[Halo] New! San Angeles RPG

[Naked Crook]

Black Team and Nova Team continued to provide cover fire for The Risk Takers as they continued to fall back. Once The Risk Takers had managed to fall back to one of The Vultures, with Anaconda, Black Team gave the order to Nova Team to start falling back. Black 1: Alright Nova Team...fall back! Anubis laughed, as he countermanded the order. Anubis: And leave the four of you holding the line by yourselves!? We might as well let The UNSC push forward! Black 1 scoffed. He could not believe that Nova Team was being this petty at a crucial time. Black 1: I am giving the four of you a direct order to fall back...NOW! Black 1 turned to Anubis, as he grabbed Anubis by the arm, and threw him towards the Vultures. Black 1: Move your asses! That is an ORDER! Black 1 turned and continued firing on The UNSC. Anubis, on the other hand, was furious. He did not like being spoken to in such a manner. He was in his right mind to refuse to follow the order, and instead, hold his position. Anubis was not prepared to just allow Black Team to have the bragging rights of being the last squad out. Anubis: To hell with you Black 1! You think you are so GREAT that ONLY BLACK TEAM can hold the line single handily! Well, guess what old man...Nova Team isn;t going to give you the satisfaction of stroking your egos! Black 1 was totally in shock. He could not believe that Nova Team was letting this become a competition. Black 1: Jesus Christ Anubis...this is NOT a competition! Fall back...NOW! Anubis, and the rest of Nova Team ignored Black 1. Black 1: I am the ranking officer here...and you will do as I say! Nova Team...fall back! Nova Team stood their ground, as they continued the fight against The UNSC. Black 1 was furious that Nova Team was disobeying his direct orders. Black 1: ODST Nova Team...as a senior member of The Board of Chairmen...I am ORDERING YOU TO FALL BACK...NOW! Anubis glared at Black 1. Anubis: We don't take orders from The Board of Chairmen...and we don't take orders from YOU! Black 1 knew that the clcok was ticking, and he had to evac right away. Black 1 came to realize that Nova Team was being totally uncooperative just so they could have their bragging rights. For the good of the mission, and the sake of his people, Black 1 finally conceded, as he ordered Black Team to fall back. Black 1: Black Team...fall back to the Vultures... Black Team, along with Jacob, began to move back towards The Vultures, as NOVA Team reveled in their spotlight. Anubis was singularily impressed with himself, as he managed to get his way. Anubis decided to rub in his personal little victory, as he gave an order to Nova Team. Anubis: Nova Team...provide our cowardly allies with cover as they flee from the rigors of battle! Let's show The Trust how REAL soldiers hold the line! Concurrently: As Xyrho neared the ground floor of The Apex Applied Research building, he responded to Vhat. Xyrho: Vhat...do not engage The Humans. I need you to fall back. Do not engage! Allow the Humans to fight amongst themselves. Assist Furium in moving away from The Humans. Xyrho paused. Xyrho: Move away from the entire combat zone...and find someplace to lay low and await further orders! Xyrho continued to follow behind Nighthawk. He watched as Nighthawk was ready to move outside, but quickly recoiled back inside the building when he came under fire from The Vultures. Nighthawk: Son of a bitch! The anger was very clearly expressed in Nighthawk's voice. He was frustrated that he could not get close to The Phantoms. Xyrho moved into cover next to Nighthawk, as he looked at Nighthawk. Nighthawk eventually looked at Xyrho. Nighthawk: What is it!? Xyrho: Human...I demand answers! Nighthawk: Answers to what!? Xyrho: I am very confused by what is going on Human. I fail to understand why your kind is fighting amongst itself. Nighthawk: If I am not mistaken...Anacnda already explained what The Trust is. You should know this already! Xyrho: I know what "The Trust" is...and I know what it is they are planning to do! What I do not understand is why you are fighting them... Xyrho paused. Xyrho: Why the other Humans are fighting them. Xyrho paused again. Xyrho: What has "The Trust" done to warrant the hostility of your entire species? Nighthawk: That is a very complicated answer! Nighthawk paused. Nighthawk: I will nutshell it for you; The Trust is a cabal. They do not share the goals of the rest of Humanity. They oppose everything the rest of my kind stands for. Their methods, their tactics, and their ideals do not coincide with our laws! They are rouge...answerable to nobody. They are a force unto themselves, and they do not care about the long term survival of Humanity as a whole...but rather...their own survival and their own aspirations. Nighthawk paused. Nighthawk: To draw a comparision...they are like...Covenant heretics, minus the sense of honor, with the full addition of treachery and betrayal. Does that make sense!? Xyrho gave a nod. Xyrho: I believe so.

