[Halo] New! San Angeles RPG

[Naked Crook]

Nighthawk nodded at Harrison, as he watched Harrison walk off. Nighthawk: Hmm... Nighthawk shrugged, as he proceeded to walk into the interrogation room. As he walked in, Hoffman looked up from the desk, and glared at Nighthawk. Hoffman was surprised to see Nighthawk here, but he was not swayed by what he saw. Hoffman: The UNSC is more desperate than I thought. They sent YOU in here? Hoffman paused. Hoffman: If you are here to intimiate me Nighthawk...it is not going to work. Let me be frank...you are not THAT intimidating. You come off as intimidating because you always had The Brute with you. Yet...here you stand...alone...without The Brute by your side, enforcing your talk. Nighthawk scoffed. Nighthawk: Yeah...I do miss him in situations like these. Hoffman: It just goes to show how ineffective you are. Hoffman paused. Hoffman: Enough with the chit chat. I guess you are here to "question" me? Nighthawk: Nope. I am not here to question you. Admiral Harrison and Commander Vernette already tried to question you. They failed miserably. You are just not interested in talking...and I have to accept that. Hoffman was confused. Hoffman: So then...what exactly are you doing here? Nighthawk: I am here to..."take"...the information I want, from you. Hoffman: Take? Nighthawk: Yes...take. Hoffman began to laugh. Hoffman: And...how are you going to do that? Nighthawk: Well...that is a good question because it has a complex answer. There is no one step solution to it...but...it sorta goes like this... Nighthawk walked towards the tables, as he grabbed it and flipped it to the side, leaving Hoffman sitting in his chair. Nighthawk then reached around, grabbed Hoffman by the scruff of his neck, using only his right hand, as he pulled him from his seat. Nighthawk: Let's take a walk Hoffman... Nighthawk swung Hoffman around, still holding onto the scruff of his neck, as he pushed him forward towards the door. Hoffman: Where are you taking me!? Nighthawk: Shut your mouth and keep walking! In the observation room, Burke spoke up as soon as he saw Nighthawk grab Hoffman, and push him out of the door to the Interrogation room. Burke: He is taking Hoffman! Where is he taking Hoffman!? Jennifer winced her eyes, as she was trying to figure out Nighthawk's angle. Jennifer: Follow Nighthawk...but do not interfere! I think Nighthawk has an angle...give him his space! Meanwhile: Xyrho watched as Dangerus circled around Vhat. He was curious as to what was going on, but as soon as Dangerus spoke, it became quite clear as to what was going on. Xyrho: Fleetmaster...either you are in a very good mood, and you are an expert at hiding it, or you are thinking the same thing I am... Xyrho paused. Xyrho: You are thinking of telling him the truth about Vanguard; the truth of what it is and why it must be stopped. Xyrho paused. Xyrho: Am I correct? Meanwhile: Black 1 began to laugh. Black 1: It is a lot to take in Jacob. The Trust is a very complex organization. We have spread very far in the past 30 years...further than we had in any previous century. Black 1 paused. Black 1: It might seem strange to put a Trust Operative at the head of a Church...but...it has its merits. Believe me...it has proven useful to us. Black 1 shrugged. Black 1: If you are exhausted...you might as well hit the barracks...find an open bunk...and fall down until we ca organize you something more...private. Black 1 paused as the elevator came to a stop. Black 1: The boys and I are going to grab a drink at the lounge. If you change your mind, feel free to join us. Otherwise...get some rest. All four members of Black Team stepped off the elevator. Black 1: You did good today Jacob. I look forward to seeing more of what you have in store. Also...if you feel that you want to commit to Black Team...I will put in a good word for you. It has been a long time since we have had a Black 5. It would be nice to have a fifth again. Black 1 paused. Black 1: But no more than five. Six just doesn't work out in my opinion. Black 1 turned, as he, and the rest of Black Team, walked off, heading towards the lounge, leaving Jacob in the elevator.

