[Halo] New! San Angeles RPG

[Hells Sniper]

Harrison was busy making his way towards the CAS-battlecruiser when he was contacted by Frost. Harrison had to think before he gave orders. White Water was an important city, and he still had a lot of men down there. Harrison thought, he could not risk losing White Water to the Covenant. Not yet. For now, he would push the Covenant with everything he had. And White Water would be secured for a few minutes more. Harrison: Negative Captain! Maintain optimal defense position over White Water. Defeating this fleet is not going to work conventionally...and I must push towards the command ship. Hold position, await further orders! Harrison out! Harrison turned to the holotable and looked at his battle group. His Valiant-class cruiser, five frigates, three destroyers, and one Marathon cruiser. This group of ships had to push through two CCS-cruisers and onto the commanding ship of the Covenant armada. the CAS-Battle cruiser, The Perilus Avenger. Meanwhile on The Perilus Avenger: Dangerus had been barking orders to his fleet since the battle had began. He was hoping to annihilate the human fleet before they could evacuate the rest of the planet. Dangerus wanted his command to prevail on this planet. Brute Officer: Chieftain! We have ten ships approaching off the starboard bow! Dangerus growled and rolled his neck, grinning. Dangerus: Inform the Triumphant Advance and the Rising Arc to prepare all weapons. Turn us to face the attackers, shields at full power, bring up the plasma torpedoes. Prepare to fire. Dangerus stood towering over the other brutes, watching as the human ships approached his. Brute Officer: We have a ship breaking off, preparing to fire it's main cannon! Dangerus grinned. Dangerus: Fire the energy projector...make an example of that ship! The officer nodded and within a few moments, the energy projector fired, sending a beam of pure energy straight at the UNSC frigate, Taming the Wild. As the beam passed, the ship had been literally split in half down the middle, revealing every nook and cranny the ship had. Dangerus smiled. He nodded. Brute Officer: The humans are firing a volley! Dangerus prepared himself, but nothing happened. The volley was actually intended for Triumphant Advance and the Rising Arc. The UNSC were hoping to rid of the two support ships before focusing all fire on Dangerus' flagship. Dangerus: Break off from the Triumphant Advance and the Rising Arc. Left side, prepare a firing solution for the energy projector. Brute Officer: At once, ship master! Meanwhile on the Vigorous Inferno: Naval Officer: Admiral! The main ship is breaking off! Harrison: It may be preparing another energy beam! Signal all ships to fire at will! Harrison paused and slammed his fists on the holotable. Harrison: I want all ships to fire their deck guns, even their goddamn auto cannons. I want the shields on those ships down! The officer relayed the orders, as the ships began to work overtime, firing archer missiles, deck guns, and their auto cannons to disable the shields of the two CCS-cruisers. Before long however, the CCS-cruisers had fired their plasma torpedoes and tore apart two destroyers and a frigate. Harrison had six ships left. Naval Officer: Shields are down on the two ships Admiral! Multiple hull breaches from rogue missiles! Harrison: All ships fire their MAC guns...Prepare to break off once the ships are disabled! The fleet had received the orders at a moments notice. Every ship that was left had taken aim and fired off their MAC guns and archer missiles, tearing the hulls of the two CCS-cruisers apart. Although the two ships had seen this coming, and not wanting to risk any further damage, one broke off. Three frigates had already unloaded their payload and rendered the ship disabled from the amount of damage it had sustained. Within seconds, the ship had exploded from a system overload. The other however set an intercept course for the battle group. Harrison: Break off! Starboard side! The Vigorous Inferno made a dash to the right, as the battle cruiser sped by. Harrison was lucky, but the two frigates around him weren't. The CCS-cruiser crashed straight into the two frigates, penetrating all three ships hulls and causing catastrophic damage to all ships. The damage was so high that the two frigates immediately exploded from the crash, causing even more damage to the Covenant cruiser. The cruiser erupted into a ball of fire and it's hull flew every which way. Harrison and his bridge crew stumbled from the proximity of the blast. Harrison: Status! Naval Officer: Minor damage to external hull! No leaks...fifteen archer missile pods rendered disabled. Otherwise, we're fine Admiral. Harrison nodded, he smiled. But his smile quickly faded when the CAS-cruiser came up and blasted the second destroyer. He, the Marathon-class Mercury's Moon, the destroyer Lucky Seven, and the final frigate, Out of Time were the only ones left to destroy the CAS-class cruiser. All other ships were engaged in other fighting. Harrison took a deep breath. Harrison: Fire at will! Prepare all MAC guns! Get those shields down!

