasphemous, and most likely infectious, doubt loud in his ear, Q'ai snapped his head to look at the undisciplined Sangheili.

 With a snap of his arm, the Major promptly backhanded the fool, "Steel your spine, Coward, or I will use it to beat you!" He snarled, the youth looked hurt at the strike and insult but stared dumbly. While he, and most Muram, were a calm and collected sort, Q'ai despised the look of cowardice like any other warrior-blooded Sangheili. Snatching the collar of the infantryman's thoracic cage, he pulled him close to his flaring mandibles, "Unless you don't want to strapped on with a bombed harness and used like a Sacrificial Unggoy, you better get back to your station and fight with all the courage that your Clan gave you!" 

 Slamming his carbine into the boy's chest and snatching his plasma pistol from his holster, Q'ai pushed the Minor away before unholstering his own pistol, and fired both at the approaching humans. "Fight for your lives as well as the continuation of our honor!" he roared out to all around him with the Sangheilian bravado legendary amongst the Covenant and feared by all. 

 Widil pulled the Makdap back when he managed to kill the vehicle occupants with a couple others and looked around quickly, "All Unggoy with ammunition take the front. Those without, recharge or find new weapons. We can't leave until the Sangheili tell us otherwise!" He ordered, aiming his needler and fired a fine stream of purple crystals through the air, some following a human and embedded into its arm and side before exploding violently, prompting a horrid scream of pain as its body crumbled with a rush of blood.

Fleet Commando Officer 'Kasamee, attached with Captain Garatus's pack and Spec-Ops lance

Crossing through the jungle, despising his nobility right now and the attachment of the Jiralhanae pack society, Officer 'Kasamee could feel the heat of the growing fire and the sounds of a human dropship's guns obvious as a thunderstorm. Accessing the battlenet, he tried to hail the captain, "Garatus! I thought you would be smart enough to get back to the Corvette as commanded!" He shouted unintentionally as he heard the missing Jiralhanae's pack's unsubtle stomps and snorts. At the flanks, his Spec-Ops lance was separate in a fan-like formation, hidden under their light camouflages.

[Deleted]

Sangheili Ultra Vinza'za 'Wodamai
Inner Defense Line

Fortunately, Covenant lines of fire had tightened up now that they were spread out less.  The soldiers of the Covenant were still exhausted, however, so it could be assumed they could not hold this area for more than a unit, at best.  It was more like several rooks.  Every soldier, every race, was still ready to die in defense of His Holiness.  Phantoms were landing and beginning the evacuation, however, so as long as nothing went awry then the Imperial Admiral will be secured and the Sect heading away from this planet.  Ironically, Vinza'za would miss this hellish planet despite it nearly having taken his life on several occasions.  It combined the two aspects that have shaped his life: Clan 'Wodam's home planet of Sanvoros, and warfare.  

The Humans were still attacking, but the Ultra had repositioned the Creche and gave the Lance's distinctive firing sectors.  There were only twenty-seven warriors left of the original forty-six, but they would have to make due as they had little choice.  The one thing working in the Covenant's favor was that the Humans had been too busy pursuing and enjoying their victory to approach in proper formations.  This lowered their effectiveness, and their underestimation of the Covenant's ability to keep fighting after the retreat would help the Empire's beloved soldiers last that much longer.  Vinza'za had left his empty Carbine for a Plasma Rifle he confiscated from a dead Minor.  He fired it in short bursts now and again, but the Ultra was more busy with directing his soldiers and giving them commands.

"Human Snipers out in the treeline, near those crashed Banshees!  Fifth Lance, take care of them.  Their infantry are rallying for a strike at sixty degrees, first and third Lance suppress them now!  Second and forth Lance's need to keep firing on the Human's approaching from the front!  More vehicles incoming!"  The Ultra roared over the sounds of fighting.

Vinza'za was barely conscious of his commands, exhaustion and slight shock still clutching him.  He was running purely on hunter instinct and trained precision.  Even as his orders were obeyed without question, the 'Wodam hunter still felt as though he was missing a thousand things to be done on the battlefield, but he was having trouble processing as much as he was already.  Most noticeably, the usually talented marksmen was missing many more shots than he should of been.  Some rounds were even straying ridiculously far from their intended targets.  Vinza'za wouldn't relent, however.  He would die honorably in the name of his Clan, if need be.

[Deleted]

Sergeant Stone gripped his rifle tightly as he maneuvered through the thick brush of the jungle, sweat lacing down his forehead into his brows as he scanned his sector. The company had moved out twenty minutes ago and were making surprisingly quick progress, covering a great deal of terrain. Third platoon was on point, being the platoon with the least amount of casualties, while fourth and first took up the rear. That left second platoon in the middle, with the company first sergeant traveling amongst them. The XO and company commander were with fourth platoon, roughly thirty meters behind second.

The whine of Banshee engines roared overhead. Though they weren't visible thanks to the dense canopy above them, leaving Oscar Company relatively safe from the enemy's air support. This was perhaps what Stone was most grateful for. Covenant close air had inflicted a great deal of damage on the company earlier and was the cause of the majority of its casualties. Right now they weren't a problem.

Though, it was highly likely that would soon change.

"Oden Three Actual to Oden Actual, be advised: we've reached the edge of the treeline and have the enemy crash site in view. How copy?" crackled Second Lieutenant Harrelson's voice over the radio.

"Oden Actual copies. All callsigns, assemble in a line along the treeline and conduct reconnaissance on the hostile position."

Within another ten minutes the entirety of the remnants of Oscar Company were formed along the edge of the treeline, hidden in the last vestiges of brush and trees. Stone found himself beside Lieutenant Durant and Staff Sergeant Kopelson. He retrieved a pair of binoculars from the tactical soft case on his left thigh guard and brought them up to his eyes.

"What do you see, Sergeant?" inquired Durant.

The Covenant position was unsurprisingly well guarded. Past the treeline was open terrain with debris located intermittently through the field. Covenant squads had set up defensive positions using the areas with the greatest amount of debris as cover. Behind them and just before the Corvette were weapon emplacements; Shade turrets and plasma cannons. A few Jackal sniper towers had been erected just behind them with additional snipers lying atop the bartered and twisted hull of the Corvette. In the air were Banshees conducting air patrols of the entire Covenant perimeter.

"Bookoo Coven'nt, sir," Stone summarized. "Coven'nt defense positions supported by turrets 'n sniper towers. Addit'nil snipers posted up along the hull of the wreck. It's gon be a tough nut ta crack."

