[Halo] New! Halo RPG Pt. 11

[Orcaid123]

Rah'jesh remains silent as the various sides begins the initial part of the meeting. He'd look over at two of his operatives, gesturing a motion with his head. The two returns a nod and goes off to check the perimeter. Rah'jesh: Two of my operatives will scout the area, just as a precaution. I reckon you, both of you, have conducted similar proceedings already. But I want to make sure that there's nothing wrong, in case you missed something. Rah'jesh takes a step backwards, allowing the meeting to continue between the three.

[Naked Crook]

Xyrho let Vernette's words sink in, as he processed what was said to him. Xyrho: The Trust, as you call it, has not been my problem for a long time Human. Vernette scoffed. Vernette: Director... Vernette paused. Vernette: Director Preston J. Vernette. I did not fight my way from one end of this war, to the other, to be addressed as "Human". Xyrho: Very well...Director... Xyrho scoffed. Xyrho: Why is The Trust my concern...Director? Vernette: As nmuch as The Trust is my enemy, it is yours. Xyrho: How so? I have seen no aggressive action from The Trust in many years. Vernette: Exactly...you have not seen it, but, The Trust has been there, and it is acting against your interests as we speak. Barrabus stepped forward. Barrabus: The Trust was found on my home world. They had covertly setup a facility, with the sole intent on exploiting my species. Xyrho: This does not sound like a problem that should concern The Swords of Sanghelios. Barrabus: It should concern you, because we have reason to believe that The Trust has a similar facility on Sanghelios. A cold chill ran through the air, as Xyrho glared at his counterparts. There was silence for a few moments, before Xyrho spoke up. Xyrho: How do you know this? Vernette: We found evidence to support this claim. When the data center that was contained inside of the Trust facility on Doisac was analyzed, we found intelligence reports pertaining to a similar facility on Sanghelios. Vernette paused. Vernette: The Trust is using, and exploiting Brutes and Elites for personal gain. They were conducting genetic experiments to refine their cloning procedures by stealing DNA samples from the local populations. The Trust is mass producing soldiers...cannon fodder. Vernette paused. Vernette: We have already done battle with Brutes and Elites that have been bred like cattle. They are shock troops, designed to inflict as much damage as possible, without fear of death. If you want proof of this, I have all the proof you need. Vernette reached into his pocket, and pulled out a data chip. Vernette: Everything I have said, that WE have said, is on this chip. All of their research. Names. Locations. Objectives. Xyrho looked at Vernette and Barrbaus. There was a look of anger growing on his face. Vernette: But that is not all! The Trust will not settle for shock troops. No...they want more! Vernette paused. Vernette: They want control! They want power! Barrabus: The Trust had taken steps to try and clone, and replace, many of my Warlords. The reasons for this is unknown, but, from what we know of The Trust, the intent was to gain control of my planet, and my military, either for resources, or as a tactical staging ground. Barrabus growled. Barrabus: We were able to stop The Trust before they were able to enact this plan on my world, but, you have no knowledge of this, so, The Trust may be further along on your world, than mine. Xyrho became wide eyed. Vernette: We are willing to help you stop the unthinkable from happening. We are willing to help you locate The Trust, but first, we need an alliance to do so! We cannot help you, if you cannot join our fight against The Trust. Xyrho thought for a moment, before he began to step forward. Xyrho: What motivates you, Human! Why do you care about what happens on my world? Vernette: Stability. The only thing Humanity wants is stability. My job is to protect Humanity, no matter the cost and no matter the difficulty. By ensuring galactic stability, and I am contributing much to that goal. If either power, be it The Sangheili or the Jiralhanae, plunge into chaos, ithe consequences will ripple through the galaxy. By ensuring your stability, I am ensuring that Humanity is stable. Vernette paused. Vernette: We all want stability. We all want a future. The only way that will happen, is if we work together. Vernette took a few steps forward, and Barrabus followed beside him. Vernette: We have a chance to shape the future. Xyrho began to step forward. Vernette: To make a better future. Vernette , Barrabus, and Xyrho all stopped, as soon as they were face to face. Vernette: We cannot let the past determine our future. It is time to move past the mistakes. Barrabus looked at Xyrho. Barrabus: Xyrho...we were friends once. Barrabus paused. Barrabus: You and I fought side by side. Barrabus paused again. Barrabus: I would like to think that we are still friends. I would like to think that we could fight side by side one more time. Xyrho