[Erex]

Sergai: Looks like we are clear for now. Meanwhile Ace: Come one Duece. Duece: Your not carrying a rocket launcher and 5 rockets weighing 20 pounds each.

[Naked Crook]

Meanwhile: Watching the battle from a safe distance, under the protection of Stealth, was The Ulterior Motive. On the bridge of the Ulterior Motive, Director Spender sat in his command chair, watching the confrontation on the Holotable, as if it were some form of entertainment. Spender sat in his chair, having a smoke, as he watched. Spender: Such an interesting tactic employed by Admiral Harrison. Spender turned and looked to his side. He looked at the Officer standing next to him. Spender: What is your..."tactical appraisal"? I am interested in hearing it. The Officer stepped forward. Kolya: Well...for starters...I think I could do better. Admiral Harrison seems to think that by destroying support ships, he can win this battle. However...I don't think Harrison has all of the facts in this engagement. Kolya paused. Kolya: The LACK of formaton in that fleet suggests that this is not a fleet composed of Elites...or at least...not a fleet with Elites in command. The...scattered nature of the ships suggests a more blunt approach. These are Brutes. Harrison is applying tactics reserved for Elites, to a command mindset...which is essentially on the same level as a pack of rabid wolves that are competing for the kill. Spender had to laugh...something he did not do often. Spender: Go on. Kolya: A better approach would of been to avoid a direct confrontation...and go for a more...indirect attack. Spender: Such as? Kolya: Brutes are prone to frustration, aggitation, and they are easily annoyed. Brutes are known to become sloppy...more sloppy...when they are annoyed. Harrison should be exploiting this...but...he isn't. He is not even worth the command he is given. Spender: That is quite the assessment. I must admit...I am always impressed by your insights my friend. Kolya: I am glad I could provide my insights. Spender shrugged. Spender: Do you think we should ASSIST The UNSC? Kolya thought for a moment. He eventually shook his head. Kolya: No...that would be a waste of resources. We are not here to help The UNSC...we are here to serve our own interests... Spender blew smoke out of his nostrils. Spender: Our interests? Surely...OUR...interests would be best served by ensuring the defeat of The Covenant? There was a hint of jest in Spender's voice. Kolya: Are you serious...or are you saying this to get an annoyed rebuttal out of me? Spender shrugged. He took another drag of his cigarette. Kolya: Well...if you really want me to iterate it...The UNSC has one purpose, and that is to distract and damage The Covenant for only a while longer until we can get the necessary pieces of this puzzle into place. The UNSC is here to make the loss of this planet "look good". However...from a more technical perspective, The UNSC is hindering the plan that we have laid out by refusing to leave White Water to its fate. While we are still on-course for a successful completion of our objective...The UNSC is complicating matters. By disallowing Covenant access to UNSC Regional HQ Bravo...they are preventing access to information that we need to fall into Covenant hands. If The Covenant cannot capture Regional HQ Bravo...they will never know to direct their efforts towards our four established Installations. Kolya shrugged. Kolya: It is not like we can tell them what they need to know, however. Doing so would accelerate plans at an unacceptable pace. If The Covenant has all of the relevant information handed to them, they will simply glass the planet, and they will suffer insufficient losses, and they will be too strong for us to deal with alone. Kolya paused. Kolya: As long as The UNSC loses White Water, and The Covenant capture Regional HQ Bravo...we will be on course, with no foreseeable problems. I guess you could say the longer The UNSC holds Regional HQ BRavo, the more damage The Covenant will sustain. However...this is a devfiation from the plan...and this endangers everything. Spender nodded. Spender: As always Kolya...you are spot on with the tactical assessment. Spender paused. Spender: I agree, however. I do not like it when plans are altered and endangered. We have accomplished too much, thus far, to let The UNSC screw this up because the military is far to stubborn. We went through a lot of trouble to lure The Covenant here...and it would be a shame if it was all for not. All those months we spent, carefully leaking information to The Covenant should yield SOME results. Spender stood up. He waked to the front of the bridge. Spender: We need this planet excavated if we are to get what we want. We need knowledge The Covenant possess in order to fully capitalize on what we "have". Spender paused. He turned to face Kolya. he took one final drag of his cigarette. Spender: Doing business, if you could call secretly leaking and directing the enemy "business", is tough work. However...in the end...it is just good business to sacrifice ONE world to solidify OUR dominance. Spender paused. Spender: Just good business...the mantra of my life. Truly...it is an enlightened philosophy.

