Isolated IC

[BetaWülf]

Garatus watched as Cad's hands and feet started to twitch then he started to breath normally. After a few moments Cad weakly coughed then his eyes started to open ever so slowly to look up at Garatus who smiled with relief that his friend was alive. Cad started moving his head slightly then made shallow wheezes that Garatus realized was his attempt at speaking before the unfortunate Kig-yar victim started coughing again.

"Do not try to speak brother, I shall bring you water in a moment" Garatus said to Cad.

Cad started to squirm in pain and Garatus noticed his right arm was injured, he let out an inaudible growl, he knew that Humans scent now and if ever he caught it again there would be hell to pay. Garatus gently set Cad down and ran to get water and a blanket which was an afterthought honestly, he grabbed them both and returned to Cad. He wrapped the Kig-yar in the blanket and placed the water in Cad's left hand, Garatus looked up to see the Mgalekgolo pair from earlier.

[Doc the Mother of Dragons]

HN Samantha Jackson

Planet Blue Balls

"I read you five by five, Jackson." 

The clear voice coming over her radio caused her to jerk her head up, at first she thought her mind was playing tricks on her, the blood loss was making it hard to focus, but the arrival of a second transmission snapped her mind out of the fuzziness.

"Jackson, this is Colonel Killinger. Can you tell me about your surroundings? Any notable landscape like large trees, a clutter of rocks. I also need to know how many Covenant soldiers are present near you."

This voice was that of the Colonel, she had never really met the man message, she was glad he had heard her message, it was better than sitting and waiting to die. Sam quickly responded, "T-there is a church with a broken steeple to the east of me.." She said leaning forward to look out the back door, she hoped the compass in her helmet still functioned, she could just see what was left of the building. "I am pretty close" her broken ribs had moved when she leaned forward and were making it hard to breath so she leaned back to the wall again, "I am in a house,". Sam paused as her head was beginning to feel fuzzy again, "Sir.." she did not intend for the word to sound slightly slurred, but she couldn't help it, "Be advised there are Brutes in the area...two..maybe three...I can't exactly remember"

[MrKill]

Colonel Johnathon B'Sheau Killinger
In the city...
...moving towards a gas station.

"A church?" John said. He nodded. There were a few churches within the city, but he didn't take the people who lived on this planet as religious types. He shrugged the idea off and produced his map of the city. It was fairly details, and he read it as he inched closer and closer to the Gas Station, which was just down a block and a half. He had ideas, however. If there were brutes in the area, a squad or two would have to be used as a decoy so a retrieval unit would be sent in and recover the Corpsman under the conspicuous acts of the two squads. He didn't want anyone to die, and a decoy squad would lead the brutes into another squad waiting in the wings for the second squad to return. He was already formulating a strategy. He decided to drop it. Stealth would be the best approach.

"Okay, Corpsman. Here is what I want you to do. Listen carefully, this could save your life. First go through your equipment and find a grenade that still has a pin," Killinger said. He knew most grenades now a days used a button rather than a pin, but there were some still in service. Killinger himself preferred the button triggered grenades, but there were various troops under his command that liked the pins better. "Secondly I want you to find at least two biofoam containers and tap those grenades to the nozzle. Next I want you to use the biofoam on the wall and place the canister in the foam while it is hardening on any exit you can see. After that I want you to take a string from your corpsman kit and tie a part to the pins and then tap the other side to the wall." Killinger said.

He had, hopefully, just allowed the Corpsman to make a homemade tripwired explosive with a decent explosive force. While biofoam wasn't technically an explosive, the canister exploding through internal heat, plus the hardended foam - which wasn't really foam anymore - would make for a lethal explosive to anyone who triggered the device. The only problem was it wasn't an anti-personnel explosive, and would likely only kill a single target. He had seen this method take down a shielded elite in the past, so he knew it worked.

"Repeat of you understood." Killinger added. He located the church. It was, at a spring, about fifteen minutes away. "Stay tight, Corpsman. Friendlies are on there way."

[Faclan]

Cad, Kig-Yar Major.
Still in bad shape, but not dead at least.

Only able to continue making small noises as Garatus talked and set him down Cad's mind slowly started to clear. He took his friends advice and didn't try to talk, his mouth felt cold and dry and he tried to swallow several times but it only helped a little. His vision was still a little hazy but after closing them and rubbing them with his good hand he was able to at least see the basic shape of Garatus come back with help. He tried to say thank you but only a small tch sound came out as he returned to breathing heavily, rubbing his throat with his good hand and wincing a little.

He gladly took the water when it was offered to him and swirled it around his mouth before spitting it out sideways, putting a smaller amount in this time and swallowing carefully. This caused another cough but it had some more oomph behind it than the weak ones earlier. His throat still hurt badly and he couldn't take long breaths yet but it was a slight improvement at least. Setting the water aside he cleared his throat as he cautiously felt his right elbow and wrist, hissing in pain as he closed his eyes, they were both dislocated....Those humans would pay if he found them again. Letting his arms fall to the side he decided to not comment on the blanket or being wrapped up like some infant, he knew he was in really bad shape and probably needed it. So instead he took the moment of silence to offer his thanks to the gods for his friend...no, Brother's quick arrival to save him for the heathen humans.

After his prayer was completed he lightly rubbed his throat again and took another drink before looking up at Garatus again. He attempted speaking again but could still only make noises, so instead he gave a weak smile and bowed his head to his friend. Thanking him for saving his life and looking out for him.

[BetaWülf]

Garatus smiled and nodded back, he was thankful Cad was alright, though his arm did look decently damaged. He also needed to address the Human issue since he was a Captain, couldn't just let the tiny barbarians get away with their stunt.

"This is Captain Garatus Pack brothers, move to my location and come armed, there are Humans afoot!" Garatus said a bit fanatically, a blood lusting zeal in his voice.

Garatus waited with Cad and made sure he had what he needed and was as comfortable as possible, then eventually his soldiers arrived, around thirty Jiralhanae warriors all under his command. Garatus grunted and a medic came forth, he wasn't much to look at for a Jiralhanae, lean and average in size but he was good at what he did. He looked Cad over after Garatus pointed to the Kig-yar, gently taking his arm in hand though Garatus thought he could have been more careful.