Stone lowered his binos and glanced at the lieutenant who seemed to be contemplating the information he'd be given. Considering the amount of punishment that Oscar Company had taken earlier, Thomas wasn't sure they'd have enough people to seize the Corvette. Hell, he wasn't certain they'd even put much of a dent in their defensive line. But, his thoughts were unimportant as far as his higher ups were concerned.

The brass wanted that Corvette taken and that was what they were going to do. Whether they all died in the process of completing their mission was nothing more than an occupational hazard. If they died, at least they went on fighting to the last man.

Which he saw being a very likely outcome to all this.

Screw it, Stone mused. I've led a good life. Bout time I got my ass kicked. With that, he focused his attention back on the crash site. The hum of Phantom engines suddenly became apparent, and moments later Stone watched as one touched down. Covenant troops, what he assumed to be their form of medical personnel, swarmed around them and started loading up their wounded personnel.

An evil grin started to splay across his features as a plan started to formulate in his head. If the Covenant were evacuating their wounded, that left them a tad vulnerable. The troops focus would be divided upon guarding the ship and watching the wounded get carted away. Some would even likely abandon their posts to help load the wounded on the transports. It was a distraction they needed.

"I gots an idea, sir," Stone said with renewed confidence and vigor. "The Covies are loadin' up their wounded ta be evacuated. That means they're gonna be distracted, especially with other units hittin' 'em pretty hard. I say we bound up by low crawl to the nearest debris so we have a slight foothold within their perimeter. Fire team by fire team, so that the chances of bein' spotted ain't as likely. We git the rocket jockeys up front, targettin' them turrets 'n towers. Our DMs target the snipers posted up on the hull. Upon signal, the rocket jockeys open up 'n we start lyin' down suppressin' fire on those bastards so the rest of the company can move up."

Durant paused for a moment as he considered the suggestion. Staff Sergeant Kopelson smiled. "I like your thinking, Sergeant." Kopelson said, to which Durant agreed.

"I'll forward it to the Captain and see what he thinks."

Three minutes later the company commander had approved the plan. Stone switched the radio frequency to SQUADCOM and addressed second fire team. "Oden Two-One ta Two-One Bravo, be advised: we're gon move up ta the debris roughly thirty meters ahead of us by low crawl. Keep yer heads down 'n try ta stay outta sight. When we're set, we're gon continue ta stay low 'n cover fire teams from second squad as they move up 'head of us ta the next piece of cover. Then we're gon prepare ta lay down suppressin' fire on the uglies when fourth platoon's rocket jockeys open up on the enemy emplacements. Questions?"

The reply came quicker than he had anticipated. "Yeah, who was the crazy asshole who came up with this plan?"

Stone chuckled. "I was. 'N if ya ever call me an asshole agin I will strap ya ta the back of a 'Hog 'n drag ya all the way back ta the FOB by yer ankle. Now, let's move."

[BetaWülf]

Jiralhanae Captain Garatus

His comms rang in his ear as he lay on ground while the turret fire just enough to keep him down, it was Fleet Commando Officer 'Kasamee.

"Garatus! I thought you would be smart enough to get back to the Corvette as commanded!"

the Sangheili Commando said, Garatus was just glad he wasn't forgotten.

"I was pretty far out when we were ordered to retreat Sir, I was attempting to hold off a large group of Human filth who had captured quite a few Kig-yar who then turned on me and aided the Humans" Garatus said starting normally but ending in a growl when he mentioned the traitors.

He fired over the rock having a turret round grazing the back of his hand, he growled and licked the open wound to ease the pain slightly.

[Huka]

Fleet Commando Officer 'Kasamee

"Never trust a Kig-yar..." He commented to the news, those bird-headed scum have always been a two-faced bunch one way or another, and didn't mourn for their deaths on the field. The officer often wondered what kept the San'Shyuum from just burning their race to atoms in the first place, but it could assumed for their affinity to find goods better than most.

 Suddenly a round zipped past his head and 'Kasamee immediately twirled to the side, taking cover behind a tree, "Get to cover!" He ordered the others as the rounds from the human dropship was zipping by now. "Garatus, withdraw! We will deal with the traitors when the Gods present the opportunity." He growled as he checked his carbine. Enough rounds to down a human lance but he doubted it would do much with their dropship's hull, wishing he had a particle beam rifle. Taking a moment to listen to the battlenet, he heard that the Phantoms were getting the wounded now, they needed to get out of here before Til leave them, and knowing of that Zealot's reputation, he can be quite literal in his words. 

Field Master Til Je'at Ra'ha 'Muramai

 When the last of the wounded were hauled into the back of the third phantom, Til watched as the Huragok maintance and medical force was hoisted into the ship, due to their somewhat annoying dedication to their given purpose, forcing some of the Sangheili engineers to use broken equipment to trick them in.

 Clicking his lower mandibles, the Field Master looked down to the battlefield and looked at the humans. They seemed more tedious to get to them, looking at the far trees, he could almost see the human forces starting to move. Growling, even when there is a chance of them being completely exterminated or enslaved by the Kig-yar pirates, they are still trying to capture the Imperial Admiral. The Fools...but respectable fools. "All crèches on the field, begin to withdraw into the corvette for extraction, the Corvette Security Crèche will watch over you." He announced through the battlenet. "All stragglers, this is your final warning of returning to the ship. We will not wait for you!" 

  The Corvette's security immediately started to take position, placing plasma cannons at the end of a couple halls with their precise weapons aimed, ready to finally spill some human blood themselves. The hum of the next phantom coming to get its load.

 Major Q'ai 'Muramee

 Hearing Crèche Commander 'Wodamai's command, Q'ai started to fire his dual pistols at the humans, firing controlled bolts. He managed to burn and maim a few humans in their running around to evade the phantoms' cannons as while as the suppressing plasma blasts from the defense shades. He was surprised that the defense lasted this long. "Labus, keep firing!" He ordered over the comm, which the bloodthirsty Minor obliged with a cruel chuckle, "Burn, Heretics! Burn!" He cried out as he managed to catch a two-seated vehicle as it zipped across the field, watching its remaining front half rolled forward when its lower half was practically vaporized in the fetal plasma, killing its driver in the vicious roll.

 Glancing back, he watched as the Aura Crèche slowly started to slip back into the Corvette, but the Sangheili kept fighting until his commander told otherwise.

[Arbiter124]

1st LT. Drake A124

UNSC SPARTAN-III

Drake fired off more rounds of his shotgun, snarling. Adrenaline filled his veins as the fight continued, plasma scorching trees, plantlife in an inferno, and muzzle flashes coming from the gun's of bewildered soldiers. He caught a glimpse of Gary, but did not see his activities, only that he was close to Drake.

