[Halo] New! San Angeles RPG

[Naked Crook]

As Tye stood he elevator, he responded to Dark via the comm. Tyber: You heard correctly Spartan. We are in possession of a Trust officer. He is currently under guard, and close supervision. Tye paused. Tyber: As for being on alert...this ship is always on alert. Typically, during a state of conflict, Navy ships tend to be on full alert every minute of the day. Believe me...you don't need to remind me how to keep my staff on alert. After all...I am the head of armed personnel operations on this ship...and I pride myself on running a tight ship. Tye paused. Tyber: Besides...if there is one ship in the navy that The Trust is very careful about engaging...it is The King Raven. This ship has a history of mopping the floor with The Trust. Meanwhile: Aboard The Ulterior Motive, in the holding cells, Anaconda started to come to. He let out a groan, as he shook his head. As Anaconda woke up, The Consultant grinned, as she stood in front of the holding cell, her hands behind her back, staring at Anaconda. Anaconda began to wake up with each passing second. It was not long before he moved his hands, as he pushed himself back to his knees, and then climbed back to his feet. Anaconda looked around, and approached the energy barrier, as he looked down at the Consultant. The Consultant: My, my, my...you are much bigger in person. Anaconda simply stared at The Consultant. The Consultant: You are impressive. Anaconda was taken aback by the praise. He half expected an interrogation or harsh questioning. Anaconda: Is this some sort of new tactic? The Consultant: Tactic? If you are implying that I am trying to deceive you into doing something...the answer would be no. Anaconda gave a groan. The Consultant: Actually...truth be told...I am a huge fan. Anaconda simply looked at The Consultant. The Consultant: I admire you. I consider you to be very unique. In fact...I would prefer to NOT consider you an enemy. Anaconda: Believe me...you would be smart to consider ME an enemy. Anaconda stepped forward, getting closer to the energy barrier. Anaconda: When I look at you...I see my next meal. I do NOT want to be your friend. I want to eat you. The Consultant raised an eyebrow and gave a grin. The Consultant: I love the attitude. You are so...aggressive. So...rugged. The Consultant began to pace back and forth. The Consultant: You know...I would never admit this to anyone...but I envy Nighthawk to a degree. He has something that I want...badly... The Consultant paused. The Consultant: Your loyalty. The Consultant shrugged. The Consultant: I have seen the vids of the two of you in battle. I watched your raid on The Mercury Shipyard. I watched your engagements on Genesis. I have even been observing the two of you - mostly YOU - here, on San Angeles. You are, single handily, the sole reason why The Risk Takers struggle. You are the only thing that actually stands between them, and the completion of their directive. The Consultant paused. The Consultant: You are a very skilled fighter. You give them a run for their money every time. All you have is what nature gave you; your size, your strength, and your tenacity. Nighthawk is just some clown in a fancy suit...but you...every bit of your aggression and your ability flows in your blood...like a fountain of unstoppable rage! Anaconda folded his arms as he listened to The Consultant. He had to admit to himself...he liked the ego stroking. The Consultant: You have so much potential...and it is being squandered where you are now. I could offer you so much more than he ever could. Anaconda: I doubt it. The Consultant: I believe it. Anaconda shook his head. Anaconda: Nighthawk has been a loyal friend. I consider him to be a brother. There is nothing you could ever offer me that would convince me to ever join you. The Consultant: Don't be so sure Anaconda... The Consultant scoffed. The Consultant: What is your name? Anaconda: Anaconda... The Consultant: Your real name? Anaconda was silent. The Consultant: I would prefer to use your real name. Anaconda: I would prefer to use your skull as a cod piece. It is important to protect the potential cubs. The Consultant laughed. Anaconda: That was not intended to be funny. The Consultant: I don;t know...it could be seen as funny to a degree. The Consultant paused. The Consultant: What would it take to convince you to join me...as an equal...as a partner...an ally... Anaconda simply yawned. The Consultant: Name it...anything! Anaconda yawned again. This time, he sat down on the ground, as he sat cross legged on the ground. He hunched forward, and simply glared at The Consultant. The Consultant: Are you just going to sit there, silently, and look at me? Anaconda didn't even move. The Consultant: You know...had it not of been for me...Liam would have kilted you when he brought you down. It was my order to Nova Team that stopped him. I went through a lot of trouble to get you here Anaconda...and I expect some gratitude. Anaconda: You want gratitude? Come in here and ask for it. Lower the barrier...and come right up to my face and ask for it. The Consultant shook her head. The Consultant: I prefer to keep the barrier for now. I wouldn;t want any rash deicison from you now, would I? Anaconda: Suit yourself. The Consultant frowned. The Consultant: I expected the stubborn qualities to surface right away. I had my doubts you would want to hear me out. However...I am not one to give up easily. The Consultant paused. The Consultant: I have my methods Anaconda. One way or the other...I will break that stubborn personality of yours. Believe me...it will not take me long before you will be begging to stand by my side. Anaconda growled. The Consultant: When it is all said and done Anaconda...you and I are going to be very close friends. Anaconda growled again. The Consultant: In the mean time my very large Brute...try not to get hungry. I will be back for you later. The Consultant grinned at Anaconda, as she turned and walked off, Nova Team followed behind her.