He pulled out a small container and popped off the lid revealing a thick cream that smelled of fish and plants, he took a finger full and spread it over the wounded areas and let it soak in a bit.

"This should keep the swelling down and numb the pain mostly, but I will need to relocate your wrist and elbow. We can wait until you are back at the base or I can do it here, it is your choice" the young Jiralhanae medic said while Garatus loomed over them both with arms crossed.

[Wax™]

Private First Class Daniel Mendoza
Some frozen fucking wasteland
Walking into the city currently

Mendoza and Elm's along with the entire group of UNSC soldiers had began to enter the outskirts of the city, every single soldier began to re--group with their previous squads and fire-teams as everyone seemed to get split up and spread out over the entire duration of the walk from the FOB to the city, Elms and Mendoza and caught up, they were ten meters behind the second last squad that had formed up, so not far, a good distance for cover, Mendoza looked at Elms and smiled, and for some dumb ass reason his body decided to shoot a wink at her, he then quickly faced forward and lifted a hand to turn his COMM out.

"Squad... I advise we form back up at the back of the group and re-group into individual fireteams... Over" Mendoza said over his radio to his Squad.

"Roger that Mendoza... Pulling back down, since we're down one Corporal you will take over Fireteam Baker... Copy?" The Sergeant of the Squad said over the radio, when the hell did he join the group? None the less he was with the squad now and the rest of the squad will have to deal with that, maybe after this Mendoza will be promoted to Corporal or Sergeant and transfer, leaving the Sergeant behind.

"Roger that Sergeant... Taking Baker Team under my command" Mendoza looked to Elms and smiled again before looking forward, he raised his weapon a little higher, now that they were in the city they would have to be aware of any Covenant or any other threat that may be waiting for them, perhaps there could be an ambush in place, either way Mendoza tried to keep it resting in the back of his mind rather than the front, right now he had to worry about those around him.

By now Mendoza's Squad was now at the back of the pack, but the rest of them stayed away from Elms and Mendoza, three Privates were the only three to come to the back with Elms and Mendoza, them three and Mendoza formed Fire-Team Baker, the men that Mendoza was now suddenly in charge of.

[Faclan]

Cad, Kig-Yar Major.
Slow improvement.

Continuing to slowly drink and breath Cad slowly started to feel better, having luckily lost the feeling  in most of his dislocated arm so it didn't pain him as long as he didn't move it that much, the water bottle soon empty. Rubbing his throat he tried to take deeper and deeper breaths as Garatus called in his troops, he was finally able to speak just before they arrived, thanking his friend for saving his life with words rather than gestures. By the time they arrived Cad's throat felt much better, able to breath without too much difficulty, some aid would still help, but he could at least be able t walk without gasping for air.

Grunting as the Jiralhanae medic took his dislocated arm gently, for a huge mound of muscle like them, Cad managed to only make that noise as they spoke back to him. He tried not to breath though his nose too much as the ointment was applied to his wounded arm. It smelt terrible to his Kig-Yar nose, and the coldness of it brought back some pain in his joints, but he managed to not make any more pain noises as he tried to tough it out. Nodding a little he reached up to the counter he was seated against and picked up a squish-able pipe, one that would normally keep shopping separate, and nodded to the medic. "Now, it would only get worse if I went into the cold with it Sir." He replied simply as he opened his maw and bit down on the pipe, nodding again as he held his arm out and closed his eyes, trying to prepare for the pain of his joints snapping back into place.

[BetaWülf]

Garatus loomed as the Shamanistic medic grabbed hold of Cad's wrist, the younger Jiralhanae looked Cad straight in the eye. "This is going to hurt" he said as he rammed Cad's wrist back where it should be, the unfortunate Kig-yar grunted in pain and bit down on the rubber bar in his mouth, then the Shaman grabbed Cad's elbow.

"This is going to hurt more" the Shaman said before jamming the elbow into place and Cad grunted much louder this time, at least reptiles recovered more easily Garatus thought to himself. Then the Medic took a roll of cloth from his bag and wrapped Cad's arm thickly in it, the white at least wouldn't be obvious in the snowy environment. After that a sling was made from the same kind of cloth and Cad's treatment was over, the Shaman gathered his things and returned to the pack.

"Pack! Set up in this building, this is my command station now and you'll make it defense worthy! Black all the exits and store all the food and materials we need or might prove useful!" Garatus bellowed to his troops who started moving the shelves and piling the food and things that could be turned into weapons.

Garatus knelt down beside Cad and spoke quietly to him.

"I hope the Shaman wasn't too rough on you, how are you doing?" Garatus said with a concerned but glad look on his face.

[Doc the Mother of Dragons]

HN Samantha Jackson
Planet Blue Balls

"Okay, Corpsman. Here is what I want you to do. Listen carefully, this could save your life. First go through your equipment and find a grenade that still has a pin,"  as Killinger's voice was coming through her radio Sam looked around the kitchen to where her scattered supplies lay a few feet away, "Secondly I want you to find at least two bio-foam containers and tap those grenades to the nozzle. Next I want you to use the biofoam on the wall and place the canister in the foam while it is hardening on any exit you can see. After that I want you to take a string from your corpsman kit and tie a part to the pins and then tap the other side to the wall."  Jackson nodded, though the Colonel could not see her do so, a grenade lay on the ground near her, not getting to her feet she scooted over to the small device and picked it up in her hand. She was not a demolitions expert, but from what the Colonel had told her to do she had to be making a crap version of a tripwire. 


"Repeat if you understood....Stay tight, Corpsman. Friendlies are on there way.""

Sam pulled herself to her feet, she took a few seconds to steady herself and to make sure that she would not pass out before replying, "Wilco, Sir" she replied. Feeling somewhat better that help was now on the way, Jackson gathered the supplies she would need, along with her pistol; it was difficult trying to handle everything with one arm, after several tries she finally managed to get everything situated and set up, though it was not as neat as she wanted it. The "wire" covered the back door that one of the Brutes had smashed open and the entrance to the hallways, so if anything tried to come back in they would get a nice surprise. Gripping her pistol tightly in her left hand she glanced around the room she was in, the small fire on the stove was now smaller, but it still had enough light to cast shadows over the walls, she shivered as a gust of wind brought some snow into the room, she watched the flakes flutter to the ground and realized that her toes were beginning to feel numb. 

