[Halo] New! Halo RPG Pt. 11

[Naked Crook]

Vernette broke out into a sprint, as he led the large group away from the initial meeting point, and towards a large burnt out building that was, for the most part, in relatively good shape, given the circumstances. Vernette: This building, right here. This looks like a defensible position! The walls are intact, lots of cover, and it is on slightly elevated ground. Take up positions inside. Vernette stopped, as he pointed in which direction everyone needed to move in. Vernette: Get all sides covered! Don't let them flank us! As Vernette said this, the loud crashing of several HEV pods could be heard nearby. Vernette: HEV pods. We have hostile forces in bound! Vernette scoffed, as he looked at the sky, and saw four Albatross drop ships closing in. Vernette: We have Albatross drops closing in! We have a large wave of soldiers closing in! Vernette watched as the Albatross drop ships touched down on the ground. One the rear hatches of the Albatross drop ships opened,, dozens of Brutes and Elites, all clad in orange armor, etched with The Trust's insignia on the armor, and all equiopped with Human weapons, took to the field. Without any hesitation, the Trust's shock troops began to move forward, firing off Assault Rifles, SMGs, and Battle Rifles. There was a very obvious sense of lifelessness and absence of person hood in the way The Trust's clones moved. It was as if there was no sense of self preservation in any of the clones. Vernette: Shit...The Trust has dropped a wave of their clones onto the field! As Vernette said this, he ran inside the building, and jumped behind cover, as he quickly came under fire. ============================================================= New Harmony – The Cloak and Dagger – 1500 Km From the Planet of New Harmony – Main Bridge – 1520 Hours - October 9th 2555 ============================================================= Captain Frost looked at the holotable, as The Cloak and Dagger had managed to establish its desired positioning. Comm Officer: Ma'am...we have solid confirmations from The Brutes AND The Elites. All ships are now on the same battle net. Jennifer: Good. That is a good start. Comm Officer: We are receiving a message from one of the Sangheili vessels; CAS Absolute Silence. Patching it through. Comm Operative: This is The Absolute Silent, what's happening at New Harmony?! Why are you not responding to the arrival of the new ship? Jennifer sighed, as she patched herself into the battle net's comm channel, and began to speak. Jennifer: All vessels, this is The Cloak and Dagger... Jennifer paused. Jennifer: The vessel that has entered this system is currently under control of The Trust; the enemy that we are all here to fight. The vessel that they have brought to this fight is known as The Bismarck; a highly advanced and incredibly dangerous vessel, capable of incredible tactical feats. This ship was designed for the sole intent of fighting and destroying Covenant ships. On the forward arc of that vessel, lay two incredibly powerful MAC guns, capable of obliterating an Assault Carrier in a single volley. Under no circumstance is that vessel to be engaged on its front arc. Jennifer paused. Jennifer: There is currently no good strategy to engaging this vessel. However, our safest bet will be to engage The Bismarck from its broadside. However, our primary objective is to rescue the delegates on the surface of New Harmony. However, that is only possible if we route The Bismarck from its current position. We must engage The Bismarck, and force it to break orbit!

[Orcaid123]