Raptor-001 peeked out of cover to catch the glimpses of Covenant backing off to the corvette, and UNSC forces charging forward. Drake locked eyes with one Marine, and nodded to him, charging forward. He leaped over a fallen tree, firing another random shot with his tactical shotgun mid leap. Landing back on the ground, he pointed towards the retreating Covenant, yelling out in excitement. The SPARTAN-III sprinted passed marines and into view of the Corvette. He skid to a stop in a clearing that the corvette's crashlanding from earlier had made, and looked up to the top of the corvette through the crossfire.

A figure.

One lone Elite. Drake couldn't make him out, but based on the fact that the Elite was overseeing the whole scenario, the hingehead must have been high ranked. Drake snarled, and looked back down at the actual fight going on. Marines found cover, and continued firing on the masses of Covenant soldiers who were retreating into the Corvette.

[Deleted]

Mog and Gek
Jackal Sniper pair
Standing atop the barricades of the final ring
Gek wounded with his beak almost torn off

Mog watched as his partner's warm purple blood began to make a rather large puddle around his body. He squaked in anger, turning and taking aim at any human he saw, firing rapidly. Most rounds missed, pinging off of Warthog dashboards are blasting through rocks or dirt. The ionized particles from his Beam Rifle cut through just about anything. In his blind rage he still managed to kill well. If he had some kind of way to tally his scores, he would find about 70 tallies in total for that day.

Gek continued to bleed out. That's when one of the Phantoms stopped by the wall, picking up other wounded on the wall. Mog quickly rushed over, taking his rifle away and loading Mog onto the Phantom. More wounded began to pile in, however, and Mog didn't have the chance to get out. Someone had mistaken him for part of the medical crew and handed him supplies. The deck was getting slippery with all of the blood on it, and it made a wonderful swirl of vibrant blue, mixed with dark and light purples.

"What are you doing? I can still fight! Get me back out there!" Mog called at the pilots, but they simply lifted off and flew toward the Corvette. Mog became enraged. He wanted blood. He wanted to kill. He jumped on the nearest creature he saw, ready to rip it's throat out, but stopped... It was an Unggoy, weezing and whining. It's arm was gone. Looks as if it was taken out by a sniper. Just clean gone. Mog steadied himself. He didn't want to spend any more time in the brig then he already had. He straightened himself, and began to work with the medical supplies that he was given.

[BetaWülf]

Jiralhanae Captain Garatus

"Garatus, withdraw! We will deal with the traitors when the Gods present the opportunity." The fleet Commando said over the comms to Garatus who was currently face down in the dirt.
"I'll try my best or die in the attempt Sir!" Garatus said as he started crawling on his stomach towards the bushes.

He hoped he wouldn't get torn to pieces by that turret, a grizzly sight that would be. He slowly crawled while reassuring himself that he wouldn't die horribly which was actually a distinct possibility. He glared up at the narrator in his head then continued crawling towards either safety or terrible death.

[NinjaBoss]

Zahn 'Vignarlee, Major Domo

    Zahn watched as the human onslaught slowly approached, now more confident due to the fact their reinforcements had arrived. He fired several shots from his plasma rifle, and the human he was targeting screamed in pain before being hit by several more plasma bolts from the Kig-yar and fell. The humans were unable to advance, due to the combine firepower of the turret, Zahn and his lance, and the other Covenant soldiers centered nearby. He roared in approval before suddenly being knocked back by several simultaneous bursts of fire from the humans. His shields flared, and he growled in anger before more fire hit him and he heard a slight pop as his shields failed due to combined fire from his enemies. With no cover in his immediate area, Zahn had no choice but to kill them before they killed him. A human grenade landed just behind the shields of his kig-yar, and he leaped away from the area, attempting a graceful roll but ending up into a somersault spin from a collision with a large tree root sticking out at about waist length. He looked back to see his kig-yar leap away as well, but far too late as there was an explosion of shrapnel and purple blood. Pran didn't notice the grenade, and his shields instantly popped and he was hit by more human gunfire before falling to the ground, gurgling on his own blood. Pran pushed himself up and stood, taking cover behind the tree while waiting for his shields to recharge.

    Pran grabbed his last plasma grenade, and primed it before attempting to stand. He reared his arm back and threw it, screaming "In the name of the gods, your destruction is inevitable nishum!" before being hit by more gunfire and hit the ground, completely lifeless. Zahn tucked his head back behind the tree, growling in frustration. He just watched his whole lance die, and had no clue what had happened to Yadap, as he had attempted to contact him several times to no avail. He was most likely dead, killed like the rest of his lance. He checked his plasma rifle charge, only having 37 shots left. They would suffice for now, and he could resort to his pistol afterwards. Zahn was going to be sure that he made those humans pay for what they did to his lance, though felt comfort knowing Pran had brought honor to himself and his family in his last moments of life.

[iamsteelius]

Kig-Yar Minor Top
Near the evacuating humans, sick of the situation

    Looking down at the incapacitated Nak, Top snarled, but not at anything. He was just sick of what was going on. He saw the nearest human run off to the drop ship, probably leaving. Top saw what was going on didn't like it. A Jirilhanae just shot Nak, Bep surrendered to the humans, again, they were probably going to hav to shoot their way out and the Field Master wasn't relaying great news either.

    Top looked around at his fellow Kig-Yar, ordering, "We are leaving now. They took the sniper, who seemed to go willingly. We won't. I'm grabbing Nak, the rest of you get your weapons, turn your shields on and cover me. I'm sick of failing diplomacy." It seemed at that point, the rest of the file agreed. They scrambled for their weapons as Top lifted Nak. Top looked up to see humans approaching them. They were armed didn't seem to want to hear the Kig-Yar out this time.

    Top ducked down as his allies swooped in front of him, shields up and weapons ready. They began moving backwards as the humans started to yelling things in their tongue. Soon enough gunfire began to hit their shields. Top was crouched and carrying Nak and while the shields should give ample cover, he was still moving very close to the other Kig-Yar. Top wasn't sure who saw or how many there were, but he didn't care. "Fire warning shots and push them to cover!" Top yelled, trying to get them out alive. 

    As they fired their weapons a few times, Top could hear more people. This probably wasn't going to end well, but Top was going to try his hardest to get them out of there. As the humans appeared to be advancing again, he could see the Jirilhanae retreating. Top chirped to himself. At least they could try to clear things up with them. Top looked ahead and realized there was still a lot of ground to cover to even leave the clearing and the humans had all noticed their slow and flawed escape.