[Dark-F137]

"Understood sir. I will be in the armory for resupply and refitting... I will call you if your armorer has a mental breakdown." He said, cutting off comms as he walked into the armory, noticing Fire team Harmony. "ODSTs." He said, saluting.

[Hells Sniper]

Jacob smiled, he still hadn't removed his helmet, but his body language could be seen by all members of Black Team. Jacob: To be honest, I hardly want to know, but I can make a few guesses. Jacob shrugged. Jacob: But I will amuse you...what's the deal? Meanwhile: Harrison's pelican flew through space towards the King Raven. When it was within sight, ARC contacted the King Raven. ARC: This is pelican Alpha-2-Omega, Admiral Harrison on board, requesting docking clearance. Pilot: Roger that, ID confirmed. Welcome aboard, Admiral. Docking bay 9 is open and ready for your arrival. Within a few moments the pelican landed and Harrison stood up. Harrison: Seal the pelican, no one gets in unless it's me. Classify all of my work while I'm gone and keep at the simulations. The pelican began to turn a dark teal color as it began the lock down sequence, Harrison's own design. ARC: Understood, Admiral. Entering lockdown mode. See you shortly. Harrison tipped his hat as he walked off the pelican. Harrison: Always a pleasure, ARC. Harrison walked towards the end of the hangar bay and towards the elevator. Meanwhile: Liam and Savannah had arrived at the armory a few moments ago. The Risk-Takers armory was quite large, with ten areas for MJOLNIR removal. Unfortunately, once the project was officially authorized only seven Spartans were allowed to join it's ranks, so three areas remained dormant. In the center of the room was a large holotable and laying on top of it now was Jessica, still ironclad in her MJOLNIR. Lyle stood over her, using a holographic display to analyze the virus while Desmond sat on top of a crate a few meters away, his MJOLNIR being repaired at his station, he was sharpening his blade. Liam approached the middle of the room while Savannah headed to her station to fix her gear. Liam looked at Jessica, then up at Lyle. Lyle: How are they? Liam: William took a hard hit, Emma not so much. Both will be ready to fight in eight hours. Lyle nodded as he moved a device over the armor and began the unlocking sequence. He didn't respond to Liam's answer to his question, he simply refocused his entire attention on his work and began to speak. Lyle: Technically speaking, the virus wasn't too bad. Comprehensive, yes, but simple enough. I should have a working firewall against it in a few hours. In the meantime. Lyle set down the device he was holding and grabbed Jessica's helmet. There was an audible click that made Desmond look up and then Lyle removed the helmet. Jessica was groaning. Jessica: About damn time, Lyle. Lyle chuckled a bit as the rest of the armor began to unlock piece by piece. Jessica sat up at first, stretching her arms and upper body. Once her legs were free she whipped them over the side towards Liam and jumped up. Jessica: As much as I love being carried by Desmond, he doesn't make good conversation. Desmond scraped the stone against his blade and laughed. Desmond: Yeah, alright Ms. Whispers all the time. Jessica laughed a bit and looked at Liam. She nodded. Jessica: Sir, I'm sorry. I should ha- Liam shook his head and put up his hand. Liam: No apologies needed. Liam looked at Lyle. Liam: Time frame? Lyle moved his head back and forth, shrugging as he pressed a few more buttons. Lyle: Two hours to get a firewall up and running. Hour to install on all our suits. Would help if we had that AI I discussed but... Lyle glanced at Liam, who shook his head. Liam: I am working on it, Lyle. Be patient, we'll get one soon enough. Desmond and Jessica both looked at Liam, while Savannah walked over, finally out of her MJOLNIR. Savannah: So, now what? Liam: We let Lyle do his thing, give Emma and William time to rest and prep for anything. Nighthawk is going to be throwing