As the band became under fire, all sought out cover. Rah'jesh barked out orders for his operatives while covering Xyrho. Rah'jesh: I saw an opening to our left, though I also saw hostiles heading that way. I'll take two operatives with me and we'll cover that area. As Re'jash departed to the western exit with two operatives, the rest began to dig in at their current position with Xyrho and the band of Brutes and Humans. Rah'jesh and his two operatives wasted no time in securing the western exit. Two clone Elites and a Brute had already entered when they arrived. Rah'jesh: Clear this area, we'll fortify it when we've ridden ourselves of the hostiles present! As he barked out the order, he launched a barrage of precision shots at one of the Elites. Using well placed shots to disable it's shields before landing a crack shot at the head. During this time, The Brute had noticed the band and began barraging them with his Human weapon . The other Cloned Elite joined in the barrage, pinning them down. Rah'jesh initial thought would be to wait until they had to reload, but alas, he saw another way. He engaged cloak mode and climbed above some rubble of the debrief that had previously been a part of the building. He'd eventually end up besides the two hostiles. Without hesitation, he pulled out his Energy Sword and lynched at the Brute. Ending it's life quickly. Rah'jesh knew where to aim. At this time, the two other Operatives had engaged their Energy Shields and pushed forward at the Elite, whom had directed his focus at Rah'jesh in the meanwhile. The Elite trio quickly brought the Clone down without trouble. Rah'jesh: These Clones bring up a good fight, but not good enough for real, proper Sangheili! Take up positions there, and here. I'll climb back up to rubble and see if I can take some pot shots at the Hostiles incoming. As Rah'jesh went into position, he spoke into the comm channel. Rah'jesh: Xyrho, me and my operatives have cleared out the Western Exit and are holed up. How 's the situation at your location? ---Meanwhile, in space above New Harmony--- The Officer patted the Comm Operator on the shoulder. Officer: Let me speak to the Humans. The Comm operator nodded before allowing The Officer to have the word. Officer: I can have several cloaked phantoms down there by a couple of minutes, undetected. We'll also assist in any counter attack against the hostiles. Give us the word and we'll join in on the effort.

[Naked Crook]