looked at Barrabus, and sighed. Xyrho: We still are friends... Barrabus: Then prove it...join our fight against The Trust. Barrabus growled. Barrabus: Help us destroy them once and for all. All we need is your voice to support this alliance. Xyrho looked at Barrabus, and then at Vernette. Xyrho: If I forge this alliance; you will help us put an end to The Trust' exploitation of my species? Vernette: Yes. Xyrho: And, you will help us remove The Trust from our world. Vernette: We will give you all the data we have. Xyrho thought for a moment. Xyrho: While I am tempted by this offer, I am uncertain about how viable it is. I may not be able to convince the Council of this alliance. They may not want to be involved in your war, considering that we are fighting our own war with Covenant Remnant factions. There are also many Councillors who would never desire an alliance with The Brutes. Xyrho paused. Xyrho: There is too much bad blood. Vernette: We can help you fight the Covenant Remnant factions. Xyrho: How can you help us, if you cannot even defeat your own enemies? Vernette scoffed. Vernette: The Trust is insidious. We have been fighting them for a long time. Our methods are refined, but, we simply need additional numbers to launch a full out offensive. We have a lot of territory to defend, and many enemies to fight. I cannot risk spreading our defense thin in order to win a few battles. Xyrho: What about The Brutes? Barrabus: I have my own concerns. I too, have been forced to deal with Covenant Remnant factions on my own worlds. On top of that, I am also forced to contend with isolated master packs with ambitions on my power. Between The Covenant, and lone Master Packs challenging my right to lead, my Warlords are constantly doing battle. Xyrho: So, you need The Sangheli to solve your problems. Vernette scoffed. Vernette: We don't need you. We can continue to fight The Trust, as we always have, but, we are looking for a faster and more decisive victory. Vernette help up the data chip. Vernette: But you need this data... ============================================================= New Harmony – The Cloak and Dagger – 1500 Km From the Planet of New Harmony – Main Bridge – 1510 Hours - October 9th 2555 ============================================================= Jennifer was on the bridge of The Cloak and Dagger. She was sitting in the command chair, her eyes glued to the large screen that was mounted to the wall. Jennifer was very silent, and very focused, as her crew was elevated to the highest combat alert possible. Jennifer: Any update? The sensor officer quickly replied. Sensor Officer: Nothing Ma'am... As the sensor officer said this, Jennifer heard the door to the bridge open. Jennifer did not move, however, but, she saw, out of the corner of her eye, someone walk up next to her, and sit down in the Executive Officer's seat. The Consultant: You look tense, Captain. Jennifer sighed. Jennifer: Yeah, you can say that. I am forced to sit here, and wait. While Preston is down there, trying to negotiate some alliance, I am forced to sit up here, and wait for the inevitable dawn. The Consultant: What do you mean? Jennifer: The Trust is going to be showing up. They are coming...I don't know when...but they are coming. The Consultant: How do you know? Jennifer: It is part of the plan. The Consultant raised an eyebrow. The Consultant: What plan? What is going on? Jennifer: Director Vernette's plan to bring the Elites into our conflict with The Trust, as our allies. The Consultant: Ohhh... The Consultant shrugged. The Consultant: He never mentioned anything to me. Jennifer: I don't think anyone knows, aside from me. The only reason he told me, was because I would be in command. The Consultant: Well, I guess he does share a lot with you. Jennifer sighed, as she rolled her eyes. The Consultant: Perhaps they won't show up. Just as The Consultant said this, the sensor officer spoke up. Sensor Officer: Ma'am...I am detecting a massive spike in Cherenkov radiation. Something big is slipping in. Jennifer stood up, as she glared at the sensor officer. Jennifer: Direct sensors at the radiation spike, and bring up the feed on the holotable. Jennifer stepped forward, as she leaned on the holotable. The Consultant walked up next to her, and looked at the holotable. The Consultant then looked at Captain Frost. The Consultant: A massive spike in radiation means one of two things; either numerous smaller things, or a really big thing. The Consultant paused, as she looked at the holotable. Sensor Officer: Slipspace event horizon has just opened...RIGHT BEHIND US! It is right above the northern pole of the planet! Jennifer: Impossible! There is no ship that can make a jump that accurate. Not even Covenant-era ships can make a jump that accurate! The Consultant interjected. The Consultant: Yes there is. There is one ship that can do it. The Consultant and Jennifer looked back at the holotank, as a large UNSC style vessel emerged from the slipspace rift. The Consultant: The Bismarck...