[Deleted]

Crawling carefully through the debris-filled terrain of the Corvette crash site perimeter, Stone kept his body low and etched forward slowly. So far he and the Marines of second fire team had traversed fifteen meters from the treeline, leaving another fifteen meter stretch to go before they made it to more reliable cover and a position where they could set up a decent base of fire on the enemy. So far his plan was going fairly well. Marines from every platoon were crawling their way towards the crash site and had yet to be spotted. Perhaps their luck had somehow changed.

Or maybe not.

The familiar whine of Banshees became audible, causing Stone to curse under his breath. He signaled second fire team behind him to duck into cover in hopes the fliers wouldn't spot them or simply mistake them as part of the debris. The aging sergeant rolled himself into cover between two conspicuously dark purple metal panels and lowered his head to the ground.

The first flier passed overhead without incident. Stone's grip on his rifle tightened, his knuckles likely turning pale white. He tried not to make any sudden moves that would give him away. The second flier passed over and again, it seemed all was well. However, when the third Banshee came into sight it visibly decreased its speed and a moment later it was diving towards the ground, heading straight for where some of the Marines of fourth platoon were.

Its plasma cannons opened up and Thomas's ears filled with the dying screams of his fellow comrades-in-arms. The squawks, shrieks, and howls of the Covenant sounded half a second afterwards followed by the roar of plasma weaponry.

"Rocket jockeys, weapons free!" barked someone over the radio.

Several projectiles screamed out of the jungle, being trailed by white vapor. The rockets slammed into multiple Shade turrets and one of the sniper towers, engrossing them in orange-blue-white flames. Stone stood up and waved his Marines forward. "Push up 'n git ta cover!"

Without waiting for any sort of acknowledgment, the Sergeant charged towards a large swath of debris that would act as a barricade to cover his men from the hail of plasma fire and act as a decent spot to set up their M247 GPMG. When he came within five meters of the debris he slid into cover behind it.

A moment later Corporal Washington and his men joined Stone. "Corp'ral, set yer gunner up. Don't get picky with yer targets, jus' shoot anythin' that ain't gon bleed red when ya shoot it." Stone turned and took aim down the iron sights of his MA5B, zeroing in on a Grunt quartet roughly forty meters out standing beside a plasma cannon. One of them, wearing green armor, was making a break for the weapon.

Thomas wasted no time squeezing the trigger. His weapon burped out a hail of lead that ripped into the Grunts. One of the seven point six two millimeter rounds shredded its way through the methane tank of the Grunt in green. The tank erupted and engulfed the alien in flames.

Stone didn't miss a beat as he turned to another target. An explosion nearby caused him to duck a little as dirt and gore rained down upon him. He didn't let the sight of blood covering his arms and weapon phase him as he loosed a trio of short bursts into a fire team of Jackals that were attempting to form a phalanx. Two went down while the other two were fortunate enough to have their shields deflect his rounds.

Before he could continue firing, a shot zipped all too close to his head. He ducked down and exclaimed "Sniper!" Others mimicked his cry until the entire force was aware that there was a sniper somewhere firing on them.

"Oden Four-Two, get your DMs up to search for that sniper!"

"Already on it, Four Actual!"

Sergeant Stone yanked a grenade from his bandolier and prepared to throw it. He looked to Corporal Washington. "I'mma chuck this sum'bitch 'n make a break fer that debris twenty meters ta our eleven. Lay down suppressin' fire 'n then git down. Hopefully I can force that sniper ta give himself away. Once he's iced, move yer asses up. We gotta keep pushin' if we're ta take that Corvette."

"Aye, Sergeant," Washington replied. "Good luck you crazy old bastard!"

The slightest hint of a grin creased his features before he slammed his thumb on the primer. "Frag out!" Stone screamed and tossed the grenade. The ground shook as it detonated and Washington and his team opened fire. Thomas vaulted over the repurposed debris and chuffed across the open terrain in a serpentine pattern. A beam rifle shot exploded by his feet and he immediately rolled for cover.

"Eyes on! Engaging!"

A moment later, the DMs announced the sniper was down. Stone exhaled a sigh of relief and attempted to steady his labored breath. That run had taken a great deal out of him, which took him by surprise. It's official... I'm gettin' too old fer this shit.

[Huka]

Major Q’ai ‘Muramee

As the remaining defense crèches continued to suppress and kill humans that dared to show their flat faces to their sights, Q’ai pulled his left pistol’s trigger but green plasma poof’ed out with denial. Out! With a growl, he tossed the weapon aside and checked on his other pistol. Just enough for a few shots or a desperate overcharged bolt, that’s not good. Holstering it, the Major looked around quick for something to replace his depleted weapons. Bodies everywhere, he saw a plasma repeater in the hands of a Minor who’ve died with a sniper round through his skull.

Just as he was about to go for it, a missile suddenly shot over his head and exploded against the shielded hull of the corvette, sending him spiraling to the side towards the field. Screaming out with his energy shields flickering dead for the moment, Q’ai rolled trice before slamming into a piece of debris, and went into shock.

A full rook later, he shuddered and gasped out when he recovered his mortal senses. His eyes stared up at the sky, watching as the Destroyer fire her projector and bisected the Kig-yar warband leader in half, sending a chorus of thunderous claps and explosions from the enemy’s ship rang in everyone’s ears as she began to descend to the jungles below. We are so close.

His mandibles moved to check if they were broken. All were functional. “Ancestors, guide us to salvation.” He prayed and blood splattered on the side of his face. Blinking again, he craned his head to see a dead Unggoy minor with the back of its skull blown open and from the hissing noise, its tank was penetrated. Feeling sickness come to his stomach again, Q’ai held in a long-stomached disgust. Those ballistic weapons were barbaric.

Reaching out and snatching the needle pistol from the dead warrior’s fingers, he examined it and slowly got up, the pains and fatigue of this entire skirmish starting to ache on his body. Then his marksman-trained eyes saw humans were getting closer to the corvette than most, most of this fortunate group was more concentrated at the Kig-yar dominated Discipline Crèche’s position. Grabbing the dead Unggoy’s arm, he stomped forward and with all of his might, flung the body across the field to a small lance of them that were pinned by Labus' shade.

With a quick draw, Q’ai unholstered his pistol in a snap, and charging the growing orb, his eyes caught the trajectory of the falling body. With a narrow of his eyes, he released the emerald bolt and watched as it soared through the air, connecting with the Unggoy’s methane tank precisely, and exploded into a brilliant green-blue flame with the combustion of methane and plasma grenades, killing most of the lance but left the others in a bloody disorientation.