everything he has at us to get Anaconda back. Desmond: Liam, about Anaconda. Liam nodded. Liam: Black 1 is working on getting his termination authorized by Spender. If that happens, Nighthawk will be looking for revenge and not his buddy. We still need to be prepared. They will come barking up our tree soon enough. Savannah: They? Liam nodded again. Liam: He's going to pull every favor he has to get him back. And to be honest, I think he's racked up quite a list. Concurrently on board the Perilus Avenger. Dangerus had taken Furium to the War Room to await the arrival of Vhat and Xyrho. While they waited, the two talked. Furium: I have failed you, my Chieftain. Dangerus just stood there, his arms crossed as Furium spoke, whose head was down. Furium: You gave me my life here, a chance to lead, enact vengeance on our foes and I failed. It will not happen again. Furium looked up at Dangerus and slammed his fist into his chest plate. Furium: I will not fail you, again. Dangerus slammed his fist into his plate as well and nodded. Dangerus: No, you will not, Chieftain. Dangerus walked towards the holotank in the middle of the room, which contained information about Vanguard that Xyrho had given him. Dangerus: The brutes grow restless while we excavate a deserted city. They want blood. Dangerus stroked his chin. Dangerus: Just as I grow weary of looking at this information, at studying this device to know what it is we are facing. Dangerus turned back to Furium. Dangerus: We will destroy this device, Furium. If it means facing an entire army. We will destroy it. Dangerus turned to the holotank once again and crossed his arms. Dangerus: Have your wounds looked at until the elites return. You are stinking up my war room. Furium placed his fist on his chest and bowed. Furium: My Chieftain. He backed away slowly, until fully turning and leaving the room, heading to get medical treatment.

[Kairu]

Fireteam Harmony casually saluted the Spartan. Harmony: "Sir." They continued to walk at their own pace, none of them really saying a word. They knew they did an acceptable job, but they were all unanimous in their feelings that Hoffman's trouble meant more trouble than it did help. It wasn't until they were outside the King Raven's armory that Arman had a question on her mind. Arman: "What happened to Calhoun?" The rest of Fireteam Harmony was silent and now motionless as Cadieux and Axlon both started to stare at Robertson who was the last one to see him. Arman looked back and join the staring at Robertson. Robertson didn't bother looking up, he merely shifted uncomfortably, the team recognizing their laid-back team member's discomfort as bad news. Arman: "What happened?" Robertson looked up making eye contact with Arman, the guilt was prevalent in his voice. Robertson: "I got carried away. We were raiding a Trust facility and two of their damned ODSTs jumped out from around a corner and shanked him. I managed to kill both ODSTs but not before Calhoun was already bleeding to death on the floor." Cadieux stepped next to Robertson and put her hand on his back. Robertson took his helmet off, secretly relishing in the fresher air. His face was red and his eyes were on the cusp of tearing up. Arman: "I'm sure he wouldn't blame you. Did you complete your objective?" Robertson merely nodded. Arman: "Then I'm sure he would understand that the sacrifice wasn't in vain. Come on, let's get our armor checked, restocked, and ready for the next battle." Fireteam Harmony then walked into the armory. Aboard the Mind's Attrition, Reynolds had returned to his office. He had been listening to Harmony, knowing of their success in capturing Hoffman. He then decided to deliver Yates another message update. Hoffman captured and moved King Raven for further interrogation. Aboard the phantom, Vhat had listened to Xyrho's praise. Vhat: "Thank you, Shipmaster, however, I don't think a strong warrior would allow himself to be disarmed and flee the immediate combat area."