[Kairu]

============================================================= Slipspace – Infinity's Voyage – En Route to Midnight – Captain's Office – 1510 Hours - October 9th 2555 ============================================================= It had been about an hour since the Infinity's Voyage entered slipspace. Cochraine had spent her time getting the situation report from her XO and assessing the damage done from the skirmish over Sanfran. Although she tried to stay busy, her mind was still replaying the events that occurred on the moon. While she expected conflict, she didn't expect the Trust to show up. She thought about it and concluded that they were likely eavesdropping on the Shipnet conversation. As Cochraine continued to fill out her report, Fireteam Harmony, with Silverblur between the three other Spartans walked into the office. Robertson: "He wanted to talk to you, Captain." Cochraine saw that Silverblur still had his weapons. She wasn't worried about her life. She knew that Silverblur was smart and wouldn't kill her on her own ship. Not when he was alone. She figured Fireteam Harmony would be his greatest opposition, and she had faith he could do it, but it would be unwise and pointless. Cochraine saved her report, giving Silverblur her attention. Cochraine: "What can I do for you?" Silverblur stood forward, stepping away from Fireteam Harmony and towards the desk. Silverblur: "I want to continue negotiating. I don't think you have intentions of honoring your deal." Cochraine sat upright and stiff in her chair. Cochraine: "What makes you think I wouldn't?" Silverblur: "Don't treat me like an alien, Captain. We both know ONI won't accept. It wouldn't be in their best interests. Not to mention, I'm a criminal. I'd be detained and apprehended as soon as the Trust was defeated." Cochraine sighed lightly, knowing Silverblur was telling the truth. Cochraine: "You're right, ONI likely would not honor the arrangement, but we do need your help to fight the Trust." Silverblur: "What do I get out of it? My intelligence network is just as sophisticated and intricate as ONI's and the Trust's. I have access to the same level of technology and supplies. I also have equivalent numbers. The difference is that I've always made a mark. I've never hid myself or my intentions. Other than the Bismarck, there is literally nothing I want from you." Cochraine: "That's why the attacks have stopped over the course of the last few years." Silverblur: "Exactly. While I've only been focusing my attacks on the Trust, it's only been for a personal reason." Cochraine: "Then I don't know what else to say. We want your help, but I can't give you anything that you would find valuable. I guess that means negotiations are over." Silverblur: "Tell you what, I can make a different deal. I'll help you fight the Trust, but I'm not going risk my people's lives for a ship I can't have. Instead, when I return to my ship, I will give you the list of all Trust bases, outposts, and stations that I know of." Cochraine thought about it for a moment, cautiously deciding whether or not to bite the offer. Cochraine: "How do I know the intel is reliable?" Silverblur: "I used to be a part of the Trust." Cochraine would have been surprised if it hadn't been for the fact she suspected as much. It was even mentioned in his profile that he may have had ties to the Trust and that's why they were still actively looking for him for so long. Cochraine: "And what would you want for this information?" Silverblur shook his head. Silverblur: "Nothing. You and your team helped me out down there when you could have walked away. I appreciate it and I don't like owing favors to anyone." Cochraine: "Alright, I can't say I blame you. You have a deal. I'll inform you when we exit slipspace so you can radio your ships to get you." Silverblur nodded in a semi-formal manner. Silverblur: "It's been a pleasure, Captain. And I just wanted to say, you do look like you're doing well. I'm sure Reynolds would have been proud." The compassion and sincerity in Silverblur's voice disturbed Cochraine. For 15 years, she pursued the pirate as a hostile element. Now, for seemingly no reason, they seem to have become closer towards acquaintances and in the direction of being friends. It made her rather uncomfortable. But instead of letting a rage set in, she simply accepted the compliment and did her best to move on. Reynolds was still a touchy subject for her, but hearing someone speak with kind sincerity about him helped Cochraine feel like his death wasn't entirely in vain. Cochraine watched Fireteam Harmony escort Silverblur out of the office and out of sight. She reopened her report and resumed her work. While not what she hoped for in terms of reward to the mission, what she did agree to should be worth something to ONI, especially that it was free. She only hoped that the information would be accurate.