============================================================= New Harmony – Planet Surface – Ruins of The City of Monastir – 1525 Hours - October 9th 2555 ============================================================= Xyrho was in cover, his plasma rifles in his hand, biding his time, as a torrential flood of bullets whizzed over his head. Xyrho looked to his left and saw Nova Team in cover, doing the same thing; biding their time until there was a break in the enemy fire. Xyrho then looked to his right, and saw Cameron, Corvo, and Director Vernette all crouched behind cover. JUst further to the right of Vernette, Barrabus stood behind a large wall, both of his Spikers in hand. It was very clear to Xyrho that everyone had the same line of thinking; wait for a break in the enemy fire. As Xyrho waited, he heard Rah'Jesh speak through the comm line. Rah'jesh: Xyrho, me and my operatives have cleared out the Western Exit and are holed up. How 's the situation at your location? Xyrho made a quick response, as he began to hear the gun fire die down a bit. Xyrho: Stand by, Rah'jesh... As the weapons fire began to die down, Xyrho took the chance, and emerged from cover, as he laid down a full spread of plasma fire, opting to go fully automatic, in an attempt to push the advancing hostile force back. Corvo: The Elite has the right idea! Nova Team...open fire! Corvo looked at Vernette. Corvo: Director...stay in cover. As Corvo said this, he and Nova Team wasted no time in joining Xyrho, as they laid down fire of their own. Cameron followed suit, as he also emerged from cover and began to fire. Vernette, however, stayed in cover, as he looked up at Barrabus. Vernette: I lost track of your honor guards? Where are they? Barrabus: I sent them around, on a stealth flank. Any moment now, they should be engaging from the side, to give us a good crossfire. Vernette: Good call. Vernette watched as Barrabus leaned around the wall he was behind, as he began to fire one of his Spikers. Barrabus: As long as we keep those clones looking this way, a flank should allow us to put a serious hole in their line. Vernette: Let's hope so. What these clones lack in imagination, they more than make up for it in being total bullet sponges, and not caring about their own lives. We could be very easily overrun. Barrabus growled. Barrabus: I pity anything that dares to get close to me. Vernette: I have never known you to pity anything. Barrabus: As you would say...figure of speech. Vernette sighed, as he let out a slight grin. Vernette: In any case, I am going to radio for backup. Keep those bastards at bay. Don't let them get close. Barrabus nodded, and let out a snarl. Vernette, on the other hand, lowered his shotgun to his side, as he placed two fingers on his earpiece, and began to speak. Vernette: This is Director Vernette. Venture Capitalist...do you copy? Vernette waited a moment, before he got a response. Nighthawk: Venture Capitalist here. Go ahead, Preston. We read you.... Vernette paused for a moment, as he crouched a bit more to avoid a stray bullet. Vernette: The Trust has deployed shock troops, and we have a Strident Class Frigate in ELO. We need thast Frigate gone. Nighthawk: We figured as much. We have a visual on The Bismarck. It is sitting right over the norther pole of the planet, and it seems to be holding position. However, it seems The Brutes, ELites, and ONI seem to be setting aside their differences up here, and they appear to be prepping a counter attack. Vernette: Copy that. I will get up to speed on the fleet later. For now, I need The Venture Capitalist to make a run at that Strident-Class Frigate, and I need it shot down! Use the MAC gun on the Venture Capitalist! There was a moment of silence, before Nighthawk responded. Nighthawk: Acknowledged. We are beginning our descent now.. We should be in good firing range in less than a minute. Vernette: Just be cvareful. The Stealth Systems will not work in this atmosphere. New Harmony's atmosphere, post gl;assing, containts a very high about of positively charged ions. They will be attracted to the metals in the hull, and you will show up on enemy sensors. It won't be clear, but, it will be enough for the enemy to get a weapons lock on you. Nighthawk Noted... Nighthawk paused. Nighthawk: Sit tight, Preston. ============================================================= New Harmony – The Cloak and Dagger – 1500 Km From the Planet of New Harmony – Main Bridge – 1525 Hours - October 9th 2555 ============================================================= Captain Frost and The Consultant listened to the comm chatter, as all of the ships began to form up on The Bismarck. Officer: I can have several cloaked phantoms down there by a couple of minutes, undetected. We'll also assist in any counter attack against the hostiles. Give us the word and we'll join in on the effort. The Consultant looked at Captain Frost, and spoke up. The Consultant: Captain Frost...I advise caution with Cloaked Phantoms. New Harmony's atmosphere contains an immense number of positively charged ions that will latch themselves to any metal that they may come into contact with. It is possible that these ions may reveal the locations of The Phantoms, even through cloak; enough for an enemy ship to get a target lock. I am not 100% sure how this would work with cloaking tech. I may be wrong, but, it is a serious risk. Jennifer nodded, as she responded to The Elite who proposed the plan. Jennifer: Copy that. Be advised, if any plan to deploy cloaked phantoms is pursued, there is a distinct possibility that the number of positively charged ions in the atmosphere MAY reveal your locations. This would enable enemy ships to get a lock on your position. Jennifer paused. Jennifer: Proceed with this plan, with extreme caution! As Jennifer finished speaking, the sensor Officer spoke up. Sensor Officer: Ma'am...all ships are in attack position. We are ready to counter attack The Bismarck. Jennifer: Acknowledged. Before Jennifer had the chance to signal the combined fleet to attack, she heard a familiar voice chime in over the comm line. Kolya: Captain Frost...how good to see you again. I was very curious as to why The Cloak and Dagger was absent from the task force that was sent to fight The Trust. I see now you finally joined the fight. Jennifer frowned, as she looked at The Consultant. Jennifer: How the hell did Kolya get on this frequency? The Consultant: The Bismarck is a very advanced ship. I would surmise The Trust has managed to put the abundance of Forerunner tech to very good use. I am not surprised they managed to break the cipher protecting our comm channels. Jennifer scoffed, as she ignored Kolya. Kolya: Ohhh...Madalyne White...The Consultant...I was hoping to get my hands on you. It seems ONI is VERY desperate if they decide to pull YOU out of your little hole. The Consultant frowned. Kolya: Don't tell me you are still mad about what we did to you? Does it still hurt? Did that wound never heal? Kolya began to laugh. Kolya: I am going to enjoy killing the lot of you. So many of you have had this coming for a long time. Jennifer scoffed, as she finally spoke up to Kolya. Jennifer: Kolya...the only person here who is going to be killed, is you. I have very little to say to you, and I have no desire to speak to you. However, I do wish to give you something, for all that you have done. Kolya: And, what do you wish to give me? Jennifer: Nothing less, than a full barrage. Jennifer looked at the tactical officer, and nodded. She then spoke up. Jennifer: All ships...target the Bismarck, and fire at will.