[Dark-F137]

He eventually continued walking, looking for the Armorer. "Where's the Armorer?" He asked anyone who was listening.

[Naked Crook]

Xyrho looked at Vhat, and shook his head. Xyrho: That is not the point Vhat. There are times when there are things more important than your honour, or how much blood you have spilled. Xyrho paused. Xyrho: Do not allow superstition to cloud your judgement. Regardless of how the battle went, and regardless of the events that took place, it culminated in one very important thing... Xyrho paused. Xyrho: Knowledge... Xyrho paused. Xyrho: Knowledge of the enemies, both hidden and visible, is what my true motives for this engagement were. I was, in part, here to stop The Humans, but I was more interested in knowledge. Xyrho paused. Xyrho: And I now have the knowledge of who our enemies TRULY are. In a very critical way...this was a victory for us. It has been the true first step in stopping a threat far greater than The Humans could ever be... Meanwhile: Black 1 looked at Jacob for a moment. Black 1: I assume you are curious about Nova Team? Black 1 paused. Black 1: Nova Team are newcomers. They are fairly new additions to The Trust...but they have quickly risen in the ranks and have become notorious in very short order, simply due to their association with The Consultant. Black 1 paused. Black 1: The Consultant herself, is the head of Division 7 - a branch of The Trust which is primarily responsible for R&D of cutting edge weapon systems. I am not sure if you caught a glimpse of the weapons that Nova Team uses...but those are prime examples of the weapon systems produced by Division 7. On top of producing weapon systems, Division 7 provides a majority of the egg heads and brain power for technical operations undertaken by The Trust. Long story short, anything that requires advanced expertise in a technical field, Division 7 is more than capable of handling. Black 2 interjected. Black 2: Just to throw something out there...We, as in Black Team, were offered positions in Division 7 a while back as The Consultant's right hand men. However, we turned it down. We were more interested in staying with Spender on the front lines, than moving to behind the scenes activity. Needless to say...The Consultant didn't like that decision. Black 1: There is that too. Black 1 looked at Jacob. Black 1: I am sure you have noticed how...commanding The Consultant is? She does not take no for an answer. When we turned her down, she took it as an insult to her "authority"...and went on to create Nova Team...which she has personally and attentively groomed since day 1 to hate our guts. She never really forgave our little act of defiance. Black 1 paused. Black 1: Nova Team is basically a recreation of Black Team, altered to suit The Consultant's personal image. They were conceived as "The Nova Project", developed secretly, behind "The Risk Takers Project" and "Project Hammer". With The Board of Chairmen developing all of these specialized teams, The Consultant was the first person to be, well, consulted, on the development of offensive and defensive systems for The Risk Takers and Hammer. The Consultant was given full access to specifications, parameters, objective requirements, and just about everything that was needed to create the equipment for both The Risk Takers and Hammer Team. As a result of this, she became intricately familiar, in both scope and degree, with both Hammer and The Risk Takers. She basically knew everything there was to know about them in order to fulfill the obligations of her consultation with The Board of Chairmen. As a result...she started to feel empowered, emboldened. She realized that she had everything she needed to create her OWN team of loyal soldiers, ones that answered only to her - hence - the creation of "The Nova Project". Black 1 paused. Black 1: Nova Team underwent the same training as we did, the same testing, the same augmentation, and the same rigors, in addition to other types of training, including training on the use of Covenant technology. However, Nova Team has something we don't, and the rest of The Trust does not; and that is direct access to the latest and greatest equipment...generations ahead of anything the rest of us get. They get the best gear, the best equipment, the best care, and the best logistics. Nova Team is the right and left hand of The Consultant...and the embody her power, her reach, and her aggression. They may be Spartan Is, and they may be new, but they are very dangerous, and they are loyal to The Consultant first, and The Trust second. Black 3 interjected. Black 3: I should point out that another key difference between Black Team and Nova Team is that they were cut from a slightly different cloth right from the get go. Nova Team were not Spartan Is when they were first enlisted by The Consultant. However, they were very highly skilled and talented to begin with. She augmented them herself after the fact to make them even more dangerous. We, on the other hand, were recruited as Spartan Is Black 1: Black 3 is correct. Much like we are, Nova Team consists of Spartan Is - or Orions if you prefer the deprecated name. Black 1 shrugged. Black 1: Suffice to say...Nova Team has a very strong hatred for us. They do everything they can to try and upstage us, and even outright challenge us. They do this because The Consultant tells them to do this. They are fiercely loyal to her, and they will take her side no matter what the situation is. Black 4 then chimed in. Black 4: Like Black 1 said...they may just be Spartan Is, and they may be very new to the mix, but the combination of highly advanced weapons, equipment, and the personal attention of one of the most powerful and influential people in The Trust makes them incredibly dangerous.

