[Halo] New! Halo RPG Pt. 11

[Naked Crook]

============================================================= New Harmony – Planet Surface – Ruins of The City of Monastir – 1535 Hours - October 9th 2555 ============================================================= Xyrho promptly responded to Rah'jesh, when he heard the Spec-Ops Commander give an update on his status. Rah'jesh: Shipmaster Xyrho, humans and brutes! The Phantoms are here, but I'm afraid their now-known presence will attract much more of the degenerates! If you are unable to come to me, give me your coordinates and we'll be there. Xyrho: Hold your position, Commander! We are not far from the landing zone. We should be able to meet with you in mere minutes. Defend the Phantoms from these abominations! Do not allow them to inflict any unnecessary damage! Xyrho then looked at Director Vernette and Barrabus. Xyrho: We must hurry! These abominations are converging on our Phantoms, and they are attempting to deny our escape! Vernette: I don't doubt it! Vernette took a deep breath, and sighed. Vernette: Alright...we should make a break for it! If we fall back, and haul ass, we should be able to make it back to your Phantoms, and we should be able to escape. Xyrho nodded, as Vernette look at Barrabus. Vernette: OIrder your Honor Guards to fall back to the Sangheili LZ. THis is going to be close, and timing has to be perfect. Barrabus nodded, as he contacted his Honor Guards. Barrabus: Honor Guards...fall back to the Sangheili LZ. This fight is over! There is nothing more to be gained from fighting these abominations. Our escape is waiting for us! Do not delay! Cerberus, the Honor Guard Chieftain, responded. Cerberus: Understood, Chieftain. We will be there. Barrabus nodded, as he looked at DIrector Vernette, and Xyrho. Barrabus: My Honor Guards are retreating as we speak. We should do the same! Vernette: Alright...lets move it! As soon as Vernette gave the order, Corvo, Nova Team, and Cameron all stood up, as they began to fall back. Corvo: Cameron and I will keep tabs on our six. Nova Team, take point and clear the way if necessary. Director, stay between us...keep your head down. Vernette nodded. Barrabus: Xyrho and I will move on point as well. Corvo shrugged. He was not interested in arguing the point. Barrabus and Xyrho, on the other hand, took point with Nova Team, as the group moved quickly towards the Sangheili LZ. It only took a few minutes before the group was able to make visual confirmation with Rah'jesh and his Elites. They could see that The Spec-Ops commander was holding the line against the Trust clones. Xyrho: There they are! Quickly...before The Trust breaks the defensive line! As Xyrho said this, he broke out into a full sprint, running towards the Phantom. Barrabus followed behind. Nova Team moved a bit slower towards the Phantoms, as they kept their sights locked on the clones. However, Nova Team held their fire, as they did not want to attract any attention. They were not going to shoot unless they absolutely had too. As Xyrho and Barrabus reached the Phantoms, Barrabus' Honor Guards began their approach from the opposite direction. With the clones full attention on the Phantoms, the Honor Guards were able to rendezvous at the Phantoms without much incident. Finally, Corvo, along with Nova Team, Cameron, and Director Vernette were able to reach the Phantoms. With everyone present at the Phantoms, Xyrho spoke up! Xyrho: Get onto the Phantoms! There is no time to waste! Xyrho paused. Xyrho: Rah'jesh...provide cover fire! As Xyrho said this, Barrabus and his Honor Guards jumped into one of the Phantoms. Director Vernette, and his entourage jumped into the second Phantom. Vernette: Give the Spec-Ops commander some covering fire! Let's give them a chance to get aboard! Hit those clones with everything you have! Barrabus snarled, as he pointed hios Spikers forward, as he too provided cover for Rah'jesh, Xyrho and the other Sangheili. Vernette: Come on...lets go, lets go!

