M5: Rumble in the Jungle

[BasedGoody]

Unggoy Ultra Yaddap

The Ultra listened to the words of the Ultra. He responded quickly, with a little nervousness in his voice.

"Er, yes sir! I will not disa-, disapoi-... I will make you proud! Thank you!" He yelped, and waddled away from Vinza'za. The file trotted close behind, eventually crawling towards the turret. The Unggoy there had his head slumped in defeat, and solemnly walked away, staring at the dirt. The Ultra Unggoy  placed his hands on the turret, his fingers wrapping around the handle. The Minor in the file attempted to stroke the weapon, but Yad slapped his hand. It felt good to be in charge of something other than his mindless beasts.

[Deleted]

Sangheili Ultra Vinza'za 'Wodamai
Covenant Fortifications


"Er, yes sir! I will not disa-, disapoi-... I will make you proud! Thank you!" The unggoy managed to squeak out nervously.

Despite the small creature's hesitant reaction to the much larger Ultra, it was obvious he had some experience compared to his brethren.  Vinza'za could tell he knew how to handle weaponry albeit the comical appearance of him and his file.  Vinza'za admired the Unggoy for being able to reach the rank of Ultra, few were unable to survive long enough to even be considered for command of a file.  Vinza'za watched the Ultra slap another Unggoy's hand as he attempted to touch the turret.  Vinza'za smirked slightly, moving over to the turret and getting in his original position behind a large piece of hull that allowed him to duck behind it when taking fire.  It was just next to the Unggoy and his file.

"You should be honored, Unggoy," Vinza'za said to the Unggoy Ultra, attempting to ease the tension of waiting for the Human's inevitable attack, "Few of your kind are able to live long enough for the position.  The command of a file is a big responsibility for an Unggoy, but you seem to have it under control.  My name is Vinza'za, I was just recently put into command of this Creche after Zuko's demise."  Vinza'za finished with the introduction, waiting to see how the Unggoy would react.

[David]

Rear Admiral David Vardy
Bridge - UNSC Killimanjaro
Oh look, more paperwork.

"Sir!" Kim reported. "Incoming message from the Sratoga!"

Nodding, David grabbed his pad. "On my Pad, Lt."

A moment later, the Pad scanned his biometrics and then beeped happily, churning out the message from [yellow]Admiral Klix[/yellow]

[yellow]// United Nations Space Command //
Encryption Code: Green
Public Key: file/ Comm Bouy 'Sratoga' 00A1//
From: UNSCN Admiral Eric, S. Klix.
To: UNSCN Rear Admiral David, ?. Vardy.
Subject: Humidity report.
Classification: EYES ONLY (BGX Directive)

--- REPORT FROM UNSC AI-0043 'ATHENS' ----

Planet, -error; name //file unknow//-, is a large, densely vegetated planet.

This planet has a thick, oxygen rich plant life, which has resulted in a large canopy with think undergrowth beneath the visible forest flooring. Sensors indicate that the electromagnetic radiation is barely reaching the canopies surface. This means that communications with the Marines within the forest will be significantly reduced. The thickness of the canopy is acting much like a full rock cave. Radio signals will likely be scrambled.

Due to this planet being heavily oxygen rich, the animal life are, naturally, larger than most specimens we've seen in a while.

Upon finishing my set series of simulations, I noticed an anomaly. The forests internal temperature was increasing at a certain point. Through the use of long range sensors, I've managed to accurately identify the source of the heat signatures. This bug (Click 'This Bug for picture') has been identified. It is a predator within this world. A group of these creatures were surrounding a lone ODST pod, the occupant clearly killed by these creatures.

Thus, I've recommended a course of action.

I would avoid blindly deploying Marines into the planet and giving them a warning about this creature. It is nine feet tall and roughly fifteen feet long. And if the intelligence I have gathered means anything, it's also extremely deadly. Please advise on course of action.

// END MESSAGE // [/yellow]

Nodding, David sent a reply back to [yellow]Klix[/yellow] since he wasn't in the know.


// United Nations Space Command //
Encryption Code: Green
Public Key: file/ Comm Bouy 'Sratoga' 00A1//
To: Admiral Eric Klix
From: Rear Admiral David Vardy

SUBJECT: FOR YOUR IMMEADIATE CONSIDERATION.

**BEGIN MESSAGE**

Klix, Thanks for the update, our science team came up with the same conclusion. Ground troops are already deployed and you are now linked to our battle net.

Regards,

Vardy.

P.S, I still have a cigar with your name on it.

**END MESSAGE**

Col. Jason Brody
Temporary C&C
Makin it happen.

[yellow]"Sir, perimeter is secure. I'm deploying sensors two hundreds meters into the forest, just past the tree-line. It'll give the UNSC, which means us too, a more accurate data on what is coming, where it's coming from and how long it will take to get here. You can begin deploying the pre-fabricated buildings." Major Killingger reported.[/yellow]

"Copy. Good work son. Continue lookout for those giant ass bugs. Over and out." replied the Col. Cutting the comms.

"Ok gents, lets set up camp." Brody snapped.