[Hells Sniper]

Furium heard Xyrho and the comms and looked at Vhat. He held his sides as he was bleeding but waited for Vhat to move first. Furium: I am calling in my phantom...we can return to the Chieftain and discuss this matter at length on his ship. Meanwhile: William and Emma had loaded into the vulture first, followed by Desmond and Jessica and lastly, Liam, Anaconda and Savannah. Savannah continued to shoot from the hatch of the Vulture as Liam prepped Anaconda for movement. He covered some of his wounds and strapped him down in the center of the vulture, while Desmond settled Jessica into a seat and William and Emma settled down as well. Jacob followed Black Team into the Vulture and knelt down next to Savannah, providing cover fire for the rest of Black team and Nova team. Jacob had heard the fighting between the two teams and knew that the hostilities or at least competition aspect between the teams were high. He then heard very loud footsteps behind him as Liam approached the end of the Vulture. Liam: Nova team, we have what we need. Get your asses in the vulture. Liam fired his rifle from his hip with one hand. Liam: Keep in mind these pilots answer to the Risk-Takers, not to you or Black team, now get inside or we're leaving you down here. Liam was obviously upset by the fighting between Black team and Nova team. All he cared about what now was exfilling from the fight and getting his Spartans to safety. He wanted to be away from this facility immediately.

[Dark-F137]

"God DAMN it!" Jesse said, watching the enemy ODSTs fall back. "They're getting away!" The Spartan meanwhile looked at Jesse, tilting his head. "So you'd rather die stopping them rather then both if you living? Doesn't seem like a nice proposition to me."

[Kairu]

Vhat observed Furium and his injuries. As they began fall back and move to a different location, away from the UNSC's general area, Vhat spoke up. His struggle and desire against Brutes was conflicting with Xyrho's orders. He finally decided to follow Xyrho's orders. Vhat: "Would you like assistance? I'm not sure how to help since I'm not one for medicine, but if I can help you, I will... if asked."

[Naked Crook]

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

[Dark-F137]

The SPARTAN was silent, watching the Vultures disappear into the sky. Even then he stared into the point at which they disappeared, unhappy with the turn of events. "Another Class 0... A traitor, no less..." He said quietly. Jesse meanwhile looked around as he stood, holstering his magnum and deactivating his VISR. "Well... What now?"

[Hells Sniper]