[Orcaid123]

As everyone was loaded into the various Phantoms, Rah'jesh was still at the front of the defensive perimeter they had created, now littering with Trust Forces. Before the chance came to retreat back for the Phantoms, two Clone Brutes began a frenzied attack on him. Having faced such Brutes before, he knew that this might be tough. Rah'jesh: Hold on -- Cover me while I deal with the filth! As he finished his sentence, he dashed forward. Rah'jesh quickly came face to face with the Brutes, his right hand tightly grip around the handle of an Energy Sword. The closest was the easiest of the pair, as Rah'jesh made quick work of him with his blade skill, decapitating one of his feet and hands with a skull-piercing finish. The second one, however, managed to send a punch-full towards Rah'jesh face, sending him flying. He landed on his back, letting out a loud grunt. He'd bark with his mandibles at the Brute before getting up on his feet, engaging cloak mode. Being in a beserk stance, the Brute couldn't focus, thus not seeing the occasional movement in the air. Soon enough, a quick series of stabbing occurred on several spots on the Brute, making the Clone lifeless within a few moments. He grumbled to himself... Rah'jesh: Damned mongrels, the whole kind. Perking his head back and forth from the Phantom and a new incoming wave, be made haste towards his Phantom. As bullets flew past him, ricocheting off his body-shield. Eventually, he managed to jump into the lift, leading up into the Phantom. Rah'jesh: I'm in. Commence evasive manouvers should hostile aircrafts engage. Banshee escort, keep close on our tail and front. I want this to be a smooth trip to orbit. A message came from Absolute Silence. Kaliht: Shipmaster! The Absolute Silence eagerly await your arrival. We'll press our attack and send more banshees with seraphs to cover your escape -- But I'd advise haste, another barrage of the Bismarck weaponry might end us! The Phantoms began their absent towards orbit, keeping somewhat low on their way out of the city.

[Naked Crook]

As Vernette felt the Phantom lift off, he placed his hand to his hear, as he spoke to the Elites and Brutes on the other two Phantoms. Vernette: I recommend that we divert these Phantoms to the nearest allied ship! If need be, I can get one of my ships in position to dock these Phantoms. Vernette paused. Vernette: It would allow our other ships to keep The Trust engaged in battle, giving us a clearer path to evac. Xyrho responded. Xyrho: I am not fully comfortable with this idea, but, you do make a good point, and I tend to agree. Where do you recommend we divert these Phantoms to? Vernette: I can get my flagship to grant us docking clearance. Xyrho: Very well, Human. Vernette: Stand by... Vernette paused, as he contacted The Cloak and Dagger. Vernette: Cloak and Dagger...this is DIrector Vernette. What is your current status? Vernette waited a moment for a response. Jennifer: Sir, we have our hands full over here. We have been under attack by The Trust. What is your current status, sir? Vernette: We managed to escape the planet surface on a number of Phantoms. We are currently making our way into orbit. We are going to need to dock, however. Jennifer: I think I know what you are getting at, sir. We can break off, and get a hanger bay ready for you.. Stand by sir...

[Orcaid123]

When Rah'jesh's Phantom took off, the last of the Phantoms, they were finally safe from the Trust Ground Forces -- Now they had only The Bismarck to think of again. Rah'jesh: I do not like it, but where Shipmaster Xyrho goes, I am duty bound to follow. Give the Phantoms the coordinates for the ship we're docking in and let's get a move on. Get us to a safe distance where we may do a transit to our own ships. Rah'jesh's Phantom plotted a destination to follow the other Phantoms for the designated ship to land in.

[Naked Crook]