[TinCanHitman]

Main Mission Summary I

Covenant Summary 

The humans have yet to attack in mass, they still prowl the jungles around us. Though we do not have exact numbers they have had multiple ships fly over. Beyond that the forces for the ground have been established, ghosts are on standby, as well as banshees, for use of any covenant soldier with experience to pilot them. The beacon is still intact, though contact has yet to be reached, we hope that soon enough we will have aid from our brothers, and soon will be able to escape this forsaken planet.

In more disconsolate news, our holy brother and leader Ekdo Vo'ha Sausamai, was killed. Worse yet, it is with personal disheartenment that I announce that the Holy Arbiter Tibur ‘Muramai, was killed. He fell in battle to no less than a demon, which stalks the trees, keep an eye sharp, for they may attack at any moment.

Beyond that the forest is alive with insects, specifically the large creatures that expel needle like projectiles from their body. Be wary brothers, they are fast, and we do not know if they are poisonous.

Objectives 

1) Prevent the capture of the Imperial Admiral (NC)

2) Make contact with Covenant reinforcements (NC)

3) Protect the beacon (NC)

4) Drive the humans from the planet surface (NC)

5) Keep corvette's weapons and shields systems operational (NC)

UNSC Summary

Soldiers! So far so good. After our fleet left slip space above the planet, we managed to clear two areas for deployment of our ground forces. During this time, most of our Marine and ODST contingent have managed to get to the surface, with only a few stragglers yet to get their boots on the ground.

Marine forces at the main UNSC deployment zone have been hard at work building up a forward base camp for our forces, and the ODST have for the most part survived their fall from orbit, but now it is time to get your asses in gear. The covenant still sit in their damaged Corvette, and yet we have little to no information on their fortifications as of yet. Forward teams have already been deployed to scout out these structures.

Marines! As soon as you get top side, organize into your respective groupings and mount up. Every single Marine at the Main UNSC Deployment Zone need to mount up on singular Mongooses, which are plenty, and Wart Hogs to begin the One Kilometer journey to Covenant fortifications to begin the assault. Be careful in the jungle, thick undergrowth, low visibility, and gigantic motherf******, will slow down your path to the Covenant. Your job is to get to any barricades they may or may not have and take on the main Covenant forces.

ODST! You aren't going to get vehicles like the Marines at the UNSC deployment zone. No, you don't get comfortable vehicles, you get the work of a man. Your job is to move forward on foot toward the Covenant Corvette crash site, moving in a joint pincer movement with UNSC forces. If everything goes as planned, you should near the Covenant Corvette and attack it and forces stationed there head on.

Objectives

1) Establish Base Camp (S)

2) Scout Enemy Base and strength (NC)

3) Capture enemy Leader and extract to UNSC Kilimanjaro (NC)

4) Destroy Covenant Beacon (NC)

5) Destroy or Capture enemy base for tech and supplies (NC)

Reminder

(What to expect on this thick jungle planet)

Thick Canopies- If you are a pilot, unless you are moving too and from starships, going into areas where trees have been cleared, the thick canopy will be impossible to get through.

Thick Forest- If you are moving through uncleared areas, remember that these areas are heavily forested and it will be hard to get through it all.

Wild Life- This jungle planet is heavily oxygenated, meaning that the insect species that reside on this planet are massive, you will encounter these creatures during your time here.

Thick Atmosphere- Because of the heavy oxygen content that allows the trees to be so massive and the bugs to be so large, the atmosphere is naturally thicker, meaning there will be turbulence entering and exiting the planets atmosphere.

Large Trees- These trees are god damned gigantic, you will most likely not be climbing them anytime soon (unless you're a Kig-Yar).

Low Light Conditions- Remember, the thick tree canopies tend to block out a lot of light!

Native Species Encountered So Far

Gigantic wasp like creatures- These things are around as big as your standard Sangheili, their stingers are very poisonous and also double as projectiles.

Giant moth like creatures- These things are around the size of an average human and are very aggressive. Instead of a proboscis, these beasts carry razor sharp teeth ready to bite into the flesh of its prey.

Trapdoor Spiders- These things balled up are around as big as hunters, living under ground, they use very thin web like material to sense any prey foolish enough to trip one of its wires. it will launch from the ground and pull its prey back into its den.

Rolly Polly like creatures- These creatures, five feet long and four feet wide, are scavengers of decaying flora and fauna. They move to the UNSC and ODST staging areas in mass to feast on the now decaying flor found there. They are not dangerous, but they will get in your way as you try to leave.

Kill's fucked up monster- This thing is the only one that will be faced in the entire mission. Nine feet tall and fifteen feet long, this spike footed, tentacled behemoth will tear anything to shreds. (If you do not wish to be attacked by this thing, you do not have to be.)

Feel free to make up wildlife as you go, but anything too large or too ridiculous should be run through by Staff. No more bugs can be made.

List of KIA/MIA PC characters in this Main Mission

Covenant

General Ekdo Vo'ha Sausamai

Arbiter Tibur ‘Muramai

UNSC

ODST Gunnery Sergeant Wesley Black

[Huka]

Field Master Til Je'at Ra'ha 'Muramai

 Stalking through the jungle, Til watched with no enjoyment as his 'barrier' of Yamne'e tore at a loose giant wasp limb by limb in second, the insectiod drones cleverly seared its stinger with their plasma pistols before the gruesome dissection. As his eye watched the splendid show, he imagined it a human and promised to get an Yanme'e hive for himself. 