[Dark-F137]

"Right here-- Oh damn. Soldier, what happened?" The Armorer asked, motion ng for the SPARTAN to come forward. "Enemy ODSTs with some very strange equipment..." The SPARTAN said. The armorer sighed. "We'll probably have to replace most of the body armor..." He said as Jesse came in, resupplied, then headed to the Medical Bays once again.

[Hells Sniper]

Jacob listened intently to what Black team had to say. The Trust was, to say the least, a very complicated organization. One that not only dealt against the UNSC, and ONI for that matter, on a daily basis, but one that dealt against each other every chance it could. The Nova team Project, Black team Project, and Risk Taker project were ones made for different aspects of the Trust's forces, but projects that ultimately butted heads a lot. The fact that the Consultant was allowed to craft Nova Team specifically for her and to be loyal to only her, sparked Jacob's interest the most. This organization, as bad as it was, had officers and people that others would follow. The exploits of Black team inside the organization were large, and Jacob knew if marines saw them in battle, they would follow them. The same went for the Risk Takers in a way, they had a primary ongoing mission, but they were retasked beforehand. Jacob thought, what would stop the Trust from putting them to greater use? Jacob continued to listen, a thousand ideas and questions rushing through his head. The fact that the Trust was able to simply craft Spartan I's when they pleased discomforted Jacob. For all he knew, it didn't have to be a rare commodity. Hell, if they had augmented so many already, what's to stop them from lining up their whole military force and injecting them? Jacob focused back on Black team as they finished talking. He knew exactly what he wanted to say. Jacob: Well, shit. He spoke bluntly. Jacob: I mean I noticed them going against you guys, and I noticed them being little puppy dogs when speaking to the Consultant, but...shit. Jacob paused. He shrugged. Jacob: That Consultant lady is a bitch though. Like all offense to her, the Trust has been looking at me for a damn long time. I think she needs to get her head out of her own ass. Jacob laughed. Jacob: This team though, it doesn't make any sense to me. Why hasn't Spender tried to get that equipment for you guys, or even the Risk Takers? It seems like both of you guys need it more than Nova. Jacob paused and thought. Jacob: And what is Project Hammer? He looked at Black 1. Jacob: I've only been here for a few days, gotta fill me in here. Meanwhile: Jessica and Desmond were busy working on their weapons and Lyle was still configuring a firewall to block any further attacks. He was now out of his armory and sitting at his work station, typing rapidly at the terminal screen. Savannah and Liam were standing in the middle of the room, on each side of the holotable. Liam had transferred all of the team's video archives to their data server