Vernette grinned, as he tried to reassure Xyrho and Rah'jesh. Vernette: Don't worry...you are in very capable hands. As Vernette said this, he heard Jennifer speak once more over the comm. Jennifer: Director? Hanger bay 1 has been cleared for docking. Setting a general way point for The Cloak and Dagger...now... Jennifer paused. Jennifer: Those Phantom pilots should have no problem seeing those way points. Vernette heard the thrusters of the Phantom shift, as Jennifer said this. Vernette: Yep, I think they see it. I can hear the thrusters on this thing shifting. Jennifer: Just let me know when you have docked. We cannot see those Phantoms, so, you will need to give us a heads up when you have docked.. We will hold position as long as we can. Vernette: Copy that. Stand by Captain! Vernette walked towards the cockpit of the Phantom, as he looked at the pilot. Vernette: Pilot? ETA? The Elite looked at Vernette for a moment, before giving a response. Elite Pilot: Less than a minute. Vernette: Good. Vernette glared at the pilot, before turning around, and heading back to the passenger bay. Vernette placed his hand back on his ear piece once more, as he contacted Captain Frost. Vernette: Jennifer? We are due in less than a minute. I will let you know the moment all three ships are docked. Once we docked, get the ship air tight, then plot a course back to Midnight. Vernette paused. Vernette: Transmit the coordinates for Midnight to the Brutes and the Elites. Inform them that Midnight will be the rally point, and that we are to rendezvous there. Citadel Control is already aware of the possibility that we may be returning with the Brutes and the Elites, so, there should be no need to call this in ahead of time. Jennifer: Copy that, sir! Vernette paused, as he waited for the Phantoms to dock in the hanger bay of The Cloak and Dagger. Despite the ETA being so short, the flight itself felt like an eternity. While Vernette was an expert at masking his emotions, deep down, he felt very uncomfortable on the Phantom. Vernette simply could not shake the feeling that this single, fragile Phantom had merely a small cloaking generator protecting the occupants. One or two good shots from a point defense cannon was all that was needed to destroy any Phantom. However, once Vernette felt the gravity on the Phantom shift, he knew that the Phantom had passed through the Hanger Bay's security barrier, and that he had finally docked in the hanger bay of the Cloak and Dagger. As the Phantom powered down, and the rear hatches opened, Vernette could see the other two Phantoms docking in the hanger bay. Without wasting any time, Vernette contacted Captain Frost. Vernette: Captain! All three Phantoms are docked! Seal the hanger bay doors, and get us the hell out of here! Signal all ships to fall back to the Midnight system! Jennifer: Understood, sir! Just as Jennifer said this, the large hanger bay doors began to close, and Jennifer's voice could be heard over the ships comm system. Jennifer: All hands, prepare for emergency slip space jump. When Vernette heard this, he sighed, as he jumped out of the Phantom, and onto the hanger bay floor. Corvo, Nova Team, and Cameron followed suit, as they disembarked from the Phantom. Osiris: I have to admit, that was quite the rush. That was one mission for the books. Corvo nodded. Corvo: No argument here. I have to admit though...one thing surprised the hell out of me... Corvo looked at Director Vernette. Corvo: Nighthawk and Anaconda? What were they doing there? If I am not mistaken, that was The Venture Capitalist that brought down that Trust Frigate in ELO of New Harmony. Vernette: I asked them to tag along...just in case things went sour. You never know when you need some extra firepower. Corvo nodded in agreement. However, at that moment, Xyrho interjected, as he stepped around the Phantom, and approached Director Vernette. Xyrho: I am legitimately surprised to see that those two are still alive, after all this time. It seems that those two have continued their struggle against The Trust...after so many years. Vernette: They tend to be reliable allies against The Trust. Xyrho clicked his mandibles. Xyrho: I must ask...how long are we to be on this ship? Vernette: It should take The Cloak and Dagger about three days to return to Midnight. So...three days. Vernette shrugged. Vernette: Your ships will arrive much sooner than ours, but, the fleet around Midnight is aware that you will be arriving, so, you have nothing to concern yourself with. Xyrho scoffed. Vernette: And, you have nothing to concern yourself with here. As long as you are here, you will be treated as guests, so long as you act like guests. We are all adults here. I do not need to remind anyone that mutual respect is the key. Barrabus, who circled around the front of the Phantom, growled, as he let out a laugh. Barrabus: They won't have any problems from me. I know how to behave myself around Humans. Barrabus grinned, as he let out a low snarl, and showed his teeth. Barrabus: And the Sangheili...for the most part. Vernette looked at Barrabus, and then Xyrho. Vernette: Fantastic. I am looking forward to this. Vernette's grin began to quickly fade, however, as he glared at Xyrho. Vernette: First thing is first, however...you have to go to decontamination. Pursuant Article 4, regulation 1A of the ONI Transportation of Non-Humans Directive mandates that all non-Humans coming from a vessel of alien origin, where they have been present for more than a day, must undergo a level 10 decontamination. That means your weapons, your armor and...you. Xyrho: Is this your idea of humor? Vernette shook his head. Vernette: No, I am quite serious. We have very strict regulations on health and safety. We cannot risk a biological hazard aboard one of our ships. Vernette shrugged. Vernette: Decontamination is actually very quick, as long as there is cooperation across the board. Vernette paused, as he looked at Corvo. Vernette: Agent Corvo; see to it that our guests are decontaminated. Once they have been processed, they are free to roam in non-restricted areas. Corvo: Aye sir. Vernette looked back at Xyrho. Vernette: In the mean time, I will get the Quartermaster to arrange suitable quarters for the lot of you. You will need someplace to sleep. With that said, Vernette, along with Cameron, turned, and left the hanger bay.