 The sound of battle was noticeably close and he swiftly sprinted towards it, quickly realizing it was in vicinity of Ekdo and his nav point. Please Gods, we can't lose another... he preyed, watching for the General's life signals. It was getting erratic fast. Leaping over a fallen branch, that was near tree-size by his standards, the Field Master was greeted by a large worm-like creature with mandibles and rows of teeths, it instantly reminded him of the wyrms back home. 

 With a mad snarl, he kicked the creature hard, breaking mandible and sent the worm spiraling to its 'side' before the Yamne'e ruthlessly peppered it with plasma bolts and explosive needles. Having no patience for a proper kill, the Muram continued his dash. It felt like he would never make it, seemed like Ekdo was miles away...

 Rounding a tree and leaping on a smaller tree fallen on its side, Til looked down and arrived into the scene involving the sound of one of those accused human scatterguns and the sickening sound of the afflicted body in his ears. With a wide eye, the Field Master inhaled a deep breath, while invisible in his active camouflage, his shield of Yanme'e buzzed angrily.

[TinCanHitman]

Roy-001

Gold Three

Roy sighed, allowing himself a moment of peace before the angry buzzing filled his ears. He didn't waste time, throwing the shotgun onto his back and scooping up the covenant blade and rifle. He placed the blade on his left hip and turned in time to see an emerald orb flying at his visor. He was a blur of motion, rolling to the side and coming up into a crouch, he fired the plasma weapon at the bug. He was grateful for his prior use of covenant weapons, remembering the firing trigger as he splashed blue plasma over the two buggers he saw.

Roy moved, running to a downed tree he vaulted over it and began to return fire at the swarm, hoping to deal with them quickly and regroup with Dani. He needed her help if he was going to sabotage the covenant defenses. 

[Huka]

Field Master Til Je'at Ra'ha 'Muramai 

 As some of the shielding swarm went to attack the Demon on righteous instinct, Til watched as the murderer was quick to move from its moment of peace and killed two of the Yamne'e with Ekdo's plasma rifle. The other buzzed angrily and flew around their invisible master like a storm, however he was silent for a good minute, planning and assessing. This Demon have killed the Arbiter and General Ekdo, its infernal spirits are strong from the doubts of the warriors. Valiant fools...the both of them. Their lives will be remembered and martyred. May their sacrifices bring us victory.


"Kill it." Til ordered through his translator and suddenly the Yanme'e dived upon the Demon's position, raining plasma and needles. While they distracted it, the Field Master silently moved and pulled out a plasma grenade, waiting for his moment to kill it or scare it into his trap beyond the Covenant's territories. 

[TinCanHitman]

Roy-001

Gold three

Roy watched as the remaining eight began their attack. They began swooping in and firing at him, a mistake they would regret. He fired at one as it flew low, its needles scraping over his shoulder pauldron. His plasma hit it's insect like head and it took a nose dive, skidding into the tree he was hiding behind. 

A second was strafing him as well, its green orbs slashing across the space. He was quick, rolling and coming up into a crouched stance he fired into it, causing it to crash hard into a tree. Roy was beginning to think this would be easy, but he suddenly was smashed into the wood, on of the large creatures having smashed into him. He grunted with the force as he reached over his head and dug into the space were the exoskeleton overlapped. He ripped it over his head and slammed it's back into the tree. Instead of letting it go he used his right arm, being forced to pin it with his fore arm due to holding the plasma rifle, he grabbed the blade at his left hip, flicking it to life he stabbed down into the bug, earning a shriek of pain as it spasmed and died.

He turned in time to have another needle glance off his robotic arm, as well as have plasma strike around him. He began to move around the field, rolling and side stepping the slower projectiles. 

[Huka]

Field Master Til Je'at Ra'ha 'Muramai

 Slowly walking around the battlefield, the camouflaged Field Master moved with silent steps that would beguile his size and a predatory stare that sized the battling Demon up. Observing and studying like he does for every intriguing prey and battlefield he encountered, Til coldly watched as the swarm was slowly cut down by the creature's almost Sangheili-like skill in combat. Summoned from the Human's blood-readied evils, this Demon have killed his cousin and possibly the best general that he'll encounter for a while. Both foolishly encountered this murderer alone and they paid for it in their death. It burned and annoyed him about this, if they were alive, he would backhand them both...

 Clenching his free fist, he watched as one of the Yanme'e was snatched and killed by the Demon's stolen blade, he wondered who's was it. Rubbing a claw around the activation glyph of his readied grenade, Til moved around it and noticed the graze on the creature's right arm. Narrowing his eye, he quickly signaled the insects to knock the Demon off balance. Waiting for the last possible second to throw his plasma grenade at it's feet.

[Deleted]

Major Johnathon B'Sheau Killinger
Task Force Seven Seven; Executive Officer
Marine Forward Operating Base

"Scratch that, Sorelson." Killinger said, watching as the pre-built command building for the Marines came slowly towards the surface, avoiding any friction and as much gravity as it could. The trip through atmosphere would have probably been as boring as fuck for the pilots, having to treat their albatross like a needle thread through a sewing needle. That needed some serious attention - and getting the tiny little string into the tiny loop to start what you wanted wasn't easy.

But it also wasn't extremely challenging, either.

