[Halo] New! Halo RPG Pt. 11

[Kairu]

Cochraine nodded. Cochraine: "Yes Sir. I should have no trouble with it. I've heard his voice more than once, although, I would likely include a variance of the original voices to account for time and experience." Sat still looking at each of the four profiles on the wall. None of them looked familiar since Silverblur never took off his helmet in front of her. However, the Spartans she was looking at definitely looked aggressive and dangerous, more so than normal. She read the names silently to herself; James Ardson, Michael Kennedy, Brendon Callahan, and Quinton Machesky. None of them were familiar to her. Cochraine then closed her eyes and looked down so she could solely focus on the voices that were about to be played. Cochraine: "I'm ready when you are, Director."

[Naked Crook]

Vernette looked at Cochraine, as he played the first voice sample: Vernette: The voice samples will involve their full names, followed by a series of words, that were selected at random, their current operational status and current location. All of this was done to normalize their EKG levels, in preparation for their evals, but, we will be able to get a good baseline for voice recognition. I will play each voice sample three times. The first is their actual voice. The second is their voice, as it would sound through the MJOLNIR's helmet voice processor, and the third will be an extrapolation of the second sample, adjusted to a 30 year age progression. Vernette paused. Vernette: The first voice sample is from James Ardson. Listen carefully. Vernette played the first voice sample. James Ardson: Name...James Ardson. EKG equalization test...trite, fallacious, consider, replace, bottle, blue, quicksand, unfasten, wreck, fixed, inexpensive, pine. Current operational status...active. Current location...ONI Omicron Site... Vernette paused, as he replayed the audio, as it would sound through a Spartan's MJOLNIR voice modulator. He then played the audio for a third time, so as to simulate a 30 year age progression. He waited a moment, and allowed Cochraine the chance to think, before he continued. Vernette: Here comes the next one. Michael Kennedy: Name...Michael Kennedy. EKG equalization test...meek, cloudy, star, country, rabbit, close, drawer, spiders, bulb, stocking, border, receive. Current operational status...active. Current location...ONI Omicron Site... As with the first sample, Vernette played it a second time with the MJOLNIR voice modulator filter, and a third time with a 30 year age progression. Like the first time, Vernette waited a moment, before he continued. Vernette: Here is the third one... Brendon Callahan: Name...Brendon Callahan. EKG equalization test...tramp, surround, record, spot, writing, puzzling, flaky, paltry, shape, purring, nose, scientific. Current operational status...active. Current location...ONI Omicron Site... As he had done with the previous two, Vernette followed the same procedure. Vernette: Finally...number four... Quinton Machesky: Name...Quinton Machesky. EKG equalization test...point, dispensable, zesty, bucket, kindly, voracious, hate, puzzling, flagrant, proud, ambiguous, talk. Current operational status...active. Current location...ONI Omicron Site... Vernette followed the same procedure, as he had done the previous three. When it had finally finished, he looked at Cochraine, and waited a moment before he spoke up. Vernette: Well, Captain? Anything?

[Orcaid123]

Midnight System --- Cloak And Dagger's Hanger -- Operator: Commander! We're ready and cleared for departure, we'll leave at your command! The entourage of Operators began to board each Phantom, but Rah'jesh remained outside and approached Xyrho. Rah'jesh: Shipmaster Xyrho...A word before you depart. As the last of the Operatives boarded the Phantom, Rah'jesh continued. Rah'jesh: If you do not mind me asking, but what will you tell the Council? I somehow doubt that they will approve of allying with Brutes, as they were one of the main instruments against us during the Schism.

[Kairu]

Cochraine listened to all the samples and the only ones that sounded like Silverblur were Michael Kennedy and Quinton Machesky. The third sampling showed that they both had lower, almost threatening voices. Cochraine also noted how there seemed to be an underlying tone of neutrality and danger. She asked for those two samples to be replayed and they were. She focused on them as best as she could. Then she figured out which one. Cochraine: "It's Michael Kennedy, he's Silverblur. The voices are similar with the exception that Silverblur's actual voice is more grizzled. He has a very authoritative voice." Cochraine looked at the profile's image from decades prior. She was examining it very carefully, noting all of the features. She finally knew what the man under the helmet looked like and his proper name. When she met him again, she would have the advantage for once. Cochraine: "I'm certain that's him, Director. Now that he's identified, what do we do with it?"