[Kairu]

============================================================= Midnight – Infinity's Voyage – High Orbit – Hangar Bay 2 – 1544 Hours - October 11th 2555 ============================================================= Cochraine, Fireteam Harmony, hangar personnel, Silverblur, and the Trust Vulture were all occupying the hangar bay. The pirate ships had arrived about 20 minutes prior, many of the ships having seen better days, especially before going to San Angeles. Cochraine and Silverblur were aware of the pirate fleet's condition. The two were facing each other, Silverblur just before the vulture's loading ramp and Cochraine facing the vulture in front of the pirate. She began to speak to Silverblur. Cochraine: "Are you sure you won't fight the Trust with us? They tore your fleet up pretty bad, surely you'd want revenge?" Silverblur shook his head. Silverblur: "They may have hurt my fleet, but the situation report shows that my people are okay. Ships can be repaired and replaced when necessary, lives are not. The Trust has made no real harm to me or my people. Maybe took a jab at our pride, but nothing more." Cochraine softly sighed. She couldn't believe she was unable to get his fleet support. Still, she didn't let it get her down too much. She was still getting something of use. Silverblur: "I do have an agreement to honor. Give me a second to recover the information. If I may borrow Mr. Axlon's PDA?" Harmony looked a little troubled but Cochraine motioned for the request to be granted. Axlon stepped forward to hand the pirate his PDA. Silverblur: "I'll be just a minute." Silverblur walked into the vulture with the PDA and out of sight. Robertson: "Captain, is it wise to allow him to be unattended with it?" Cochraine felt she knew the pirate well enough to answer. Cochraine: "He's been nothing but honorable with us in this matter so far. There's no need being unnecessarily suspicious at the end." On board the vulture, Silverblur attached the PDA to a port cable on the dashboard of the craft. When the link was made, Silverblur radioed his ship. Silverblur: "Silver, enable Protocol Trust-Alpha-1. Isolate this vulture's internal database and establish a link. Take all known necessary precautions. Begin a background process of datamining this vulture for any data needing to be updated or added to ours. Additionally, begin a datamine of the PDA. I want as much information as you can pull. Make this process a top priority. Afterwards, access and upload all available data about known Trust locations of operations to this PDA; encrypt it with Cipher-9." Silver: "Yes Sir." The AI responded with the same voice as Silverblur, which didn't bother him. Silverblur monitored the PDA's progress as it was being worked on. After nearly seven minutes, Silverblur returned into view off of the vulture where Cochraine and Fireteam Harmony were still waiting. He approached Cochraine with the PDA in hand. Silverblur: "Here you are, Miss Cochraine. As promised, all information about the Trust locations and bases of operations that we are aware of." Cochraine took the PDA and began to make an attempt at accessing the information. While she was doing that, Silverblur was nearly inside the vulture again. Cochraine looked up at him and raised her voice to be heard. Cochraine: "It's encrypted!" Silverblur shrugged at Cochraine. Silverblur: "I can't make it too easy for you, Captain. After all, I never specified its encryption. You're with ONI, I'm sure you'll get it cracked in time. Good luck taking down the Bismarck." Silverblur stepped on the vulture the ramp/door combination began to close. Cochraine ordered the release of the vulture and she watched the pirate pilot the Trust vulture back to his fleet. Cochraine dismissed Harmony, PDA in hand. She began to walk back off the deck, tapping her earpiece. Cochraine: "Commander, go ahead and transmit our location to FLEETCOM. Track the pirate's slipspace coordinates and save them to the computer. I'm heading to science lab 3." Littleton: "Yes Ma'am, I will do so."