and had begun filtering it out. Liam and Savannah watched Jessica toss Nighthawk down the stairs, only for him to use his jetpack. Savannah: Definitely a new trick, if he has any more and I'm sure he does, that's the first thing we have to check. Liam nodded as they flew past the rest of the fight until Liam stopped it, just as Nighthawk jumped on top of Jessica and shut her armor down. Liam stared at the video. Savannah looked at him. Savannah: You good Lee? Liam smiled, Lee was a nickname Savannah had given him back in training. Very early on, before they were augmented. He nodded, but clearly there was something bothering him. Savannah: I know when somethings up, what is it? Liam took a deep breath. Liam: The brute you faced...the elites Desmond and William went up against. He shook his head as he brought up three video files, each of which showed Xyrho, Vhat, and Furium. Liam pressed a few buttons and the two elites and brute materialized in a 3D holographic form. Liam: This isn't the first time we've run into that elite. He pointed to Xyrho. Savannah: And the brute's armor color...it coincides with this ones. Savannah brought up a video file of their second engagement with the duo. Clear as day, Dangerus was there. She transferred it to a holographic form and placed it next to Furium. Liam leaned on the table. Liam: So we have two brutes and two elites who have fought with Nighthawk and Anaconda. Desmond chimed in. Desmond: Don't forget Cameron, sir and that other Spartan we saw today..uhh what was his name? Jessica talked as she cleaned her weapon. Jessica: He went by Dark after the augmentations a lot. Liam nodded and brought up an image of Cameron while Savannah brought up an image of Dark. Liam sighed. Liam: If we would bet, who'd bet on at least these six coming back? Savannah: Me. Jessica: Me. Desmond: Me. Lyle: Me. Liam nodded. Liam: I figured as much. Liam rubbed his chin and face as he shook his head. Liam: Nighthawk is hurting, we have Anaconda, he's in our hands. Desmond: We could play that to our advantage. Jessica grinned, but Savannah shook her head. Savannah: Not a chance Nighthawk would fall for it. He would never go down. Liam nodded, but then he started smiling. Liam: BUT we can say he's dead. Savannah looked up at him, Jessica stopped cleaning her weapons, Desmond stopped sharpening his blade, and the constant typing noise from Lyle stopped as he turned in his chair. Liam was simply standing there, smiling. Liam: This is going to get real interesting, real fast, Spartans. Meanwhile: Harrison entered the first elevator he could and pressed the number one, riding it up towards the bridge.

[Kairu]

Vhat took a moment to think about what Xyrho said. When he formed his thoughts, he then spoke up. Vhat: "But if I disregard honor and superstition, what's the purpose to living? We follow the Prophets? Are you saying that they are wrong? That we shouldn't always take pride in the enemies we destroy?"

[Naked Crook]