[Kairu]

While the Mind's Attrition and Reynolds were involved in the space battle, Lauren was in the medbay having reconstruction surgery. The doctor had her sedated so she couldn't feel any pain or ask him questions. While she was under, her sub-concious took over most of the mental processes. Her mind began recollecting the various moments of her life with her and Marcus. The first began when they first met. She was just graduating from her academy. Coincidentally, Reynolds was there visiting an old friend he grew up with, who was also Lauren's primary instructor. From the first time he saw her, Marcus recognized Lauren as a potential candidate for greatness and achievements. With great curiosity, Reynolds inquired about Lauren. Reynolds and the instructor spent some time discussing Lauren and her academics. Eventually, Reynolds had heard enough and he had to soon meet the ensign herself. Reynolds spent a large portion of his last day on leave getting to know Lauren and her future ambitions. In Reynolds' hotel room is when Reynolds began his fall for the woman. Lauren: "In the future, I want to be a fleet admiral. That's what I always dreamed as a kid. And I want the ship I use to be the biggest Human ship ever built. But instead of war, we should make peace with the Covenant, help each other, you know?" Reynolds was taken aback by how young, innocent, and naive Lauren was. In his mind, she had no clue about how cruel, merciless, and uncompromising the Covenant really was. Lauren: "Personally, I can't see why Humans and the Covenant can't just get along. We're all people. We all want something. We should respect their cultures and who they are. Just think about it, a Human-Alien federation working together in the name of peace to explore strange new worlds. Maybe we'll even find new civilizations? When I do get to be a fleet admiral and get the biggest ship, I want to explore with it. Go out and find more aliens and work for a unified future." Reynolds: "What if an alien doesn't want peace? What if they live for the thrill of combat or to harvest us as food? We could even be religious obstacles for some crusade. What then?" Despite his admiration for Lauren's explorative naivity, he needed to bring up the motives of the Covenant. At the very least, he felt Lauren should know what is really out there before she finds out herself. Lauren: "And why would any culture want that? All they would need to do is just ask for help and I am sure the UEG would be willing to help any alien in need for the sake of peace. And to eat us? What species would want that? They'd have to be pretty barbaric and dumb to eat Humans." Reynolds sighed. Reynolds: "You realize I just told you the Covenant's motives, right? From what I've seen first hand, those are the traits of the Covenant. I'm trying to get you to see the real picture. They fight to see us destroyed. They don't want peace." Lauren was unphased at the attempted reality check. Reynolds found it unfortunate since she will be in for a real shock when she is assigned. Lauren: "Then I will be there to negotiate peace with the Covenant. I will see to it that we will no longer be the bad guy in their eyes." Reynolds sighed, shaking his head. Reynolds: "Well you know what they say, 'If you're going to dream, dream big.' I doubt the Covenant will ever agree to peace. All they do is fight. The only way we will have peace is either when one of us are wiped out of the galaxy." Lauren: "I will love to prove you wrong. I'll be there the day I sit down with the highest ranking Covenant members are there and we talk peace and form an alliance versus the Insurrectionists or even a different species." The sun was begining to dip below the horizon and sunset hit Lauren's long brown hair. Although brown wasn't an impressive color, the sunset was hitting her hair just right to make her hair appear red instead. Reynolds smiled at the sudden beauty Lauren had. Lauren stood up, realizing that she needed to return to the academy to get her things in order for her first assignment tomorrow. Lauren: "Look at the time! I'm sorry Commander Reynolds, I am going to have to leave. I still need to pack for tomorrow. Good night!" It was at this point Lauren had left Reynolds and his company without him saying anything back. Cochraine's mind had faded into blackness, waiting for the next memory to appear.