[Naked Crook]

============================================================= Midnight System – 15000 Km from the Planet of Midnight – Cloak and Dagger – Main Bridge - 1245 Hours - October 12th 2555 ============================================================= As The Cloak and Dagger emerged from slip space in the Midnight System, the helm officer spoke up, as they gave their report. Banks: Sir, we have emerged from the slip. Drive core is now cold. Vernette, who was on the bridge, looked up from a tablet that he was reading, as he acknowledged his helm officer. Vernette: Very good, Lieutenant. Plot a course for Midnight, and get us into geosynchronous orbit over Federal heights. Banks: Acknowledged. Vernette looked over at the sensor officer. Vernette: Status of our other ships? Sensor Officer: The Dreadhawk and The King Raven have also emerged from the slip. They both emerged several thousand Km away from where we did, but, they have already plotted a course for Midnight. The sensor officer paused. Sensor Officer: There is no sign of The Venture Capitalist. Vernette: There never is. Don't worry about it. They will turn up. Vernette sighed, as he put his tablet down on a small table next to his command chair. Logistics Officer: Sir...The Elites in our hanger bay are requesting permission to disengage, and return to their ships. Vernette: Clear them for departure, and, extend my personal gratitude to them for their assistance on New Harmony. Logistics Officer: Yes sir. Vernette paused for as moment, as he considered how he should proceed next. After the events on New Harmony, Vernette felt more comfortable dealing with the Elites in a more strategic sense. He felt that after what they had been through, it had helped to break the ice on the situation. Vernette: Comms...inform the Brutes and the Elites to hold their position for the time being. Let them know that I desire to speak with them further concerning our offensive strategies against The Trust. Let them know that I a tactical response to The Trust's attack is absolutely necessary. Vernette paused. Vernette: Inform them that we will share whatever relevant strategic information is required to facilitate a joint counter-attack. Comms Officer: Aye sir. Vernette: Finally, let The Elites and The Brutes know that we understand if they wish to discuss recent events among themselves before meeting with us. Let both sides know that there is a standing invitation to meet with me at The Citadel at any time that is convenient for them. Senior personnel only. Comms Officer: Copy that, sir. As Vernette finished, he stood up from his chair. Vernette: That being said; Lieutenant Banks, you have the deck. I will be proceeding down to the Citadel once we have achieved orbit. Banks: Yes sir. As Vernette turned to leave the bridge, he stopped, as he snapped his fingers, and turned around. Vernette: One final thing... Vernette looked at the Comms Officer. Vernette: Contact Rear Admiral Burke and Captain Hayes, and inform them that I also desire to speak with them, in person, at the Citadel. Additionally, inform Captain Frost that she too is to join them. Vernette paused. Vernette: And...on that note...inform Captain Cochraine that she is to report to The Citadel's CIC immediately. I wish to personally debrief her on her mission. I have a few questions that need to be answered. Comms Officer: Yes sir. I will make sure these orders are sent out. Vernette nodded, as he turned, and left the bridge of the Cloak and Dagger. As Vernette stepped off the bridge, and into the corridors, he stopped, when he came across Barrabus. Vernette: Hey, Big Guy! Barrabus: We need to speak. Vernette shrugged. Vernette: I was just on my way to The Citadel. Care to tag along? We can talk on the way. Barrabus grunted, as he turned and walked along side Vernette. Vernette: What can I do for you? Barrabus: We did not get much time to speak after what happened on New Harmony. Vernette: No, we didn't. It is funny how quickly three days can pas when you are buried neck deep in work. Barrabus grunted. Vernette: What is on your mind? Barrabus: Well, I was going to say that your plan worked. Tricking The Trust into attacking us during our meeting with The Sangheili was...gutless. I liked it. Vernette: It was necessary. The Elites needed to see what The Trust was capable of. They needed to see how dangerous The Trust could be. I didn't think that our word alone would have been enough to convince them of our fight. However, The Trust showing up, deploying clones, and with the Bismarck of all ships...there is no way in hell The Elites are going to let The Trust get away with this. Vernette laughed. Vernette: I am certain that we have the support of The Elites after that. Barrabus growled. Barrabus: It feels weird fighting along side them. Vernette: Yeah, I know. Barrabus: The fur on my neck stands up when one of them is standing behind me. I do not trust them. I always suspect them of wanting to place a blade in my back. Vernette: I know. However, we have to remember why we are doing this. A conflict with The Trust is going to be expensive. Our ships will be damaged, and we are going to lose able bodies in any fight we get into. By bringing The Elites in, we mitigate our own losses, plus, we vastly increase our own firepower. It is only beneficial to have The Elites fighting by our side on this one. Barrabus: Yeah, I know. Vernette: Believe me, I understand the bad blood between your species and the Elites. I cannot imagine that it is very comfortable having to work with them, considering all that has passed between your two races. However, I have always believed that the best things in life that are worth doing, are the hard things. Even if this alliance is a one-off thing, at the very least, we can hope that a little bit of mutual respect was created. Change does not happen over night. It takes years, even decades, but it always starts with something small. Vernette shrugged. Vernette: Something like a handshake...a compliment...or even an act of selflessness. What matters is that in the end, when it is all said and done, we should be able to say we didn't just take evil out of the world. We should be able to say that we put something good in its place. Even if The Brutes and Elites hate each other a little bit less when it is all said and done, to me, it was worth it. Barrabus growled. Barrabus: Far too optimistic for my taste,. Barrabus scoffed. Barrabus: If we can get through this WITHOUT me turning an Elite into a belt...then I will call it a success. Vernette laughed. Vernette: Yeah, lets try to avoid the belts.