[TinCanHitman]

Silence  

Brute Stalker

Ice ball Hell hole

Silence watched with amusement as the human sloshed through her motions, trying to set up a sort of trip wire. He watched her set up the simple explosive, using one of their odd solidifying liquid and a explosive. It was simple, but would be effective enough to at least incapacitate him, to bad he was already behind her. When the human female stood and turned Silence made a game of hiding among the shadows, slowly walking around her, remaining out of site and holding back his dark chuckle.

He finally had enough, stepping from the shadows he reached out, wrapping his large hand around her throat and lifting her from the ground. He was surprised at the humans reaction, her gun raising and fire a slug into his chest. His heavy armor and thick skin took the slug and only caused him to heave an explosive breath. He tightened his grip on her throat and grabbed the weapon, ripping it from her grasp and flinging it across the room. He then dropped her to the ground, throwing her a bit to cause her to fall into a heap at his feat.

He let out his chuckle, finally indulging himself, before sliding his arm under hers and raising her to his chest, lifting her up off the ground. He held her to his chest and leaned in, the hiss of his small carving knife sliding from his thigh. He rested it at her neck and let it push in, if she moved her head to much it would cut her. As he held her and idea came to him, setting her on the ground and grabbing her head, forcing it to the side, he took the tip of his knife and carved his symbol into her neck. She squirmed, but Silence was adamant, his work would be done.


Once her flesh was emblazoned with her he leaned in and spoke into her ear "Never forget, human." he stepped down on her foot and pulled up, her knee giving a loud pop as it became dislocated. He then went outside, being sure to step over the trip wire, and dropped her in an alley, near the church. He then leaned in and pushed his thump into her nub "Scream." was all he said before he dissipated.

[Doc the Mother of Dragons]

HN Samantha Jackson
Planet Blue Balls

As the massive Brute from before appeared before her, Sam's first instinct was to scream, but the sound was cut short as a massive hand grabbed her by the throat and squeezed. Quickly she brought her pistol up and fired at the Brutes chest, the grip on her throat tightened. Sam started to see spots. Just as she was starting to fade out, she was dropped to the floor, her injured arm sent a jolt of pain through her body, she gasped for breath, ignoring the sharp pain coming from her ribs. She only had a moment of peace, before the Brute picked her up again, this time he placed a knife at her throat, Sam just closed her eyes and waited for the sharp sting that she assumed would come with him cutting her throat. 

But it didn't come. 

As the tip of the knife dug into her skin she cried out as warm blood began to flow down her neck,  "Never forget, human."  the Brutes breath was warm on her neck and smelled like rotten meat, she opened her mouth to reply, but the Brute choose that moment to slam his foot down on hers and pull her body up, the sickening pop sounded through the room. Her fight against the pain was failing, she bit her lip so hard she tasted blood. Jackson did not realize the Brute had carried her outside till the cool touch of snowflakes touched her face. She was deposited in the snow with no care, but what did you expect from a Brute. Weakly she opened her eyes to see the hulking form of the Brute leaning down over her, "Scream."  he growled as he pressed his thumb into what was left of her arm. Sam let out the loudest blood curling scream she had ever done in her life before finally passing out. 

[Wax™]

Private First Class Daniel Mendoza
Some frozen fucking wasteland
Outskirts of the city streets

"Alright squad... Spread out, fire-team Baker takes the left, Alpha and Charlie the right" Mendoza's Sergeant speak, Mendoza looked over to Elms and raised his weapon before smiling, the way he raised his weapon would some what suggest that she should too, jogging over to the left side of the street that the marines were currently walking down, the rest of the marines had spread out too, splitting onto the left side of the street and right, so no marines were walking directly in the street, Mendoza was in full combat readiness and serious mode now, his back was hunched over slightly as he jogged down the street, MA37 raised and butt placed firmly against his shoulder as his head was looking upward, scanning the windows of some of the tall buildings near by, some of the skyscrapers in the distance had been blown down or chopped in the midsection, but other than that and some blown out cars the damage in the area was pretty low.

"Baker to Alpha actual... No sign of movement so far, think the covies are even still here?" Mendoza said to his Sergeant, who did not reply straight away, he was probably hiding in an alley way some place shooting out a load since he was a useless tool who at times made the others wonder how he was put in charge of a squad.

"Baker Actual... They're here somewhere, that's why we're here... Out" Is all the Sergeant had to say, which was fair enough, Mendoza wasn't trying to start a conversation with the man, that's the last person he'd ever want to talk to, instead he just continued to scan the area, every now and then stopping at the entrance of an alley, to make sure it is clear before he signalled his team to cross.

Mendoza looked behind him and noticed that Elms and her squad were following about ten to twenty meters behind Mendoza's Baker squad, Elm's squad being codenamed Dakota for some odd reason, it wasn't strange for Elms to actually be following Mendoza, ever since the marines here were abandoned by the large UNSC force the marines here had to make do and form rough platoons and company's considering half of the proper company's would be off world while the other half on, Mendoza would continue to keep shooting glances at Elms, checking up on the girl, mainly cause he was worried that the green horn was probably going to get killed, but also cause finding a 'woman' to call your own whilst in the service is rather difficult, so why not find one IN the service, the perfect stalemate, Mendoza thought to himself.

"Dude... Look at these civies" One of the Privates said, pointing to two civilians knelt down clutching each other, with one's hand raised, they were frozen in that position, the male's mouth open as if he were yelling, protecting what was probably his wife, Mendoza frowned and shot his gaze back forward.

"Eye's front guys... There will be time for mourning later... Let's keep moving" He said as they continued to jog at a slow pace further into the city.

[Faclan]

Cad, Kig-Yar Major.
Angry recovering Kiggy.