[Orcaid123]

Rah'jesh stands vigilant behind Xyrho as he discuss with the Human and the Brute. He looks over at the returning two Operatives he sent to do a perimeter sweep. They shaked their head in return, nothing of note was found. Rah'jesh paid attention to the meeting, but there was something bothering him. This went too easy. There had been only few meetings like this, between these three factions, that had gone past without bloodshed. He heard a voice within his communication device, coming from the secured channel from The Absolute Silent. Operator: Shipmaster Rah'jesh! Yet another slip space event opened within the sector...Right above New Harmony, not too far away from your position. You've got incoming aircraft headed for your direction! The description of the Ship shows it to be of UNSC design. Rah'jesh responded quickly, moving his focus up on the skies. Rah'jesh: What?! Bfah, I knew it was too good to be true. Send a rescue team, at once! Be at the ready should more ships involve. Rah'jesh abruptly interrupted the meeting, placing a shoulder on Xyrho, with his operatives close behind him. Rah'jesh: We're leaving. A human ship just arrived. The Commander shoots a glare at Vernette. Rah'jesh: A large Human ship came out of slip space north of here, above the pole of the planet. We've got incoming aircrafts. I do not know how it managed to drop out this close to the meeting. An explanation is in order, -Human-.

[Naked Crook]

Vernette glared at Rah'Jesh, as he took a rather aggressive step forward. Vernette: Take a guess... Vernette paused. Vernette: Who else, but The Trust, would drop in unannounced like this!? The Trust has everything to lose if we form an alliance to fight them. Vernette paused. Vernette: The Trust is here to cross us off; to stop this alliance before it has a chance to pose any serious threat to their plans. Vernette paused, when he heard Captain Frost speak to him through his ear piece. Jennifer: Preston, we have a serious problem up here. The Trust has just put The Bismarck into play. Vernette winced his eyes when he heard this, as he turned away, and placed his hand on his ear. Vernette: Say again, Captain. Can you confirm? Jennifer: The Bismarck is in orbit! Vernette: Copy that. Fallback, and await further orders. Do NOT engage. Vernette turned and looked back at Xyrho and Rah'Jesh. Vernette: You want an explanation? I'll give you one... Vernette glared at Rah'Jesh and Xyrho. Vernette: Every piece of Forerunner technology that ONI had ever managed to weaponize is now in orbit, and its guns are pointing down! The ship that is in orbit is...was...a proof of concept Super-Capital that was designed using Forerunner technology. The engines and shielding on that ship were directly ripped from a Forerunner shield world that is currently in possession of ONI. Vernette scoffed. Vernette: One volly from that ship's main gun will pulverize an Assault Carrier. Imagine what it can do to the surface of a planet. Vernette shook his head. Vernette: You wanted an explanation...you got one. The question is, do we sit here and debate this, or do we actually fight back? It is time to make a decision. Stand and fight...or die...