[Naked Crook]

Meanwhile: Jennifer had recieved Harrison's orders. On one hand, she didn't like the fact that she was side-lined. However, she knew that she volunteered for the job of dealing with The Corvette, so she had to live with her decision. Jennifer: Helm...hold position. Our orders are to keep this city secured. Helm Officer: Yes Ma'am...holding position. Jennifer: We might be on guard duty...but we can still contribute to the fight. Signal all ground teams to begin transporting injured soldiers to The King Raven. We can replace the injured with viable personnel. Communications Officer: Right away Ma'am Jennifer turned. She looked back at the holotable. She could see the UNSC Marines in the city below, fighting Covenant contacts. She observed the fighting, but stopped when she noticed something out of place. Jennifer: Does anyone know if we have any active birds in White Water? Jennifer waited for an answer. Operations Officer: We have five Hornet squads...14 Falcons...and 4 Pelicans in action. Jennifer: Check the UNSC Local Battlenet...has ANYONE deployed a Vulture to White Water? There was a pause. Operations Officer: No Ma'am... Jennifer: Then can someone tell me why we have an unidentified Vulture providing ground support? The operations officer shook his head. Operations Officer: Sensors show no Vultures in White Water... Jennifer laughed. Jennifer: No? Well...Satellite imaging begs to differ. I want that Vulture identified now!

[Kairu]