[Orcaid123]

Above New Harmony -- Absolute Silence -- Bridge The Officer, a newly promoted Sangheili to the rank of Special Operations Captain , named Kaliht, had his feet planted infront of the hologram table. Jennifer: All ships...Target Bismarch, and fire at will. Kaliht: Fire all weapons against the enemy ship! Give them no mercy! As he said this, the Sangheili ships began to launch a barrage Plasma torpedoes. They flew with extraordinary speed and accuracy, though most present would have seen such display before. As it drew even closer, Kaliht expected to see several burning points from the Bismarck at any moment. Kaliht pondered as he looked at the map, looking over at the Comm Operator. Kaliht: Prepare for yet another volley of plasma torpedoes, and then initiate the Energy Projector's. I want to see that ship down soon as possible. And give the orders for the Phantoms to make their descent, make them go down outside the Frigate's weapon range, and have them stay low and cloaked. Comm Officer: Yes, Captain! --New Harmony, surface-- Operator: Commander, another wave incoming! As he said this, Rah'jesh had found himself a small opening, big enough for both Rah'jesh and his Carbine rifle. He began to shoot down at the incoming Trust; This wave included two Brutes and four Elites. By the time they'd reach weapon's range for the Operators below Rah'jesh, he had already taken out two of the Elites with rather ease. But Rah'jesh's hiding spot was quickly discovered and filled with bullets. Rah'jesh made his way down. By the time he'd gotten down, a brute was down alongside an Elite, at the cost of one of his Operators. The Trust Elite and Operator had engaged close quarter combat; Which seemed like the Operator was winning, though the second Brute was on his way for his back. Rah'jesh made quick work of him as he came to his Operator's aid, with his energy sword unsheathed; A slice for the Brute's knee forced him down, another slice for his rifle arm disarmed him, and then a piercing strike through the back. The Operator made quick work of the Trust Elite. The two retreated further within the building. Rah'jesh began to speak in the comm. Rah'jesh: I should still have two cloaked phantoms down on the surface in the area, the ones we came with. They should be able to bring us out of here!

[Naked Crook]

============================================================= New Harmony – The Cloak and Dagger – 1500 Km From the Planet of New Harmony – Main Bridge – 1528 Hours - October 9th 2555 ============================================================= Jennifer looked at the holotable, as countless Archer missiles and plasma torpedoes moved towards The Bismarck. Jennifer waited with anticipation to see the result of the barrage, but, felt a great swell of disappointment when the weapons impact was halted by what appeared to be shielding. Sensor Officer: Negative contact ma'am...everything we just threw at that thing was halted by the shield. As far as I can tell, there has been no damage sustained to their superstructure, though, I did detect a slight power fluctuation from their ship at the point of impact, but, it has since stabilized. The Consultant then spoke up. The Consultant: Like I said...there was a lot of Forerunner technology packed into that ship. Just about everything we had... Jennifer: Including shields, it seems. Jennifer scoffed, as she issued another order. Jennifer: Alright people...continue firing on The Bismarck. Do not give it any quarter. Keep the pressure up! Cycle all Archer bays, and prepare for another volley. Target all of our Point Defense guns and at The Bismarck, and fire at will. Bering all Shiva bays online, and prepare a simultaneous barrage. Jennifer scoffed. Jennifer: We need to route that ship, and we need to get it away from the planet! ============================================================= New Harmony – Planet Surface – Ruins of The City of Monastir – 1528 Hours - October 9th 2555 ============================================================= Xyrho heard Rah'jesh recommendation, and he found himself in agreement. Xyrho: I agree. If we can make it to our phantoms, it would be our best chance to make our escape! I do not believe this position is sustainable. Xyrho paused. Xyrho: Once we have a break in the enemy line, we should make our way back towards our Phantoms. Barrabus growled, as he interjected. Barrabus: I doubt we will have our chance to retreat at any point... Barrabus looked up, and saw that the Albatross drop ships were returning. Barrabus: The Trust is reinforcing their line with more of their abominations. Vernette: Pretty sure that will be the last wave of reinforcements, however. That Trust frigate is going down any moment now! As Vernette said this, the Albatross drop ships touched down, and another wave of clones began to pour out. Without any time lost, the next wave began to move forward, converging on the three unlikely allies. Vernette: We have another wave coming in! Get ready! As the next wave of clones began to get closer and closer, weapons fire from the flank began to quickly cut down the clones. The clones halted their advance, as they turned to their flank, and saw Barrabus' Honor Guards using heavy weaponry to cut right into the cloned Elites and Brutes. As The clones turned on Barrabus' Honor Guards, Cerberus, the Honor Guard chieftain, began to speak to the group over the comm line. Cerberus: Chieftain...we will create a distraction. Fall back to the Sangheili bastard's Phantoms. Use this opportunity to move from your position! When Barrabus heard this, he quickly acknowledged. Barrabus: Understood, Cerberus. I will signal you when we are clear. Do not allow yourselves to be cornered. As Barrabus said this, his attention was draswn upwards, as The Venture Capitalist flew overhead, on a direct intercept course for the Trust Frigate that was off in the distance. Vernette: Finally...backup! Vernette paused. Vernette: Alright...let's get ready to move out! This will be our best chance! As Vernette said this, The Venture Capitalist fired its MAC gun, and punched a hole right in the side of the Trust Frigate that was not too far off into the distance. The MAC round hit its target, spot on, as a large hole was punched right through the side of the Trust Frigate. Immediately after the impact, the Trust Frigate began to noes dive, as it started to split in half. When the Trust Frigate finally hit the ground, the impact violently shook the ground, like an earthquake. However the shaking quickly subsided, as the enemy ship settled into its final resting place. Vernette: Alright! This is our chance! Vernette paused. Vernette: Let's get to Xyrho's Phantoms, and lets get the hell off this rock!