[Orcaid123]

Rah'jesh snapped a reply straight back at the Director. Rah'jesh: Too much of a coincidence to see them here, at this secret location with a ship that has EVERY Forerunner components that ONI salvaged. With the ONI Director here. Rah'jesh heard chatter on the comm from The Absolute Silence. They were awaiting orders. Rah'jesh: If that ship is truly powerful as you say; then let's cut to the point; how do we defeat this "Trust" ship? If I am to fight beside you, I will need to know details. Rah'jesh takes a step forward, standing beside Xyrho. Rah'jesh: For what you've said; what stops them from eliminating us entirely? Capture us and "clone" us? Or is it more to it, -Director-. Rah'jesh speaks with a harsh tone.

[Naked Crook]

Vernette: It is going to take FAR MORE than what we have here to stop that ship! We can delay it, but, I doubt we have the firepower necessary to defeat that ship. Vernette paused. Vernette: What we have to do is survive, and believe me, survival is a fight unto itself. As Vernette said this, he received a transmission from The Cloak and Dagger. Jennifer: Preston, The Bismarck has just deployed Frigates from its underbelly. One of the Frigates has broken off, and is heading into ELO. It is coming your way. Vernette scoffed, as he looked away, and answered Jennifer. Vernette: Copy that, Captain. Vernette turned back to Rah'Jesh and Xyrho. Vernette: We have hostile forces incoming. We have a Frigate, in orbit, heading our way. It is descending into extreme low orbit as we speak. Vernette frowned. Vernette: There is no way in hell we are getting off the surface of this planet with that Frigate above us. Even if we manage to make orbit, the odds of us surviving any crossfire are very thin.

[Orcaid123]

Rah'jesh eyes The Director for a moment, letting out a sigh. Rah'jesh: So, what you suggest is that we dig in and wait until they get to us? When they could just blast us away at a moment's notice? It might take hours, or days until a force big enough to match that behemoth above us could provide extraction for us. Rah'jesh speaks into his communication device. Rah'jesh: Phantoms, activate cloak and stay out of sight until I say otherwise. After acknowledgement from the phantoms, chatter from Sundered Grace and Absolute Silence came. Rah'jesh answered quickly. Rah'jesh: Stay out of the ship's weapon range until further notice. Prepare ships for an eventual extraction. I'll contact soon enough.

[Naked Crook]