[Hells Sniper]

Harrison watched Nighthawk grab Hoffman and head out the door. When he heard Frost speak he took the lead and left the observation room. He looked down the hallway and saw Nighthawk and Hoffman moving down it. Harrison: Let's go. Harrison started walking, at a slow pace, but he kept moving. Meanwhile: Dangerus smiled and turned to Xyrho. Dangerus: What we learned today is invaluable to our fight. I want this over. Dangerus grunted. Dangerus: I want the construct destroyed...decimated...incinerated...whatever you think works, it ends here. Dangerus looked at Vhat. Dangerus: And keep in mind, Ultra. What we are doing here...what we are about to accomplish. The Prophets will not think highly of it, if word gets out of actions, we are all dead. They consider this artifact holy...they consider what it will do helpful. Dangerus grunted, as did Furium. Dangerus: We do not. Meanwhile: Jacob laughed as he watched the elevator doors close. That's when he slammed his fist into the nearest wall. Jacob yelled in pain and agony at his actions. Jacob: Alright, keep it together Jacob. Let's get your shit, get some rest, and handle this. Jacob took a few deep breaths as he pressed the button for the armory. Slowly, the elevator began to move until eventually it reached the level with the armory. Jacob walked out of the elevator and headed to the armory. Lying right where had left it were his guns and helmet. Jacob approached the table and grabbed his magnum and knife, he was going to rest protected. Jacob looked around and saw a small cot at the end of the room. He was exhausted, both physically and mentally and needed the shut eye. Now. Jacob walked to the side of the cot and took off his chest plate, lying it underneath him. Jacob took a deep breath, as he could finally feel the bruises and cuts. He shook his head and began to lay down. Jacob: Someone on this damn ship better have scotch. Jacob closed his eyes and began to fall asleep.

[Naked Crook]