[Naked Crook]

============================================================= Midnight - Supercontinent of Azazeal - 10 KM north of Federal Heights City - The Citadel: ONI Facility - Epsilon Wing - CIC - 1325 Hours - October 12th 2555 ============================================================= Vernette grinned. Vernette: Now we play the game. Vernette paused. Vernette: You said Silverblur, Rather, Michael Kennedy, had a fondness for Marcus Reynolds. Why? What made Reynolds so special? What was it about Reynolds that Mr. Kennedy was so fascinated about? Vernette sighed. Vernette: I realize I may be prodding at a delicate subject, but, I need you to answer this question. I need to know. ============================================================= Midnight System – Geosynchronous Orbit over the Planet of Midnight – Cloak and Dagger – Hanger Bay 1 - 1325 Hours - October 12th 2555 ============================================================= Xyrho looked at Rah'jesh, as his Spec-Ops commander asked his question. Xyrho: The Council? Xyrho paused. Xyrho: I doubt that they will approve of this alliance. Xyrho paused. Xyrho: I will not dispute the fact that The Brutes were the instrument of our betrayal, yes. The schism was a dark time, and it has left a very deep wound. There is much anger between our two sides. Xyrho paused again, as he turned away. Xyrho waited a moment, remaining silent, before reaching to his side, and drawing his energy blade. He then turned to Rah'jesh, and glared at him. Xyrho: But, I must stop and consider your words, as they intrigue me. If the Council does not approve of this alliance, because The Brutes were the instrument of our betrayal, then I say that the Council is comprised of fools! Yes, the Brutes were the instrument of our betrayal in the same way that my energy blade is my instrument. The Prophets wielded The Brutes in the same way that I wield my blade. Xyrho raised his blade, and held it near Rah'jesh's neck. Xyrho: If I strike you down, right here, right now...on the floor of this Human vessel...in the sight of your Spec-Ops...who is it that killed you? Was it me, or was it the blade? Xyrho paused. Xyrho: Who betrayed you? Was it me, or the blade? Xyrho paused. Xyrho: Who is to blame? Me, or the blade? Xyrho scoffed, as he held the blade to Rah'jesh neck. Xyrho: It was not long ago that both you and I were instruments of The Prophets. Your blade, your weapons, your skill, and your zeal were merely an extension of the Prophet's will. How many Humans died because they were thrust upon the tip of your blade, or, subjected to the force of your Carbine's slug? Who is to blame for the countless deaths? Is it you, the instrument, or The Prophets, the betrayers? Xyrho waited, as he held the blade to Rah'jesh's neck. Xyrho: I await your response...Commander...

[Orcaid123]

As the Energy Sword ignited, several of the Operatives, with their weapons raised stood at the ramp from the Phantom. Rah'jesh put up a hand against them, a gesture to stand down while Xyrho had his speech. Rah'jesh: The blame is upon all of the alternatives; On the Prophets whom orchestrated this, and their instruments. We were used, as were the Brutes, but the blame is not only on the Prophets, but on us for allowing them to control us at their whip. Rah'jesh straightened his back, glaring at Xyrho. Rah'jesh: And now it is my, our duty for such to never occur again -- And by bringing down The Trust, I will achieve our goal. He paused, seeing that his answer had been given. Rah'jesh: What will you do? As he said this, he gestured for Xyrho to enter the Phantom.

[Naked Crook]

Xyrho glared at Rah'jesh for a moment, before lowering his blade. Xyrho: I am not going to kill you, if that is what you are asking. Xyrho paused. Xyrho: It was never my intent. Xyrho retracted his blade, as he placed it back at his side. Xyrho: You are correct, though. WHen you say that we were used, in the same way The Brutes were. We were lied to, and we were deceived. Xyrho paused. Xyrho: Our crimes are no different than those of The Brutes. We are no more innocent than they are. Our actions during the war, and during the Schism were no more, or less, abhorrent than theirs. They killed us, and we killed them. One is no worse than the other. Xyrho scoffed. Xyrho: There is no honor in letting our hatred for the Brutes fester like an open wound. There is no wisdom in allowing that festering wound to determine our future. If the Council is too cowardly to accept this, then they need not know what I am doing here, today.

[Orcaid123]

Rah'jesh clicked his mandibles, letting out a slight grunt. He'd continue by turning his back on him, making his way to the Phantom. Rah'jesh: We lost our Honour long ago, Shipmaster Xyrho. Long ago. As Rah'jesh and eventually Xyrho would board the Phantoms, they would soon be on their way to the newly arrived Covenant Ships.