The Major switched to the Marines open chatter and listened for a moment. It was rather quite, but he had an order to make for the Marine forces groundside. "Marines, the Pelican's did us a favor while we were deploying! They've dropped off some Mongoose Quad Bikes for us to utilize for our need. We've got a good sensor grid around our perimeter but I just realized something." The Major said, pausing for a moment... "Do any of us know the strength of the Covenant, their defenses and what the fuck to expect?" He asked, grinning. No, no one knew - mainly because the UNSC didn't know.

They knew they numbered within the hundreds, but that was a large estimate after the majority of the Covenant forces fled the SuperCarrier, while the rest were killed. The point didn't matter, the veteran Marine officer knew that he had to get intelligence on the enemy strength, what their defenses were like and a strategy.

"While the Colonel is moving around with his bitc- Er, I mean, personal guard - you, however, will be lying in reserve waiting for an attack command!" The Major said, still on the secured channel. "This is a recon. I need a sniper team to take the passenger and gunner seat on a Warthog while six Marines ride security on three Mongooses. We know the enemy base is roughly one kilometer away. It's time to get some intelligence on them." The Major said, cutting the channel.

A pelican, 'Alpha One Charlie', had just finished deploying twenty troops. They packed the pelican full, because it didn't have a troop deployment pod. Instead, it had a LAAG Warthog. The Major strode over and reached the vehicle as the Pelican increased its throttle, switched flight modes and shot back up towards the UNSC fleet in orbit. Satisfied, the Major swung over the Driver's seat and started the Military vehicle up. With a soft hum, the engine rumbling softly like an old diesel truck.

John switched to the command frequency so he could privately broadcast to his commanding officer, Colonel Brody. "You know I love you, sir. I'll take the recon team out and report back with what we find as soon as possible. From there, I'll await your orders." The Major said, looking out towards the Marine team that was assembling.

Who was there, he thought, as he scanned the IFF tags...

[kuran]

Skirmisher Major Dax
Covenant Fortifications South

With a snap of his jaws, Dax swallowed the chattering insect that had been annoying him for the past several minutes. Large enough that it could provide a bite to eat, but not large enough that he couldn't swallow it, he had hoped that it would taste halfway decent, or at least provide some nutrition. He was wrong. Coughing, he spit the half-chewed remains of the wasp out, crushing the last bit of life from it's body with the heel of his boot. The Kig-Yar thought that he could hear snickering from behind him, but chose to ignore it.

The forest around them reminded them all of their homeworld, even though half of his Lance had never actually been to Eyan. Rainforests, gargantuan insect and animal life, and a canopy of trees dark enough that, beyond the large clearing created by the crash of the Corvette, it may as well have been the middle of the night. In other words, Dax mused as he looked beyond the hastily erected fortifications they were crouched behind, it was perfect fighting terrain.

"Come on, let's go." He said, glancing behind him to make sure that his group, all eight of the Kig-Yar assigned to him, were up and moving, which they were. Ignoring the milling around of the other Covenant forces around them, Dax vaulted over the wall that had been created as a fortification and bounded off towards the forest. In a matter of a dozen powerful strides, he was going vertical, springing up into a tree, positioning himself in the lowermost branches, where they would be concealed from sight, but still be able to see what was happening below them.

Noticing with satisfaction that the others had followed him, he turned and took off into the jungle, leaping from branch to branch. It was time to go hunting.

[BasedGoody]

Unggoy Ultra Yaddap

The Ultra stared longingly at the Sangheili a second more before responding.

"Oh! Cool. I was always the boss of my file for about," Yaddap stopped for a minute to think again, "Probably about forever." He decided. The Ultra spun back around, feeling nervous to be so close to such an important figure. Why won't he go away? I'm going to mess this all up! The thought crossed his mind, before another entered. Maybe if he stays, we can be friends! I always wanted another Ultra friend, although I didn't expect him to be so big...

Yaddap turned to the large Ultra and smiled, even though his mouth was invisible. 

"So, um, how's you're, er, day? It's kind of sunny, at least I'd think it was." Yaddap asked, motioning towards the thick canopy.

[Deleted]

Sangheili Ultra Vinza'za 'Wodamai
Covenant Fortifications

Vinza'za chortled at the little Unggoy.  He could tell the smaller Ultra was quite a character.  It even seemed Yaddap had taken to the Sangheili, but he couldn't blame the Unggoy.  Many Sangheili had an elitist attitude, and they weren't afraid to show it.  Vinza'za, however, had seen the holovids of the Unggoy Rebellion, and he knew they could be a force to be reckoned with.  Especially with proper leadership.  Besides, Vinza'za truly enjoyed the interactions of the Unggoy.  Their high-pitched voices and curiosity make for some truly comedic moments.

"Indeed, this day is not so bad.  This planet reminds me so much of home," Thoughts of the days spent training under the trees of Sanvoros, and of the Resonashi that had given him the large scar across his face popped into his mind, "but those are days long passed.  Now we are here, and the Nishum crawl towards us through the underbrush.  We are in dangerous territory, here - His Holiness, the Imperial Admiral depends on us to protect him.  Do you think you are ready for the weight of that responsibility, Yaddap?"