Luckily the Kig-Yar had thought to get something to bite on so he wouldn't deafen the medic with his screeches of pain, instead there were just quiet low grunts as Cads mouth got more and more closed as his teeth dug into the rubber bar. His feet kicked as well each time a joint was popped back in, but he seemed to be managing his pain rather well for a Kig-Yar, and soon after it was done and his arms were wrapped up. Looking down at his fingers he was able to feel them as the pain came back, and after some attempts he was able to twitch them again. Nodding at the medic as he walked off, Cad looked up at Garatus as he shouted some orders then walked over to him and asking how he was feeling. Shrugging a little he reaches up to grab his friends arm and pull himself back to his feet, his teeth still bit deep into the bar as he gave a little nod once he was standing, shaking out his feet a bit as the feeling returned to them as well for being seated so long.

Once up on his feet he went to work trying to extract the rubber bar from his teeth, carefully sliding his good hand into his beak as he worked on pushing his bottom jaw down off the bar. His teeth made odd squeaking and squelching noises but eventually they were removed as he grabbed the middle of the bar and pulled down sharply to rip it off his top teeth to. Tossing the bar aside he spit out some of the rubber that has fallen out and nodded at Garatus again, flicking his good hand a few times to get the saliva and bits of blood off it as his sharp teeth had cut him a bit.

"Fine now...just need time to recover and revenge on those Heathens." Reaching down to his thigh to grab his Needler it seemed that it was only now that Cad noticed that a large portion of his equipment had been stolen. Narrowing his eyes he looked down to see that nearly everything had been stolen from him and his backpack was clearly empty. Growling a little he looked back up at Garatus as he could see his pack out of the corner of his eyes set up defenses.

"Thieves and Heathens...Gods Forsake them - I need a weapon Brother in case they come back." He replied simply, able to open and close his wounded arms hand now as time passed.

[MrKill]

(OOC: Find the hint!)

Colonel Johnathon B'Sheau Killinger
In the city...
...arriving at the gas station.

The echoing scream bounced off the empty, void... quiet city buildings and rolled over the Colonel and the men gathering at the gas station with decent force, managing to cause loosely packed snow to crumble slightly as it kept rolling past. John heard the echo of the scream and instantly knew it was either Willowbay or Jackson. He had to make a guess, and favored the likely hood of Jackson being that there were Brutes nearby. John knew they were ruthless and despite the rumors he has heard about the Elites thinking nothing of them, they were actually fairly smart as well.

Killinger activated his communications unit, he needed to get a force in there and quickly and everyone near the gas station was too far away to respond. Killinger had hoped the tripwire explosives would buy the Corpsman time for him to mobilize a search and rescue effort, but that entire idea was gone now. Instead, the same device that the Colonel was telling the Hospitalman to create as an asset was now a liability.

"Assassin Actual to all Marine Vectors within the city," Killinger started off. He disclosed the link to everyone near the Gas Station, and targeted only the soldiers who were actually deployed in the city. "Stand-by for situation report." The Colonel said as the snow crunched for the final time under his boots as he opened the gas stations door and angrily cleared the counter off, unfolding his folded map and laying it down where the register once was.

"All right, Marines. We've got three units deployed into the city. All three of you are listening to this transmission. Grid EA00-JBF4 is the last known location of Hospitalman Jackson. You are to investigate her disappearance, find her and bring her hack without suffering a casualty. We don't have many Marines, so a stealth approach is required. Radio contact every ten minutes unless radio silence is initiated, how copy?" The Colonel said.

He took a drag of his cigar and waiting for potential radio replies.

[Wax™]

Private First Class Daniel Mendoza
Some frozen fucking wasteland
Outskirts of the city streets

"All right, Marines. We've got three units deployed into the city. All three of you are listening to this transmission. Grid EA00-JBF4 is the last known location of Hospitalman Jackson. You are to investigate her disappearance, find her and bring her hack without suffering a casualty. We don't have many Marines, so a stealth approach is required. Radio contact every ten minutes unless radio silence is initiated, how copy?" Mendoza heard the Colonel speak over the radio, this was Mendoza's time to shine, do something Spec Force style, his area of expertise, lifting his hand he pressed a button on his headset before lowering his hand back down to the under-barrel of his MA37.

"Colonel... Private First Class Mendoza here... Spec Force, me and about five or so other Privates in my squad are all Spec force trained sir, we're made for reconnaissance, volunteering to go search for one missing Jackson, but Sir, with all the mix up, our proper Sergeant is off world, so we don't exactly have a Spec Force NCO to lead us..." Mendoza said, despite being in a vicinity of fifty meters to the Colonel, he still used the radio, lifting his weapon to scan the tops and windows of some of the higher buildings around the gas station. 

"Dude..." One of the Privates crouched by Mendoza spoke up. "...He's not gonnah let a PFC lead a fireteam of Privates on a rescue mission... You're preaching to a choir that ain't singing back man..." The Private said before turning back to scan the area, Mendoza had half a mind to hit the kid, the other half just wanting to kick him in the teeth, but he waited patiently for the Colonel to respond to the radio message, for all Mendoza knew the Colonel could be talking to an ODST Sergeant right now, asking him to lead the fireteam, Mendoza hoped not, if there's anything he hated even a little less than the Covenant, it was a tight assed up in your face ODST.

[MrKill]

Colonel Johnathon B'Sheau Killinger
Gas Station
Hovering over a map.

Two replies, two different opinions. Private First Class Mendoza and Staff Sergeant Willowbay had both radio'd in their response, and Killinger was utterly disgusted at the attitude that the Orbital Drop Shock Trooper had given him, and the Private who had been on the same channel, with her response. The ODST had suffered a casualty, and the 'PFC' had not.

"Don't forget your foundations, Willowbay. You once had to be a Marine to be an ODST so don't get cocky, understood? And on top of that, you still are a Marine." Killinger said, grinding out the the last portion of his sentence. "You, Willowbay, don't need to worry about the Marines having no NCO. I'll lead them personally, and I have more training than the both of you." Killinger added, flicking his cigar onto the ground and crushed it under his boot - what was left of it anyways.

"Willowbay; you and your teams call sign for this operation will be Red One. Mendoza you and your team will be Red Two. I'll be Red Actual. Prepare to move, Marines, we need to do this quickly and as quiet as we can." Killinger said, grabbing his primary weapon from the counter. He left the building and started moving towards a place the ODSTS and Marine Special Forces could regroup with Killinger.