Liam shook his head as he gave the orders for the vultures to lift off. Within moments he was checking on his team. Liam: Status? Savannah: Emma and William have major wounds, William is going to lose conciousness any second by the looks of it. Liam looked at William, who was strapped into his seat. He knelt down in front of him and patted his shoulder. William: I'm good, boss. Just need to rest my eyes. Liam removed his helmet and smiled. He nodded and turned back to Savannah, who was busy running a diagnostic on Jessica's armor. Savannah: Jess's armor is locked up...some type of firmware virus by the looks of it. The engineers can bypass it and create a firewall in case Nighthawk tries to pull this again. But that means-- Liam: An upgrade to all of our suits. We'll get Lyle to handle that. He's the tech specialist. Savannah nodded. She stood in front of Liam, with Desmond standing next to them. Savannah glanced at Anaconda. Liam: Don't worry about him. I am going to make a little deal with the Consultant. Or at least try to. If not, I'm sure the Board will love to hear that Anaconda was killed. Desmond and Savannah nodded as they both removed their helmets and set them down. Desmond looked run down, as did Liam, and Savannah noticed it. Savannah: Every chance we have to take him down... Desmond: The Covenant comes in and saves his ass...they must have some type of deal. Liam shook his head. Liam: Don't worry about that, worry about the here and now. We'll go over the mission once everyone is back up to speed, speaking of which. Liam pressed his radio to his ear. Liam: This is Spartan-Z174 called Spartan-Z007, Lyle, do you copy? Lyle: This is Lyle, sir. I copy. Liam: Status? Lyle: Terminal is safe and sound. Been by it's side since it landed, you should see this thing, sir. It's...ahh, fascinating to say the least. Liam chuckled. Liam: Yeah, it's on my to-do list. Spender see you yet? Lyle: He came by before...checked up on it, made sure it was here. Then the engineers and scientists took over. Liam: Roger that, stay with it. Emma and William need medical attention-- Lyle interrupted him. Lyle: Sir, are they okay? Liam: Yes, Lyle, your friends are fine settle down. I do need you to take a look at Jessica's armor though, there was some type of virus installed and I need a firewall up and ready to go within the next few hours. Lyle: Can do, sir. Liam: Good, we're en route to you now. Liam out. Liam removed his hand from his radio and took a deep breath, he rubbed his eyes. Liam: Savannah, get them to the medbay as soon as we land, then go relieve Lyle from his station. Desmond, get Jessica to our armory, Lyle will meet you there. I'll meet with the Consultant and Spender. Jacob, who was in the same vulture as Black team and the Risk-Takers listened to the conversation. He was amazed at how family-orientated Liam was, how protective of his team he had to be. It was a trait he liked in Liam, but he also knew these were his enemies. His true enemies. Jacob shook his head and began to check his equipment, going over how much ammo he had left and looking back at the battle. He laid back in his seat, his helmet still on to hide his facial expressions. How many did you kill, Jacob? He took a deep breath. How many men and women won't be seeing their wives...or husbands...or children again? Jacob thought about his family, his two year old children at home. Little Junior and Heather, his twins, his babies. He thought of his wife, his mom and dad, his brother crossed his mind. Jacob was betraying each and every one of them every second he stayed with the Trust. Damnit, I'm sorry. Jacob's eyes began to swell up with tears, he exhaled his breath and took another deep breath. He shook his head. It had to be worth it, this had to be worth it. He had to find something of value...here and now. He had to. If he didn't, god knows what the UNSC would do to his family. God knows what he would do to the UNSC if they touched them. If he didn't find something now, he'd be lost forever. Meanwhile: Furium brushed away Vhat's assistance. Furium: I will be fine, leave me be. Furium waited for his phantom to land near him. Furium: Tell your Shipmaster to meet myself and the Chieftain on the Perilus Avenger. It's currently over the human city of Carver, glassing whatever life remains there. Furium's phantom landed and he walked to it. Furium: I will see you two there.

[Naked Crook]