“Ha, good one, Commander!” Labus’ voice praised through the comlink and Q’ai weakly walked towards his lance with a limp, taking time to fire a quad of needles every so often to keep the humans off his back.

(NOTE: Any active Creche Leaders retreat to the Corvette)

Ship Master ‘Ikaporamee of the Sailing Blade

With a triumphant roar, the Shipmaster ignored the ache in his old battle injury as he stood up and rose a fist into the air, “The fools thought their meager band could overcome my ship and behold the result!” His eyes watched as the smoking ruin of the Kig-yar’s poor excuse of a Destroyer fell from grace in pieces and into the jungles with a heavy crash. “Shipmaster, the other ships are making a retreat back to the main battle!” The Sensors Officer warned.

The Shipmaster was about to command the Weapons Officer to fire all turrets when the Operations Officer added, “The Sect’s wounds have just made it aboard the Blade, sir. Their able warriors are soon to arrive.”

Thinking for a moment, the aged veteran nodded, “Very good. Have our medical teams assist them to our recovery room.” He insisted, suddenly losing his battle rush, and slowly sat back down. “We need to hurry; the Task Force Commander can’t hold the Kig-yar for long.” He said, mostly to himself.

Unggoy Ultra Jadap

The crèches were withdrawing. Very good, then that means Jadap and his soldiers will too. The last troops of Aura were in the corvette extraction, the few remaining forces of Patriarch and Infinite Twilight were announced to be withdrawing.

Actually shivering in excitement, Jadap checked his ammunition and grabbed a extra load for his needler before firing at a zipping two-man vehicle. The needlers chased it for a moment, a few of the projectiles managed to pierce into the back of the gunner’s leg and into the lower left wheel, but it kept going while the rest shattered in mid-air.

Nearby the vicious Olama screamed in anger before firing two wooping blasts of fuel rod projectiles across the field and scattered a lance of humans. “Take that, you dirty tall apes!” He shouted in a moment of adrenaline-induced rage. The Ultra looked back to him and checked on his soldiers, they were relatively safe, some more wounded than others, but other than that, they’ll survive…hopefully.

Fleet Security Commander Officer ‘Kasamee

Pressed against the tree, ‘Kasamee looked at his carbine in wonder, before firing it at the Captain’s direction, so he knew where they were at. The last thing they needed was the Jiralhanae's precious alpha crawling around blind with that human ship firing at him.

“Over here!” He called out and he could feel one of the Special Operators glaring at him, but he had little time. They all had little time and some reason that terrified him a lot. He didn’t want to be a liability and left behind. Swallowing abit, he hoped Garatus saw his signal.

[Jakob]

Private First Class Wen Cuu

Someone tackled Cuu, and before he could send his knife through the fethers ribs, the man was shot. Cuu just lay on the ground and let everyone kill each other. It felt nice to let everyone else murder each other for a change. Screaming and gunfire filled the air, he swore he heard a marine die, he couldn't care less.

He heard some screaming to get onto the pelican and shrugged. He stood up and brushed off his fatigues before strolling into the troop bay, ignoring the flying bullets. The corporal was pretending he was a big boy by trying to give a speech to a private, Cuu pushed past him and sat in one of the seats. Stretching his legs.

[MrKill]

Colonel Johnathon B'Sheau Killinger
Pelican Gamma Four-One
Airborne

"That's it, sir. We're full." The pilot said. The Colonel nodded, tapped his shoulder twice and returned to the troop bay. They were in atmosphere so they didn't need to close the troop bays ramp. The Pelican throttled up, pitched forward and engaged it's trust mode - sending it flying forward and out of the smoke. The burning threes, the fire-fights below. One specific team of Marines had advanced far enough that they were pushing the last line of Covenant defenses at the crashed Corvette[/i].

"Welcome aboard 'We are fucked' airlines," The pilot said from the canopy. "Colonel, you might want to come take a look at this."

John returned to the canopy for a moment and immediately noticed what the pilot was referencing too. A huge Naval battle had started. The Covenant ships were easily spot-able with their purplish armor, and one of them was entering the atmosphere, on a rough heading towards the crashed Corvette.

"We need to get the forces back," Killinger muttered. "Or they will all die. We can't contest with that fire-power, especially with a Covenant fleet in orbit now. Change of plans, take us to the FOB. Contact Venom Five and Six to return to the FOB as well, unload a jackal prisoner. We need to get off this planet and quickly, before the Covenant themselves start glassing us into the rocks!"

Killinger swore again and realized the UNSC fleet wasn't particularly engaging the Covenant fleet, either. He saw missiles trail forward, MAC's fire and become hit with some sort of ballistic projectile, but none of the fired ordinance were towards the Covenant ships. What Killinger didn't see, however, was the vessels they were engaging as the pelican angled towards the FOB, cutting off the view of the naval battle.

"Any news from the fleet in orbit?"

"Local NAVCOM channels are dark for now, CENTCOM is online though. Apparently Lieutenant Colonel Riley Duffman has been trying to contact us for at least an hour now. Communications appear to be down." The pilot said.

"Did anyone bother to deploy comm buoys in space?" The Colonel asked. Radio waves relied on either towers, buoys or some other form of communications equipment to extend their effective length. Command may, or may not, be out of radio contact at the moment.

"I don't know, sir." The pilot replied. Killinger scratched the side of his face for a second and shook his head, not surprised. People had gotten so used to fighting for UNSC worlds all these fancy toys were all ready set up. Killinger understood the desperation from CENTCOM, however. They had troops in the field and were unable to talk to them continuously.

"Who's in command of the ground forces here?" The Colonel asked.

The pilot was quick to answer. "A dumbass," The man said. "Lieutenant Colonel Riley Duffman. He split the forces up and ordered three lone pelicans to provide air cover while fifteen Banshees moved in to engage and effectively destroyed them all."

"Oblivion One-One, right?" The Colonel said quietly.

"Yes sir."

Split his forces? Killinger thought. I'll have to do some investigating..

Admiral Eric Klix
UNSCS Iowa
Marathon II Super-Heavy Guided Missile Cruiser

(( OOC: I jump back to this system DIRECTLY from my RP sample. ))

The UNSCS Iowa, a 1, 500 meter vessel, dropped out from slip-space roughly four thousand kilometers behind the UNSC Fleet. The Iowa, which had recently completed a mission over the planet Nactum, was battle damaged and extremely low on ammunition. During the transition, however, the crew were able to make repairs to the second SSAK-79 System which had been damaged by an energy projector that had drilled close enough to disable the reloading mechanics of the weapon.