Once he arrived, he activated his radio and linked the two fire-teams into the transmission. "Regroup on me. I'm facing north, by the two story apartment building. We'll move after you've regrouped."

[Wax™]

Private First Class Daniel Mendoza
Some frozen fucking wasteland
Regrouping with the Colonel

"Don't forget your foundations, Willowbay. You once had to be a Marine to be an ODST so don't get cocky, understood? And on top of that, you still are a Marine." There was a slight pause before the Colonel spoke again. "You, Willowbay, don't need to worry about the Marines having no NCO. I'll lead them personally, and I have more training than the both of you." The Colonel finished up on.

"Willowbay; you and your teams call sign for this operation will be Red One. Mendoza you and your team will be Red Two. I'll be Red Actual. Prepare to move, Marines, we need to do this quickly and as quiet as we can."
The Colonel said again, Mendoza and the three other privates in his fire team, looked at each other before picking their weapons up and jogging to the position the Colonel stated over the COMM's, spotting the Colonel within a few seconds of leaving his previous position, he quickened his pace for a few more meters before slowing down to slow walk when he was about ten meters away, the Colonel would probably notice two of the guys with slightly large backpacks, inside would be rope, climbing pins, snow hooks and a decent amount of ordinance, as well as other things, however everything inside the bag was positioned so it didn't rattle.

"Red Two reporting in Sir" Mendoza said followed by three other three, half a mind to salute, but being that, that would give the Colonel's position away as a senior officer he simply just nodded. "It's going to be a pleasure fighting with you Sir... I heard all about your exploits on Zenith, Sir" Mendoza finished off before nodding one more time with respect, he then waited for the ODST's that should be showing up any second now, Mendoza quickly looked back to the Colonel and within moments of him speaking last he opened his trap and spoke again.

"I appreciate you sticking up for me Sir... I get shit like that handed to me all the time from ODST's" He said with a small frown, being a PFC too with a shit load of combat experience he got an extra amount of shit tossed at him, ODST's were always cocking beings and it annoyed Mendoza more than anything, despite the Covenant that is.

[BetaWülf]

Garatus watched as Cad pried the rubber bar from his maw, he bet the taste was horrible. He looked up when he thought he heard weapons fire but could not tell for sure, the blizzard seemed to have picked up a bit more, at least in this area. He looked back as he heard the last pop as the bar finally came loose and Cad could speak again, the Kig-yar reached down to his thigh but found nothing much to his apparent annoyance.

"Thieves and Heathens...Gods Forsake them - I need a weapon Brother in case they come back." Cad said as he was becoming able to use his injured hand again. Garatus motioned two Jiralhanae over who were carrying a Mauler and a Spiker, and had them stand next to them, he looked around and found a meager assortment weapons among his soldiers.

A devilish grin was upon his face when he had a thought after noticing a certain weapon, he pulled it out and held it out to Cad.

"Will this suffice? Or do you need something bigger?" he said as he held out a bruteshot that was the same size as Cad and quite a bit heavier, he laughed and patted Cad on the shoulder.

"Forgive me, I could not resist, but there are some weapons still that are a good size for you. We can spare a Spiker rifle if you can handle one, and a mauler as well?" Garatus said as he looked over the weapons available to Cad and his Pack.

He looked around to see what progress had been made and was pleased, the shelves had been used to barricade all but one of the doors and all the food was in one corner while tools and weapons were in the other, a Covenant flag had been handed to a Minor who was now to follow Garatus, the young Jiralhanae held it now as the standard bearer. Garatus was pleased and after looking his fortified building turned back to Cad.

[MrKill]

Colonel Johnathon B'Sheau Killinger
RV Point
Waiting on Willowbay.

The Colonel listened carefully as the Private First Class spoke, leaning his back against the wall of the apartment building and starting into the whitened sky. It was white with a mix of grey here and there. It was, literally, about to snow again. Despite the soft drop that was already coming down, like a light feather floating from a bird that was trying to fly too fast, it was about to come down like rocks. By the time the Private First Class had finished talking he nodded and looked towards the Marines with the large bags on their backs. He knew he'd be sacrificing assets with his next order, but it was necessary to minimize their own profile while on the move.

"Lose the bags, Marines. Take what you need, but we don't need much. Ammo, a MRE and grenades, really. In this op, if you need a biofoam container, we've already failed." Killinger said calmly. Stealth was, for the most part, a massive part of this mission. They'd recon the area, find the corpsman and bring her back without suffering a casualty. Simple - but nothing was ever that simple. He had already decided to split the Marine Special Forces and the Orbital Drop Shock Troopers up for this operation, hence the call-signs. They'd likely be at each-others throats rather than at the Covenants.

Killinger himself only had his heavy armor on - and because he'd been trained in Special Forces to a level beyond Orbital Drop Shock Trooper status thanks to the now non-existent Task Force Seven Seven, his armor didn't make a sound and wouldn't unless he fell of a fifty story building - and even then it would just be a solid thump! followed by, maybe, some dust... or snow, in this case. Hell, he could probably survive a fall like that with how soft and deep the snow was in some places.

"And watch the weather, gentlemen. Things could get nasty and quickly." Killinger added. He looked towards Mendoza and grabbed the young Marines shoulder piece on his armor. "They have a right to talk smack, but I draw the line when one side thinks they are better then the other. We are all, in the end, on the same side," Killinger said respectfully. "I won't tolerate disrespect, so I do expect you to at least respect the ODST's that are regrouping with us at the very least. You don't have to like them, you could have plans to kill them for all I care, but right now I expect you to respect them." Killinger added. "They'll get the same lecture." Killinger commented quickly.

He let go of the PFC's armor and produced his canteen, opened the lid and took a mouthful of the rather fresh water... The snow provided the means, once boiled obviously, to have an unlimited source of water. Killinger didn't have to worry about water as much as he did food. Feeding an entire Forward Operating Base was a daunting task. Anyone would be surprised at the grocery bill if they had to buy for one...