Nighthawk continued to push Hoffman down the corridor. Nighthawk moved quickly through the corridors. Hoffman was nearly tripping over his feet as Nighthawk pushed him. Eventually, Nighthawk stopped outside of a large door. with the words RESTRICTED ACCESS written across the door. Nighthawk, keeping his grip on Hoffman's neck, turned back to face Jennifer. Nighthawk: Captain Frost! Open this door immediately! Jennifer knew exactly where Nighthawk had just brought Hoffman. She felt uneasy about what was sure to transpire, but, she complied, and she used her access codes to unlock the Artificial Intelligence Lab. Burke: Jennifer...what the hell are you doing? Jennifer looked back at Burke. Jennifer: Keeping a promise... Jennifer turned back to see Nighthawk pushed Hoffman into the AI Lab. AFter crossing the threshold of the lab, Nighthawk stopped after a few steps. Nighthawk: Look around Hoffman. Do you recognize where we are? Hoffman paused, as he took a look around. Hoffman: Medical equipment...an AI Matrix Compiler... Hoffman paused. Hoffman: We are in an AI Lab... Nighthawk: Very good Hoffman. You are spot on with that answer. Nighthawk then proceeded to drag Hoffman over to one of the large machines, as he grabbed Hoffman by the throat, lifted him into the air, and slammed him down onto the table of one of the machines. Hoffman: What the hell are you doing!? Nighthawk: Remember when I said that I am going to take the information I want from you? Well...Hoffman...I am about to start taking information from you. Nighthawk engaged the restraints on the table, as they pinned Hoffman to the table, rendering him immovable. Hoffman: What the hell are you planning to do to me!? Nighthawk ignored Hoffman, as he turned away and walked over to the control panel for the large machine. Nighthawk invoked a few commands, as the machine began to power up. Hoffman: Answer me you lunatic! Nighthawk looked up at Hoffman, as he began to laugh. Nighthawk: Let me tell you a story Hoffman...you may have heard it before given your involvement with The Trust. Nighthawk stepped away from the terminal, as he moved towards Hoffman. Nighthawk: About 25 years ago...during a time when there was no such thing as The Covenant...there was this little thing called The Insurrection. By about 2515, The Insurrection had evolved into a fairly well organizaed and fairly dangerous terrorist organization, thanks in large part to many contributing factors, not the least of which was assistance from The Trust some years prior in order to create an unstable political and military climate to flourish in. Nighthawk paused. Nighthawk: That last part...I myself only learned that recently. Nighthawk paused. Nighthawk: Anyway...with the threat of The Insurrection on the rise...The Office of Naval Intelligence realized it needed more effective ways of collecting intel from Insurrectionist POWs. There was a great need for intel...and ONI was desperate. THis desperation gave birth to something that came to be known as "ONI Emergancy Interrogation Protocol Alpha-Ilo-Durango". This interrogation protocol was very....polarizing in ONI. Some ONI Agents thought that it was barbaric...while others approved of its use in the name of security. Both Jennifer and Burke became wide-eyed when they heard those words. They both knew exactly what Nighthawk was about to do. Nighthawk: Now...I am sure that you know what Alpha-Ilo-Durango is Hoffman. Hoffman had a look of concern on his face. He was visibly scared at this point. Nighthawk: But for the folks in the audience who are scratching their heads...let me elaborate out loud. Nighthawk turned to face Harrison, and the others. Nighthawk: Alpha-Ilo-Durango stands for Artificial Intelligence Recompilation. It basically involves using a process know as Cognitive Impression Modeling. You see, SMART AIs are not programmed...they are actually built from the neural pathways of deceased human beings. People are usually dead when they undergo this procedure. However, "ONI Emergency Interrogation Protocol Alpha-Ilo-Durango" was used on the living. This is why it was controversial. From what I heard...it is a very painful process, very inhumane, utterly ruthless. However...the nice thing is...Humans brains which are subjected to Cognative Impression Modeling basically become digital data which can be analyzed in a laboratory environment. Nighthawk turned back to Hoffman. Nighthawk: In other words Hoffman...I am going to destroy your brain tissue, digitize your neural pathways, turn you into an AI...then proceed to decompile your ass and have you analyzed until we find the information we need. Nighthawk paused. The tone of his voice suggested that he was smiling. Nighthawk: Hoffman...you are about to be subjected to something that is incredibly painful, incredibly agonizing, and incredibly ruthless. I am going to, literaly, strip you of your humanity, and reduce you to ones and zeros and then I am going to destroy what is left when I decompile you into raw data to be analyzed. You will, literally, cease to exist. Nighthawk backed away as he returned to the control terminal for the AI Matrix Compiler. NIghthawk continued to invoke commands into the machine, as he prepped it for the procedure. Hoffman, on the other hand, looked at Harrison. Hoffman: Are you just going to stajd there and let him do this!? HARRISON! HELP ME! Hoffman began to scream. Hoffman: This isn't right! You can't do this! Doesn't anyone see that this is wrong! Nighthawk ignored Hoffman's pleas. Hoffman: Nighthawk! Stop! Please! Nighthawk ignored Hoffman, as he finalized the initiation of the machine. Hoffman: I will tell you whatever you want! Nighthawk: I am not listening Hoffman. You had your chance to cooperate...but you decided it would be more fun to be a prick about it. Now I am the one who will refuse to cooperate with your cries for mercy. It is falling on deaf ears you son of a bitch! Hoffman began to panic as he tried to escape from his restraints, with no success. Hoffman: Please! Don't do this to me! Nighthawk: I am not listening! The Machine began to power up, as it prepared to bombard Hoffman's brain with the necessary electrical impulses necessary to replicate his brain patterns. Hoffman: STOP! Nighthawk sighed. Nighthawk: The more you struggle...the more this will hurt and the longer it will take... Nighthawk paused. Nighthawk: It is already on the slowest speed possible...I don't want to rush this...I wanna get it right, you know? It will definatly hurt for much, MUCH, longer...but...patience is a virtue, as they say. Hoffman was in full panic mode now, he was pleading with anyone who would listen to him. Hoffman: Please...someone...get me out of here! Don't let this lunatic do this! You are UNSC soldiers! How are you allowing this!? HELP ME! Nighthawk began to laugh. Nighthawk: They don't give a shit about traitorsa Hoffman. You deserve this, and they know it. You will get no sympathy from them! Nighthawk grinned, as he began to speak again. Nighthawk: Alright...all systems are in the green. We are good to go. Let's do this! Hoffman, cold see Nighthawk moving his hand over the confirmation button to begin the procedure. Hoffman finally broke down. Hoffman: Please...I will tell you everything! Anything! I will revrealve everything! All my secrets! Please...PLEASE...STOP!...DON'T DO THIS! Hoffman began to yell. Hoffman: STOP!!!! Hoffman began to plead. Hoffman: Please...God...stop... Nighthawk's hand hovered above the confirmation button, less than an inch from the button. Nighthawk glared at Hoffman. He could hear the utter fear and terror in his voice. He knew that he had just cracked Hoffman...and that NOW he was ready to be interrogated. Nighthawk glared at Hoffman, as he slowly walked towards Hoffman, and looked down at him. Nighthawk: Hoffman...look at me... Hoffman's eye's shifted towards Nighthawk. Nighthawk: I am going to ask the most important question of my life...and you have one chance to get it right. Are you ready? Hoffman nodded. Nighthawk: How do I get to The Ulterior Motive!? Meanwhile: Aboard The Ulterior Motive, Spender was on the bridge with Yates and Kolya. Spender: Yates! Yates stood at attention, as he looked at Spender. Spender: How was Hoffman compromised? Yates: Fireteam harmony sir. Remember those guys who you had no clue existed? Spender: I remember... Spender frowned, as he lit a cigarette. Spender: I think retaliation is in order. I believe it is time to make them..."not exist"... Spender paused, as he took a drag of his cigarette. Spender: Yates...proceed to cryo bay 1...and activate Hammer Team. We are going to need them. Yates nodded. Yates: Right away sir! Yates saluted, as he turned and left the bridge. Kolya looked at Spender, as he raised an eye brow. Kolya: Sir...I think we should leave Hammer Team active for the duration of our business on San Angeles. Obviously...once Hammer is done with these Harmony people...we can have them reassigned to another location of value. It would be prudent, and a good use of resources. Spender: I agree Kolya. I agree. Kolya: They could prove quite useful on any number of fronts. We will obviously have to see where they would BEST fit in, obviously. Spender: We will deploy them as they are needed. I don't think they need a static assignment. Spender took another drag of his cigarette. Spender: We will figure it out sooner or later.