[Kairu]

Cochraine felt a little uneasy by the question for two reasons. The first being that she didn't truly know the answer and the second was because of how close her and Reynolds were. She took a moment to speculate and theorize, but that would be the best it could be. Cochraine: "Truthfully, Sir, I don't know. I can guess and make deductions, but what fondness he had was never audibly shown. It was just a cordial demeanor. It could be any number of reasons. He too had a history with the Trust and that was a common root for both of them. He may have viewed Captain Reynolds as a tool. Using any persuasion he could have had against the Trust and beat them from within." Took a moment to breath and continue thinking. Cochraine: "It's possible it could be because of me. Whether he has an infatuation with me or it's something tangible like my history or skill. Some officers view newer ones as a metaphorical blank canvas. At the time I was still impressionable. He may have felt that I could be persuaded or even impressed upon with certain skills or way of thinking." "It could be a simple jealousy that he masks behind a facade of joy or neutrality. Alternatively it could just be out of amusement based on something superficial. I truly do not know. However, I would speculate that I'm special and the root. In some capacity he wants or needs me in some way."

[Naked Crook]

Vernette thought for a moment before he sighed. Vernette: Well, that defiantly complicates matters. Vernette paused, as he looked at Cochraine. Vernette: But, this may also present an opportunity. I think it is clear that you are, in some way, connected to a weakness or a vulnerability that we can exploit. If what you say has any merit, then I think you may be the person best suited to get through to Silverblur. You can get close to him. Vernette paused. Vernette: Which is why I am sending you after him once again, but, this time, the goal will not be to recruit him, but rather, to capture him. That being said, your orders are simple, Captain; find Silverblur, capture him, and bring him back here, to Midnight. Bring him back to me. I think I need to have a word with him, leader to leader. I need to make our position clear, and I need to give him a serious ultimatum. Vernette paused. Vernette: I don't think Silverblur fully appreciates how much his ass depends on ONI winning its conflict with The Trust. ONI has been rather cordial to these pirates, and we have not gone out of our way to cause problems for them to an excessive degree. On the other hand, we have it on good authority that The Trust would just as quickly kill him, as they would us. I think Silverblur needs to realize that he is far better off with ONI than The Trust. Silverblur needs to realize that our survival is his survival. Without ONI, The Trust would hunt him down and kill him. Vernette paused. Vernette: It is going to be made clear to him that if he refuses to ally with us against The Trust, he will be considered a hostile force. All evidence already suggests that he will eventually become a threat, and if he is unable to show any serious good-faith in our fight against The Trust, then ONI will have no choice but to deal with that threat. However, if he can prove to be useful to ONI, and provide us with a significant contribution in our fight against The Trust, if only to ensure his own survival, then he will have my word that he will be left alone, provided he stays out our way. Vernette paused for a moment, as he turned to look at the terminal on his desk. He was silent for a moment, as he typed on the keyboard in front of him. After Vernette had stopped typing, he turned back to Cochraine. Vernette: For the duration of this mission, I am granting you full access to Michael Kennedy's full biographical profile. In it, you will have access to EVERYTHING about him, and I mean everything. This information is typically highly classified, and only accessible by a few people, as it contains a nearly complete documentation on the full life of a Spartan subject, including pre and post augmented life. The forgotten memories of a six year old child tend to be very fragile, and Spartans are not the most grounded people. This information will prove useful. Vernette paused. Vernette: Understand that all options are on the table for this mission. You have my full authorization to do whatever is necessary to capture Silverblur and get out of there alive. However, be advised that if you are able to capture Silverblur, but, you are unable to extract him...you have my full authorization to terminate him. I will accept that outcome as a consolation prize. Vernette paused. Vernette: That being said, I have access to equipment that will prove absolutely essential in capturing and subduing Silverblur. You can say that, over the years, I have refined my methods for dealing with super soldiers. ============================================================= Midnight System – Geosynchronous Orbit over the Planet of Midnight – Cloak and Dagger – Hanger Bay 1 - 1325 Hours - October 12th 2555 ============================================================= Xyrho, along with Rah'jesh and several other Sangheili were aboard the Phantom, as it prepared for its departure. As the Phantom left the Cloak and Dagger hanger bay, Xyrho looked at Rah'jesh, and began to speak. Xyrho: I will be heading to the surface of this world to meet with the Human leader; this...Director Vernette and The Chieftain of the Brutes. I have been told that I am permitted to bring an entourage. If you wish to join me, you are free to do so. However, if you wish to return to your ship, you are also free to do so. I am not opposed to meeting with the other commanders alone.