// WEATHER UPDATE //

The weather, over the course of half an hour IC time, is going to get pretty bad. Expect:

- Strong winds. (60 KM/h with gusts up to 85 KM/h - nearly tornado levels. That means lightly packed snow is going to be lifted and thrown about, as well as general wind. As a result, visibility will also be low.)

- Heavy snow and light rain. (While the rain will be light, it will be cold enough to make the ground EXTREMELY ICY. Think of the moment before a blizzard in terms of snowfall. It's pretty heavy, but it's not visibility five meters heavy like it is during a blizzard.)

- Poor visibility. (We're talking, at the maximum, five hundred meters. No further. That means SNIPERS will be, generally, useless.)

[Wax™]

Private First Class Daniel Mendoza
Some frozen fucking wasteland
Regrouping with the Colonel


Mendoza listened carefully to the Colonel whenever he decided to speak, when the Colonel suggested dropping the bags, Mendoza looked to the Privates who looked to him, most of the Privates idolised Mendoza only because he had a lot more combat experience then most marines his age and rank, theoritically Mendoza should be a Lance Corporal or Corporal by now but he doesn't have a say in that stuff, Mendoza nodded to the two Privates who had the bag's, they took them off and placed them against a wall, Mendoza removed his MA37 and placed it with the bags, so he only had his side arm and BR55HB SR Battle Rifle which was equipped with a silencer, Mendoza also removed some rope from one of the larger bags and slid it around his body, he worked of rooftops a lot.

"I don't think we even carry bio-foam Sir" Mendoza said as a snide remark before being pulled away by the Colonel to have a private word between the two, Mendoza looked to the Colonel and stared him right in the eye, nodding at everything he had to say, Mendoza admired the Colonel greatly, being a Spec Force soldier himself, once the Colonel finished and let Mendoza go, Mendoza nodded.

"Yes Sir... I understand respect is very important" Mendoza said, nodding at the Colonel, Mendoza unlike the three Privates he was with didn't need to drop anything to make him lighter, he was running on the bare minimum, his canteen wasn't even a canteen, it was a measly plastic water bottle he got back at the FOB, Mendoza then moved beside the Colonel and leant against the wall, however he felt just because the Colonel was on it he instantly didn't have the authority to be on either, so he decided to push off and wait a few steps to the Colonels right for the ODST's to show up.

[MrKill]

Colonel Johnathon B'Sheau Killinger
RV Point
So angry that, just maybe, his face is steaming in the cold...

John lunged his right hand out, grabbed the ODST's chest plate and drew her dangerously close to his face, his 6'5 frame easily outmatching her smaller frame. He was livid now, and he knew that he was so angry that he'd probably have steam forming around his facial features. "Any more outburst like that, Staff Sergeant, and I'll have you seen demoted to PRIVATE and cleaning my personal fucking latrine until you fucking retire!" Killinger screamed into her face. "That's the plan. Shut the fuck up, keep your mouth shut!" Killinger said, pushing Wollowbay back. He pushed passed two of her Orbital Drop Shock Troopers to calm down, breathing heavily. He did not, at any point, tolerate disrespect. This particular... event... would be written up and submitted to Klix, who was Johnathon's direct superior officer.

It had been less then a minute before John turned around, "Private Willowbay," John started - using the rank in his threat for effect, signifying that he was extremely serious about it. "Take your ODST's along the western approach of the street, near the building the Corpsman was located. The 'standard' Marines and I will, sucks for you, cover your ass on the eastern side of the street near the church. Watch your backs because we can't cover behind you. Let's move." Killinger barked, swiveling his arm around to clench the MK-280 General Purpose Machine Gun that was slung over his back.

"Mendoza, let's go." Killinger said, rounding the corner. He'd have to take a few blocks down, to the right, to the left and straight in order to get towards the church. He could, additionally, keep going straight for twelve or so blocks before taking a right and being on the same street, but that path was much more time consuming and they didn't not have time to spare.

"Okay, Jackson... we're on our way." Killinger muttered silently.

[Faclan]

Cad, Kig-Yar Major.
Trying to prepare for the storm in their fortified store.

Cads expression at Garatus's joke showed he was less than pleased, but the edges of his lips near the back of his beak did lift up a little, seems he wasn't incapable of lighter moods than anger. But soon his friend went more serious and offered him a weapon that could actually be useful as he nodded at the extra Spiker one of the Jiralhanae offered. "You're a funny one Brother, but the Spiker. Save the Mauler for if the humans try to overtake the store from us." He replied as he took the offered grip of the Spiker and attached it to his thigh, it was way heavier than what he was used to, but he magnetic holster could hold it regardless, he would just need to be careful he didn't sit down improperly or the blades on the bottom may cut into his leg. He hoped his right hand would get better soon, if he wanted to be accurate with the Spiker he would probably have to hold it in both hands with his right hand under the magazine...and he would need to be accurate if they really had this little ammo to split between all of them.

Taking the spare single spike canister he attached it to his now rather empty chest rig as he glanced back at some of the many broken skylights. The snow was starting to get slightly heavier as well as what looked like raindrops. He nodded to them after looking at Garatus, pointing out that he thinks the weather is going to get worse soon as he tightened up his coat again. His injured hand able to move fairly freely now, in a few Rooks he may be able to remove the sling and just try to take it easy for awhile.

As the supplies and defenses were set up Cad busied himself with holding Garatus pack search for supplies, his mind occasionally wandering back to the Covenant base and what his file was doing back there. But after this thought, the rain getting a bit more heavier coming through the skylight, he left the supply scroungers and headed over to where Garatus was standing with his standard bearer. Giving a little salute he nodded.

"Seems I'm part of your pack now Sir - I hope your troops don't mind, at least for now, so do you have any orders for me or the others or are we just going to use this position to keep a eye on the Heathens? It may be a good idea to call in what has happened so far to the commanders back at base." He said, letting his good arm fall back to his side as the temperature continued to slowly dip, Cads injured arm now out of the sling as he slowly moved it around to get the feeling back into it.

[Wax™]

Private First Class Daniel Mendoza
Some frozen fucking wasteland
A mission and a show?