"We've dropped out of slip-space, sir." The Tactical Officer reported.

The Admiral nodded and immediately looked at the Holo-Table, and was stunned at what he saw. The UNSC fleet was engaging a different species, which ONI had deemed Kig-Yar Mercs. About a year ago a specific Lieutenant Commander came head to head with a 'pirate' and successfully traded human food for Covenant Plasma Weaponry, and ONI had investigated the guns and came to the conclusion they were safe to transport back to Reach and Earth.

"What's going on, Tactical?" The Admiral said.

"It appears the Covenant and UNSC Fleets are engaging the Kig-Yar fle- Sir, oh my... It's the SuperCarrier." The Tactical Officer said, ending her sentence in pure freight. The CSO SuperCarrier could make every single ship in the battle space Swiss Chese. The Admiral knew what happened, too. It was sitting back with the rest of the Kig-Yar ships. It was obvious that the Marines aboard were dead.

"It's not engaging yet," The Admiral pointed out. "Keep your eye on it."

"Yessir."

"Navigation, plot a course for the planet. Weapons you need to get our guns charged, we only have the SSAK-79's anyways. Communications I want you to send a message to the UNSC Fleet saying we've arrived. Burst transmission that reads: UNSCS Iowa requesting situation report. Contact Admiral Vardy, I can see the Kilimanjaro from here." The Admiral ordered. He couldn't literally see Vardy's vessel, but he could see it on the camera.

[Deleted]

Sangheili Ultra Vinza'za 'Wodamai
Inner Defense Line

"Acolyte Creche, the time for retreat is at hand!  Fall back to the Corvette," Vinza'za commanded.

His soldiers quickly did so, but the Ultra was preoccupied by a Major by the name of Q'ai Muramee.  He was farther out towards the Humans than the rest of the Creche, and seemingly dazed.  He must have been in reach of the Human rocket that sailed into their lines.  Even after this, his fighting was notable.  The 'Wodam hunter leapt from his cover,  vaulting over debris while firing on the Humans and moving towards the Major's position.  Vinza'za shot several bursts at the nearest Human Lance, killing two of the Nishum.  They immediately started firing back, but the Ultra ignored it as he slid into cover with Q'ai.

"Alright, Major.  We're the last of the Creche, so lets see to getting out of here alive.  Most of the other Creches are already on the retreat.  I have one last grenade.  After I toss it, start moving.  I'll provide covering fire, but I won't be too far behind.  Once you reach a solid position, turn and cover me.  Once we're clear of Human fire, we can proceed to the Corvette without any complications. Ready?" Vinza'za ordered Q'ai.

The Ultra didn't wait for a response, instead retrieving his Plasma Grenade and tossing it, before firing several more bursts at the Human's.  The first two bursts missed completely, and Vinza'za cursed at himself, but the third caught a Human right in the chest.  He quickly turned to follow the Major, firing sporadically as he sprinted along.

[Frazer]

UNSCS Preston, Virtue-Class Attack Carrier
Captain Frazer York

Frazer sat there in his captains chair waiting for the orders from Admiral Vardy and as he did so Tiffany came up on the A.I pedestal. Frazer looked towards her. "Sir there has been a new ship that has entered the system, it is four thousand kilometers away from us but the ship is getting closer..." Tiffany paused with her finger by her ear as she was receiving information, she then looked back up at Frazer. "It is Admiral Klix sir, he has arrived in the UNSCS Iowa and is heading in our direction." Frazer looked at her with a sigh of relief and then stood up on his chair. 

"Right this is it everyone stand by for orders, Wilson get me a line with the Admiral." Wilson nodded and pressed a few buttons and then looked back up.

"Your live sir." Frazer nodded and walked over to the comm and leaned over to speak.

"Admiral Klix, this is Captain York of the UNSCS Preston. We are ready and waiting for orders sir, what is our next move?" Frazer then released the button and waited for the Admiral's reply. 

[Huka]

Major Q’ai ‘Muramee
Inner Defense Line

Q’ai fired his last round into a distant human and watched as its comrades rose their rifles to gun him down, with his shields weakened. There was little chance of surviving. He accepted death, it was a honor battling a fine enemy, but when Death crept towards him, salvation came in the form of his commanding officer.

Two of the humans were downed by Vinza’za’s weapon with efficiency worthy of his rank. Q’ai chuckled softly as he leaned behind a shade for a cover and looked to his commander. He could hear him but just barely. His wounds were sapping at his strength annoyingly. When he heard the word ready, the Major nodded, and when the Ultra fired his weapon at the Nishum, the hunter sneered in pain as he forced his body up and ran forward, swapping his useless weapon for another needler.

Keeping his body hunched and low behind their barricades and debris, Q’ai saw most of his lance was still withdrawing towards the corvette’s entrance, Labus firing his plasma rifle side-arm at the humans, struggling to get some last-rook kills while Jhao forced him back with scolding before seeing the two officers. “Hurry, commanders!” He shouted over the human fire. Stopping behind a curved piece of ship hull, the Muram waited for Vinza’za before switching positions, firing back at the chasing humans, firing bursts of three needles at them, thanking the merchants that found and process Qikost’s crystal caches for these weapons.

Labus and Jhao kept to the entrance to cover their leaders, urging them on as they fired at the humans.

[Soulstep]

2nd Lt. Geoff Alexander Blake Mkvenner

Tornado-Four-Actual
Aboard Venom-Five, not having the ideal first day as a Lieutenant.

Geoff hesitated, not sure whether to be amused or bemused by the Jackal's attempt at speaking in a way he'd understand. The rest of the Pelican's occupants seemed to be opting for the former. "Erm... Right. We'll just call you Spike for now." He said, shrugging. Well, the alien had spines that looked a bit like hair. And they were spiky. The admittedly corny response elicited some groans, and Geoff was not unaware of the veterans in the Pelican hovering their crosshairs not quite over Spike's head, fingers not quite on the triggers. Luckily, they saw the sense in not killing a useful source of intel. Or maybe they just wanted ONI to play with Spike in ways they couldn't even dream of.

The dropship's pilot's voice crackled over the COM. "Colonel wants us to bug out. As much as I'd like to turn that Brute into chutney, we need to get to the FOB ten minutes ago." After some faint protesting from the trigger-happy co-pilot, the Pelican disengaged and wheeled around, carrying its human (mostly) cargo away from the crash site.