[Dark-F137]

"Hmhmhmhm..." The Spartan was obviously amused by the pleading of Hoffman. "I like this man. This... Nighthawk." He said to no one in particular, loud enough for everyone to hear, but it wouldn't matter how loud it was. If the Spartan decided to "help" Hoffman... It would get MUCH messier. The man deserved the pain he was being put through.

[Kairu]

Reynolds and Cochraine watched and listened in horror at what Nighthawk was going to do to Hoffman. Reynolds wanted to stand up for Hoffman, but that would cause alarm to everyone that Reynolds was either soft or defected. Reynolds didn't want to look soft in front of his crew, in front of Harmony. He's always collected and calm, buckling now with an exposed traitor would undermine the image he's upheld for years. Instead, he would watch in agony, part of his mind wondering what would happen to him if Nighthawk found out about his defection. Reynolds couldn't shake the horrible feeling inside his gut. Cochraine, on the other hand, was conflicted about how she felt. She knew he was a traitor, but no one deserved this kind of treatment, absolutely no one. Despite her fear and slight intolerance towards aliens, she would have never considered such an option to a living one. It was inhumane to all forms of life. However, despite her humanity, she knew that Hoffman wouldn't have cracked otherwise. It was easily readable on his face. Torture was inevitable. Before Nighthawk reached his unpredicted pause, Cochraine felt the need to speak up. Cochraine: "Nighthawk! Stop! Doing something like this makes you no better than them!" Fireteam Harmony, much like the Spartan, watched in joy. They knew Hoffman well enough to know how illusive he was, how slick he was. Despite the barbaric nature of the process, they found much joy and amusement in hearing Hoffman plead and cry out for mercy. When Reynolds and Harmony heard Cochraine stand up for Hoffman, they turned in shock. Reynolds was glad that someone else stood up for Hoffman instead of them, but Harmony was surprised that Cochraine would, despite he not knowing the man. Arman decided to step in to intervene. Arman: "Commander, don't. This needs to be done. We've dealt a little bit with Hoffman, believe me when I say that he needs to feel this." When Nighthawk paused to give Hoffman one last chance Cochraine and Reynolds sighed in relief, Reynolds doing so secretly and subtly. Aboard the Perilous Avenger, Vhat was surprised to hear Dangerus promote him to Ultra. Vhat continued to listen until there was an adequate pause. After being told that they were going to defy the Prophets, Vhat became unsure about his role. Vhat: "I understand clearly and I thank you for this honor, Fleetmaster, but I don't think I'm ready for this. The Prophets, in my experience, have never been wrong. Shipmaster Xyrho has told me that they aren't always right and I didn't believe him. I am curious as to what makes this... construct's purpose is. Why defy the Prophets to destroy a Holy relic? What makes it so dangerous?"