Black 1 shook his head. Black 1: I will say that Spender does have a lot of pull. What he orders, typically goes. He sits right at the top of the pyramid. Spender has, on multiple occasions, directly ordered The Consultant to hand over her best equipment. Sometimes, it takes a few threats...but eventually...she does. However...by the time she does...everything she turns over is a hand-me-down. On top of that...Division 7 doesn't keep anything on the books. They hide EVERYTHING. The Consultant updates us on about 10% of their innovations. The other 90% slide by without so much as a peep. Black 1 paused. Black 1: The Board of Chairmen hates her. They want her dead. However...she is very cunning and very smart. Her people are very loyal to her, and Nova Team enforces her will in her ranks. There is no doubt in the board that if we take her down and kill her...Division 7 will vanish, along with all the R&D...and we run the risk of creating a separate cabal. It would throw our organization into total disarray...fracturing it into two pieces. We simply cannot allow that to happen. Too much is at stake. Besides...we need Division 7 to get Vanguard back in working order. Black 1 paused. Black 1: Our only chance is for someone outside the organization to kill her. For example...if Nighthawk killed her, he would be doing us a much bigger favor than insult. It would be desirable for The Trust if someone like Nighthawk killed her. Black 1 paused. Black 1: From what I have heard...Yates already has someone in mind who is ready to replace The Consultant. Yates is just waiting for The Consultant to die before he puts in the new guy. From what Yates told me...it is someone who he knows to be very dependable...a protegae I would imagine. Black 1 shrugged his shoulders. Black 1: Alas...I am getting sick of talking about Nova Team. You asked about Hammer Team? Black 1 paused. Black 1: Hammer Team is best described as The Trust's Sword of Damocles. Hammer Team is used to kill UNSC and ONI officers that have either learned of the existence of The Trust and REFUSE to join our ranks...or people who have REALLY wronged us and deserve nothing more than a closed casket funeral. Black 1 paused. Black 1: Hammer does good work. They really know how to kill someone and dispose of the evidence so as to avoid further inquest. Hammer basically destroys the truth when it gets out. Black 2 began to laugh. Black 2: Their name is kinda neat however. The thing is...they ALL carry Brute Gravity Hammers for CQC purposes. The damage they are capable of is extreme...that is...when they are looking to do serious damage. Black 3: And...in case you were wondering...they ARE here as well. However...the last time I checked...they were currently in cryo stasis here, on the Ulterior Motive. Black 1 nodded. Black 1: Not sure if we are going to thaw them out though. We may, if the situation calls for it...but for now...we are trying to keep our cards close to our chest. We don't want Nighthawk knowing all of our secrets. Black 4 then nodded. Black 4: With that said...if Nighthawk does show up...he is going to have a hell of a time. Between us, Nova Team, Hammer Team, and The Risk Takers...he is pretty much fucked if he works up the courage to come here. Meanwhile: Xyrho shook his head. Xyrho: I am not saying to disregard anything. I am saying to not let anything cloud your judgement. Even I have my code of honor Vhat...but there are times when I have to look past things, such as honor and superstition, in order to make the right decisions. I know this seems confusing...but you will understand eventually. Xyrho paused. Xyrho: As for our prophets...there are times their ignorance is only surpassed by their arrogance. They are not above criticism as far as I am concerned. Meanwhile: Tye and Cameron both stepped onto the bridge of The King Raven. As soon as they did, Jennifer stood up to greet them. Jennifer: Tye...Cameron...it is good to see you both alive and well. Tyber: As well as can be expected. Jennifer: It must have been hell down there. Cameron: In so few words...yeah...it was. Tyber: Not everything went our way...but...we didn't lose on every front. We defiantly inflicted heavy casualties on The Trust...and we captured Hoffman. Jennifer: The Capture of Hoffman was a huge plus. We should be able to extract a lot of valuable intel from him. Tyber: Took the words right out of my mouth. Tye sighed. Tyber: With that said...what is the current situation with The Apex Building? Jennifer: I have deployed a team of ONI marines after you finished your extraction. They are going to do a final sweep of the building and grab anything of value. This one is off the books...not to be spoke of to the other members of the brass. As far as I am concerned, this is an ONI matter...and it should be kept internal. Cameron: That is a good idea. We might get lucky and recover something valuable. Jennifer: I am hoping to get our hands on some of their gear, to get a good baseline of what we could be dealing with in the future. Jennifer paused. Jennifer: However, for now, we need to focus on the present. There is going to be a lot of shit coming down the pike, and we need to be ready. We have business to attend to, a war to fight, and a Trust operative to interrogate. Tyber: I am guessing we are not doing things in that order? Jennifer: Of course not. Hoffman is first up. Tyber: Regarding Hoffman's interrogation...it is my understanding that we are going to let Nighthawk question him? Jennifer: Yes. Nighthawk is slated to interrogate Hoffman. Tyber: I spoke with Harrison on the matter...and he seems to think that Nighthawk will be able to "get away with more". I tend to agree with Harrison in that respect. Jennifer folded her arms. Jennifer: He does have a point. However...I get the feeling that even Nighthawk had his limits. Cameron: I guess we will find out soon enough.