[TinCanHitman]

Roy-001

Gold three

Roy was taken aback when one of the remaining six flung itself into him, trying to knock him off balance, trying to swoop over him and toss him into the tree, before it pulled up. Roy wasn't going to let it get away from him, reacting fast he clipped the plasma rifle to his thigh and grabbed the insects body, it's momentum jerking him back and over the log. They rolled for a moment, but Roy's superior strength and speed won out, giving him the edge in rolling on top of the creature, pushing the blade into it's midsection. He was about to rise and attack the remaining five, when the log exploded in front of him, the heat and concussion sending him head over heals.

Roy was stunned for a good moment, but his mind kicked himself back into motion, quickly getting his feet under himself he drew the plasma rifle. He sent more blue fire onto another two of the bugs, dodging and weaving among the debris.

[BasedGoody]

Unggoy Ultra Yaddap

"OH! Yeah! I defannally is. These guys," The Ultra motioned over to the three other Unggoy, and then his glance moved back over to the general, "Can't lead a Scrub Grub to a Corvette!" Yaddap suddenly lost control, that was a really funny joke, where the Hell did he come up with that one? 

"Ahahaha! SCRUB GRUBS... Heheh..." The Ultra seized for a moment, before talking again. "So um, your Godlinessness, do you like hunting Scrub Grubs? Me and Jud had a game of Hunting rock and then I won because I am a great hunter and, and..." Yad stopped to catch his breath. "So, are you good at Hunting Rock?"

[Deleted]

Sangheili Ultra Vinza'za 'Wodamai
Covenant Fortifications

Vinza'za chuckled at the Unggoy again.  He was quite a lively one.  Yaddap called himself a great hunter, referring to some game called "Hunting Rock".  It sounded like Unggoy silliness and Vinza'za presumed it took the skill of a blind Thorn Beast to play.  Nonetheless, Vinza'za would play along, if for nothing else but the lack of something better to do.  It wouldn't hurt to humor the unggoy, if only for awhile.

"I too am a great hunter, but I have not heard of this "Hunting Rock".  Please, feel free to explain it's concepts to me, Unggoy." Vinza'za said welcomingly.

[Daenerys Targaryen]

Dani-047
Gold One 
Forest Operations
Nearing Covenant Barricades

The noises of the forest seemed to echo everywhere, as a faint green blur weaved around gigantic trunks. Chirping, cawing, groaning, the sounds of a living biome filled Dani's helmet as she plodded along, her steady breath keeping her focused on the task ahead. Gold Team, once again dissolving because of hot drops gone wrong needed to get back together. From what she had registered, Roy had dropped a little too close to Covenant fortifications. He had been silent for some time now, far too silent, along with the rest of her team. It could have been the trees, or the ground, somehow interfering with radio silence, but know, it was more likely they were in danger. This forest, if not filled with Covenant, was filled with something else, something more primal and animalistic than even some of the harrier species of the Covenant. As soon as the Spartan had hit the ground, her pod sideways and plunged into the mud, she knew something was wrong. The memories seemed to overtake her as she continued her course toward the first of the Covenant barricades. 

Flashback

Low light conditions, something she had expected as her pod tumbled down toward the large jungle planet. The trees though, had became her first enemy as they caused her to crash to the ground. Now she lay there, her pod half encased in mud and plant  matter, the only lights being registered from her helmet and from her pod. Silent alarms buzzed in her armor from the small unbalanced impact, but she shrugged them off, instead focusing on a way to get out. No, she could not bring her legs up to kick or knee the failed hatch open, she would half to use her hands. Pop. Pulling the pins had been easy, the sound echoed off of the shrouded trees around her. 

Quickly, the Spartan lifted her arms from her sides and placed her hands into the crack that the failed hatch had created, one hand on the side lip of the door and the other on the edge of the pod. In one swift and almost effortless movement, the female bent the pod door outward until an audible snap was heard, being strong had its perks. Finally free, the super soldier gathered her gear from the pod. Her M7's were already magnetized to her hip, her medical hard case to the small of her back, and the knife to her chest. The gear the Spartan did grab for though, was her favorite weapon the BR, and another hard case specially packed with high powered explosives, for the removal of barricades. The Spartan would have immediately tried to open contact with the rest of her team, but that was when she had saw it. Her motion sensor picked it up first, but her head snapped towards its direction only milliseconds later. Only a few feet away, a mound of earth she had landed near, was now propped up on the back of a large spider like insect, regarding her with cold hungry eyes. 

The speed of it surprised her, only jumping over the spiders attempted sweep of her legs at the last millisecond. She raised her BR55 just as the thing pounced. Her armor is what saved her in the end, as it did countless times. The insect, now matter how hard it tried to pierce its prey's shell, could not do so. The insistent stabbing and slashing into its abdomen with a bayonet was not helping it either. The thing retreated after what felt like hours of it on top of her, it had only been five minutes. "Gold Team, large insectoid creatures occupy the planet. Confirm." Dani called into coms, expecting an immediate response. When nothing but silence reached her, she tried again, "Gold Team do you copy?". Again silence filled her coms unit. Spartans worked together, that was when they were at their highest lethality, but something was wrong. Her team was unresponsive, which meant they were dead or trying very hard not to be dead. 

Risking a quick glance toward her Tac Pad, Dani flung back the transparent hard case protecting it. A few taps confirmed her suspicions, one IFF tag, Roy's, showed him closer to the covenant barricades than had been expected. he most likely either found himself right on top of covenant forces, or pretty damn near them. The Spartan re-attached the hard case and set off away from her pod, into the shadow filled jungle nightmare ahead of her. 