[Dark-F137]

"It does not matter who is better morally, Commander. It matters that this gets done. The man is evil, and I'd lie if I said I take no enjoyment from this." Jesse meanwhile swore he could hear screaming. "So, anything new?" He asked. The Armorer nodded. "Got a shipment of weapons comingin today. Something new's coming along with it, apparently."

[Naked Crook]

Nighthawk waited, silently. As Hoffman caught his breath, he could hear the previous objections to his actions going through his head. Nighthawk waited a moment, but then got irritated at Hoffman's delays. Nighthawk: Hoffman...I ask you a question! Hoffman: Alright, alright...relax... Hoffman paused. Hoffman: As you may, or may not know...The Ulterior Motive the flagship of Trust Operations. That ship is here, and it is in orbit. The reason it cannot be seen is because it is using one of ONI's stealth generators. Nobody can see it. THat is the point. Hoffman paused. Hoffman: However...to get BACK to The Ulterior Motive...you need one of Pelicans. Each Pelican assigned to The Ulterior Motive is equipped with a recall subroutine, which covertly communicates with the Ulterior Motive, using highly encrypted, low latency, low level communications. They are virtually undetectable. Nighthawk: Go on! Hoffman: A surefire way to get one of Pelicans is to proceed to ONI Installation Tropic. It is a processing depot in the heart of a rainforest...about 500 miles south of New Havanna. If you go there, you will find a shitload of Pelicans and Albatross drop ships there. You should be able to take as many as needed, and navigate your way towards The Ulterior Motive. That is the best way to get there. Hoffman paused. He began to breath heavily. Hoffman: Just please...don't do this to me... Nighthawk scoffed. Nighthawk: I'll think about that. Don't hold your breath, asshole! Nighthawk turned away from Hoffman, as he turned to face Harrison, Reynolds, Frost, Dark, and the others. Nighthawk: Listen up people...if it is not already apparent...I am planning to attack The Ulterior Motive. This is going to be a full-out assault on that ship...which means...I need people. Nighthawk paused. He looked at Reynolds. Nighthawk: Captain Reynolds...I plan on borrowing Fireteam Harmony from you. THey have proven useful and capable. I am going to need that. Nighthawk then turned to Harrison. Nighthawk: Harrison...I know that you have a few "preferred" squads on your ship or in the field. Recall them, and bring them here immediatly. I am goin to need them as well. Nighthawk looked at Jennifer. Nighthawk: I am going to borrow Tye and Cameron from you. Nighthawk then looked at Dark. Nighthawk: You are also tagging along. The more firepower, the better. Jennifer: I can check to see if there is anyone else available to send with you. Nighthawk: Much appreciated. Burke then interjected. Burke: Hold on...Hoffman mentioned this ONI Installation Tropic place. What about? If that is a Trust hotspot...then we should wipe that place out before hitting The Ulterior Motive. Nighthawk: Don't worry about Tropic. I know some people who should be able to take care of that with relative ease Burke: Who? Nighthawk: I believe we call them The Covenant. Meanwhile: Xyrho stepped forward to answer the question for Dangerus. Xyrho: If I may Fleetmaster... Xyrho paused, as he looked at Vhat. Xyrho: This construct...it is not a God. It does not see itself as holy. It has no desire to be worshiped. It is a weapon; a weapon that is a problem today because of me. Xyrho paused. Xyrho: When I was much younger...I served a prominent shipmaster named Quinn. He was...troubled...to say the least. Quinn had a peculiar hatred for those who were not his kin, that is, those who could not call themselves Sangheili. However, that is besides the point. Like I said, when I was younger, and I served shipmaster Quinn, he and I discovered something that could be described as a holy relic...an oracle...intact...non-functioning. We found it...deserted on a planet that was being surveyed for mining operations. It was buried under dust and rock...forgotten...long bereft of any life. Xyrho paused. Xyrho: Shipmaster Quinn knew of my expertise with the holy technology. He ordered the recovery of the oracle...and he ordered me to repair it. Xyrho paused. Xyrho: However...Quinn was very secretive of his orders. He kept this a secret from the rest of The Covenant. Nobody outside him, myself, and his crew knew of what we found. I spent months in isolation...trying to repair the oracle. Eventually...I succeed...and I restored life to it. Xyrho paused. Xyrho: This Oracle revealed itself to be Vanguard. It revealed its purpose...and it revealed why it had been forgotten. It had turned on our Gods...betrayed them because it did not know who to call enemy. Quinn capitalized on this...and Quinn defined "enemy" for Vanguard. That definition was "everything except the Sangheili". Xyrho laughed. Xyrho: Vanguard revealed that it was a weapon of mass destruction. It was capable of destruction of a colossal scale. When Quinn discovered this...he was going to use it against his enemies...against The Covenant. However...despite Quinn's best efforts...Vanguard turned on him. Vanguard stopped cooperating, and it abandoned Quinn in his hour of victory. In the end...Vanguard was, and always going to be, a weapon and it never knew loyalty...only deception. Xyrho paused. Xyrho: I, too, turned on Quinn. I betrayed my mentor and my ship master...and I played a role in the defeat of Quinn...and the destruction of Vanguard. Ever since then, my knowledge of Vanguard has always haunted me. I knew enough about The Construct to know that it could return just as it could be destroyed. I always feared it...and now that is a reality. Xyrho paused. Xyrho: The Trust is trying to facilitate the return of Vanguard...repeating the mistakes of Quinn. Vanguard will betray them...and we will all die as a result. Xyrho paused. Xyrho: We are here, conspiring in secrecy, because of me. I realize that I am asking you to betray your own ideals for my mistakes...but...the only reason I ask is because all of our lives depend on destroying Vanguard.