Even though he hated the very ground that ODST stood on, he decided to be the bigger person and step over, arm extended. "Pleasure to meet you Staff Sergeant..." But before he could even get any closer the 6 foot 5 inch mass of muscle and armour known as Colonel Killinger stormed in front and gripped the SSGT by her breast plate and, Mendoza almost had a vision of her being thrown into the wall, but instead he just dangerously stared down at her, Mendoza could have sworn the snow falling on him instantly melted and then evaporated, Mendoza and his Privates however stared in awe at the Colonel, Mendoza hiding the urge to laugh behind a serious well trained expression, simply watched, standing straight with his weapon in his hands, waiting for the episode to finish.

"Private Willowbay, take your ODST's along the western approach of the street, near the building the Corpsman was located. The 'standard' Marines and I will, sucks for you, cover your ass on the eastern side of the street near the church. Watch your backs because we can't cover behind you. Let's move."

After hearing what the Colonel had to say Mendoza broke into a small jog to catch up, once he got around the Staff Sergeant or Private, he stopped and looked at her, giving her a simple nod with a straight expression, before turning the corner as well, however the Privates behind him were less respectful and bumped into one of the ODST's as they jogged past, then reaching Mendoza, all four men including Mendoza broke out into a fast paced walk almost beside the Colonel, or jog, depending on what the Colonel was doing Mendoza would be doing it too.

"Remind me not to get on your bad side Sir..." Mendoza said, he didn't look up at the Colonel though, instead he continued to scan the area for any possible threats.

[BetaWülf]

Garatus continued to bark orders to his soldiers as they gradually completed tasks and needed new ones, he wished they were better supplied because turrets would be very useful but alas, even if there were some he probably couldn't get them anyway. He stroked his beard as he watched his men at work when the rain started coming down through the main skylight in the center of the ceiling, basically the only source of light in the otherwise dark building though there were other smaller ones, several of which were broken. He looked up when he noticed Cad approaching.

"Seems I'm part of your pack now Sir - I hope your troops don't mind, at least for now, so do you have any orders for me or the others or are we just going to use this position to keep a eye on the Heathens? It may be a good idea to call in what has happened so far to the commanders back at base." Cad said to Garatus who thought on the matter for several moments before replying.

"Indeed you are, they don't seem to mind, though if any of them give you any trouble let me know. As for orders I was about to send out a small raiding party if you wish to join them, or you could help us make weapons and traps if you want to stay out of the cold." Garatus to Cad

"I'll give you a moment to decide as I take your advice and call in to Field Masters Sorsa." Garatus said to Cad before turning away to make the call.

"Field Master Sors this is Captain Garatus, we have encountered Humans, there is a military presence in the area. We encountered two of the Black armored Humans in a store that I have now fortified, do you have any orders for me and my Pack?" Garatus said, covering the the ear piece he mouthed for two Minors to start a fire under the main skylight, the rain may have been coming down stronger now but a large fire would survive.

[Faclan]

Cad, Kig-Yar Major.
Oddly cautious.

"I don't mind either Sir, I'm looking forward to working with your pack against the humans - it seems like your pack is glad to have me so far which I'm thankful for." He replied as he watched Garatus turn away to call back to base. Cad holding his right hand and popping his knuckles as he flexed his hand around some. It was mostly back to feeling normal, just small tinges of pain every no and then as Cad adjusted the bandages around his arm and his rolled up coat sleeve around his upper arm.

"Are you sure that's wise Sir?" Cad started after Garatus finished his call. "The weather is worsening quickly and its starting to get dark, I don't know how well your species can see in the dark but even I would have trouble spotting any humans, especially the Black ones, through heavy snow and rain at night." The rain quickly getting worse as wind started to howl outside as well. Luckily the broken down main doors of the store had already been barricaded so the aliens inside weren't being blasted with the wind. "My suggestion, Sir, would for us to hold out here and make preparations for if the humans find us, and wait for orders from command."

Cad tapped the Spiker grip as he looked around the store, it was large to be sure, with lots of food and supplies to help them stay here, and they still hadn't searched the entire store yet...maybe some human weapons could be found somewhere. There were plenty of things they could fashion into melee weapons, but they would have to be careful about using their scarce ammo. With such a large amount of space to cover there were also more places for the humans to sneak into unknown to them as he added a last thing before standing to attention and waiting for his new superiors orders.

"We should set up your pack on watch rotations around the store and maybe have a sleep rotation as well. We may be here for awhile if the weather stays the hostile Sir."

(I would assume its starting to get evening time, i.e. dark, correct me if I'm wrong and that the weather will soon get very cold and snowy.)

[MrKill]

Colonel Johnathon B'Sheau Killinger
Moving to the objective...
...hopefully with timely fashion.

"Red Actual to Red One, be advised: Custom tripwire explosive is located in the building you are approaching. With the slurry wind and snow the wire will likely be near invisible to see from the outside, how copy?" Killinger said calmly. He didn't give two rats fucking asses that the Staff Sergeant was pissed at him. Suck it the fuck up, move on or shut the fuck up and return to the forward operating base if you weren't able to push your feelings aside and do there jobs. Killinger clicked his radio off and approached the side of a one store town house. He leaned left with his weapons barrel pointed at the ground. Perhaps a better weapon would have been a wiser choice. The larger and bulkier MK280 GPLMG wasn't exactly small.

He waived two of the PFC's Privates across the alley entrance. They were stacking up for an entrance into the alley, which lead directly behind the church. From there Killinger would enter the Church and provide over-watch for Willowbay. The ODST would have to watch her own six, but Killinger had her twelve. He'd cover her in the event Covenant Forces attempted to assault the building - but so far it had been quite... quiet. There had been no movement other than the Marines approaching their objective points.

"Move it up!" Killinger said quietly as one of the Privates moved forward, Killinger following behind; scanning the rooftop with his weapon. Nothing, again, but that was his sector of fire. He moved behind the Private on point but by the time they reached the end of the alley he was back in the front of the fire-team that was moving towards the church.

He saw the Church and nodded, pointing the location to the Fire-Team of spec-ops Marines. He nodded quietly to himself and rounded the corner, a few of the Privates from the Fire-Team following behind. He trusted Mendoza had the groups rear. As a PFC, he was technically second in command to this fire-team. If the Colonel was to go down, the man would assume command of his unit again.