End of Flashback

Quietly, the female ducked down behind an old and long dead and overgrown tree trunk, shutting off her helmet lights with the shift of an eye. She was getting closer now, she could see signs of Covenant activity ahead of her. But right now, she focused on the distinct sound of an approaching creature. The grunts and hollers of a group nearby confirmed her suspicions as the large mass lumbered toward the old withered trunk she crouched behind. Brutes, the disgusting ape like creatures with muscles of steel. The one closing in on her was obviously a scout, recon of some sort into the deeper treeline, or so she thought. She only registered the liquid hitting the ground next to her after the lumbering mass on the other side of the trunk sighed in relief. He was about to be one very unlucky ape. 

Her knife flashed out in an instant, the Brute didn't even have time to register the new and fresh pain of his lost appendage as the knife cut deep into his throat. A small bloody gurgle seemed to escape his lips as the green blur fell further back into the treeline. The grunts and hollers stopped, but the Spartan continued, putting distance between herself and the group of creatures that would even be a challenge for her. At a distance, the female watched the creatures kick at their new fallen comrade, and then begin to sweep the immediate area around themselves. They were more rigid in their search than usual, as if they suspected that she would be there, somewhere. How would they know that? "Gold Team, respond." Dani called into her comms once more. It was high time one of her teammates responded, soon, very soon, they would have fortifications to scrutinize and sabotage. 

Sergeant David Williams
ODST
(Sorry for the wait, JT)

The pod crashed to the ground somewhat violently, causing a loud thud to resonate along the large trees around it. But by the time that happened, thankfully, David, his squad, and the staff sergeant they had rescued were already long out of harms way. A quick burst of static disrupted what the Sergeant was about to say to the woman now close by him. "Attention all ODST units, this is Col. Jason Brody. We are going to perform a classic pincer manuever on these bastards. Two squads will proceed to grid 20 X 34, Two squads will proceed to 10X25, The rest will follow up the middle to grid 15X27. Good hunting. And good luck." Ordered the CO and David locked his jaw, it was about damn time they started moving anyway. 


Anna, the ODST he had helped out was obviously elated to still be in one peice after that incident, he couldn't blame her, he would be too if he were in her boots. "IF you boys need a hand in the near future just call for DR, and me and my boy's won't hesitate to back you." Offered the staff, as she reached out her hand toward David. The ODST sergeant smiled as he took it and shook it firmly. 

"You got it. But hell, I don't think we need any help out here. I mean, we only have to fight our way through gigantic bugs to get to covies who might fry us anyway." David joked, shrugging his shoulders before he turned toward his own squad mates. "ODST! You heard the man! We have our gear so we need to get moving, if we want to help those marines in their cushy vehicles, we need to get out boots moving ASAP!" Hollered the Sergeant, turning toward the deep woods ahead of him and setting off into them. 

[Deleted]

Lance-Corporal Devereaux
ODST Havoc Three-Two, Alpha team
In the jungle

Walking through the dense jungle was hard, because of the heavy armor the troopers were wearing, and because it was pretty hot and humid. Already, after only a couple hundred of meters, they were getting tired. For that reason Viv decided to let the team have a few minutes to rest, and to catch their breath. Private Price - Also known as Replacement -, the team's automatic rifleman, took out the canteen from his belt and emptied the whole thing in one big gulp. "Easy, there, private. We've still got some ways to go. You better save some" Viv said to the man after she watched him empty the canteen. The private said "Yes ma'am" before returning to whatever he was doing.

[deceit]

Jib, Kig-Yar Major

Jib and Reevar suddenly turned their bird-like heads at the sound of an explosion.

"how far?" Jib asked.

Reevar tutted, explaining that it seemed to be a minute away. Jib tutted for a moment as well, trying to decide what to do, "That was plasma explosion, perhaps from a grenade. No humans would have that."

"Lets go?" Reevar asked.

with a shrill cry, Jib agreed. The two of them leaped and sprinted forward, attempting to learn what the commotion was. As the forest blurred around them, Jib was careful to examine the ground underfoot. They were perhaps 30 meters in the air? The tangle-work of branches at this point was enough for them to go from tree to tree fairly easily, although they had to be careful not to fall or run into any creatures. At this height, there were less, although still plenty, threats for them to deal with. Below, Jib could see nothing significant.

As they got closer, Jib called for Reevar to stop as he saw a flash of gold.

General Ekdo's corpse lay far beneath them.

"Holy shit." Jib said to Reevar.

Reevar agreed. He scanned the area, "LOOK!" He cried with alarm. They turned to see the corpse of a much larger, darker Sangheili

Reevar could not identify the Arbiter, nor could Jib, but they knew he was not of normal rank.

"Demon." Jib guessed, "Proceed with caution."

"No plasma scarring, the grenade didn't come from here."

Jib looked ahead, "Yanme'e corpses." He pointed, "Follow." The two raced ahead. It would seem someone was pursuing a demon, and they weren't far. If there was anyone to be found, Jib and Reevar would reach their position in under a minute, it would seem.