The second memory to be recollected was when Reynolds was promoted to captain. Although they served on different ships, both captains were conveniently in the same fleet, which allowed Lauren and Reynolds to stay close. When Lauren found out about Reynolds' promotion, she asked his commanding officer if she could give the news to Reynolds. Fortunately for her, the CO understood and gave her his pip knowing that they were intimate and that she could do a much better job at breaking the news better than his formal approach. That evening, Lauren had gotten into Reynolds' room while he was on-duty. During that time she set the room to have a romantic, candlelight dinner with his favorite dish, chicken alfredo. She had gotten herself dressed to something very casual and romantic. When Reynolds opened the door to his room, he was instantly surprised at the sight he saw. Lauren was nowhere to be immediately seen. Reynolds noted that the chicken alfredo was prepared for two and a bottle of champagne sat awaiting to be drunk. Lauren had waited a couple minutes and walked out of his bathroom. Reynolds smiled widely with glee. He was curious as to what the special occasion was. Lauren had approached Reynolds, pecking his lips. Reynolds smiled widely again. Reynolds: "Alright, I'll bite, what's all this for?" Lauren kissed him again. Lauren: "Don't worry about that. For now, a hard day of patrolling and defense reports was probably so tiring that you're hungry and tired. So let's eat, have some champagne, and just enjoy the moment." Reynolds smiled, pulling out a chair at the table for Lauren to sit in. When she sat down he slid the chair in and she sat there. Reynolds began to open the champangne bottle, pouring one of the glasses for Lauren. When he finished pouring hers, he poured himself some, then sitting down at the other end of the table. Roughly an hour had passed with merriment, laughs, and some flirting. The food was gone and most of the champagne was gone as well, with the exception of what was left in Lauren's glass. The both of them were also slightly drunk, but fully aware of everything. Reynolds uniform was loosely undone and they were cuddling on his bed. Lauren held what was left of her drink when Reynolds asked his previous question again. Reynolds: "Alright, now are you going to tell me what is going on?" Lauren looked up at her lover. She was now the one smiling widely. Lauren: "Yes, but close your eyes first." Reynolds played along closing his eyes. Lauren wanted to make sure he wasn't peeking so she put her right hand over his eyes, giggling a little. She had leaned as far as she could and reached under one of the pillows on the bed. She had hid his pip and the case it belonged in in one of the pillows on the left side of the bed. When she had ahold of it she pulled it out and adjusted her left hand to hold it. She pulled her right hand off a little bit from Reynolds ' eyes to make sure he wasn't peeking. When she was satisfied theat he wasn't, she removed her hand. Lauren: "Keep them closed for just a little more. I'm almost ready." Reynolds almost opened his eyes until she said not to. So he shut them again, letting the ensign finish her surprise. She had opened the case and turned herself to face Reynolds, as to present the pip as a gift. Lauren: "Okay, now you can open your eyes." Reynolds did and he saw what the big deal was. His jaw dropped in shock. Reynolds: "Wh- what is this?" The man was shocked he couldn't really believe it. He was even partially laughing out loud with disbelief. Lauren: "Well Captain, I had heard that Powell was going to promote you. I had asked him about it, which he confirmed. So I had asked if I could present the news to you instead. He agreed and here we are." Lauren put the pip on Reynolds, still talking. Lauren: "The official announcement is in the morning at 0900. In the mean time, I recommend that the new captain gets some rest for his big day." Lauren's tone was now in a teasing manner. Reynolds knew exactly what she was hinting at. He got up and blew out the candles, only to return to the bed with his lover.

[Naked Crook]

(Continue)

[Kairu]