[Kairu]

============================================================= Midnight System – Geosynchronous Orbit over The Citadel – Infinity's Voyage – Bridge - 1248 Hours - October 12th 2555 ============================================================= Cochraine had been on the bridge, personally overseeing and coordinating the last of the repair efforts of her ship. She had spent the last day assembling her reports and getting her ship combat ready again. She knew how devious the Trust could be, just by recent example. Three days later, and she still couldn't believe that Harvey, of all people, would show up to try and ruin the meeting. She knew how to be a pain in the ass for Cochraine. When Director Vernette's fleet arrived in-system, the Citadel informed her that the Brutes were still accompanying the fleet and now a new set of contacts as well. Cochraine assumed it was the Elites Vernette was trying to recruit. She could imagine how he looked, seeing her one ship without the pirates anywhere in sensor range. She then received the message from the Cloak and Dagger to meet on the Citadel's CIC. Cochraine: "Send an acknowledgement to the Cloak and Dagger. Prep a pelican in hangar bay 1. Commander, the ship is yours." Cochraine walked off of the bridge. Along the way, she was preparing her statements and reports, ensuring everything was 100% accurate. She also had the PDA Silverblur used to upload the Trust information to with her. After several minutes she was on a pelican and en route to the Citadel.

[Naked Crook]

Vernette: So, are you tagging along with me to The Citadel, or, are you going to return to your ship? Barrabus: I have already spoken with Brutus. He knows to meet me at the Citadel. Last I heard, he needed time to debrief his Stalkers before he joins me at the Citadel. Vernette nodded. Vernette: Very well. Vernette shrugged. Vernette: So, how is old Brutus holding up? Brutus: He is still alive. Vernette: I guess that is what matters, hmm? As Vernette said this, he stepped into the Hanger Bay with Barrabus. Barrabus: I would guess so. He has seen more than his share of combat. He knows how to survive. Vernette: I guess so. He has been through quite a bit, if you think about it. Fairly surprising that he is still kicking. Barrabus: Like I said...he knows how to survive. Vernette nodded, as he and Barrabus stepped onto a Vulture. As Vernette stepped aboard, he placed his hand on a small terminal that was mounted to the wall of the passenger bay. Vernette: Begin search of local battle net directory, and isolate targeting signature for The Citadel. Plot a course, and engage auto-pilot. Vernette removed his hand from the small terminal, and simply shrugged. Vernette: Not in the mood for a manual fly today. Ad Vernette said this, the rear hatch of the Vulture began to close, and the engines began to engage. Barrabus: Problems? Vernette: Not really. Nothing more than the Human condition. Time to kill combined with an overactive memory. There are days I find myself thinking about...the past. Vernette shrugged. Vernette: I reviewed Captain Cochraine's report to FLEETCOM earlier today, and, it brought up a nasty memory. Barrabus simply folded his arms. Vernette: She tried to recruit a Spartan by the name of Silverblur, in the same way that we recruited The Elites. Barrabus: I am well aware of who Silverblur is. Vernette: She organized a meeting with the guy, and it ended up beinmg at San Angeles. Barrabus: Ohhh... Vernette: Yeah. Unfortunately, I inadvertently took a trip down memory lane after that. You know how it is. You know how I am. I try and find something to occupy my mind, but, the law of averages says that this time, it was not something I could avoid. Vernette scoffed. Vernette: Most people are overcome with nostalgia when they take a trip down memory lane. I don't know what the hell I was feeling, but, if it was nostalgia, then all I can say is "fuck nostalgia". I don't like it. I don't like memory lane either. It can go to hell for all I care. Vernette grinned, as he began to chuckle. Vernette: Now, I am ranting. Barrabus