[Orcaid123]

Above New Harmony -- Absolute Silence -- Bridge Kaliht looked the planet of New Harmony at the display on the Holotable, letting out an annoyed grunt at the un-effective barrage. His eyes glanced over at the Brute ships, a sigh came out of him. Kaliht: This is Absolute Silence, I've got a suggestion. If all Covenant designed ships could initiate the Energy Projector's at the same time and focus on a specific point on the shield, alongside whatever resources you Humans have at your disposal, it could create a hole. Big enough for potentially several of your "warheads", or perhaps boarding parties. The Captain looked over at an Elite whom had perked his head around while Kaliht had suggested the idea. Operator: Another barrage is at the ready, Captain! Kaliht nodded. Kaliht: Fire. -- New Harmony, Surface -- Rah'jesh nodded to himself and began speaking in the comms. Rah'jesh: Phantoms, what's your situation?! Some brief moments past, an answer came. Phantom Pilot: We're under siege! A group of Brutes and...Elites began to attack us with Human weapons. We had to relocate to a location where they can't launch explosive rockets at us! We've managed to hold them off for some time, but I am unsure how much more! Rah'jesh: Send your coordinates to me and I'll be there soon. Expect unexpected guests to accompany us to orbit! As Rah'jesh ended his conversation with the pilot, he received a set of coordinates which he in turn sent to the others. Rah'jesh: This is where the Phantoms are. They're under siege by the Trust, and are unsure if they can hold out much longer. Me and my Operative are on our way there now, meet us at those coordinates! Rah'jesh and his surviving Operative had already begun making their way to the Phantoms, clearing some Trust loners at the same time.

[Naked Crook]