Lauren soon drifted into her third memory. This one held a the first sense of pain and guilt with her relationship with Reynolds. It is a memory she likes to not mention. It was a number of months after Reynolds' promotion to Captain. Lauren now served as a bridge officer on Reynolds' ship, Mind's Attrition. Lauren had been in medbay all day, having had tests done in that time. She fell very ill and Reynolds had her sent to be examined. It wasn't until Reynolds walked in that the doctor came back with the results. Reynolds and Lauren watched him approach, Reynolds being the first to speak. Lauren was still not feeling well, she just wanted to be better. Reynolds: "Well Doc? What is wrong with her?" The Doctor returned a saddened, depressed look. He seemed like he was resentful of the results. He then looked at Lauren, carefully trying to figure out how to word the results, but felt that being blunt would be the best option. Doctor: "Lieutenant, you're pregnant. I'm sorry, Captain, I did a genetic paternity test. It's your child, Sir." Lauren was still silent. She merely gripped Reynolds' hand, terrified of the news. She was sitting on the bed, and looked up at Reynolds who was standing next to her. He looked at her fearful expression, and then took a deep breath. Doctor: "You know the answer to that. Both of you do. You can keep the child, but due to your condition, I will have you removed from active duty and transferred back to a proper medical facility back on Reach. That way you're close to your family and off the chaos of a starship. The alternative is killing the child now and staying here onboard and resume your duties after a follow-up examination. As a Doctor, I must plead with you to keep the child. You two are both great parents and deserve the bundle of happiness you've conceived. But I leave the choice up to you." The news was a bombshell, but the reality is what they needed to focus on. In the end, it came down upon Lauren. She'd be the one to have to keep the child, conceive it full rerm, give birth and raise the child on her own, or get rid of the child to stay with Reynolds. The room remained fairly quiet, everyone thinking to themselves. It was like that for a few minutes until the doctor spoke up again. Doctor: "You should be fine for the night. I gave you something to alleviate the symptoms. Go back to your cabin and lay down and rest. Discuss the decision. I'll give you two a couple days, but any longer, and your condition may worsen. Come back if they do before then." The Doctor left the two alone and went back to his office. Reynolds helped Lauren down from the bed and back to his cabin. He decided his over hers for the privacy and room, including the company. Whether he liked it or not, it was now a real issue they must deal with. When they returned to Reynolds' room, he helped Lauren into bed. She layed there. She was still. Inside, she thought she could feel the child inside her, despite how early it was. She just stared into the distance, the shock being the barrier keeping her away from the reality. Reynolds climbed into the bed behind her. He wrapped his arm around her abdomen, Lauren quickly siezing his hand again. She continued to stare in shock. Her mind in crisis mode trying to think of all of the options. Eventually, her subconcious threw her mind into a state of rest as she slept through most of the night. Later into the next day, Lauren was doing ok. It was the first time her symptoms had eased. She got herself up. She quickly located Reynolds in his bathroom where he was shaving before his shift. Lauren approached behind, embacing him. She rested her head on his back, her hands holdng his chest. Lauren: "I don't want it, I can't have it. It has been my dream to be fleet admiral. I won't let an... an accident, stop me from that!" Lauren's voice had escalated. It started out calm, but very quickly escalated into anger. Reynolds was shocked by what he was hearing. He was certain she'd keep it. He spent most of his morning accepting the idea and even supported it. Reynolds: "Lauren, you