grunted, as he stroked his goatee with his hand. Barrabus: Well? Was she successful? Vernette: I am not sure. I am heading to The Citadel to debrief her on her mission. I am curious as to how it worked out. Barrabus: It would be nice to have more expendable bodies to throw at The Trust. Vernette: Yes, it would be. Hopefully, she was able to get something for us. Vernette shrugged. Vernette: If not, then we will make due with what we have. We will find a target, and we will move on it. Barrabus: I hope our next target is the Human behind these clones. I would like nothing more than to cook that human over a fire pit, and devour them. Vernette nodded. Vernette: Damien Yates. I would be careful. That family has as much taste as it does morality. Vernette scoffed. Vernette: Like...zero... Barrabus: Doesn't matter. That Human needs to suffer. I plan on making him suffer. Vernette: Don't worry. When we find the bastard, he is all yours. The Vulture began to shake a bit, as it entered the atmosphere. However, the shaking only lasted a moment, as The Vulture quickly penetrated the atmosphere, and began its descent towards The Citadel. Vernette: We are on our final approach to The Citadel. Once we land, we will make our way towards the CIC. I am supposed to be meeting Captain Cochraine at the CIC anyway, so, that works out nicely. Vernette paused. Vernette: In the mean time, you and I can discuss ideas for a possible counter-attack against The Trust. Once we are on the same page as far as that is concerned, we can bring in the other commanders on it, and we can finally bring the fight to The Trust. Barrabus: Sounds like a plan to me. Vernette nodded. As he did, The Vulture shook a bit, as it engaged its landing struts, and landed on the landing pad that was on the roof of Epsilon Wing. As Vernette and Barrabus stepped off the Vulture, they headed towards a rooftop entry way, and proceeded down the steps, entering The Citadel's Epsilon Wing. Without wasting any time, the duo proceeded through the main corridor, and directly towards The CIC. ============================================================= Midnight - Supercontinent of Azazeal - 10 KM north of Federal Heights City - The Citadel: ONI Facility - Epsilon Wing - CIC - 1310 Hours - October 12th 2555 ============================================================= As Vernette and Barrabus stepped into the CIC, the first thing they noticed was the Spartan IVs, clad in black recon armor, armed with nothing less than SAWs, spread throughout the room. The Spartan IVs were motionless, like statues, almost blending into the shadowy corners of the dark grey and sterile walls on the CIC. Barrabus: It seems that ONI wasted no time beefing up security. Vernette: After The Trust's recent attack on The Citadel, it was a necessary step. Vernette and Barrabus walked across the busy CIC, as they continued to speak. Vernette: Those Spartans are actually ONI Agents that have undergone augmentation under the new Spartan Branch. There have only been about 25 volunteers among our Agents, so far, but, we are hoping to bolster that number. For now, we are keeping them here, at The Citadel, to protect our most vital assets. Vernette paused. Vernette: They protect the CIC, The Oversight Hanger that is located under the facility, Gamma WIng... Vernette paused. Vernette: And, of course, the most important thing of all... Vernette and Barrabus stepped into an Office on the far side of the CIC with the words DIRECTOR VERNETTE written on the door. Vernette: The Faraday Cage... As Vernette said this, he sat down behind his desk. Barrabus, on the other hand, remained standing; folding his arms, as he growled. Barrabus: That THING is still here? Vernette: Where else am I going to store Vanguard's remains? Why risk moving it, when hardly anyone knows it is down there! Vernette grinned. Vernette: The safest place to keep Vanguard's remains is buried under the Citadel. Vernette paused. Vernette: Why do you think I continue to hold this position as one of my commands? It is so I can keep an eye on The Faraday Cage.