[kuran]

Skirmisher Major Dax
South of the Covenant Fortifications


They moved silently through the trees, jumping from branch to branch and stopping every dozen feet or so, listening quietly for the sounds of potential prey. It was all for naught, really, Dax knew, because the sounds of forest life, all of the chattering and sqwaking of insects, birds, and other less pleasant things, drowned out any sound that even the foolish humans could make. Still, it was a hunting instinct that all of the Kig-Yar had, and so it was an automatic reflex to attempt to discern the sounds of human pests from jungle pests.

As it happened, it was sight, not sound, that alerted them to the presence of the enemy. One of the minors whistled to the others, which made them all freeze. Below them, tromping past on the forest floor, were four black armored humans. Dax had encountered these types before, they were the suicidal humans who dropped from space in pods that were so vastly inferior to the Covenant's landing pods that it was a minor miracle that any of the humans survived. And yet, it seemed that most of them did. Such things baffled Dax, but that was a thought train for another time.

The humans passed below the File, seemingly unaware of the nine Skirmishers perched above their heads. Dax waved his hand, pulling out one of the energy cutlasses from his belt. The knives were only good for one use, but whatever they were stabbed into generally died rather horribly. Pressing a button on the hilt, the glowing purple blade of crystal sprang into life.

Dax and the others dropped from their branches. The first two of the humans' only sign that they were under attack was when an energy knife was inserted into the tops of their helmets, only to explode a moment later, spraying the insides of their visors with bone and brain matter. The other two didn't last much longer, and only had time to turn around before Dax and another Skirmisher viciously stabbed them, Dax in his target's chest plate, the other in the ODST's groin. They had all lept away by the time the knives exploded, leaving not a single one of the humans alive.

Squwaking loudly, Dax paused to pull off the helmet of one of the soldiers and take a bite of tender minced flesh before tossing it aside and proceeding on up the tree once more, his File in tow.

[Huka]

Field Master Til Je'at Ra'ha 'Muramai

 Stalking the still fighting Demon, Til flicked his wrist and his ornated bone-like energy sword hilt flipped into his hand, keeping from activating the blade yet. "Drive it into the forest, overcharge plasma pistols, barrage the demon with needles!" He ordered to his remaining forces through his mask. The Yanme'e didn't lose faith nor fear as the needler-gunners fired their crystalline projectiles with quick bursts while the others used them as covers to overcharge their pistols. 

[BasedGoody]

Unggoy Ultra Yaddap

"OH! It's a really really really really really really really REALLY fun game." Yaddap panted, "You have to, um..." Yad thought for a second. "Well to start, Mr. Ultra, do you know what a Scrub Grub is? They're little worm thingies that crawl around Corve- Corvts, Corvetet, the big shiny ships." Tab waddled over and patted the Ultra on the shoulder.

"Sir. Can I use the big plasma gun while you talk to the..." Suddenly Tab got a little shy and his voice quivered.

"Yup yup. But I wanna use it again when you're done." Yad replied, and the Major jumped to the purple weapon.

"As I was speakining. You gotta squish as many Scrub Grubs with a big rock as you can and make sure the other guy doesn't.
A small creature caught his eye. "THERE'S ONE NOW!" Yaddap pounced on it, and smashed his fist onto it's head. The Scrub Grub made a *CRACK* and went limp. "Ya see? It's that easy."

[Deleted]

Sangheili Ultra Vinza'za 'Wodamai
Covenant Fortifications

"Very interesting," Vinza'za said truthfully to the Unggoy, "Although I play my games of "Hunting Rock" with the Humans.  They make much more enjoyable prey than those insects.  But enough talk, I can sense the Human's approaching as we speak.  I want you all on your guard for when the attack comes," Vinza'za ordered, opening the battlenet as he spoke of the Human's attack.

It shouldn't be much longer, now.  Vinza'za could almost taste the coming storm made of little pink Nishum.  He posted his carbine atop the smooth metal barricade, zooming in and scanning the treeline for signs of Human's.  He couldn't see anything, but he could feel the Human's approach.  Such feelings had been fine-tuned in his youth, hunting many a creature in the dense jungles of Sanvoros.  How strange it was to be the prey, upon a planet so closely resembling his own no less.

[Deleted]

ODST Staff Sergeant Anna "Deep Red" Jones
Locating Squad

"You got it. But hell, I don't think we need any help out here. I mean,
we only have to fight our way through gigantic bugs to get to covies who
might fry us anyway." Anna chuckled at the sergeants last remark. As she began calling in her squad to find their position.

"Serg, your alright." Francis relived voice came in quickly."We saw your pod go of course and hit the trees...."
Anna knew from experience that they had assumed the worse, she couldn't blame them. For about five seconds she herself assumed the worse."Neither mind that, where the hell are you boys." She countered before he could finish his sentence.

"Our current location is at the landing zone, where having a devil of a time some hungry flora eating bugs." Francis explained quickly.
Anna rolled her eyes, if she left her squad for twenty minutes they could gt hold up by just about anything nonlethal. God forbid if she ever died in combat leaving them by themselves."Roger that I'm own my way, but in the mean time try find a way out so we can follow the good Col. orders a bit fasdter."


"Yes mam." Came a resounding cheer of voices. She hadn't realized the whole squad was listening which was a surprise to her.Not thinking of it any more she began making her to her squad.