============================================================= New Harmony – The Cloak and Dagger – 1500 Km From the Planet of New Harmony – Main Bridge – 1530 Hours - October 9th 2555 ============================================================= Jennifer listened to the comm chatter, and her interest was peaked when she heard the recommendation come from Kaliht. Kaliht: This is Absolute Silence, I've got a suggestion. If all Covenant designed ships could initiate the Energy Projector's at the same time and focus on a specific point on the shield, alongside whatever resources you Humans have at your disposal, it could create a hole. Big enough for potentially several of your "warheads", or perhaps boarding parties. Without saying a word, Jennifer looked up at The Consultant. The Consultant: That could work. If we hit The Bismarck with every Shiva warhead we can muster, and the Elites and Brutes focus their fire on a specific spot on The Bismarck, we might be able to punch a hole in their shields large enough to do some damage. Jennifer slammer her palm on the edge of the holotable, as she nodded. Jennifer: Let's do it! Jennifer turned to face the front of the bridge, as she spoke to The Dreadhawk and The King Raven. Jennifer: Rear Admiral Burke...Captain Hayes...I am going need the two of you to bring all of your Shiva warheads online, and get them ready for deployment! Stand by for my order to fire. Burke: Copy that, Jennifer. Our Shiva launchers are hot. Waiting for your signal. Hayes: Likewise. We are ready to fire. Just say the word! Jennifer nodded. Jennifer: Alright gentlemen...triangulate your targeting coordinates with The Brutes and the Elites, and fire at will! Just as Jennifer said this, she heard comm chatter from The Brutes. Brutus: Bring our ship to broadside, and coordinate fire with the Sangheili! After a moment, Brute spoke up again. Brutus: Commencing fire... When Jennifer heard this, she gave the order. Jennifer: Fire! Jennifer turned back to the holotable, as she watched as The Brutes, Elites, and her own ships fired a second volley at The Bismarck. Jennifer waited anxiously for the report to come in. As The Brutes and Elites targeted their energy projectors at The Bismarck, pounding a single point in their shield grid as the Shiva missiles impacted around where The Brutes and Elites were striking. Jennifer watched as each Shiva missile made contact with the shields, but, her heart skipped a beat when the combined firepower of all three sides managed to punch a hole in the shield grid. Sensor Officer: Ma'am! We broke through. I am showing hull damage on The Bismarck! We have breached their ablative armor, and we have cut into their hull! Jennifer grinned, as she slammed both of her hands together, making a single clap. Jennifer: Son of a bitch! Jennifer grinned, as she looked at her tactical officer. Jennifer: Hit that ship with EVERYTHING we have! Do not give them an inch of breathing room! Jennifer grinned, as she turned back to the holotable. However, he grin faded, when she saw that The Bismarck began to return fire. Sensor Officer: Ma'am...we have incoming... The Sensor Officer paused. Sensor Officer: We have thousands of incoming warheads, mixed variety! We have Archers incoming on ONI Targets, and Shivas and HAVOKs going towards the Covenant ships. Auxiliary rail guns are also targeting The Covenant ships. The Consultant interjected. The Consultant: During the design process for The Bismarck, we found that combining intensive and concentrated fire between Shivas, HAVOKs, and railgun rounds, did wonders to severely damage Covenant shields. Jennifer: Noted. Jennifer looked at her tactical officer. Jennifer: Bring all point defense cannons online, and prioritize targets on those Shiva Warheads. Shoot down as many of those Shiva Warheads as you can. We cannot risk The Elites or The Brutes sustaining any significant casualties. The Consultant raised an eyebrow. The Consultant: That is being a little too generous with our lives, don't you think? We are the ones without shields. Jennifer: Be that as it may, we have to send a very clear message that we are serious about this alliance. Hopefully, they see it that way too. if we have to take a few scratches on our hull...so be it! The Consultant: A few? ============================================================= New Harmony – Planet Surface – Ruins of The City of Monastir – 1530 Hours - October 9th 2555 ============================================================= Xyrho: Very well, Rah'jesh. I will remain here with the Humans and the Brutes, and we will cover your flank. Make haste towards our Phantoms, and protect them. Xyrho then looked at Barrabus. Xyrho: We must also move towards our Phantoms. However, we must slow the advance of these clones, in order to buy Rah'jesh the time he needs to secure our evac! Barrabus: I am aware of that... Barrabus growled, as he fired off his Spikers, taking down an incoming Brute clone. Barrabus: We should regroup with my Honor Guards, to bolster our numbers. If we are to slow the advance of The Trust, we will need as many weapons as possible! Xyrho: Agreed! Director Vernette then spoke up. Vernette: I can move my forces in the same direction that your Spec-Ops Commander went. If we take the same path that he did, we should be able to more easily link up with the Honor Guards, cover the flank, and move towards the evac point, all at the same time. Xyrho: An excellent plan! Vernette nodded, as he then turned to face Nova Team, Corvo, and Cameron. Vernette: Corvo, Take Cameron and Nova Team, and begin to move out in the same direction that the Spec-Ops commander did. Barrabus, Xyrho, and I will cover you. Once you find a defensible position, hold it, and provide the three of us the cover we need to move out. Corvo: Understood sir. Corvo then looked at Cameron and Nova Team. Corvo: Alright boys! Move out! Follow the Spec-Ops Commander! Move fast and stay close! As soon as Corvo gave the order, Cameron stood up, and began to draw a bit of fire, layhing down a fully automatic barrage on The Elite and Brute clones. As Nova Team and Corvo left cover, and began to follow the path that Rah'jesh had taken just moments earlier, Cameron ceased his fire, and quickly caught up with them. At this point, Vernette, Xyrho, and Barrabus all took the opportunity to emerge from cover, and take down several clones, we precise and well aimed shots. Barrabus: Let's just hope that Rah'jesh is able to secure those Phantoms. If not, we will need to find an alternate path off this world.

