[Naked Crook]

Nova Team began to move back towards the waiting Vultures. However, despite Liam's warnings, Nova Team did not even acknowledge Liam. They simply ignored Liam, and continued to move at their own pace, slowly falling back, heading toward The Vultures. Eventually, they each moved into the rear compartment of the second Vulture, opting to not share their space with Black Team or The Risk Takers. Once Nova had boarded their Vulture, they signaled the other Trust Forces. Anubis: Alright ladies...NOW we are ready to evac. Risk Takers...give the signal to go...after all...you ARE the ones who are in a rush to run and hide on The Ulterior Motive. The Vulture that was carrying Nova Team sealed its rear hatch. The other Vulture, which was carrying Black Team, The Risk Takers, and Anaconda awaited Liam's order. Black 1 looked to Liam. Black 1: Alright Liam...give the order! Tell these pilots to get us the hell out of here! On the other side of the courtyard, Tye began to emerge from cover. However, he knew that he was almost in the direct line of fire of the two Vultures, so he kept his head down and he stayed behind cover. He knew that ordering an attack on those Vultures was a suicide run, so Tye begrudgingly gave an order he did not want to give. Tyber: All UNSC points...disengage. The situation is no longer attainable. Do not engage those Vultures. Tye sighed. Tyber: We are going to have to get these guys at another point. As much as I hate to say it...we didn't win every battle down here... Tye paused. Tyber: However...I think we did walk away with something... Tye knew that Harmony had managed to get Hoffman. His only hope was that Harmony was successful in extracting Hoffman. Tye could hear The Vultures lift off. They had ceased their attack, and it seemed as if The Trust had shifted its focus to extracting from the battle. As quickly as they came, the Vultures were gone. Little by little, everyone emerged from cover, as they visually scanned the area, which was now all but quiet. Tye sighed, as he shook his head. Tyber: Son of a bitch... Meanwhile: Nighthawk watched as The Vultures had lifted off. He was furious that he was unable to prevent the capture of Anaconda. Nighthawk: Damn it...damn it! Nighthawk scoffed. Nighthawk: I cannot believe that they made off with him. Nighthawk turned away from Xyrho, as he started to walk off. However, Xyrho stopped Nighthawk, grabbing his arm, before he could walk away. Xyrho: Human...wait... Nighthawk turned his head as he glared at Xyrho. Nighthawk: I am in no mood to be grabbed... Xyrho: Believe me...I am aware of that. My intent is not to fight. Xyrho paused. Xyrho: My intent is stop Vanguard. You are in opposition to Vanguard. I am smart enough to know who my enemies are...and I can see where a potential ally is... Nighthawk was silent. Xyrho: However...as much as I know my enemies...I simply cannot see them. I lack insight into this..."Trust"... Nighthawk continued to look at Xyrho. He had an idea of what Xyrho was suggesting. Nighthawk then spoke up. Nighthawk: Right now...my only concern is rescuing my friend from The Trust. Every other concern is now secondary. Nighthawk paused. Nighthawk: However...I too can see an ally when I see him. I want to stop The Trust and you want to stop Vanguard. As far as I can tell...stopping The Trust means stopping this Vanguard thing. You help me, I help you...know what I am saying? Nighthawk paused. Nighthawk: I have enough information on The Trust to be able to give you, and your Covenant buddies, enough to keep you busy for a long while. If you need insight on The Trust...I can provide you with enough insight on them to make you sick. WIth that said...while I typically do not entertain alliances with The Covenant...I am very desperate at the moment...and I am going to take every edge I can get. The Trust has me backed into a corner, and I am looking at defeat. If victory means cooperating with The Covenant...so be it. Truth be told...The Trust is FAR worse than you guys. At least I know where you guys stand. Xyrho began to laugh. Xyrho: I do not entertain alliances with Humans...but given my situation...I have little choice. Despite my authority...asking The Covenant to destroy a holy icon...is asking to be killed for heresy. So Human...I too...am very desperate for allies. Nighthawk began to laugh. Nighthawk: Look...if you want to be friends...I am all for it. However...above all else...my only concern at the moment is saving Anaconda from The Trust. To do that...I need to weaken The Trust. I need to slow them down, and I need to injure them. I need to hit them where it hurts and I need to make them bleed. It is the only way to rescue Anaconda. Xyrho looked at Nighthawk, twisting his head as he listened to the Human. Nighthawk: If I am going to be of any use in stopping Vanguard...I need Anaconda. He is my priority. If you help me with that...I give you my word...you will have my full support in stopping Vanguard. I will give you everything I have on Vanguard. Hell...if you need an extra gun to kill this thing...you have it. All I want is to rescue Anaconda. Xyrho looked at Nighthawk, and then gave a nod. Xyrho: A fair trade...a blade for a blade... Xyrho paused. He then released Nighthawk. Xyrho: Very well Human...if you cooperate with me...I will cooperate with you. I do have some loyal soldiers at my disposal. If you require my help...it will be given. Nighthawk then nodded. Before he turned and walked away, Xyrho spoke once more. Xyrho: For a Human...you are quite agreeable. Is this how you and The Brute became allies? Nighthawk nodded. Nighthawk: Actually...yeah. In fact...the circumstances were quite similar. Nighthawk paused. Nighthawk: Except my hand wasn't cut open this time. Not a big fan of cutting my own hand though. Nighthawk paused. Nighthawk: I will get in touch with you shortly. For now...you should vanish. If you are not here alone...I suggest you get out of here. Xyrho nodded. Xyrho: Contact me later Human. I will be expecting you. Xyrho turned, and began to walk away. However, he stopped, and turned his head to Nighthawk. Xyrho: Good fortunes in saving the Brute. Given how nefarious your ally is...you will need it. Xyrho then engaged his active camo, as he went off to find Vhat and Furium. Nighthawk watched as Xyrho vanished. Nighthawk, while still upset about Anaconda's capture, did get one thing; a possible ally...