can't be serious! This child is a gift to us from the universe for our love. We can have this child and when he is old enough, you can rejoin the Navy." Lauren: "No! I don't want to take a break from my career. I want to stay here with you. I don't want to leave! Plus you need me on the Bridge! I couldn't handle losing you when I'm on Reach raising our child. I need to be there for you. I need you!" Lauren began to cry, still embracing Reynolds. Reynolds stopped shaving to return the embrace. Reynolds: "Lauren, I want this child, and in time, I am sure you will be glad to have it too. In the mean time, I need to finish shaving and get to the bridge." Lauren released her embrace. She stood there trying to let Reynolds' words sink in. After several minutes, they both left the bathroom. Reynolds was just about to leave for his duty shift when he stopped to say good-bye to Lauren. Reynolds: "Look, Lauren, I will be done on the bridge at 2100 hours. When I get back, we can talk more about this. Okay?" Reynolds brought her in for one more embrace before leaving. Lauren: "O- Okay. Yeah. Sure." Her voice was muffled from the embrace, but Reynolds had heard it clear enough to let her go. He pecked her lips. Reynolds: "I love you." Lauren stood there sad and depressed. Reynolds accepted that as the best she could do. He then left the room and went back to the bridge. Lauren had spent most of the day thinking more. Her opinion unswayed. She truly didn't want her child. She felt bad, but she didn't want to lose everything she worked for to be in vain. It was when she finally decided she was going to do something. Lauren worked her way to the medbay where she was greeted by the Doctor. The Doctor, normally would be cheery to see Lauren, but her return meant either she had made up her mind, or her condition worsened. The Doctor helped Lauren to a bed. When she was laying there, she finally said why she came. Lauren: "I made up my mind. I don't want the child. Please remove it, Doctor." The Doctor was horrified at what he heard. He never would have suspected Lauren to say that she didn't want to help a life. Doctor: "Ok... ok! Does the Captain know?" The Doctor was still astounded, but was also suspicious that she may not have let Reynolds know. Lauren: "Yes. We talked about it last night and agreed that it would be best for the crew and my career to not have this baby." The Doctor was still hesitant, but he couldn't deny Lauren her choice andd freedom to decide. Doctor: "Very well, Lieutenant, I will prep for the surgery right away." Lauren's mind went black, presumably because of the surgery. It seemed like an eternity, but her mind soon picked up where it would normally resume. She was back in Reynolds room. He had helped her out of the medbay and back there. Lauren was weak from the surgery, but her symptoms had subsided. She was back in the part of the bed, staring at the wall. Reynolds, on the other hand, was at the table. He was doing his best to keep his anger at bay. Reynolds: "Why? Why did you do it?" Lauren turned her head and looked at Reynolds. Lauren: "I did it because I didn't want a child. Besides I did this for us, Marcus." Reynolds: "Us? You mean you! There was no us in that decision! Dammit Lauren! I wanted us to have a child!" Lauren: "What you think it was an easy decision to make? I just killed a child! A Human being who didn't even know they were alive! And you think I made the decision lightly?" Reynolds: "Why do you think I wanted the child? I couldn't live with condemning an innocent child! We could have gave it up to a more suitable family!" Lauren was done with the argument. She didn't want to be in the same room, being yelled at for a choice she believed she had no choice to choose differently. She got out of the bed and stormed out of Reynolds' room back to her cabin. On her way back, he mind had raced and began doubting itself if she had made the right decision. When she arrived back to her room, she fell on the bed and cried. She cried her eyes out. Soon after Lauren's mind went black again