[Orcaid123]

Rah'jesh and his Operative had engaged cloak mode and crept past any Trust forces that they encountered on their way to the coordinates. As they closed in, they could hear exchanging shots being fired. Once they arrived to the location, they could see over a dozen Trust Corpses that had fallen prey to the Gun turrets of the Phantoms and the crew. The cloaked pair could also see the blue fires of a downed Phantom. There was a break in the constant Trust attacks, a voice came from behind the downed Phantom. Operative Officer: Commander Rah'jesh? You're alive! Rah'jesh and his Operative quickly made their way to the Phantom with the others. Operative Officer: We've set up a defensive position around the surviving Phantom and are ready for departure at the command, Commander. Rah'jesh looked over his shoulder, hearing distant footsteps incoming. Rah'jesh: A Phantom in this condition will not be able to carry all of our passengers, we'll need more. The Operative keeping watch barked out. Operative: We've got incoming hostiles! The Officer brought both forth both of his Plasma Rifles. Operative Officer: Absolute Silence sent down more Phantoms, they'll arrive here in a little while. Had to take a re-route due to the Frigate and it's constant troop transport down to the ground. We just have to hold out, Commander! Rah'jesh pulled forth his own Plasma Rifle and Energy Sword , speaking in the comm. Rah'jesh: Me and my Operatives have secured one of the Phantoms, though the second one didn't make it. More are on their way here, but it'll take a while for the aircrafts to arrive, and we're being constantly plagued by Trust fodder. I suggest haste. --Above New Harmony - Absolute Silence - Bridge Kaliht: Engage Pulse Laser turrets, aim at the incoming Warheads! Increase power in shields, but keep the Energy Projector's at a constant, if they fail the enemy shield will rise up again! With the help of the Humans and their own Pulse lasers, a majority of the incoming warheads was eliminated, but some managed to hit the shield. Shield Operator: Starboard shield are down to fifty percent, another barrage might completely disable shields on that front for a while! Kaliht: Send the Engineers down to fix the issue, have them work at the double!

[Naked Crook]