[Kairu]

Cochraine had arrived minutes before Director Vernette on the Citadel, however, she docked with the main area of the base, rather than a more direct route. While she was under his direct command, she didn't feel any more important than any other captain in ONI. She didn't need any special privilege or treatment. She continued racing her thoughts, periodically stopping and taking a deep breath, essentially 'resetting' her brain's race each time. If time wasn't a factor, she'd have preferred taking the stairs. She loved getting in an exercise where she could, trying to avoid any more extra pounds she's already picked up from being in command. She remembered the last time she was here on the Citadel. It was shortly after the San Angeles Incident for a debriefing with a panel of seven individuals. While she could barely remember their names, she did remember the incredibly harsh, blunt skepticism they demonstrated and giving her a reprimand on her record as a result of the incident. The thought angered in her, but she remembered that she didn't blame them. If she was one of them, on a board of Inquiry dealing with the aftermath of an entire planet being sent into subspace by terrorist elements, she'd be entirely skeptical about the story of Vanguard. Especially when no one friendly actually saw the threat. Her mind continued to think back to those days as she approached the CIC. She noted the Spartans in the room, barely able to tell their existence given the lighting and armor color. She couldn't help but chuckle as how 'typical ONI' it was for something like that. She looked around the CIC, assessing the layout and getting her new bearings. She spotted the office across the way. As she approached, she saw that Director Vernette and Barrabus were inside talking. She felt a knot tie up in her stomach. She couldn't stand having an alien standing in a top secret area with top-notch information and sensitive materials all around, especially the Brutes. They didn't get their name from their grace, after all. She took a deep breath, remembering what Director Vernette asked her. Vernette: I am familiar with your service record Captain. You have an excellent record, I do not dispute that. You have done excellent work in the years that you have been with us, and you are a credit to the uniform. However...your...intolerance...could pose a potential problem for our long term goals. I am not going to order you to like non-humans...but I am going to issue a direct order for you to tread very carefully with your words. Cochraine sighed, doing her best to keep a neutral face in front of Barrabus. She could understand the necessity to play politics and this was one of those times, regardless of her opinion. She stepped near the door and knocked, simply alerting Vernette that she was present in the CIC and was waiting.