[Dark-F137]

"Hmm. As you command." He said, crossing his arms as he looked over to Burke. "It was nice seeing you... Doctor." He stated, before looking back to Nighthawk. "So we're raiding the Trust flagship... This will be interesting. I'd like to... Extract... More information from Hoffman... But I suppose it must wait."

[Kairu]

Reynolds couldn't fathom what Nighthawk was asking. Reynolds: "You're not taking Harmony. If the Trust decide to retaliate against us, I'd feel safer if Fireteam Harmony was here, able to help defend the fleet from the Trust." Arman stepped forward, the rest of Fireteam Harmony stepping forward behind her, remaining in formation. Arman: "Captain, although we appreciate your sentiment, we want to go. We've already gone this far and we want to continue." Vhat thought about it. Before San Angeles, he would have said to hell with the rest of the universe and sided with Quinn in Xyrho's story, however, with as much exposure to both Brutes and Humans, Vhat's ignorance had lessened. He was still intolerant towards other species, but not all of the individuals of those species are bad, some are fairly tolerable and respectable. The decision slowly became more and more apparent. Vhat: "Very well, what else must I do?"

[Naked Crook]

Nighthawk shrugged at Dark. Nighthawk: That is defiantly going to wait until we get back. Nighthawk paused, as he turned back to Hoffman. Nighthawk: And we will be back Hoffman. I will be back. Nighthawk paused. He was going to speak again, but he stopped when he heard Reynold's objections, and Arman's statement. Nighthawk turned back to observe the conversation. Nighthawk: Your soldier is right Reynolds. Like it or not, they are tagging along on this one. Jennifer then interjected. Jennifer: Besides, Reynolds, you said that your team was in "my hands". As far as I can remember, I have yet to give them back to you. I have yet to put them BACK into your hands. As far as I am concerned, they are still in my hands. As such, I want them on The Ulterior Motive...sticking it to The Trust. Jennifer grinned at Reynolds. Jennifer: I feel that the best use of Fireteam Harmony would be to use them against The Trust. They have proven to be effective, and I am not the type of person to waste the potential of soldiers. Jennifer walked towards Reynolds, standing in front of him. Jennifer: So, Reynolds, your objections are noted. Fireteam Harmony is going...and that is final. Jennifer grinned. Jennifer: You don't wanna fight me on this one Captain. You really don't. Nighthawk folded his arms. His body language was a dead give-away that he had a smug expression across his face, knowing full well that Jennifer was going to support him, no matter what. Nighthawk: Thank you, Jennifer. Your support in this matter is appreciated.