============================================================= New Harmony – The Cloak and Dagger – 1500 Km From the Planet of New Harmony – Main Bridge – 1533 Hours - October 9th 2555 ============================================================= Sensor Officer: Ma'am...we managed to stop quite a few of those warheads, but, a few managed to slip by. The shield output on The Covenant ships has dropped. They have taken some damage. Jennifer: Noted. Jennifer looked at the holotable, and shook her head. She then looked at The Consultant. Jennifer: We need to get Director Vernette and the others off the surface of New Harmony. There is no way we will be able to maintain pressure on The Bismarck for much longer. The Consultant: The Elites have sent Phantom. I would guess that they are moving as quickly as possible. We just need to hold out. Jennifer: I am very curious to see how much longer we can hold out for. When Jennifer said this, the Cloak ansd Dagger shook, as it sustained weapons a weapons impact. Jennifer: REPORT! Sensor Officer: We have sustained weapons impact on the outer hull. About a dozen Archer missiles made it through, and damage the hull plating on Deck 8, section 20 through 23. No breach, but, we need to keep an eye out. Jennifer: Take us about, and pull that arc away from enemy fire. Maintain full operation on point defense cannons. Jennifer paused. Jennifer: Keep the pressure on The Bismarck! Do not let them recharge their shields. Sensor Officer: Ma'am...we have another volley coming in from The Bismarck. It has broken off from its position over the northern pole, and it is making an attack run. Same methodology as before. They are prepping more Shiva and HAVOK warheads, and they are prepping a salvo from their auxiliary railguns. Before Jennifer had a chance to issue an order, she heard Brutus speak on over the comm channel. Brutus: The Trust ship prepares for an attack! We must not allow it to do any further damage to our vessels! I will coordinate with my Corvettes and the ONI ships to provide additional support to halt their missiles. The Sangheili should maintain their assault, and keep The Trust on the defensive! Jennifer nodded, as she chimed in. Jennifer: Copy that, Shipmaster. We will maintain our defensive stance. If you could provide additional support, we should be able to maintain a defensive screen against any further attacks. ============================================================= New Harmony – Planet Surface – Ruins of The City of Monastir – 1533 Hours - October 9th 2555 ============================================================= Corvo, along with Nova Team and Cameron found a defensible position along their route. As they took up a defensive stance, Corvo radioed Director Vernette. Corvo: Sir? We found a good position. Begin moving towards us. We will provide covering fire. When Vernette heard this, he promptly responded. Vernette: Copy that, Agent. We are on our way. Keep us covered! Vernette looked at Barrabus and Xyrho, and gave them a nod. Vernette: Alright...Corvo and the others are in position. Once they begin firing, we move out, and we regroup with them. Barrabus and Xyrho gave a nod to Vernette. Just as they did, a torrential flood of gun fire could be heard, as Corvo, Nova Team, and Cameron laid down covering fire on the the Elite and Brute clones. Vernette: Alright...go! Let's move! As Vernette said this, Barrabus and Xyrho emerged from cover, and began to run, following the same path that Rah'jesh had taken earlier. It did not take long for the trio to converge on Corvo's location, in order to, once again, regroup. As Vernette entered covere next to Corvo, The Agent spoke up. Corvo: Sir, we should keep moving. These Trust clones will not give us any quarter! Vernette: Agreed. We should continue falling back, until we locate the Spec-Ops commander.

[Orcaid123]

Rah'jesh pointed his Energy Sword up towards the top of the downed Phantom, looking at one of his Operatives that were equipped with a Particle Beam Rifle. Rah'jesh: Take up position on the top of the wreckage, take out many as you can one their approach here. The Commander moved his blade towards one of the salvaged Plasma Turrets of the Phantom, gesturing it to be placed by some rubble with clear view of the street ahead of them. The Operatives present at the wreckage was in total seven, including Rah'jesh. They had enough ammunition to last some more waves, but not more. The Sangheili was quiet as they vigilantly held watch. Soon, they could hear the marching feet of incoming hostiles. Rah'jesh: We'll not fall this day, not to some abominable clones, filth even! Hold your ground and let's get this over with, Sangheili! The Operatives chanted at the same time: Yes, Commander! The first of the many to appear was an Elite equipped with an SMG. -IT- didn't last long before a nice, purple beam had pierced through it's throat. More came after that one. The Trust Forces poured in, a pack of a dozen or more. Rah'jesh had taken up position behind a deteriorated road block alongside two other Operatives. The Sangheili had the advantage at first, managing to quickly bring down seven of the Trust forces at the initial push of the wave. But not before long, The Trust Forces managed to find cover, resulting in a continuous firefight between the two. The Sangheili eventually managed to pick off the stragglers at range, but quickly after that, yet another wave came. This time with heavier armaments; a rocket launcher for example. They managed to pinpoint the location of the Sangheili sniper and blew him to pieces, same with the one on the Plasma Turret. Two of the five operatives still standing retreated back to the remaining Phantom, while the three others, including Rah'jesh, held a stand at the downed Phantom. Rah'jesh: A bit longer, Sangheili, we'll endure this trial as we've done so before! As he finished the sentence, a familiar "Svoosh" sound echoed the air. As the Trust clones equipped with the rocket launchers were about to take aim at the surviving Phantom, a trio of Banshees came descending. Managing to launch a barrage of fuel rod shots and obliterated the ones with the rocket launchers. Another trio of Phantoms began their descent soon after, with Operators on the side turrets picking off stragglers. Rah'jesh: Shipmaster Xyrho, humans and brutes! The Phantoms are here, but I'm afraid their now-known presence will attract much more of the degenerates! If you are unable to come to me, give me your coordinates and we'll be there.