Geoff was puzzled. They were pulling out? What had changed? "McGreggor, what's going on? Covenant reinforcements?" He asked the pilot, confusion thick in his voice.

After a short pause, the pilot's voice came back though. "Sir, Jackal pirates. With a SuperCarrier. That's all I can get sir, everyone's talking at once on this frequency."

The air in the Pelican's hold seemed to grow cold. Some Marines seemed to turn sheet white. Quite a few glared accusingly at their prisoner. Alvarez settled for a string of creative profanities.

[BetaWülf]

Jiralhanae Captain Garatus

He was quite tired of being stuck lying face down in the dirt, and he really didn't want to be stuck on this godforsaken planet, he didn't even know its name! His fur ruffled about as the wind seemingly picked up but it was actually the Pelican taking off much to Garatus's relief. He sprang off the ground and sprinted as quickly as he could to the trees where the Commando was.

When he reached Kasamee he was very glad to be alive.

"Thank you brother, I had feared I was forgotten" Garatus said gratefully between heavy breathes.

[Deleted]

Sangheili Ultra Vinza'za 'Wodamai
Fleeing to Corvette

For a rook, the Humans were hitting the Ultra with a lot of fire.  He was being suppressed, but he managed to hit another Marine  with five bursts.  Vinza'za ignored the pain that throbbed along his left side as he dipped behind some cover momentarily.  The Kig-yar were supporting and managed a few kills, relieving the 'Wodam Creche Commander.  Sprinting briskly as Q'ai turned to support, the Ultra managed to reach the files position within a half-rook.  His shield's still took damage as rifle rounds from Human weapons sparked off his shoulder pauldrons as his shield's hit thirty percent.  However, the file was clear and it seemed the Nishum were retreating.

"Good job, brothers.  You are all...worthy of ascension.  This is not over; we must make haste to the Corvette before we are...forgotten to this world," Vinza'za said slowly, slightly dazed and lightheaded from the rocket exploding so close to him.

He nearly stumbled starting to walk again, but he corrected himself and didn't make the mistake again.  He forced himself to jog alongside the other soldiers, coaxing them onwards.  He gave them a hand, but encouraged them to walk on their own.  He himself was still having trouble walking from the exhaustion, but he sought to be an example for the others whether in perfect condition or gravely wounded.

[Deleted]

Makdap, Unggoy Minor
Fleeing to corvette with the rest

Makdap was exhausted from fighting, he has killed many humans and is still alive, an achievement very few unggoy achieve, as many die from fighting. He heard the order to flee, and he saw his lance head back. With the energy he has left, he fled to the corvette with the others. Makdap knew he did an amazing job on the battlefield, being the one grunt that killed a good few humans, as well as many assists for others. He knew Q'ai would be proud of him. He can already imagine the extra food nipple he is getting. He soon makes it to the corvette for evac.

[Huka]

Fleet Security Commando Officer 'Kasamee

The helmed Sangheili nodded to the Captain when he finally made it to the rendezvous point. "Good to see you alive." He muttered before jerking his head at the captain's pack, "They couldn't stop belly-aching." He teased before trodding towards the open field. "We require a extraction immediately!" He commanded over the comlink to one of the corvette's own phantom gunships. "Officer, you're still alive!?" One of the pilots answered. "Of course, it takes more to kill a comando." He growled in annoyance, "Now get here in a rook or your head will be presented to the Field Masters!"

There was silence for a moment before the voice answered, "Right away, Officer." With that 'Kasamee ended the transmission and continued to guide the others to surviving this battle.



Major Q'ai 'Muramee

Firing at the humans that seemed intent on killing them, Q'ai made sure to protect his leader, taking a bullet against his shoulder, feeling it ping off the dense pauldron, but he gladly returned the favor with a needle to the forehead. When the firing stopped for now, the Muram blinked and looked to his subordinates. Jhao and Labus stood in attention of the Ultra and their lance commander, their Kig-yar allies hissed excitedly before slipping into the corvette before being followed by the Sangheili.

Q'ai tried to keep his own professional strength but this planet's air wasn't helping, compared to Sanghelios' precise dry air in his homeland. This planet was too lively for him. "Good riddance." He hissed under his breath as he grabbed onto his hurt leg, continuing his limping but he felt Vinza'za helping him abit.

Turning his head, the Major chuckled, "Not so easy evading a missile...is it, sir?" He joked, trying to lightening the mood of their near death experiences. Labus rumbled to the joke before starting to jog forward, now ready to leave and perhaps boast his accomplishments to the Unggoy and the other lances. The safety of the corvette's halls temporary.



Unggoy Ultra Jadap

Leading his lance through the Advent Sacrifice's halls with the rest of his creche, Jadap helped a wounded Olum with a arm over his shoulder, soon coming to the ship's hanger. There they saw the last of Pious Creche stepping into their designated phantom. The Acolyte's Phantoms started to slip in to gather the soldiers. The curious Unggoy looked around abit, seeing the other lances going up to the upper deck.

Seeing that the current Phantom was still busy in loading some of the more wounded lances, making the process slow. The Ultra looked to his soldiers and urged them to go up to the secondary landing pad. Moving as quick as their tired legs could go, the dying light of the planet's day and the visible explosions of the naval battle twinkled like stars greeted their sight.

But the greater joy was the sound of a ready phantom. Looking at it, he saw a couple lances of the security detail, followed by a golden-armored Zealot and another huge Sangheili in odd armor walking up the ramp with a stasis pod between them. As he stepped forward with his lance, a sudden chill ran up Jadap's spine and the frightened Unggoy looked to the side.

There standing in attention with a staff in his hand was a tall Sangheili, while not as huge as the caped Zealot, this one are arguably just as intimidating. Dressed in sleek battle armor and a swaying sash, the Sangheili's single visor stared deathly at him. His armored mandibles spread slowly as a rattling hiss, a sound unnatural to hear and it actually made him shiver, never mind his frightened lance.



Field Master Til Je'at Ra'ha 'Muramai

Til stared at the new arrivals, they were Unggoy. From the simple look, he knew they weren't of the Imperial Admiral's security detail. Giving a warning hiss, the Field Master's raddled mind wanted to kill them for coming up here but his rational mind spoke otherwise. Instead of savaging attacking or barking at them, he stamp his staff on the ground hard and jerked its upper tip towards the Phantom, allowing them passage. 

 It took a moment for them to register his meaning before taking the opportunity before he suddenly changes his mind. Walking them as they climbed aboard the back of the gunship before its rear door closed. The ship slowly lifted before taking off into the air. Angling his head, he could see the speck of his retrieval ship coming. "Sorsa, our ship will arrive shortly. Get up here before it leaves you." He stated before feeling another presence. 