ODST Black Team kept silent for the entire ride back to The Ulterior Motive. Black 1 hid his dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs. He was not pleased that The Consultant and Nova Team had shoehorned their way into the fold, and obstructed the work of The Risk Takers. Black 1 was well within his right mind to terminate Anaconda where he lay. There would be no more need for upgrades to The Risk Takers if Nighthawk and Anaconda were out of the picture. However, despite all of this, Black 1 simply contained himself. Part of him hoped that keeping Anaconda alive would backfire on Nova Team hard enough to kill them. The two Vultures eventually made their way back to The Ulterior Motive. Both Vultures docked in Hanger Bay 2, side by side. Once the docking procedures were complete, the rear hatches of The Vultures opened. ODST Black Team stepped out of the Vulture. However, the moment they did, they noticed that The Consultant was already awaiting their arrival in the hanger bay. The Consultant stood tall, her hands behind her back. The look in her eyes was very cold, and very distant. Anyone who took the time to analyze her, would know right off the bat that her mind was racing a mile a minute. This was a woman who only cared about results. She only cared about what she got from an endeavor. She demanded precision, and she had a keen dislike for incompetence. Her very stature screamed intolerance for anything that was less than the best. However, the one thing that always brought life to her posture, a glimmer of humanity to her eye was the sight of Nova Team...her team...her crowing accomplishment...her favorite soldiers...her most loyal friends...her only friends. Black 1 watched the interaction between The Consultant and Nova Team. This was a rare sight. The Consultant: Nova Team...welcome back! Anubis: It is good to be back in your presence ma'am. The Consultant allowed a slight grin to run across her face. The Consultant: I trust your new equipment was to your satisfaction. Anubis: Of course ma'am. The new gear was a welcome addition to our operation. It made things much easier than they already are. The Consultant: I am pleased to hear that. The Consultant paused. She gathered her thoughts, then changed the topic. The Consultant: Where is he? All four members of Nova Team pointed at The Vulture that Black Team and The Risk Takers flew in on. The Consultant then turned towards The Vulture, and began to walk towards it. She walked past ODST Black Team, not even acknowledging them, as she glared at The Risk Takers. Her eyes shifted downwards as she saw Anaconda. A sadistic grin ran across her face, as she turned to Nova Team. The Consultant: Well done Nova Team...well done. Of course...you four are the only ones capable of a feat as great as this... Anubis: It should be noted that we had The Risk Takers carry the creature. I believe such menial work is below Division 7. The Consultant: I completely agree Anubis. I would never dream of asking the four of you to do such...menial, arduous, labor. The Consultant turned again to face Liam. She pointed at him. The Consultant: YOU! Spartan! Pick the Brute up! The Consultant paused. She began to glare at him, as her voice turned ice cold. The Consultant: Pick him up...now... Meanwhile: On the plane'ts surface, just outside The Apex Applied Research Building, Tye looked at Jesse, and gave a prompt answer. Tyber: We call for evac, return to The King Raven, and we plan our next move...whether it be against The Trust or The Covenant. Whoever needs to die more...we go after. Tye paused. Tyber: I hope it is The Trust. I want a round 2. Tye turned away. As he did, he barked a general order to everyone around him. Tyber: Check the fallen! Round up anyone who is wounded, and prep them for evac! Tye then walked off, as he contacted The King Raven. Tyber: King Raven...this is Commander Vernette. Jennifer, do you copy? After a moment, Tye got an answer from Jennifer. Jennifer: Go ahead Tye. What is the situation down there. Tyber: The Trust went into full retreat. However, this was no victory. They dusted off anyone who could be questions, their military personnel went out fighting, their entire computer network was wiped...and... Jennifer: And? Tyber: Between you and I... Tye paused. Tyber: You know that Brute that Nighthawk chums around with? Well, during the evac...The Trust captured him. I spotted them evacing with The Brute. It looked like they brought him down...cause the big guy was not moving. There was stunned silence over the comms for a moment. Jennifer: Does Nighthawk know? Tyber: I am not looking forward to finding out. Either way...this is not going to go down well Ma'am. Tye sighed. Tyber: With everything considered... Tye's voice went down to a whisper. Tyber: I am starting to lose hope here. We are losing on every front...and our victories are too small to matter. Then again...I should be used to this by now... Jennifer: Tye...relax. We are not finished yet. Last time I checked we are still in this. Jennifer paused. Jennifer: Besides...based on my most recent update...Hoffman is all but ours now. Harmony is doing a hell of a job extracting him. Last I checked...their evac had arrived, and they were pulling him out. I am going to get another update from them shortly. Jennifer paused. Jennifer: In the mean time TYe...gather up The UNSC down there...and fall back to your LZ. I will dispatch Pelicans for the wounded and the non-wounded alive. We need to regroup...and we need to have a good discussion about our next move. Tyber: Copy that Jennifer. Vernette out. Tye closed the comm line. He simply sighed. Tye was feeling the pressure...but he was good at hiding it. He knew how to keep himself together.

[Dark-F137]

"Sir, I'll accompany your troops back to the King Raven." The Spartan said, nodding. "I basically just lost everyone that was in my base." Jesse meanwhile sighed, removing his helmet. "Evac's on the way, thank go hd..." He said. A nearby marine nodded. "If only I had a smoke. You know what I'd give for a luxury like that?" The Marine asked, chuckling.

[Hells Sniper]

Liam stepped forward and stood in front of the Consultant. He had heard the rumors concerning her and knew that this would not be easy, considering her condescending tone as well, Liam was in for an argument. Liam turned and looked at his Spartans. They all stood up as he nodded, informing them to leave the area and head about their business. Emma and William walked off with Savannah, while Desmond carried Jessica off the vulture. They all stared at the Consultant as they walked by and Desmond whispered into Liam's ear. Desmond: Good luck, boss. Liam smirked and patted Desmond on the shoulder as he walked by and glared at the Consultant. Before they left, Desmond however gave Jessica to Savannah and stayed back to watch Liam. Jacob also stood up and watched the engagement between Liam and the Consultant. Liam: Pleasure to meet you, too. Liam paused and looked back at Anaconda and then at the Consultant. Liam: That's not how this is going to work. You're boys over there didn't do the work needed to get this guy down, that was us. That was my team. So I want something in exchange for him. Meanwhile: Harrison was on board the Vigorous Inferno, keeping an eye on the post-battle and checking in with many of his units. He was, however, waiting for a status report from Commander Vernette. He hoped he would hear from him soon, he did not like waiting, especially after everything that had happened. He had his doubts about a lot of people.