[Hells Sniper]

Meanwhile on the surface of San Angeles: Jacob had been charging the area for what seemed like eternity. But finally, out of the destruction of buildings, burning cars, and corpses, Jacob saw a bastion. Regional HQ Bravo. Just another few hundred meters ahead. Jacob: We're almost there men! Keep pushing! Jacob would fire off his assault rifle every few steps, just a short burst, to keep Covenant at bay, but to mostly inform the men that their Captain was still alive and pushing. Jacob knew, that through the city, the fire, the burning of buildings, and the assault of the Corvette, he had lost a good amount of men. Six hundred began the day with him at the Bentz...and he doubted that even 200 had survived this hell of a nightmare. And if they survived, they surely weren't following him. They were caught...engaged in fire, engaged somewhere, where they would be buried underneath the rubble with the rest of this city. But Jacob and the others would keep pushing, they would keep going. They would avenge those fallen. Jacob was the closest to the door when he turned and began to shoot wildly into the air. Hoping to draw more attention to himself than his fellow brothers in arms. That's when Jacob heard a crack of life come to his radio. Vistan: Captain! *shooting* It's Private Vistan! Jacob continued to shoot and put his hand up to his hear, and simultaneously counted heads coming into the HQ. Jacob: Private! Where the hell are you and Jameson!? Vistan: Jameson got hit sir! We're both trapped inside a damaged building! There are elites everywhere. Jacob knew what he had to do, the marines were too young to die in vain. He linked his HUD up with their IFFs and began to run towards them, taking cover in between buildings. Vistan: Captain, they're everywhere...and we're...we're low on ammo. Jacob kept running, but he kept talking. Jacob: Just conserve it Private...I'm almost there, hold on! Jacob could hear a few screams, and then some more shots fired. There was a pause. Jacob: Nicholas! Talk to me! Vistan: The elites...they just got two marines outside. They're coming in...Captain. Jacob kept running. He had to get there. Jacob then heard some ruffaging, and then sobbing. Jacob: Vistan, listen! Nicholas, I'm coming! Just stay with me! There was some more sobbing, Jacob could hear the faint sound of an energy sword being turned on. Vistan: Captain, they're already here.... Vistan took in a deep breath, it was obvious he was scared, crying. You could hear sobbing next to him, presumably Jamesons. That's when he cut into the radio. Jameson: Captain....*deep breath* It's what we both want...we know...*sniffle* we know what we signed up for. Jacob stopped, he hid behind cover and simply listened to the two marines. Vistan: Our families are gone now...we can go join them. Jacob: Nicholas....Albert....you can serve them, avenge them! There was another sob, and some coughing. And then a crash, the elites were breaking into the room they were in. Jameson: No Captain....this is our fate. Jacob could hear the two marines take a deep breath, and both lost it. Vistan: We both have family...on Earth, can you... Vistan was interrupted by a loud elite. He was yelling in Sangheli, but Jacob's translated managed to get most of the words. Elite Major: I have found the filth! They cower beneath their buildings...cower beneath what they thought could keep you safe! Not today humans....today you die. Jacob just listened, his eyes widened, his heart pumping, he couldn't help the marines if he wanted to. They were more than a hundred meters away. Vistan: Captain...find our families, tell them we fought ---- Jacob heard a scream, the energy sword piercing Vistan's body. An agonizing feeling that would last, that would burn if the elite was not merciful. And from the sounds Vistan was yelling, this elite was not. Jameson sobbed, he spoke a few final words into the radio. Jameson: Brave...and that we love them! A second scream, the elite had moved on to Jameson. Pulling the same stunt he had before, torturing them before they died. Jacob felt a tear fall from his cheek. Jacob: You two...will be avenged. Jacob sat in the rubble for a few moments, feeling the tears roll down his face. He had seen it and heard it a dozen times. But something....he thought it would be different. He thought he could save the lives...like he did on Genesis. But...that wouldn't happen, not here. Suddenly an explosion awoke Jacob, he shook his head, he had to get the two marines out of his mind. Jacob sat upwards and ran back towards the Regional HQ. Jacob: UNSC forces, HQ Bravo is shutting it's doors in three minutes! If you're not with us, you better hope to God you dug in well! Once we regroup, radio contact will be re-established! Jacob ran towards the security doors of the HQ and rolled inside. Ten Minutes Prior, Above San Angeles: Harrison had his ships turn to face the CAS-class battlecruiser. Harrison: All ships open fire! All four ships opened fire on the battle-cruiser, which had by now lined up another shot and fired it's energy projector. The Destroyer to the starboard side of the Vigorous Inferno, erupted into well, an inferno. The debris hit the sides and Harrison's deck officer immediately rallied off a list of damages. Officer: Minor hull breach on deck 12! Sealed! Four archer pods disabled. Three auto cannons destroyed! Harrison cursed under his breath. Harrison: Fire all even numbered archer missile pods, coordinate fire with the two other ships. Once those shields buckle, fire the two MACs from the others, and then fire ours! Harrison had to turn his attention to the naval battle as a whole. Even if he was fairing okay, the rest of the fleet would be a different story. Harrison noted that at least seven Covenant ships had been destroyed. However, a large majority of Harrison's force was already under extreme duress, or destroyed. He counted and the ship recorded forty-four ships already destroyed. With six extremely damaged. Harrison shook his head. Harrison: We won't last...not here, not now. Harrison slammed his fist down. He noted that a tactical retreat must take place within fifteen minutes or he would lose his fleet. He also noted that the Mind's Attribution was currently near the King Raven's position. Harrison wanted to make sure everyone got out. That's when his ship rocked. Harrison: Status! What hit us! Officer: Plasma torpedo hit our starboard side. Just missed catastrophic failure Admiral! Internal breaches on multiple decks! Sealing as fast as possible. Nineteen archer missile pods down, and our MAC cannon is offline! The Out of Time is also severely damaged, and losing power each second. Harrison shook his head, he touched the fleet-wide comm button. Harrison: All ships! Retreat! I repeat, retreat! Section Bravo-Four-Niner-Sierra-Nova! Outskirts of the system, all engines all full power! Full Retreat! Harrison turned to his weapons officer. Harrison: Start flooding that cruiser with everything we have! I want to get the--- The ship rocked from an explosion. Officer: Out of Time is gone Admiral! Harrison cursed under his breath and pointed at his helmsman. Harrison: Full power to engines! Bring us towards the King Raven. And someone get me a line with Captain Reynold's and Captain Frost! The communications officer nodded as the Naval fleet began to go into full retreat. The officer immediately set a Priority Zero Clearance message to Captain Reynold's and Captain Frost.

[Kairu]

Comm Officer: "Captain, a Priority Zero comm request is being sent to you from Admiral Harrison. Opening the channel now." Reynolds waited for the noise to acknowledge the open line. Reynolds: "Reynolds here, Admiral. Standing by for orders."