 Looking over, he saw a Ultra approach him. "Sire, most of the creches and crew are gone, just a few lances and the corvette will be clear." He alarmed. "Good." Til simply said, "Make sure your warriors are ready as well, Security Master. The Covenant have lost enough of their finest today." 

 "You honor me, Field Master." He muttered with a respectful bow and with a dismissive hand from the Zealot, the Ultra walked away to count off his warriors. Til watched him for a moment before loosening his grip on his staff, letting it collapse before hiding it into his thigh arm. "The Gods guide us home." He whispered before pacing for his brother's arrival.

[Deleted]

Makdap, Unggoy Minor
Getting on a phantom

Makdap sees a phantom and boards it. The other grunts in his creche follow suit. He hears the other grunts cheer him on because he inspired them with his luck and skill. Makdap soon sees Q'ai approaching, injured, but not that badly. Makdap smiled, although it wasn't visible cause of his breath mask. Makdap is happy to be off the battlefield. He was utterly exhausted. He couldn't wait to return to a ship.

[Spartan 999]

Field Master Sorsa Ra'ha Je'at 'Xirsasai
Landing Pad

"Jhakkado, I want you to reinforce our warriors' position here," Sorsa said, activating his forearm computer and displaying a map to the Theron. "They will be pulling back to the landing pad shortly, but I want as few casualties on our side as possible." The Syalekgolo rumbled and moved off.

Sorsa nodded to himself. With Major Domo Shal'toree and Major Cyy recently evacuated, the last of the warriors who had aided himself and Til reach the corvette were off-planet. Jhakkado was the exception, but the Syalekgolo would remain with him until the Zealot got onto a transport himself. Til's voice came in over their TEAMCOM just then.

"Sorsa, our ship will arrive shortly. Get up here before it leaves you." The other Zealot said.

"On my way." Sorsa replied, starting to walk up to the landing pad. He had an uneasy feeling, like somebody was watching. That, or a confrontation was imminent. He'd felt the same feeling many times before, most often when he fought worthy opponents; Voro 'Istanrak and Demons being the prominent examples he could think of at that example. He stepped out onto the landing pad not long after Til contacted him, passing an Ultra who bowed slightly on the way there. The other Field Master was pacing, and seemed to be awaiting Sorsa's arrival.

Sorsa walked up to Til and nodded. He had a newly scavenged plasma repeater in hand and was ready for just about anything at that point.

[Deleted]

Sangheili Ultra Vinza'za 'Wodamai
Corvette

Vinza'za laughed at Q'ai's comment, "Seems the God's...blessed us all today.  Our survival is a miracle...but you all fought well for the Covenant." The Ultra responded softly.

They kept on moving towards the Hangar and reached it in a few rooks.  The 'Wodam leader quickly ceased his jog, locating the rest of the Creche and walking to them.  Acolyte was nearly ready to board the transports as the last few Aura Creche soldiers were being loaded.  Vinza'za counted twenty-five between all of them, with twenty-one casualties.  Many alive were injured from one degree to another.  Given the circumstances, Vinza'za was happy with the number.  It seemed some other Creches took far worse damage.  All of them could have easily died.  Vinz'za saw an Unggoy staring at Q'ai and him as they approached, Q'ai still leaning on the Ultra slightly.

"Unggoy...I saw your grenade toss.  Well done, very honorable fighting.  Hold onto this Plasma Rifle for me," The Ultra said, tossing the rifle to the Unggoy.

Vinza'za took off his mask and revealed his jet black skin, accompanied by his glowing yellow eyes. As Phantoms dipped out of the hanger, others moved inside to continue the evacuation.  Two swooped towards Acolyte Creche before levitating within grav reach.  The Ultra commanded all of them to get into a Phantom.  All of the Creche managed to squeeze into it, although space was limited.  The chance to rest was still relieving, and the Ultra took a chance to breath and hydrate himself.

[Huka]

Major Q’ai ‘Muramee


The Sangheili veteran nodded in thanks to his commanding officer, “Thank you, commander.” His File officers gave a proud salute, “We fight for the Covenant and the Great Journey.” Labus exclaimed proudly.

When they came to the hanger, Q’ai looked at the lessened numbers of their crèche, nevermind the others. The humans have given them a grave blow but it will change soon. Leaning on his commander abit, he saw that Unggoy again…Makdap, smiling.

Nodding in agreement to the Ultra’s words on the recruit’s grenadier skill, Q’ai flexed his mandibles, “I am sure most of our Unggoy would enjoy playing that Hunting Rock game with you.” He said before standing up himself. When the phantoms came to finally retrieve the Acolyte Creche, the Major gathered his lance and guided them into a phantom with Vinza’za. His body started to shake violently and he walked slowly to the wall of the phantom before falling collapsing with a heavy sigh. The entire day’s hardiness crashed on his shoulders hard, Q’ai’s mind reminded him that he’ve managed to get out with all of his lance alive. A rare blessing of the Gods.


Reaching up slowly, he grabbed his crested helmet and pulled it off his head, his sharp yet shunken golden eyes stared out of space. Using the Muram ambush-breathing techniques to calm his body as pain stabbed his nerves. He could feel his wounds burning, possibly in danger of infection. Tapping the side of his cuisse, a compartment opened. Using his talons, he plucked out a canister and opened its lid to reveal the sky-blue gel. Aquir-manufactored healing gel.

Gently rubbing his fingers in it, he could see the calming cooling on the digits before he started to rub the collected gel over his wounds, sighing blissfully as the gel cooled and sealed over the wounds for now, his numbed muscles twitched as its defecting quality ate at the bacteria and caressed over. Feeling abit more comfortable, he thumped his bare head back and closed his eyes.

While the Unggoy huddled by one another, speaking about the battle and excitement of getting a break, Labus, as expected, compared accomplishments and a few scars with a few other Sangheili minors, and Jhao sat near his officer, his carbine in his lap. “Seems we made it.” He mused with a chuckle and looked at Pim, who nodded with the same thought.


Field Master Til Je'at Ra'ha 'Muramai

 The Field Master turned his head and looked at Sorsa, returning the nod. His eye traced down to the plasma repeater and chuckled, "The Spirits arousing your caution too, Brother?" He asked, his fingers' talons twitching by his four criss-crossed curveblades on his lower back, just as anxious, and perhaps eager, to kill again before leaving this world. Their phantom's details becoming more noticeable in the distance while another dropship moved into the jungle to retrieve the Array protection lance.