[TinCanHitman]

Roy-001

Gold three

Roy watched as they began to overlap their fire, luckily for him the needles and plasma were slow. He was quick, rolling and dodging behind any cover he could use. He would pop up occasionally to spray the plasma rounds at the oncoming swarm, but mostly he broke for the forest. He hoped to escape them there, dodging and rolling as he began to close the distance between him and the tree line. He suddenly spun, dropping to one knee he focused his fire. He was determined to kill the last of these bugs.

[Deleted]

HN Samantha Jackson
Task Force 77/Alpha Company/ Third Squad
Marine F.O.B

"Sam, get me a 14 in his other arm. Saline."  She was already digging in her kit for the required materials by the time Mark started issuing orders, she slipped on her gloves and cleaned the skin before opening the package holding the needle. Mark was moving beside her, Sam glanced over just in time to see a spray of blood shoot up from the marines shoulder, warm blood splattered on the side of her face. Not bothering to wipe it away she made sure her needle was still good before sticking it in the Marines arm. "Saline started" she called to Mark, giving the bag a gentle squeeze. "Keep pressure on that shoulder" she said looking at Private Lugar, he seemed to be handling all this well, despite Mark have blood go everywhere.

[Huka]

Field Master Til Je'at Ra'ha 'Muramai

 Continuing his stalking, he waited until one last Yanme'e remained from the Demon's determined slaughter before signaling it to retreat into the trees. Giving it the illusion of peace, the Hunter crouched and stayed completely motionless nearly behind a tree, waiting and watching. Cautious of the Demon and its vision, aware and have seen arrogant allies fall to their piercing vision, his eye keeping an avian stare to it, waiting for it to make a escape, so he can collect the Arbiter and Ekdo's body or stalk it some more.

[deceit]

Jib, Kig-Yar Major

Jib and Reevar exchanged nervous glances as they heard gun-fire in the distance. It was close. Ahead, as well, the screaming of the Yanme-e.

Jib and Reevar agreed with a look to separate. Jib turned and started scrambling down the 30 meters of a tree base to reach the Jungle floor. He crept through the foliage and fallen logs, attempting to make as little noise as possible. He kept tabs on Reevar, who was leaping from branch to branch. Ahead, they could see the buzzing Yanmee. One of them suddenly exploded into its various parts as UNSC bullets tore through its midsection. Jib slowed for a second, but then continued. He couldn't quite see the Demon yet.

Reevar, Kig-Yar Minor

Reevar halted after leaping from one branch to another. This branch put him in clear sight of the Demon Spartan Gold One, and reevar suddenly felt terror. Had the Demon seen him? He had just leaped 5 meters from one height to another, and the Demon was already looking up from its shooting of the Yanmee.

Reevar was about 30 meters in the air, with a 20 meter distance between him and the Spartan. He quickly ducked as low he could and leveled his Needle rifle at the Demon.

Jib, Kig-Yar Major

Jib saw reevar's reaction and prayed to the gods that the demon hadn't seen him. He edged forward, slowly poking into a some large protective foliage. He parted some branches, hoping to get a good view of the Demon.

There he was, on one knee, with Yanmee corpses surrounding him.

Perhaps, Jib thought, This was a bad idea.

He didn't have a shot yet, but he was certain the Demon had seen him...Reevar, however?

Don't die, Reevar! Jib silently screamed to himself. Ra'ab would never forgive him. Jib started readying his own rifle for a shot.

[TinCanHitman]

Roy-001

Gold Three

Roy watched as the final bug flew off, letting out some sort of chirp. At first Roy began to relax, thinking he had finally scared it off, but then, he remembered something. In all of his battles with the large bugs he had never seen them flee, not once. This meant one of two things, either someone had been watching him, or they had been called to another task.

He moved forward and policed up four plasma grenades, a needler and plasma pistol, strapping them to different places on his body. He swept the clearing once more, only to have movement suddenly draw him to the canopy, the flash of a jackal skirmisher. He made no noise, instead bringing up the plasma rifle and opened fire on it, backing towards the tree line.

He didn't want to fight the avian monsters in the trees, so instead he resumed the crouching position and began to fire.

[deceit]

Reevar, Kig-Yar Minor

Reevar saw the motion. He understood it as a threat. Before he knew what was going on his finger twitched once, twice, thrice. The needles flew from his weapon directly at the target. Seconds later waves of blue-white plasma were flying around him. He felt the sizzle of one bolt of plasma over his ear, and could smell the burning hair follicles. The branch in front of him suddenly exploded in heat and fire. Reevar launched himself to the side, almost losing balance. He tried to lower himself. A moment later, a plasma bolt hit the barrel of his rifle. he felt the intense heat and the splash of plasma, and screeched in pain. The weapon fell down far below, clattering on the jungle floor. Reevar cursed and reached for his plasma pistol, holstered by his side. He edged over branch and fired a series of bolts, although he doubted they would do much good.

Jib, Kig-Yar Major

Damn it Reevar! Jib cursed to himself. Far down on the jungle floor below he saw the exchange of shots. Quickly he hurtled through to the other side of the bush and leveled his barrel at the Demon, firing a flurry of shots as fast as they could go. Jib was maybe 20 meters away from the Spartan. He hoped the Demon either retreated or died from his shots. He felt the kick of his weapon and lost vison, but he still kept firing until the ammunition was completely expended. He looked up from his weapon nervously, seeking whether the Demon had lived or died, and whether or not he was coming after him.