"Objective in sight," Killinger said; crouching at the end of a buildings corner wall to wait for the rest of his group to join. He spotted another alley across the street and to the right. That alley would take them behind the Church and hopefully allow the Marines to approach 'out of sight' on the Church.

"Okay, let's move towards that alley. I think it leads to a parking lot behind the Church. From there we'll enter the facility, clear it out and provide cover for the ODST's."

[Doc the Mother of Dragons]

HN Samantha Jackson
Chilling beside a dumpster like a hobo...
....Hoping she still has her toes

She did not know how long she was out, or how she ended up next to the dumpster she was leaning up beside. Did she move herself? Sam could not remember, hell, she could hardly remember what she had for breakfast...better yet if she had moved herself. The snow had stopped for a few moments, she slowly opened her eyes and realized she was leaned up next to the dumpster. The brick behind her was cold, but then again her entire body was cold, she shivered where she sat, not having the strength to try to move. Her left knee being dislocated made walking impossible anyway. 
A gust of icy wind came around the side of the dumpster and she curled up into a even tighter ball, pulling her arms closer to her body, trying her best to stay warm, but she had heard enough about hypothermia to know her body was loosing the fight, shallow breathing and a weak pulse, and not forgetting blood loss, she knew she had to get warm quick or the next time she closed her eyes she might not wake up. As she watched the gust of snow blow by she tried to get her mind to "happier" thoughts, she knew help was on the way. But what if they did not find her, she had set the trip wire, so they would hopefully know its there and know she had been in the house, before the Brutes came back and tossed her out in the snow. Sam nervously looked around her, but all she could see was the dumpster beside her and the far end of the alley with the growing snow drifts.  People were coming for her, she heard it over the radio, so she did not have to worry about dying in the cold street of some god forsaken planet. No. She was not about to have that happen. 

[BasedGoody]

Pvt. Barry Barrington
F.O.B.
Being Awesome
(But still extremely cold)

Barry's feet moved slowly and stiffly as his fireteam rotated positions with another. They were silent as they crossed one another except for a half-assed high five to another Private who was covered in a sweatshirt, hoodie and jacket. Gerald led the team through the harsh conditions to a position marked with an set-up MG and a few chairs. Michael did a small cheer and waddled up to the heavy-weapon.

"H-hell t-t-to the yes!" He chattered, admiring it. He rubbed it over with his gloves, clearing off the snow, "Upg-grade!" Barry rolled his eyes as the PFC slid into the chair. His Battle Rifle dropped to the ground and he looked down the sights. He spun the weapon left and right, looking like a child playing with a toy.

"B-be mat-ture, B-bitchy Bitch." Harry grunted as he laid back into the chair, giving a satisfying crack of his back.

"Oh c-come ON. Just-t imagine if a G-gator came up, and b-bam! Th-that would be great." He chuckled. Donald walked passed Mike staring down at the ground, smacking the Private First Class on the side of the head as he went. Gerald had a thousand yard stare plastered on his face, seeming full of the soldiers. Barry placed his hand on the Corporal's shoulder and nodded in agreement.

[TinCanHitman]

Brute Stalker Silence 

Ice ball Hell hole

Silence watched as a human force of imps moved forward, their sleek black armor standing out against the pitch white of the whipping winds. Silence himself wasn't watching them, Stillness was above them, feeding his feeler's view directly into the screen of Silence's helmet. Sight was actually up on the roof of a junction that lead to the human keep of sorts, it's large central tower giving Silence the feeling that more important members of the human pack lived there.

The imp's presence was soon shadowed by the creche of humans that soon bloomed from the snow, moving with deliberate steps. He licked his teeth, a nervous habit of his, as he felt a twang of pride at his trap working. Creatures where so weak in that respect, pack members where a liability at some point, a fact his pack had all accepted with zealousness. They all knew that if they were to injured, they would be left, it was the only option. They had steeled themselves for the day it would happen, and Silence was not above the mercy of killing his brothers instead of a human execution.

Silence watched as the humans began to slowly file in, going into an alley. He almost took the chance and attacked, but he held himself, knowing that Sight and Stillness where further ahead. He, actually, was linked to Sight, and thus didn't even have to be in direct line of sight. He bid his time, stepping into the snow and shadows.

If Silence and his pack weren't as trained as other Jiralhanae, they would have already attacked, taking the direct offensive and charging the human front, but even with their thick armor and hides, this many humans would easily cut his forces down. He waited, deciding to wait for the perfect time to cut loose his fury and decimate the human lines.

He moved behind the marines and waited for them to funnel into the alley, watching as Stillness rested on the other side of the keep's slanted roof, laying on his belly as he propped his spiker so that his metal would be steady. Silence gave it a few more cycles, letting the human get into the sweet spot...

[BetaWülf]

Garatus listened to Cad as he spoke and nodded, the storm was getting worse but they did need more supplies, he would send out a File regardless of the validity of Cad's suggestion. He looked around and was glad to see the fire was well underway, and traps were being made from materials available to them.

"We see night and day very much the same, there is little difference for us. We will have traps set in the all the doors other than the main one, mostly ones they made themselves from the hunting section over there." he said pointing towards the far right corner.

"Rotations, hmmm........... that seems like a good idea, since your part of the pack you might as well act like it, you may implement this as you see fit, talk to the Minor over there." Garatus said pointing at Jiralhanae across the building, "I'll help set up the sleeping area to the left side of the store" Garatus before patting Cad on the back and walking off to speak with a Major.

"Major, I have an unpleasant task for you and your File" Garatus said, the Major visibly frowned,"But before you start grumbling I'll sweeten the meat for you and your File, perhaps some new equipment when we get back?" Garatus said with a grin but the Major still looked displeased."And maybe some thorn beast steaks too?" Garatus said, luckily this was good enough for the Major.

"You have to go out in the storm, bring back anything that we can use, kill any civilians for food and most of all keep your wits about you." Garatus said before walking away to set up the sleeping area.

He started grabbing blankets and and other soft things and spreading them out in a part of the left half of the store and others caught on and started doing the same, soon they had a large space covered in soft things where the Jiralhanae could sprawl out when it was their turn to rest, excellent Garatus thought to himself.