Xyrho: What do you suggest then, Human? Vernette: We need to get that Frigate out of the sky! Vernette pointed upwards at the Frigate that was descending down on their position. Vernette: Thankfully, I brought additional backup, in case things went south. Leave the Frigate to me. I can secure our exit strategy. Vernette paused. Vernette: In the mean time, we need to find a spot to bunker down, and stay alive! If I know The Trust, they are going to be coming after us, in force. I doubt they simply want to blast us from orbit if they can avoid it. The fact is, there is a lot of strategically valuable people in this location, and we are more valuable to The Trust alive. If we play our cards right, we will get out of this alive. If not, we are dead. Vernette scoffed. Vernette: Form up! We need to get moving! The faster, the better! ============================================================= New Harmony – The Cloak and Dagger – 1500 Km From the Planet of New Harmony – Main Bridge – 1515 Hours - October 9th 2555 ============================================================= Jennifer: Helm! Get us the hell out of orbit, and away from The Bismarck! Jennifer paused. Jennifer: Transmit a message to those Assault Carriers, advising them to stay OUT of the Bismarck's forward firing arc. If The Bismarck is able to lock a firing solution with those MAC guns, those Assault Carriers will not stand a chance! Jennifer paused, as she opened a comm link to The Dreadhawk and The King Raven. Jennifer: Gentlemen...we need an extraction plan for The Director and his team! Hayes: What about The King Raven? I can take her into ELO, and grab The Director. The Cloaking system on this ship would be a real asset. The Consultant interjected. The Consultant: That is ill-advised, Captain Hayes. The Bismarck's sensors are Forerunner in design. The accuracy and spectral frequency of those sensors allow it to see right through ONI's stealth systems, and even the cloaking systems of The Covenant, that means, your cloaking systems. If The Bismarck gets a firing solution on you, it will rip you apart before you eve have a chance. Burke, who was commanding The Dreadhawk, interjected. Burke: What isn't Forerunner on that ship? The Consultant: Very little, Rear-Admiral. The Bismarck is a predator. She was designed to be state of the art; incorporating every piece of Forerunner tech we had access to. Hayes: There has to be some way we can get The Director off the surface? The Consultant: The only way to get The Director off the planet's surface, with The Bismarck here, is to get The Bismarck's attention. We need to engage The Bismarck. Jennifer look at The Consultant. Jennifer: That is a suicide run! The Consultant: Alone? Absolutely... The Consultant grinned. The Consultant: We are not alone, Captain. Jennifer raised an eyebrow at The Consultant. The Consultant: I believe the whole point of this mission was to work with The Elites and The Brutes in order to fight The Trust. I can think of no better way to start, than to engage The Bismarck. There was a moment of silence, as an epiphany began to descend on everyone who heard The Consultant. Hayes: The Consultant is right. This is it! This is how we do it! We have to engage The Bismarck...together... Jennifer grinned. Jennifer: Alright...let's do it! Jennifer turned and looked at the Comm Officer. Jennifer: Comms...create a new local battle net. Establish contact with The Brute and Elite ships...and transmit the necessary ciphers for them to access the new battle net. Comms Officer: Yes Ma'am... Jennifer looked at the helm officer. Jennifer: Helm...bring us about, and form a defensive line. Hopefully if those Brutes and Elites are smart, they will catch on... Just as Jennifer said this, the sensor officer spoke up. Sensor Officer: Ma'am...I have been keeping tabs on the Frigate that entered ELO... Jennifer looked at the sensor officer. Jennifer: And? Sensor Officer: They are deploying ground forces. I am detecting multiple HEV pods, along with four Albatross troop carriers. They are dropping soldiers. Jennifer scoffed. Jennifer: Damn it...

[Orcaid123]

Rah'jesh shaked his head slightly before looking back at Xyrho's and his Operatives while pulling forth his Carbine. Rah'jesh: Do as the Director says! Follow the band to somewhere safe. Engage cloak and cover flanks and rear. Once we're there, form defensive positions along side the Humans and the Brutes! His Operatives chanted at the same time. Operatives: Yes, Commander! The band of Elites began to follow The Director and the Brutes. Rah'jesh : Move out! Lead the way, Director. --Meanwhile, within The Absolute Silence -- Bridge -- Comm Operative: Officer! I've received ciphers for a new battle.net from the Humans -- Not the ones down at the planet's orbit, but those who were here at our arrival. Shall I enter the new battle.net? The Officer who had the command of the Ship in the absence of Rah'jesh nodded. The Comm Operative goes to work and enters the new communication channel. Operative: This is The Absolute Silent reporting in. While the Comm Operative did his thing, The Officer had a look at the Hologram map. Officer: The humans are pulling back and preparing a defence line, it seems. Comm operative, inquire on their strategy and ask what is happening. Comm operative: Yes, Officer! With a few pressing of highlighted buttons, the Comm Operative begins to talk in the Channel. Comm Operative: This is The Absolute Silent, what's happening at New Harmony?! Why are you not responding to the arrival of the new ship?